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tomikorobson's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A fun read. I loved the characters.
categj's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book very much. I found it to be delightful and hilarious. The foibles of Juby’s offbeat characters just tickled my fancy and I actually laughed out loud while I was reading.
Ms. Juby succeeds in writing in four distinct voices and I loved reading about the events from the perspectives of each of the characters. I thought it was so illustrative of how we humans can experience the exact same situation, but have totally different perceptions of what happened! I really liked all four main characters (Seth, in particular), and found the secondary characters funny, as well.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a quirky, tongue-in-cheek, and heart-warming light read.
Ms. Juby succeeds in writing in four distinct voices and I loved reading about the events from the perspectives of each of the characters. I thought it was so illustrative of how we humans can experience the exact same situation, but have totally different perceptions of what happened! I really liked all four main characters (Seth, in particular), and found the secondary characters funny, as well.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a quirky, tongue-in-cheek, and heart-warming light read.
teresaalice's review against another edition
4.0
I want to be like Susan Juby when I grow up, although perhaps not a recovering addict. The four perspectives in the book were all compelling, and the writing hilarious.
ovenbird_reads's review against another edition
4.0
This is a lovely book pure and simple. If you're looking for a lift, for some renewed hope for human goodness, for a dose of warm fuzziness, this is the book for you. The characters are completely lovable, the story is heart-warming, and the writing is often hilarious. This story is a warm cup of chai in front of a fire on a winter's day, complete with a cat by the rug. It is sweet without being saccharine.
carolinepl's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
whatcararead's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
chrispac's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
christajls's review against another edition
4.0
This review can also be found on my blog Christa's Hooked on Books --> http://christashookedonbooks.blogspot.com
Prudence is full of great ideas. New York City just hasn't provided the best atmosphere for some of her more ambitious environmental projects. Just when she needs it, however, a second chance comes to her in the form of her recently deceased uncle's farm on Vancouver Island. Full of hope and plans she heads off to Woefield Farm only to discover that it's acres of scrub land, with nothing but one half sheared sheep and the bank is talking about foreclosure. Though not the idyllic country life she had in mind Prudence is no less determined to make Woefield Farm a success. Her first step is to assemble a team (assemble here is a loose term which means “to take whatever help that falls into your lap”) made up of Ed, her uncle's old banjo playing, incredibly grumpy farm hand, Seth the alcoholic, heavy metal blogger from across the street and Sara, an eleven year old member of the Poultry Appreciation Club. A motley crew to be sure, but together they all pitch in an try to keep Woefield going.
Of all the wonderful characters in this book I found Ed and Sara to be the most charming and relatable. I found them both scrappy and resilient, despite the family problems they're coping with. Sara in particular, frequently made me smile. At only eleven years old she has more determination than I do now at twenty two. I also found myself wishing there was a Poultry Appreciation Club in my town when I was younger! All the characters were great and they had great chemistry despite their differences.
I also want to give Juby credit for the setting. Sometimes author's really over-do it when their story takes place in a small town. As someone who is from a small town I really appreciate when we're not represented as backwaters, oblivious hicks. Susan Juby did a great job of describing the quirks of small town people without giving in to those common stereotypes.
This book was a lot of fun to read. I find when I pick up books that take place in Canadian rural small towns, they're often heavy handed and a little depressing. That's sort of what I expected when I started this book. Instead I got some hilarious characters, taking part in some memorable moments, in a charming setting. It was very light but at the same time had some strong moral themes and idea which kept it from being flaky. Though not a serious book by any means this was still a wonderful and thoughtful read.
Prudence is full of great ideas. New York City just hasn't provided the best atmosphere for some of her more ambitious environmental projects. Just when she needs it, however, a second chance comes to her in the form of her recently deceased uncle's farm on Vancouver Island. Full of hope and plans she heads off to Woefield Farm only to discover that it's acres of scrub land, with nothing but one half sheared sheep and the bank is talking about foreclosure. Though not the idyllic country life she had in mind Prudence is no less determined to make Woefield Farm a success. Her first step is to assemble a team (assemble here is a loose term which means “to take whatever help that falls into your lap”) made up of Ed, her uncle's old banjo playing, incredibly grumpy farm hand, Seth the alcoholic, heavy metal blogger from across the street and Sara, an eleven year old member of the Poultry Appreciation Club. A motley crew to be sure, but together they all pitch in an try to keep Woefield going.
Of all the wonderful characters in this book I found Ed and Sara to be the most charming and relatable. I found them both scrappy and resilient, despite the family problems they're coping with. Sara in particular, frequently made me smile. At only eleven years old she has more determination than I do now at twenty two. I also found myself wishing there was a Poultry Appreciation Club in my town when I was younger! All the characters were great and they had great chemistry despite their differences.
I also want to give Juby credit for the setting. Sometimes author's really over-do it when their story takes place in a small town. As someone who is from a small town I really appreciate when we're not represented as backwaters, oblivious hicks. Susan Juby did a great job of describing the quirks of small town people without giving in to those common stereotypes.
This book was a lot of fun to read. I find when I pick up books that take place in Canadian rural small towns, they're often heavy handed and a little depressing. That's sort of what I expected when I started this book. Instead I got some hilarious characters, taking part in some memorable moments, in a charming setting. It was very light but at the same time had some strong moral themes and idea which kept it from being flaky. Though not a serious book by any means this was still a wonderful and thoughtful read.
mglibrary's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism