You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
I particularly enjoyed this book, especially the first half, because it takes place on a farm in or near the small town of Yamhill, Oregon, only about 30 miles from where I grew up, in a similarly rural Willamette Valley setting. Beverly Cleary was born 4 years before my father, so her story is suggestive of the lives lived by those in the generation just previous to mine, in a similar setting.
A pleasant memoire of the author's first 18 years. Made me want to read the rest of her story...
I loved learning more about Cleary's childhood and seeing how some of her experiences influenced her writing later on. The challenges her family faced during the Great Depression and the generational strain between her and her parents (especially her mother) with a rapidly changing world were a bit sad to read about. I felt like Cleary tried to be as honest as possible without placing blame on any side but also exploring the complexities of the situation with some hindsight. I noticed Cleary wrote a second memoir, and I'd really like to read it since this leaves off with her heading off to college.
This book was a replacement book for my book club since the one we had scheduled wasn't available. It was just okay, very middle of the road. I could have been about anyone's childhood up through graduation. [a:Beverly Cleary|403|Beverly Cleary|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1197935108p2/403.jpg] was such a good children's author that it was fun to have some background on her, but that's about all I need to read of her memoirs.
A thoughtful, engaging journey from the perspective of the famous author, herself! Tone shifts from the optimistic, resilient POV of childhood, and moves toward clarity and solemness as she shows her experiences as a young adult. Cleary makes sure to present as much "fun" as possible but does not disguise the realness of her struggles.
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Beverly Cleary's childhood was as I expected for someone who grew up in simpler times. It was just as I expected.
Un peu un côté collection d'anecdotes au début, dont il est difficile de cerner l'intérêt pour certaines quand on n'a lu aucun livre de l'auteure. Il me semble qu'à la moitié du livre l'auteure est seulement rendue au CM1... ce qui reflète aussi le fait que sa quantité de souvenirs d'enfance est impressionnante ! Par contre il y a un côté historique/immersion dans l'Oregon des années 20-30 très intéressant qui est présent tout le long du livre.
A partir de la deuxième moitié on s'est attaché aux personnes/personnages et son évolution et j'ai maintenant envie de lire la suite !
A partir de la deuxième moitié on s'est attaché aux personnes/personnages et son évolution et j'ai maintenant envie de lire la suite !
You guys! Beverly Cleary is Ramona Quimby!
This, the first volume of her memoir, is the story of her childhood. From a farm in Oregon to the city of Portland (a few streets over from Klickitat Street) it follows her early childhood through her schooling. It's in this book in which we see shades of Ramona in Beverly - from her wondering about the "dawnzer" song to playing "brick factory" in her backyard.
Growing up in the 1920's, Cleary has a distinct impression and recollection of growing up during the Depression; if nothing else, it's an interesting historical viewpoint.
The most difficult part during the reading had to do with her mother. I had a severely adverse reaction to her mom desperately living vicariously through Beverly and her overbearing attitude. Yes, some of it can be attributed to teenagerism and the inevitable clashes one has with a parent, but it seemed a bit extreme at times and I wondered how Beverly survived. I also had an overwhelming sense of sadness for her dad, which I think she did, too, especially on looking back.
Overall it's a great memoir. It's well-written and would be a good read for middle grades and up.
First of all, I must not swear. Just because Bob Perry, the town carpenter, swore did not mean I could. Harvest and sheep-shearing crews also swore but usually stopped when they saw me. I could not understand why. I loved to listen to them swear. (pg. 34)
We usually met a relative or two. Sometimes it was Uncle Fred, my father's oldest brother, who had a fascinating bald head. After we passed him, Mother said, "You mustn't stare at Uncle Fred's bald head. You might hurt his feelings." How could I hurt his feelings when I so admired his bald head? I once tried to cut off my own hair so I could be bald, too. (pg. 36)
This, the first volume of her memoir, is the story of her childhood. From a farm in Oregon to the city of Portland (a few streets over from Klickitat Street) it follows her early childhood through her schooling. It's in this book in which we see shades of Ramona in Beverly - from her wondering about the "dawnzer" song to playing "brick factory" in her backyard.
Growing up in the 1920's, Cleary has a distinct impression and recollection of growing up during the Depression; if nothing else, it's an interesting historical viewpoint.
The most difficult part during the reading had to do with her mother. I had a severely adverse reaction to her mom desperately living vicariously through Beverly and her overbearing attitude. Yes, some of it can be attributed to teenagerism and the inevitable clashes one has with a parent, but it seemed a bit extreme at times and I wondered how Beverly survived. I also had an overwhelming sense of sadness for her dad, which I think she did, too, especially on looking back.
Overall it's a great memoir. It's well-written and would be a good read for middle grades and up.
First of all, I must not swear. Just because Bob Perry, the town carpenter, swore did not mean I could. Harvest and sheep-shearing crews also swore but usually stopped when they saw me. I could not understand why. I loved to listen to them swear. (pg. 34)
We usually met a relative or two. Sometimes it was Uncle Fred, my father's oldest brother, who had a fascinating bald head. After we passed him, Mother said, "You mustn't stare at Uncle Fred's bald head. You might hurt his feelings." How could I hurt his feelings when I so admired his bald head? I once tried to cut off my own hair so I could be bald, too. (pg. 36)
A quick reread after I read Strider. I always really enjoyed this, which I've had since I was a kid. Always loved reading about the autobiographical elements that appeared in her various stories, especially Emily's Runaway Imagination. Rereading as an adult made it seem a little bleaker, and also made me want more details in some parts, but still really enjoyed it. My copy is on its last legs, might need a new one.