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Marcy Rhodes #1
Wait For Marcy
To Marcy's older brother's friend Steve, she has always just been "Squirt." But now she is fifteen and all grown up with a new white formal hanging in the closet, just waiting to be worn! Will Steve be able to look past the Marcy he's always known and see how she has changed?
Marcy Rhodes lives in Westfield with her parents and older brother, Ken. Throughout the series, Marcy matures through meeting new people, traveling and dating a variety of boys. The series has a warm and happy feeling of the 1950s.
Marcy Rhodes lives in Westfield with her parents and older brother, Ken. Throughout the series, Marcy matures through meeting new people, traveling and dating a variety of boys. The series has a warm and happy feeling of the 1950s.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1950
6 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Rosamond du Jardin
33 books63 followersRosamond du Jardin, née Neal, first wrote humorous verse and short stories for newspaper syndicates, then went on to sell approximately a hundred stories to such magazines as Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, McCall's and many other publications, abroad as well as in the United States. She also wrote five novels for adults before her first novel for teenagers, Practically Seventeen, which was published in 1949.
She was married to Victor Du Jardin on October 28, 1925. They had three children, Jacqueline Neal, Victor Junior, and Judith Carol, with whom she would later co-author Junior Year Abroad.
In addition to writing, Mrs. Du Jardin frequently spoke at schools, and students enjoyed meeting in person the creator of some of their favorite stories. Mrs. Du Jardin enjoyed her school visits, too, because she liked and respected teenagers as individuals and firmly believed that they are interesting, normal and dependable people.
Born in the small town of Fairland, Illinois, Rosamond du Jardin was two years old when her family moved to Chicago. She lived there and in the Chicago suburbs for the rest of her life.
She was married to Victor Du Jardin on October 28, 1925. They had three children, Jacqueline Neal, Victor Junior, and Judith Carol, with whom she would later co-author Junior Year Abroad.
In addition to writing, Mrs. Du Jardin frequently spoke at schools, and students enjoyed meeting in person the creator of some of their favorite stories. Mrs. Du Jardin enjoyed her school visits, too, because she liked and respected teenagers as individuals and firmly believed that they are interesting, normal and dependable people.
Born in the small town of Fairland, Illinois, Rosamond du Jardin was two years old when her family moved to Chicago. She lived there and in the Chicago suburbs for the rest of her life.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 25, 2011
Loved this book depicting teen life in the 1950's. I laughed out loud at some of the descriptions from the time period. The women's libbers today would have a hay day with this book. However, I secretly wished life today was more like that. I loved that the kids played table tennis and went to the drugstore for Cokes instead of wasting time on the computer and watching TV. It was a much simpler way to live. Charming book.
February 8, 2011
One of my secret guilty pleasures is collecting Scholastic Book Services young adult novels from the 1950s. By now I have about 8-9 of them and they are hilarious. This is the newest one I found. Not the best of the stories but still interesting to read from a sociological point of view. Plus the stock phrases that the authors use to describe the girls' looks are hilarious. I also like to collect them because the size of the books is so little and satisfying. This particular book cost $.35 originally!
December 14, 2020
Very cute little coming of age novel set in the mid-20th century. I love the dynamic between the brother and sister. Makes me think of Bye-Bye Birdie and the Happiest Millionaire musicals.
September 21, 2018
I enjoyed this book very much. Some of the themes were pretty basic in a YA book set in this time period, but with a unique charm. My favorite authors of this genre are Janet Lambert and Leanora Mattingly Weber. I think they write in a more personal way, instead of just being told a story. This book I got the feeling of just being told a story, but towards the middle I started to "get to know" the characters "personally". Overall very pleased and can't wait to read the next one.
January 11, 2023
I don't remember this as well as do the other contemporary ones that I own.
It begins ...
Nothing was farther from Marcy Rhodes' mind, that May night, than the white net formal. She sat sprawled comfortable crosswise in a slip-covered chair, deeply engrossed in her favorite magazine.
It begins ...
Nothing was farther from Marcy Rhodes' mind, that May night, than the white net formal. She sat sprawled comfortable crosswise in a slip-covered chair, deeply engrossed in her favorite magazine.
July 31, 2007
I like this book but as an adult I realize that Marcy's brother Ken is the secret star of the series!
April 11, 2018
Definitely a time trip to small town 1950's upper middle-class high school years--where there were boys to go on dates with, to go for cokes at the drugstore or to see a movie--but especially school dances. And on special occasions, go to the nearby larger city for dinner and a show! Oh and on super special occasions, a dance at the country club.
