Monday, August 8, 2011

Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall

Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall
Alfred A. Knopf
2011
295p.


When the three younger Penderwick sisters go to Maine with Aunt Claire and are separated from oldest sister Rosalind for the first time in their lives, an uncertain Skye is left in charge as the OAP--oldest available Penderwick.

5 comments:

  1. Oh, those plucky Penderwick sisters ... So spunky, so well-fleshed out! These girls are realized to the most minute detail as is every moment of their lives ... so much that I am bored bored bored by the sweet predicaments of little dogs getting in trouble, haircut mishaps and soccer practice. And while the girls are so distinctive, the boys are equally undistinctive. Every man in the story (aside from the comically semi-villainous Dexter) is gentle and chivalrous and unlike any man I've ever met. While the writing is excellent technically speaking, the plot needs more.

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  2. Delightful characters - what a wonderful talent to be able to convey the distinctive voices of each of the children so convincingly and seamlessly. Agreed that the extensive details make some small events seem like Tragedies, but I didn't find this boring -- it strikes me as the way young children see the world. Overall it's the kind of book that leaves you smiling at the end just because the people have been so wonderful to spend time with, and you know that in spite of the real obstacles of life which remain, Things Will Work Out.

    Audio was excellent, with voices which matched the personalities.

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  3. I also listened to the audio and LOVED this book so much I went out and got the first two books. I had NEVER heard of this series and now I can't stop talking about it. It was like Betsy Tacy for the contemporary girl. Even though it was just day to day summer life, it read so realistically to me. I could visualize each character separately and that's where this book shines, characterization. I don't know if the other elements are as distinguished though.

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  4. This is a very cute story. Unfortunately for me, I'm not into cute. I can see why people like this. The family is charming and the story is pleasant without major crises and everyone wishes they had a family like this. The book will be popular for that reason and it is well written.
    But I'd like to see something edger win Newbery.

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