It's the summer of 1958, and Beannie, a 13-year-old girl, just can't wait to grow up. This summer is different. She's thirteen now, and her body is starting to show glimpses of the fact that she is entering womanhood, but still not as fast as she would like. Beanie convinces her parents to let her bring her best friend, Chick, to the family cottage. Beanie would be happy to have big breasts like her best friend. The girls get a new perspective on body image when they meet a cancer survivor, Birdey, an American Indian, who lives in the area. They'll also learn lessons about prejudice and alcoholism in this young-adult fiction book that explores how to help a girl deal with body image issues, enter womanhood, and open their eyes to breast cancer. It's one of those good adult fiction books that face severe issues of breast cancer, breast awareness, prejudice, and alcoholism honestly and openly to help young women find self-worth. Humor and teenage drama blend as the story plants seeds of God's plan through Birdey. It deals with breast development in adolescent girls and could be considered an eye-opening breast cancer awareness book for them. "As an adult who has gone through all the feelings of inadequacy of youth, and then to have had a mastectomy at a young age, married with children, I could easily relate to this story. I could put myself in Beannie's shoes and Bridey's moccasins. Young girls (and older) will be able to take away true meaning from this It's what's on the inside that counts, not the outside packaging." -Judy Smith, Breast Cancer Survivor, Branch, Michigan- Author Carla C. Ohse deals with serious subjects in this young adult fiction book with an honest, light-hearted approach, making it an excellent read for young girls. If you've ever wondered how to help a girl with body image issues or the complexities of entering womanhood, this is one of those young adult fiction books that might make those topics easier to discuss.
I couldn’t stop reading this book! This book is overly stunning and tells a story of tolerating oneself through uncertainties. This book is very sweet. A show-stopper if I’ve ever seen one. A good book comes with a good lesson, one that is so heartfelt and relevant, it stuck with me even after reading.
I’m making sure that this review is as authentic as possible so before I reviewed I reread the book again and realized that there were some easter eggs that are obvious once you read the second time around. Bridey is a strong character, not just because of the things she’s been through but because she was able to use those experiences and talks about them to inspire someone else.
Love the book, love the author, and I really wish there was more to the story of Beannie and her friends. I hope the author makes a sequel to this and creates a series.
I have been reading a lot of heavy novels this past few weeks and thought it was time for something a little less oppressive. Luckily, this one fit the bill perfectly. I have so many feelings about this book. I knew after the first chapter that I would not be able to put it down. If I only have a lot of time in my hands I would read this in one sitting. This book is engaging and thought-provoking. It is at turns funny, sad, scary, and ultimately optimistic.
Beannie is having her own crisis, she’s going through a vulnerable time of puberty, wherein teenagers are often insecure about their bodies. I too have experienced that, I was so insecure about my body because I don’t have a curvy waist just like any other girl, or a pretty face the boys would love to stare. But looking back, I’m cringing on myself, thankfully I’ve passed through that stage of my life. No one’s perfect, we all live with our scars. There’s nothing wrong with your body, it’s not about your size, your curves, or your flaws, it’s about the beauty inside you. It is not your job to please others, because I believe that you’re good enough already.
Just keep in mind that there are still lots of people like Bridey who exist... who, in the middle of difficulty, will stay with you no matter what circumstance it is. Surround yourself with people who would not judge you and will accept you just the way you are, those who believe in you when you don’t even feel that way to yourself. They’re the dearest friends you could ever wish for. They’re just there, open your eyes and you’ll see.
This one is a perfect read for those men and women who have been made to feel bad about their bodies.
“Do not make regrets for yourself if you have a different mold than others. You are different, yet the stuff of you is good.”
Beannie feels very self-conscious about her small breasts and wishes for them to be bigger. All her life she felt insecure because of the size of her breast. Her whole life she told herself that she’s not pretty enough. But a stranger she just met told her how pretty she was and it brings a strange pang of joy in her heart. Sheba Bridey is an Indian squaw who undergoes a mastectomy. I liked how she advises a girl with two breasts even though she only had one. There’s an inspirational message that she delivers to the reader, to those who had their surgery done, and to those who don’t open their eyes in this kind of battle. I felt a huge spectrum of emotions after reading this. This book doesn’t just talk about friendship but also the sensitive issues that we barely talked about.
This is her story, their story, of the summer they spent together. I want to acknowledge Sheba Bridey’s character for she will forever occupy a place in my heart. And I hope in yours too. It has heartbreaking moments, but it is also heartwarming, tender, and inspiring. We live, we love, and in the end, we never give up, because the days we are given are gifts from above, thus, we should treasure them like gold hidden underground.
I once thought that it is the typical story of finding a friend over summer vacation, but I was shocked to know that there’s more to it than that.
Beannie is not your typical girl, because there is no such thing. We are all bonded by the common thread of womanhood, but our individuality is undeniable. She might be jealous of her physical appearance, but it’s what makes her different from any other girl, it is her distinctness and it’s beautiful. She always thought that she’s not beautiful enough, but Bridey made her see the beauty within her. And that’s what matters the most, to open your eyes in the heart of your soul, so that the world would find the beauty within you.
I really liked the way the characters and the relationships developed. The writing is excellent and the plot was weaved carefully. I liked Bridey’s inspirational dialogues, it will really hit you from the spot. And that’s the reason why I was always anticipating her wordy pearls of wisdom.
This is a book you want to give to your friend. It’s the book you bring on summer vacation when you want a feel-good story.
After noticing I’m nearing the end I had to close the book in between because it was so hard for me to digest my own emotions and come to terms with the fact that it was going to end page after page.
In the She bear Bride, we follow the story of a young girl named Beatrice Moline they often called “Beannie”. In the summer of 1958, they are to have their vacation in the north just like every other year. And together with her family and friends, they made great memories in their journey. Their family was loved and well-respected by the community. Everybody is welcome in their home, hence, kids love to gather in their household. They are a big family and is composed of; Normie, the eldest, Carrie, a sweet and decent sister which they called Sweet, BonBon the boyfriend magnet in the family, the wise Lil, then Peaches who loves to smile at everyone, lastly, Mikey who completed their family line up.
This was a quick summer read with a really cool, unique, and interesting theme. It felt like eating ice cream in delight but it had to end because it was melting too fast. It was obvious that Ohse had put her whole heart into making this book. It is a masterpiece everyone needs to read.
I can't wait to make a review for this book but first, let's pause for a second and breathe because that was a fast and fun read. I just wish this book didn't need to end.
For the most part, I was fascinated by Ohse's writing style, it is so rich that I felt like I was there. There were times when I had to just stop and read a single sentence over and over again because it was so beautifully written. Moments that give me chills. And there are scenes that I had to close my eyes, to feel the emotions thoroughly and let them sink into me.
Even though I just finished this book, I already know it's one that will stick with me for years to come.
I can't fully express how cathartic this book was. I finally saw parts of myself represented in a novel, the parts that I was ashamed of and pretended didn't exist. There are also stages in my life that I was abashed by my body, just like Beannie, I’m not confident to flaunt it. It was hard for me to accept it at first, but I passed through it. I happen to be very confident about my body. It takes so much time to get to that place but it’s all about embracing yourself.
Over the course of one eventful summer, a 13-year-old girl and an Indian squaw become friends in 1958. Every summer, Beannie’s family would have a vacation to the north, but this time it was a memorable one. Weeks before their trip, she begged her mother to let her friend, “Chicks” join with the family vacation. Chicks is a happy-go-lucky young lady, the usual tall, blond, and blessed with big breasts for her age. While Beannie is a simple and fine woman who gets jealous of the size of her friends’ breasts. She’s that kind of teen in her puberty stage that makes a big deal out of how big or how small her bust is.
Carla Ohse’s writing draws you right in, I sat down and read through the pages in a day without moving in my comfortable spot. It flows at a pace that keeps you turning the pages well into the night, which I totally did. The ending was perfect, even though I want to ask for more, it is the kind of open ending that will stay in your heart forever. A perfect read for young adults, and of all ages.
Beannie is a teenage girl whose self-esteem is on the ground. She often has self-doubts. Sometimes she would felt sure about things but would change her mind in an instant. She never wants to even think about deep things, those which are hard to explain and understand. Funny how I can relate to that myself, yes, I love to learn, I’m curious about the unexplainable, but I just sometimes want to lie in my bed and let the time pass by.
“-The truth may be hard to face, let alone accept”
The truth is the pill that everyone wants but can’t seem to swallow. Nevertheless, you eventually have to. We have to gulp them down with all the painful realizations it has to offer. Even though you don’t want to, the reality would always slap in the face for there is no other way but to surrender to what is right.
This book has so much to offer. A lot of moral insights you would gain and a must-read to all the teenagers out there who are going through a difficult time of their life. This would refresh your mind and would teach you so much about life.
Ohse gracefully balances humor and serious tragedies. It introduces a complex heroine in the body of a 13-year-old, worth getting to know.
