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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
I never read this book growing up so perhaps some of it was lost on me. But I honestly found the protagonist to be irritating and annoying. She did not reflect any of my experiences as a child. The book also felt a lot older than it was; there were racist and fatphobic comments that I would expect from something written in the 1950s.
I thought it was well-written, and up until about 2/3 through I was really enjoying it, but then got turned off by the events that happened after the notebook was read by the classmates.
I really don't think it's something I'd want my children to read just because the parents are all on total disconnect from the kids and the kids are not very respectful of their elders. Harriet herself is, really, another spoiled rich kid, though I will say at least she does get glimpses into the lives of the less fortunate, which one can hope helped her be a better person later.
I think it's grand to be observant of people, but I also think that it's important to be respectful of them. In a sense she kind of learned her lesson in the end, but I didn't appreciate her attitude problems in the interim and her general meanness. There was no call for that at all.
I really don't think it's something I'd want my children to read just because the parents are all on total disconnect from the kids and the kids are not very respectful of their elders. Harriet herself is, really, another spoiled rich kid, though I will say at least she does get glimpses into the lives of the less fortunate, which one can hope helped her be a better person later.
I think it's grand to be observant of people, but I also think that it's important to be respectful of them. In a sense she kind of learned her lesson in the end, but I didn't appreciate her attitude problems in the interim and her general meanness. There was no call for that at all.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Harriet the Spy is one of my all-time favorite books. I first read it around 10 years old and have revisited it countless times since. It’s such a comfort, and I still enjoy it more than 30 years later! A lot of change in Harriet’s life puts her into a depression. Seeing how Harriet handles it is always encouraging to me. I love the way Fitzhugh describes Harriet’s feelings. And I love that she doesn’t shy away from darken emotions in a children’s book. She was certainly ahead of her time. Harriet the Spy is a true timeless classic!!
Pure nostalgia. This is the book that made me fall in love with reading. I haven't picked up this book in over 30 years but every character, every drawing felt so familiar. I was surprised how it felt as if I had just read it yesterday.
I read this book when I was young enough that it was a REALLY HARD BOOK, only to find that the last 10 or 20 pages was missing. Last month, it occurred to me that I could try again with another copy. It's really quite good!
My memories of it from that 8 year old's reading is that it took place in a little town like the one I grew up in. What a surprise to find that it takes place in Manhattan!
2021 UPDATE: I was disappointed to find myself feeling really uncharitable towards the book on this go-around, an audiobook listening. The problem was Harriet, who I found really obnoxious and unlikable. Probably I was just feeling grouchy.
My memories of it from that 8 year old's reading is that it took place in a little town like the one I grew up in. What a surprise to find that it takes place in Manhattan!
2021 UPDATE: I was disappointed to find myself feeling really uncharitable towards the book on this go-around, an audiobook listening. The problem was Harriet, who I found really obnoxious and unlikable. Probably I was just feeling grouchy.
Honestly, Harriet is a very unlikeable main character, but the author captures a strange childishness that's captivating.
I gotta admit, I was really into this book until the very end. I loved the character of Harriet. I hated that she was still writing horrible things about people at the end of the book, even though it looked like she made up with Sport and Janie.
Although I don’t like Harriet, I liked this book. At first I was shocked at how horrid she is, but I became fascinated with the story about half way through.
I recently read an essay by Roxanne Gay about unlikable female protagonists in literature and how they expand our understanding of “the feminine”. Harriet is one of those protagonists. Her flaws prompted me to wonder how the other characters would tell the story and made me examine excuses I make for my own bad behavior.
I kept waiting for her to “learn her lesson,” but I’m kind of glad the book didn’t become didactic. It was more realistic this way.
I recently read an essay by Roxanne Gay about unlikable female protagonists in literature and how they expand our understanding of “the feminine”. Harriet is one of those protagonists. Her flaws prompted me to wonder how the other characters would tell the story and made me examine excuses I make for my own bad behavior.
I kept waiting for her to “learn her lesson,” but I’m kind of glad the book didn’t become didactic. It was more realistic this way.
Three and a half stars. Didnt have the same ring to it as when i was a child.
I never encountered this book as a child, and I'm not sure I would have liked it if I had. However, after reading it now, it gives me the vibe of a Judy Blume book, and I read and enjoyed many of those in 4th and 5th grades. Harriet certainly seems from a lost time when children could wander around on their own and find their own ways to occupy their time. Except for the dreaded dance lessons.