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skundrik87's review against another edition
4.0
This is so good. The voice is distinct and hilarious.
https://librarianonthelake.wordpress.com/2017/01/26/the-categorical-universe-of-candice-phee-by-barry-jonsberg/
https://librarianonthelake.wordpress.com/2017/01/26/the-categorical-universe-of-candice-phee-by-barry-jonsberg/
nicola323's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
a_bookish_butterfly's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Candice Phee is a quirky girl full of hope, despite the challenging circumstances of her home and school life. While she isn’t terribly talkative, she is highly precocious and her internal world is full of optimistic thoughts and ideas geared toward making things better for everyone around her.
It’s nearly impossible not to fall in love with Candice. She has a rosy view of the world, despite the hand she’s been dealt, and the way she expresses herself is utterly charming. I loved getting her extremely literal take on everything and I enjoyed reading her innocent and humorous explanations.
Overall, I thought this was a wonderful story and, while I struggle with accepting dark things in light stories, I was mostly able to embrace this one. There were a few minor details I didn’t absolutely adore, but I can definitely see why my husband, who had recommended this book countless times to me, loves it so much.
The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee was the perfect palate cleaner for someone like me - a reader who mostly exists on a steady diet of heaviness and darkness. I love that the author didn’t wrap it all up in a neat bow as it closed, but still gave the reader enough closure to feel settled in the end.
It’s nearly impossible not to fall in love with Candice. She has a rosy view of the world, despite the hand she’s been dealt, and the way she expresses herself is utterly charming. I loved getting her extremely literal take on everything and I enjoyed reading her innocent and humorous explanations.
Overall, I thought this was a wonderful story and, while I struggle with accepting dark things in light stories, I was mostly able to embrace this one. There were a few minor details I didn’t absolutely adore, but I can definitely see why my husband, who had recommended this book countless times to me, loves it so much.
The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee was the perfect palate cleaner for someone like me - a reader who mostly exists on a steady diet of heaviness and darkness. I love that the author didn’t wrap it all up in a neat bow as it closed, but still gave the reader enough closure to feel settled in the end.
idontkaren's review against another edition
4.0
I liked how Candice purposefully didn't identify with any type of medical disorder or label, just said she was true to herself. Strong character--very accepting of both herself and other people, even though everyone is rife with flaws. Liked the Dickens obsession and the boy from another dimension. Fave scene was at the restaurant for mother's birthday dinner.
flordemaga's review
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Fun, witty, and I love Candice’s perspective. Love this autistic little girl with humming stims and a notepad.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Child death, Grief, and Mental illness
Minor: Suicide attempt
pussreboots's review against another edition
5.0
Marvelous, charming, funny, heart wrenching... and a bit like the kid's version of Illywhacker which makes sense, both these books being Australian.
http://pussreboots.pair.com/blog/2016/comments_02/categorical_universe_of_candice_phee.html
http://pussreboots.pair.com/blog/2016/comments_02/categorical_universe_of_candice_phee.html
thisgrrlreads's review against another edition
4.0
Candice Phee is definitely odd and quirky, in a probably autistic way. But she refuses to be pigeonholed! Candice speaks her mind and is herself. This book does not try to hard. Candice comes to life as a real individual with a certain way of thinking. I know kids who enjoy reading about quirky characters will love Candice Phee.
and_peggy's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee is the sweet tale of a twelve-year-old girl trying to fix all the problems surrounding her.
Another definite favorite for me! I loved the protagonist and her different (and quite literal) outlook on life. I also really admired how all the characters were portrayed as raw and imperfectly human. This was a super special novel that is unlike anything I've ever read before!
The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee had some very mild language and a few kisses.
The only question I would have for the author is if Candice is autistic. It was kind of unclear, and I would really love to know.
In summary, this story was so beautiful and a dealt with a lot more real and serious issues than similar books do. I encourage you to read it if you'd like!
Another definite favorite for me! I loved the protagonist and her different (and quite literal) outlook on life. I also really admired how all the characters were portrayed as raw and imperfectly human. This was a super special novel that is unlike anything I've ever read before!
The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee had some very mild language and a few kisses.
The only question I would have for the author is if Candice is autistic. It was kind of unclear, and I would really love to know.
In summary, this story was so beautiful and a dealt with a lot more real and serious issues than similar books do. I encourage you to read it if you'd like!
dmtcer's review
5.0
Candice Phee is quirky, to say the least. It's been considered she is "on the spectrum", but Candice is not quite certain what that means. Candice likes order, and she likes honesty; those are traits she values in herself. She has difficulty meeting people and talking face-to-face; she always carries a note pad for those times when she gets tongue-tied and can't get her words out. Candice loves everyone; considers everyone her friend, but in her own special world of Mum, Dad, and Rich Uncle Brian things are complicated. Add Douglas Benson From Another Dimension to the mix of Candice's worries, and Candice's world takes on a new direction.
This book is hilariously, heart-breakingly full of humor and poignancy. A must-read for children and for adults - a look into the daily life of someone just a little outside the realm of "normal".
This book is hilariously, heart-breakingly full of humor and poignancy. A must-read for children and for adults - a look into the daily life of someone just a little outside the realm of "normal".