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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
A spoiled, mean-spirited brat who is rewarded despite her bad behavior.
This was the second time I read the book, although first time as an adult. As a kid, I remember being inspired by Harriet - I remember trying to find my own "spy" route, keep my own notebook. I remember getting out my kid typewriter and typing out stories. I remember using my closet as a "dumbwaiter" (how I was jealous of the real dumbwaiter).
I was excited to start this book again, and relive it in my adulthood years. I think I have a different opinion of Harriet now. I was shocked at what she wrote. I don't remember people speaking that bluntly, ever, but to see a child say those things! I was surprised that Harriet never ever seemed to realize that what she did was wrong. She never seemed to learn a lesson. I was surprised that there never were any real consequences for her. Things upset her at school? Just go home or skip school! I liked the relationship Harriet had with Ole Golly (I remember never understanding that name even when I was a kid), but I was surprised with how blunt Ole Golly was with her in her final letter to Harriet.
But, when I sit back and think about the novel, reflect on what "Harriet" did and does for readers now, I get another appreciation for her. She knows what she wants and she does it. Always right? No, but she has determination! Her desire to write is great to see - her fingers itch to use a pen and her notebook! Maybe she needs a little guidance in her writing, but her ability to get words down on paper! Harriet had quite the imagination too - playing Town and even having a Spy Route!
I'm glad to have read the book again. I feel like it is the sign of a great read - I do remember things about this book from decades ago. I wonder how many books I read today will have that same effect?
I was excited to start this book again, and relive it in my adulthood years. I think I have a different opinion of Harriet now. I was shocked at what she wrote. I don't remember people speaking that bluntly, ever, but to see a child say those things! I was surprised that Harriet never ever seemed to realize that what she did was wrong. She never seemed to learn a lesson. I was surprised that there never were any real consequences for her. Things upset her at school? Just go home or skip school! I liked the relationship Harriet had with Ole Golly (I remember never understanding that name even when I was a kid), but I was surprised with how blunt Ole Golly was with her in her final letter to Harriet.
But, when I sit back and think about the novel, reflect on what "Harriet" did and does for readers now, I get another appreciation for her. She knows what she wants and she does it. Always right? No, but she has determination! Her desire to write is great to see - her fingers itch to use a pen and her notebook! Maybe she needs a little guidance in her writing, but her ability to get words down on paper! Harriet had quite the imagination too - playing Town and even having a Spy Route!
I'm glad to have read the book again. I feel like it is the sign of a great read - I do remember things about this book from decades ago. I wonder how many books I read today will have that same effect?
This was my Friday evening reading after a couple of weeks of violence and tragedy in the news and anxiety ahead of the RNC coming to my town. What a wonderful escape from all that to re-read one of my childhood favorites.
[I just wrote a lengthy review of this, and when I posted it, only part of it was saved. AAAAGGGHHH! Will be recreated shortly. Lesson: don't put emojis in GR reviews?]
This book, in part, inspired so many loves in me: urban living, writing, journaling, NOTEBOOKS. Ha!
Seriously, though, as an adult, I can appreciate more how different Fitzhugh's characters are from traditional children's literature. For example, there's Mrs. Golly, who seems to be either mentally ill or cognitively disabled or both. Sport's dad is neglectful and alcoholic and Sport is forced to be the parent in the family. Beth Ellen has a deadbeat dad and Janie is a developing mad scientist. The lesson: "OLE GOLLY IS RIGHT. THERE’S AS MANY WAYS TO LIVE AS PEOPLE, SHE SAYS."
These characters are presented without sentimentality, but not without empathy. In the end, the book teaches the young writer the importance of both unsparing honesty and compassion.
"[Harriet] rose stiffly and walked slowly to school. Everything looked very green and holy in that sad light before a rain. Even the Good Humor man on the corner, the one with the ridiculous nose, looked sad and moody. He took out a large blue handkerchief and blew his nose. It was somehow so touching that Harriet had to look away."
[I just wrote a lengthy review of this, and when I posted it, only part of it was saved. AAAAGGGHHH! Will be recreated shortly. Lesson: don't put emojis in GR reviews?]
This book, in part, inspired so many loves in me: urban living, writing, journaling, NOTEBOOKS. Ha!
