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The Opposite of Tidy
Fifteen-year-old Junie is barely coping. Her mother has started sleeping in the chair in front of the TV, and the house is so packed with junk, newspapers, cupboard organizers and other helpful items from the Shopping Channel that she can barely get in the front door. Her father is no help, since he's always with That Woman. To top it off, she's failing math. So when Wade Jaffre, the hot new guy at school, offers her a ride home, it seems too good to be true. Junie surprises herself by accepting - and even talking! She doesn't have to think twice about directing him on to her best friend Tabitha's house, or about continuing the charade of pretending she lives there. Tabitha and her mother are understanding - and willing to go along, for the moment. But as the weeks go by, Junie's lies start piling up and the opportunity to tell the truth seems to slip away. Until the day Junie's world - and her mother's - is literally turned inside out for everyone to see, and Junie and her mother must face the consequences of her mother's illness... and the lies they both told to hide it.
361 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 2012
3 people are currently reading
464 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Mac
19 books158 followersFour-eyed bookworm, tattooed queer, storyteller nomad mama to two unschooled earthlings, based in East Van, overlooking the shipyard cranes and always ready for the next most amazing giant tiny little big wonderful something to capture my attention.
Or:
When Carrie Mac was born, her right eye gawked off in one direction while her left eye looked the other way. Well meaning adults thought she was a changeling and so they wrapped her up and put her on the porch for the fairies to take back, please and thank you. It was snowing. It was dark. No fairies came. The same well meaning adults decided she'd catch her death out there. So they brought her in and kept her after all.
She's read millions of books, and has sat happily at the feat of a legion of storytellers. She is equally fascinated by disaster and grace. car wrecks, hurricanes, plagues, and genocides on the one hand, small and stunning everyday miracles on the other. She sometimes wishes she were a pirate. She'd often wished she'd run away and joined the circus when she had the chance. She spends a great deal of time in the company of her imagination, and when she isn't, she's wide eyed and awed by this planet and the people running amok all over it.
Or:
When Carrie Mac was born, her right eye gawked off in one direction while her left eye looked the other way. Well meaning adults thought she was a changeling and so they wrapped her up and put her on the porch for the fairies to take back, please and thank you. It was snowing. It was dark. No fairies came. The same well meaning adults decided she'd catch her death out there. So they brought her in and kept her after all.
She's read millions of books, and has sat happily at the feat of a legion of storytellers. She is equally fascinated by disaster and grace. car wrecks, hurricanes, plagues, and genocides on the one hand, small and stunning everyday miracles on the other. She sometimes wishes she were a pirate. She'd often wished she'd run away and joined the circus when she had the chance. She spends a great deal of time in the company of her imagination, and when she isn't, she's wide eyed and awed by this planet and the people running amok all over it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 6, 2024
good enough not great
May 19, 2012
I wasn’t really interested in reading this book at first, just by the cover. There wasn’t anything wrong with it, I’m just not a fan of “untidy” and didn’t feel like reading a YA book about what I presumed to be a messy room that reflected the mess in a 6th grader’s life. I was later confused when I learned that the book revolved around the story of a hoarder–or the daughter of a hoarder. I hate to say this, but I genuinely thought that hoarders were just people that didn’t care about living in a mess and were just pack-rats. I never dreamed that hoarding is actually a seriously bad case of OCD and it is mentally hard to control. When I did realize all of this, I was intrigued. What could this book possibly be about? Hoarding can’t be *that* bad; those reality tv shows clearly exaggerate, right? Wrong.
The Opposite of Tidy is told from the point-of-view of Junie, a fifteen year old who is dealing with her parents’ divorce, her father moving in with her mother’s personal life coach, falling in love for the first time, and living in a house that is infested with rats and shit. I don’t mean shit in the “random stuff everywhere” sense, I mean shit in the “the basement is filled with faces” sense. She can’t stay with her father, because that would involve bearing life with That Woman. She can’t leave her mother, who is emotionally unstable and unhinged thanks to her obsession. She can barely tell her best friend the real situation her house is in because if she did, social services would bear down upon her and her mother and take Junie away. That is a lot to deal with for a fifteen year old, in case you didn’t notice. Naturally, when the boy of her dreams comes along, she begins to tell lies about her life–where she lives, who her mother is, etc. Unfortunately, nothing stays hidden for long and Junie’s lies explode loud enough for the whole town to know the truth. It’s a struggle between sticking the rough times out and hoping that life actually can change for the better versus running away and hiding from her problems.
Sometimes I was confused by Junie’s age. Her situation made her seem older than she was; at times I felt that she was seventeen. Her thoughts and personality were so easy to sink into and my heart went out to her. I was conflicted when she was conflicted, and momentarily happy when she was. Carrie Mac doesn’t hold back when discussing the ramifications of being a hoarder. I cringed a lot and genuinely felt sorry for Junie’s mother while still being utterly frustrated with her behaviour. So basically, I was mimicking everything Junie was feeling as I read. Mark of a good story? I’d say so.
It’s not your normal YA novel, really. I think anyone who reads this can identify to a character in this book, be it the mother, the father, Junie or her friends. I found it disturbing but important to learn what hoarding really is, specifically how it affects the victim as well as their loved ones. My mind kept jumping back to a subway poster I saw when I had just moved here. I can’t remember the name of the show, but it was a portrait of a family sitting pretty peacefully at a portion of a table. I say a portion because the rest was surrounded by random crap (this time stuff, not feces) and some scattered rats and roaches. It looked like the entire family was cool with the way they lived and were ready to get their fifteen minutes of fame for their disgusting lifestyle. To read a book that shows that hoarding isn’t always just a life choice and is emotionally (not to mention physically) dangerous for the hoarder and those around them was enlightening.
What I loved about the book was that it wasn’t heavy. Of course it was disturbing to read, and yes it was pretty realistic, but I still had fun reading it. If I tried to create a balance like that while writing a book, I’d fail miserably and then some. So kudos to Carrie Mac for writing a book that is appealing no matter what age you are and making a statement while keeping you hooked the entire time!
The Opposite of Tidy is told from the point-of-view of Junie, a fifteen year old who is dealing with her parents’ divorce, her father moving in with her mother’s personal life coach, falling in love for the first time, and living in a house that is infested with rats and shit. I don’t mean shit in the “random stuff everywhere” sense, I mean shit in the “the basement is filled with faces” sense. She can’t stay with her father, because that would involve bearing life with That Woman. She can’t leave her mother, who is emotionally unstable and unhinged thanks to her obsession. She can barely tell her best friend the real situation her house is in because if she did, social services would bear down upon her and her mother and take Junie away. That is a lot to deal with for a fifteen year old, in case you didn’t notice. Naturally, when the boy of her dreams comes along, she begins to tell lies about her life–where she lives, who her mother is, etc. Unfortunately, nothing stays hidden for long and Junie’s lies explode loud enough for the whole town to know the truth. It’s a struggle between sticking the rough times out and hoping that life actually can change for the better versus running away and hiding from her problems.
Sometimes I was confused by Junie’s age. Her situation made her seem older than she was; at times I felt that she was seventeen. Her thoughts and personality were so easy to sink into and my heart went out to her. I was conflicted when she was conflicted, and momentarily happy when she was. Carrie Mac doesn’t hold back when discussing the ramifications of being a hoarder. I cringed a lot and genuinely felt sorry for Junie’s mother while still being utterly frustrated with her behaviour. So basically, I was mimicking everything Junie was feeling as I read. Mark of a good story? I’d say so.
It’s not your normal YA novel, really. I think anyone who reads this can identify to a character in this book, be it the mother, the father, Junie or her friends. I found it disturbing but important to learn what hoarding really is, specifically how it affects the victim as well as their loved ones. My mind kept jumping back to a subway poster I saw when I had just moved here. I can’t remember the name of the show, but it was a portrait of a family sitting pretty peacefully at a portion of a table. I say a portion because the rest was surrounded by random crap (this time stuff, not feces) and some scattered rats and roaches. It looked like the entire family was cool with the way they lived and were ready to get their fifteen minutes of fame for their disgusting lifestyle. To read a book that shows that hoarding isn’t always just a life choice and is emotionally (not to mention physically) dangerous for the hoarder and those around them was enlightening.
What I loved about the book was that it wasn’t heavy. Of course it was disturbing to read, and yes it was pretty realistic, but I still had fun reading it. If I tried to create a balance like that while writing a book, I’d fail miserably and then some. So kudos to Carrie Mac for writing a book that is appealing no matter what age you are and making a statement while keeping you hooked the entire time!
May 8, 2012
Wow. Carrie Mac has written a heart-breaking book about a 15-year-old girl who is dealing with her parents' divorce, that woman that her father had an affair with, the attentions of the hot new boy at school, Wade, and a life dominated by the lies she tells and the secrets she keeps to keep her mother's compulsive hoarding hidden.
I'll admit that during the first chapter or two, I wasn't sure about it. (Seemed like there was a bit of telling rather than showing at times.) However, I have to admit that I was so wrong. Mac has written a book with emotions that are sure to ring true for those living with compulsive hoarders - including the shame and fear of word getting out and the consequences of it - as well as some insight into what causes this type of OCD to develop in Junie's mother. I'd recommend this book for those dealing with this problem as well as those who are interested in a different psychological situation from their everyday reality whether they're teens or adults.
I'll admit that during the first chapter or two, I wasn't sure about it. (Seemed like there was a bit of telling rather than showing at times.) However, I have to admit that I was so wrong. Mac has written a book with emotions that are sure to ring true for those living with compulsive hoarders - including the shame and fear of word getting out and the consequences of it - as well as some insight into what causes this type of OCD to develop in Junie's mother. I'd recommend this book for those dealing with this problem as well as those who are interested in a different psychological situation from their everyday reality whether they're teens or adults.
June 30, 2013
So I started and finished this book in one day... it was THAT good! The story is about a 15 year old girl named Junie and her mother is a hoarder. Although this is a fictional tale, I feel that the writer must have done a lot of research on hoarding and the people who suffer because of it. Her descriptions were quite detailed and just made you feel like taking a shower.
This is from the first page: "... Her big fat self smelled rank. Junie couldn't recall the last time her mother had washed her hair. It was lank and wet-looking, but not from any water. Just grease. There was a slick on her skin too, a light oily sheen from not having showered or bathed or even passed a damp cloth over her face for who knew how long."
The story is about how Junie deals with her mother's addiction and how it affects her everyday life. There's also a big twist near the end which reveals the reason why her mother even started the hoarding. It was pretty much like an episode of Hoarders but from the perspective of a teenager. It hooked me from the beginning and I thought it was a good read.
This is from the first page: "... Her big fat self smelled rank. Junie couldn't recall the last time her mother had washed her hair. It was lank and wet-looking, but not from any water. Just grease. There was a slick on her skin too, a light oily sheen from not having showered or bathed or even passed a damp cloth over her face for who knew how long."
The story is about how Junie deals with her mother's addiction and how it affects her everyday life. There's also a big twist near the end which reveals the reason why her mother even started the hoarding. It was pretty much like an episode of Hoarders but from the perspective of a teenager. It hooked me from the beginning and I thought it was a good read.
February 6, 2020
The story of a hoarder, her daughter and a thinly-disguised "Oprah" wannabe. Not bad.
**reread this evening and I enjoyed it even more than I did the first time. **
**reread this evening and I enjoyed it even more than I did the first time. **
August 7, 2021
(Rating based on middle School me) Read this book back I middle school which was sometime between 2012-2015. Every now and then I will be thinking about this book. I remember going to the library with my class and picking this book out and finishing it before the end of day. I loved this book.
February 20, 2018
I enjoyed this book about a teen girl whose mom is a hoarder.
December 27, 2021
3.5 ⭐️ but i rounded up bc this book makes me so nostalgic
September 18, 2023
“The Opposite of Tidy” tells the tale of Juniper, a teenage girl who is deeply embarrassed by her living situation. Her mom is an unemployed compulsive hoarder who spends all her days on the couch, watching TV in a house filled with trash and junk she has bought from the Shopping Channel. To make things worse, Junie is falling behind in math. When Wade Jaffre offered her a ride home, she gave him the address of her best friend Tabitha’s house when she saw her parents outside fighting. Tabitha agrees to continue the lie that she lives there. Junie seems to have the lie under control until one day when Junie and her mother’s world turns upside down, and they both have to face the music of her mother’s illness. However, with a best friend like Tabitha and her boyfriend, Wade, she was able to navigate through this ordeal in hopes of helping her mom overcome their state of living.
(click the link below to read the full review)
https://soshereadsbooks.com/the-oppos...
(click the link below to read the full review)
https://soshereadsbooks.com/the-oppos...
June 27, 2012
Everyone has seen the hoarding shows on television at some point or another or they've at least heard of them. This book is a take on the effects that hoarders have on their loved ones, specifically their children. Unlike the TV shows, this book offered a very personal feeling take on the issue without seeming too cliche or falsified.
The cover is a good representation of the book; it features a pile of clothing, which was one of the many things hoarded by the mother of the main character. Also, the pink cowboy boots do have a part in the book part way through, it's nice to see some tie ins on the cover. The bright pinks and oranges are very eye catching and enjoyable to look at; not too harsh on the eyes. The tag line, "How do you come clean when your life is a mess?" is a perfectly suited line to describe the book, tying the entire cover together.
During the course of the book some of the characters grew on me while others didn't. The main character, Junie, had her enjoyable moments, but for the most part I did not agree with her decisions and how she treated others. She didn't treat her mother very well at all, even considering the situation she had put them in and she didn't think of the consequences her lie had on those around her, specifically Tabitha and her mother. I really enjoyed Tabitha, the best friend character, and her mother for being understanding of what Junie was going through, but at the same time trying to get her to do the right thing no matter how Junie treated them.
The writing was one of the parts of the book I didn't enjoy. Something about it was just not appealing to me, whether it was the unnecessary use of swearing or the way it reflected upon the characters. The way that characters were portrayed just didn't put them in the best of lights, even though they clearly had a lot of potential, and it really showed in some cases, such as the case of Junie. I didn't find Junie to be too like-able, which really didn't aid the plot. In the plot's defense, I did think it was well paced and fairly realistic feeling without ever having too many absolutely unbelievable moments and it had a good ending.
