Scan barcode
librariandest's review against another edition
3.0
This is basically like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind for kids.
As a grown-up, I really don't need to read another story about a supposed utopia that is actually *gasp* a dystopia. But, of course, to most child readers this will not come off as a tired trope. "Too good to be true" is a real thing, kids! Be suspicious of anyone who tells you it's possible to live in this world without discomfort.
As a grown-up, I really don't need to read another story about a supposed utopia that is actually *gasp* a dystopia. But, of course, to most child readers this will not come off as a tired trope. "Too good to be true" is a real thing, kids! Be suspicious of anyone who tells you it's possible to live in this world without discomfort.
hillsax's review against another edition
3.0
Great concept and delicious descriptions but dragged a little.
withthebanned's review against another edition
4.0
A really wonderful story about grief, and living through it.
thishannah's review against another edition
I'm a sucker for the genre of "darkness hidden under a too-perfect exterior" stories, so this was right up my alley. It's like Pleasantville with a touch of Eternal Sunshine, in a kid-accessible package. I loved the themes of embracing imperfections and the painful things in life as a way of appreciating the beautiful parts more fully.
I did think the book was a little long-winded and could have cut down on some of the repetitive moments. It could have easily been 50 or 60 pages shorter without sacrificing much. And even though I have seen the stuff they make on children's TV baking competition shows, I still found Elodee's baking talents a little implausible for an eleven-year-old.
I do think that the book succeeded in dealing with difficult life situations in a way that felt realistic and positive. It wasn't a totally perfect book to me, but the joy of life is in the imperfections!
I did think the book was a little long-winded and could have cut down on some of the repetitive moments. It could have easily been 50 or 60 pages shorter without sacrificing much. And even though I have seen the stuff they make on children's TV baking competition shows, I still found Elodee's baking talents a little implausible for an eleven-year-old.
I do think that the book succeeded in dealing with difficult life situations in a way that felt realistic and positive. It wasn't a totally perfect book to me, but the joy of life is in the imperfections!
sarahd7276's review
4.0
A heavy hearted story about a family who lost a member and decided its be easier to live in a place where everything was perfect and everyone was perfectly happy instead of living through the grief. But something is strange about this place. Elodee and her twin sister, Naomi, are losing their memories about their former home. Elodee cannot remember her favorite recipes, or much of anything else. But don’t question why everyone is doing the same thing... and certainly don’t plant rose bushes that you’ve brought from your “old life”.
Eventown is a fascinating read about the lengths people will go to in order to forget their pain. But, just because you can’t see it or feel it doesn’t mean it’s not there, lurking.
Eventown is a fascinating read about the lengths people will go to in order to forget their pain. But, just because you can’t see it or feel it doesn’t mean it’s not there, lurking.
notesonbookmarks's review
4.0
At first I thought I knew what was happening, and then I was won't, and then I was delighted. Ib was pretty sure this was going to be a 3 star average book for me, but the last 40 pages are really wonderful.
aquariumbookshelf's review
1.0
This book was… interesting to say the least. The girl Elodee in the book talks about how cool the town is, then how weird it is. She talks about this past half way so it got super boring and I hate DNFing books but I was actually pondering it for a second. I know that this book was for Middle-Grade but the writing was so bad and really cringey, this book was not intense at all and I thought it would be but… no. This book was definitely a no no for me
Please read it! I would love to hear your opinion!
Please read it! I would love to hear your opinion!
riddlemesphinx's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? No
3.5
internationalkris's review
4.0
Eventown is a story of a family attempting to escape the harsh realities of modern life by moving to the gentle and stable world of Eventown. But to be welcomed into this gilded community each resident must give up their most poignant and defining memories. This is a beautiful story of family and friendship with echoes of The Giver.>
jcarsrud's review against another edition
4.0
This was a sweet story about twins that moved to a mysterious town. Lots of love and some heartache. This would be perfect for a 5-8th grader that likes realistic fiction.