Alma

by William Bell

Award-winning YA author William Bell’s Alma is the captivating story of a quiet girl who builds a friendship with a reclusive stranger.Times have been tough since Alma’s father died and she and her mother had to give up their farm and move into town. Luckily, Alma can always retreat into the books of her favourite author, R.R. Hawkins.When Alma’s teacher notices her lovely handwriting, she recommends Alma for a job transcribing letters for “Miss Lily,” a reclusive old woman who has just arrived from Boston. Eventually, their mutual love of reading creates a strong friendship. Miss Lily lends Alma some of her favourite books, introduces her to calligraphy, and encourages her passion to write stories.But who is this difficult and solitary old woman who reminds Alma of Dickens’ Miss Havisham? And why is she so secretive about the part of her life she refuses to share? Could she be, as Alma begins to suspect, R.R. Hawkins herself? Alma is determined to find out.This touching story explores the relationship between a blossoming writer and her mentor, and delves into the complicated dynamics of friendship and trust.From the Trade Paperback edition.

Genres: Young Adult, Middle Grade, Ebooks, Adult, Historical Fiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 2003

About the author

William Bell is an award-winning author of more than a dozen books for young adults.

Born in Toronto, Ontario in 1945, he has been a high school English teacher and department head, and an instructor at the Harbin University of Science and Technology, the Foreign Affairs College in Beijing, and the University of British Columbia.

Reviews

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason I just couldn’t put it down I don’t know what it was

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another book my mom gave me when I was young but never read until now. It was a charming story and I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more when I was 11. It made me thankful for the internet, when I was reading the part of Alma doing research in the library with clunky library card catalogs. I don't miss using those!

[Sha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alma is the story of titular character Alma, who gets a job transcribing letters for an elderly recluse named Miss Lily. Alma befriends the older woman, and becomes invested in finding out more about the secrets Miss Lily is hiding.

I was introduced to this book in elementary school, and this re-read confirmed how well this book is written for middle grade readers. Alma has a fierce passion for reading only hindered by her family's limited budget. She has a close bond with the local librarian and wants to know more about her absolute favourite writer, R.R. Hawkins.

Alma (the book) is divided up into two plots: Alma working and befriending Miss Lily, and Alma developing her personal passion for writing. The themes of friendship and being true to your passions ignite in this middle grade novel. A good read and definitely nostalgic for me!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first book I read in a while that didn't take 50 words when 5 would do. I was, however, disappointed by the seemingly rushed ending.

[Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two and a half stars. I have noticed a trend in modern Canadian authors for the young...if you don't know the story is set in Canada before you start, you won't realise it by reading the book. There are no markers, no sense of place, very little description to tell you where you are. The passing references to New York and Cambridge made me wonder just at first if it were set in New England, but the text didn't feel right for that either, with its constant references to "the tea things" etc. There is one passing reference to the year, 1937 (or was it 1934?), but other than that there is no sense of period, either--beyond the fact that the kids use pen and ink to practice their penmanship. There was absolutely zero attempt at building a 1930s atmosphere. The characters feel too modern for the 1930s, particularly in the way they speak. I've read a lot of fiction that was actually written in the 1920s and 30s, aside from having parents who were young at that time, and the characters don't work. All of the characters but Alma are mere background scribbles, even her beloved Miss Lily is just there to help Alma work out her personal angst.

The plot was rather predictable; okay, so it's a book for children, but surely they are smarter than the author seems to suggest? I would in no way consider this YA fiction; at most, an intelligent nine or ten. The serving up of the tired old "story within a story" trope is garnished with the even worse one of poor girl makes friends with rich pop-u-luuurrre girl...and yet the reader is given almost no insight into how this happened, just that both girls are "suprised" by it. No character development to speak of, skimped and superficial development of situations beyond the central "conflict" (quotation marks entirely intentional). There were also a few terrible proofreading errors, particularly verb tenses which switch in mid-sentence--not something I'd care to teach young readers.

With a little more development and attention to detail, this story could have been wonderful and gripping. As it was, cramming most of the real action into the last few chapters and then topping it off with the "story within a story" had me skimming to finish it. If the author had known how to weave Alma's creation into the story of her year, it would have been so much better.

Report Card: Bell has considerable imagination, but does not apply himself. He would do well to review basic mechanics of the English language. Unsatisfactory.

[Claira Teichroeb · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting. This book isn't full of adventure, no incredibly unique characters, and yet I quite enjoyed this book. It's a quiet read, and for you writer peeps, it involves a character interested in writing and a fantasy author. If you want a gentle book for a calm rainy day, this might be a book for you.

[✿ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminds me of Anne of Green Gables. Such a comforting book. Love, love, love.

[Canlit4ever · Rating 4 out of 5]

I concur with the sentiments of another reviewer who said that she started reading it and for some reason couldn't put it down. Very tight and well crafted, albeit that content-wise it was a bit twee.

[Ava · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was very, how should I put it? I couldn't stop reading as Bell ended nearly every chapter with cliff hanger endings! Which was great. :)
I liked this book, as it left the time period and location nearly unknown, so you could focus more on the story details. It had great descriptons, and a marvelous story line, that captivates you, really because it flows so nicely and you can relate to it. It makes you realize another perspective of how other people live.
it was very very nice, a quick read, but nice all the same :)

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story and twists were fairly predictable, which is not unexpected in a book geared towards children. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable read which reinforces how wonderful reading and writing can be. The bittersweet ending lives you wishing things could be different, but it was still a satisfactory conclusion to all of the events. I would have really loved it if this book could have been longer, delving into a longer period of Alma's life, but obviously this was the only part of her that was meant to be shared.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this book for its simple narrative but it was rewarding nonetheless.
I found the characters Alma and Miss Lily to be very relatable and endearing, especially Alma.
This was a quick read for me but still felt richly developed and overall my impressions of this middle grade book are pretty good!

[Tracee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had no idea this was a young adult book when I bought it. Sigh. If you can get your head back to when you were a girl while reading this book, you may enjoy it a little. Even as a young adult reading this book I'd have been left unfulfilled.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

i can't explain it. it's a great, sensationel, good, amasing, interesting, readable, funny, and impressive book (ect, ect, ect.....)

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a nice change from the usual contemporary novels.

[Renae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars may be a bit generous but....

[Mansi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is inspiring as a writer of my own because it shares the tale between a real author, and an aspiring author. It was such a cute, meaningful story that I couldn't dare put it down.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book that ever made me cry, I can still picture my 13 year old self crying in bed after reading this book.

[Mikaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite book of all time, and the only one I like written by William Bell

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the historical setting. The plot was rather predictable however.