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balletbookworm's review
4.0
A fun and diverse collection of essays, memoir, analysis, and comics about the BSC, including some work looking at the recent Netflix adaptation. Definite recommend for fans of the books - lot of nostalgia as well as good criticism.
amberhayward's review
5.0
Despite my absolute love for this series, my love for the Babysitters Club Club podcast, and my willingness to declare to anyone who will listen that I want to be a Claudia but am deeply a Maryann (I’m crying right now!) (That’s a joke!) I don’t think realized how wildly influential the BSC books were (are!).
These scintillating essays and comics really do illustrate how diverse, progressive, and important this series is. The last few essays- one about BSC knock-off series and one about BSC fan fiction- were both eye-opening for me.
The series wasn’t just pre-YA girl stuff - it was about female friendship and non-traditional families and capitalism and independence and sometimes boys but not really that much (leave that to Francine Pascal, amirite???) and hiding junk food in your room and moving to boarding school in Massachusetts and phantom phone calls and custodial kidnappings and never graduation from 8th grade. (OK, actually, some of that was unsurprising but I do love the focus on childcare as legitimate work that requires skill and fair pay).
PS: we loved this one!
These scintillating essays and comics really do illustrate how diverse, progressive, and important this series is. The last few essays- one about BSC knock-off series and one about BSC fan fiction- were both eye-opening for me.
The series wasn’t just pre-YA girl stuff - it was about female friendship and non-traditional families and capitalism and independence and sometimes boys but not really that much (leave that to Francine Pascal, amirite???) and hiding junk food in your room and moving to boarding school in Massachusetts and phantom phone calls and custodial kidnappings and never graduation from 8th grade. (OK, actually, some of that was unsurprising but I do love the focus on childcare as legitimate work that requires skill and fair pay).
PS: we loved this one!
oneday_atbookland's review
4.5
*I received a digital review copy from NetGalley & the publisher in exchange for this review*
Growing up, I devoured the BSC books. I read every one my local library owned, would almost always buy a copy when visiting a thrift store, and tried to collect as many as I could. The day I had to donate my collection was a sad day and I always regret getting rid of them. Needless to say, I was very excited about picking up this book and I'm so glad it's around. I loved being able to read and see art inspired by the impact this series had on others. This is definitely meant for adult fans of the series as it discusses (and brings up good criticisms) surrounding culture, race, queer issues, and identity. A very enjoyable read and I can't wait to re-read the BSC series soon.
Growing up, I devoured the BSC books. I read every one my local library owned, would almost always buy a copy when visiting a thrift store, and tried to collect as many as I could. The day I had to donate my collection was a sad day and I always regret getting rid of them. Needless to say, I was very excited about picking up this book and I'm so glad it's around. I loved being able to read and see art inspired by the impact this series had on others. This is definitely meant for adult fans of the series as it discusses (and brings up good criticisms) surrounding culture, race, queer issues, and identity. A very enjoyable read and I can't wait to re-read the BSC series soon.
kelseywaters's review
5.0
This book had everything I love about reading: it brought back the nostalgia of the Babysitters Club, the appreciation of little details that only true fans can understand, societal observations on how the BSC shaped generations of kids, analyses on how well and not well Ann M Martin wrote about race, family, and disability—I just reveled in every essay.
jamietherebelliousreader's review
4.0
4 stars. I was today years old when I found out that there is Baby-Sitters Club fan fiction. I don’t know how I feel about it. Anyway, this was so much fun. I loved it. BSC shaped me into the reader that I am today and I will always love it and anything that has to do with it so this was perfect for me.
I enjoyed all of the essays, but my favorites were all the one about Jessi and how the BSC (mis)handled addressing racism and her Blackness. Jessi is and has always been my favorite character but as I’m re-reading the series as an adult there is so many things that could’ve been handled better as it pertains to her character and I’m glad that the essays in here addressed that while also acknowledging her impact and importance on other young Black girls who read the series.
There’s also great discussion of queerness, a wonderful essay about autism, adoption, and female friendships in the media. I would highly recommend this if you are a fan of the BSC.
I enjoyed all of the essays, but my favorites were all the one about Jessi and how the BSC (mis)handled addressing racism and her Blackness. Jessi is and has always been my favorite character but as I’m re-reading the series as an adult there is so many things that could’ve been handled better as it pertains to her character and I’m glad that the essays in here addressed that while also acknowledging her impact and importance on other young Black girls who read the series.
There’s also great discussion of queerness, a wonderful essay about autism, adoption, and female friendships in the media. I would highly recommend this if you are a fan of the BSC.
esquires1214's review
4.0
This was a perfect walk down memory lane as well as a solid commentary and criticism about this beloved series. I especially appreciate the essays having to do with race, ableism, class, female friendship etc and it really made me think about how those stories and characters affected my world view as I was growing up. I highly recommend this if you ever read this series and I was so delighted to see that Kristy and the other gals impacted others many years ago just like me.
meredithmc's review
4.0
Loved this collection about the greatest book series (and my childhood obsession).
roseatefelicity's review
1.0
I don’t like to not finish books but I’m DNF-ing this book at 12.9% audiobook. Three essays in and I know this book won’t be my cup of tea.