Reviews

A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin

book_nut's review against another edition

3.0

Not a bad look at how mental illness can affect a person and a family, in the 1950s and early 60s

readingthroughtheages's review against another edition

4.0

Wow. This story still has me thinking. I listened to this one and it always takes me longer to process a book that I listen to vs read. The audio version really brought Adam to life. It gave him a voice that I'm not sure I would have caught if I had read it. So many layers to the story - who Adam was vs what people saw, how Nana was on the inside vs how she portrayed herself everyday, what was "proper" back then vs what is acceptable now. I can see why this book won the Newbery Honor.
This book did have a mature scene and mature topic. I was not prepared for that, especially since I was listening to it with my 8yo! It gave us something to talk about but wish I knew ahead of time it was coming!

k_lee_reads_it's review against another edition

5.0

A coming of age novel set in the Midwestern United States during the summer of 1960. Hattie lives with her parents in a boarding house they run, much to the chagrin of her very proper and rich grandparents. Then Hattie's family skeleton appears when Hattie learns about her heretofore unknown Uncle Adam. Adam has been living at a special school for the mentally ill, but the school has closed so Adam has to come home. Adam's actual diagnosis never fully explained, but whatever it is it doesn't matter to Hattie. Unfortunately in the end, it does to Adam.

I really enjoyed this book and it's look into how we can overcome our discomfort and stand up for those who are different.

giannaboscarino's review against another edition

emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

bariqhonium's review against another edition

4.0

I thought this was a very interesting book. It was sort of short, but there was enough plot and detail to make this an enjoyable book. Very fun read. Recommended to anyone who likes realistic fiction, or any age group--- ok maybe it would be better for middle schoolers and up. You j=have to be mature about this.

bethreadsandnaps's review against another edition

5.0

Excellent! In her 12th summer, quiet Hattie is looking forward to a summer of reading and spending time alone in her small town boardinghouse. Plans change when an uncle she didn't know she had and a carnival come to town.

I wish the book had been longer; I would have enjoyed reading more about Hattie.

aroyal_retreat's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

kaitl_onmybookshelf's review against another edition

5.0

I grew up reading all of Ann M. Martin's books and I come back to this one whenever I want to get lost in the feeling of summer and nostalgia.

artemisd6's review against another edition

5.0

This was recommended to me by a friend at college. It was a short and easy read but it was definitely enjoyable. I didn't know what to expect when she said that it was one of her favorite books and that I should read it. I'm glad I borrowed it from her though, because I have never read something quite like it. The twists and turns that this book had within the short span of its pages left me simply shocked at the end. I did love this book when it was done and I wish that it would've lasted a little longer. This heart-wrenching tale of struggles, discrimination, and loss is one that nobody should miss.

READ IT!!

abigailbat's review against another edition

3.0

Eleven-year-old Hattie Owen only has one friend in the world, her best friend Betsy who always goes away to Maine for the summer. With this summer stretching out before her, Hattie looks forward to visiting with the shopkeepers downtown, painting with her father, and reading stacks of books from the library. Those plans suddenly change when Hattie finds out that she has a secret uncle named Adam who is coming to stay with her grandparents for the summer. Adam is unlike anyone Hattie has ever met. He's... different. He's in his own little world. As Hattie's grandmother says, he is "mentally ill". But as Hattie comes to know Adam, she grows to love the person that he is: loyal, honest, loving, fun, and smart in the most surprising ways.

Again, wonderful narration by Judith Ivey. She's great at doing different voices and keeping them all separate. A poignant coming-of-age story.