I’m so sick of police being the villain in the story, most of it is because it undeniably happens in reality. But when Beannie’s father called for the police after finding out her daughter’s whereabouts in the middle of the night. Bridey got arrested on the spot, but I’m glad that they gave justice to Bridey, even though her race is different from theirs, they didn’t discriminate against her. It was like seeing the silver lining, the bright hope that there are still police officers out there you can trust, I just hope they really are.
One last thing that I would also like to mention is the fact that this book talked about alcoholism but didn't make it a big deal or put any spotlight on it. It was briefly mentioned as a passing comment for the man who walks through the town to ask for whiskey, but you get a hold of the reason why he ends up like that.
This book is so incredible in so many ways I can’t quite explain right now. First, let’s talk about the story. I can’t say anything except that the plot is not what’s important in this book, it’s what we learn from it. There is no concrete plot, and the characters are just looking for adventure, but there's a lot of character development as you read through the pages.
Now, let’s talk about the characters. I know Beannie is sometimes irritating and harsh, but we have to consider that she’s just a kid who doesn’t know what she’s doing. In the end, she learns through the help of both Jasper and Bridey and all of her friends. Bridey’s influence over Beannie is crucial, as they developed a bond unlike any other because of shared stories and problems. I think a relationship like this is important in literature, as it showcases love and a deep connection that doesn’t always happen in most books.
I can’t advertise this book enough, it’s really a joy to read as it gives you childhood nostalgia. Loved every second of reading it.
Beannie is a character you would be so easy to cheer for. Despite her insecurities, she’s still a sweet little girl. And every time I would turn the pages I kept hoping for a way for everything to fall into place for her. Humor is present throughout the story. I smiled a lot and laughed out loud several times. But on the other hand, it also made me scared for a little while. They had their supposed ghost–catching plan in the Indian burial. I just remembered those stupid things me and my friends did when I was young.
I especially liked Bridey because she's the catalyst for Beannie's change - from a clumsy little girl with lots of insecurities, to a sensible fine woman who knows her worth.
I liked how every single character in this story felt real, these felt like real people to me living in another world. Ohse really did a great job in building the personalities of her characters, and how each characters developed.
“She Bear Bride” was my first Carla Ohse book and I was immediately blown away even after reading the first page alone. It's a beautiful friendship book that has a lot of depth and emotion to offer, and I couldn't have loved it more. I haven't read a ton of five-star reads in 2021, but this one gets to the list of my favorites. This had the perfect banter, a slow-burn romance, and gave me so many feels about the growth of the characters. I sometimes ask myself, what more could I ask for? I mean it has everything that I love in a book, from its engrossing plot, enthralling characters to the unexpected twist and turns of the story, they’ve got it all. I must say it is the perfect coming-of-age novel for a reader like me.
My only regret was not reading this in the summer, in front of the beach, while having my sunbathing in the seashore to add so many feelings to it. I highly recommend it for readers looking for a summery-vibes-slash-friendship story.
An insightful, hilarious, and compulsively readable novel about the friendship of two women in 1958, who are in a very different stage in their life, but eventually found a way to connect to one another,
“She Bear Bride” was a book that warmed my heart, put a smile on my face, and made my perceptions to life a little bit better. It's a cute sweet summery story that made me feel everything. It made me smile like a fool and swoon like a teenager.
Friendship is fraught with nuance. Some friendships are meant to last forever, and some for only a season. The latter was what happened to the two best friends. After Beannie’s family vacation they are to be separated by each other. It is inevitable and bound to happen. But they still sent letters to each other every now and then, until they lost contact and never talk ever again.
A perfect book to read while in quarantine and away from your friends.
There are many relevant and thought-provoking themes that beg for discussion, it touches on a sensitive topic that we rarely hear people are talking about. And this is a book made for that purpose, to give awareness and an eye-opener to the public.
It gave me a grand takeaway. Some novels are brilliant all the way through the ending with others the ending is all-important and can either make it or kill it. To me, this novel falls in the first category. From the very start till the end, I have fully immersed it that not even a single person in our household could ever disturb.
You could see Ohse’s homely personality in his writing. Dialogues and Narrations are so perfectly weaved together that no one could ever find a hole in them. It is indisputably rich with ideas, specifically with Indian culture.
This isn’t a superficial story of a teenager but tackles an in-depth understanding of one’s self and the issues around them.
