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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Greenglass House has all the best things about middle grades lit: a main character who grows from experience, a mystery that is clever but solvable, quirky characters, and a unique setting that requires exploring.
Twelve-year-old Milo Pine is looking forward to a quiet winter vacation with his loving, adoptive parents. They almost never have guests this time of year at their inn, frequented mostly by smugglers. But as he's trying to get his holiday homework out of the way, the bell starts ringing: the bell that signals someone down at the river wants a ride up in the inn's manually operated tram. First one mysterious guest, then another, then two more, and one final person, all show up unexpectedly. Each has some connection to Greenglass House, which they may not want to share.
As a winter storm strands the Pine family, their emergency help, and their guests, two unusual things happen. Sentimental item are stolen from several guests and people start taking turns sharing stories in the evenings, stories that may provide clues about the history of the house. Milo and the only other child in the house use a role-playing game to solve the thefts, developing characters with all the necessary skills to do so.
This first book in the series is delightful: cozy, entertaining, and a little magical. I did see the twist coming, but that didn't take away any of my enjoyment.
Twelve-year-old Milo Pine is looking forward to a quiet winter vacation with his loving, adoptive parents. They almost never have guests this time of year at their inn, frequented mostly by smugglers. But as he's trying to get his holiday homework out of the way, the bell starts ringing: the bell that signals someone down at the river wants a ride up in the inn's manually operated tram. First one mysterious guest, then another, then two more, and one final person, all show up unexpectedly. Each has some connection to Greenglass House, which they may not want to share.
As a winter storm strands the Pine family, their emergency help, and their guests, two unusual things happen. Sentimental item are stolen from several guests and people start taking turns sharing stories in the evenings, stories that may provide clues about the history of the house. Milo and the only other child in the house use a role-playing game to solve the thefts, developing characters with all the necessary skills to do so.
This first book in the series is delightful: cozy, entertaining, and a little magical. I did see the twist coming, but that didn't take away any of my enjoyment.
A cool idea with a fascinating setting, but this book was really slow for me. In the end it was worth it to see all the characters and secrets unfold, but it took too long to get there.
I think actually reading the book (as opposed to listening to the audiobook) would have been a different experience. Also I think this book would be better to read in the winter time.
I think actually reading the book (as opposed to listening to the audiobook) would have been a different experience. Also I think this book would be better to read in the winter time.
The setting of this book was SO cozy and I 100% need to stay at Greenglass house!
True Rating: 5/5 Stars
Content/Trigger Warnings: Discussions/Thoughts about being adopted (birth family and adopted family), Mentions of past death of a child (nongraphic), A gun, Discussions of smuggling and thievery
"The house might be lousy with weirdoes, but for now, at least, he could still have Christmas Eve with his parents."
This is one of those books that I've eyed in the bookstore for a couple of years now, and decided to take a chance because so many people added it to their winter TBRs. I did take my usual buying precautions, and only when I was sure I wanted to check it out did I buy it. This is the kind of middle grade book that really grabs my attention: mystery, winter and/or Christmas vibes, with a slight tinge of danger. I went into this with realistic expectations, and hoping I would at least like it.
So, how was it?
Criticism
*Note: I'm going to try to keep in mind the intended reader age.
The above being said, I couldn't find anything to really give a criticism about. The story knows the age it's being aimed at, and it creates its atmosphere accordingly. Its definitely upper middle grade given the length and some of the topics, and it tries to appeal to things that age group may be interested in.
Younger middle grade readers may possibly get confused by some of the plot or what's being discussed, but older readers will definitely enjoy it.
Praise
The MC
Milo as our main character is completely realistic as a child. He's irritable at times, he does have a good heart and wants to help even if there are moments where he'd rather hide away, and he's extremely annoyed when things happen in ways that go against his plan. He's also very believable as an adopted child; curious about his birth family, and guilty when he wonders about him because he doesn't want to hurt his parents, annoyed when people don't treat his parents AS his parents. He's smart, but he does make mistakes, and he's as judgmental as any other twelve-year-old. Overall, he was fun to read and follow, and his thoughts made the story more compelling.
The Suspicious Cast
From the moment the "weirdoes" are introduced, I was laughing. Each of them is a very different personality, and it's easy to see how putting them all together in the same house would cause any amount of chaos. It's actually reminiscent of your home being invaded by extended family members you barely see during the holiday season, and adult readers will REALLY feel for Milo's parents...and probably for Milo himself, if you think about your own past Christmases. The best part is that none of them is very OBVIOUSLY suspicious. Things develop slowly, and only over time do readers figure out something might be going on.
The Atmosphere
This book is peak winter and Christmas vibes. I was expecting winter, given the synopsis; and there's plenty of descriptions of cold and snow, mentions of blankets and hot chocolate. But the same synopsis said nothing about actual Christmas, so the fact that we also got mentions of trees and presents, and the genuine heartwarming moments that only Christmas can bring, made this book so much more. Despite the ongoing mystery, I felt warm and cozy while reading and that didn't go away even after the book ended.
