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Destiny, Rewritten
This sweet contemporary story about poetry, family, and determining your own destiny is perfect for fans of books by Wendy Mass, Joan Bauer, Sharon Creech, and Rebecca Stead.
Eleven-year-old Emily Elizabeth Davis has never met her father, so when a book of poetry with his name in it goes missing, Emily and her friends search all over their hometown of Berkeley, California, hoping to track it down. Meanwhile, even though her English-professor mother insists that Emily is destined to become a poet (she named her after Emily Dickinson!), Emily secretly corresponds with her idol, romance writer Danielle Steel.
As Publishers Weekly says, "Fitzmaurice's story deftly mingles Dickinson, Danielle Steel, a budding crush, and protesting tree sitters while maintaining suspense that leads to a satisfying ending."
Eleven-year-old Emily Elizabeth Davis has never met her father, so when a book of poetry with his name in it goes missing, Emily and her friends search all over their hometown of Berkeley, California, hoping to track it down. Meanwhile, even though her English-professor mother insists that Emily is destined to become a poet (she named her after Emily Dickinson!), Emily secretly corresponds with her idol, romance writer Danielle Steel.
As Publishers Weekly says, "Fitzmaurice's story deftly mingles Dickinson, Danielle Steel, a budding crush, and protesting tree sitters while maintaining suspense that leads to a satisfying ending."
338 pages, Hardcover
First published February 19, 2013
36 people are currently reading
2971 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Fitzmaurice
4 books78 followersWhen Kathryn was thirteen years old, her mother sent her to New York City over the summer to visit her grandmother, who was a science fiction author. After seeing how her grandmother could make the characters in her books into whomever she wanted, Kathryn decided that she, too, wanted to become a writer someday. Years later, after teaching elementary school, and taking many classes, she now writes full time and lives with her husband, two sons, and her dog, Holly, in Monarch Beach, California.
Kathryn was born in New York City, but grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. She holds a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Chapman University. Her favorite thing to do is walk her dog, Holly, who, she says is so smart, she can practically empty the dishwasher. She also likes organizing absolutely anything, including messy garages, closets, and even cluttered junk drawers. If she could, she would eat the same thing for lunch everyday, which would be a ham, Swiss cheese, and tomato Panini, a green apple, and a chocolate soufflé.
Kathryn Fitzmaurice taught elementary school for six years before becoming a full-time writer. She lives in Monarch Beach, California, not far from the swallows' roost, with her husband and two sons.
Kathryn was born in New York City, but grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. She holds a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Chapman University. Her favorite thing to do is walk her dog, Holly, who, she says is so smart, she can practically empty the dishwasher. She also likes organizing absolutely anything, including messy garages, closets, and even cluttered junk drawers. If she could, she would eat the same thing for lunch everyday, which would be a ham, Swiss cheese, and tomato Panini, a green apple, and a chocolate soufflé.
Kathryn Fitzmaurice taught elementary school for six years before becoming a full-time writer. She lives in Monarch Beach, California, not far from the swallows' roost, with her husband and two sons.
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July 24, 2013
Historically, the romance novel has had a bad rap. I've seen a few English teachers use the genre for target practice; a bullseye of their derision. My mom used to hide her Danielle Steele book behind a handmade quilted cloth cover sheepishly showing me the cover when I'd ask what book she was reading. Her eyebrows arched in surprise when I said that this billion dollar industry is the most popular genre in modern literature. When I worked at a public library the book with the highest circulation was a romance novel. The genre is written by women for women and typically features a protagonist who gains unconditional love against all odds while being true to herself which allows her to shape her own destiny to some extent. Destiny Rewritten is a clever mix of the romance novel, pop culture, classical literature, and poetry. Toss in sub characters who like the military, spy novels, and ecology and you have a potpourri of interests for many readers.
Eleven-year-old Emily recounts her mom's purchase of an Emily Dickinson book on the day she was born writing inside, "Emily Dickinson is one of the great poets. The same will be said of you one day." Emily discusses with her best friend, Wavey, how this inscription is her destiny. The problem is Emily doesn't like poetry and is distressed that her destiny is not her passion in life. Emily wants to be a romance writer like Danielle Steele. Yep, you read that correctly... she wants to be a romance writer. She writes funny letters to the famous Ms. Steele that recap what is going on in her life, her turmoil over the concept of fate, and asking her advice on issues she's dealing with in her life.
Emily doesn't know her dad or even his name. Her mom never married and is a strong believer in Fate, meaning a person cannot change his or her destiny. Emily's not so sure and begins to experiment with making changes in her life to test her hypothesis. When Emily asks her mom for the bazillionth time the name of her dad, her mom says it is written in her Emily Dickinson book. A series of mishaps causes the book to be lost and Emily goes on a quest to find it. She learns not only what she wants to do with herself, but she tries to bend destiny to her will. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.
Emily's mom is a literature professor so when Emily has the courage to tell her she wants to be a romance novelist, her mom's reaction is typical of an English teacher who would not think highly of that genre, making the episode particularly ironic and funny. "I suppose there's the classics," she finally said. "Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice." Her mom is portrayed as a grown-up who was once a hippie student from Berkeley in the 1960's, a free spirit who doesn't discipline her daughter much or even help her much on her quest to recover the book. This is critical to the plot so that Emily can go searching for the book on her own and have adventures. A couple of spots felt forced to me and somewhat unbelievable, such as the scene with Ginger helping the kids, but overall the plot works quite well.
This story is great for younger readers with its short 2-3 page chapters and clever letters to Danielle Steele that recount what has happened in Emily's adventure. This reinforces reading skills for students who are learning to read for meaning and who don't always follow the plot the first time around. Adult readers will laugh at the humor in the letters. Poetry is sprinkled throughout the pages to be used for discussions ranging from haiku, sonnets, free verse, to Dickinson's use of CAPS in the middle of her verses. A subplot involving the cutting down of trees and the ensuing protest at Berkeley's campus (of course) makes for a rounded plot that ties in with the rich history of students protests at this university and points out that destiny doesn't always have a happy ending (like a romance); that sometimes Fate can't be changed regardless of what is done to try and change it.
Another subplot that ties in with the romance novel theme is the two adults, Emily's mom and dad, who have been separated, though still in love, by obstacles that have kept them apart for decade; in addition to the budding romance of Emily with her friend, Connor Kelly. The innocence of the two becoming interested in each other also supports the romance genre. They go from tongue-tied adolescents, to him offering her a ring (a plastic one from a Cheerio box), to her saying, "But I couldn't stop thinking how my conversation with Connor was sort of almost exactly like the ending of a romance novel, where two people made plans in their own secret way that no on else could possible understand."
Dontcha love that line, "sort of almost exactly...?" It sounds just like a kid. Fitzmaurice does a great job with character development. The characters distinct voices make them engaging and easy to visualize. Emily is compulsively organized along with her aunt whom she lives with and they both finds it calms them and makes them feel in control of their lives. Mortie, the younger cousin and son of her aunt, loves the military and spy novels. He finds a stray dog and names him, Samuel Morse, and talks like a soldier or how he thinks a soldier would talk. "I didn't know that was your special book. You've never shown it to me!" He scanned the street. "You want me to start a recon mission? Just give the order." Cecily Ann would normally be teased for her odd behaviors such as wearing red rain boots while spouting poetry all day long, but the kids think she is brilliant and admire her. Emily is particularly kind and threads of kindness can be traced in all the characters adding to the feel-good tone and happy ending.