So many levels to this book, actually.
First off, a lot actually happens. There is Marcy's need to wear her new prom dress to a dance so she needs a date which then enters her into the dating world. And then Devon arrives from New York for a visit and throws brother Ken for a loop. Then Jerry Bonner enters the picture and Marcy is having a crush. Meanwhile we've got Liz and Rosemary and Bix and Steve and a planned bike trip to the north (meaning Wisconsin) and a mysterious disappearance.
Next the book illustrates how having a "gang" to hang with seems to protect the women from needing to "put out" if they want to date. Clearly, if any of these girls "put out" they would be ostracized and the boys appear to understand this. This is all unspoken of course. Interestingly, ten or so years later with my husband's high school years (he was class of 1964) in a small town, perhaps more blue collar than Westfield, there was no country club for example, though there was a similar "gang" the program apparently was, you went steady until you got pregnant and then you got engaged.
The book seems to have picked up ideas from other sources. It opens, for example, with a scene that could have been based on the Norman Rockwell painting "Prom Dress". Marcy's new dress--with silver spangles across the skirt--is a copy of that dress. Then the book ends with a worried "wait for Marcy" just as Penny Parrish causes much worry when she fails to show up for a football game.
Most fascinating element to me: Ken's attraction to Devon and Marcy's attraction of Jerry Bonner are super strong yet the idea is that these attractions are to be outgrown and Ken and Marcy will return to Rosemary and Steve, their Westfield others. Yet in reality, though Devon and Jerry could never be real life partners, the attraction for them is real and significant. In order to truly have a happy life, then, Ken and Marcy need to find partners who make them feel as Devon and Jerry made them feel. Given this, hanging with Steve and Rosemary is misleading and unfair to those two.
Yet there is no thought of this in the book. To me this is an illustration of one of the biggest problems of the 1950's (beyond the fact that there are no people of color around) the pressure to conform to what, and to love who, is acceptable.
So many levels to this book, actually.
First off, a lot actually happens. There is Marcy's need to wear her new prom dress to a dance so she needs a date which then enters her into the dating world. And then Devon arrives from New York for a visit and throws brother Ken for a loop. Then Jerry Bonner enters the picture and Marcy is having a crush. Meanwhile we've got Liz and Rosemary and Bix and Steve and a planned bike trip to the north (meaning Wisconsin) and a mysterious disappearance.
Next the book illustrates how having a "gang" to hang with seems to protect the women from needing to "put out" if they want to date. Clearly, if any of these girls "put out" they would be ostracized and the boys appear to understand this. This is all unspoken of course. Interestingly, ten or so years later with my husband's high school years (he was class of 1964) in a small town, perhaps more blue collar than Westfield, there was no country club for example, though there was a similar "gang" the program apparently was, you went steady until you got pregnant and then you got engaged.
The book seems to have picked up ideas from other sources. It opens, for example, with a scene that could have been based on the Norman Rockwell painting "Prom Dress". Marcy's new dress--with silver spangles across the skirt--is a copy of that dress. Then the book ends with a worried "wait for Marcy" just as Penny Parrish causes much worry when she fails to show up for a football game.
Most fascinating element to me: Ken's attraction to Devon and Marcy's attraction of Jerry Bonner are super strong yet the idea is that these attractions are to be outgrown and Ken and Marcy will return to Rosemary and Steve, their Westfield others. Yet in reality, though Devon and Jerry could never be real life partners, the attraction for them is real and significant. In order to truly have a happy life, then, Ken and Marcy need to find partners who make them feel as Devon and Jerry made them feel. Given this, hanging with Steve and Rosemary is misleading and unfair to those two.
Yet there is no thought of this in the book. To me this is an illustration of one of the biggest problems of the 1950's (beyond the fact that there are no people of color around) the pressure to conform to what, and to love who, is acceptable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2020
Sort of a two and a half rating.. I liked certain aspects of the book, found others extremely annoying-yet I want to know how the series ends.
The description makes it sound like it is all about how on earth she will get Steve to notice her, yet that seemed a very small problem compared to the rest of the book. And sometimes I felt like Ken, her brother, was the main character instead of Marcy. I rather liked Ken; he suffers with trying to work things to his advantage but I feel he really did learn his lesson in the last part of the book. :) In a way, I think Jardin started with Marcy but Ken popped up and took over the plot.
Lifestyles of the fifties was enchanting to see, as if through a window. Even papa's favorite red leather chair in the living room was mentioned, and occasionally what meal they were eating. Love details like that!
