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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
Excited to recommend this one to my students. The book grew on me, just like the characters. Favorite quote, "And just being there is ninety-nine percent of what matters when your world falls apart."
A solid 4.5-- actually a 5 until the end. This book created the schism of not wanting it to be over, and not wanting to wait to find out what happens. It was very different than many books that I read. I listened to the audio version, which was very well done. One slight attraction to this book is that my daughter was born on 7/7, so we've done a lot with 7's in my family as well.
Some of my questions: what ever happened to Willow's parents' home? If her dad was in a union, he certainly would have had life insurance. Why would Patty make her children live in such horrible conditions for years if she really had $$ (buying a building in CA with at least 28 units would be big-time money) Why did the family let Willow experience devastating loss for a second time? Sure, they may not have wanted to get her hopes up, but letting her think she was leaving was unnecessarily cruel.
What I really liked: the writing. There were many memorable phrases that weren't easy to capture as I listened in my car. There were many cases of subtle humor, and some laugh-out loud. Kidnapping a cat to make a good impression.
But, probably my biggest take away from this book is wondering how many children are in similar situations. With so many unstable families, parents who do not act responsibly toward their own children, and social service units that are understaffed, I know that many face challenges far more complex and discouraging than I could imagine.
Spoiler
...Some of my questions: what ever happened to Willow's parents' home? If her dad was in a union, he certainly would have had life insurance. Why would Patty make her children live in such horrible conditions for years if she really had $$ (buying a building in CA with at least 28 units would be big-time money) Why did the family let Willow experience devastating loss for a second time? Sure, they may not have wanted to get her hopes up, but letting her think she was leaving was unnecessarily cruel.
Spoiler
...What I really liked: the writing. There were many memorable phrases that weren't easy to capture as I listened in my car. There were many cases of subtle humor, and some laugh-out loud. Kidnapping a cat to make a good impression.
But, probably my biggest take away from this book is wondering how many children are in similar situations. With so many unstable families, parents who do not act responsibly toward their own children, and social service units that are understaffed, I know that many face challenges far more complex and discouraging than I could imagine.
3.25. This book just didn't grab me in any meaningful way like I was assuming/hoping it would. It was a nice story, but nothing particularly special or unique. Also, for over half of the book I got a creepy vibe from Dell Duke, and it was wayyyy out of place in the type of book this is.
A book about a young girl who was adopted as a baby, and then finds herself orphaned after her parents are in a car accident. She was recently moved to a new school, prior to their passing, and was working through some events with a counselor. Having no surviving family, she ends up pretending a recently acquired friend is her close family friend and goes to live with them. The book goes through her journey of healing, finding family, and finding herself. A sweet YA book.
Darling book about one of the most awful things that could happen to a kid. Seriously well written and I feel like I know and met willow! Great plot and made me feel good about the twists in our lives that we don't plan-divorce, death, etc. great outlook.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
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
Simply adorable and complex at the same time. ‘Strange’ cast of engaging characters who just pulled me into the story. First read by this author and chose it because the cover drew me in. Now I am anxious to read more by her.
emotional
hopeful
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
adventurous
funny
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Everything was good except where Pattie had ‘stack of money’ all along but still didn’t do anything about her own kids living conditions. But once Willow came along, the world revolved around her.
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated