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Evie Brooks Is Marooned in Manhattan

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After Evie Brooks’ mother dies, her American uncle Scott, whom Evie barely remembers, arrives in Dublin. Much to Evie’s dismay, she’ll have to go and live with Scott in New York City.

Having never owned a pet more substantial than a goldfish, Evie is intrigued by her uncle’s NYC veterinary practice. Scott engages Evie as an assistant in the clinic. Thus begins a series of light-hearted adventures with lovable animals and their sometimes lovable owners.

At the end of the summer, Evie has to make the choice of whether or not to return to live in Ireland with her godmother, Janet...

219 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2014

2 people are currently reading
82 people want to read

About the author

Sheila Agnew

3 books8 followers
Hi,

I grew up in Ireland. Now I live in Los Angeles.

I was inspired to write The Exclusion Wars by the time I spent living in South America and by my love of resistance books and films.

I have a sprocker spaniel named Ben. He's the only real character in my books.

Get in touch with me any time.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Trish at Between My Lines.
1,138 reviews335 followers
September 16, 2014
This review was originally posted on Between My Lines

Evie Brooks is Marooned in Manhattan is a book that you would love to present to all pre teens and early teens to read.  It is innocent but realistic with a loveable main character.


First Line of Evie Brooks is Marooned in Manhattan:
"Lashing out furiously like a cornered dog, I managed to free the collar of my cardigan from the security guard's grip and started to freefall into a void, my long hair trailing swiftly behind me."

My Thoughts on Evie Brooks is Marooned in Manhattan:
This is a fun, vivacious book with an adorable main character.  Evie has lost her mother recently and has moved to Manhattan from Dublin to spend the summer with her Uncle Scott whom she doesn't really know.

Her Uncle is a very solid character and he knows just how to humour his niece.  He doesn't wrap her up in cotton tissue but treats her like she wants to be treated.  He is a vet and Evie becomes his assistant for the summer which makes for a fun read as you encounter their various patients and eccentric owners.

Obviously Evie is grieving hard for her mother but distraction is her main coping method.  And in New York, she has lots to distract herself with; her Uncles crazy girlfriend, new friends, boys and all the animals.  I love how Evie manages to adapt to her surroundings with good humour and a can do attitude.  She isn't Miss Perfect and is well capable of throwing a strop at times but I love how her Uncle Scott coaxes her back into her normal self with humour and work.

The animals in the book deserve their own mention.  From Ben the not-so-clever-but-slobbery-rogue of a dog, to rabbits, to parrots to turtles.  All have their own place in this book and are a huge part of what makes it such a fun read.  I love the All Creatures Great and Small vet books and this is the young adult version of these.

The book is witty at times, has an authentic young persons voice at all times and there is plenty of everyday drama to keep the pace flowing nicely.  And it handles the emotional aspect of the storyline very nicely; you do get drawn in and feel huge empathy for Evie.  But don't think this is a downbeat book, it's not.  Evie is all about living her life and the book pulsates with her youth and energy.

Overall I loved it and would be happy to read along on any of Evie's future adventures.

 



 
Who should read Evie Brooks is Marooned in Manhattan?
I'd highly recommend this to all young people in the 10 to 14-year-old age bracket.  It would make a great pressie if you know someone that age.  Also recommended to those who like stories about animals and a young, endearing main character.  I'm well outside that age bracket but I still thoroughly enjoyed Evie's escapades!

Thanks to O'Brien Press for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Profile Image for Amanda .
448 reviews86 followers
June 8, 2014
A copy was provided by the publisher in return for an honest review

I loved this book! It was such a sweet uplifting read.

After the tragic death of her mother, Evie has no choice other than to leave her friends behind and move to New York with her uncle Scott. I really felt for her here. I can't imagine being taken away from the last constant in my life after something so catastrophic.

Scott and Evie come to a compromise. She can spend the summer in NYC and then decide if she wants to stay or return home. At the beginning of course Evie is adamant that she will be back on the first flight in September but her adventures a long the way will influence that decision .

She becomes Scott assistant in his veterinary clinic. Being in the same profession meant I really loved reading these parts where they treated all sorts of animals and dealt with all types of owners!

Evie has such a good time that she starts to think of home less and less. She makes friends and starts to build a new life in the city that never sleeps. There are some bumps along the way but with the help of her friends she over comes them.

At the end of the summer Evie has a decision to make. To stay or to go back to Ireland. You'll have to read it yourself to find out what happens!

This was a great little book. What I loved about Evie is that she was just normal teen. Not a know it all with supernatural powers or gifts. Its just real life. I would really recommend this to anyone who likes contemporary YA especially young readers (10 yrs and up).

I'm certainly looking forward to reading about Evie's adventures again in the future.

- See more at: http://www.gobookyourself.info/2014/0...
Profile Image for Heidi.
2,894 reviews66 followers
December 23, 2015
Evie Brooks moves to New York to live with her Uncle Scott after her mother dies. Having lived in Europe her whole life it is rather a bit of a shock and at first she is eager to return to live with her mother's friend in Ireland. But as she settles into life in New York and her uncle's vet practice and makes some friends she starts to change her mind. On the other hand though, her uncle's girlfriend is a nightmare and is plotting to get rid of Evie. And Evie can't bear the thought that her presence is ending her uncle into bankruptcy. But she is determined to get this woman out of her uncle's life before she goes back to Ireland. While I enjoyed the majority of the story, there were a few things here and there that I wasn't completely comfortable with (a housekeeper that cleans the house in her bra?! and a sleepover girlfriend) that didn't seem necessary to the story. Other than those minor details though the story is an interesting one with lots of interesting animal stories as Evie helps her uncle. Overall a fun read for young readers who are ready for a taste of something different.
Profile Image for Fiona Fenton.
5 reviews
March 4, 2014
I love this book! It's a jaunty story that keeps your attention right to the exciting climax.The author clearly loves animals,as I do and having recently visited NYC,the book came alive for me.Sheila Agnew is a natural writer,buy it for the young and young at heart in your lives!
46 reviews
May 26, 2018
Seeing New York in multiple movies and TV shows, I wonder how it is to live in New York. So I enjoyed reading "Evie Brooks is Marooned in Manhattan", with Evie's perspective of New York, with the description of her uncle's apartment and the building doormen, the cafes, the museums and other places of interest to children. As she's clearly having a good time, the book title use of the word "marooned" does not seem to fit!

As a big fan of James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small, I enjoyed reading about her uncle's vet practice. I like how the issue of money is lightly touched upon, as the families are not super-rich and the children are aware about the costs of living in New York with their ice-skating lessons and private school fees.

There are the usual stereotypical "baddies" - the beautiful and elegant lawyer who dislikes animals and children, the proud and snobbish rich kid who wonders at people who do not have summer homes at the Hamptons. But one of the potential characters for disliking - a blonde, all-American cheerleader/prom queen teenage girl - turns out to be sweet and Evie could not help liking her.

The only part of the story I do not like is the chase scene. I thought it was too overly dramatic and spoiled the everyday-ness feel of the book.

I am glad to see there is a sequel, and look forward to reading it!
Profile Image for Lisanne Oud.
85 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2023
Pleasantly surprised. Not exactly action-packed but entertaining enough!
Profile Image for Gaele.
4,076 reviews85 followers
November 8, 2015
Evie’s mother has recently died, and her only relative, her Uncle Scott, has gained custody. Completely overwhelmed and not sure she can handle yet another change, Evie is not thrilled with the decision. It’s bad enough to lose your Mum, but all her friends, her life, everything she knows is in Dublin, and Scott, although willing, is unfamiliar. Scott’s amiability and true understanding for Evie are highlighted when he gets her to do a “trial run”, and if, after the summer she hates New York, she can come back to Dublin to stay with her Godmother.