The cons: The whole dating game thing. I hoped this was going to be more like a Janet Lambert book, boy falls for girl after many struggles and heartbreak and they live happily ever after, but the author clearly made her characters state you shouldn't fall for one boy-date them all, it's more fun. What, I ask, is the purpose of dating? Answer: to find if you have found the soul mate for your life. These kids are trying to see how many boys they can kiss before they commit to one, after college preferably. One of the characters shocked me by saying, "We are too young to be faithful. That comes after engagement."
Secondly, the parents, while loving and so funny, are slightly lacking parenting kids-it seems acceptable that if there is a problem, the daughter won't talk about it to the Mom, and the Mom won't do anything but worry non-stop. And the son has a spending habit problem, but instead of making him pay his debts and allowing him to get a full-time Summer job, (which they insist is awful because he needs fresh air and exercise and a job won't let him have that), they raise his allowance. His, I ask, and not the girls also? Hmmm. Sounds like a balanced raising.
Bottom line-if you just want a filler with a few easily lovable characters, and a peek at life in the fifties, and can stand some of the ridiculous philosophy, this is a cute one-time read. If not, I recommend Janet Lambert.
The description makes it sound like it is all about how on earth she will get Steve to notice her, yet that seemed a very small problem compared to the rest of the book. And sometimes I felt like Ken, her brother, was the main character instead of Marcy. I rather liked Ken; he suffers with trying to work things to his advantage but I feel he really did learn his lesson in the last part of the book. :) In a way, I think Jardin started with Marcy but Ken popped up and took over the plot.
Lifestyles of the fifties was enchanting to see, as if through a window. Even papa's favorite red leather chair in the living room was mentioned, and occasionally what meal they were eating. Love details like that!
The cons: The whole dating game thing. I hoped this was going to be more like a Janet Lambert book, boy falls for girl after many struggles and heartbreak and they live happily ever after, but the author clearly made her characters state you shouldn't fall for one boy-date them all, it's more fun. What, I ask, is the purpose of dating? Answer: to find if you have found the soul mate for your life. These kids are trying to see how many boys they can kiss before they commit to one, after college preferably. One of the characters shocked me by saying, "We are too young to be faithful. That comes after engagement."
Secondly, the parents, while loving and so funny, are slightly lacking parenting kids-it seems acceptable that if there is a problem, the daughter won't talk about it to the Mom, and the Mom won't do anything but worry non-stop. And the son has a spending habit problem, but instead of making him pay his debts and allowing him to get a full-time Summer job, (which they insist is awful because he needs fresh air and exercise and a job won't let him have that), they raise his allowance. His, I ask, and not the girls also? Hmmm. Sounds like a balanced raising.
Bottom line-if you just want a filler with a few easily lovable characters, and a peek at life in the fifties, and can stand some of the ridiculous philosophy, this is a cute one-time read. If not, I recommend Janet Lambert.
October 12, 2023
I stumbled on this young adult novel from 1950 while I was looking for something else, and I decided to give it a go. It seems it was one of those stories that developed in an author's head for quite a while before it reached novel form, as two of the chapters in this book are based on short stories published in 1932 and 1946.
I think it works in the novel's favor that, despite the title, this book isn't only about Marcy. It's also about her older brother Ken and includes his perspective as well as those of their parents. The story gives some nice glimpses of their familial bonds.
Also despite the title and the fair share of Marcy's social and romantic adventures and troubles, I didn't find any particular reason to like her or really root for her. Yes, she may one day grow out of her adolescent tendency to be dramatic, fickle, and whatnot, but she isn't especially funny or warm-hearted or anything to make you like her, and it's clear the narrative itself doesn't take her too seriously. It's just interesting to watch what's happening to her in this malt shop novel that doesn't seem to have any overall moral to the story, so to speak.
I mean, if there's anyone who does learn (or at least come to consider) something important, it's Ken. His plotting ways can be humorous, thoughtful, and quite clever at times but also manipulative and selfish when he misuses his wits. But Marcy? It isn't clear if she's really learned much or done any growing up by the end of the novel.
Moreover, the book conveys the outdated message that happiness for an adult woman is synonymous with being married, and a couple of the young characters' comments about women and their weight made me roll my eyes. But neither of those brief moments took me off guard.
On the whole, I enjoyed this old-fashioned read as light entertainment, and I plan to try one or two more of the Marcy novels that follow it.
I think it works in the novel's favor that, despite the title, this book isn't only about Marcy. It's also about her older brother Ken and includes his perspective as well as those of their parents. The story gives some nice glimpses of their familial bonds.
