Dizzy

Dizzy #1

by Cathy Cassidy

Dizzy by Cathy Cassidy is an irresistible story for girls aged 9+.

'I never sleep, the night before my birthday . . . it's the only day of the year I hear from her . . .'

Dizzy's mum left when she was small. But every year, on her birthday, something arrives in the post - a present or a card with her mum's loopy writing on it. Dizzy has kept everything.

This year is different. Nothing comes in the post, but something amazing is about to arrive on Dizzy's doorstep. Something that will whisk her away - and put Dizzy's world in a spin.

Will her secret birthday wish come true?

Genres: Childrens, Young Adult, Contemporary, Middle Grade, Fiction, Romance, Realistic Fiction

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

I was born in 1962 in Coventry (scarily ancient, I know). I wrote my first picture book for my little brother when I was eight or nine. I loved making comics, too - pages and pages of picture stories, features and competitions.

I went to Art College in Liverpool, then got a job as fiction editor on the fab and legendary Jackie magazine.

I have worked as agony aunt on Shout magazine and also as an art teacher in the local primary & secondary schools, as well as as a freelance illustrator. These days, I am a full-time author.

I love my family, I love living in the middle of nowhere and I love my work. Of all my jobs, writing has to be the best - it's the perfect excuse to daydream, after all!

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells everyone to be realistic! Not every parent who left their kids/family would miss them and not every child we meet has a good childhood; not every adult/parent knows what to do and not everyone has a happy life all the time.

The story is about a girl getting a chance to be with her mother who left the family years ago. As opposed to what she expected it to be a wholesome experience, it leaves her disappointed but she gets to meet some really amazing friends. There’s one more character in this story called Mouse whose life seems rather difficult and is quite neglected.

Well, the adult characters seem confused a lot or care too less while the younger characters do shine in being who they are.

Read this book for a world as we grow up and meet different people which is quite different than what we expect in our minds.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really GREAT

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Cathy Cassidy's "Scarlett" so much, I requested "Dizzy" from the library. Once again, I read this prior to giving it to my nine year old. And once again, found another great book from Ms. Cassidy's pen! Familiar themes here: angst; parental disappointment; the inner turmoil of trying to please two parents - each of whom have very different ideas of home life. This coming of age book had slightly more adult themes than "Scarlett." I had to sit down with my daughter and discuss that drugs are mentioned in this book - again, while I think the demographic is for an older child, I still found this appropriate for my daughter to read and discuss with me. A great read for the young teen crowd - very realistic: life doesn't always come with a happy ending or tidy epilogue - but by drawing upon the love of those around us and our own self-confidence, we can still muddle through and survive. I highly recommend this book for boys and girls alike!

[Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dizzy is a book about dreams, love, and a wish. Every night before her birthday, Dizzy stays awake, hoping, wishing, that she will get the present she is hoping for. Not the latest CD or a caramel coloured guitar, (which is what she's going to get anyway-- Dad said) but a postcard at the least, with loopy writing in gel pen.

She is hoping for a present from her mum, the mum that left when she was four years old. The mum that ran away with her boyfriend, leaving Dizzy and her dad to find a house, to clear up the mess she made, while she was lounging around the beach. Dizzy loves her friends, her school, sharing two cans of coke with her three best mates, but the day of her twelfth birthday, nothing arrives in the post. She has been there before: her present when she was eight arrived three weeks late. But Dizzy has more than a postcard or a letter this year. Her mum is going to turn up on her door step, and put her world into a spin...

Dizzy is a good book, and is very fun to read. This book is good, but not as good as some of Cathy's other books. I wouldn't say it is exactly addicting, but it is still very good. In the middle, it is a little bit of a bore, as nothing seems to bee going on that catches your interest, but it gets amazing, especially at the end.

I rated this book three stars, as I enjoyed it, but not Cathy Cassidy's best, as it doesn't make my heart race, not really, and doesn't capture my imagination, but it is stilly very good story, and very well written.

I think that a good suggestion to the author for this book is to maybe try to capture the readers attention a little more. Like I have said,it is still very good, but not the author's best.

I hope that you enjoy this book, and I think that sit is a definite goodread.

Faye x x

[JocelynZ_C2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in 4th grade and decided to reread it this year. I am glad I decided to reread because I missed out on a important detail. I enjoy the book so far because its very interesting because Dizzy isn't sure when she will see her dad again. The author did a great job of telling you how the character Dizzy felt without saying exactly how she felt. For example, on page 41 it says, "I bite my lip, Wales, Scotland, it doesn't make much a difference".