I honestly inhaled this and if it weren't for my piled-up school works, I would have finished it in one sitting. If there's one thing about this book that completely sold me was the fact that I loved so many characters. Especially, Beannie and Bridey. I enjoyed their company right from the beginning and it was such a journey to watch their story unfold. Both these characters had such a wonderful character development throughout the story and even better was seeing their friendship bond stronger. The characters in this book had me crying, laughing, and turning every page like an addict.
The writing is incredibly captivating, the characters are memorable and the themes touch your heart with caution. If you haven’t read this book yet, I think you should give it a try. Throughout the whole reading, the process is very likely to be eye-opening and maybe life-changing. Carla Ohse does not simply focus on the plot alone but on the message she wants her readers to capture as well.
This story had amazing character development, probably one of the best I have ever read for years. I loved reading about Beannie’s journey at such a crucial time in her life, those teenage years of figuring out who she is and what she really wants from life. Of her conquering her insecurities and accepting her flaws.
This is set in 1958, but the attitude of a woman having insecurities about their body doesn't flow away through the years. We worry about what other people think about us, we worry if we’re good-looking enough, and today in the 21st century, social media made it worse for us. It only exacerbates the problem through its culture of getting approval with likes and retweets.
This is a must-read for all teenagers going through a difficult phase of their life. Because wisdom coming from Sheba Bride is the one who will bring back the smile in your pretty face, just like how she made our main character, Beannie, confident and happy.
The ‘coming of age’ trope is not one of my favorites, and this book obviously falls into that category, but the themes discussed in this book piqued my interest and were ultimately the deciding factor for me to continue reading it. I must say that I have judged it sooner.
Having no idea what to really expect, I was instantly drawn in by Beannie’s first-person narrative, and before I knew it, I had spent my free time reading this novel. Mind you, I was unable to tear myself away from it.
Beannie, our main character, is quite a crazy girl with her head in her chest, although hers isn’t that big. She makes a big deal out of her small breast, she wants it to look like her friend’s Chick who has a pretty big bust for a 13-year-old girl.
Ohse’s talent for writing vivid and effortlessly beautiful stories is astounding. The level of emotions conveyed in each chapter just took my breath away over and over again.
A book worthy of praise! It talks about friendship and acceptance in a way that leaves the reader feeling light. In this book, we see the growth of our main character, Beannie in a short span of time. We get to meet new people who are crucial to Beannie’s growth and how she handles decisions as a new teen.
I like how the characters are written as they are, teens who are still figuring out what to do with life and making bad decisions and learning from them from experience. Beannie is an extraordinary character, she’s smart, progressive, and super unique.
Of course, I also enjoyed taking advice from Bridey. She and Beannie unexpectedly found a strange connection between them and immediately formed a unique deep bond. Bridey, together with other friends of Beannie, is responsible for Beannie's character development.
Overall, I loved this book. It really put what’s important into perspective and gives you a pair of fun eyes to what it’s like to be youthful.
A show-stopper, this book is excessively shocking and recounts an account of enduring oneself through vulnerabilities. We adjust a lot through the standard character Beannie. She is a headstrong, self-sufficient woman in the making who makes horrible choices yet remembers them and endeavors to fix them.
I don’t want to give too many spoilers so you'll get the book and read it yourself. While you probably can guess what happens with Beannie and her friends, there is so much in the middle of chapters that make this book what it is.
The writing is magnificent - the descriptions brought out so many emotions in me while I was reading. The author also wrote Bridey to the point where I thought she was a real person! I really learned a lot through her and she impacted my life as she impacted Beannie’s. This story is incredibly unique and I have not read anything like this.
Beannie and Chick are tight-knit best friends whom you barely see without the other. And Normie is Beannie’s brother, who is friends with Tin. They are your typical teenagers, “young, wild and free”. They’re carefree.
One night, Beannie saw a figure on the high dune, sneaking around their cottage. She told it to her three roommates but as expected no one believes her, but it prompts the others to tell ghost stories. It was kind of spooky and disturbing. I’m not the type of person to be scared easily but “She Bear Bride” did it to me surprisingly. I guess it’s Carla Ohse’s writing which made me hooked to the story.
This is the story of friendship, of young days you spent together. I must say I savored every word from this book. Though the ending was devastatingly sad, it is undeniably inspiring and life-affirming. I’m more than happy to have the privilege to read this book.
This is the story that will touch your heart and soul, as well as thousands of other people. It brought me laughter, tears, and fear, but most importantly, I’ve learned after reading this.
I don’t usually cry over a book, but I was teary-eyed after ending it. I guessed I miss my friends so much that I’m so affected by the two of them parting away. Some friendships are taking a ‘pandemic pause’ which is undoubtedly sad. I’m not the person you can call an extrovert but when I get drained easily under normal circumstances because of anxiety, a talk with a friend is my only escape. That’s why I’m so happy to read “She Bear Bride” because it talks to me, it spoke to me in various ways just like how a friend would do. Kudos to Carla Ohse for bringing Bennie and Bridey into the fictional world.
This is a beautiful story of friendship and making sure to rest for a bit and pause to enjoy life because we sometimes forget how fragile and precious it really is. We often forget how to live our lives because we’re too busy passing the time. It is the book that will let the adults reminisce about their youths and reminds the youth to live the most out of it because they are never going to be any younger than they are this time. It really highlights the beauty and importance of all of those very simple everyday moments. It talks about how to value yourself as well as the people around you. It can be hard sometimes if you are full of negative thoughts just like how Beannie is insecure about her boobs, but it's nice to have a friend like Bridey that reminds you how special you are.
I really loved Carla Ohse’s writing style. It was soft, heartfelt, and unadorned.
A fun read, a great way to get through a small vacation, or a long wait in line. This book really showed me a glimpse of my childhood with how the characters interact and how they make stupid decisions that serve as learning points in their life.
Beannie is a solid character, she has will and commitment and it is shown that she cherishes every individual who is critical to her. It is likewise shown that she is very reformist and tolerating, getting to know individuals notwithstanding what others may think.
I love this book in light of the plot as well as on the grounds that it helps me remember my adolescence and the clumsy things I've done. I snicker every time they do insane things and settle on mediocre choices. I'm truly helped to remember all the things I've done before that were important to my growth as a person.
Beannie is just about to have the most memorable vacation ever. I think why Beannie is so important is because we've all been there once, and there are times where she may be irritating yet we realize that she is real and genuine.
Beannie is the main character we can all root for. She is strong and dedicated, sweet and smart. Her only issue is her insecurity and with the help of her friends, she managed to get through it and accept herself for who she is. The message of this book is to accept who you are, that lesson is gradually taught to us by Bridey who I thought is the best character in the whole book for her sincerity and wisdom.
I love the delightful way the writer composed as though the reader encounters things with the characters firsthand, it gives the book such a lot of profundity. I highly recommend this book to my fellow book lovers.
This book meant a lot to me so I decided to give a review. I became stressed at work and wanted a refresher. This book truly helped me. In the early chapters, it felt like I was brought back to the time when I was still a kid - young, free, and clumsy. I can somehow relate to the main character, Beannie, as she always messes things up but still tries to fix them. Bridey reminds me of my best friend, Fritz. Just like Bridey, he gave me advice that made me who I am today I faced insecurities at work too. Sometimes, I feel that I'm not good enough like other people out there, but this book reminds me that although I am not perfect, I am fearfully and wonderfully made. This book taught me that it is really okay not to be perfect. Kudos to the author!
What a wonderful story to escape from! It's a short, but hard-hitting story. It's essentially about Beannie and Chick becoming a woman. And Beannie learning how to love herself through a woman whom she met during their summer vacation. She is a fascinating character. One that is bold, brash, and unlikeable in some ways. However, it is hard not to feel deeply for her. This is a book that in less than 150 pages takes you down a different road that fulfills the empty part in you.
Utilizing her engaging and clever wordplay, Ohse brings her readers to the life of our main character. To me, this book is on a whole new level, an absolute perfection. A story focused on the childhood friendship of the youngsters is something you want to capture now and then.
The book is a mere 130 pages but contains many topics that are greatly appropriate for younger readers who are used to Ohse’s beautiful novel. This story reminds me of Yin and Yang, it is absolute. It's also not static. And it flows with time. This is a short book that has a lot of weight and depth to it. I haven't ever read anything Ohse has written, but she truly bedazzled me. From the first few pages till the acknowledgment, this novel is exceptional and breathtaking. I must say that Carla Ohse did a very good job with both using various themes and character development. She pulled it off and the story doesn’t seem so dragged. She completely established backstories and motivational scenes. This is the story that doesn’t get you boring and you’re always wanting to read more.
This book is beyond beautiful. It is a classic teenager read. I would probably read this book a million times and would never get old.
This book has those moments that truly define who we are and what really happiness means to us. This book is about our teenage years filled with friendship, and angst, and heartbreak, and future planning, and everything in between. This is a story you want to read on a long summer night, just those evenings where our only companions were the stars. And in those moments, we were infinite. This book is the yearning for the past, whilst also looking forward to the days to come. My memories in this book would stay with me forever.