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Janey's Girl
Fourteen-year-old Claire and her mother, Jane, are on their way across the country to visit Claire's grandmother. As they approach the family farm, Claire watches her mother become more and more anxious. Until now, she thought they had an open relationship with a healthy respect for each other's privacy. This trip unlocks the key to the many questions Claire has about their past -- including the identity of her father and the reason her mother never went back home until now. Gayle Friesen's novel Janey's Girl is a coming-of-age story with a Claire's mother is the one who reaches maturity.
224 pages, Paperback
First published June 3, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 4, 2013
Re-reading this book makes me feel like I'm reuniting with an old friend. An odd combination of sadness and warm fuzzies.
April 15, 2016
I knew Gayle Friesen in high school, not well because she was very quiet, but I was mighty surprised to discover an author lived inside of her. I had heard from others of her success, but it took me a long time to acquire a copy of Janey's Girl. Finally I did through Amazon. I was gripped by this novel right from the start and moved by the poignant moments throughout. The humour was charming and I loved the music motif that was woven throughout. I know Smallwood even though she changed its name because I grew up in that town. I recognized Five Corners and some of the shops she spoke of. I'm so glad I found this novel, but my question is: since it was nominated for the Lieutenant Governor's Award, why has this classic book not been released by the publisher as an e-book? This is a story that girls will enjoy for a long time to come. Kids Can Press? What's the holdup?
March 2, 2016
I found that Friesen has a bit of a genre and that genre would be family problems for young adults. The protagonist is given real-life problems which she (usually it's a girl) has to overcome. In this one the girl starts to discover her mother's past and with it she learns about her father and grandfather - its not all pretty. Along with everything else there is a chance for Clarrisa to save a life.
Clarissa is 14 and by now I usually wouldn't read a book of a girl so young but I could actually get into her story. It isn't a cheerful book but it isn't depressing. More than once I got teary eyed.
Clarissa is 14 and by now I usually wouldn't read a book of a girl so young but I could actually get into her story. It isn't a cheerful book but it isn't depressing. More than once I got teary eyed.
February 9, 2013
A strong, heartfelt story of love, family, struggles and self discovery.
In Janey's Girl, I witnessed Claire's struggle to understand who she was, and who her mother was. Jane's past is something that has affected Claire and her relationship with her mother. Through out the story, I learned the strength of courage, love and forgiveness.
Claire's complicated family and unending hope and determination got her through the toughest situations with her mom, her new found father, a new friend, her grandmother, and coming to terms with who her grandfather was inside and why her mother was the way she was.
This book demonstrates the universal complexity of a mother-daughter relationship and the tensions that occur within families. Friesen hit the nail right on the head as she described Claire's feelings towards her mother and the way Jane was treating her daughter. It was very easy to connect with and understand, which helped me to get right inside Claire's head. All her actions made sense to me, and were so realistic that I had no problem reading this book from start to finish in one sitting. It was very interesting and at many points, I almost cried because they were so moving and emotional. I learned from this book that when you want something, you can never stop trying and you have to always stay true to yourself.
Jane had a complicated relationship with her father and her best friend, which ultimately affected the way she raised Jane. This book was all about resolving those issues and Claire's difficult attempt to right all the wrongs and finally have the family that she had always dreamed of.
The writing was so fluent and the characters so realistic and tidy, down to every detail. Friesen's descriptions were so smooth and not overdone, but enough to set the scene in as little words as possible. The ending was great and finished on the right note, definitely bitter sweet, wrapping up all the thoughts and events that took place in the story just right and leaving my heart full of joy and sadness. I was very satisfied, if not happy, with the way the book ended and I loved how everything was figured out in one way or another. It might not have been the perfect fairy tale ending, but it was just the way life is known to be. For such a short book, there were so many things going on that tied into each other perfectly and revealed everything the reader needed to know while being very interesting at the same time. Friesen is a talented author.
In Janey's Girl, I witnessed Claire's struggle to understand who she was, and who her mother was. Jane's past is something that has affected Claire and her relationship with her mother. Through out the story, I learned the strength of courage, love and forgiveness.
Claire's complicated family and unending hope and determination got her through the toughest situations with her mom, her new found father, a new friend, her grandmother, and coming to terms with who her grandfather was inside and why her mother was the way she was.
This book demonstrates the universal complexity of a mother-daughter relationship and the tensions that occur within families. Friesen hit the nail right on the head as she described Claire's feelings towards her mother and the way Jane was treating her daughter. It was very easy to connect with and understand, which helped me to get right inside Claire's head. All her actions made sense to me, and were so realistic that I had no problem reading this book from start to finish in one sitting. It was very interesting and at many points, I almost cried because they were so moving and emotional. I learned from this book that when you want something, you can never stop trying and you have to always stay true to yourself.
Jane had a complicated relationship with her father and her best friend, which ultimately affected the way she raised Jane. This book was all about resolving those issues and Claire's difficult attempt to right all the wrongs and finally have the family that she had always dreamed of.
The writing was so fluent and the characters so realistic and tidy, down to every detail. Friesen's descriptions were so smooth and not overdone, but enough to set the scene in as little words as possible. The ending was great and finished on the right note, definitely bitter sweet, wrapping up all the thoughts and events that took place in the story just right and leaving my heart full of joy and sadness. I was very satisfied, if not happy, with the way the book ended and I loved how everything was figured out in one way or another. It might not have been the perfect fairy tale ending, but it was just the way life is known to be. For such a short book, there were so many things going on that tied into each other perfectly and revealed everything the reader needed to know while being very interesting at the same time. Friesen is a talented author.
January 29, 2010
I don't care for the term 'chick-flick' or 'chick-book' because I don't think there are specifics by gender but this novel comes closest. It's like a boring Lifetime movie in print but there is that uneasy enjoyment to reading it - like you know you shouldn't like it but you do.
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April 7, 2009One of the best books I've ever read
January 25, 2009
I admire the way the author described the intricate way family relationships work, or any relationship for that matter.
Claire and her mother Jane go to spend the summer over at Gran's. This visit is a huge deal because as far as Claire can remember it's only been her and her mom. Claire is hoping she'll find out why her mother has been so distant from her family and why she doesn't like talking about her father.
I would love to visit Smalltown (if it does exist). The author describes the scenery so well I could actually feel like I've been there once before.
Lots of good characters in this book. I like the relationship between Claire and Jaime (a little boy in the story). Jack (the love interest) is funny, even though at first you think his gonna be trouble.
I couldn't give this story 5 stars though because Claire seemed pretty mature for a 14 year old who is almost turning 15. I'm sure I wouldn't have been so adult about things but you do envy her courage.
Anyways it's a great book and teaches us that though people are complicated they have their reasons but one thing that isn't complicated is the love people have for one another.
Claire and her mother Jane go to spend the summer over at Gran's. This visit is a huge deal because as far as Claire can remember it's only been her and her mom. Claire is hoping she'll find out why her mother has been so distant from her family and why she doesn't like talking about her father.
I would love to visit Smalltown (if it does exist). The author describes the scenery so well I could actually feel like I've been there once before.
Lots of good characters in this book. I like the relationship between Claire and Jaime (a little boy in the story). Jack (the love interest) is funny, even though at first you think his gonna be trouble.
I couldn't give this story 5 stars though because Claire seemed pretty mature for a 14 year old who is almost turning 15. I'm sure I wouldn't have been so adult about things but you do envy her courage.
Anyways it's a great book and teaches us that though people are complicated they have their reasons but one thing that isn't complicated is the love people have for one another.
January 16, 2009
When Janey and her mom go across the country to where her grandparents live for the first time, janey realizes that she's going to the place where her parents lived, she never met her dad, but when she gets there she afraid. When Janey meet this little boy his father is a nice man and she wishes that she had a father to brag about too. When her mother catches her hugging a boy much too old for her she freaks out. Wheen Janey realizes and find out who her father was (the boys father named mic) she tries to help his son fighting cancer. she gives the little boy some bone marrow hoping it'll help. And helps her mom get over her prjudices. Her relationship with her mom changes derastically. This is a mother daughter book right from the heart.
October 21, 2008
When a young girl returns to her mothers home town many avoided subjects surface. She learns a lot about her mother and her distant grandparents. She also finds out about herself and the love between a mother and daughter. The story is so intriguing. Friesen just pulls you into the story! The personalities of the characters are so well developed. You can see the point of view they are coming from.