[Nav (she/her) 🌧 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Positives:
- I personally did not agree with how easily Dizzy accepted her Mum's behaviour and how Dizzy was trying to impress her. But I do feel the author did a good job at showing a child's actions, reactions and feelings in the situation that Dizzy was in.
- It was interesting seeing what festival life is like as that is something that I have never experienced.
- The friendship that formed between Dizzy, Finn and Mouse is believable and it's nice to see that Dizzy had managed to find a support system in her new environment.
- The writing is simple and easy to follow and suits the age range of the reader the book is aimed at.
- There's a scene in a village store where Dizzy and Finn are being spoken to in a particular way by the shop assistant and it's very interesting to see how both characters react. Finn's reaction can really encourage readers to challenge stereotypes and understand that although people may look different on the outside, we are all just human on the inside.
- As the story goes on a few things happen that I did not see coming. So, I'm actually pretty impressed with how unpredictable parts of it were.

Negatives:
- I feel like Dizzy's Mum was quite manipulative and trying to blame things on Dizzy's father.
- Even though I enjoyed the storyline, I do feel like this book is pretty forgettable and unfortunately probably hasn't made a lasting impact on me.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book for a quarter at a local thrift shop, and boy, what a splendid deal! I had never heard of Cathy Cassidy before, but thought that for a quarter I'd give her first novel a shot, and I was pleasantly surprised with a poignant story about family, disappointment, adolescence, and growing up. As a teacher, I think this would work well in a 7th or 8th grade classroom, and at the very least, would recommend it for personal reading, if nothing else. Since she is a British author, it could be fun to culminate a British literature unit with this novel: perhaps lead up to it with a bit of Shakespeare, Lewis Carrol, and/or snippets from the Brontes, maybe 'Jane Eyre'. Any teachers here ever use Cassidy in the classroom? Any-who, I'm glad that I stumbled on this author, especially at the bargain basement price of 25 cents, but the story was worth much more than that; a really touching, quick read that most anyone would find enjoyable.

[Chloë · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m trying to heal my inner child by revisiting my favourite childhood books. This one is super cute, interesting and fun. The travelling vibes are cool but it’s also got a lot of real world issues

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favourite "read every few months as a child til the pages wore out" book. So much nostalgia and warmth and joy rereading for Little Abbie.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful book this is! Dizzy's parents were fringe kids who had to grow up fast when Dizzy came along. Dad coped, Mom not so much. When Mom comes back into Dizzy's life, everything is turned upside down. The characters are memorable and believable, the story sweet and not too far-fetched. I found this an unmitigated delight.

[Hanneleele]

Issake, kunagi kirjutasin sellest kuhugi. Nüüd ei mäleta midagi.

[Maeva 📖🌙 · Rating 4 out of 5]

c’était beaucoup mieux que l’étoile rebelle

[Ayesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another brill read.I couldn't stop reading this book and didn't put it down until I was finished.Once I was I read it a few more times. This is a wonderful story about a girl called Dizzy, she goes on an adventure that most of us would dream we could go on too.

Dizzy has never known her mum, her whole life she has wished to meet her mum again,as when she was really little her mum left her and her dad.The only way she hears of her mother is on her birthday each year.She gets a small postcard or a present, telling her how her mother is. But, on her twelth birthday, there is nothing from her mother. After school a bright coloured van is parked outside her house and someone is waiting inside for her to whisk Dizzy off her feet, and change her life.
I love Cathy's books and have them all signed by her at her friendship festival!

[Namerah Saud Fatmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sort of book that'll make you feel so emotionally conflicted you'll burst.It'll make you laugh and cry and jump up and down squealing in delight then feel as if someone's peeling a thousand onions in front of your eyes then feel warm all over again.Cathy Cissidy's writing will mesmerize her readers.There's something about her stories that's so beautiful its almost magical.I'd recommend this to everyone who has the wonderful capability to read. Especially if you have a dysfunctional family, this is a book you can relate to. If you're at the lowest point in your life or happiest or just bored, GO AND READ THIS BOOK!!!

[Donura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a real coming of age book. Dizzy is a 12 yr old who lost her mother at the age of 4. Not to death, but to the road. Mom left Dizzy with Dad. Her only contact is once year on Dizzy's birthday. All that changes on her 12th birthday, when her Mom shows up instead. All that follows is a whirlwind story and a lot of life lessons for kids and adults alike. I would recommend this to any young person regardless of their living situation.

[MountainLaurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, short book that was easy to read (I finished it in about four hours) but that wasn't at all shallow. It had some really touching, sad parts in it as well as funny ones, and the ending wrapped up nicely but not perfectly. The ideal book for a nice afternoon read!

