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4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
This book reads like a book from the Anne of Green Gables era. Its goodness and sweetness almost has a tendency to become self-indulgently sugary. But it is rescued by the interesting characters and the ending. The audiobook suffers a little from the almost over the top sweetness, but I liked it anyway. More worldly tweens might find it a bit unbelievable.
I adore Jane Birdsall's books. She somehow manages to write stories that are wholesome without being boring, rich characters that are still children, and appealling to all ages at the same time. I'm sure everyone knows someone like Rosalind, Jane, Skye, and Batty. My daughter is totally Batty. I look forward to reading her these books when she's a little older.
More specific to the Point Mouette book - first crush hit the nail on the head - the emotional turmoil, lack of understanding from others, and the lesson learned were perfect. Not to give too much away, bt one character received tumultous news and the reaction was exceedingly well done - it could have been simple, but it was complicated and implied that it was going to take some doing to process and accept the news. Again, exceedingly well done.
More specific to the Point Mouette book - first crush hit the nail on the head - the emotional turmoil, lack of understanding from others, and the lesson learned were perfect. Not to give too much away, bt one character received tumultous news and the reaction was exceedingly well done - it could have been simple, but it was complicated and implied that it was going to take some doing to process and accept the news. Again, exceedingly well done.
Again, so predictable and yet at the same time the pacing and sense of place, and storytelling just make this series so charming.
I only have two books left (and they are the two I have never read)...I need to start pacing myself to savor the series.
I only have two books left (and they are the two I have never read)...I need to start pacing myself to savor the series.
This is a charming, nostalgic tale. Birdsall has the feel of so many gentle novelists I grew up with, Louisa May Alcott or L.M. Montgomery. I know that I should have recognized this book as the 3rd in the Penderwicks series, but in spite of being a children’s librarian I hadn’t actually read either of the first two. Not that it hurt my enjoyment of number three, but if I had known the characters, I may have cared more about the oldest Penderwick, Rosalind.
You see, Rosalind is not really a part of this book, as she is heading off for the summer with a friend, leaving Skye as the OAP (Oldest Available Penderwick). This is a frightening prospect for all sisters, especially Skye, who would much rather ponder black holes than brush 6-yr-old Batty’s hair.
There are 2 deliciously enjoyable aspects of Birdsall- her characters and her writing. Here is what I mean.
By characters: The responsible, good-hearted Rosalind who everyone manages to keep in the dark about the near tragedies that ensue during their time apart because they don’t want to worry her. The straight-talking, no-nonsense Skye, who is desperate to fulfill her OAP duties but completely falls apart if “feelings” ever edge near her. The dreamy, loquacious Jane, who decides her latest book must be about love, aside from the unfortunate hiccup that she herself has never experienced it. And energetic Batty, who struggles the most with the absence of Rosalind, yet, through harmonicas and golf balls, manages to come into her own. These and other characters are so rich and so perfectly drawn that you truly feel as if you have known them, if not your whole life, at least for a summer.
And by her writing: It is magical the way Birdsall is able to create such a timeless, perfect feel. Except for scant references to recent books the children read or the occasional cell phone, this story could be set in almost any time within the last century. Yet the incredible thing about it is that none of it is forced in any way. And in particular with dialogue (especially children’s dialogue) that is next to impossible to achieve.
Still, this story is rather tame. The “big issues” that tend to push a book towards Newbery are not present, nor are the originality and excitement of a fantasy adventure book. But, flashy isn’t everything.
You see, Rosalind is not really a part of this book, as she is heading off for the summer with a friend, leaving Skye as the OAP (Oldest Available Penderwick). This is a frightening prospect for all sisters, especially Skye, who would much rather ponder black holes than brush 6-yr-old Batty’s hair.
There are 2 deliciously enjoyable aspects of Birdsall- her characters and her writing. Here is what I mean.
By characters: The responsible, good-hearted Rosalind who everyone manages to keep in the dark about the near tragedies that ensue during their time apart because they don’t want to worry her. The straight-talking, no-nonsense Skye, who is desperate to fulfill her OAP duties but completely falls apart if “feelings” ever edge near her. The dreamy, loquacious Jane, who decides her latest book must be about love, aside from the unfortunate hiccup that she herself has never experienced it. And energetic Batty, who struggles the most with the absence of Rosalind, yet, through harmonicas and golf balls, manages to come into her own. These and other characters are so rich and so perfectly drawn that you truly feel as if you have known them, if not your whole life, at least for a summer.
And by her writing: It is magical the way Birdsall is able to create such a timeless, perfect feel. Except for scant references to recent books the children read or the occasional cell phone, this story could be set in almost any time within the last century. Yet the incredible thing about it is that none of it is forced in any way. And in particular with dialogue (especially children’s dialogue) that is next to impossible to achieve.
Still, this story is rather tame. The “big issues” that tend to push a book towards Newbery are not present, nor are the originality and excitement of a fantasy adventure book. But, flashy isn’t everything.