Wavey and Emily have several terrific conversations where they use their imaginations and refer to pop culture. The clever technique is first shown when the two girls notice the teacher always asks the boys to lift the heavy boxes and the girls to pour water into the beakers for science class. Students notice so much in class such as if the teacher is calling on only boys or girls or being fair. This dialogue added an authenticity between the girls and is a good reminder of the importance of avoiding stereotypes and inequities in classrooms. The entertaining dialogue has the two girls talking about Princess Leia in the movie, Star Wars, who is always waiting to be rescued by the men. They banter about the men saving her and fighting off the enemy while Princess Leia paints her fingernails and drinks coffee. More comic relief comes from ensuing dialogues between the girls about The Little House on the Prairie books and television series and the good-looking Connor. A terrific book and one my mother wouldn't have to mask with a cloth. Give it a go!
Eleven-year-old Emily recounts her mom's purchase of an Emily Dickinson book on the day she was born writing inside, "Emily Dickinson is one of the great poets. The same will be said of you one day." Emily discusses with her best friend, Wavey, how this inscription is her destiny. The problem is Emily doesn't like poetry and is distressed that her destiny is not her passion in life. Emily wants to be a romance writer like Danielle Steele. Yep, you read that correctly... she wants to be a romance writer. She writes funny letters to the famous Ms. Steele that recap what is going on in her life, her turmoil over the concept of fate, and asking her advice on issues she's dealing with in her life.
Emily doesn't know her dad or even his name. Her mom never married and is a strong believer in Fate, meaning a person cannot change his or her destiny. Emily's not so sure and begins to experiment with making changes in her life to test her hypothesis. When Emily asks her mom for the bazillionth time the name of her dad, her mom says it is written in her Emily Dickinson book. A series of mishaps causes the book to be lost and Emily goes on a quest to find it. She learns not only what she wants to do with herself, but she tries to bend destiny to her will. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.
Emily's mom is a literature professor so when Emily has the courage to tell her she wants to be a romance novelist, her mom's reaction is typical of an English teacher who would not think highly of that genre, making the episode particularly ironic and funny. "I suppose there's the classics," she finally said. "Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice." Her mom is portrayed as a grown-up who was once a hippie student from Berkeley in the 1960's, a free spirit who doesn't discipline her daughter much or even help her much on her quest to recover the book. This is critical to the plot so that Emily can go searching for the book on her own and have adventures. A couple of spots felt forced to me and somewhat unbelievable, such as the scene with Ginger helping the kids, but overall the plot works quite well.
This story is great for younger readers with its short 2-3 page chapters and clever letters to Danielle Steele that recount what has happened in Emily's adventure. This reinforces reading skills for students who are learning to read for meaning and who don't always follow the plot the first time around. Adult readers will laugh at the humor in the letters. Poetry is sprinkled throughout the pages to be used for discussions ranging from haiku, sonnets, free verse, to Dickinson's use of CAPS in the middle of her verses. A subplot involving the cutting down of trees and the ensuing protest at Berkeley's campus (of course) makes for a rounded plot that ties in with the rich history of students protests at this university and points out that destiny doesn't always have a happy ending (like a romance); that sometimes Fate can't be changed regardless of what is done to try and change it.
Another subplot that ties in with the romance novel theme is the two adults, Emily's mom and dad, who have been separated, though still in love, by obstacles that have kept them apart for decade; in addition to the budding romance of Emily with her friend, Connor Kelly. The innocence of the two becoming interested in each other also supports the romance genre. They go from tongue-tied adolescents, to him offering her a ring (a plastic one from a Cheerio box), to her saying, "But I couldn't stop thinking how my conversation with Connor was sort of almost exactly like the ending of a romance novel, where two people made plans in their own secret way that no on else could possible understand."
Dontcha love that line, "sort of almost exactly...?" It sounds just like a kid. Fitzmaurice does a great job with character development. The characters distinct voices make them engaging and easy to visualize. Emily is compulsively organized along with her aunt whom she lives with and they both finds it calms them and makes them feel in control of their lives. Mortie, the younger cousin and son of her aunt, loves the military and spy novels. He finds a stray dog and names him, Samuel Morse, and talks like a soldier or how he thinks a soldier would talk. "I didn't know that was your special book. You've never shown it to me!" He scanned the street. "You want me to start a recon mission? Just give the order." Cecily Ann would normally be teased for her odd behaviors such as wearing red rain boots while spouting poetry all day long, but the kids think she is brilliant and admire her. Emily is particularly kind and threads of kindness can be traced in all the characters adding to the feel-good tone and happy ending.
Wavey and Emily have several terrific conversations where they use their imaginations and refer to pop culture. The clever technique is first shown when the two girls notice the teacher always asks the boys to lift the heavy boxes and the girls to pour water into the beakers for science class. Students notice so much in class such as if the teacher is calling on only boys or girls or being fair. This dialogue added an authenticity between the girls and is a good reminder of the importance of avoiding stereotypes and inequities in classrooms. The entertaining dialogue has the two girls talking about Princess Leia in the movie, Star Wars, who is always waiting to be rescued by the men. They banter about the men saving her and fighting off the enemy while Princess Leia paints her fingernails and drinks coffee. More comic relief comes from ensuing dialogues between the girls about The Little House on the Prairie books and television series and the good-looking Connor. A terrific book and one my mother wouldn't have to mask with a cloth. Give it a go!
August 11, 2016
I knew I loved this book by page 8, where Emily and her best friend Wavey have a hilarious conversation about Princess Leia "waiting around to be rescued by Luke and Han Solo, and all she can do is wait because she's a girl" in response to their teacher asking a couple of boys to carry some boxes and asking the girls to pour water into a beaker. The conversations between these two characters are some of my favorite parts of the book--the way one of them starts, and the other builds on what the first person said a little more, and they go back and forth creating this big, long story to describe whatever situation it is that they're in at the moment, and then end with, "exactly."
And then there's Emily's cousin Mortie, who wants to be a soldier when he turns 18 and spends the whole book spying and writing things down in Morse code and making up strategies.
The characters are really a lot of fun, and the things they say and do are just...really funny. The plot is not wholly unpredictable, but I really enjoyed the way Fitzmaurice ties things together, and how, in the end, destiny can be...helped along a little. Anyway, I constantly found myself smiling while reading this because I found it all so delightful. I'll definitely be getting around to reading other books of hers soon.
P.S. Seems like a couple folks have questioned the fact that 11-year-old Emily reads Danielle Steel novels. I totally did that too when I was 11 (although I thought they were terrible even at that age--I had just run out of Nancy Drew books) and I came out none the worse for it. So don't let that stop you from enjoying the story, ok? She'll be fine, I promise!
And then there's Emily's cousin Mortie, who wants to be a soldier when he turns 18 and spends the whole book spying and writing things down in Morse code and making up strategies.
The characters are really a lot of fun, and the things they say and do are just...really funny. The plot is not wholly unpredictable, but I really enjoyed the way Fitzmaurice ties things together, and how, in the end, destiny can be...helped along a little. Anyway, I constantly found myself smiling while reading this because I found it all so delightful. I'll definitely be getting around to reading other books of hers soon.
P.S. Seems like a couple folks have questioned the fact that 11-year-old Emily reads Danielle Steel novels. I totally did that too when I was 11 (although I thought they were terrible even at that age--I had just run out of Nancy Drew books) and I came out none the worse for it. So don't let that stop you from enjoying the story, ok? She'll be fine, I promise!
