Author: Laura MoriartyGenre: Fiction, StandalonePublished: 2003Personal Rating: 3/5Yearly Count: 1
Kansas, in the 80s, is when and where Evelyn (10) and her mother, Tina, make ends meet. They both struggle as a family and as individuals, meanwhile trying to do their best and learn from past mistakes to make a better life for themselves.
I appreciated Moriarty's writing and her ability to realistically portray this family; their personalities were genuine and honest. However, even though it was a well-written character study of a coming-of-age girl, I found it to be slightly boring.
I don't think I'll read this, but I like the title and cover.
ReplyDeleteCharley ~ It's rated highly on Amazon. :)
ReplyDeleteSorry this didn't work for you. I recently read The Rest of Her Life by Moriarty and really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI have this one on my TBR list but maybe I'll read it later rather than sooner. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI read this book a few years ago when it was released. A friend loaned it to me who loved it and highly recommended it. I felt the same way as you did Joy, it was a bit boring. I think if you really like coming of age type books then you may appreciate this type of novel. My friend loves books like this and she adored the book. I have the author's newest book, The Rest of Her Life, to read and will be interested to see how it compares.
ReplyDeleteOh no!! That's not the way you want to start off a new year. Hope the next one is better, Joy. Love the new signature!
ReplyDeleteI read this quite a while ago. I think it was loaned to me by a friend, but I can't really remember anymore. I did like it, but found it dragged in some spots. I definitely do hope to someday try something else by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhoa...it's so weird to not see the challenge post right at the top. But I'll bet it feels good to not have all that to deal with, huh?
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm sorry for your sake that your first book of the year wasn't a winner! But for my sake, I'm kind of relieved. I bought this one at the last library sale I was to, and it's nice to not feel the need to get to it soon, as there are soooooo many books on that old TBR pile that I do want to get to immediately.
As I clicked on your link I got to thinking about your sticky post of challenges - would they still be there? I knew you weren't going to be hosting in challenges this year so I was wondering what to expect. Lo, and behold, Joy's blog starts off with a book review after more than a year. Alas, the first book of the year wasn't enjoyed more.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Joy. Hope the next book is fabulous.
I appreciate your review of this book, Joy. One of my book club members really wants us to try this book with the group. Not enough copies in our system, but I might include it the month I give everyone a choice of 4 or 5 books to read and discuss.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I've started posting on my blog again. Feel free to stop by when you have a minute.
Bermudaonion ~ She writes very well, so I can see how you would enjoy her book.
ReplyDeleteSamantha ~ You might like it, Sam. I just prefer more spunk in a book.
Bonnie ~ Oh, me too! Do tell when you are done with it. It's a matter of vanilla and chocolate, isn't it? :)
Trish ~ I agree, I wish my reading year started out better, but at least this one was not below "just okay". :) I'm not too thrilled with the one I'm reading now (3 so far), I'm hoping it changes for the better. And . . . you observant one, you! Thanks for the signature comment. I have to do something new, while I'm waiting to get myself in gear for a new header.
Literary Feline ~ I do like her writing, so I haven't given up on her. I know I probably won't read anything else by her this year, though. I have way too many books that I can't wait to read. As I'm sure you understand. :)
Debi ~ I thought the same thing! It was very weird, but I like it! Yes, I feel free!
I understand. You certainly may like it more than I did, but I'd read those that you want to get to immediately.
Booklogged ~ I didn't put my first post into the perspective of time - one year of that post! UGH. Seriously, like I keep saying, I loved my time with challenges, but it is now time for a change. I'm enjoying my freedom and new posts at the top of my blog. :)
Happy New Year to you too, my friend. Here's to a great year of reading! :)
Kay ~ As soon as I saw you back, I went and posted on your blog. :) I'm so happy you have come back.
I think there would be plenty to talk about in this book. There are two perspectives for the most part and it can bring out the "teenager" in your members. lol
I've got a copy of this one on the TBRs and have read some pretty polarized reviews. Hopefully, I'll get to it in 2009.
ReplyDeleteBookfool ~ Thankfully, the writing is pleasurable. I hope you enjoy it, if you get to it.
ReplyDeleteI loved her other book The Rest of her Life but I've never read this one. I've thought about it but never got around to it. I didn't think it sounded as good as the other one so I'm not in too much of a hurry.
ReplyDeleteI have this book in-house! It was a gift. I hope to read it in 09. :)
ReplyDeleteDar ~ I haven't looked into that one. I'm not sure I will. Too many other authors to explore. :)
ReplyDeletebkclubcare ~ I hope you enjoy it.
i already had this one on my to-read list. 3 stars isn't a bad rating - i read a lot of books that i give 3 stars!
ReplyDeleteAlisonwonderland ~ Thank you! I agree. I often feel like I have to defend a rating of 3 because it's not a 4 or a 5. But, I don't think the same about every book I read due to the numerous circumstances surrounding when its read, let alone the story line and writing itself. My reads are simply not all very good and excellent. I'm happy to read that you concur. :)
ReplyDeleteWow. This made my Top Ten in 2004! Sorry to hear you didn't love it. Here's my little blurb (written prior to my blogging reviews):
ReplyDeleteA wonderful coming-of-age story that ultimately managed to avoid being a typical "Oprah" book (down-and-out, poor, young, unwed, pregnant, loner, abused girl makes good) and instead turned out to be a well-written and engaging story about a young girl, wise beyond her years. Surprisingly unpredictable and satisfying. Never would have heard of this book if it weren't for my online book buddies! This is Moriarty's debut novel and I will look for more by her in the future.
Les ~ Sometimes I just can't settle down for a story like this. It was okay and I do wish I had liked it more.
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