-2019-
I love this books. I love this series. I love these characters. I really wish there wasn't a huge time jump between this and the next. The first three books will always be my absolute favorites of the series, this one being my favorite of the entire series.
I listened to this on audiobook this time, and, while Rosalind is my favorite character, I'm glad she wasn't in this one all that much. I hate the way the narrator says her name! I say it as "Rose-a-lind" and the narrator says it as "Roz-a-lind". I did look up an author interview, and she does intend it to be "Roz", but personally I'm going to keep saying it a "Rose". It was more irritating to hear "Rosy" pronounced as "Rozzy".
Quote: When the moose finally wandered back into the trees, Jeffrey had one last thing to say before leaving for Birches. "It's just that sometimes I wish we lived closer to each other, Skye. I sometimes sort of miss you. Sometimes." "I do, too." She cleared her throat. "Sometimes."
-2018-
I really really like this book. I really really like this series. I'm now sad that I only have two books left to read. I'm also sad that the next book jumps like 5 years O.o
"The Penderwick family was being torn apart!" Mr. Penderwick and Iantha were flying off to England, with Ben, for their honeymoon. Rosalind was leaving for New Jersey with her friend Anna for 2 weeks, and Aunt Claire was taking the rest of the sisters, along with Jeffery, to Point Mouette, Maine.
Skye is now OAP, and is worried about Batty blowing up. Jane needs to write a Sabrina Starr book or this whole vacation will have failed. Batty is missing Rosalind, but finds a new friend. Accidents happen, golf...doesn't get played, friendships are formed, and a jerk is found.
This books was cute, adorable, fun, and heartwarming, while also being bittersweet and bit heartbreaking. How? It's hard to explain, just read it. It's the Penderwicks!
I do wish Rosalind was in this book for more than a few chapters, but I see why she wasn't. It let Skye grow as a character, which was nice to see.
Some Quotes:
“Admit you’re glad to be here.” “I won’t give you that satisfaction.” “Then I won’t tell you why I’m so happy.” “Okay, don’t” She knew he would anyway
This was past writer's block "Writer's boulder. Writer's skyscraper. Writer's Great Wall of China." She said.
"Maybe" Said Skye. "What do you mean maybe? I know of what I speak. After all, I'm a writer, and thus understand human emotions." (said Jane) "Unless they're your own" "Touche" Jane stuck out her tongue at her sister.
I love this books. I love this series. I love these characters. I really wish there wasn't a huge time jump between this and the next. The first three books will always be my absolute favorites of the series, this one being my favorite of the entire series.
I listened to this on audiobook this time, and, while Rosalind is my favorite character, I'm glad she wasn't in this one all that much. I hate the way the narrator says her name! I say it as "Rose-a-lind" and the narrator says it as "Roz-a-lind". I did look up an author interview, and she does intend it to be "Roz", but personally I'm going to keep saying it a "Rose". It was more irritating to hear "Rosy" pronounced as "Rozzy".
Quote: When the moose finally wandered back into the trees, Jeffrey had one last thing to say before leaving for Birches. "It's just that sometimes I wish we lived closer to each other, Skye. I sometimes sort of miss you. Sometimes." "I do, too." She cleared her throat. "Sometimes."
-2018-
I really really like this book. I really really like this series. I'm now sad that I only have two books left to read. I'm also sad that the next book jumps like 5 years O.o
"The Penderwick family was being torn apart!" Mr. Penderwick and Iantha were flying off to England, with Ben, for their honeymoon. Rosalind was leaving for New Jersey with her friend Anna for 2 weeks, and Aunt Claire was taking the rest of the sisters, along with Jeffery, to Point Mouette, Maine.
Skye is now OAP, and is worried about Batty blowing up. Jane needs to write a Sabrina Starr book or this whole vacation will have failed. Batty is missing Rosalind, but finds a new friend. Accidents happen, golf...doesn't get played, friendships are formed, and a jerk is found.
This books was cute, adorable, fun, and heartwarming, while also being bittersweet and bit heartbreaking. How? It's hard to explain, just read it. It's the Penderwicks!
I do wish Rosalind was in this book for more than a few chapters, but I see why she wasn't. It let Skye grow as a character, which was nice to see.
Some Quotes:
“Admit you’re glad to be here.” “I won’t give you that satisfaction.” “Then I won’t tell you why I’m so happy.” “Okay, don’t” She knew he would anyway
This was past writer's block "Writer's boulder. Writer's skyscraper. Writer's Great Wall of China." She said.
"Maybe" Said Skye. "What do you mean maybe? I know of what I speak. After all, I'm a writer, and thus understand human emotions." (said Jane) "Unless they're your own" "Touche" Jane stuck out her tongue at her sister.
I thought I might not like this story as much as the rest in the series since half the family isn't in it, but this was wonderful. I love this family and these books!
LOVED it!! Perfect third edition to the series. These books just make me feel good!! Read my review on my blog!
Love these books and characters. Reminds me of being a kid.