Also despite the title and the fair share of Marcy's social and romantic adventures and troubles, I didn't find any particular reason to like her or really root for her. Yes, she may one day grow out of her adolescent tendency to be dramatic, fickle, and whatnot, but she isn't especially funny or warm-hearted or anything to make you like her, and it's clear the narrative itself doesn't take her too seriously. It's just interesting to watch what's happening to her in this malt shop novel that doesn't seem to have any overall moral to the story, so to speak.
I mean, if there's anyone who does learn (or at least come to consider) something important, it's Ken. His plotting ways can be humorous, thoughtful, and quite clever at times but also manipulative and selfish when he misuses his wits. But Marcy? It isn't clear if she's really learned much or done any growing up by the end of the novel.
Moreover, the book conveys the outdated message that happiness for an adult woman is synonymous with being married, and a couple of the young characters' comments about women and their weight made me roll my eyes. But neither of those brief moments took me off guard.
On the whole, I enjoyed this old-fashioned read as light entertainment, and I plan to try one or two more of the Marcy novels that follow it.
September 21, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Oh, Marcy. I know how you feel. You have the super lish white net formal your grandmother bought you in New York City, but it's just TOO ICK to think about finding a date! Why don't the boys just call you? Of course, with brother Ken's best friend Steve around, it's not too hard. Marcy has to pretend that Steve is utterly revolting, but he's a good kid, and with Ken and her mother trying to manipulate her, she doesn't have much choice but to date him, even though she also has Bix wandering around her. Because if you don't date, you won't have anyone to marry the minute you get your degree in early childhood education, and if you don't get married, your mother will NEVER STOP bugging you for grandchildren.
I should not have been allowed to read these in high school. Malt shop books scarred me. But how could I not love a book where in the evenings the family would sit around reading the newspaper, magazines, or science books while mom would knit sunny yellow sweaters for her daughter?
Might have to read the rest of the series, now, just to find out what happens with Steve.
Oh, Marcy. I know how you feel. You have the super lish white net formal your grandmother bought you in New York City, but it's just TOO ICK to think about finding a date! Why don't the boys just call you? Of course, with brother Ken's best friend Steve around, it's not too hard. Marcy has to pretend that Steve is utterly revolting, but he's a good kid, and with Ken and her mother trying to manipulate her, she doesn't have much choice but to date him, even though she also has Bix wandering around her. Because if you don't date, you won't have anyone to marry the minute you get your degree in early childhood education, and if you don't get married, your mother will NEVER STOP bugging you for grandchildren.
I should not have been allowed to read these in high school. Malt shop books scarred me. But how could I not love a book where in the evenings the family would sit around reading the newspaper, magazines, or science books while mom would knit sunny yellow sweaters for her daughter?
Might have to read the rest of the series, now, just to find out what happens with Steve.
February 24, 2020
I like this little book! It's a teen novel from the 1950s-and oh, do I love vintage paperbacks. This one I found in the stacks of local used bookstore for about a dollar. I am always so entranced by novels like these, the ones that aren't largely known or haven't made much of a dent in reading circles for today's crowd. It's a perfect little vignette into the past: teenagers sitting up by the phone, jukeboxes and records, hamburgers, movies, dates, letter writing, telegrams, calling people "a dish" or a "dreamboat." A time I can only attempt to perceive through either books or film.
Certain elements found to be archaic in today's world, definitely, but a sweet (and comical) story of big brother's little sister falling in love with the best friend-- there's an age old tale that never really goes out of style.
(and the cover art is simply "delish!")
Certain elements found to be archaic in today's world, definitely, but a sweet (and comical) story of big brother's little sister falling in love with the best friend-- there's an age old tale that never really goes out of style.
(and the cover art is simply "delish!")
June 27, 2025
I've read this book in Italian, titled 'Ballo d'autunno'.
Here is my review in Italian.
________
Marcy in un certo senso mi sembra un po’ superficiale. Il suo attaccamento a Steve è molto ballerino, e non appena vede qualche altro ragazzo che potrebbe interessarsi a lei, allora cambia umore e si dedica al nuovo giovanotto di turno. La giovane età, a mio avviso, non è una scusante.
Il libro è gradevole e scivola via veloce, ma in definitiva è difficile affezionarsi molto a Marcy. Molto più simpatico Ken o il resto della sua famiglia.
Ad ogni modo i sentimenti sono di base troppo poco profondi. E per profondi non dico che dovrebbero esservi scene di amore più spinto (qui c’è solo un bacio tra Ken e Devon, cugina di Liz di New York che gioca con i sentimenti degli altri), ma maggiore intensità emotiva.
Problema che ho riscontrato ancor di più nel seguito, 'Parentesi in Colorado'.
Here is my review in Italian.
________
Marcy in un certo senso mi sembra un po’ superficiale. Il suo attaccamento a Steve è molto ballerino, e non appena vede qualche altro ragazzo che potrebbe interessarsi a lei, allora cambia umore e si dedica al nuovo giovanotto di turno. La giovane età, a mio avviso, non è una scusante.
Il libro è gradevole e scivola via veloce, ma in definitiva è difficile affezionarsi molto a Marcy. Molto più simpatico Ken o il resto della sua famiglia.
Ad ogni modo i sentimenti sono di base troppo poco profondi. E per profondi non dico che dovrebbero esservi scene di amore più spinto (qui c’è solo un bacio tra Ken e Devon, cugina di Liz di New York che gioca con i sentimenti degli altri), ma maggiore intensità emotiva.
Problema che ho riscontrato ancor di più nel seguito, 'Parentesi in Colorado'.
June 4, 2018
Another blast from the past for me. This is the first of the Marcy Rhodes series. Marcy is 15, with an older brother (Ken) who she squabbles with on a daily basis. They secretly adore each other but you couldn't tell by the way they act. Her brother's best friend, Steve, is also fond of teasing Marcy until Ken decides to get Marcy and Steve together and suddenly Steve sees Marcy as the lovely young woman she is instead of Ken's kid sister. The story goes through the ups and downs of young love, with the break-ups, misunderstandings, and fun that run along the way.
July 22, 2019
I give this book a solid 4 stars in the "maltbook" genre- the stories of teens in the 40's and 50's. Marcy Rhodes is a 15 year-old girl when the book begins and she is unsure of herself when it comes to boys. Her older brother Ken uses his machinations to interest Marcy in his best friend Steve and suddenly Marcy is into the dating game.
DuJardin is an expert at crafting these teenage stories of an earlier time. Could those days ever have been as easy and carefree and FUN as she depicts them? Anyway, it's fun to read about them.
DuJardin is an expert at crafting these teenage stories of an earlier time. Could those days ever have been as easy and carefree and FUN as she depicts them? Anyway, it's fun to read about them.
April 2, 2025
Although it's the first book in the series, I read it last. I liked being able to see where Marcy started, but her character also felt a smidge less fully realized than she is in the other books, which makes sense. It's also neat to see Marcy's brother and mother have air time; the story felt at once more balanced and slightly less focused. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it overall.
October 31, 2021
Unique in that it's told not only from the perspective of Marcy, but also her brother and parents. Very heavy on the teen romance. I was happy when her brother finally had his manipulative ways backfire on him!
May 7, 2024
Cute!
June 14, 2024
Like comfort food
October 15, 2024
Rather dull, but I do, have a sweet spot for older books.
April 17, 2021
3.5 stars or even 4 stars. One of my favorite authors when I first started reading romance novels when I was a young girl and I am loving it. I expected it to be too old-fashioned and simple, but it is sweet and fun.
I like Marcy's family. Marcy and her mother have a good rapport and her 17-year old brother makes me wish I had an older brother growing up, no offense, Sissy.
I like Marcy's family. Marcy and her mother have a good rapport and her 17-year old brother makes me wish I had an older brother growing up, no offense, Sissy.
February 19, 2008
good depiction of youth, at least, of those during the time period this book takes place in. now ... not so much!
quick, light read. good break for between heavier books, or twisted thrillers, etc.
quick, light read. good break for between heavier books, or twisted thrillers, etc.
April 19, 2014
This is the perfect 1960's paperback romance....it's a super easy read (I finished in 2 or 3 days), but it's fun and great for bringing to the beach for some light reading. All the romance is 'classy', and the book is unique and fresh.
December 30, 2016
I loved this book as a teenager and I just re-read it as a ... a, an older person. Still loved it. I think my teenage nieces today would enjoy the story too. Has the happy feel of the 50s with just enough drama to keep the story interesting.
April 11, 2010
I read this as a teenager and just loved it!
Want to read
June 28, 2010mine's a different cover.
November 24, 2013
A perfect maltshop book. I wish the white formal was hanging in my closet!
September 16, 2011
A cozy read from childhood. I think my grandma bought it at a flea market.
Read
July 15, 2016I have a hardback copy with dust jacket from 1950. (also a few paperbacks that I couldn't let others throw away...)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews