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See You at Harry's
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Middle Grade & Children's (2012)Twelve-Year-Old Fern feels invisible. Her dad is forever planning how to boost business at the family restaurant. Her Mom is constantly going off to meditate. Her sister, Sara, who's taking a year off after high school, is too busy finding ways not to work, and her brother Holden is totally focused on his new "friend". And then there's Charlie: three years old, a "surprise" baby, and the center of everything.
If it wasn't for her friend Ran, there would be nowhere to turn. Ran is always calm, always positive. His mantra, "All will be well," calms like nothing else. When he says it, Fern can almost believe.
But when their lives are suddenly turned upside down, Fern feels more alone than ever, and responsible for the devastating event that wrenches the family apart. All will not be well. Or at least, all will never be the same.
If it wasn't for her friend Ran, there would be nowhere to turn. Ran is always calm, always positive. His mantra, "All will be well," calms like nothing else. When he says it, Fern can almost believe.
But when their lives are suddenly turned upside down, Fern feels more alone than ever, and responsible for the devastating event that wrenches the family apart. All will not be well. Or at least, all will never be the same.
311 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2012
330 people are currently reading
16456 people want to read
About the author
Jo Knowles
11 books768 followersHi! I'm the author of several books for kids and teens. including Ear Worm!,Meant To Be, and See You at Harry's. I'm available for school, library and book club visits either in person or via Zoom. For more info, please visit www.joknowles.com Thanks! :-)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,839 reviews
November 6, 2014
Such an emotional story!
January 12, 2012
Last night my husband had to confiscate our Kindle from me because I was crying uncontrollably, so wrecked by what had just happened in the book I was reading that I could barely even breathe, I was crying so hard.
This morning, though, I took the Kindle back. I started reading again, and ten minutes later, I was crying again. But I didn't stop reading until the end of the book, because I couldn't.
The book was Jo Knowles's See You at Harry's (I got an e-ARC through Netgalley), and honestly, if anyone had warned me ahead of time what was going to happen in the book, I would never have picked it up, because I would have known I couldn't deal with it emotionally.
But I'm glad that no one warned me, because it was worth it.
See You at Harry's is an MG book narrated by 12-year-old Fern. She's part of a big, loving but conflicted family that all chips in (like it or not) to run their family restaurant, "Harry's". Fern's parents love her but don't always notice her, distracted by the never-ending work of the restaurant, by their concerns over her two older siblings, and by her 3-year-old brother Charlie, who's always getting in Fern's way. Fern has a best friend, Ran, who's suddenly disconcertingly hot, and she has a much-loved older brother who's dealing with bullying at school.
Every single character feels utterly real - as I read, I was there, I was a part of that family, I was absolutely in Fern's head and feeling her emotions, her frustrations and her fears and hopes. The family dynamics are all so true, the aggravations and frustrations and joys of normal life in a big, busy family.
And then something terrible and unexpected happens, and the whole family has to reshape itself to deal with it.
I can't remember the last time I cried this much and this hard over a book...but I couldn't put it down (at least not voluntarily), either. I had to know what would happen to Fern and her family. I cared SO MUCH about all of them. And I'm glad I kept reading. The end is just exactly right.
This is a really, really beautiful and emotionally compelling book. But do keep a box of tissues nearby if you start reading it (especially if you are a parent).
This morning, though, I took the Kindle back. I started reading again, and ten minutes later, I was crying again. But I didn't stop reading until the end of the book, because I couldn't.
The book was Jo Knowles's See You at Harry's (I got an e-ARC through Netgalley), and honestly, if anyone had warned me ahead of time what was going to happen in the book, I would never have picked it up, because I would have known I couldn't deal with it emotionally.
But I'm glad that no one warned me, because it was worth it.
See You at Harry's is an MG book narrated by 12-year-old Fern. She's part of a big, loving but conflicted family that all chips in (like it or not) to run their family restaurant, "Harry's". Fern's parents love her but don't always notice her, distracted by the never-ending work of the restaurant, by their concerns over her two older siblings, and by her 3-year-old brother Charlie, who's always getting in Fern's way. Fern has a best friend, Ran, who's suddenly disconcertingly hot, and she has a much-loved older brother who's dealing with bullying at school.
Every single character feels utterly real - as I read, I was there, I was a part of that family, I was absolutely in Fern's head and feeling her emotions, her frustrations and her fears and hopes. The family dynamics are all so true, the aggravations and frustrations and joys of normal life in a big, busy family.
And then something terrible and unexpected happens, and the whole family has to reshape itself to deal with it.
I can't remember the last time I cried this much and this hard over a book...but I couldn't put it down (at least not voluntarily), either. I had to know what would happen to Fern and her family. I cared SO MUCH about all of them. And I'm glad I kept reading. The end is just exactly right.
This is a really, really beautiful and emotionally compelling book. But do keep a box of tissues nearby if you start reading it (especially if you are a parent).
July 4, 2023
✰ 4.25 stars ✰
“I give them each a quick squeeze, then start to let go.
But at the same time, they both squeeze back. “It means I love you,” my mother taught us. “It’s how you say it when you don’t want anyone else to hear.”
There are days when I question myself over why I continue to read Middle Grade books - and then, I read books like See You at Harry's and I understand why. Is it a testament to good writing that it starts off with one path that you think it's leading you down that hurts your heart, only to turn down another road that breaks your heart? Jo Knowles' beautiful and heart-wrenching writing certainly proved that.
“If it’s true, I wonder what that must be like.
To know you’re different. To know some people are going to hate you because of it.”
I loved how it started off - this loyal bond between Fern and her older brother, Holden, as she slowly learns that he's facing so much on his own, just for being gay. Holden had to endure so much bullying - so much loneliness, at fourteen, just trying to find his place in the world - not knowing if his own family would accept him for he was. 🥺🥺 Fern was trying so hard to reach out to him, to make him realize that his family was there for him, that they would support him, if only he allowed them to.
“Holden’s voice sounded so pleading. So different from today in the car. He sounded like he wanted to escape from us so badly.
My family is totally clueless.
Not all of us are, I think. We love you. You’re the one who’s too clueless to notice.”
I loved the family dynamics that shined within her family - the craze and the sane - the fun and the laughter - and the love and the challenges that they had with their little restaurant that they wanted to take to even further heights. Her relationship with her younger brother, Charlie, was also so realistically portrayed - wanting to care for them and still wishing for them to go away.