This is a good book for teen. The book deals with a lot of issues so it might not be a good book for younger children to read.
This is a good book for teen. The book deals with a lot of issues so it might not be a good book for younger children to read.
March 24, 2010
This is a great book!! it's about a girl who is almost fifteen. She at first, has no clue what so ever about her family. She only has a mother and they live in a city. The two of them, Claire and Jane go on a trip to Claire's grandmother. In the story, Claire finds out about her dad... u see, Claire finds out that she has a dad!!! Anyways, She also finds out about how her mother is keeping secrts from her. In the end, Claire saves someone and the mother, Jane and the father, Mac forgive each other.
It's so sad but also comforting.
It's so sad but also comforting.
February 29, 2012
I've read this book two or three times as a teen. It's a lovely book about a young girl who returns to her mother's hometown to visit her grandmother. She is known in the town as her mother's daughter, Janey's girl, though she knows no-one. She meets her dad, the man who once loved her mother. She also meets a little boy who turns out to be her half-brother. She decides to help her younger brother and father, though neither one has been a part of her life prior to this trip.
This is a very heartwarming story!
This is a very heartwarming story!
July 25, 2015
I know it's been a few years, but this still is and will always be one of my favourite books of all time. It's so great to see how much unconditional love a person has when it comes to meeting a person and finding out that they have cancer and are (surprise!) related.
December 2, 2009
Girl learns about her shady past and grows up. Must go against her restrictive mother.
November 12, 2012
I loved this book. Mother and daughter learning to learn from each other. Never to fear admitting you were wrong is an amazing thing to learn and it repairs many a relationship!
May 19, 2013
unbelievably accurat, could connect on every level with this book, but not the kind of book thats for everyone.
August 3, 2016
I found that Jane(y) was a pretty terrible person and mentally congratulated Claire on not turning out like her.
December 29, 2014
This book was okay. It was a good realistic-fiction feel-good story. It just wasn't for me...
September 12, 2025
a book I read a lot during my childhood, felt like I needed a re read as an adult, I still love it 🥰
January 23, 2018
This book is about family secrets and the 14 year old daughter who got caught up in it. The daughter always wondered about her dad figured it was a subject not to be talked about. Why had they not seen her grand parents in 15 years. She also makes some new relationships along the way.
October 4, 2019
I just pulled this book out today and re-read it. Such a nostalgic book from my childhood. A beautifully written story with real characters. It’s books like these that made me fall in love with stories!
August 28, 2020
I read this book over 10 years ago and I'm still mad about it.
July 25, 2023
Was a nice little book
November 17, 2024
Misschien ligt het aan de Nederlandse vertaling, maar vond het vrij cliche boek
June 17, 2017
I read this book back in middle school. I was the same age as the main character and the book automatically drew me in. Claire was just like my best friend. She had never met her father, he was a mystery and her mother never liked talking about him. I told my best friend to read it and she saw a lot of the same similarities with her and the main character. I still love this book to this day
January 8, 2023
Claire and her mother Jane are finally making the journey to Smallwood, where Jane grew up. A small town holds no secrets, and Jane could not live there easily as a teen with a child born out of wedlock.
This is an opposite coming of age story in that it is the mother who needs to grow up. Claire’s journey is discovering family connections her mother wouldn’t allow her to have as a means of protecting her daughter. Claire has tough decisions to make that change the dynamics with her mother and in the process her mother learns that letting go doesn’t have to involve loss.
Engaging story with well-developed characters make this a memorable read.
This is an opposite coming of age story in that it is the mother who needs to grow up. Claire’s journey is discovering family connections her mother wouldn’t allow her to have as a means of protecting her daughter. Claire has tough decisions to make that change the dynamics with her mother and in the process her mother learns that letting go doesn’t have to involve loss.
Engaging story with well-developed characters make this a memorable read.
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February 4, 2011im only on page 24 so i really just got started so i dont know.
April 15, 2011
Gayle writes well about Claire.
October 15, 2011
I thought that the book was okay, but i recommend it to Gayle Friesen's fans
October 28, 2025
Spännande & bra
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews