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Billie Standish Was Here
CAN ONE UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP SAVE A LIFE?
Billie Standish has pretty much no one. Her parents are too caught up in their own lives, and the only two girls in town her age want nothing to do with her. When it looks like a nearby levee might break, and Billie's elderly neighbor, Miss Lydia, is the only other person besides her family to stick around, a friendship is born out of circumstance. What happens during that time, in that empty town, is a tragedy that Billie can't bear alone. Can the love of one woman nearing the end of her life save the life of a young woman just at the beginning of living hers?
Billie Standish has pretty much no one. Her parents are too caught up in their own lives, and the only two girls in town her age want nothing to do with her. When it looks like a nearby levee might break, and Billie's elderly neighbor, Miss Lydia, is the only other person besides her family to stick around, a friendship is born out of circumstance. What happens during that time, in that empty town, is a tragedy that Billie can't bear alone. Can the love of one woman nearing the end of her life save the life of a young woman just at the beginning of living hers?
288 pages, Hardcover
First published June 5, 2007
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December 1, 2009
The river jeopardizes the levee and most of the town leaves; but Miss Lydia, an elderly neighbor, and Billie form a friendship that withstands tragedy and time. - From library catalog record
This book is one of the Gateway Award nominees for 2009-2010. Not many students have read it (I think because neither the title nor the cover are appealing). This is unfortunate as it really is a great book set in Missouri...and the author is from Missouri! The relationship between Billie (a young girl) and Mrs. Lydia (her elderly neighbor) is very sweet. As usual in YA Lit, the parents leave quite a lot to be desired...but Billie learns to see them as people and not just parents. There also is rape, murder, and a love story in this well-written story. It definitely won't win the GW because I don't think enough students will have read it, but I certainly hope it places in the top three.
Review from Booklist:
Proving that the heavily mined "child and elderly neighbor change each other's lives" premise isn't completely dry, Crocker's sturdy debut explores the deep and subtle reaches of a friendship that blooms between 11-year-old Billie and her across-the-road neighbor Miss Lydia. Set in a small town several generations ago, this is anchored by three pivotal acts-one driven by hate, one by love, and one a complex combination of the two.The story covers five years of Billie's struggles to get out from under the thumb of her spiteful, abusive mother, and Lydia's efforts to erase the guilt of two terrible secrets as, with agonizing slowness, her aging body fails. Crocker skillfully lays out the heart-deep regard that develops between these two perceptive, spirited females (Lydia is occasionally given to hilariously salty language) as life throws them severe challenges that they weather with each other's help. In Billie, the author creates a narrator whose credible mix of naïveté, resilience, and uncertain but budding sense of self-respect that will speak to young readers. This easily transcends its familiar themes and locale.
This book is one of the Gateway Award nominees for 2009-2010. Not many students have read it (I think because neither the title nor the cover are appealing). This is unfortunate as it really is a great book set in Missouri...and the author is from Missouri! The relationship between Billie (a young girl) and Mrs. Lydia (her elderly neighbor) is very sweet. As usual in YA Lit, the parents leave quite a lot to be desired...but Billie learns to see them as people and not just parents. There also is rape, murder, and a love story in this well-written story. It definitely won't win the GW because I don't think enough students will have read it, but I certainly hope it places in the top three.
Review from Booklist:
Proving that the heavily mined "child and elderly neighbor change each other's lives" premise isn't completely dry, Crocker's sturdy debut explores the deep and subtle reaches of a friendship that blooms between 11-year-old Billie and her across-the-road neighbor Miss Lydia. Set in a small town several generations ago, this is anchored by three pivotal acts-one driven by hate, one by love, and one a complex combination of the two.The story covers five years of Billie's struggles to get out from under the thumb of her spiteful, abusive mother, and Lydia's efforts to erase the guilt of two terrible secrets as, with agonizing slowness, her aging body fails. Crocker skillfully lays out the heart-deep regard that develops between these two perceptive, spirited females (Lydia is occasionally given to hilariously salty language) as life throws them severe challenges that they weather with each other's help. In Billie, the author creates a narrator whose credible mix of naïveté, resilience, and uncertain but budding sense of self-respect that will speak to young readers. This easily transcends its familiar themes and locale.
May 6, 2024
this book was amazing and had me in tears. truly never judge a book by its cover
August 17, 2019
#BecRereads2019
Upon rereading this, I had forgotten about the historical setting. It's not immediately evident or in your face, so I found my brain judging the actions of characters by 2019 standards, which wasn't not working out or adding up. A decade of time apparently made a big difference on some of my initial impressions about the first half of the story, but I carried on, calmed down, and remembered why characters do the things that they do, shifting myself back to a place of understanding and appreciation for this story.
Anyway, long story short, the actions of the characters make sense when you consider both the historical setting and their personal histories. It's still a beautiful story, and I'm glad that I reread it and reconsidered it with my 2019 brain. Some of the actions that take place and decisions that are made post-trauma definitely aren't okay by current standards, but they make sense in their historical context.
At its heart, this is still a story of overcoming the worst, supporting each other through the struggles, and growing into the best person that you can be.
Pages: 288
PREVIOUS REVIEW:
This is an excellent story about facing a nightmare, finding a way to keep living a normal life in spite of it, and letting others help you heal again. It also reminds people that friendships defy demographics (age, race, gender, income, education, etc.) This book deals with some serious stuff. It might make you cry, and it will definitely touch your heart.
Upon rereading this, I had forgotten about the historical setting. It's not immediately evident or in your face, so I found my brain judging the actions of characters by 2019 standards, which wasn't not working out or adding up. A decade of time apparently made a big difference on some of my initial impressions about the first half of the story, but I carried on, calmed down, and remembered why characters do the things that they do, shifting myself back to a place of understanding and appreciation for this story.
Anyway, long story short, the actions of the characters make sense when you consider both the historical setting and their personal histories. It's still a beautiful story, and I'm glad that I reread it and reconsidered it with my 2019 brain. Some of the actions that take place and decisions that are made post-trauma definitely aren't okay by current standards, but they make sense in their historical context.
At its heart, this is still a story of overcoming the worst, supporting each other through the struggles, and growing into the best person that you can be.
Pages: 288
PREVIOUS REVIEW:
This is an excellent story about facing a nightmare, finding a way to keep living a normal life in spite of it, and letting others help you heal again. It also reminds people that friendships defy demographics (age, race, gender, income, education, etc.) This book deals with some serious stuff. It might make you cry, and it will definitely touch your heart.
June 10, 2009
I loved the narrative voice of the protagonist, Billie Marie, which immediately drew me into the story. Although, at times, she definitely spoke with a voice beyond her years. In some cases this was warranted based on her experiences, but in others it seemed a little forced. Billie's age at the beginning of the novel is unclear. And when the dramatic events of the novel begin to unfold they are made doubly horrific when the reader discovers her true age. The novel spans five years of Billie's life. Billie Marie longs to be seen and valued for who she is. Set in rural Missouri in the wake of civil rights and the women's movement, Billie befriends an elderly neighbor who becomes a friend, teacher, and mentor. It is a story about loss, acceptance, friendship, love, and family. The novel deals with a rape and as such may not be for every young adult reader. The novel is artfully done and is never prurient or gratuitous in its depiction of the rape or its aftermath. I think the strengths of the characters and the ultimate themes of hope and recovery are more than enough to recommend the book.
July 10, 2013
I have mixed feelings about this book. I'm giving it 4 stars because the writing is excellent and I love the story. I just really, really, really have a hard time with books about rape. And I thin that's my main complaint. I almost feel as if the story didn't have the rape, it would be even more powerful. Its not really a book about overcoming sexual assault. It's a book about friendship. So for me, personally, (and I expect a lot of people to disagree), the story would have been better without that brutal aspect. I will say, however, that it was handeled really well, not sensationalized or used for dramatic effect. I think its just a personal preference thing. The assault turned a sweet, powerful story into an "issue" book. I loved all the characters, loved the setting, and loved the message of friendship and trust.
June 13, 2008
First off, let me set the record straight. I'm not a Young Adult. Though my wife might argue that point. I'm also not a girl. Again, my wife might argue. But guess what? I loved Billie. There's a natural wit and authenticity here that makes the book an easy, yet deeply engaging read. It doesn't ask too much of the reader, but rewards at every turn. The beauty is in the simplicity of the tale. A breezy read for anyone over 14. Well done Nancy!
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January 2, 2017What i thought over the book is that i really like how the author wrote this book. Also in the beginning of the book was really boring but then her life got interesting and that made the book got really good, It also has a great climax and the plot is really good and I would highly recommend this book to friends.
November 10, 2014
Very hard to get into and a very sad story
December 26, 2017
Crocker, Nancy Billie Standish Was Here, 281 p. Simon and Schuster.
During a town crisis, Billie is befriended by the old lady across the street - one of the few people left in town. Miss Lydia becomes her best friend and her mother figure, as Billie's own mother is emotionally distant. Then Miss Lydia's own degenerate son wounds Billie in the worst way possible and the two draw together to keep the secret and weather the pain.
The story follows Billie from 6th grade to high school graduation and it is nearly impossible to describe a few pithy sentences as it winds its way through the tapestry of grief. It is a quiet book with just a handful of swear words that seem so useless, especially because they diminish the possible audience.
MS, HS - ADVISABLE
During a town crisis, Billie is befriended by the old lady across the street - one of the few people left in town. Miss Lydia becomes her best friend and her mother figure, as Billie's own mother is emotionally distant. Then Miss Lydia's own degenerate son wounds Billie in the worst way possible and the two draw together to keep the secret and weather the pain.
The story follows Billie from 6th grade to high school graduation and it is nearly impossible to describe a few pithy sentences as it winds its way through the tapestry of grief. It is a quiet book with just a handful of swear words that seem so useless, especially because they diminish the possible audience.
MS, HS - ADVISABLE
June 25, 2023
I enjoyed the book very much. Heavy themes but they were handled so well and with decorum. I certainly felt uncomfortable but then again, who would feel comfortable about such a deep subject?
At any rate, this book has been out a little while and I just happened to pick it up at my local library. Im glad I did even though it’s not something I would normally read.
At any rate, this book has been out a little while and I just happened to pick it up at my local library. Im glad I did even though it’s not something I would normally read.
September 19, 2023
I think that this book was really well written and was super interesting. I thought that the details were super descriptive and it made a lot of sense to me. This book was emotional but also a good read for me. I also learned a lot of new words while reading this cause there was a lot of interesting and new words
December 22, 2018
An eloquent portrayal of true friendship, loyalty, and shared trauma between an eleven-year-old girl and an elderly woman. A very sensitive portrayal of lessons learned and secrets kept. These characters were so real that I expect to miss them for a good long time.
June 12, 2020
This was so beautiful.
November 8, 2012
Reviewed by Dena Landon for TeensReadToo.com
This novel set in Missouri in the 1960's transports the reader to another time and place, where the problems faced by Billie Standish are just as real as those faced by teens today.
Billie's parents wanted a boy, hence the first name of William, and spend the majority of their time ignoring her. When the river starts to rise and threatens to flood, Billie's family is one of the few to stay. She forms an unlikely friendship with an elderly woman, Miss Lydia, who begins to show her that there is more to life than her parent's disappointment and that she is capable of far more than she thought.
When a horrible tragedy befalls Billie, Miss Lydia is the only one who can help.
Crocker tells the gentle story of Billie Standish with grace and sensitivity, contrasting the innocence of a time when space travel was astonishing with the dark actions humans are always capable of. The novel follows Billie's life as she grows from the age of eleven to graduating from high school, and as her friendship with Miss Lydia and the secret they share shapes and transforms her life.