“As I start to walk, my eyes fill with tears. I feel like a big baby for being so upset, but it really does hurt to be wronged. It hurts so much. And then I realize. This is probably what Holden feels like every day.”
Fern - for all her faults of being a sister - she was the best of sisters. She was relatable in so many ways, looking up to her sister, standing up for her older brother and his bullies, trying to be an accommodating sport to her younger brother. I loved that she tried to understand what Holden was going through - that she wanted to preserve their sibling relationship so much so, that she would try to see things through his eyes. 💔💔 And yet, with all that she's trying to handle on her own, she does make mistakes - mistakes that she'll forever regret - forever have to live with, always thinking and wondering that 'what if' - what if she had done things differently. Those sentiments spoke to me so very deeply. 😟😟
It was odd that a book that was built upon showcasing a relationship between Fern and her older brother, somehow became a book about Fern and her younger brother, Charlie, instead. I'm not complaining - I'm hurting. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 Maybe, that's the hidden beauty of it - that we don't appreciate those we have - to take those little moments - those special gifts we take for granted - when all we have will be a memory of them. And yet, with a tender touch of compassion, Ms.Knowles shows that there is still the hope of healing in a quiet grief - that we can't let it consume us, but know how much of it to let go, before it overwhelms us. 🙁🙁
“When all that’s left of me is love, give me away.
How could I ever do that? Why would I want to do that?”
Jo Knowles' words captured that intense feeling of guilt perfectly - I have no words at how honest they rang into the core of my very heart, because I know. I have lost someone close to me - and all that time afterwards, much like Fern and her family, I kept thinking 'what if I hadn't done that' or 'what if I had stopped that from happening', 'what if I had been paying just a little more attention, maybe things would be different'. 😢😢
The blame game is so palpable in this story, that it tore me up from inside, that it resonated within me - that yes, this is how it is! How is she able to convey it through the eyes of a twelve-year-old, who is yearning for more, for a second chance to make things right? If those were my honest-to-real feelings, then to see those same sentiments echo so viscerally in the writing - that wins points in my heart, immediately. 😔😔
“Let it heal your heart. Let it guide you tomorrow and all the days of your lives. That is the kind of love that is a gift you can give away and still never be without.”
And for all the pain and sorrow, there is always the hope of healing for a better tomorrow - because life does go on, even when you think that you can't move on. The emotions of a yearning happiness, of one family's journey through sadness and tragedy, still gives us a glimmer that they will find a way to be a family again. It was a heart-breaking and emotional read with characters that were so honestly relatable that I felt their grief, as if it were my own. 🤍🤍🤍
‘Look for me in the people I’ve known,’
(...)
Love doesn’t die, people do,
So, when all that’s left of me is love, give me away.’
— Epitaph by Merrit Malloy
“I give them each a quick squeeze, then start to let go.
But at the same time, they both squeeze back. “It means I love you,” my mother taught us. “It’s how you say it when you don’t want anyone else to hear.”
There are days when I question myself over why I continue to read Middle Grade books - and then, I read books like See You at Harry's and I understand why. Is it a testament to good writing that it starts off with one path that you think it's leading you down that hurts your heart, only to turn down another road that breaks your heart? Jo Knowles' beautiful and heart-wrenching writing certainly proved that.
“If it’s true, I wonder what that must be like.
To know you’re different. To know some people are going to hate you because of it.”
I loved how it started off - this loyal bond between Fern and her older brother, Holden, as she slowly learns that he's facing so much on his own, just for being gay. Holden had to endure so much bullying - so much loneliness, at fourteen, just trying to find his place in the world - not knowing if his own family would accept him for he was. 🥺🥺 Fern was trying so hard to reach out to him, to make him realize that his family was there for him, that they would support him, if only he allowed them to.
“Holden’s voice sounded so pleading. So different from today in the car. He sounded like he wanted to escape from us so badly.
My family is totally clueless.
Not all of us are, I think. We love you. You’re the one who’s too clueless to notice.”
I loved the family dynamics that shined within her family - the craze and the sane - the fun and the laughter - and the love and the challenges that they had with their little restaurant that they wanted to take to even further heights. Her relationship with her younger brother, Charlie, was also so realistically portrayed - wanting to care for them and still wishing for them to go away.
“As I start to walk, my eyes fill with tears. I feel like a big baby for being so upset, but it really does hurt to be wronged. It hurts so much. And then I realize. This is probably what Holden feels like every day.”
Fern - for all her faults of being a sister - she was the best of sisters. She was relatable in so many ways, looking up to her sister, standing up for her older brother and his bullies, trying to be an accommodating sport to her younger brother. I loved that she tried to understand what Holden was going through - that she wanted to preserve their sibling relationship so much so, that she would try to see things through his eyes. 💔💔 And yet, with all that she's trying to handle on her own, she does make mistakes - mistakes that she'll forever regret - forever have to live with, always thinking and wondering that 'what if' - what if she had done things differently. Those sentiments spoke to me so very deeply. 😟😟
It was odd that a book that was built upon showcasing a relationship between Fern and her older brother, somehow became a book about Fern and her younger brother, Charlie, instead. I'm not complaining - I'm hurting. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 Maybe, that's the hidden beauty of it - that we don't appreciate those we have - to take those little moments - those special gifts we take for granted - when all we have will be a memory of them. And yet, with a tender touch of compassion, Ms.Knowles shows that there is still the hope of healing in a quiet grief - that we can't let it consume us, but know how much of it to let go, before it overwhelms us. 🙁🙁
“When all that’s left of me is love, give me away.
How could I ever do that? Why would I want to do that?”
Jo Knowles' words captured that intense feeling of guilt perfectly - I have no words at how honest they rang into the core of my very heart, because I know. I have lost someone close to me - and all that time afterwards, much like Fern and her family, I kept thinking 'what if I hadn't done that' or 'what if I had stopped that from happening', 'what if I had been paying just a little more attention, maybe things would be different'. 😢😢
The blame game is so palpable in this story, that it tore me up from inside, that it resonated within me - that yes, this is how it is! How is she able to convey it through the eyes of a twelve-year-old, who is yearning for more, for a second chance to make things right? If those were my honest-to-real feelings, then to see those same sentiments echo so viscerally in the writing - that wins points in my heart, immediately. 😔😔
“Let it heal your heart. Let it guide you tomorrow and all the days of your lives. That is the kind of love that is a gift you can give away and still never be without.”
