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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
i really approve of this book--it's about waitressing and political campaigns--and both food biz and politics appeal to me, so yes, this book was an absolute blast.
read bc--
>> Hope was a lovely, sensible, relatable, engagin main character.
>> I loved her feisty aunt, her friend Braverman--bc somehow his name is as symbolic as Hope's--, and G.T.--bc he's so full of heart.
>> I loved the restaurant setting. it feels so homey and friendly and I feel like I'm there and I can smell it and taste it. YUM.
>> I 100% approved of the political plot, excitement, and tension--bc even though it was small town politics it really hit hard and meant a lot and snagged my attention.
>> I CANNOT EXPRESS MY APPRECIATION FOR THE MYSTERY ELEMENT and shady business and corruption included in there! it would make a fabulous movie! corrupt politicians is my favorite mystery trope XD
>> the theme ran deep--about hope. using your life and time. making a difference. making people smile. doing good. standing strong and true. honesty. fighting.
>> and it's cool how Hope has a renegade mother and she's been "searching" for her father for a long time--and I can't spoil the ending but it was so sweet ^-^
>> I actually really liked the style and voice.
>> the small town setting was so charming and I loved the people and how they were a mixed bag and so real.
pls do yourself a favor and read this little masterpiece <33
cheers, baes
read bc--
>> Hope was a lovely, sensible, relatable, engagin main character.
>> I loved her feisty aunt, her friend Braverman--bc somehow his name is as symbolic as Hope's--, and G.T.--bc he's so full of heart.
>> I loved the restaurant setting. it feels so homey and friendly and I feel like I'm there and I can smell it and taste it. YUM.
>> I 100% approved of the political plot, excitement, and tension--bc even though it was small town politics it really hit hard and meant a lot and snagged my attention.
>> I CANNOT EXPRESS MY APPRECIATION FOR THE MYSTERY ELEMENT and shady business and corruption included in there! it would make a fabulous movie! corrupt politicians is my favorite mystery trope XD
>> the theme ran deep--about hope. using your life and time. making a difference. making people smile. doing good. standing strong and true. honesty. fighting.
>> and it's cool how Hope has a renegade mother and she's been "searching" for her father for a long time--and I can't spoil the ending but it was so sweet ^-^
>> I actually really liked the style and voice.
>> the small town setting was so charming and I loved the people and how they were a mixed bag and so real.
pls do yourself a favor and read this little masterpiece <33
cheers, baes
emotional
Phew. Bittersweet day to read a book involving a local crooked, corrupt, and overall shitty politician who lied all the time. Hmmm. Wonder why that's relevant today? Either way, despite that jarring and timely plotline, this book was as good as I remembered. I think my standards in middle school were a little lower though, as expected. This book could have benefited from 50-100 more pages with more plot and more character/relationship development. Things felt like they moved SO fast without any good reason, just because the book was so short. I wish there was more time with certain characters and their relationships because (1) they were all enjoyable and (2) there wasn't enough to really FEEL much. The ending hit me pretty hard and I can't believe I read two books involving cancer in a row. Not sure how I'm still sitting here after all those things.
Hope Was Here is a treat.
It will engage you quickly, wrapping you in its pages and Mulhoney, Wisconsin.
You will turn its pages, fascinated by this story that is so simple, and yet so enthralling.
186 pages and two or three hours later, you'll close the book. Satisfied. And wondering how such a lean book could be so gratifying.
It will engage you quickly, wrapping you in its pages and Mulhoney, Wisconsin.
You will turn its pages, fascinated by this story that is so simple, and yet so enthralling.
186 pages and two or three hours later, you'll close the book. Satisfied. And wondering how such a lean book could be so gratifying.
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-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:
No
This is one of my favorite books from my childhood. I am extremely pleased to say that it holds up. My love of found family really started young
First off, it was rushed. Crazy rushed. That made a lot of those moments last not nearly as long as I wanted them to. How dare. You can read more of my thoughts here: https://amy-rosenfeldt.com/hope-was-here/
3.75 stars!
Wow, this was a GOOD book. It left me feeling strong and hopeful.
At first it was just interesting. Then it became super cute. Then it got emotional. Despite its very fast (almost rushed?) pace and the writing style that wasn't my favorite (though still good), I have to say that I really love beautiful Hope and the whole supporting cast. Their story is one I'm very glad I read. <3
Wow, this was a GOOD book. It left me feeling strong and hopeful.
At first it was just interesting. Then it became super cute. Then it got emotional. Despite its very fast (almost rushed?) pace and the writing style that wasn't my favorite (though still good), I have to say that I really love beautiful Hope and the whole supporting cast. Their story is one I'm very glad I read. <3
I enjoyed this more than I thought that I would, Joan Bauer's books always sneak in and touch my heart. The audiobook was quite enjoyable and I'm glad I read it that way.
Another book I read over and over as a child (probably because we owned it). I still remember much of the plot and am realizing that most of the subtext went way over my head - I probably read this too young to really understand what was going on (I'm also realizing that my mom had a habit of sending Newbery winners my way without checking to make sure they were age-appropriate).
Now that I am familiar with Joan Bauer, I am enjoying getting caught up with some of her earlier novels. This title won a Newbery Honor awards back when it was published, and I can see why the committee selected it. The characters are well-rounded and the protagonist is a thoughtful and independent teenage girl. Like the other Bauer book I read, there is a layer of corporate corruption going on - is this a common there for Bauer? I guess I'll find out when I read my next one!