**Disclaimer: This novel contains sensitive subject matter that is geared towards older, mature teens.
This novel set in Missouri in the 1960's transports the reader to another time and place, where the problems faced by Billie Standish are just as real as those faced by teens today.
Billie's parents wanted a boy, hence the first name of William, and spend the majority of their time ignoring her. When the river starts to rise and threatens to flood, Billie's family is one of the few to stay. She forms an unlikely friendship with an elderly woman, Miss Lydia, who begins to show her that there is more to life than her parent's disappointment and that she is capable of far more than she thought.
When a horrible tragedy befalls Billie, Miss Lydia is the only one who can help.
Crocker tells the gentle story of Billie Standish with grace and sensitivity, contrasting the innocence of a time when space travel was astonishing with the dark actions humans are always capable of. The novel follows Billie's life as she grows from the age of eleven to graduating from high school, and as her friendship with Miss Lydia and the secret they share shapes and transforms her life.
**Disclaimer: This novel contains sensitive subject matter that is geared towards older, mature teens.
November 12, 2020
I saw this on my recommendations and I didn't think I would like it from reading the description, and I guess I was right. The description doesn't even begin to describe this book, because honestly, if I were to describe it, I would pretty much say that I loved it, fifty pages in it got me hooked and had me crying, and I stayed interested in it throughout the whole book. I have honestly never wanted to own a book of my own just so I could underline and annotate it so much before. This book is just stunning, it's quickly a new favorite of mine even though the narrator did seem a bit mature at times, but I guess you would be too if the only friend you had for most the beginning of your life was a woman nearing eighty. There's definitely so much to take from this book about love, friendship, family, abuse, and many other things.
I just finished the book at 11:56pm and I'm honestly not sure if I even saw the last ten pages of the book, but damn that was the best bawl I've ever had over a book ending. My hair's soaked from laying in bed and crying over it.
I just finished the book at 11:56pm and I'm honestly not sure if I even saw the last ten pages of the book, but damn that was the best bawl I've ever had over a book ending. My hair's soaked from laying in bed and crying over it.
August 17, 2016
Recommended for ALL girls, and boys starting puberty. Not for kids under ten.
I do not EVER review books. I just don't. But at a left-handed Missourian named Billie I feel a little obligated to weigh in on this one.
For starters, I cried the whole time.
As plots go, a majority of this one was predictable. I saw the main plot point coming a mile away. That still didn't keep me from crying, though, nor should it keep you from reading this book. Billie is a wise young girl, reminding me a lot of myself at that age, and knows a lot that some would call beyond her years. As the book progresses this becomes even more true, and the sweetest scenes with Miss Lydia, in my opinion, are the ones where she teaches Billie. The way Miss Lydia educated them with her magazines reminds me so much of college Honors classes that I wish I'd had an old lady next door.
If you want a harsh but real coming-of-age story, one that will make you cry your eyes out, I'm begging you to please read this book. It's worth it.
I do not EVER review books. I just don't. But at a left-handed Missourian named Billie I feel a little obligated to weigh in on this one.
For starters, I cried the whole time.
As plots go, a majority of this one was predictable. I saw the main plot point coming a mile away. That still didn't keep me from crying, though, nor should it keep you from reading this book. Billie is a wise young girl, reminding me a lot of myself at that age, and knows a lot that some would call beyond her years. As the book progresses this becomes even more true, and the sweetest scenes with Miss Lydia, in my opinion, are the ones where she teaches Billie. The way Miss Lydia educated them with her magazines reminds me so much of college Honors classes that I wish I'd had an old lady next door.
If you want a harsh but real coming-of-age story, one that will make you cry your eyes out, I'm begging you to please read this book. It's worth it.
June 25, 2016
Wow. Boy, did those last twenty pages kill me.
I still have tears running down my face as I write this. I won't say too much in this review because I don't want to give anything away (although this book doesn't really have any major plot twists or anything).
I loved the relationship between Billie and Miss Lydia. It was beautiful and sweet and realistic and perfect. I wish there were more great female relationships like this. It's a shame that it's so rare to see.
Also, I love that this story keeps going after a certain event (no spoilers) because I know SO many books that would just end it there without exploring what comes after or falling into the cliche of my big pet peeve The Big Bad Secret.
Also, I want to make a quick note about this without giving much away so I'll just say: feminism is super sexy.
Anyway, despite this kind of book not being my normal cup of tea, I would definitely recommend it.
I still have tears running down my face as I write this. I won't say too much in this review because I don't want to give anything away (although this book doesn't really have any major plot twists or anything).
I loved the relationship between Billie and Miss Lydia. It was beautiful and sweet and realistic and perfect. I wish there were more great female relationships like this. It's a shame that it's so rare to see.
Also, I love that this story keeps going after a certain event (no spoilers) because I know SO many books that would just end it there without exploring what comes after or falling into the cliche of my big pet peeve The Big Bad Secret.
Also, I want to make a quick note about this without giving much away so I'll just say: feminism is super sexy.
Anyway, despite this kind of book not being my normal cup of tea, I would definitely recommend it.
December 24, 2012
Well, this book is really good despite that it is a debut novel of Nancy Crocker. I really liked how Nancy made her protagonist in this novel and because of Billie's being the invisible one in their house as well as in her school, I am really sorry for Billie for being so lonely and considering herself as invisible to others because her parents didn't pay attentiom to her that much and thanks to Mrs. Lydia all of it changed because Billie experienced having a friend in her person and teaching Bilie's mother to be kind and gentle to Billie and also I liked how Mrs. Lydia did the juatice for Billie by killing Curtis even though it's her son and also because of Mrs. Lydia, Billie had her second friend and later became her inamorato in the person of Harlan.
The ending didn't affect me that much but I guess I was just expecting too much from it but to sum it up, I really liked it!!
The ending didn't affect me that much but I guess I was just expecting too much from it but to sum it up, I really liked it!!
September 25, 2019
With threat of a levee breaking hanging over their heads, most of this small town in Missouri leave. Billie Standishs' family stays to ward off the possible flood. Ms. Lydia, their across-the-street neighbor also stays and the two form a bond. Billie helps Ms. Lydia out around her house and Ms. Lydia offers to be a friend for her. The only two other girls in her grade are so wrapped up in themselves that they aren't interested in anyone else.
Spending time with Ms. Lydia puts Billie in close range of her son who leers at her whenever he gets a chance. One day that chance came when no one was around. And Billie never understands why she got in the car and didn't run away.
I really enjoyed this book. However, I didn't feel as if Billie's trauma regarding her sexual assault are fully formed. The "getting over it" aspect was to neat and tidy.
Spending time with Ms. Lydia puts Billie in close range of her son who leers at her whenever he gets a chance. One day that chance came when no one was around. And Billie never understands why she got in the car and didn't run away.
I really enjoyed this book. However, I didn't feel as if Billie's trauma regarding her sexual assault are fully formed. The "getting over it" aspect was to neat and tidy.
October 20, 2010
This is the story of William Marie Standish, the only daughter to farmers living in Missouri. Billie thinks she'll be spending the summer of 1968 like she has spent every other summer she can remember, alone. Her parents work very hard from sun up til sun down while Billie stays home. However, this summer has something different in store for Billie. When her town is evacuated for a possible flood her family decides to stick it out. Her family and one neighbor are the only people left. Billie and Miss Lydia, the elderly neighbor strike up a very unlikey friendship; spending every afternoon together. It's turning into the best summer Billie has every had until something awful happens. She and Miss Lydia now share a terrible secret and have only eachother to lean on.
April 17, 2008
If I hadn't been sitting in Five Guys Burgers and Fries, I would have cried at the end. As it was, my eyes moistened. When Billie was raped, I thought, "Oh boy, this is going to be a book of never-ending misery," but no! It's a book about healing and love, and most of all about living..