And for all the pain and sorrow, there is always the hope of healing for a better tomorrow - because life does go on, even when you think that you can't move on. The emotions of a yearning happiness, of one family's journey through sadness and tragedy, still gives us a glimmer that they will find a way to be a family again. It was a heart-breaking and emotional read with characters that were so honestly relatable that I felt their grief, as if it were my own. 🤍🤍🤍
‘Look for me in the people I’ve known,’
(...)
Love doesn’t die, people do,
So, when all that’s left of me is love, give me away.’
— Epitaph by Merrit Malloy
April 28, 2012
A book like See You at Harry’s reminds us of the absolute pleasure of becoming immersed in a terrific read. Author Jo Knowles leads us to empathize with her characters, engages us in a narrative that pulls us through in ways that render true the cliché “I couldn’t put it down,” and then leaves us with the stark knowledge that tricky currents are churning in the lives of young people from their families, schools, friends, and really, contemporary culture.As much as I admire See You at Harry's, reviewing it has built-in challenges. Not much can be said without providing unforgivable spoilers. Here’s what I can tell you though. The first third of See You at Harry’s gives us an appealing narrator, Fern, who sees the world with as much humor as she can muster given the fact that she finds every member of her family at least a little annoying. Sara, her recently-graduated sister, is too cool for everyone around her. Her 14-year old brother Holden is gay, a fact he wants to be accepted without being overtly acknowledged. Fern’s 3-year old brother Charlie is as cute as he is demanding. Fern’s mother spends way too much time in meditation. Her father is wrapped up in the family business, a struggling restaurant and ice cream shop.
This book, like life, leads us to have reasonable assumptions about what will probably happen, then surprises us with shattering events and touches of grace. Every member of the family is absorbed in her or his own problems and perspectives. After we come to know these characters and become interested and involved in how they face their problems, they are smacked with a major life-changing tragedy and are suddenly forced to deal with that … situation, and with each other in new ways.
See You at Harry’s will lead readers to consider the issue of blame. How do we handle being blamed? What if we blame ourselves? When is blame reasonable? What if we are blaming someone for something that is too much for one person to bear, even if the person is guilty? What does blame accomplish? What are alternatives to blaming?
As in her previous fine novels, Jo Knowles writes with humor and compassion as she conveys complex emotions without crossing into melodrama. As I read the last two pages of See You at Harry’s, I found myself getting a little choked up. I’m edging close to one of those spoilers here, so I’ll bring this to a close by simply saying the ending is pitch perfect.
See You at Harry’s? Yes.
Cross-posted on What's Not Wrong?
December 4, 2011
At NCTE I knew that I would be compelled to tour the exhibit halls, if only to get an ARC of Eye of the Storm by Kate Messner. Before hitting those exhibits, however, I was lucky enough to attend a session on critique groups for writing with Kate as one of the panelists. I’m met Kate a few times. She was kind enough to Skype with my school for family reading night. I’ve run into her at conferences over the past two years and “spoken” with her on twitter several times. At the end of the session I went up to her and told her one- how amazing she is, and two- my need to get my hands on one of her ARCs. She told me the booth number and then mentioned if I was headed down there to stop at Candlewick’s booth and get an ARC of Jo Knowles new book, See You at Harry’s. Boy am I glad she said that.
To say that See You at Harry’s is a powerful and emotional book is like saying the sky is blue. It starts as an almost coming of age book. Fern is entering middle school. She is part of a wonderfully eccentric family. Her parents are free-spirited – they used to follow the Grateful Dead but settled down to run her grandfather’s diner. They named their children after their favorite characters from books. Fern’s sister Sarah has not gotten into any good colleges so she’s working at the diner while she decides what to do. Her brother Holden is beginning high school and coming to grips with who he is. And Charlie, the three year old, was the surprise child for her parents. Charlie often follows Fern around, much to her annoyance, which will resonate with anyone who has had younger siblings in their life.
Fern often feels overlooked and invisible in this large family. She can seemingly blend in as she swallows down what she wants to say. But she does quietly speak up at times, surprising everyone around her.
I loved this book for a variety of reasons. One, because Fern is such a relatable character. Many students will identify with her, wanting to stand up to the bullies, to speak up to their siblings and their parents, to take back what they can’t take back.
But most of all, I love this book for everything I cannot talk about for fear of spoiling it for anyone. Let me just say this, I love Holden and Fern’s relationship. I love Holden for being who he is meant to be. I love Fern and felt for her for the last ½ of the book as I sobbed and shoved the Kleenex off of my book so I could read the book faster. I love Ran, Fern’s wonderful independent friend who is loyal and kind. Most of all, I loved Charlie for the fact that he reminded me so much of my son Liam. Liam, who came in to ask why I was crying as I read that book and if it made me sad, why would I continue to read it? I told him what I will tell you. Sometimes things are so beautiful that they bring the tears to your eyes. This book is beautiful. With that, I will end on a sentence from the book, from a poem by Merrit Malloy, “When all that’s left of me is love, give me away.” Read this book.
To say that See You at Harry’s is a powerful and emotional book is like saying the sky is blue. It starts as an almost coming of age book. Fern is entering middle school. She is part of a wonderfully eccentric family. Her parents are free-spirited – they used to follow the Grateful Dead but settled down to run her grandfather’s diner. They named their children after their favorite characters from books. Fern’s sister Sarah has not gotten into any good colleges so she’s working at the diner while she decides what to do. Her brother Holden is beginning high school and coming to grips with who he is. And Charlie, the three year old, was the surprise child for her parents. Charlie often follows Fern around, much to her annoyance, which will resonate with anyone who has had younger siblings in their life.
Fern often feels overlooked and invisible in this large family. She can seemingly blend in as she swallows down what she wants to say. But she does quietly speak up at times, surprising everyone around her.
I loved this book for a variety of reasons. One, because Fern is such a relatable character. Many students will identify with her, wanting to stand up to the bullies, to speak up to their siblings and their parents, to take back what they can’t take back.
