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megangraff's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars is a bit generous and though I have just finished this book, I think Starbird will be in my head for awhile longer.
charlestonmes's review against another edition
3.0
The last 100 pages saved this book from a 2 star rating. I just couldn't get into it.
dawnoftheread's review
5.0
I really enjoyed this, both for the great characters and for the loosely veiled local historical fiction.
sem210's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
mylasteve's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
yapha's review
4.0
Starbird is a member of Free Family, and has lived her whole life on their communal farm outside of Bellingham, Washington. Led by the charismatic EARTH, this is the longest latest commune in recent history. Unfortunately, factions have split and people have left since EARTH went on a mission three years ago. When she receives a "calling" to go and work in the Family cafe, it is her first experience with the outside world. She attends a public school, and because of her aptitude with math she begins to see the unpleasant side of the Family. Starbird begins to ask questions, and suddenly her status as a true Believer comes into question. Recommended for grades 8 & up.
hoatzin's review
3.0
I like how there's ambiguity in the ending. Not everything is explained, not everything wraps up perfectly. EARTH goes to California to continue his thing, instead of being 'vanquished'. And it's not in the there's-going-to-be-a-sequel way, either. Instead you just and Starbird realize that her own life is more important than worrying about something she can't change anymore. I just like how it's realistic to life. Sometimes you don't get an explanation. Sometimes things just happen, or go unfulfilled, or peter off into nothingness. The author did the same thing with emotions and characters. She didn't describe the characters, she let their actions speak for them. For example, when Starbird goes to Ben's house and his dad acts a little stiff with her, Starbird just mentions it and lets it drop - just like you would in real life. You wouldn't spend a long time trying to psycho-analyze your friend's dad, you'd just dismiss it as 'weird grown-up stuff'. I like that. For once, 1st-person limited is actually following her own thought process.
I have some thoughts on the plot, too, but I'm tired and it's 1 in the morning. Maybe later. But it's unlikely.
(I also sat on the floor of a bookstore and read this from front to back, which made me forget to refill my parking meter, which 'won' me a $20 ticket. Joy.)
I have some thoughts on the plot, too, but I'm tired and it's 1 in the morning. Maybe later. But it's unlikely.
(I also sat on the floor of a bookstore and read this from front to back, which made me forget to refill my parking meter, which 'won' me a $20 ticket. Joy.)
wonkomik's review
3.0
I liked Starbird and I was certainly compelled to keep reading (so much so that I finished this in one night), but I felt like the story just sort of fizzled out. It didn't feel like she really experienced the world outside much at all, nothing was really resolved, and the ending was just... meh.