August 17, 2015
Я нежно отношусь к миддл-грейду, особенно фэнтезийному – все эти магические школы бросают меня в пучину воспоминаний о сладких одиннадцати годках, когда я ждала сову с письмом из Хогвартса. Волшебное было время, скажу я вам. Поэтому когда мне посоветовали в мобе книгу Фицморис, я с воодушевлением приготовилась нырнуть в очередной мир, где героиня решает проблемы реальной жизни в фантастических декорациях. Фиг мне трижды.
Это книга о судьбе, которую не обманешь. О том, что все случается именно тогда, когда должно, и никакие уловки с целью приблизить этот момент или пройти обходным путем никогда не срабатывают. О девочке в поисках отца. О дружбе и взаимопомощи. Вся история от начала до конца пронизана светом и концентрированной добротой, плохих персонажей тут по определению нет. Практически с первых же глав повествование берет разгон в сторону большого хэппи-энда, что абсолютно не раздражает, если быть к этому морально готовым. Все ниточки завязываются в аккуратные бантики и водят хоровод вокруг увешанной банальностями сюжетной линии. Из хорошего – очаровательный шпионистый племянник и диалоги с подругой. Все.
«Светлое и доброе» в этой книге, к сожалению, не обходится без ложки дегтя – т.е. зашкаливающей дурости персонажей. Причем речь не о глупых детках, а о взрослых балбесах. Мамаша теряет связь с мужем (как это вообще возможно?), после чего решает пустить дело на самотек, мол, если им суждено быть вместе, то они рано или поздно найдут друг друга. При этом она осознанно лишает свою дочь отца и любое дочернее проявление интереса к отсутствующей семейной компоненте пытается притушить своим «судьба подскажет тебе, когда наступит время узнать его имя». Я поняла бы еще, если бы тетя читала судьбу по ладони и курила благовония, но нет – она вроде как именитый профессор в университете. При таком раскладе даму с ее фатализмом хочется отправить в психушку первым рейсом.
В итоге во мне бурлит адское негодование: как можно сознательно лишить ребенка отца и при этом кивать на судьбу? No fate but what we make, и точка. Все действия мамаши говорят только о слабохарактерности и излишней религиозности. Искусственная ситуация, картонная и недостоверная. Я бы еще могла напрячься и поверить, если бы история разворачивалась век назад, но в наше время «потерять» человека, с которым у тебя сотня общих знакомых – это просто смешно. Да и двух влюбленных, которые 10 лет терпеливо ждали знаков судьбы, тяжело представить; в реальной жизни ребята наверняка сами ковали бы свое счастье. А в своей «сказке» Фицморис советует плыть по течению и уповать на помощь воображаемых нематериальных единиц. Грустно все это, особенно для миддл-грейда.
annikeh.net
Это книга о судьбе, которую не обманешь. О том, что все случается именно тогда, когда должно, и никакие уловки с целью приблизить этот момент или пройти обходным путем никогда не срабатывают. О девочке в поисках отца. О дружбе и взаимопомощи. Вся история от начала до конца пронизана светом и концентрированной добротой, плохих персонажей тут по определению нет. Практически с первых же глав повествование берет разгон в сторону большого хэппи-энда, что абсолютно не раздражает, если быть к этому морально готовым. Все ниточки завязываются в аккуратные бантики и водят хоровод вокруг увешанной банальностями сюжетной линии. Из хорошего – очаровательный шпионистый племянник и диалоги с подругой. Все.
«Светлое и доброе» в этой книге, к сожалению, не обходится без ложки дегтя – т.е. зашкаливающей дурости персонажей. Причем речь не о глупых детках, а о взрослых балбесах. Мамаша теряет связь с мужем (как это вообще возможно?), после чего решает пустить дело на самотек, мол, если им суждено быть вместе, то они рано или поздно найдут друг друга. При этом она осознанно лишает свою дочь отца и любое дочернее проявление интереса к отсутствующей семейной компоненте пытается притушить своим «судьба подскажет тебе, когда наступит время узнать его имя». Я поняла бы еще, если бы тетя читала судьбу по ладони и курила благовония, но нет – она вроде как именитый профессор в университете. При таком раскладе даму с ее фатализмом хочется отправить в психушку первым рейсом.
В итоге во мне бурлит адское негодование: как можно сознательно лишить ребенка отца и при этом кивать на судьбу? No fate but what we make, и точка. Все действия мамаши говорят только о слабохарактерности и излишней религиозности. Искусственная ситуация, картонная и недостоверная. Я бы еще могла напрячься и поверить, если бы история разворачивалась век назад, но в наше время «потерять» человека, с которым у тебя сотня общих знакомых – это просто смешно. Да и двух влюбленных, которые 10 лет терпеливо ждали знаков судьбы, тяжело представить; в реальной жизни ребята наверняка сами ковали бы свое счастье. А в своей «сказке» Фицморис советует плыть по течению и уповать на помощь воображаемых нематериальных единиц. Грустно все это, особенно для миддл-грейда.
annikeh.net
September 30, 2022
years later still not sure if the Princess Leia thing was calling her weak or a hypothetical. I swear I checked before reviewing that it was their actual opinion of her, but it just doesn't make any sense.
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Good book, but the Star Wars thing at the beginning made me like it less. They were all like "Princess Leia makes a coffee while Han Solo fights off bad guys," but Princess Leia would never let that happen. They act like she is so helpless but she is so not. I mean, like, AFTER Luke comes in and saves her, she helps a lot in escaping. And they're totally forgetting why Princess Leia was trapped in the first place; she was RISKING HER LIFE to get the plans for the Death Star, and had refused to give up to location of the rebel base.
---
Good book, but the Star Wars thing at the beginning made me like it less. They were all like "Princess Leia makes a coffee while Han Solo fights off bad guys," but Princess Leia would never let that happen. They act like she is so helpless but she is so not. I mean, like, AFTER Luke comes in and saves her, she helps a lot in escaping. And they're totally forgetting why Princess Leia was trapped in the first place; she was RISKING HER LIFE to get the plans for the Death Star, and had refused to give up to location of the rebel base.
August 5, 2015
I really, really love this cover but the actual story left me feeling meh. It has some potential but falls short of being a meaningful read. The best part of the story is when our heroine Emily and her best friend Wavey (WHAT is up with that name?) bounce off one another with their thoughts. I really enjoyed their random tangents. However, overall I found the story exceedingly drawn-out and repetitive. Not much happens. It was hard to believe an 11-year-old cared that much about destiny anyway.
I liked the ending although it was really convenient.
Plus, Emily's Mom is REALLY irresponsible letting her daughter read that much Danielle Steel.
I liked the ending although it was really convenient.
Plus, Emily's Mom is REALLY irresponsible letting her daughter read that much Danielle Steel.
September 27, 2020
This book just made me happy.
Totally selfish, I picked this one for me, not for any of the kids, because of the picture on the cover. It looks exactly like my favourite corner in my favourite second hand bookshop (which sadly no longer exists), that I used to visit with my parents at least twice a month.
The story itself is cute, with smart and savvy girl protagonists, and lots of interesting points to discuss with young readers; Emily Dickinson and Danielle Steel; sonnets, haiku and poetry in general; nature preservation, ecology and recycling.
Totally selfish, I picked this one for me, not for any of the kids, because of the picture on the cover. It looks exactly like my favourite corner in my favourite second hand bookshop (which sadly no longer exists), that I used to visit with my parents at least twice a month.
The story itself is cute, with smart and savvy girl protagonists, and lots of interesting points to discuss with young readers; Emily Dickinson and Danielle Steel; sonnets, haiku and poetry in general; nature preservation, ecology and recycling.
May 12, 2013
Emily has been growing up under some major expectations--her mother, a poet, has decided that it is Emily is going to be a great poet (she came upon this when a first edition of Emily Dickinson poetry turned up in her hands on the day her daughter was born--which is also how Emily got her name). However, Emily really doesn't like poetry. She'd rather be a romance writer--she wants happy endings for everything and everyone. She also wants to find her father (it's been just her and her mom for her whole life). She finally gets her mother to confess that she has written Emily's father's name in that Dickinson book--which has been accidentally given away to charity. With the help of a couple of friends, Emily begins to search the city to find that book that will lead her to her father.
This is a delightful middle grades read that truly reminded me of Judy Blume. There's a lot going on for both girls and boys (the friend's little brother is hilarious), and should make a great read for anyone 9-12. Or a big kid like me!
This is a delightful middle grades read that truly reminded me of Judy Blume. There's a lot going on for both girls and boys (the friend's little brother is hilarious), and should make a great read for anyone 9-12. Or a big kid like me!
January 6, 2013
What if you had believed that your entire destiny had been written for you, but you soon realized that you did not follow its outline? Some gifts that are given can be like obstacles holding you back in life, or at least the life you feel is out there just waiting for you if only you knew where to look. When Isabella Davis feels that there is a sign in a bookstore while pregnant with her unborn daughter, she may never realize the implication of desiring her daughter to be a renowned poet and that in naming her after Emily Dickinson could become a noose around a budding new talent.
Weaving through different books of literature and exploring poetry, Destiny Rewritten crosses through works to turn into something entirely its own. Emily Davis is the young heroine portrayed in the story as trying to desperately find pieces of herself to establish her destiny. The destiny that her mother saw for Emily may not be the destiny that fits on her future though, as Emily struggles to find out secrets from her past which unravel and entire host of events that will delight readers.
From tree sitting to rare book collections, Emily Davis is searching through Emily Dickinson to find the secret of her missing father. It is not as if he went missing, more as that her mother misplaced him in her passion for life. Isabella Davis fled from the East Coast to Berkley, CA and in finding that she was pregnant after a relationship from the East has found that leaving hints in poetry that she writes for Hallmark cards may not be enough to find her missing love and unknowing father. Left to the belief in fate and destiny may not be enough for Emily Davis as she tries to cope with losing a book containing hidden information on the identity of her father that was written in the margins of her baby book, a first edition of The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson.
Emily Elizabeth Davis is a strong, determined heroine who will delight readers of any age. With a cunning determination in everything from collecting all the special rings in Cheerios boxes, to coloring the water cycle and struggling through poetry to discovering a new passion in life Emily Davis reaches out to women and girls with her humor and wit. Through letters to romance writer Danielle Steel we see a calculating side of Emily Davis that is trying to come to terms with her version of reality that is backing up into the ideas of her mother. For Emily destiny is not something written in stone, but malleable as clay and she intends to determine her own fate and wrestle with the consequences of her actions in her search for her own truth.
What author Kathyrn Fitzmaurice brings to readers is a young woman in search of her own destiny and not something that someone thinks may be best for her. Through many daring determinations, Emily Davis changes her life quite possible for the better as her quest to uncover the identity of her father changes the way she may look to her future forever. Written beautifully with engaging and fun dialog, Destiny Rewritten will capture audiences of all ages as they follow Emily Elizabeth Davis unravel her past and come to terms with her future.
Weaving through different books of literature and exploring poetry, Destiny Rewritten crosses through works to turn into something entirely its own. Emily Davis is the young heroine portrayed in the story as trying to desperately find pieces of herself to establish her destiny. The destiny that her mother saw for Emily may not be the destiny that fits on her future though, as Emily struggles to find out secrets from her past which unravel and entire host of events that will delight readers.
From tree sitting to rare book collections, Emily Davis is searching through Emily Dickinson to find the secret of her missing father. It is not as if he went missing, more as that her mother misplaced him in her passion for life. Isabella Davis fled from the East Coast to Berkley, CA and in finding that she was pregnant after a relationship from the East has found that leaving hints in poetry that she writes for Hallmark cards may not be enough to find her missing love and unknowing father. Left to the belief in fate and destiny may not be enough for Emily Davis as she tries to cope with losing a book containing hidden information on the identity of her father that was written in the margins of her baby book, a first edition of The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson.
Emily Elizabeth Davis is a strong, determined heroine who will delight readers of any age. With a cunning determination in everything from collecting all the special rings in Cheerios boxes, to coloring the water cycle and struggling through poetry to discovering a new passion in life Emily Davis reaches out to women and girls with her humor and wit. Through letters to romance writer Danielle Steel we see a calculating side of Emily Davis that is trying to come to terms with her version of reality that is backing up into the ideas of her mother. For Emily destiny is not something written in stone, but malleable as clay and she intends to determine her own fate and wrestle with the consequences of her actions in her search for her own truth.
What author Kathyrn Fitzmaurice brings to readers is a young woman in search of her own destiny and not something that someone thinks may be best for her. Through many daring determinations, Emily Davis changes her life quite possible for the better as her quest to uncover the identity of her father changes the way she may look to her future forever. Written beautifully with engaging and fun dialog, Destiny Rewritten will capture audiences of all ages as they follow Emily Elizabeth Davis unravel her past and come to terms with her future.
April 4, 2013
Emily is trapped in a destiny that she isn't sure is actually hers. Named for the poet Emily Dickinson, her mother has big dreams that Emily will become a famous poet someday. Unfortunately, Emily isn't a big fan of poetry. In fact, she'd much rather read Danielle Steel and swoon over the happy endings. Who wouldn't?
I fell utterly in love with Emily and her friends. Each and every character in this book pops off the page. Emily is inquisitive, bright and witty. Some of the things she says made me giggle out loud, especially the dialogue between her and her best friend. With an intelligence far beyond her age, she's quite a charming little girl! Surrounding her are characters with all types of personalities, from Mortie who is a little army survivalist, to Cecily Ann who is the true poet. The tapestry of personalities here is wonderful and full. I can't gush enough.
Best of all is the story line. This isn't just your typical coming-of-age story. Emily is on a mission both to find her true path in life, and to find her missing father. Watching her navigate the roadblocks that pop up in her way was exciting, and the question of destiny vs. choice plays a big factor here. Young readers will be enamored with her journey, and the lack of any real angst in the story helps keep things light.
Even if I wasn't a giant fan of Middle Grade fiction, which I completely am, I'd still recommend this charming book! This is a light, sweet and enjoyable read. Ready to dive into something fun? Destiny, Rewritten is definitely a book to add to your reading list.
I fell utterly in love with Emily and her friends. Each and every character in this book pops off the page. Emily is inquisitive, bright and witty. Some of the things she says made me giggle out loud, especially the dialogue between her and her best friend. With an intelligence far beyond her age, she's quite a charming little girl! Surrounding her are characters with all types of personalities, from Mortie who is a little army survivalist, to Cecily Ann who is the true poet. The tapestry of personalities here is wonderful and full. I can't gush enough.