[Celena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all time favorite books
i dont know why but i can read it again and again and i always love it!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good but it was really sad!

[Mollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still as good and comforting as when I read it aged 9 😭🩷

[Hope Guth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It was truly an experience and I learned so much about myself reading this book!

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a breath of fresh air after a cruddy day. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a good, lighthearted read on a summer day.

[Jackie Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book just ripped my heart out of my chest.
Holy crap, far more traumatic than 10 year old me remembered!

[Nicole Hand · Rating 3 out of 5]

a childhood favourite

[Jada Smith-Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Year Dizzy Looks forward to only one thing on her birthday and that one thing is her mothers postcards that she sends to dizzy on her birthday.Dizzy lives with her father named Pete and her mother left him alone with Dizzy to raise on his own for eight years. One year not only does dizzy get a postcard from her mother her mother shows up at her house and Dizzy is super shocked.As the night goes on Dizzy's father and mother starts to fight about whether Dizzy should go and explore the world with her mother.This book inspired me that is too short to not do what you love.It a time of your life.

[Zee · Rating 4 out of 5]

thanks wafs for reminding me of this book, i still enjoy the found family aspect of it very much

[Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

nostalgic, didn't realise how dark it was at times when i read @ 11....

[Kamae Acejo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dizzy was left by her mom since she was young because her mom is a traveler who likes festivities and living in a tepee. So one day, on Dizzy’s 12th birthday. Instead of Dizzy receiving that usual letter or postcard or gift from wherever her mom is at the time, she goes inside their living room and find her mom talking to her dad. But she was not the typical mom she suspected. She is different, very very different. Storm, Dizzy’s mom then tells Pete, Dizzy’s dad that she will take Dizzy with her over the summer. But he refuses. The next morning Storm lies and tells Dizzy that Pete finally allowed her to stay with her over the summer but told her not to wake him up anymore so they left together. Dizzy then is introduced to her mom’s tiring but fun life of adventure and freedom. But as much as Dizzy enjoyed this, she goes and eventually misses her dad. But amidst the postcards she sent to him, there was no reply. One time, he tried to call him but it was only answered by his dad’s live in partner, Lucy. So she hangs up and thinks that her dad abandoned her and is just enjoying his life from being a single parent dad. In the end, she learns that her mom lied to her and she technically kidnapped her from her dad who have been looking for her all along.

Okay, if I would describe this book in three ways I would say: Light. Fun-reading. And Okay. I guess. Not really my type of book to read but it opened my mind to the lives of travelers. I read books so that I will see lives of people who are different than mine. And this book definitely fulfilled that. It also says something about appreciation. Appreciate what you have now because you never know when it will all be taken away from you. It may be a cliché but this is so true.

I borrowed this from our school library. It was my first time to borrow from our school library this year so I guess I made a pretty good first choice. :)

[Kathy Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I've read from Cathy Cassidy book collection is Driftwood. I didn't read it fully because the the school librian said to return the books back. Then I bought Sundae Girl and Scarlett at a book fair. Sundae Girl is my favorite. Then at a mall, I bought Dizzy.

My favorite part in Dizzy is when she gets used too and has fun with Finn, Mouse, and Leggit (Mouse's dog). It is sad that Dizzy's mom left her alone with Finn, Mouse, Leggit, and Tess (Flinn's mom) and Dizzy's mom lied to Dizzy's dad.

Dizzy is my all-time favorite book but I don't know the reason. I just don't know why. Sundae Girl is also my favorite book by Cathy Cassidy.

I heard that in 'Lucky Star', Mouse will be a fourteen year-old. I hope I buy all the books written by Cathy Cassidy!!!

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book back in 4th and 5th grade and I think it's definitely more appropriate for that age group. The reasons being, one, the way the book in generally written (difficulty), and two, the fact that it's a coming-of-age book for girls. It was very enjoyable as I recall and it introduces the life of a young teenage girl and puppy-love. Cassidy's writing in this book is a little bit mature, but just enough so that the reader feels like she (or he) isn't being talked down to-- if that makes any sense.

[Onika · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lets be honest, I really didn't like this book. I am a Cathy Cassidy fan and all but this was a real disapointment. Am I the only one who thought Dizzys' mum was REALLY selfish - I mean, leaving your daughter to go travelling doesn't really put you in the "lovely person" catagory. I quit reading this a few chapters in because it was annoying me that people can be so selfish. Maybe I should read it again and finish it, but it really wasn't my style and I really don't care about traveler, hippies, or whatever they are. Thank you and Goodnight.