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A review by ninetalevixen
Home for the Holidays by Heather Vogel Frederick
3.0
Okay, yeah, this one doesn't totally hold up. I think nostalgia did most of the heavy lifting, because this time around I wasn't quite as charmed by all the teen-girl drama (I generally don't like that phrase, but the events of this book epitomize it) and heteronormative tropes. But still, this is a light and ultimately feel-good read if you can get past its failings that scratched my holiday-read itch.
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[2019 review]
3.5 stars
While this is far from my favorite in the series, it's still a great nostalgia read — lots of references to previous books, with brief explanations in case the reader has forgotten (though these are more infodump-y than incorporated into the narrative); totally believable friendship and romantic drama, even if it is fairly tropey; just enough plot to keep things interesting as we check in with characters we've watched grow up over several years.
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CONVERSION: 10.4 / 15 = 3.5 stars
Prose: 6 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 7 / 10
Emotional Impact: 7 / 10
Development / Flow: 4 / 10
Setting: 8 / 10
Diversity & Social Themes: N/A
Intellectual Engagement: N/A
Originality / Trope Execution: 3 / 5
Rereadability: 5 / 5
Memorability: 4 / 5
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[2013 review]
Soooooo much drama. Realistic and relatable, of course, just like the Betsy-Tacy books seem to be. Still Team Tristan, Zach's cute but idk man. Simon's an idiot; I'd say Megan deserves better but, well, if he makes her happy. Pretty great debut for Becca, a great reminder that even the "mean girl" is a person too, with her own dreams and struggles.
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[2019 review]
3.5 stars
While this is far from my favorite in the series, it's still a great nostalgia read — lots of references to previous books, with brief explanations in case the reader has forgotten (though these are more infodump-y than incorporated into the narrative); totally believable friendship and romantic drama, even if it is fairly tropey; just enough plot to keep things interesting as we check in with characters we've watched grow up over several years.
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CONVERSION: 10.4 / 15 = 3.5 stars
Prose: 6 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 7 / 10
Emotional Impact: 7 / 10
Development / Flow: 4 / 10
Setting: 8 / 10
Diversity & Social Themes: N/A
Intellectual Engagement: N/A
Originality / Trope Execution: 3 / 5
Rereadability: 5 / 5
Memorability: 4 / 5
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[2013 review]
Soooooo much drama. Realistic and relatable, of course, just like the Betsy-Tacy books seem to be. Still Team Tristan, Zach's cute but idk man. Simon's an idiot; I'd say Megan deserves better but, well, if he makes her happy. Pretty great debut for Becca, a great reminder that even the "mean girl" is a person too, with her own dreams and struggles.