Best of all is the story line. This isn't just your typical coming-of-age story. Emily is on a mission both to find her true path in life, and to find her missing father. Watching her navigate the roadblocks that pop up in her way was exciting, and the question of destiny vs. choice plays a big factor here. Young readers will be enamored with her journey, and the lack of any real angst in the story helps keep things light.
Even if I wasn't a giant fan of Middle Grade fiction, which I completely am, I'd still recommend this charming book! This is a light, sweet and enjoyable read. Ready to dive into something fun? Destiny, Rewritten is definitely a book to add to your reading list.
May 21, 2013
As I continued to read this book, I was reminded of From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwiler, in the BEST way possible.
Main character : Emily, a precociously intelligent preteen. (Claudia)
Side character : a younger male relative, Mortie (her cousin) who is also preccocious (Jamie)
The "mystery" : where is The book of Emily Dickinson poetry (who made the statue of the angel?)
Arty sophisticated setting : Used book stores (Met)
Will solving the mystery lead to a relative : YES!
I loved it!
Main character : Emily, a precociously intelligent preteen. (Claudia)
Side character : a younger male relative, Mortie (her cousin) who is also preccocious (Jamie)
The "mystery" : where is The book of Emily Dickinson poetry (who made the statue of the angel?)
Arty sophisticated setting : Used book stores (Met)
Will solving the mystery lead to a relative : YES!
I loved it!
April 21, 2013
I really enjoyed this little book. It was wonderful to revisit the world of Elementary school with its friendships and dilemas! I felt as if I was right there with Emily and her classmates. Each character is well defined and has their own dreams and destiny. It was hard to put down!
I'm thinking of letting my granddaughters read this one and I'm definately checking out the Authors other books.
I'm thinking of letting my granddaughters read this one and I'm definately checking out the Authors other books.
August 21, 2013
It was fine. I liked seeing Emily Dickinson mentioned and her poetry showcased in an MG novel, but the actual story did not stick with me. One of those "My mother was quirky and named me after a poet and now I too shall be one. It is destiny. But maybe not? And where/who is my dad?" Alas, pass.
Very cute cover.
Very cute cover.
March 26, 2013
I see that Destiny, Rewritten has quite a bit of positivity radiating around it. So I’m dimming that candle a little bit here with my negative review. This is not to say that wasn’t a good book… just not to me. If, however, as you finished this book, you told everyone in your immediate proximity, while shaking your fists in the air and proclaiming so loudly that the dead could hear you, “BEST BOOK EVER,” that is fine. I am glad you found so much enjoyment out of this book.
On to my review!
I have recently come to the conclusion that most people who write children’s lit are slightly crazy. This is not confirmed; I have never done an official survey nor had several authors psychoanalyzed. But I think it’s safe to assume that Dr. Seuss and Roald Dahl did not think like the average Joe.
And naturally, these people write the best children’s stories.
Authors like this somehow interweave a new creative world and intriguing storyline while teaching children some sort of moral lesson. The stories are both interesting to children as well as adults and more often than not, they are made into terrible movies that star a popular comedian of the time (the two exceptions being the older versions The Wizard of Oz and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.)
So this would be the reason why I decided to read Destiny, Rewritten; because just maybe I would find another Daniel Pinkwater.
Regrettably, this book is not ‘it.’
Destiny, Rewritten is about a young girl named Emily and her mother who is some sort of hippie professor that believes that believes in feely things like fate. She happens to pick up a book filled with poems by Emily Dickenson as the sun reappears from cloud cover and declares that her child will be a poet.
Emily on the other hand, is the exact opposite of her carefree mother. She is slightly OCD and loves Danielle Steele, hoping someday to write romance novels. When a book of poems that reveals the name of Emily’s long lost father is accidently donated to Goodwill, she goes on a quest to retrieve it.
Meanwhile Emily’s mother, who seemingly enjoys torturing an OCD Emily, declares that it must be FATE that she will never know who her father is. Now I am no parent or anything, but unless her father is a convicted serial killer or Rush Limbaugh, there is no reason to torture the kid. OF COURSE she wants to know who her father is, it’s a part of her identity.
So after a day of skipping school and randomly wandering around the Bay City Area, Emily has no luck reclaiming her book. She tells her mother that her best friend along with her eight year old cousin have been ditching school all day in order to find the book of poems.
And Emily’s mother seems ok with that.
So Emily decides that since she can get away with anything, she joins a college writing group that focuses on the romance genre. At this point I am thinking, good for her! She is following her own path! But then I think about all dirty content that these romance novels contain. Should these college students be encouraging a young 12 year old girl to read books like 50 Shades of Grey? (Although most TRNs (trashy romance novels) are approximately the reading level of a middle school child but in terms of content it think NO ONE is old enough for that.)
In the end though, Emily’s mother has the last laugh. It is fate that Emily finds her father, who (spoiler alert!) just happens to be in the same city as her.
All in all, this book is not so bad. It contains a good message (follow your own path!) though at some points it can be a little boring. Destiny, Rewritten may not be the next Matilda, but for the age it was intended for… it gets the job done.
On to my review!
I have recently come to the conclusion that most people who write children’s lit are slightly crazy. This is not confirmed; I have never done an official survey nor had several authors psychoanalyzed. But I think it’s safe to assume that Dr. Seuss and Roald Dahl did not think like the average Joe.
And naturally, these people write the best children’s stories.
Authors like this somehow interweave a new creative world and intriguing storyline while teaching children some sort of moral lesson. The stories are both interesting to children as well as adults and more often than not, they are made into terrible movies that star a popular comedian of the time (the two exceptions being the older versions The Wizard of Oz and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.)
So this would be the reason why I decided to read Destiny, Rewritten; because just maybe I would find another Daniel Pinkwater.
Regrettably, this book is not ‘it.’
Destiny, Rewritten is about a young girl named Emily and her mother who is some sort of hippie professor that believes that believes in feely things like fate. She happens to pick up a book filled with poems by Emily Dickenson as the sun reappears from cloud cover and declares that her child will be a poet.
Emily on the other hand, is the exact opposite of her carefree mother. She is slightly OCD and loves Danielle Steele, hoping someday to write romance novels. When a book of poems that reveals the name of Emily’s long lost father is accidently donated to Goodwill, she goes on a quest to retrieve it.
Meanwhile Emily’s mother, who seemingly enjoys torturing an OCD Emily, declares that it must be FATE that she will never know who her father is. Now I am no parent or anything, but unless her father is a convicted serial killer or Rush Limbaugh, there is no reason to torture the kid. OF COURSE she wants to know who her father is, it’s a part of her identity.
So after a day of skipping school and randomly wandering around the Bay City Area, Emily has no luck reclaiming her book. She tells her mother that her best friend along with her eight year old cousin have been ditching school all day in order to find the book of poems.
And Emily’s mother seems ok with that.
So Emily decides that since she can get away with anything, she joins a college writing group that focuses on the romance genre. At this point I am thinking, good for her! She is following her own path! But then I think about all dirty content that these romance novels contain. Should these college students be encouraging a young 12 year old girl to read books like 50 Shades of Grey? (Although most TRNs (trashy romance novels) are approximately the reading level of a middle school child but in terms of content it think NO ONE is old enough for that.)
In the end though, Emily’s mother has the last laugh. It is fate that Emily finds her father, who (spoiler alert!) just happens to be in the same city as her.
All in all, this book is not so bad. It contains a good message (follow your own path!) though at some points it can be a little boring. Destiny, Rewritten may not be the next Matilda, but for the age it was intended for… it gets the job done.