Overall, I truly liked the premise of this book better than the delivered product. If you're looking for a book specifically about hoarding, give this book a try. I give The Opposite of Tidy a 3/5.
The cover is a good representation of the book; it features a pile of clothing, which was one of the many things hoarded by the mother of the main character. Also, the pink cowboy boots do have a part in the book part way through, it's nice to see some tie ins on the cover. The bright pinks and oranges are very eye catching and enjoyable to look at; not too harsh on the eyes. The tag line, "How do you come clean when your life is a mess?" is a perfectly suited line to describe the book, tying the entire cover together.
During the course of the book some of the characters grew on me while others didn't. The main character, Junie, had her enjoyable moments, but for the most part I did not agree with her decisions and how she treated others. She didn't treat her mother very well at all, even considering the situation she had put them in and she didn't think of the consequences her lie had on those around her, specifically Tabitha and her mother. I really enjoyed Tabitha, the best friend character, and her mother for being understanding of what Junie was going through, but at the same time trying to get her to do the right thing no matter how Junie treated them.
The writing was one of the parts of the book I didn't enjoy. Something about it was just not appealing to me, whether it was the unnecessary use of swearing or the way it reflected upon the characters. The way that characters were portrayed just didn't put them in the best of lights, even though they clearly had a lot of potential, and it really showed in some cases, such as the case of Junie. I didn't find Junie to be too like-able, which really didn't aid the plot. In the plot's defense, I did think it was well paced and fairly realistic feeling without ever having too many absolutely unbelievable moments and it had a good ending.
Overall, I truly liked the premise of this book better than the delivered product. If you're looking for a book specifically about hoarding, give this book a try. I give The Opposite of Tidy a 3/5.
April 22, 2012
Come by my blog, Forever Lost in Books, for MORE reviews, giveaways, interviews and memes!
Title : The Opposite of Tidy
Series : -
Author : Carrie Mac
Pages : (my copy) 361
Release Date : April 10th 2012
Publisher : Razorbill / Penguin Canada
Format : ARC
Source :
**Thank you to Penguin Canada for providing an ARC in exchange of an honest review!**
My Opinion :
The Opposite of Tidy was a moving and heart-breaking book.
It's the story of Junie, the daughter of a hoarder. Her mother keeps buying junk and crap from the Sopping Channel. And their house is about to explode. Junie's father left them to That Woman, a social worker (or something like that) who was supposed to help Junie's mother get back on track (I guess she didn't do that.... bitch...). Then, Junie meets this guy, Wade, and she lies to him about her parents. About were she lives. But, it comes flinging back at her at full speed.
The Opposite of Tidy is a great and fast read that sucks you in from the moment you start it.
I really liked this contemporary book a lot. I have watched some shows about hoarders, and it has always disgusted me a whole lot, but now, I feel like I know a bit better the problem. It normally comes from something traumatizing.
The writing is pretty fast-paced, and this book is hard to put down!
I especially like Tabitha, Junie's best friend, because she's really supportive of Junie, even if she disagrees with what Junie did.
Junie was a little whiny... and she threw loads of fits, but, I guess that was her role as a main character to do that.
I thought that Wade wasn't involved enough in the book... I really like romance, and I felt like it wasn't developed enough (romance ALWAYS (well, most of the time) makes the book better! Not clichéd romance, but REAL romance! *dreamy sigh*)
In the beginning, I really loved this book, but, it got a little less better in the middle and in the end (why, oh why?). I just didn't like the fits Junie threw and how mean she was to her mother. I mean, it's not by telling her how much of a useless mother she is that is going to make it better!
Overall, a great book!
Title : The Opposite of Tidy
Series : -
Author : Carrie Mac
Pages : (my copy) 361
Release Date : April 10th 2012
Publisher : Razorbill / Penguin Canada
Format : ARC
Source :
**Thank you to Penguin Canada for providing an ARC in exchange of an honest review!**
My Opinion :
The Opposite of Tidy was a moving and heart-breaking book.
It's the story of Junie, the daughter of a hoarder. Her mother keeps buying junk and crap from the Sopping Channel. And their house is about to explode. Junie's father left them to That Woman, a social worker (or something like that) who was supposed to help Junie's mother get back on track (I guess she didn't do that.... bitch...). Then, Junie meets this guy, Wade, and she lies to him about her parents. About were she lives. But, it comes flinging back at her at full speed.
The Opposite of Tidy is a great and fast read that sucks you in from the moment you start it.
I really liked this contemporary book a lot. I have watched some shows about hoarders, and it has always disgusted me a whole lot, but now, I feel like I know a bit better the problem. It normally comes from something traumatizing.
The writing is pretty fast-paced, and this book is hard to put down!
I especially like Tabitha, Junie's best friend, because she's really supportive of Junie, even if she disagrees with what Junie did.
Junie was a little whiny... and she threw loads of fits, but, I guess that was her role as a main character to do that.
I thought that Wade wasn't involved enough in the book... I really like romance, and I felt like it wasn't developed enough (romance ALWAYS (well, most of the time) makes the book better! Not clichéd romance, but REAL romance! *dreamy sigh*)
In the beginning, I really loved this book, but, it got a little less better in the middle and in the end (why, oh why?). I just didn't like the fits Junie threw and how mean she was to her mother. I mean, it's not by telling her how much of a useless mother she is that is going to make it better!
Overall, a great book!
February 15, 2014
I'm quite torn about this book. There were things I liked about it, and things I did not.
The things I liked:
I liked the story itself. I was drawn to it in the book store because the story was unique and interesting. I liked the way it unfolded, and I liked the surprise at the end, tying everything together. There were also some excellent setting descriptions and the writing itself was good.
What I didn't care for:
The many references of things long gone, by which I mean - pop culture. Laura Ingalls Wilder, A Clockwork Orange, Patsy Cline, an old western movie, etc. etc. etc. Even the outfit she wore on her date seemed very outdated to me. I really didn't ring true for me for these teenagers to be carrying on and on about this 'old stuff'. I could even understand if it was just the movies because maybe that's one of Wade's quirks. But it was everything, which made it feel more like an older, nostalgic person writing for teens. And then everybody was like, "Warning, don't have sex! Warning, don't have sex!" constantly throughout the book. I could understand the adults saying it, and even found the scene with the dog funny, but when her best friend was saying it repeatedly, it seemed more like a lecture by the author.
I did not like that the author pointed out more than once that two of the characters were gay, and let me explain this. I love that they were a couple. That's great. Yes, include it. But when it's pointed out very heavily to me that it's this big issue, it takes away from the story. It's not a big issue. It's just a fact. Move on.
One more thing: I felt like Junie wasn't very distinct as a character. I mean, I don't even think I got a physical description of her. Maybe I just don't remember it, but I couldn't even picture her in my mind. It was frustrating. I don't even know what she likes as a character. I just know who she likes and what she doesn't like.
Regardless of what I reviewed that I didn't like, overall the book was decent. I did read until the end, which means that I did basically like it. But I am still trading it in.
The things I liked:
I liked the story itself. I was drawn to it in the book store because the story was unique and interesting. I liked the way it unfolded, and I liked the surprise at the end, tying everything together. There were also some excellent setting descriptions and the writing itself was good.
What I didn't care for:
The many references of things long gone, by which I mean - pop culture. Laura Ingalls Wilder, A Clockwork Orange, Patsy Cline, an old western movie, etc. etc. etc. Even the outfit she wore on her date seemed very outdated to me. I really didn't ring true for me for these teenagers to be carrying on and on about this 'old stuff'. I could even understand if it was just the movies because maybe that's one of Wade's quirks. But it was everything, which made it feel more like an older, nostalgic person writing for teens. And then everybody was like, "Warning, don't have sex! Warning, don't have sex!" constantly throughout the book. I could understand the adults saying it, and even found the scene with the dog funny, but when her best friend was saying it repeatedly, it seemed more like a lecture by the author.
I did not like that the author pointed out more than once that two of the characters were gay, and let me explain this. I love that they were a couple. That's great. Yes, include it. But when it's pointed out very heavily to me that it's this big issue, it takes away from the story. It's not a big issue. It's just a fact. Move on.
One more thing: I felt like Junie wasn't very distinct as a character. I mean, I don't even think I got a physical description of her. Maybe I just don't remember it, but I couldn't even picture her in my mind. It was frustrating. I don't even know what she likes as a character. I just know who she likes and what she doesn't like.
Regardless of what I reviewed that I didn't like, overall the book was decent. I did read until the end, which means that I did basically like it. But I am still trading it in.
August 17, 2014
The Opposite of Tidy seemed interesting enough when I picked it up at the library. After all, there aren't many books about the daughter of a compulsive hoarder. I feel like this book had the potential to be good, but it just... wasn't. Although the setting was very unique and interesting, it wasn't enough to save the book from the gaping hole that is the lack of ANY personality for Junie. She is in NO WAY unique. She's what every teenage girl would be if you took away all personality. Really, the protagonist is supposed to be different in SOME WAY. I don't care if they're a good person or a bad person, smart or stupid, talented or not, but they have to be SOMETHING. I mean, it's obvious that Wade was interested in Junie before he picked her up for the ride home, but really, that one fact is just unrealistic by the time you're halfway through. I strongly doubt that Wade would be at all interested in her because she has NO PERSONALITY. I think it's much more realistic that he actually would be interested in Tabitha because, unlike Junie, she has a personality. Junie has absolutely nothing she is passionate about. When I was reading, it really seemed like she was... blank. The author didn't go into any detail about Junie at all, not even her physical appearance. She's pretty much what you start off with when you make a character, except you're supposed to add some things. Perhaps all these complaints I've had about how there is nothing unique about her could have been fixed if the author went into the slightest detail about her thoughts, but that didn't happen.
