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bsolarz's review
3.0
This was once one of my favourite books and I still remember parts of it. A great childrens read.
tracamiller's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
pipenator's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
It is a good book to disappear into at the perfect placeπππ.
gold_star_reader's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
beccadavies's review
3.0
Dallas and Florida have been dubbed the 'trouble twins' due to the fact that they constantly question authority and are generally clumsy and rambunctious. Having being shifted off to various homes throughtout their short life, they call a depressing group home for children their 'home' but they dream of running away on a train and never coming back.
Tiller and Sairy are an older couple who feel like their home of Ruby Holler is empty without the presence of their children who are now grown up and living in cities. In order to fill the void, they bring home Dallas and Florida who quickly succumb to the magic of Ruby Holler.
I had read many reviews of this book before I read it and I think this was done to my detrement. I had seen the words 'magic' 'humor' 'treasure maps' and I guess I expected more than what was the reality. It was still a lovely story and very heartfelt but I also couldn't get over the horrible names of every single character. Florida? Dallas? and even worse- Tiller and Sairy? Really?! I also thought the chapters were too short and I often got confused with who was narrating which chapter.
Even though this title was chosen by the book group and not myself, I think I still would have chosen it for my monthly Mother-Daughter book group. I think the girls will respond well to it. FOr myslef, I wanted more. I'm not sure what, but more.
Tiller and Sairy are an older couple who feel like their home of Ruby Holler is empty without the presence of their children who are now grown up and living in cities. In order to fill the void, they bring home Dallas and Florida who quickly succumb to the magic of Ruby Holler.
I had read many reviews of this book before I read it and I think this was done to my detrement. I had seen the words 'magic' 'humor' 'treasure maps' and I guess I expected more than what was the reality. It was still a lovely story and very heartfelt but I also couldn't get over the horrible names of every single character. Florida? Dallas? and even worse- Tiller and Sairy? Really?! I also thought the chapters were too short and I often got confused with who was narrating which chapter.
Even though this title was chosen by the book group and not myself, I think I still would have chosen it for my monthly Mother-Daughter book group. I think the girls will respond well to it. FOr myslef, I wanted more. I'm not sure what, but more.
onceuponacarm's review
4.0
Orphans Florida and Dallas have an awfully interesting past, which unfolds throughout the story through flashbacks, sharing of memories, and mysteries that come back to haunt them in both good and bad ways. Raised primarily at the Boxton Creek Home by the "putrid" couple that runs the orphanage, they grow up thinking of themselves as the "trouble twins," spending plenty of time in the cellar as punishment for running, yelling, and being themselves. When Sairy and Tiller, an elderly couple, borrow them from the orphanage to accompany them on two different trips, the twins have little hope that this time will be any different from the many other times a foster family took them in, treated them horribly, and quickly sent them back. The love, patience, and wisdom of Sairy and crotchety-old-Tiller work their magic slowly and realistically on these two children. Several times they attempt to run away, steal from Sairy and Tiller, punish themselves for being "bad," and fight the temptation to get comfortable. Unlike some other classics about orphans finding a family, these two are compelling and likable from the beginning, in spite of Florida's crankiness and their penchant for breaking things and distrusting everyone. Love runs throughout this story, as well as questions of identity, family, and right and wrong. It's beautifully written and a pleasure to read. Recommended for middle grade readers who enjoy realistic fiction with compelling characters (and maybe a hint of magic) such as books by Wendy Mass, Jerry Spinelli, and others by Sharon Creech.