February 26, 2013
If you have a child who reads middlegrade fiction, you need to get them this book. If you are a grownup who grew up reading Judy Blume and Katherine Paterson, you need to get yourself this book. Even if you aren't someone who generally reads "kids' books." This book is magic and it's charming and just plain a delight to read.
I will admit that this book is perfect for me. I'm adopted and so searching for part of your family is something I totally get. And since Emily Elizabeth Davis is a huge reader, I am predisposed to like her. But I think it'd be impossible to dislike her anyway.
I love the fact that her mom wants her to be a poet but Emily is just not that into poetry. She doesn't appreciate all the rules that are required and there's the fact that a lot of poetry tends to deal with sad things and our girl Em is someone who wants a happy ending. Her favorite author is Danielle Steel and she writes her letters on a regular basis.
(And she considers Danielle Steel a friend, so she's pretty sure that Ms. Steel waits patiently for updates on Emily's life, even though she's obviously too busy to write back. And I get that, too! I consider several authors my friends, even though most of them have only exchanged one or two Tweets with me. Note: if any email me, we are totally BFFs.)
So yes, a lot of identification with Emily. :)
Highly, highly recommended.
I will admit that this book is perfect for me. I'm adopted and so searching for part of your family is something I totally get. And since Emily Elizabeth Davis is a huge reader, I am predisposed to like her. But I think it'd be impossible to dislike her anyway.
I love the fact that her mom wants her to be a poet but Emily is just not that into poetry. She doesn't appreciate all the rules that are required and there's the fact that a lot of poetry tends to deal with sad things and our girl Em is someone who wants a happy ending. Her favorite author is Danielle Steel and she writes her letters on a regular basis.
(And she considers Danielle Steel a friend, so she's pretty sure that Ms. Steel waits patiently for updates on Emily's life, even though she's obviously too busy to write back. And I get that, too! I consider several authors my friends, even though most of them have only exchanged one or two Tweets with me. Note: if any email me, we are totally BFFs.)
So yes, a lot of identification with Emily. :)
Highly, highly recommended.
January 13, 2014
Destiny Rewritten by Kathryn Fitzmaurice is an adorable middle grade book. The story is inventive and Emily is a spunky, lively 11 year old. That said, I have a specific issue with this book that prevents me from gifting or even loaning it to my 11 year old niece. And while I do have some other issues (the letters to Danielle Steele, etc), they are completely overshadowed by this one specific issue.
The problem is a total lack of consequences for bad behavior.
Without going too heavily into spoiler territory, when a character lies, does things they should not, mistreats others in any way, and/or influences others to do the same, there should be consequences. In this, as in many contemporary middle grade books, there are absolutely no repercussions for bad behavior. This completely irks the aunt/former grade school teacher in me.
As an adult, I highly enjoyed reading about Emily’s adventures. I loved the interaction between Emily and her best friend, Wavey. This is the kind of friendship (except when engaging in behaviors mentioned above), and the kind of friend, that is such a good model for middle grade girls. It is just unfortunate that I won’t be able to share this with my young niece.
The problem is a total lack of consequences for bad behavior.
Without going too heavily into spoiler territory, when a character lies, does things they should not, mistreats others in any way, and/or influences others to do the same, there should be consequences. In this, as in many contemporary middle grade books, there are absolutely no repercussions for bad behavior. This completely irks the aunt/former grade school teacher in me.
As an adult, I highly enjoyed reading about Emily’s adventures. I loved the interaction between Emily and her best friend, Wavey. This is the kind of friendship (except when engaging in behaviors mentioned above), and the kind of friend, that is such a good model for middle grade girls. It is just unfortunate that I won’t be able to share this with my young niece.
January 21, 2013
Emily is 11 and her whole life she's been told it's her destiny to become a poet, just like Emily Dickinson, who she is named after. However, Emily doesn't like writing poetry and has another career in mind. She's not quite sure how to tell her mom yet though, since her mom is so intent on being a poet is her destiny.
But one day, by accident Emily loses the copy of Emily Dickinson's poems that were given to her when she was born. Something very important is in that book and now that she's lost it, she may never know. Emily has to find that book and somehow, change her destiny.
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway and I thought this book had an interesting story, dealing with destiny and all. Emily doesn't really believe what her mother says about destiny, but she learns about it on her own and finds the meaning for herself. Who controls your destiny? That is what Emily really wants to know. Is it pre-planned, or does a person have the power to change their own destiny?
The book gives you something to think. It's also just a nice story, with enjoyable characters and a very happy ending, which I liked very much.
But one day, by accident Emily loses the copy of Emily Dickinson's poems that were given to her when she was born. Something very important is in that book and now that she's lost it, she may never know. Emily has to find that book and somehow, change her destiny.
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway and I thought this book had an interesting story, dealing with destiny and all. Emily doesn't really believe what her mother says about destiny, but she learns about it on her own and finds the meaning for herself. Who controls your destiny? That is what Emily really wants to know. Is it pre-planned, or does a person have the power to change their own destiny?
The book gives you something to think. It's also just a nice story, with enjoyable characters and a very happy ending, which I liked very much.
February 4, 2014
I really enjoyed this book: it grapples with issues of fate and self-determination, and it combines poetry and unusual choices and community involvement and activism. The poet friend, who potentially could be a third wheel, comes across as caring and patient. The usual hazards of the triangle don't apply...which was unexpected. The only aspect that doesn't ring true is the silence of the mother for all those years about the father. I understand that her belief in a right time to tell might have silenced her, but there is a certain cruelty in the way the daughter is kept in the dark. Later, we understand a bit more, but it still feels mean when so much is at stake. The journey of the book stores was particularly well done, and the cousin's character is very sweet without being a pushover.
March 26, 2014
Wonderfully written story set in Berkeley CA, about a Emily, a young girl who's mother has decided her destiny is to become a poet. Having been named Emily, after Emily Dickenson, her destiny is to become a poet, or so her mother thinks. Emily tries to figure out if a person can change or rewrite their destiny. I was enthralled with the story, as it became more of a mystery to me as Emily attempted to locate a book of poetry that was lost. During her search for the book she discovers a lot about herself, her friends and family. Chapters are short, so if you have a reluctant reader they will enjoy. The back stories are interesting too. I thought it clever of the author to have Emily write letters to her favorite romance novelist, Danielle Steele. I don't want to spoil the ending for you, but it's a happy ending.
March 6, 2015
I love books with quirky characters and interwoven story lines, so why didn't I love this book?
Emily, the protagonist and her friends and cousin as characters are well-developed enough. Even the peripheral Aunt Nora has a character that rings true. It is the mother that is a problem. I get that she is a "free spirit" -- no, we don't need to be told in every chapter -- but even free spirits can be and usually are good mothers. Emily's mother seems young to be a college professor, and definitely too young and self-absorbed to be a mother. That is one serious flaw in the book.
The other problem is the pacing of stories and the stories themselves. Quite frankly, there are several times when this book lags with unnecessary text, and the none of the interwoven stories feel entire. Rather, they feel as if they were forced to conclusions.
Emily, the protagonist and her friends and cousin as characters are well-developed enough. Even the peripheral Aunt Nora has a character that rings true. It is the mother that is a problem. I get that she is a "free spirit" -- no, we don't need to be told in every chapter -- but even free spirits can be and usually are good mothers. Emily's mother seems young to be a college professor, and definitely too young and self-absorbed to be a mother. That is one serious flaw in the book.
