I had read this some time ago and quite enjoyed it. Now I'm reading it aloud to the Possum. We've only just finished the first test, but so far, it's I had read this some time ago and quite enjoyed it. Now I'm reading it aloud to the Possum. We've only just finished the first test, but so far, it's gripping. I'd forgotten how important testing is when you're in school.
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Testing continued. Really, I think I may be enjoying this more this time around. Reading aloud causes me to take things more slowly. It gives me a chance to savor....more
The book recounts the experiences of the author from 12-14 under Chairman Mao's Cultural Revolution. It's painful to read for all the reasons you mighThe book recounts the experiences of the author from 12-14 under Chairman Mao's Cultural Revolution. It's painful to read for all the reasons you might imagine: the constant fear, the temptation to lie and/or betray one's family and friends, the hysteria and violence and cruelty of a witch hunt. It's not a fun read by any stretch, although I'm glad I finally completed it. The world needs more books about people demonstrating (or failing to demonstrate) moral courage.
Clearly I wasn't in the right mood for this. I found myself annoyed by the grand farming tradition being solely masculine, and by the letters from theClearly I wasn't in the right mood for this. I found myself annoyed by the grand farming tradition being solely masculine, and by the letters from the heroine to her mom. Perhaps another time....more
It was good, but it isn't ever going to be my favorite by Dessen. Haven's having a hell of a fraught summer: her father's second wedding, her older siIt was good, but it isn't ever going to be my favorite by Dessen. Haven's having a hell of a fraught summer: her father's second wedding, her older sister's wedding, her best friend becoming boy crazy, and she's getting taller by the minute practically. Haven just needs a chance to grow into, to fully inhabit, this body and this life. It's a small story, told well, I just wish it were a little richer, a little deeper, a little bigger. That's right: she left me wanting more.
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