All in all, 2 stars, because character development is quite important to a novel, especially in realistic fiction!
All in all, 2 stars, because character development is quite important to a novel, especially in realistic fiction!
April 16, 2012
Junie doesn't have an easy life. She's failing math, even though her pal, Otto, is tutoring her. Marla, her mother, is a hoarder who doesn't shower and spends her days and nights in a chair ordering stuff off the Shopping Channel. Junie knows that if anyone finds out how serious the situation is with Marla, Social Services wouldn't let her live there any more and who would take care of her mother? Her dad had hired a life coach last year to help her mother but he ended up leaving Marla for the life coach, who Junie now despises and views as a homewrecker.
Along comes Wade, the new guy in school, and he likes her. Embarrassed and ashamed of her mother and their house, Junie tells him that her friend, Tabitha's house is hers and Mrs. D. is her mother. They get close and start dating.
That's a lot for a teenager to handle. Junie knows she's enabling her mom but when she tries to stand up to her, Marla lays the guilt trip on her. She's all her mother has.
Marla realizes she has an illness and makes a decision that she think will set her on the path of getting well ... but is she truly ready?
Though I'd consider this a book for young adults, I enjoyed it and would recommend it. The writing style kept me interested as did the story. I can't imagine anyone living like this. The tone is fairly serious as Junie struggles handle everything.
Blog review: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2012/04...
Along comes Wade, the new guy in school, and he likes her. Embarrassed and ashamed of her mother and their house, Junie tells him that her friend, Tabitha's house is hers and Mrs. D. is her mother. They get close and start dating.
That's a lot for a teenager to handle. Junie knows she's enabling her mom but when she tries to stand up to her, Marla lays the guilt trip on her. She's all her mother has.
Marla realizes she has an illness and makes a decision that she think will set her on the path of getting well ... but is she truly ready?
Though I'd consider this a book for young adults, I enjoyed it and would recommend it. The writing style kept me interested as did the story. I can't imagine anyone living like this. The tone is fairly serious as Junie struggles handle everything.
Blog review: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2012/04...
May 14, 2012
Junie’s been living with the secret of her mother’s hoarding for so long. The only one who know about it is her best friend Tabitha, and even she doesn’t know how bad the situation really is. When Wade Jaffre takes an interest in her, Junie’s life becomes increasingly messy with the lies she tells in order to protect her biggest secret.
Junie lies because she doesn’t want Wade to know about her mom’s compulsive hoarding and how he will see her after he finds out. But by not speaking up and seeking help from others, Junie actually enables her mom to continue with her hoarding which is getting worse and worse. I can understand why Junie felt like she had to lie to Wade at first because they were in the beginnings of a new relationship. But soon the lies are stacking up and things are getting more and more complicated as Junie recruits her best friend Tabitha and Tabitha’s mom.
I really liked Junie’s best friend Tabitha. She’s one of those great friends who will never abandon Junie even when she’s at her lowest point. The relationship with Wade could have been more developed.
There were some sad moments as Junie struggles with trying to help her mom. Overall, I thought this was a good contemporary read. I’ve never read any stories about hoarding and this one really showed how it can affect a family.
Junie lies because she doesn’t want Wade to know about her mom’s compulsive hoarding and how he will see her after he finds out. But by not speaking up and seeking help from others, Junie actually enables her mom to continue with her hoarding which is getting worse and worse. I can understand why Junie felt like she had to lie to Wade at first because they were in the beginnings of a new relationship. But soon the lies are stacking up and things are getting more and more complicated as Junie recruits her best friend Tabitha and Tabitha’s mom.
I really liked Junie’s best friend Tabitha. She’s one of those great friends who will never abandon Junie even when she’s at her lowest point. The relationship with Wade could have been more developed.
There were some sad moments as Junie struggles with trying to help her mom. Overall, I thought this was a good contemporary read. I’ve never read any stories about hoarding and this one really showed how it can affect a family.
October 22, 2012
White Pine Book #4
Juniper's (Junie) mom is a hoarder. Extreme one too. Her mom (Marla) rarely leaves the house, more specifically, a chair she sits in front of the TV. Often, she finds herself ordering useless junk from infomercials and watching the famous Kendra Show.
Things change when Wade asks Junie out. Embarrassed by her mother, Junie starts lying. These lies start to compile, almost like the junk her mother hoards at home.
Did I like this book? It's alright. I can't say I love it, but I can say I disliked it a bit. There is a plot, but you don't relate to the characters much. I can understand that feeling you get when you lie once, then again to keep that lie a lie. But other than that, I couldn't relate too much to the characters. June claims she loves her parents, but consistently proves otherwise. Tabitha, her best friend, is a 100% goody-goody, but still insists on skipping school and having Junie date a boy they barely know.
Based on the White Pine books I've read so far, I'd rank this one close to least favourite (no offence). But I guess we'll see how it goes with the others.
Juniper's (Junie) mom is a hoarder. Extreme one too. Her mom (Marla) rarely leaves the house, more specifically, a chair she sits in front of the TV. Often, she finds herself ordering useless junk from infomercials and watching the famous Kendra Show.
Things change when Wade asks Junie out. Embarrassed by her mother, Junie starts lying. These lies start to compile, almost like the junk her mother hoards at home.
Did I like this book? It's alright. I can't say I love it, but I can say I disliked it a bit. There is a plot, but you don't relate to the characters much. I can understand that feeling you get when you lie once, then again to keep that lie a lie. But other than that, I couldn't relate too much to the characters. June claims she loves her parents, but consistently proves otherwise. Tabitha, her best friend, is a 100% goody-goody, but still insists on skipping school and having Junie date a boy they barely know.
Based on the White Pine books I've read so far, I'd rank this one close to least favourite (no offence). But I guess we'll see how it goes with the others.
June 18, 2013
This was a typical YA storyline featuring a new and fresh situation. The storyline follows the standard girl has secret and doesn’t tell boy, boy finds out and leaves mad, girl tries to fix things for a happy ending. But the situation involving a hoarder and reality show is interesting and unusual.
I have always has a fascination with hoarding, and all hoarder reality shows. Seeing it in print, including lots of “behind the scenes” sides was quite entertaining. I especially love the “dirty” side of reality shows that is revealed. It felt quite real, and while it was uncomfortable for Junie and her family, it felt right to the reader.
This was a very personal story. Hoarding is a well hidden problem, and to see it exposed, and to see the effects it has on other people who aren’t hoarders, i.e. Junie, was quite heart-breaking. Even if the storyline felt cookie-cutter, the actual story was well written, and quite engaging. I found myself rooting for Junie and hoping everything would work out.
I have always has a fascination with hoarding, and all hoarder reality shows. Seeing it in print, including lots of “behind the scenes” sides was quite entertaining. I especially love the “dirty” side of reality shows that is revealed. It felt quite real, and while it was uncomfortable for Junie and her family, it felt right to the reader.
This was a very personal story. Hoarding is a well hidden problem, and to see it exposed, and to see the effects it has on other people who aren’t hoarders, i.e. Junie, was quite heart-breaking. Even if the storyline felt cookie-cutter, the actual story was well written, and quite engaging. I found myself rooting for Junie and hoping everything would work out.
May 18, 2013
Okay. So The Opposite of Tidy isn't how I thought it would be, it was the opposite. (Get it? Get it?)
In a way, this book was gross, just disgusting. This mother may be sick, but who'd really want to read about toilets overflowing and spilling out in the basement? I know I wouldn't, but sadly, I did.
Minus the "grossness," this novel would be pretty good. in my opinion. It could have been better, though.
The plot was very intriguing, hoping that everything would work out. The show in the novel, I forgot what it was called, reminded me of a mix of The Ellen Show, Dr. Phil and Judge Judy, in a way. A helping out talk show where the main person goes out to seek for those troubled ones, it was kind of funny in a way.
The characters were another thing. Having a funny heroine, adding a gross mother, and a helpful talk show host, gives you The Opposite of Tidy, one hilarious novel.
In a way, this book was gross, just disgusting. This mother may be sick, but who'd really want to read about toilets overflowing and spilling out in the basement? I know I wouldn't, but sadly, I did.
Minus the "grossness," this novel would be pretty good. in my opinion. It could have been better, though.
The plot was very intriguing, hoping that everything would work out. The show in the novel, I forgot what it was called, reminded me of a mix of The Ellen Show, Dr. Phil and Judge Judy, in a way. A helping out talk show where the main person goes out to seek for those troubled ones, it was kind of funny in a way.
The characters were another thing. Having a funny heroine, adding a gross mother, and a helpful talk show host, gives you The Opposite of Tidy, one hilarious novel.
March 13, 2013
Junie's mom is a hoarder. Her dad left them for That Woman. Her best friend, Tabitha, is amazing. Wade Jeffres is hot and he offered her a ride home!
When Junie and Wade drive down her street, she sees her parents arguing in the driveway and tells Wade that her house is really Tabitha's house. Instead of telling the truth, she spins a web that eventually falls apart. Now Junie has to figure out how to deal with her mom being on TV and a boyfriend who won't talk to her.
This book is an interesting one and a quick read. Junie is forced to care for her mom and is trying to act grown up, but is still a teenager and impulsive. There is talk about sex, but no scenes. Decent writing, but too much negative stuff (sex, swearing, rudeness, lying, etc) for me to give it more than an "OK".
When Junie and Wade drive down her street, she sees her parents arguing in the driveway and tells Wade that her house is really Tabitha's house. Instead of telling the truth, she spins a web that eventually falls apart. Now Junie has to figure out how to deal with her mom being on TV and a boyfriend who won't talk to her.
This book is an interesting one and a quick read. Junie is forced to care for her mom and is trying to act grown up, but is still a teenager and impulsive. There is talk about sex, but no scenes. Decent writing, but too much negative stuff (sex, swearing, rudeness, lying, etc) for me to give it more than an "OK".
April 27, 2012
Review: Well this book was one of a kind, I liked it and I really couldn’t help but feel bad for Junie, I understand why she is mortified about her life and what started with just a small lie took proportions that became quickly out of control.
I liked Wade too even if sometimes I found him a little bit ‘tasteless’ and yet he was jut good, Junie should have figured out and I have to admit it annoyed me a bit she waited so long to come clean.
This book do touch a sensitive subject, Junie situation breaks my heart and her mother mental instabilities are really taking a toll on every aspect of Junie’s life.
In conclusion this book was original and concentrating on a kind of mental illness I never read before.
Stars: 3.5/5
I liked Wade too even if sometimes I found him a little bit ‘tasteless’ and yet he was jut good, Junie should have figured out and I have to admit it annoyed me a bit she waited so long to come clean.
This book do touch a sensitive subject, Junie situation breaks my heart and her mother mental instabilities are really taking a toll on every aspect of Junie’s life.
In conclusion this book was original and concentrating on a kind of mental illness I never read before.
Stars: 3.5/5
Want to read
April 23, 2012Wow.
A very difficult but also very compelling book by the extremely talented Carrie Mac. Summary is above so I won't give it again; suffice to say, Junie life isn't easy, and hasn't been for a while. She struggles to find her place in the world but also to have a normal life despite all efforts to ensure that she doesn't. I know - vague, but I don't want to give any spoilers.
It's a slow start and you may wonder where things are going but stay with the book - your heart will break more than once.
A very difficult but also very compelling book by the extremely talented Carrie Mac. Summary is above so I won't give it again; suffice to say, Junie life isn't easy, and hasn't been for a while. She struggles to find her place in the world but also to have a normal life despite all efforts to ensure that she doesn't. I know - vague, but I don't want to give any spoilers.
It's a slow start and you may wonder where things are going but stay with the book - your heart will break more than once.
August 28, 2013
there aren't many books about kids dealing with a parent with mental illness, at least not as many as there should be and The Opposite of Tidy does a fairly decent job of portraying what it might be like. While the writing is a bit simplistic and does a lot of telling instead of showing, I found myself drawn into the characters and their struggle. Pretty good, and it definitely gets points for telling a story about something that is becoming more and more prevalent or at least known - hoarding.
December 16, 2012
It was a well written book. Quite horrified of Junie's quality of life. Would recommend. Didn't like how the show scene went by so fast and the fact that Junie is disrespectful and disgusting to her step-mom (yeah, she did play a part in breaking up the family, but it ain't entirely her fault; geeez Junie). Also, sometimes, I really want to slap Junie because she has PROBLEMS. Other than that, the book was good.
July 12, 2013
A realistic teen fiction novel about a girl whose mother has a hoarding problem. The book is set in Vancouver and features many interesting characters. The reader learns how the hoarding impacts on the girl's life and personal relationships and some of the reasons behind hoarding are explored. I was intrigued by the story and wanted to find out what happened to the characters.
A fairly solid piece of teen fiction.
A fairly solid piece of teen fiction.
February 6, 2017
It really makes you think about the world in a different way. It isn't a book I plan on reading again though. Not because it was bad in any way, it isn't the type of book you need to read again.
April 23, 2012
This book was really difficult to read at times. Carrie Mac does an excellent job of making the reader understand the feelings of the main character, whose mother is a serious hoarder. I nearly cried when she described how it felt entering the house. I was thoroughly engaged and it made me consider my own collection of "stuff" and how easily it can get out of control.
July 21, 2013
I like Carrie Mac's books and this was no exception. Junie has a problem that she is embarrassed about, and I can see her getting into all the predicaments she does. One lie leads to another ... It was interesting to see her friend and her friend's mom support her deception, not realizing how bad it had become. We do not realize what some kids have to live through.
April 10, 2013
I enjoyed it, it was a good read and I liked the definite uniqueness of it. I think maybe it could win this years award because it was extremely better than most of the reads this year in white pine that's for sure.
December 28, 2012
I have no words, just that this book was a meh in my opinion. I thought that the portrayal of the hoarder mom was pretty realistic and pretty good. I dunno. I liked the plotline and the journey and all, but it wasn't very interesting to me whatsoever, so I'm giving this book a meh.
June 14, 2013
This book is fantastic. Hits a little close to home for me for a few reasons.
Carrie Mac is definitely one of my favourite Canadian YA authors (I read The Grypon Project a few years ago); I can't wait to read more!
Carrie Mac is definitely one of my favourite Canadian YA authors (I read The Grypon Project a few years ago); I can't wait to read more!
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