The Mystery
I'm not going to say too much here, but the author did a GREAT job here. The clues are all there, but even I, a (theoretical) adult didn't put them together until Milo did. But watching Milo and Meddy go through their investigation is so much fun. It was more interesting because the author included a table top RPG addition to their shenanigans which worked well in so many ways, opening up different avenues for thinking or acting. It's obviously not Christie level, but it was still fun.
Final Thoughts
This was a surprising delight to read, and is now one of my favorite winter and Christmas must-reads. If you're an adult looking for a good book for your older middle grade reader, I can't recommend this one enough. And if you just enjoy middle grade yourself, you'll at least get the warm fuzzies from some of this.
Content/Trigger Warnings: Discussions/Thoughts about being adopted (birth family and adopted family), Mentions of past death of a child (nongraphic), A gun, Discussions of smuggling and thievery
"The house might be lousy with weirdoes, but for now, at least, he could still have Christmas Eve with his parents."
This is one of those books that I've eyed in the bookstore for a couple of years now, and decided to take a chance because so many people added it to their winter TBRs. I did take my usual buying precautions, and only when I was sure I wanted to check it out did I buy it. This is the kind of middle grade book that really grabs my attention: mystery, winter and/or Christmas vibes, with a slight tinge of danger. I went into this with realistic expectations, and hoping I would at least like it.
So, how was it?
Criticism
*Note: I'm going to try to keep in mind the intended reader age.
The above being said, I couldn't find anything to really give a criticism about. The story knows the age it's being aimed at, and it creates its atmosphere accordingly. Its definitely upper middle grade given the length and some of the topics, and it tries to appeal to things that age group may be interested in.
Younger middle grade readers may possibly get confused by some of the plot or what's being discussed, but older readers will definitely enjoy it.
Praise
The MC
Milo as our main character is completely realistic as a child. He's irritable at times, he does have a good heart and wants to help even if there are moments where he'd rather hide away, and he's extremely annoyed when things happen in ways that go against his plan. He's also very believable as an adopted child; curious about his birth family, and guilty when he wonders about him because he doesn't want to hurt his parents, annoyed when people don't treat his parents AS his parents. He's smart, but he does make mistakes, and he's as judgmental as any other twelve-year-old. Overall, he was fun to read and follow, and his thoughts made the story more compelling.
The Suspicious Cast
From the moment the "weirdoes" are introduced, I was laughing. Each of them is a very different personality, and it's easy to see how putting them all together in the same house would cause any amount of chaos. It's actually reminiscent of your home being invaded by extended family members you barely see during the holiday season, and adult readers will REALLY feel for Milo's parents...and probably for Milo himself, if you think about your own past Christmases. The best part is that none of them is very OBVIOUSLY suspicious. Things develop slowly, and only over time do readers figure out something might be going on.
The Atmosphere
This book is peak winter and Christmas vibes. I was expecting winter, given the synopsis; and there's plenty of descriptions of cold and snow, mentions of blankets and hot chocolate. But the same synopsis said nothing about actual Christmas, so the fact that we also got mentions of trees and presents, and the genuine heartwarming moments that only Christmas can bring, made this book so much more. Despite the ongoing mystery, I felt warm and cozy while reading and that didn't go away even after the book ended.
The Mystery
I'm not going to say too much here, but the author did a GREAT job here. The clues are all there, but even I, a (theoretical) adult didn't put them together until Milo did. But watching Milo and Meddy go through their investigation is so much fun. It was more interesting because the author included a table top RPG addition to their shenanigans which worked well in so many ways, opening up different avenues for thinking or acting. It's obviously not Christie level, but it was still fun.
Final Thoughts
This was a surprising delight to read, and is now one of my favorite winter and Christmas must-reads. If you're an adult looking for a good book for your older middle grade reader, I can't recommend this one enough. And if you just enjoy middle grade yourself, you'll at least get the warm fuzzies from some of this.
This book was amazing and quaint and beautiful. I loved Milo's journey of self-confidence and discovery. The plot was good (a bit slow in some parts) but the last 30% of the book was riveting. I loved loved loved the twists at the end.
What a cozy, charming middle grade story. I was in need of something to help with the “January doldrums”. Reading this in winter was ideal with its snow drifts, fireplaces, darkened hotel hallways and peppermint hot cocoa.
It took a beat to get into, but it wasn’t long before I was intrigued by both the mystery and the gaggle of eccentric house guests. Plus - it has smugglers and folklore. I can’t speak to the authenticity of the adoption element- but I love the authors connection to it.
I think this would make an excellent read-aloud with kids or an audiobook as a family.
It took a beat to get into, but it wasn’t long before I was intrigued by both the mystery and the gaggle of eccentric house guests. Plus - it has smugglers and folklore. I can’t speak to the authenticity of the adoption element- but I love the authors connection to it.
I think this would make an excellent read-aloud with kids or an audiobook as a family.
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
4.5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery, adventure story.