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trin's review against another edition
2.0
Like a candy-coated version of Moonrise Kingdom.
Look, there are certain types of middle grade books that I can tell there will be an audience for -- [b:Raymie Nightingale|25937866|Raymie Nightingale|Kate DiCamillo|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1446751148s/25937866.jpg|45835163] is a prime example -- while failing to see the appeal for myself, or even myself as a kid. Basically, I like even my kidlit to retain a certain tartness, and this is just too sweet for me.
Look, there are certain types of middle grade books that I can tell there will be an audience for -- [b:Raymie Nightingale|25937866|Raymie Nightingale|Kate DiCamillo|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1446751148s/25937866.jpg|45835163] is a prime example -- while failing to see the appeal for myself, or even myself as a kid. Basically, I like even my kidlit to retain a certain tartness, and this is just too sweet for me.
juneberry0123's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
Coming to terms with grief and a new life - with Bigfoot?
4.5 stars
Lemonade Liberty Witt has lost her mother, she's been forced to move away from her home to live with the grandfather she barely knows, and can't wait to be able to get away, move back home. This isn't her home and it never will be.
Her grandfather does not argue with her, in fact, he seems to spend more time with Tobin, a boy who runs his own Bigfoot Detective Agency, as they live in an area with many sightings. Lemonade unwillingly finds herself entangled in his business when she comes across evidence of Bigfoot's existence in the woods.
Lemonade is determined not to put down roots, not to make friends, not to enjoy living with her grandfather, but gradually she may find herself living up to her namesake of 'making lemonade from lemons', despite her grief.
Tobin was my favourite character, he reminded me of Holly Smale's 'Geek Girl' series (both Harriet and Toby in this) - he wears a labelled Bigfoot hat, has an office (with stapler), fills in forms in triplicate - and is bullied.
Lemonade moves through the stages of grief nicely through the novel as it takes a fairly predictable but heart-warming path, with added 'Bigfoot' story for interest and mystery.
A few quite deep issues here, some unexpected at the start. A good look at the death of a parent for young people.
One for ages 10-14.
4.5 stars
Lemonade Liberty Witt has lost her mother, she's been forced to move away from her home to live with the grandfather she barely knows, and can't wait to be able to get away, move back home. This isn't her home and it never will be.
Her grandfather does not argue with her, in fact, he seems to spend more time with Tobin, a boy who runs his own Bigfoot Detective Agency, as they live in an area with many sightings. Lemonade unwillingly finds herself entangled in his business when she comes across evidence of Bigfoot's existence in the woods.
Lemonade is determined not to put down roots, not to make friends, not to enjoy living with her grandfather, but gradually she may find herself living up to her namesake of 'making lemonade from lemons', despite her grief.
Tobin was my favourite character, he reminded me of Holly Smale's 'Geek Girl' series (both Harriet and Toby in this) - he wears a labelled Bigfoot hat, has an office (with stapler), fills in forms in triplicate - and is bullied.
Lemonade moves through the stages of grief nicely through the novel as it takes a fairly predictable but heart-warming path, with added 'Bigfoot' story for interest and mystery.
A few quite deep issues here, some unexpected at the start. A good look at the death of a parent for young people.
One for ages 10-14.
edshara's review against another edition
4.0
So I have to admit, the first couple of chapters, weren't really blowing me away. I was enjoying the story but I wasn't completely invested in it. Then I got to Chapter 14 and wow, I was blown away. Lemons, ended up being very good and the closer it got to the end, the sadder I got that it was almost over.
Lem, Tobin and Charlie were all likable, even with their quirks. I liked how Lem's relationships with Tobin and Charlie developed over time. Even though she was hesitant and perhaps even resistent, she still tried. The supporting characters were nicely written as well. I loved the sense of community in this small Californian town.
I am a big fan of good communication in books and this book was perfect! The willingness of all the characters to talk about their grief and heartache was so comforting. The characters were open and honest about what they were thinking and feeling and that was wonderful to see being encouraged, especially in the children. Their were so many great and encouraging quotes about mourning and grief, that I had to remind myself a few times that this was a library book and I wasn't allowed to highlight the passages. I'm so glad that authors, like Melissa Savage, are writing books that are meaningful and potentially helpful for middle grade readers (it's a bonus that this book is great for all ages).
While I understood the reasoning behind why Lem, hadn't previously met Charlie, it's a bit disappointing to think that her mom wouldn't try and reach out to him, especially once things started progressing negatively. I know this was probably a bit more realistic, however, it just seemed selfish, leaving Lem to go through all of that, mostly, on her own.
If you were a fan of A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, I think you'll love this one too. It has the same powerful message, even though its great on its own, and I would highly recommend it.
Lem, Tobin and Charlie were all likable, even with their quirks. I liked how Lem's relationships with Tobin and Charlie developed over time. Even though she was hesitant and perhaps even resistent, she still tried. The supporting characters were nicely written as well. I loved the sense of community in this small Californian town.
I am a big fan of good communication in books and this book was perfect! The willingness of all the characters to talk about their grief and heartache was so comforting. The characters were open and honest about what they were thinking and feeling and that was wonderful to see being encouraged, especially in the children. Their were so many great and encouraging quotes about mourning and grief, that I had to remind myself a few times that this was a library book and I wasn't allowed to highlight the passages. I'm so glad that authors, like Melissa Savage, are writing books that are meaningful and potentially helpful for middle grade readers (it's a bonus that this book is great for all ages).