Here's why I didn't give it 5 stars, even though I really liked it: I never could fully reconcile Miss Lydia's revenge, and I am not sure about the title accurately capturing the spirit of the book. But it was close to a 5.
Here's why I didn't give it 5 stars, even though I really liked it: I never could fully reconcile Miss Lydia's revenge, and I am not sure about the title accurately capturing the spirit of the book. But it was close to a 5.
May 1, 2009
This book was great! Billie Marie Standish lives an almost invisible life. Her parents work from dawn till dusk and she doesn't fit in with her small town. One summer she creates an unforgettable friendship with her older neighbor, Miss Lydia. After a tragic and life-changing accident involving Miss Lydia's son these two best friends must keep a scary secret and bond together to sew up the rip made in their lives. This book is a bit mature, some graphic images but nonetheless a sweet book. I only wish it didn't have such a blunt ending.
August 30, 2011
Bille Standish Was Here is the kind of book that might make a difference in a young girl/woman's life. It is a cautionary tale and a strong-heart song--giving even the wounded the courage to continue, to step back up and be brave. Detailed in the brutal rape the main character suffers, but understated in other ways so the event is in no way salacious. It' the kind of book that might make a difference in a young boy/man's life too. This book is remarkable and I've found, this summer, that I wanted to re-read it and take a few lessons from the talented Nancy Crocker.
October 27, 2015
What an incredibly beautiful book!! I love Nancy Crocker's writing. Her characters become your best friend, as if you can breathe and live through their emotions and thoughts. I read this novel in one sitting and completely fell in love with Billie Marie, Miss Lydia and Harlan. I laughed (sometimes busting out loud), got shocked, was angry, and cried - that says a lot about a book; I was invested fully. As with her other book, I marked so many passages to savor again and thought of many people for whom I want to recommend this gem. This novel is a real treat!
May 13, 2012
This book took me a bit to get into, but by the end I was engulfed. Billie is a young woman who doesn't have any friends and no one seems to pay much attention to her. Fortunately, her dear neighbor, Miss Lydia, takes Billie under her wings and helps her to find herself in one of the most important times of her life. The book is slow moving at times but extremely touching and you'll be cheering and for Billie and Ms. Lydia by the end.
April 20, 2008
Fantastic book that uses an intergenerational friendship as a coming of age story. Crocker interweaves history in a way that is neither didactic nor irrelevant, but demonstrates how our history affects the way we grow up. This book refuses to get caught up in a great, but fairly typical plot, using that as a basis to go further and deeper.
May 28, 2008
This one kind of reminded me of "Pictures of Hollis Woods" - a emotionally damaged girl heals with the help of a elderly woman. I thought at first that this was going to be a book for older kids, rather than teens, because the main character was 11 for at least the first 1/2, but then we follow her until she is 16/17.
December 27, 2009
Beware: this one is SAD.
If you can stomach the awful stuff happening to this girl, the relationship she eventually builds with her elderly neighbor is SO worth wading through the sadness. Such a good depiction of a cross-generational friendship that is believable. I love books with exceptionally well-developed characters, and this one surely has them.
If you can stomach the awful stuff happening to this girl, the relationship she eventually builds with her elderly neighbor is SO worth wading through the sadness. Such a good depiction of a cross-generational friendship that is believable. I love books with exceptionally well-developed characters, and this one surely has them.
June 23, 2010
I really loved this book it was written really well. Billie one day finds out everyone in the neighborhood had left except her family and the old lady next door, Miss Lydia. This book goes through Billie's years (11-16?) and Miss Lydia's as well. Full of life, love, adventure, sadness,and an 11 year old girl want ing a friend. I loved this book!
December 17, 2014
This was an outstanding story! It's been on my "to read" list for a couple years, but I was stalling because it was billed as a young adult book. Not sure how it got that designation, because it deals with mature topics that the younger set might find very troubling. Bottom line: loved the characters and the storyline wasn't far-fetched. A very enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews