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novellenovels's review against another edition
mysterious
relaxing
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? It's complicated
5.0
booksforbrooks's review against another edition
3.0
I picked this up from the 'horror' shelf at the library and it became apparent within about 3 pages that it had been mis-shelved. I continued anyway as I didn't think it would take long and I think that for someone who's looking for a sweet coming-of-age children's story, this would fit the bill nicely. Unfortunately it wasn't what I was after but I can still appreciate the writing and the illustrations.
kba76's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-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? No
4.25
October is our free-spirited protagonist, a girl who lives in the woods with her father. She sees herself as wild, a part of nature.
On her eleventh birthday she takes Stig, the baby barn owl she rescued, out into the woods. Unfortunately, October gets spooked by the arrival of her mother and runs away. Climbing to safety she hides in the trees. When her father and mother come searching for her, he tries to climb up after her. When he falls, it marks a drastic shift in October’s circumstances.
With her father needing medical care, she cannot remain in her woodland home. She is transported to London, where her mother lives, and expected to settle into a new life there.
October’s discomfort at being taken from her surroundings is evident. However, we follow her as she navigates her journey through school for the first time and socialising with her peers. We see her come to terms wit( letting Stig be reformed to take her rightful place in the wild…and we see her come to accept the change in circumstances and accept both parents playing a role in her life.
Part of me wondered how the family came to have such an unusual living arrangement in the first instance, and we never get this question answered. However, it’s hard not to fall in love with October and her rather unconventional approach to life.
On her eleventh birthday she takes Stig, the baby barn owl she rescued, out into the woods. Unfortunately, October gets spooked by the arrival of her mother and runs away. Climbing to safety she hides in the trees. When her father and mother come searching for her, he tries to climb up after her. When he falls, it marks a drastic shift in October’s circumstances.
With her father needing medical care, she cannot remain in her woodland home. She is transported to London, where her mother lives, and expected to settle into a new life there.
October’s discomfort at being taken from her surroundings is evident. However, we follow her as she navigates her journey through school for the first time and socialising with her peers. We see her come to terms wit( letting Stig be reformed to take her rightful place in the wild…and we see her come to accept the change in circumstances and accept both parents playing a role in her life.
Part of me wondered how the family came to have such an unusual living arrangement in the first instance, and we never get this question answered. However, it’s hard not to fall in love with October and her rather unconventional approach to life.
blakeney_clark's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.5
bethsbooketlist's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
hh78's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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
5.0
girlreading's review against another edition
4.0
A tender and beautifully written story of family, nature, imagination and the fear that comes with change. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to children and adults alike. A truly perfect October read. Gorgeous.
julius_liu's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
meredith_vh's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0