But most of all, I love this book for everything I cannot talk about for fear of spoiling it for anyone. Let me just say this, I love Holden and Fern’s relationship. I love Holden for being who he is meant to be. I love Fern and felt for her for the last ½ of the book as I sobbed and shoved the Kleenex off of my book so I could read the book faster. I love Ran, Fern’s wonderful independent friend who is loyal and kind. Most of all, I loved Charlie for the fact that he reminded me so much of my son Liam. Liam, who came in to ask why I was crying as I read that book and if it made me sad, why would I continue to read it? I told him what I will tell you. Sometimes things are so beautiful that they bring the tears to your eyes. This book is beautiful. With that, I will end on a sentence from the book, from a poem by Merrit Malloy, “When all that’s left of me is love, give me away.” Read this book.
May 8, 2012
Reviewed at:
http://www.teachmentortexts.com/2012/...
Author interview:
http://www.teachmentortexts.com/2012/...
I have read a couple of books recently that were really hard to review (Wonder, The Fault in our Stars, The One and Only Ivan) because they are books that reach into your heart and settle there. It is hard to write a review of a book that becomes so personal. See you at Harry's is one of those books. As I sit here trying to write a review, I don't know how to put all of my feelings into words. I keep on trying to write more, but the words just don't sound right...
***
Summary: As Fern enters middle school, everyone in her family is dealing with their own problems. Her father is worried about the business, her mother only pays attention Fern's baby brother Charlie, her sister Sara is miserable working at the family diner while all of her friends have gone off to college, and her brother Holden, who she is normally close to, is dealing with his sexual identity. In the middle of all of this, Fern feels ignored- well except by Charlie who is always following her around and annoying her. The only person keeping Fern sane is her level-headed and optimistic best friend Ran. He almost makes her believe that everything will be okay. But then everything changes and even Ran cannot believe that all will be well.
What I Think: This book is brilliant. Jo Knowles has taken a story that seems like a coming of age story and made it about not only her, but her family and so much more. Now, I don't want to say too much as the devastation in the book was not what I expected and I want to allow you to feel the same shock as I did. What I thought this book was going to be about ended up being a subtext to what the family must really wade through.
I read this book in one sitting and the emotions I felt through this book were such a roller coaster ride. I cried for about 1/3 of the book, I laughed often and was so very proud by the end. My heart was exhausted by the time I finished.
I love this book very much. I will give you three reasons. 1) Very rarely (like only 2 other times) has a book made me laugh out loud and cry within pages of each other. 2) Fern is a young girl that is so relatable and likeable that you can't help loving her and her voice. 3) This book is beautifully written and will stay with you for a long time.
Snatch of Text:
"When we finished sniffling, my mom adjusted herself in the bed so she could look at me. 'Fern,' she said softly. 'Do you know why I named you Fern?'
I nodded looking at the drawing of the girl on the cover of the book.
'Why?' she asked.
'Because Fern is one of your favorite characters?'
'And why is that?'
I shrugged.
'Because Fern cares,' she said. 'From the moment you were born, I could tell you had a special soul. I knew you'd be a good friend. A hero.'
I looked at my chest and tried to feel my soul buried in there, deep in my heart.
'It's true,' my mom said. 'Not everyone would share a sandwich with Random Smith.'
I smiled, feeling my soul stir a little." (p. 3)
"Holden is always running off in a huff, and I am always the one searching for him and bringing him home. Holden's named after the main character in The Catcher in the Rye. I wasn't supposed to read it until I'm older, but I snuck my mom's paperback copy out of her room last year. The pages were all soft from her reading it so many times. The book is about this boy who's depressed because he things everyone he knows is a phony, so he runs away. I understand why my mom liked the book and all, but I personally think is was a big mistake to name your kid after a boy who tries to kill himself, even if he is thoughtful and brilliant. My favorite parts in the book are when the main characters talks about his little sister, Phoebe. Sometimes I think I'm a little like Phoebe to our Holden. Because in the book she's the one he goes back for. And that's sort of like me. Only I have to go looking for him first." (p. 25-26)
http://www.teachmentortexts.com/2012/...
Author interview:
http://www.teachmentortexts.com/2012/...
I have read a couple of books recently that were really hard to review (Wonder, The Fault in our Stars, The One and Only Ivan) because they are books that reach into your heart and settle there. It is hard to write a review of a book that becomes so personal. See you at Harry's is one of those books. As I sit here trying to write a review, I don't know how to put all of my feelings into words. I keep on trying to write more, but the words just don't sound right...
***
Summary: As Fern enters middle school, everyone in her family is dealing with their own problems. Her father is worried about the business, her mother only pays attention Fern's baby brother Charlie, her sister Sara is miserable working at the family diner while all of her friends have gone off to college, and her brother Holden, who she is normally close to, is dealing with his sexual identity. In the middle of all of this, Fern feels ignored- well except by Charlie who is always following her around and annoying her. The only person keeping Fern sane is her level-headed and optimistic best friend Ran. He almost makes her believe that everything will be okay. But then everything changes and even Ran cannot believe that all will be well.
What I Think: This book is brilliant. Jo Knowles has taken a story that seems like a coming of age story and made it about not only her, but her family and so much more. Now, I don't want to say too much as the devastation in the book was not what I expected and I want to allow you to feel the same shock as I did. What I thought this book was going to be about ended up being a subtext to what the family must really wade through.
I read this book in one sitting and the emotions I felt through this book were such a roller coaster ride. I cried for about 1/3 of the book, I laughed often and was so very proud by the end. My heart was exhausted by the time I finished.
I love this book very much. I will give you three reasons. 1) Very rarely (like only 2 other times) has a book made me laugh out loud and cry within pages of each other. 2) Fern is a young girl that is so relatable and likeable that you can't help loving her and her voice. 3) This book is beautifully written and will stay with you for a long time.
Snatch of Text:
"When we finished sniffling, my mom adjusted herself in the bed so she could look at me. 'Fern,' she said softly. 'Do you know why I named you Fern?'
I nodded looking at the drawing of the girl on the cover of the book.
'Why?' she asked.
'Because Fern is one of your favorite characters?'
'And why is that?'
I shrugged.
'Because Fern cares,' she said. 'From the moment you were born, I could tell you had a special soul. I knew you'd be a good friend. A hero.'
I looked at my chest and tried to feel my soul buried in there, deep in my heart.
'It's true,' my mom said. 'Not everyone would share a sandwich with Random Smith.'
I smiled, feeling my soul stir a little." (p. 3)
"Holden is always running off in a huff, and I am always the one searching for him and bringing him home. Holden's named after the main character in The Catcher in the Rye. I wasn't supposed to read it until I'm older, but I snuck my mom's paperback copy out of her room last year. The pages were all soft from her reading it so many times. The book is about this boy who's depressed because he things everyone he knows is a phony, so he runs away. I understand why my mom liked the book and all, but I personally think is was a big mistake to name your kid after a boy who tries to kill himself, even if he is thoughtful and brilliant. My favorite parts in the book are when the main characters talks about his little sister, Phoebe. Sometimes I think I'm a little like Phoebe to our Holden. Because in the book she's the one he goes back for. And that's sort of like me. Only I have to go looking for him first." (p. 25-26)
January 7, 2013
Appeal Characteristics: family relationships, death, restaurant business, bullies, coming out/gay relationships, school
I cried like a baby at this book. I love dysfunctional families. For some reason, I hate reading adult literary works about dysfunctional families, but I love kids perspectives on them. Fern's family is tough to beat. I felt like this was Bridge to Terabithia for the next generation. I don't want to write any spoilers because I want the magic to be there for anyone who wants to read it. Fern's raw emotional journey from beginning to end had me crying like a baby. Jo Knowles deserves all accolades she's getting from this book. The characters in here were all developed into rich, flawed works of art, that just shows simultaneously how precious and frail humans are. I loved how quirky the parents were (especially with the children's names) and just how strong the supporting cast of characters were included. Also, I liked how she used that middle school time to show how feelings can develop, and not every girl is ready for a Gossip Girl relationship. I think that's what made me love the book even more. Lush, Intimate, Tender, Humorous, and Heart-Breaking are just the many tones to describe what's held inside the pages of this book. In the end, you realize, "All will be well."
Red Flags: Hate Slurs, Mild Language, Mild violence descriptions
I cried like a baby at this book. I love dysfunctional families. For some reason, I hate reading adult literary works about dysfunctional families, but I love kids perspectives on them. Fern's family is tough to beat. I felt like this was Bridge to Terabithia for the next generation. I don't want to write any spoilers because I want the magic to be there for anyone who wants to read it. Fern's raw emotional journey from beginning to end had me crying like a baby. Jo Knowles deserves all accolades she's getting from this book. The characters in here were all developed into rich, flawed works of art, that just shows simultaneously how precious and frail humans are. I loved how quirky the parents were (especially with the children's names) and just how strong the supporting cast of characters were included. Also, I liked how she used that middle school time to show how feelings can develop, and not every girl is ready for a Gossip Girl relationship. I think that's what made me love the book even more. Lush, Intimate, Tender, Humorous, and Heart-Breaking are just the many tones to describe what's held inside the pages of this book. In the end, you realize, "All will be well."
Red Flags: Hate Slurs, Mild Language, Mild violence descriptions
March 16, 2020
Don't read this book if you cry easily.
Wounded people and a very human story.
Everyone overcoming their grief for each other.
wow.
In fact, read it even if you do cry easily. For the fans of Tell the Wolves I am home, this is a must.
This is how you write about real people.
Flaunt your false heart in this false light all you want, hock it even, flout all the rules, this book is not for the faint of heart.
Steampunk but a mechanical heart.
Feint all you want, feinting all the way and all the way back, won't help you avoid this blow, blow that's coming at you.
August 4, 2020
This was such an emotional story about love and how important one person can really be. It's a beautiful story which you should totally read. If you do, I suggest having a few tissues around. I read this book in one sitting and now here I am, crying. I love you Charlieeee ♡ don't forgot itttt!
May 25, 2017
I hate it when I am reading a book and someone starts cutting a onion. How can one hold up the waterworks when someone is cutting onions nearby? This book is like that. You are reading and all of a sudden the writer starts cutting onion on the pages. :/
Vivid characters, beautiful writing and a heart wrenching plot. Such a emotional story!
Vivid characters, beautiful writing and a heart wrenching plot. Such a emotional story!
November 25, 2012
So many people told me to read this book, but I was worried that it would make me sad. It did. I cried buckets. Jo Knowles writes the most honest families. Heartbreaking and beautiful.
May 23, 2012
A real-life story about a busy family in the restaurant business. The parents and two older kids, Sara and Holden, are in their own worlds, dealing with their own personal and sometimes complicated issues.
Fern, the third child, has just started middle school, and discovers that someone important to her is being bullied on the bus. She spends her after-school hours at HARRY'S; greeting customers, doing homework, and babysitting for her pesky 3 year-old brother, Charlie. Her best friend, Ran, keeps her company, and makes her feel like someone notices that she is alive.
Then something unexpected happens that rocks their world. "See You at Harry's" tackles BIG issues of the heart, and author Jo Knowles expertly guides the characters (and readers) through their personal darkness to the place where each can find healing. This book should be labelled "UNFORGETTABLE". Have your kleenex handy.
Fern, the third child, has just started middle school, and discovers that someone important to her is being bullied on the bus. She spends her after-school hours at HARRY'S; greeting customers, doing homework, and babysitting for her pesky 3 year-old brother, Charlie. Her best friend, Ran, keeps her company, and makes her feel like someone notices that she is alive.
Then something unexpected happens that rocks their world. "See You at Harry's" tackles BIG issues of the heart, and author Jo Knowles expertly guides the characters (and readers) through their personal darkness to the place where each can find healing. This book should be labelled "UNFORGETTABLE". Have your kleenex handy.
Read
February 3, 2012If you are a parent of small children, do not read this book.
I love Jo Knowles. I think she's a brilliant writer, and whenever she comes out with a new book, I don't even bother to check what it's about--it's an instant Must Read for me. That was the case with this book, too. I was so excited for a new Jo Knowles book. I dove in, and got immersed in her pitch-perfect characters and middle grade voice. There were all these lovely bits and elements, and I was looking forward to seeing where it was going.
And then the unthinkable happened.
I won't spoil it for those who haven't read it yet, but this book takes my absolute worst nightmare as a parent, and examines it, dissects it, explores it, pokes all the corners so I couldn't get away from it.
I tried to keep reading, because I wanted to see how everything would work out, but it was hard to read because I kept sobbing. I couldn't even talk about it without crying. I don't think I'll be able to finish this book.
If you do not have small children, read this book. Jo Knowles is a lovely writer, and this book is no exception to her excellent canon. But if you do have small children, stay away, unless you like to torture yourself.
I love Jo Knowles. I think she's a brilliant writer, and whenever she comes out with a new book, I don't even bother to check what it's about--it's an instant Must Read for me. That was the case with this book, too. I was so excited for a new Jo Knowles book. I dove in, and got immersed in her pitch-perfect characters and middle grade voice. There were all these lovely bits and elements, and I was looking forward to seeing where it was going.
And then the unthinkable happened.
I won't spoil it for those who haven't read it yet, but this book takes my absolute worst nightmare as a parent, and examines it, dissects it, explores it, pokes all the corners so I couldn't get away from it.
I tried to keep reading, because I wanted to see how everything would work out, but it was hard to read because I kept sobbing. I couldn't even talk about it without crying. I don't think I'll be able to finish this book.
If you do not have small children, read this book. Jo Knowles is a lovely writer, and this book is no exception to her excellent canon. But if you do have small children, stay away, unless you like to torture yourself.
March 9, 2015
Let me start by saying that yes, this is a great book. But, on a personal level this was probably the hardest book I've ever had to force myself through. On the surface it looks like a fun, light-hearted family drama that will wrap itself around coming to grips with the "outing" of one of the family's 4 kids. Oh, how I was so wrong. In reality the book is about one family's journey through coping with tragedy and unimaginable grief.
The incredible difficulty for me is my own reality of losing both my brother and one of my son's both in shockingly tragic manners. I cried for Fern. I cried for the mom. I relived every memory and painful emotion I've spent so much time healing from. However, I wish I had been able to describe my grief in the exact way Jo Knowles was able to in the prose of this book. Sibling grief is such an usual thing that is hard for others to understand and relate to. Survivors guilt, sibling rivalry, parental resentment. Yes, this. Is. Hard. I think I'll have to stop here.
Definitely worth reading...with lots of tissues!
The incredible difficulty for me is my own reality of losing both my brother and one of my son's both in shockingly tragic manners. I cried for Fern. I cried for the mom. I relived every memory and painful emotion I've spent so much time healing from. However, I wish I had been able to describe my grief in the exact way Jo Knowles was able to in the prose of this book. Sibling grief is such an usual thing that is hard for others to understand and relate to. Survivors guilt, sibling rivalry, parental resentment. Yes, this. Is. Hard. I think I'll have to stop here.
Definitely worth reading...with lots of tissues!
July 6, 2023
Oh my heart.
December 5, 2014
I can't find the right words to describe this book. My outlook on life has changed a little bit. It showed me that life is unpredictable. You never know when you'll have to say good-bye to the world, or when someone else you love will have to. You have to live life to the fullest, and learn to accept things even when it's not easy to. No matter what happens, there are people who love you and that's all that matters. This clear message just stood out to me throughout the whole entire story. I think it's a great read for those who like heartwarming stories, or like books where you can empathize with the main character.
April 17, 2013
A very heartfelt read. It is told from a 12-year-old's point of view, but did not feel juvenile. I liked that the children were named after fictional characters. I guess it made me feel like them because I could see myself doing that. Of course I teared up more than once!
July 15, 2020
if you want to go through a rollercoaster of emotions... then this book is for you.
focused on a family of six, this book will show you the power of family love, how one person can truly make the world of difference in your life, and how important it is to tell the people you love that you love them.
i cried about a dozen times throughout this book because of everything that happens and the transparent emotions you feel and see through each character as they navigate the pitfalls and mountains that life throws at them. man oh man, i wanted to just reach my hands through the pages of this book and give forehead kisses and bear hugs to each character. you’ll fall in love with fern & sara & holden & ran & especially charlie. oh my sweet charlie boy. you are the definition of love. you will forever be in my heart.
last i’ll say about this book- have tissues ready at the waiting (,:
focused on a family of six, this book will show you the power of family love, how one person can truly make the world of difference in your life, and how important it is to tell the people you love that you love them.
i cried about a dozen times throughout this book because of everything that happens and the transparent emotions you feel and see through each character as they navigate the pitfalls and mountains that life throws at them. man oh man, i wanted to just reach my hands through the pages of this book and give forehead kisses and bear hugs to each character. you’ll fall in love with fern & sara & holden & ran & especially charlie. oh my sweet charlie boy. you are the definition of love. you will forever be in my heart.
last i’ll say about this book- have tissues ready at the waiting (,:
October 28, 2013
What would you do if a tragic event wrenched your family apart - and it was your fault? Twelve-year-old Fern feels invisible. Her father is too preoccupied with ideas of promoting the family business to worry about protecting his children's dignity. When her mother isn't meditating in solitude, she busies herself with just about everything but paying Fern some attention. Her sister, Sara, is taking a year off of high school while all of her friends move on to collage. Her brother, Holden, desperately endeavors to defend himself from the ruthless bullies who harass him about his sexuality. Then there's Charlie. The "surprise" baby; the center of attention. In his presence, Fern sinks even deeper into the background, although the annoying Charlie adores her. Luckily, she can turn to her best friend, Ran, whose mantra "All will be well" never fails to calm her. Until the unthinkable happens.
Most books of this genre are similar. There is a character and he or she is upset about something in their life. Then something monumental changes everything, and they must adjust. Although "See You at Harry's" follows a comparable format, author Jo Knowles creates a story that truly comes alive. Every emotion, deliberation, relation, and memory is deeply perceived through every line. The profound depth to the seemingly simple characters creates the feeling that you are living through every condition the characters face.
Knowles' unparalleled character building comes in handy while making your average story into something unique. The characters themselves all have average problems that are so common that they sound like a cliché. Sara has high school issues. Holden is bullied. Fern feels unnoticed. The description of what runs through their heads turns these everyday miseries into catastrophes. This helps create credible characters. Their hardships are understandable because they are so mutual. The description is what keeps the story from going flat.
The plot makes the story empathetic. You can sympathize with the characters because the plot is realistic. I can imagine the events occurring within my own family. This is the reason why the story was so emotional. This helped to fabricate a fully realized character. Throughout the story, Fern develops beyond her shell to reach out to others after tragedy froze her.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed "See You at Harry's". It was warm, heartfelt, and emotional. It displayed superior writing tactics, as well as dragging the reader into the book and refusing to release them until the final page. I was kept on my toes. I laughed, cried, and sometimes did both at the same time. I was simply entertained, which is (in my opinion), The best thing a book could accomplish.
Most books of this genre are similar. There is a character and he or she is upset about something in their life. Then something monumental changes everything, and they must adjust. Although "See You at Harry's" follows a comparable format, author Jo Knowles creates a story that truly comes alive. Every emotion, deliberation, relation, and memory is deeply perceived through every line. The profound depth to the seemingly simple characters creates the feeling that you are living through every condition the characters face.
Knowles' unparalleled character building comes in handy while making your average story into something unique. The characters themselves all have average problems that are so common that they sound like a cliché. Sara has high school issues. Holden is bullied. Fern feels unnoticed. The description of what runs through their heads turns these everyday miseries into catastrophes. This helps create credible characters. Their hardships are understandable because they are so mutual. The description is what keeps the story from going flat.
The plot makes the story empathetic. You can sympathize with the characters because the plot is realistic. I can imagine the events occurring within my own family. This is the reason why the story was so emotional. This helped to fabricate a fully realized character. Throughout the story, Fern develops beyond her shell to reach out to others after tragedy froze her.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed "See You at Harry's". It was warm, heartfelt, and emotional. It displayed superior writing tactics, as well as dragging the reader into the book and refusing to release them until the final page. I was kept on my toes. I laughed, cried, and sometimes did both at the same time. I was simply entertained, which is (in my opinion), The best thing a book could accomplish.
December 27, 2012
This book contains WAAAAY too much: bullies; family-owned business leading to overwhelmed, self-absorbed, over-worked, insensitive parents; cancer; coming out gay; death of a child. I wish this had been 2 or 3 books to cover this many topics. The main character, Fern, is only 12 but acts much older for most of the book. And I found it weird that all the children were named after a book character. Just odd.
Perfect review by Melanie H. (copied here):
Shelves: children-s-literature, 5th-grade, 6th-grade, families, family-tragedy, siblings, brothers, brothers-sisters, sisters, death, grief, schools, friends, interpersonal-relationships, lgbtq, restaurants
Fern used to be the baby of the family and then Mom and Dad had a surprise baby named Charlie. Charlie is everyone's darling but Fern feels her mother could do a better job watching Charlie and less time meditating. As it is Fern, her sister Sara and brother Holden are responsible for Charlie much of the time.
Fern often finds herself irritated with Charlie. For example when Charlie wants Fern to hold and sing to his favorite toy, Doll, and Fern would rather not, Charlie starts to have a meltdown. Mom will then tiredly tell Fern to play with Doll.
While the family is busy with the family restaurant and Charlie, Fern's older brother Holden is battle his own demons. Holden is pretty sure he is gay. Meeting Gray, an older student, he's sure. His sisters know but how to come out to his parents is a daily struggle for him.
One day, while most of the family is busy in the restaurant, Fern is trying to watch Charlie while doing her homework outside at the picnic tables. All of a sudden Charlie darts out into the parking lot almost getting hit by a car. Thankfully the car misses him but Charlie falls down and hits his head trying to avoid the car. Panicked, Fern runs over. Charlie has tears on his face because the bump hurt a bit but otherwise he seems fine. However Fern still gets a talking to from her mother and sister for not being more careful. Fern feels this is unfair as Charlie moved really fast and why wasn't Mom or Sara helping out?
The family goes home and has dinner together not knowing that their lives are about to change drastically.
Perfect review by Melanie H. (copied here):
Shelves: children-s-literature, 5th-grade, 6th-grade, families, family-tragedy, siblings, brothers, brothers-sisters, sisters, death, grief, schools, friends, interpersonal-relationships, lgbtq, restaurants
Fern used to be the baby of the family and then Mom and Dad had a surprise baby named Charlie. Charlie is everyone's darling but Fern feels her mother could do a better job watching Charlie and less time meditating. As it is Fern, her sister Sara and brother Holden are responsible for Charlie much of the time.
Fern often finds herself irritated with Charlie. For example when Charlie wants Fern to hold and sing to his favorite toy, Doll, and Fern would rather not, Charlie starts to have a meltdown. Mom will then tiredly tell Fern to play with Doll.
While the family is busy with the family restaurant and Charlie, Fern's older brother Holden is battle his own demons. Holden is pretty sure he is gay. Meeting Gray, an older student, he's sure. His sisters know but how to come out to his parents is a daily struggle for him.
One day, while most of the family is busy in the restaurant, Fern is trying to watch Charlie while doing her homework outside at the picnic tables. All of a sudden Charlie darts out into the parking lot almost getting hit by a car. Thankfully the car misses him but Charlie falls down and hits his head trying to avoid the car. Panicked, Fern runs over. Charlie has tears on his face because the bump hurt a bit but otherwise he seems fine. However Fern still gets a talking to from her mother and sister for not being more careful. Fern feels this is unfair as Charlie moved really fast and why wasn't Mom or Sara helping out?
The family goes home and has dinner together not knowing that their lives are about to change drastically.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2014
It is surprising how many people liked this book. It must feel more real to them than it did to me. In my opinion it was too sweetie pie on the one hand and terribly depressing on the other hand. Everyone cried way too much for most of the book. I wanted more of an ending that included personal growth--it just wasn't satisfying to me the way she wrapped it up.
Fern didn't show enough resentment in my opinion. She states that she was the baby of the family for 8 years but was always ignored. Things got worse when her baby brother comes along and he is adored by everyone. That sounds like a huge set up for sibling rivalry. Fern is supposed to be around 12 but sounds a great deal older.
There are a lot of confusing family relationships. Her parents are incredibly weak--they never discipline their children. It seemed a bit off that her 14 year old brother never seemed to have any responsibilities. He does whatever he wants to--stomping out of the house over and over. The father is made to sound like a meany because he doesn't want his 14 year old son going off on dates with a 17 year old guy that the family knows very little about. I wouldn't want my 14 year old daughter going off on dates alone with a 17 year old boy that I didn't know. Nor would I want my 14 year old son dating a 17 year old girl. Lets put this in perspective. I think junior high aged kids should go out with groups of friends, preferably ones the parents have met. I think the book gives tweens the wrong message.
The whole book just felt off to me. I do think the author did a great job of describing how the little brother had sticky hands and picked his nose and did a butt wiggle dance. And the best friend Random was a cool guy with slogan tee shirts. The other characters I just didn't feel I got to know as well as I'd like.
As an adult it concerns me when a book makes a fairy tale about gay people dating and coming out when they are 14. Somehow the bullies just seemed to disappear once Holden stopped taking the bus. Having 12 year old Fern tell me about a complex social issue such as homosexual relationships just seemed weird. It would have made more sense if Holden had his own voice in some of the chapters to share his coming out story. Coming out can be extremely painful.