Off to the Upper West side, Evie and Scott start to feel their way along in this new relationship. There’s just one problem, Scott’s girlfriend Leela, who isn’t thrilled with the interloper that will challenge her demands on the limited time that the busy veterinarian has free. When you add in Evie’s grief, Scott’s struggle to keep her engaged and involved, and not ignore his relationship while managing a practice, there are plenty of engaging elements to keep the story moving forward.

On the whole, I found Evie engaging and solidly voiced, while she worked through her grief she did find many intriguing and new things, and animals galore – from exotic (Iguanas and snapping turtles) to ordinary dogs and cats. Well developed, you can see the city through Evie’s fresh eyes, and understand her needing to keep busy as she deals with her grief. Adults are also more than just window dressing, her relationship with Scott and the conflicts with Leela feel honest and are well-spaced: not too much acting out or angst. The showdown at the end, combined with Evie’s own guilt over some situations with Scott bring her to the cliffhanger…
will she stay in New York, or return to Dublin.

Wonderfully paced, easy to read, and quite appropriate for 10 year olds and up, this story delicately balances the concept of grief and loss with the ordinary exuberance of a curious 12 year old in the midst of changes, and is a wonderfully clever read.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Profile Image for Emma .
2,506 reviews388 followers
July 15, 2014
Review by Kate - Year 9

The title sets the scene – but Manhattan and Marooned – how can this be? Manhattan, the Big Apple, the City that is alive and vibrant, thronging with sounds, sights and smells can not possibly allow anyone to feel abandoned or lost. It does become clear the way in which Evie feels ‘marooned’ as she tells her story and follows her mothers last wish, moving to live with her American Uncle Scott.

Evie’s tale is sentimental, emotional and believable. Her courage and maturity extend well beyond her twelve years. She is self assured, engaging, showing the remarkable quality of remaining true to herself. Her tale is perfect for adolescent girls embarking on their own life journey.

Like the author, Sheila Agnew’s own upbringing, Evie’s journey twists and turns from her Irish heritage to the nooks and brooks of the New York subway concluding in Central Park via challenging choices and dilemmas along the way.

Manhattan is also teeming with animal lovers – and besotted beings of the human kind who adore and cherish their precious pampered pets. Animal lovers will adore this book. Having never owned a pet more substantial than a goldfish, Evie is intrigued by her uncles veterinary practice along with his fast track emergency exit fireman’s pole in his apartment :)

Thus begins a series of light-hearted and quirky adventures, introducing a coast of entertaining ‘veterinary’ characters. Pets pop up to provide some really funny moments- look out for the snapping turtle and the iguana on the treadmill ;)

Evie weaves together effectively with her family and friends – her super sassy Uncle Scott, his lousy, loathsome, lawyer girlfriend Leela and feisty Finn.

The question is – will Evie stay with Uncle Scott or return to her godmother, Janet, in Ireland???

Be prepared for the ultimate dramatic twist – setting the scene for the sequel!!!!
270 reviews
August 29, 2014
Light-hearted fiction about a 12 year old girl, Evie, from Ireland who after her single mother dies is sent to live with her only living relative, her Uncle Scott, in New York City for a summer. He has promised to send her back to Ireland to live with her Godmother in time for the new school year if in the fall she finds she doesn't like living with him and doesn't want to stay. He's handsome and dresses well (like a GQ model apparently). He drives an old jeep and works all kinds of crazy hours of the day and night as a Vet, and his apartment has a fireman's pole in it (I want to visit). This being the Upper West Side of Manhattan, we get to meet all sorts of exotic pets and their owners beyond the standard dog and cat. This aspect of the book is delightful. Scott is a sweet and completely likeable guy who adores his niece and is fully prepared to raise his sister's child for as long as she likes.

However, Scott is dating a selfish but beautiful lawyer who wants nothing more than to have Evie go back to where she came from as she's cramping her style and her plans for Scott. When Evie finds out what Leela (nicknamed Leela De Vil by Evie's friends) has in store, Evie and her new found friends cook up a plan to ensure Scott finds out the truth about his girlfriend.

Lots of descriptions of NYC and a cast of endearing cast of characters.

Obvious flaws that indicate that this book is not written by a native New Yorker: it isn't politically correct to refer to "Eskimos" in North America nor would any self respecting hockey fanatic ever say they are going to Madison Square Gardens to watch an 'ice hockey match' ...

Overall, strong writing and fun story, a jolly fresh read for the tween set. Recommend.
Profile Image for Katey Lovell.
Author 27 books94 followers
April 11, 2014
Evie Brooks in twelve years old. She really doesn't want to go to New York to stay with her Uncle Scott. But it was her Mother's last wish, so Evie leaves Ireland to find herself in a city which feels worlds away from what she knows. It takes time, but she eventually begins to fall in love with New York, making friends and helping out at Scott's veterinary surgery. However, Scott's girlfriend Leela doesn't seem happy to have Evie around, infact she makes it very clear that Evie isn't part of her plans...

When I first started this book I was completely engrossed. Evie was a character I could empathise with and Leela as a book baddy is perfect. She is so easy to hate! However, midway through I lost interest a bit-I was still happy to keep reading, but I felt the plot slowed down a bit. The ending however- that was right up my street. A full on dramatic showdown which wouldn't have been out of place on a TV soap opera. There is a sequel in the pipeline, so it'll be interesting to see what happens next for Evie. Will she stay in America? Return to Ireland? Or end up somewhere else entirely?

This book is aimed at age nine upwards, although there is one use of the word 'crap' which I personally wouldn't want my child to read at that age. I would probably say it is more suited for the Y6/Y7 market.
Profile Image for Stephanie Fitzgerald.
1,211 reviews
March 25, 2020
"Lashing out furiously like a cornered dog, I managed to free the collar of my cardigan from the security guard's grip..."
12-year-old Evie sometimes feels as if her life is one very fast amusement park ride. It was her mother's last wish that Evie would go to N.Y.C and live with her Uncle Scott. So, "Orphan Evangeline" makes the culturally shocking leap from Dublin, Ireland and into Manhattan. As she begins to work as her uncle's veterinary assistant and makes new friends (animal and human), the city seems less overwhelming and more fascinating. Just as Evie is settling in and seriously considering N.YC. her home, a monkey-wrench is thrown into the gears, by none other than her uncle's girlfriend Leela.

Evie Brooks is quite a strong , spunky girl, who doesn't let just anyone see her vunerable side. She really longs to feel secure, and wants to love and be loved by others.
Great Quotes From This Book:
(pg. 24) Evie- "Ben is Scott's dog, and I thought it would be like sleeping with a soft toy, but having a warm, living breathing dog sleeping with his head on your feet is nothing like sleeping with a stuffed teddy."

I read it because it's about N.Y.C., a lonely little girl, and veterinarian life. I actually bought the sequel first, so of course I had to have this to read first!
*This book got an "A+"rating in my Book Journal*
Profile Image for Sophia.
80 reviews5 followers
August 4, 2015
This was a cute read. I was initially a little disappointed to find out after a few pages that the book revolves around a twelve year old. But thankfully the author didn't write the character to be a whiny, immature kid. Evie Brooks, orphaned after a lone parent dies, sets out to New York to stay with her Uncle Scott for the summer. We follow Evie's adventures in the city - helping out Scott at his Vet practise, making new friends and an enemy in his girlfriend Leela who wants Evie gone back to Ireland by the end of summer. How Evie tackles this problem as well as being dragged down by guilt of using up Scott's money is the perfect ending to this book. All the characters were interesting and well written. Although the storyline does remind me of a lot of movies. Not sure i'll read the sequel. 3.5 stars.
Profile Image for Amy.
299 reviews5 followers
February 8, 2016
Evie Brooks is a twelve year old girl sent to live with her uncle in New York City when her mother passes away. Her uncle, a vet in private practice, convinces her to stay the summer with the promise of returning to Ireland to stay with her godmother, Janet, if she does not find city life to her liking. Evie, by turns sweet and mischievous, is a character that you can't help but like and root for. Evie Brooks is a real-to-life, innocent, and charming main character. Whether she is helping with the veterinary practice, or taking on a nefarious girlfriend with eyes on remodeling her uncle's life, Evie is a class act.

This book was received as an ARC from NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review.
1 review
August 14, 2014
I'm a teacher. When I was discussing New York with my fifth class as part of an SESE lessons, one of my students recommended that we read this book. I've just finished it and I enjoyed it very much. It's the story of a twelve-year-old Irish girl, Evie, who moves to New York after the death of her mother. The book really brought New York to life for the reader. The author manages to blend very serious issues with humour. The character development is excellent and it's a must read for anyone who loves animals or has an interest in the Big Apple. I highly recommend it for all children from fifth class up.
Profile Image for Brandi Young.
284 reviews8 followers
January 22, 2016
Evie Brooks is now an orphan and is moving from her home in Dublin, Ireland to Manhattan to live with her uncle, Scott for the summer. Evie has been promised that at the end of the summer if she wants to move back to Ireland and live with her godmother, she may, but until then, she has to learn how to live as an American. Uncle Scott is a vet and it doesn't take Evie long to fall in love with working and caring for the animals that come in to see him. He even makes her his assistant. But, trouble brews when Evie overhears Scott's girlfriend Leela, plotting to get rid of her. It's up to Evie to learn how to use her words to confront the evil Leela or be sent back to Ireland for good.
1 review
April 26, 2014
We moved from New York to Ireland last year and my daughters and I loved revisiting that special place through the eyes of Evie Brooks

Evie is a teenage Irish girl who has to go and live with her uncle at his vets practice in Manhattan where adventures ensue ,choices are made and growing up occurs

A wonderfully funny fast paced book with a real feel for the three main characters Evie New York City And the wonderful animals

This has the potential for a series and we look forward to the next installment
Profile Image for Minty McBunny.
1,271 reviews30 followers
December 27, 2015
This is a cute middle grade book with all the requisite characters and plot twists. I enjoyed Evie and Scott's relationship and the interactions with the animals more than the cartoon villain of Leela and her dastardly plot, but I'll read more of this series as a light literary snack.

I did get annoyed that characters occasionally spoke the wrong dialect (Mostly US characters using UK expressions).
2 reviews
February 19, 2015
I loved this book so much that I'm looking forward to a re-read. It was both funny and poignant. The writing was wonderful, very fresh and direct. It was a nice change to read something that is not about unicorns, witches, wizards or monsters. The book reminded me of the Jean Webster books, which I have read and re-read throughout the years. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
Profile Image for Charity.
392 reviews29 followers
August 26, 2015
To read full review please go to 5girlsbookreviews.blogspot.com and/or like and follow our Facebook page at "5 Girls Book Reviews".

REVIEW BY: Michaela, age 11 years, 2 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

This is a great book! Evie's mom passed away and Evie goes to live with her Uncle Scott in America. Leela, Scott's girlfriend, is trying to get rid of Evie, but will it work?
Profile Image for Nancy.
105 reviews2 followers
January 26, 2016
I really liked this one! Loved Evie and her voice and all of the supporting cast. My only quibble would be that many of the pop culture references already felt dated, something which will only grow more true in time. (Mom, what's a blackberry?) At any rate, I certainly look forward to checking out the next installment!
ARC provided by Net Galley. (I'm a little behind!)
1 review
April 30, 2014
Loved Loved this book! It's bright and very funny and makes you think without being gloomy or dark. It really makes you remember how you thought as a girl and I loved the chance to visit New York through Evie's eyes
Profile Image for Karla.
15 reviews2 followers
September 26, 2015
I don't usually read realistic contemporary fiction, but this was a good read. The adults were realistically portrayed, not the usual extreme stereotypes.
Profile Image for Selah.
1,303 reviews
July 30, 2017
Super cute MG book. It's too "old" for my daughter right now (she's only 7) but she'll love it in a few years.
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