While I understood the reasoning behind why Lem, hadn't previously met Charlie, it's a bit disappointing to think that her mom wouldn't try and reach out to him, especially once things started progressing negatively. I know this was probably a bit more realistic, however, it just seemed selfish, leaving Lem to go through all of that, mostly, on her own.
If you were a fan of A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, I think you'll love this one too. It has the same powerful message, even though its great on its own, and I would highly recommend it.
rjdenney's review against another edition
5.0
5 STARS!!!
I finished this a couple of hours ago but I feel good saying that this has become one of my favorite books of the year and of all time! This was such a beautiful, hilarious, heartbreaking, and heartwarming read and I want anyone who is reading this review to go get yourself a copy now because this is a book every reader needs in their lives and on their shelves. I'll have a lot more to say in my Book Thoughts video for this but goodness was this an epic read.
It's full of adventure, mystery, Bigfoot, and amazingly written characters and takes place in the late 70s which I adored so much. I counted and I cried a good 6 times while reading this book so be prepared to have a box of tissues nearby when reading this because it will tug at you and leave you feeling good at the same time, if that makes sense. After finishing the last page I had a big smile on my face and tears in my eyes when I closed this book because it was THAT good and when a book can do that, it's a freaking masterpiece. Now enough about my thoughts, get yourself a copy and read this ASAP.
P.S. I loved "Lemons" so much I created a playlist for it: https://t.co/euKjDWLgX1
- Richard
I finished this a couple of hours ago but I feel good saying that this has become one of my favorite books of the year and of all time! This was such a beautiful, hilarious, heartbreaking, and heartwarming read and I want anyone who is reading this review to go get yourself a copy now because this is a book every reader needs in their lives and on their shelves. I'll have a lot more to say in my Book Thoughts video for this but goodness was this an epic read.
It's full of adventure, mystery, Bigfoot, and amazingly written characters and takes place in the late 70s which I adored so much. I counted and I cried a good 6 times while reading this book so be prepared to have a box of tissues nearby when reading this because it will tug at you and leave you feeling good at the same time, if that makes sense. After finishing the last page I had a big smile on my face and tears in my eyes when I closed this book because it was THAT good and when a book can do that, it's a freaking masterpiece. Now enough about my thoughts, get yourself a copy and read this ASAP.
P.S. I loved "Lemons" so much I created a playlist for it: https://t.co/euKjDWLgX1
- Richard
orianaber0940's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
hailey_gildy's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-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? N/A
5.0
michalice's review
4.0
When I first started reading Lemons it was easy to quickly form a bond with Lemonade. She had lost her Mother, and has been uprooted from her life in San Francisco to be moved to Willow Creek to live with her Grandfather Charlie. Lemonade is a stranger in this new town, but she quickly finds some comfort in a form of Tobin. Together this duo run Bigfoot Detectives Inc. and are called out to investigate all Bigfoot sightings in thier area. Lemonade isn't initially impressed with it all until she finds her first clue,
Lemons was a book that hooked me in fast, and I only put this one down for a much needed sleep. I liked seeing the journey that Lemonade takes throughout the pages, both in her own personal growth, as well as her friendship with Tobin. I loved getting to see these two interact, especially as Lemonade can never accept the first answer, or request, and she has to question anything and everything, which does annoy Tobin.
The progression of the story itself was paced really well, and I liked how the book had a mysterious creature as its base, even down to the shop charlie runs, and the obsession some of the town people have of Bigfoot. I liked getting to see the other characters during the Bigfoot call outs, and seeing how clues are searched for and the process to collect them all. Although the town of Willow Creek sounds small, the book expands it to the limits, making it feel bigger than it is.
Lemonade was a character who I liked instantly. All her pain and sorrow were easily portrayed across the pages, her feelings of loss, sadness, and generally being alone. Seeing how she overcomes her insecurity and her doubts was inspiring to read. Tobin and Charlie are not without thier own sorrow and pain, and Lemonade seems to be the plaster/band-aid that somehow fixes things and makes things better for all.
Final Verdict
I really enjoyed reading Lemons, and I can't wait to pick up a copy to add to my Nieces ever growing TBR pile, As a debut author, Melissa Savage has done a great job of keeping you focused on the book and wanting to know more. I would not hesitate to read more of her work.
Lemons was a book that hooked me in fast, and I only put this one down for a much needed sleep. I liked seeing the journey that Lemonade takes throughout the pages, both in her own personal growth, as well as her friendship with Tobin. I loved getting to see these two interact, especially as Lemonade can never accept the first answer, or request, and she has to question anything and everything, which does annoy Tobin.
The progression of the story itself was paced really well, and I liked how the book had a mysterious creature as its base, even down to the shop charlie runs, and the obsession some of the town people have of Bigfoot. I liked getting to see the other characters during the Bigfoot call outs, and seeing how clues are searched for and the process to collect them all. Although the town of Willow Creek sounds small, the book expands it to the limits, making it feel bigger than it is.
Lemonade was a character who I liked instantly. All her pain and sorrow were easily portrayed across the pages, her feelings of loss, sadness, and generally being alone. Seeing how she overcomes her insecurity and her doubts was inspiring to read. Tobin and Charlie are not without thier own sorrow and pain, and Lemonade seems to be the plaster/band-aid that somehow fixes things and makes things better for all.
Final Verdict
I really enjoyed reading Lemons, and I can't wait to pick up a copy to add to my Nieces ever growing TBR pile, As a debut author, Melissa Savage has done a great job of keeping you focused on the book and wanting to know more. I would not hesitate to read more of her work.
jaij7's review
5.0
What a great story of loss and friendship! I really enjoyed this one. It had me laughing and crying.