Fern didn't show enough resentment in my opinion. She states that she was the baby of the family for 8 years but was always ignored. Things got worse when her baby brother comes along and he is adored by everyone. That sounds like a huge set up for sibling rivalry. Fern is supposed to be around 12 but sounds a great deal older.
There are a lot of confusing family relationships. Her parents are incredibly weak--they never discipline their children. It seemed a bit off that her 14 year old brother never seemed to have any responsibilities. He does whatever he wants to--stomping out of the house over and over. The father is made to sound like a meany because he doesn't want his 14 year old son going off on dates with a 17 year old guy that the family knows very little about. I wouldn't want my 14 year old daughter going off on dates alone with a 17 year old boy that I didn't know. Nor would I want my 14 year old son dating a 17 year old girl. Lets put this in perspective. I think junior high aged kids should go out with groups of friends, preferably ones the parents have met. I think the book gives tweens the wrong message.
The whole book just felt off to me. I do think the author did a great job of describing how the little brother had sticky hands and picked his nose and did a butt wiggle dance. And the best friend Random was a cool guy with slogan tee shirts. The other characters I just didn't feel I got to know as well as I'd like.
As an adult it concerns me when a book makes a fairy tale about gay people dating and coming out when they are 14. Somehow the bullies just seemed to disappear once Holden stopped taking the bus. Having 12 year old Fern tell me about a complex social issue such as homosexual relationships just seemed weird. It would have made more sense if Holden had his own voice in some of the chapters to share his coming out story. Coming out can be extremely painful.
March 2, 2013
As Rebecca Stead said,"Heartbreaking, soul staining, and all-around beautiful." This book is definitely beautiful, and I have never called a book beautiful before. The way Jo Knowles writes is incredible. A few of the chapters were in such focus and detail. I couldn't help but smile at the writing. But... This book was also heartbreaking. I cried, kept crying, and couldn't stop crying. When Fern didn't cry, I couldn't cry. She was breaking down inside and so was I. Then, Sarah kind of forced her to cry, let her just pour it all out. That is when I cried too. The moments when Fern would listen and listen to the answering machine, the trip to the beach, the moments of the entire family breaking apart, these were the worst. I really could not stop crying. But... even though this book was heartbreaking, I loved it with all my heart. Their hearts were broken, but the pieces were put back together with little Charlie's love. See you at Harry's was absolutely soul-staining. I will remember the lessons learned and Fern's story forever. I learned so much about living in this book. Take nothing for grated and always remember everything happens for a reason. This is definitely one of my absolute favorite books! I hope that you love it just as much as I do, and remember that there IS a happy ending for the entire family!
Lastly...
See you at Hawee's!
(and this is not a lie like Fern once thought)
Lastly...
See you at Hawee's!
(and this is not a lie like Fern once thought)
February 22, 2012
All the while I read this, I kept wondering, "What is wrong with me? I pick up this book and, within pages, I'm crying, no sobbing, again." Loving Jo Knowles since my first NCTE Convention three years ago in Philly when I serendipitiously seated myself at her table for the Middle Level Mosaic, I knew I had to read her latest book, See You at Harry's. From Jumping Off Swings to Pearl, Knowles always takes her readers down a path that they don't see coming. After finishing the last page of See You at Harry's tonight, I glanced through other GoodReads reviews. Turns out I wasn't alone.
If you head down Knowles' path with Fern, you will join the rest of the early readers of this soon-to-be-released gem which will having you laughing, crying, and cheering for Fern and her endearingly broken, but average, yet not-so-average family.
If you head down Knowles' path with Fern, you will join the rest of the early readers of this soon-to-be-released gem which will having you laughing, crying, and cheering for Fern and her endearingly broken, but average, yet not-so-average family.
September 29, 2016
There's no fancy elements to this book. It is what it is, there's no melodrama there's no exaggeration. I cried heaps man, . I think the process of grief within an individual and also a family was incredibly well done and I enjoyed Holden's story as well. It also introduced me to a really beautiful poem, Epitaph by Malloy, the line "When there is nothing left of me but love, give me away" is literally so beautiful thank you so much by blessing me with writing this good.
It also literally spoiled The Catcher In The Rye for me so I wasn't very happy about that:))
I really enjoyed it everyone.
It also literally spoiled The Catcher In The Rye for me so I wasn't very happy about that:))
I really enjoyed it everyone.
February 16, 2017
See You at Harry's by J0 Knowles was published in 2012, the book takes place in 2012 in America. the book is about a 12 year old girl names Fern, how's dad owns a restaurant called Harry's. She has a older sister Sara, older brother Holden, and a little brother Charlie. Fern feels no one pays attention to her or cares about her, and if it wasn't for her best friend Ren she would have nothing. Then when Fern's life is flipped upside down she feels she has nothing and no one to turn to, and she feel it was her fault for what ripped her family apart. This was a good yet sad book and if you like a sad story I think you should read it. The story was descriptive and it felt like I was in the story, and you really feel what the character feels.
May 13, 2012
This book was lovely. I read it in one sitting on Mother's Day. And that was a mistake. Now I'm covered in my own snot and my husband took the kids to the park so I could have some kid-free time to read and zone out and all I want is for them to come back so I can squeeze the crap out of my babies. Read this book without reservation if you do not have kids; read this book with some bourbon and/or a tranquilizer if you do have kids. (And if you're a teenager -- hello, actual intended audience! -- you love reading torturous things anyway, so you're probably all set.)
December 18, 2011
As this is a May 2012 release we will have more to say about SEE YOU AT HARRY'S as it's release date draws near. For those of you who have loved Jo Knowles's past titles, just know this. . .she keeps getting better and better. Jo Knowles is the kind of young adult author that you want good things to happen for. . .you know? There is a real gift in "Harry's" and in May, readers will get to open it for themselves. This one of the early "can't miss" books for 2012.
January 25, 2012
A heart-wrenching story of family love and healing, filled with beautiful language, vivid and loveable characters, and precious moments of uplifting humor. I admit that this book had me sobbing (the real deal) and I usually hate books that make me cry, but this was such a moving and ultimately uplifting book that it made all the tears (each and every one) worth it.
August 1, 2013
So sad and wonderful.
December 18, 2013
The book was wonderful and brought me to tears
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,839 reviews