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kisjdmls's review against another edition
4.0
I think this was the first Duncan I ever read. It's less menacing than many of her books, which makes for great comfort reading. Her imagery is particularly vivid in this one.
fiandaca's review against another edition
5.0
First [adult] read: Dec. 1, 2002. Second [adult] read: Dec. 4, 2016
The downside of these old books from the 70s and 80s is their lack of ethnic diversity and the portrayal of girls and women as limited in their roles and interests. But I also feel that some of those old books, such as this one, contain a lot of wisdom and inspire growth and maturity in young readers that a lot modern books do not.
In this novel, Nancy is having a lot of trouble adjusting to her parents' divorce and a move back to her mother's childhood town. Her twin sister, Kirby, is thriving due to finally having a ballet studio at which to practice her obsession. Her younger brother, Brendon, is also adjusting well and getting into lots of mischief. Even Nancy's mother, Elizabeth, seems to have hit her stride, buying her first car, finding a job, and even making friends with her old high school sweetheart. But Nancy's misses her father, has made an enemy
The downside of these old books from the 70s and 80s is their lack of ethnic diversity and the portrayal of girls and women as limited in their roles and interests. But I also feel that some of those old books, such as this one, contain a lot of wisdom and inspire growth and maturity in young readers that a lot modern books do not.
In this novel, Nancy is having a lot of trouble adjusting to her parents' divorce and a move back to her mother's childhood town. Her twin sister, Kirby, is thriving due to finally having a ballet studio at which to practice her obsession. Her younger brother, Brendon, is also adjusting well and getting into lots of mischief. Even Nancy's mother, Elizabeth, seems to have hit her stride, buying her first car, finding a job, and even making friends with her old high school sweetheart. But Nancy's misses her father, has made an enemy
merryghoul's review against another edition
3.0
there was nothin spectacular about this tbh lois what is going on
amelody's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
kat_a_strophe's review against another edition
3.0
Not one of my utmost favorite of Duncan's books but still great! Sometimes gifts can be complicated and this book took a good look at that. They can be two things at once. A gift given and a gift in talent. More than learning how obsession can grow, I liked the exploration of healing and mending.
Full Review:
https://thescarletbookworm.wordpress.com/2019/09/07/the-non-refundable-type-of-gifts-a-gift-of-magic-a-book-review/
Full Review:
https://thescarletbookworm.wordpress.com/2019/09/07/the-non-refundable-type-of-gifts-a-gift-of-magic-a-book-review/
ivygracewild's review against another edition
5.0
Five stars because I absolutely loved this book as a child.
busyreadingbrb's review against another edition
4.0
So, the updated references were interesting! I read this as a kid and re-read for a book club and was so confused when the 3DS was mentioned haha. I almost wish they would have just left the book alone because the conversation alone dates it. That aside, I love the premise of the book and even though it’s short, I felt invested in the characters. I did find the ending to be a bit abrupt.