The other problem is the pacing of stories and the stories themselves. Quite frankly, there are several times when this book lags with unnecessary text, and the none of the interwoven stories feel entire. Rather, they feel as if they were forced to conclusions.
August 9, 2016
There were several aspects of Destiny, Rewritten that didn't work for me. I'm rarely a fan of the "life is predestined" thing; I found the off-topic, rambling conversations between Emily and Wavey to be more boring than humorous, for the most part; I dislike references to religion/spirituality; and I wanted to strangle Emily's mother throughout the entire book. But while these things don't work for me on their own, Fitzmaurice managed to lace them together to create a rather sweet, charming story that definitely won me over by the end; I'm fairly impressed and definitely quite pleasantly surprised.
Full review to come at Amara's Eden. A copy of this book was provided free via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Full review to come at Amara's Eden. A copy of this book was provided free via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2013
Emily lives with her mom, a UCB English Professor, her Aunt Nora and cousin Mortie in downtown Berkeley. Emily and Mortie become involved with ecology protests (tree sitting). These children are in the 6th grade, so this is highly unlikely. Emily's mom writes poetry for Hallmark cards, this is not very likely either. Some of the sixth graders speak to each other in Haiku? Emily describes her street as: "Tye-dyed shirts and bead shops that summed up our street" And, requiring a complete suspension of belief: an army officer promoting the military in a 3rd grade classroom in Berkeley. These are the inaccuracies that jumped out. What is constant are old stereotypes. This novel is too long, with too many loose ends and too many 'unbelievable inadequacies'.
August 10, 2014
What are the chances I would read first, a mystery based on Emily Dickinson and then a children's book where the main character is named after Emily Dickinson.
This is a great book about fate and controlling your own, and also about letting your children control theirs. The author does a wonderful job of describing Berkeley, and the publisher picked the best paragraphs of the book for the back dust cover:
"We circled the store until we found the poetry section, which was as big as they said it was in the phone book, with shelves to the ceiling and stools you could use in case you needed a book that was higher than your arms could reach.
Possibilities, everywhere. It was exactly the kind of place you never wanted to leave."
This is a great book about fate and controlling your own, and also about letting your children control theirs. The author does a wonderful job of describing Berkeley, and the publisher picked the best paragraphs of the book for the back dust cover:
"We circled the store until we found the poetry section, which was as big as they said it was in the phone book, with shelves to the ceiling and stools you could use in case you needed a book that was higher than your arms could reach.
Possibilities, everywhere. It was exactly the kind of place you never wanted to leave."
August 10, 2013
In Fitzmaurice's middle-grade novel, eleven-year-old Emily (named for Emily Dickinson) has been told her whole life her destiny is to be a poet--but she has a secret dream to do something different. When she loses a 1st edition copy of Dickinson's poems given to her at birth, she learns it contains the name of her unknown father. Emily and a cast of lively characters search for the book, and along the way, she discovers her true destiny. Fitzmaurice slips philosophy and info on writing poetry into her fast-moving, humorous tale--excellent writing and dialogue...I could not put the book down. This is an evergreen!
October 27, 2014
Destiny, Rewritten by Kathryn Fitzmaurice is a heartwarming realistic-fiction. Emily Davis is named after Emily Dickinson and was destined to be a poet, the only problem is that Emily doesn't necessarily like poetry, but enjoys writing romantics novels instead. When Emily's book that defines her fate of becoming a poet is accidentally donated to a local Goodwill, she does anything she can to get it back. Emily ends up finding out that fate can only be determined by herself and not determined by someone else. I gave this book 5 stars because I really enjoyed it and it was very well-written.
May 21, 2018
This book is so could and I would read it again a thousand times. I recommend this book to people who have a missing spark in their life and are desperate to find it.
October 11, 2025
A super readable story about Emily, the only daughter of a free-spirited English professor who named her after Emily Dickinson. The mom saddles her daughter with this ridiculous expectation that Emily is destined to become a poet, even though this is not what Emily wants and the whole thing makes her anxious.
I am so angry at the mom in this book.
Besides making her daughter feel like she's stuck being a poet, this mom does not take any of her daughter's concerns seriously, which comes across as kind of lighthearted and not a big deal for most of the story. Things move along, there's some good friendships, some light romance, a teensy pinch of religion, a local environmental group, and a quest that brings Emily to many different bookstores. No big deal, just a slightly flaky mom.
But what infuriated me was when I almost threw the book across the room.
I am so angry at the mom in this book.
Besides making her daughter feel like she's stuck being a poet, this mom does not take any of her daughter's concerns seriously, which comes across as kind of lighthearted and not a big deal for most of the story. Things move along, there's some good friendships, some light romance, a teensy pinch of religion, a local environmental group, and a quest that brings Emily to many different bookstores. No big deal, just a slightly flaky mom.
But what infuriated me was when I almost threw the book across the room.
March 7, 2013
Destiny, Rewritten
by Kathryn Fitzmaurice is a wonderful middle grade novel of the coming-of-age variety.
The Story. Emily Elizabeth Davis loves happy endings and she wants one for her own life, but there are a couple problems. First, she lives without knowing who her father is, and second, she seems to be trapped in a destiny determined for her before she was born.
Emily sets out to discover whether or not she can alter her destiny, but the situation quickly turns into a hunt for her misplaced copy of The Complete Works of Emily Dickinson in which her mother has recorded all the important events of her life, including the name of her father. With the help of her best friend and her cousin, Emily makes every effort to take charge of her own destiny, all the while wondering if her mother might be right–that a person can’t force things to happen and must simply wait for fate to unfold.
Strengths. Kathryn Fitzmaurice is a brilliant writer. Her characters pop off the page, each with their little quirks and passions. But I think what I love best is how wonderfully woven together her plot is, starting with the epigraph, lines from an Emily Dickinson poem:
That’s really the focal point of the main character’s quest, and readers will likely find themselves weighing in on the subject in their own minds.
The brilliant part of the story is the way Kathryn weaves this central theme into the subplots involving the minor characters–Cecily Ann and her love of poetry, Wavey and her environmental causes, Mortie and the stray dog he named Samuel Morse, and even Conner Kelly and his choice of where to sit in class. And of course there is Emily’s mother.
Kathryn’s prose is beautiful–perhaps not as picturesque as her earlier books, but she’s writing a character who isn’t a poet, so the language fits her protagonist. It’s still lyrical and there’s still lots of creativity and fun.
Here’s a sample.
In the exchange below, Emily is talking with her best friend Wavey right after their science teacher, Mr. Hall, asked two boys in the class to carry some boxes for him to the storeroom, then for Emily and Wavey to pour ten milliliters of water into cylinders on the science table.
I might have initially enjoyed that exchange because of the Star Wars references, speculative fiction lover that I am, but there are a couple similar dialogues between Emily and Wavey later on, and I found those equally delightful.
In fact, the whole story is delightful and even heartwarming.
Weaknesses. Whether this is actually a weakness or not, you can determine. The book was almost strangely without angst. Emily lost her book because of something her cousin did, but she held no grudge and didn’t seek any kind of payback. Wavey faced a difficulty toward the end of the story but quickly bounced back. Emily did something I won’t say what because it would be too big a spoiler, and her mother reacted with amazing calm.
To be honest, in this day of angst-filled young adult books, I found this story to be refreshing. The problem was big, mind you, at least to Emily, and certainly the question about destiny could be one kids her age might begin to wonder about. I felt her tension throughout the story, but there was not much tension between people.
In the scene I quoted from above, for example, Emily and Wavey didn’t seem to hold any ill will toward their science teacher. Further, throughout the story there was a lack of bickering and backbiting and scolding. Because of this, it was honestly a more delightful read, though I can see some thinking the characters lack a bit of believability.
Another thing, and again, readers will have to judge if this is actually a weakness, Emily seemed to have an innocence, almost a naivete, and at the same time remarkable freedom to go places without adult supervision. I thought the tension between these two factors kept the story in balance, but I can see how others might question the realism of the circumstances.
Recommendation. Buy it. Read it to your kids, read it with your kids, discuss it with your kids. What a great book to begin a family conversation about who controls your destiny.
I received a copy of this book as a gift from the author with no strings attached.
The Story. Emily Elizabeth Davis loves happy endings and she wants one for her own life, but there are a couple problems. First, she lives without knowing who her father is, and second, she seems to be trapped in a destiny determined for her before she was born.
Emily sets out to discover whether or not she can alter her destiny, but the situation quickly turns into a hunt for her misplaced copy of The Complete Works of Emily Dickinson in which her mother has recorded all the important events of her life, including the name of her father. With the help of her best friend and her cousin, Emily makes every effort to take charge of her own destiny, all the while wondering if her mother might be right–that a person can’t force things to happen and must simply wait for fate to unfold.
Strengths. Kathryn Fitzmaurice is a brilliant writer. Her characters pop off the page, each with their little quirks and passions. But I think what I love best is how wonderfully woven together her plot is, starting with the epigraph, lines from an Emily Dickinson poem:
In this short Life
That only lasts an hour
How much–how little–is
Within our power
That’s really the focal point of the main character’s quest, and readers will likely find themselves weighing in on the subject in their own minds.
The brilliant part of the story is the way Kathryn weaves this central theme into the subplots involving the minor characters–Cecily Ann and her love of poetry, Wavey and her environmental causes, Mortie and the stray dog he named Samuel Morse, and even Conner Kelly and his choice of where to sit in class. And of course there is Emily’s mother.
Kathryn’s prose is beautiful–perhaps not as picturesque as her earlier books, but she’s writing a character who isn’t a poet, so the language fits her protagonist. It’s still lyrical and there’s still lots of creativity and fun.
Here’s a sample.
In the exchange below, Emily is talking with her best friend Wavey right after their science teacher, Mr. Hall, asked two boys in the class to carry some boxes for him to the storeroom, then for Emily and Wavey to pour ten milliliters of water into cylinders on the science table.
“Have you ever noticed how Mr. Hall never asks a girl to carry boxes?” I said to Wavey as we walked to the science table. “But he’ll ask us to do easy stuff, like pour water into graduated cylinders.”
“That’s because he thinks we’e too weak and frail to carry boxes.”
“It’s like Mr. Hall is living in that old movie Star Wars, where Princess Leia is waiting to be rescued by Luke and Han Solo, and all she can do is wait because she’s a girl,” I said.
“And then Luke breaks into the jail cell where she is, and she’s all, what took you so long to get here,” said Wavey.
“So he has to explain all the extremely dangerous things he did to get to her,” I told her.
“Which he can do because he’s a guy.”
“Meanwhile,” I said, “Princess Leia finally gets back to the ship, where everything is always in disrepair, mostly because of Han being the type of guy he is.”
“But Mr. Hall, who is Luke, would be like, why don’t you just sit down and rest,” said Wavey.
“Or make coffee,” I added.
“She could make coffee and then paint her nails.”
“While lounging around letting Han carry heavy boxes of spaceship parts,” I said.
“Which he would have because he’d know how to fix anything mechanical,” added Wavey.
“At which point, I said, “Chewie would come in and say something only Han understood.”
“And Han would have to pilot the ship through an enemy attack while at the same time repairing some gauge that their life depended on.”
“And Princess Leia would be letting her nails dry,” I told her.
“While reading a magazine,” said Wavey.
“And pouring sugar into her coffee.”
“This is like that,” Wavey told me.
“I know,” I agreed, filling the last graduated cylinder with ten milliliters of water. “This is exactly like that.”
I might have initially enjoyed that exchange because of the Star Wars references, speculative fiction lover that I am, but there are a couple similar dialogues between Emily and Wavey later on, and I found those equally delightful.
In fact, the whole story is delightful and even heartwarming.
Weaknesses. Whether this is actually a weakness or not, you can determine. The book was almost strangely without angst. Emily lost her book because of something her cousin did, but she held no grudge and didn’t seek any kind of payback. Wavey faced a difficulty toward the end of the story but quickly bounced back. Emily did something I won’t say what because it would be too big a spoiler, and her mother reacted with amazing calm.
To be honest, in this day of angst-filled young adult books, I found this story to be refreshing. The problem was big, mind you, at least to Emily, and certainly the question about destiny could be one kids her age might begin to wonder about. I felt her tension throughout the story, but there was not much tension between people.
In the scene I quoted from above, for example, Emily and Wavey didn’t seem to hold any ill will toward their science teacher. Further, throughout the story there was a lack of bickering and backbiting and scolding. Because of this, it was honestly a more delightful read, though I can see some thinking the characters lack a bit of believability.
Another thing, and again, readers will have to judge if this is actually a weakness, Emily seemed to have an innocence, almost a naivete, and at the same time remarkable freedom to go places without adult supervision. I thought the tension between these two factors kept the story in balance, but I can see how others might question the realism of the circumstances.
Recommendation. Buy it. Read it to your kids, read it with your kids, discuss it with your kids. What a great book to begin a family conversation about who controls your destiny.
I received a copy of this book as a gift from the author with no strings attached.
August 5, 2025
Hey. What's with that anti-Princess Leia rant at at the beginning? I've never seen such a confidently incorrect take on her character - and in a book where I least expected it. Totally bizarre. Regardless, the author is wrong and my girl Leia didn't deserve that.
Also, Emily's mom is a woo-woo idiot and selfish as hell for keeping her dad's name from her.
I added this book to my TBR in 2013. I've been making an effort to read the books I've been putting off for years. I distinctly remember that I was drawn to it by that beautiful cover. But the cover is the best part of this book. The story was simply okay.
Also, Emily's mom is a woo-woo idiot and selfish as hell for keeping her dad's name from her.
I added this book to my TBR in 2013. I've been making an effort to read the books I've been putting off for years. I distinctly remember that I was drawn to it by that beautiful cover. But the cover is the best part of this book. The story was simply okay.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2017
Good points: It was cute. A very satisfying read. I think it would be a good book for a middle grade student who is looking to find out who they are. It had a lot of good parts and a great ending. I would recommend it. I love how the girl corresponded with Danielle Steele. I found that adorable.
Bad points: It was repetitive, often listing events that had happened in the book over and over again. It wasn't that long of a book, so I felt that it was unnecessary to remind the reader what had happened.
Bad points: It was repetitive, often listing events that had happened in the book over and over again. It wasn't that long of a book, so I felt that it was unnecessary to remind the reader what had happened.
May 9, 2017
Annesinin kendi için öngördüğü geleceği reddeden Emily kaderini baştan yazmaya kararlıdır. Annesinin düşündüğü gibi bir şair olamayacağını anlayan Emily, kendine ait kaybolan önemli bir kitabı ararken, yıllardır izini sürdüğü babası hakkında da beklenmedik şekillerde ipuçları elde edecektir.
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