Seriously, though, as an adult, I can appreciate more how different Fitzhugh's characters are from traditional children's literature. For example, there's Mrs. Golly, who seems to be either mentally ill or cognitively disabled or both. Sport's dad is neglectful and alcoholic and Sport is forced to be the parent in the family. Beth Ellen has a deadbeat dad and Janie is a developing mad scientist. The lesson: "OLE GOLLY IS RIGHT. THERE’S AS MANY WAYS TO LIVE AS PEOPLE, SHE SAYS."
These characters are presented without sentimentality, but not without empathy. In the end, the book teaches the young writer the importance of both unsparing honesty and compassion.
"[Harriet] rose stiffly and walked slowly to school. Everything looked very green and holy in that sad light before a rain. Even the Good Humor man on the corner, the one with the ridiculous nose, looked sad and moody. He took out a large blue handkerchief and blew his nose. It was somehow so touching that Harriet had to look away."
Disturbing. I would never allow a child I was responsible for to read it– the tone is mean-spirited, there is no resolution, and Harriet is a cruel, bratty child who remains a cruel, bratty child to the end.
Oh, Harriet...
I'm sure I read this as a child but I had little recollection of it. But, gosh, this is just a dynamite book, guys. And bizarrely timeless (except for all the Nannies and Cooks and Maids running around). I'm in love. Should I read the sequels, or will that spoil it all?
I'm sure I read this as a child but I had little recollection of it. But, gosh, this is just a dynamite book, guys. And bizarrely timeless (except for all the Nannies and Cooks and Maids running around). I'm in love. Should I read the sequels, or will that spoil it all?
Re-read of a childood favorite, and I still love it! Harriet is such a stellar role model and the themes hold up. Some of Harriet's "observations" were problematic and not addressed, but definitely reflect the times and I believe should open up discussions with parents (there was a lot of glaring fatphobia that bothered me as an adult).
5/5
5/5
I used to read this over and over when I was younger. It was one of my most favourite books. I haven't read it for a long, long time and I was a little surprised at how sad it is, and how rude Harriet is. I don't seem to have remembered very much of that, and it seemed that there wasn't as much spying as I'd remembered. I still think it's a great book though!
read for the shelf discovery challenge, i choose to re-read this one because i remembered how mortified i felt when harriet not only has her notebook read by her classmates, but that she never gets in back. this time around i was impressed with harriet's perseverance and courage. i could never have faced those taunts like she did. i like how practical her nanny was and really heard the line: tears never bring anything back.
I read this as a child and recently re-read it/listened to it on audio with my children. It was as entertaining as I recalled, but I disliked some potions that were just pure mean. I don’t remember those parts from reading it as a child, but my children certainly noticed them. It was still a fun family read, but I wouldn’t call Harriet a role model.
Lucy Longstocking review http://www.wcl.govt.nz/blogs/kids/index.php/category/lucy-longstocking/
Harriet is a busy body who lives with her far-too-busy parents and her never-too-busy nanny. When I say “busy body”, I mean “snoop”. Harriet likes nothing more than an afternoon spent spying on the people in her neighbourhood then heading home with a notebook full of observations for a tomato sandwich. I think books are better when the people aren’t perfect. None of the people in Louise Fitzhugh’s books are perfect: not the kids, not the teachers, not the neighbours and definitely not the parents: this is what makes her books so appealing.
Harriet the Spy is the story of a lonely girl who desperately wants to reveal something – something disturbing or astonishing or radical, just something – to break the façade of her boring and controlled life. Like lots of the more remarkable and angry characters in books, Harriet does not abide by phoneys and she is (unfortunately) not afraid to hurt feelings (including her own) if it means her life becomes more interesting, raw and real.
Harriet is a busy body who lives with her far-too-busy parents and her never-too-busy nanny. When I say “busy body”, I mean “snoop”. Harriet likes nothing more than an afternoon spent spying on the people in her neighbourhood then heading home with a notebook full of observations for a tomato sandwich. I think books are better when the people aren’t perfect. None of the people in Louise Fitzhugh’s books are perfect: not the kids, not the teachers, not the neighbours and definitely not the parents: this is what makes her books so appealing.
Harriet the Spy is the story of a lonely girl who desperately wants to reveal something – something disturbing or astonishing or radical, just something – to break the façade of her boring and controlled life. Like lots of the more remarkable and angry characters in books, Harriet does not abide by phoneys and she is (unfortunately) not afraid to hurt feelings (including her own) if it means her life becomes more interesting, raw and real.