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The Mutual Admiration Society
From the New York Times bestselling author of Whistling in the Dark comes an unforgettable novel that illuminates the sweet and brittle bonds of family, the tenderness of growing up, the heartbreak of longing for what we’ve lost, and the poignancy of finding love.
FACT: Unbeknownst to eleven-year-old Theresa “Tessie” Finley, she’s in over her head.
PROOF: After hearing a scream and catching a glimpse of a mysterious man carrying a body beneath the flickering streetlights in the cemetery behind her house, Tessie adds solving a murder case to her already quite full to-do list.
Tessie has elected herself president of the crime-stopping Mutual Admiration Society—as if dealing with her “sad madness” over the tragic drowning of her beloved father; showering tender loving care on her “sweet but weird” younger sister, Birdie; and staying on the good side of their hard-edged mother weren’t enough. With partner in crime Charlie “Cue Ball” Garfield, Tessie and Birdie will need to dodge the gossips in their 1950s blue-collar neighborhood—particularly their evil next-door neighbor, Gert Klement, who’d like nothing better than to send the sisters to “homes.” And, of course, there’s the problem of steering clear of the kidnapping murderer if they have any hope of solving the mystery of all mysteries: the mystery of life.
A rich and charming tour de force, The Mutual Admiration Society showcases Lesley Kagen’s marvelous storytelling talents. Laced with heartwarming humor and heartbreaking grief, this novel is nothing short of magical.
FACT: Unbeknownst to eleven-year-old Theresa “Tessie” Finley, she’s in over her head.
PROOF: After hearing a scream and catching a glimpse of a mysterious man carrying a body beneath the flickering streetlights in the cemetery behind her house, Tessie adds solving a murder case to her already quite full to-do list.
Tessie has elected herself president of the crime-stopping Mutual Admiration Society—as if dealing with her “sad madness” over the tragic drowning of her beloved father; showering tender loving care on her “sweet but weird” younger sister, Birdie; and staying on the good side of their hard-edged mother weren’t enough. With partner in crime Charlie “Cue Ball” Garfield, Tessie and Birdie will need to dodge the gossips in their 1950s blue-collar neighborhood—particularly their evil next-door neighbor, Gert Klement, who’d like nothing better than to send the sisters to “homes.” And, of course, there’s the problem of steering clear of the kidnapping murderer if they have any hope of solving the mystery of all mysteries: the mystery of life.
A rich and charming tour de force, The Mutual Admiration Society showcases Lesley Kagen’s marvelous storytelling talents. Laced with heartwarming humor and heartbreaking grief, this novel is nothing short of magical.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2017
1933 people are currently reading
4324 people want to read
About the author
Lesley Kagen
12 books684 followersLesley Kagen is a mother of two, a grandmother of two, an actress, narrator, speaker, essayist, and the award winning, New York Times bestselling author of ten novels, including her newest, EVERY NOW AND THEN. She lives in a charming small town in Wisconsin in a hundred-fifty-year-old farm house with her dog, Gracie.
More about Lesley and reading guides can be found at: www.lesleykagen.com and www.facebook.com/LesleyKagenBooks.
More about Lesley and reading guides can be found at: www.lesleykagen.com and www.facebook.com/LesleyKagenBooks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 461 reviews
November 27, 2016
Hey all!
Yup, this is my book and I gave it five stars because I'd have to be kind of a dope to work on a story for year and a half if I wasn't in love with it, right? There'll be a giveaway here at Goodreads as we draw closer to the release date, so be sure to visit often. Wishing you all the happiest of holidays! Hugs, Lesley.
Yup, this is my book and I gave it five stars because I'd have to be kind of a dope to work on a story for year and a half if I wasn't in love with it, right? There'll be a giveaway here at Goodreads as we draw closer to the release date, so be sure to visit often. Wishing you all the happiest of holidays! Hugs, Lesley.
April 20, 2017
When I saw this book by Lesley Kagen on Netgalley, I jumped at the chance to read it! I read her book, "Whistling in the dark" (which I just loved) and the sequel, "Good Graces" which was very good too. I love the nostalgia of stories set in the 1950's/60's. Add two elementary sisters running around a neighbourhood trying to solve a so-called "murder" and causing a bit of mayhem and I'm hooked!
The author does a good job with her research and I enjoyed Tess' cute 50's "talk." This book just didn't entice me like her others did. It was a bit slow to start but by the middle I was enjoying it.
It's still a cute, fun story that takes you back to a time when things seemed less complicated and at times more tranquil.
Thank-you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this Advanced Reader's Edition.
The author does a good job with her research and I enjoyed Tess' cute 50's "talk." This book just didn't entice me like her others did. It was a bit slow to start but by the middle I was enjoying it.
It's still a cute, fun story that takes you back to a time when things seemed less complicated and at times more tranquil.
Thank-you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this Advanced Reader's Edition.
February 25, 2017
You know when you are sitting in a car with a child that won't stop talking? At first it is cute, but after about 5 minutes you are running stop lights to get her home sooner and out of your car? That's what happened to me in this book, at first the perspective and voice was cute and I thought "Yippee another Flavia De Luce in the making" WRONG. This child is not as charming or clever, but tries to be, tries much too hard. I think it was over-reaching. Honestly, I could only read 3/4 of the book it was too much banter/chatty nonsense trying to be clever without much plot advancement. I finally dropped the kid off with relief.
February 4, 2017
Since Catholicism forms a subtext of this story, I feel it's appropriate to begin this review with a confession. I did not finish this book. Nay, I committed an even worse sin. I read about halfway through and then...skipped to the ending. Here's why. My opinion on this book vacillated wildly between being utterly charmed and thinking, "Enough already!" The main character Tessie is precocious, feisty, wisecracking, witty, and a very loving big sister to Birdie, who also possesses loads of character. Their relationship is a heartwarming one. But the book reads almost like one giant monologue from Tessie, sprinkled in with a little dialogue from supporting characters - Birdie, their mother, their neighbor. It's akin to having a very lovely cake iced with way too much, overly-sugary frosting. A little goes a long way. Forgive me.
May 29, 2018
This was such good fun to listen to. Tessie is a fun, adorable and quirky young girl. She had me smiling throughout this story. Although somewhat emotional in places, this is an overall funny feel good story, and definitely one I'd recommend if you enjoy a cosy mystery with a pair of entertaining sisters to keep you amused.
I borrowed this in audiobook format through Kindle Unlimited.
I borrowed this in audiobook format through Kindle Unlimited.
January 15, 2017
THE MUTUAL ADMIRATION SOCIETY is a unique coming-of-age story filled with sister-promises, ‘sure signs of loony’, and amateur sleuthing. And the characters stole my heart from page one. Tess, Bird, and Charlie, three kids who have navigated such tragedy in their short lives, are a triumvirate of quirky wonders. I loved them and their view of the adult world. Bravo, Ms. Kagen!
January 14, 2017
Lesley Kagan does it again! I loved The Mutual Admiration Society. Funny and heartwarming, this novel has it all.
November 7, 2018
The Mutual Admiration Society, featuring Tess Finley, is an adventure story, a mystery, a story about two very unique sisters, filled with laugh out loud moments intertwined with the hardships and challenges that Tess faces every day. Tess is a young girl trying to fill adult-sized shoes, beginning with taking care of her sister Birdie. She is a detective, a snoop, a blackmailer, an aspiring Miss America; but mostly she is smart and feisty, doing whatever she can to keep her family together. The book is set in 1959, adding warmth and nostalgia to the story. Heartfelt and tender, funny and charming, this is a special book about a very special young lady. Tess, Birdie, and the rest of the colorful characters will touch your heart in this very entertaining story.
February 10, 2017
Kindle first book.
Always a bit leery of the kindle firsts. My experience is that they are rated higher than they should be because people do t expect as much from a book they don't have to pay for. Most of them I have hated. I didn't hate this book but I didn't love it either.
The narration, the voice of a young, imaginative girl, got to be a bit much. But it was original and consistent. The circumstances of her life are pretty tough but she seems pretty unsinkable.
I guess I didn't like all the really dark side stories that are treated so lightly as a result of the narration style. I did a fair amount of skimming when she got repetitive.
In summary, a decent free book that I probably would have rated 2 stars if I'd had to pay for it. So guess what: I'm guilty of up-rating too!!
Always a bit leery of the kindle firsts. My experience is that they are rated higher than they should be because people do t expect as much from a book they don't have to pay for. Most of them I have hated. I didn't hate this book but I didn't love it either.
The narration, the voice of a young, imaginative girl, got to be a bit much. But it was original and consistent. The circumstances of her life are pretty tough but she seems pretty unsinkable.
I guess I didn't like all the really dark side stories that are treated so lightly as a result of the narration style. I did a fair amount of skimming when she got repetitive.
In summary, a decent free book that I probably would have rated 2 stars if I'd had to pay for it. So guess what: I'm guilty of up-rating too!!
June 15, 2016
Move over Flavia de Luce...there's a new kid in town! Theresa "Tessie" Finley is the President of the Mutual Admiration Society, an aspiring detective and blackmailing agency. She is also a little girl with an awful lot on her mind. Since the death of their father, caring for her "sweet, weird" sister, Birdie, requires a great deal of attention, as does keeping on the good side of their neglectful, emotionally distant mother.
After witnessing mysterious events in the local cemetery late one night, Tessie learns that one of her many enemies, school principal, Sister Margaret Mary has gone missing. Now she has another item on her already full To-Do List--find the suspected abductor of the nun. The cards seem stacked against the sisters as they begin their investigation. Will their snooping alert their nosy, interfering neighbor...or worse, draw the attention of a kidnapper/murderer?
If you are familiar with Lesley Kagen's work, you have already met the indomitable Finley "ghouls". Readers were first introduced to them in The Resurrection of Tess Blessing. Her accompanying novella, The Undertaking of Tess, provided backstory to these unforgettable characters. If you are new to Kagen, I recommend you read EVERYTHING she has ever written. She has defined a genre all her own. The Mutual Admiration Society, as expected by her fans, is a delicious blend of smart, humorous, heart-breaking and heart-warming, with a dash of mystery to sweeten the pot. This author perfectly captures a child's perspective, while dealing with some very complex issues. Be prepared to fall in love with Tessie. She is clever, troubled, and utterly irresistible. Readers will recognize and relate to the characters....they are that real. This book by Lesley Kagen takes the reader back to their childhood, feels like a chat with their best friend, and draws them into the mystery facing the Mutual Admiration Society. Prepare to be swept up in the adventure!
After witnessing mysterious events in the local cemetery late one night, Tessie learns that one of her many enemies, school principal, Sister Margaret Mary has gone missing. Now she has another item on her already full To-Do List--find the suspected abductor of the nun. The cards seem stacked against the sisters as they begin their investigation. Will their snooping alert their nosy, interfering neighbor...or worse, draw the attention of a kidnapper/murderer?
If you are familiar with Lesley Kagen's work, you have already met the indomitable Finley "ghouls". Readers were first introduced to them in The Resurrection of Tess Blessing. Her accompanying novella, The Undertaking of Tess, provided backstory to these unforgettable characters. If you are new to Kagen, I recommend you read EVERYTHING she has ever written. She has defined a genre all her own. The Mutual Admiration Society, as expected by her fans, is a delicious blend of smart, humorous, heart-breaking and heart-warming, with a dash of mystery to sweeten the pot. This author perfectly captures a child's perspective, while dealing with some very complex issues. Be prepared to fall in love with Tessie. She is clever, troubled, and utterly irresistible. Readers will recognize and relate to the characters....they are that real. This book by Lesley Kagen takes the reader back to their childhood, feels like a chat with their best friend, and draws them into the mystery facing the Mutual Admiration Society. Prepare to be swept up in the adventure!
February 6, 2017
Two little sisters are on the hunt for the (possible) murder of a nun in a cemetery.
Sounds cute doesn't it? Well, it did to me.
However, I found the girls spending more time running through the cemetery, hiding from the nosy neighbor, and eating.
Little girls usually aren't so dull.
They just didn't capture my heart.
Sounds cute doesn't it? Well, it did to me.
However, I found the girls spending more time running through the cemetery, hiding from the nosy neighbor, and eating.
Little girls usually aren't so dull.
They just didn't capture my heart.
June 18, 2016
When it comes to stories that explore the bonds between sisters, no one does them better than Lesley Kagen. I fell in love with Tessie and Birdie Finley in Kagen’s novella “The Undertaking of Tess” and I have loved them ever since. For those who remember the joys of a simpler yet richer childhood—a childhood where adventures began in the great outdoors and the discoveries of youthful sleuthing involved overactive imaginations, sneaking through a cemetery, and eavesdropping on adult conversations, this heartbreaking and hilarious book is a treat.
January 3, 2017
All of Kagen's books are gems and her latest is particularly bright. I laughed and wiped away more than a few tears as eleven year old Tessie navigated adolescence, family loss and a murder mystery in her 1950s small town. Bravo!
December 30, 2016
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and the author for the opportunity to read an ARC of this entertaining book.
I've read several books by Lesley Kagen, and if you loved Whistling in the Dark and Good Graces, you will thoroughly enjoy this upcoming release of hers.
The story is told from preteen Tess Finley's POV. This spirited, witty, imaginative girl, and her side-kick, younger sister Birdie, take the reader on a possible-murder-mystery sleuth adventure. Her "gumshoe-detective" ways, and her "now just wait a cotton-pickin-minute" talk will take you on a trip down memory lane of what life was like decades ago.
The author's "voice" in this story, as with some of Lesley's others, reflects life from the late 1950's. Even though the story takes place in Milwaukee, Tess knows her neighbors and the neighborhood gives you a feel for small-town life, where everyone looks out for each other.
A quick, enjoyable read!
I've read several books by Lesley Kagen, and if you loved Whistling in the Dark and Good Graces, you will thoroughly enjoy this upcoming release of hers.
The story is told from preteen Tess Finley's POV. This spirited, witty, imaginative girl, and her side-kick, younger sister Birdie, take the reader on a possible-murder-mystery sleuth adventure. Her "gumshoe-detective" ways, and her "now just wait a cotton-pickin-minute" talk will take you on a trip down memory lane of what life was like decades ago.
The author's "voice" in this story, as with some of Lesley's others, reflects life from the late 1950's. Even though the story takes place in Milwaukee, Tess knows her neighbors and the neighborhood gives you a feel for small-town life, where everyone looks out for each other.
A quick, enjoyable read!
February 7, 2017
This is a fun book, but the main character's sides were distracting and made a short story into a novel. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes an easy read, as long as editing problems do not concern them.
February 5, 2017
This one was jut a little too saccharine for me. The protagonist's precociousness was amusing, but it was just a little bit too much.
September 19, 2017
Tessie's narrative grated on my nerves-too much! What was cute in small doses became obnoxious.
May 1, 2017
The Mutual Admiration Society is a coming-of-age story of Theresa Marie "Tessie" Finley, an eleven-year-old girl who has to deal with:
** the loss of her father("Good Time Eddie" Finley);
** the neighborhood bullies;
** her mother (Louise Mary Fitzgerald Finley) who is weaving a wedding web to catch a man;
** taking care of her little sister, Robin Jean "Birdie"Finley;
** and her imagination which is running rampant in the direction of becoming a sleuth.
She has an on-again, off-again relationship with God; a shaky relationship with the neighbor, Mrs. Gertrude B. Klement, who would love to have Tessie and her ten-year-old sister Birdie sent away for their own good; and a respectful relationship with the cemetery care taker and grave digger, Mr. McGinty, who acts like a godfather to the two little girls.
Milwaukee in the 1950 is their beat, and the businesses in town their juvenile delinquent territory. She was more interested in doing crimes than solving them.
The novel is written for adults. Obviously. Unfortunately it lost me completely between the endless blabbering, the countless side stories and the jumping around between reality and day dreaming. Although it was kind of cute, and the wisecrack, witty humor delightful, it just was way too much. I struggled to the halfway mark, skipped to the end and got out of it as fast as possible. It started out being charming, then became annoying. The setting was just great.
Sorry, and so sadly, the book did not work for me.
** the loss of her father("Good Time Eddie" Finley);
** the neighborhood bullies;
** her mother (Louise Mary Fitzgerald Finley) who is weaving a wedding web to catch a man;
** taking care of her little sister, Robin Jean "Birdie"Finley;
** and her imagination which is running rampant in the direction of becoming a sleuth.
She has an on-again, off-again relationship with God; a shaky relationship with the neighbor, Mrs. Gertrude B. Klement, who would love to have Tessie and her ten-year-old sister Birdie sent away for their own good; and a respectful relationship with the cemetery care taker and grave digger, Mr. McGinty, who acts like a godfather to the two little girls.
Milwaukee in the 1950 is their beat, and the businesses in town their juvenile delinquent territory. She was more interested in doing crimes than solving them.
when I grew up I was going to keep being exactly what I already was—an eavesdropper, liar, shoplifter, cat burglar, poison-pen writer extraordinaire, and top-notch blackmailer.She learns early in life that there is always another hand to slap you around, usually about the time you're feeling like you got the world by the tail.
A broken heart is so heavy to lug around that a kid can feel the life seep out of them with every step...The Mutual Admiration Society consists of the two Finley sisters and young Charlie, currently Tessie's fianceé, although he might not be aware of it.
The novel is written for adults. Obviously. Unfortunately it lost me completely between the endless blabbering, the countless side stories and the jumping around between reality and day dreaming. Although it was kind of cute, and the wisecrack, witty humor delightful, it just was way too much. I struggled to the halfway mark, skipped to the end and got out of it as fast as possible. It started out being charming, then became annoying. The setting was just great.
Sorry, and so sadly, the book did not work for me.
January 2, 2017
When I think Kagen cannot get any better, she goes off and writes another story that knocks my socks off. I feel I need to warn you that once you start reading you will keep reading and ignore everything and everyone around you!!! Be prepared to stay up well past your bedtimes.
Now onto the review... Kagen allows us the pleasure to hang out with the Finley sisters once again and that alone makes my heart smile. Then you add in her ability to capture child-like innocence, wisdom and curiosity with a story that has huge heart, humor and dialogue that will leave you with the feels. There is something about the way Kagen writes that makes you feel at home. The characters are lovable and I feel privileged to be allowed to be on this grand adventure as the Mutual Admiration Society try to solve a suspected murder. This mystery is sheer genius and made me want more! I seldom reread a book, but this one will definitely go back into circulation! A must read for all... 5 HUGE stars
Now onto the review... Kagen allows us the pleasure to hang out with the Finley sisters once again and that alone makes my heart smile. Then you add in her ability to capture child-like innocence, wisdom and curiosity with a story that has huge heart, humor and dialogue that will leave you with the feels. There is something about the way Kagen writes that makes you feel at home. The characters are lovable and I feel privileged to be allowed to be on this grand adventure as the Mutual Admiration Society try to solve a suspected murder. This mystery is sheer genius and made me want more! I seldom reread a book, but this one will definitely go back into circulation! A must read for all... 5 HUGE stars
March 23, 2017
This was a Kindle First book for me and I was really disappointed. It reminds me of when kids have all the free time of summer to investigate and play and so I thought a story about sisters trying to solve a potential kidnap/murder would be entertaining.
I was wrong.
The only entertaining are the responses the Magic 8 ball gave to Tessie's questions.
I am not sure if I read the same book as the others who gave it 5 stars. For me there was too much going on inside of Tessie's head to really keep track with what was actually going on. Maybe I am too goody goody but to have a pre-teen list as a goal - "not to get caught blackmailing and stealing" but I could not relate to her at all.
I was wrong.
The only entertaining are the responses the Magic 8 ball gave to Tessie's questions.
I am not sure if I read the same book as the others who gave it 5 stars. For me there was too much going on inside of Tessie's head to really keep track with what was actually going on. Maybe I am too goody goody but to have a pre-teen list as a goal - "not to get caught blackmailing and stealing" but I could not relate to her at all.
August 17, 2016
As an early reader, I'm thrilled to report that you're in for a treat. By turns laugh-out-loud funny and poignantly moving, the sister relationship in this novel is incredibly unique and brought more than a few tears. This might be Lesley's best yet. Brava!
February 10, 2017
This was a January Kindle First selection. This is the clever, charming and funny story of a day in the life of sisters, Tess and Robin "Birdie" Finley, who, together with Tess' little boyfriend, are The Mutual Admiration Society - amateur blackmailers and detectives. The Finley sisters' daddy has recently passed away. Their mother is only interested in finding a replacement husband and has no time for them. The girls would have a rather sad existence but for their special bond of sisterhood and very active imaginations. Birdie is a bit koo koo for cocoa puffs. Tess lovingly struggles to to keep her in line because she fears Birdie will be sent to "the loony bin" and that she herself will be sent away too. We follow these kids as they evade their nasty, nosy neighbor and climb over the cemetery gates and onward to solve a mystery all the while trying to make it to confession on time as ordered by their mother. There are many obstacles and hijinks that make for one crazy day. This is a truly amusing book that kept me laughing from start to finish.
January 8, 2017
This was my Kindle First pick for January. I was looking for a light, warm read. However, I had a very difficult time getting into this book. While I was interested in the time period, and some of the peripheral characters were well-drawn and interesting, overall this book didn't speak to me. I think I missed a lot of the humor, which just underscores that this book and I were a bad match.
January 26, 2017
Fun Remembrance
This book brought back many memories of growing up in Wisconsin. Through Kagen's keen sense of humor and sensitivity, we take a loving and thoughtful step back to less tolerant times. I would recommend it to anyone.
This book brought back many memories of growing up in Wisconsin. Through Kagen's keen sense of humor and sensitivity, we take a loving and thoughtful step back to less tolerant times. I would recommend it to anyone.
January 31, 2017
Loved this! Reminded me so much of growing up Catholic in New Orleans!
February 6, 2017
Review to follow.
February 4, 2017
Sometimes I don't know what I'm getting when I pick up a book someone else has left around. Such was the case with The Mutual Admiration Society, by Lesley Kagen, which I attempted to make into one of Alan Bradley's Flavia de Luce mysteries. They each have a tween as a protagonist, both of whom are smart and plucky. They each solve mysteries.
That's about where the similarity ends. Tessie, Kagen's narrator, is a smart-talking girl whose beloved father recently drowned. She is attempting to protect her "loonie" younger sister, Birdie; save the family from losing their home; prevent her sister and herself from being sent away; and handle the normal vagaries of growing up. Writing and rewriting (entertaining) lists is one of her coping strategies. She is a smart kid, but more street smart than book smart, as she frequently misuses language in the manner that occurs when one either hears rather than reads language or when one is attempting to seem smarter than one is (e.g., "For some unknown reason, he eats locks and beagles," p. 116). She frequently jumps to conclusions before gathering all the relevant data – and is nonplussed when Birdie gets it right (more often than not). Flavia, Bradley's protagonist, is smart and privileged, and solves real murders. She has difficult relationships with her older sisters, while Tessie adores her younger sister.
If you expect Mutual Admiration Society to be a mystery, especially a mystery like the Flavia de Luce series (like I did), you are likely to be disappointed. Tessie and Birdie barely leave their front porch in the first 100 pages – although she makes many wry and interesting observations about their neighbors and the world. Instead, Mutual Admiration Society is a story of a different time and place (working class Milwaukee in 1959), where children were allowed to play with less supervision, and neighbors were often very involved in a child's life. This is a story that will make you smile.
That's about where the similarity ends. Tessie, Kagen's narrator, is a smart-talking girl whose beloved father recently drowned. She is attempting to protect her "loonie" younger sister, Birdie; save the family from losing their home; prevent her sister and herself from being sent away; and handle the normal vagaries of growing up. Writing and rewriting (entertaining) lists is one of her coping strategies. She is a smart kid, but more street smart than book smart, as she frequently misuses language in the manner that occurs when one either hears rather than reads language or when one is attempting to seem smarter than one is (e.g., "For some unknown reason, he eats locks and beagles," p. 116). She frequently jumps to conclusions before gathering all the relevant data – and is nonplussed when Birdie gets it right (more often than not). Flavia, Bradley's protagonist, is smart and privileged, and solves real murders. She has difficult relationships with her older sisters, while Tessie adores her younger sister.
If you expect Mutual Admiration Society to be a mystery, especially a mystery like the Flavia de Luce series (like I did), you are likely to be disappointed. Tessie and Birdie barely leave their front porch in the first 100 pages – although she makes many wry and interesting observations about their neighbors and the world. Instead, Mutual Admiration Society is a story of a different time and place (working class Milwaukee in 1959), where children were allowed to play with less supervision, and neighbors were often very involved in a child's life. This is a story that will make you smile.
September 23, 2017
This was just terrific......I laughed (a lot) and cried (just once) although it is not short on some really touching moments. This is my first book by this author and it looks like Tessie's story continues in another one but it's hard to figure out which order you're supposed to read them in accordance with when they were written. Maybe she wrote a prequel long after......it's annoying when authors do this or the publisher releases them out of order. Again, very aggravating.
At the beginning I was irritated before I started because we trawl through 3% of the book with all this self-promotion guff. We can read reviews if we want to, they're not needed in a book by the pageful. The only mistakes I spotted throughout were a couple of missing words and that was it. Splendid !!
It was a fascinating story. You just adore these kids, (and I'm not a child-lover by any stretch, trust me) Tessie especially. She's got spirit, but a really good heart and deep-down some terrific values, too. The mentions of Ed Gein and how she laughed about him did make me laugh.....though at least he wasn't giving her nightmares. This is set in 1959 and is beautifully non-PC which also made it a delight to read. Back in the days before everyone started to get offended over everything they possibly could. I almost choked at the first mention of the Pagan Baby Society, not something I've ever happened across before, I have to say. It did make me laugh.....though I looked afterwards and saw it did actually exist.
I see by reviews that this has been a "Marmite" sort of book where people seem to love it or hate it. I flicked through some of them before starting it and thought I was going to fall into the latter category so it was a pleasant surprise that it was such a lovely book.
At the beginning I was irritated before I started because we trawl through 3% of the book with all this self-promotion guff. We can read reviews if we want to, they're not needed in a book by the pageful. The only mistakes I spotted throughout were a couple of missing words and that was it. Splendid !!
It was a fascinating story. You just adore these kids, (and I'm not a child-lover by any stretch, trust me) Tessie especially. She's got spirit, but a really good heart and deep-down some terrific values, too. The mentions of Ed Gein and how she laughed about him did make me laugh.....though at least he wasn't giving her nightmares. This is set in 1959 and is beautifully non-PC which also made it a delight to read. Back in the days before everyone started to get offended over everything they possibly could. I almost choked at the first mention of the Pagan Baby Society, not something I've ever happened across before, I have to say. It did make me laugh.....though I looked afterwards and saw it did actually exist.
I see by reviews that this has been a "Marmite" sort of book where people seem to love it or hate it. I flicked through some of them before starting it and thought I was going to fall into the latter category so it was a pleasant surprise that it was such a lovely book.
January 5, 2017
Tess and Birdie
This was my Kindle First Pick for January. I think this book for it's genre is very well written. Lesley Kagen writes great dialogue from a young girl's point of view. I didn't realize this was part of a series so I'm sure there were things that had more meaning if I had an opportunity to read the first book.
The story is told by Tess, an eleven year old girl, who is very busy making sure her sister Robin, AKA Birdie, doesn't get into trouble. Birdie was born two months premature and has some mental issues that make her unpredictable. This is far too much responsibility for Tess but she does an admirable job keeping her sister near and safe from bullies who make fun of her. Unfortunately, Gertrude Klement the nosy next door neighbor wants the girls gone and does her best to report every wrongdoing to their mother. The family is going through difficult times due to the accidental death of the girl's father. Tess also feels guilty because she was present when this happened and she didn't do anything to help save her father.
Tess is an interesting girl. She has many lists that she updates almost daily. Ways to Recognize Loony Behavior, Ways to be a Better Wife. They're all about her goals in the immediate or long-term life. The story is funny and scary and rather amazing when Tess shows what she is capable of doing with her limited resources. As the story ended I was rooting for Tess to succeed in keeping her sister safe and with her.
This was my Kindle First Pick for January. I think this book for it's genre is very well written. Lesley Kagen writes great dialogue from a young girl's point of view. I didn't realize this was part of a series so I'm sure there were things that had more meaning if I had an opportunity to read the first book.
The story is told by Tess, an eleven year old girl, who is very busy making sure her sister Robin, AKA Birdie, doesn't get into trouble. Birdie was born two months premature and has some mental issues that make her unpredictable. This is far too much responsibility for Tess but she does an admirable job keeping her sister near and safe from bullies who make fun of her. Unfortunately, Gertrude Klement the nosy next door neighbor wants the girls gone and does her best to report every wrongdoing to their mother. The family is going through difficult times due to the accidental death of the girl's father. Tess also feels guilty because she was present when this happened and she didn't do anything to help save her father.
Tess is an interesting girl. She has many lists that she updates almost daily. Ways to Recognize Loony Behavior, Ways to be a Better Wife. They're all about her goals in the immediate or long-term life. The story is funny and scary and rather amazing when Tess shows what she is capable of doing with her limited resources. As the story ended I was rooting for Tess to succeed in keeping her sister safe and with her.
November 29, 2017
It was ok. The narration was cute at times.
Mostly I felt sorry for Tessie because she had so much to deal with in her young life:
A mildly abusive father (putting cow brains under a child's bed and telling a horror story is not funny) she idolized because of his early death, witnessing and feeling responsible for that early death.
A widowed mother who had no way to understand or deal with her own conflicted emotions and so pushes her children away to the point that she almost disowns them.
Poverty due to the fact that the family breadwinner has died and her mother has no means of support.
A sister who was most likely autistic who she feels responsible for at such a young age.
A boy/fiance who has his own mother's abuse and suicide to try to understand, as well as his own abusive father.
Her own feelings of having to be a responsible adult at 11.
Plus there was a lot of sex for a book written by a pre-teen, even though it was all semi-hidden because Tessie didn't understand it.
I just didn't find the story uplifting, engaging, or hopeful. The author's 5 star rating was a bit weird, too. Not a book I will recommend to anyone, nor will I read it again.
Mostly I felt sorry for Tessie because she had so much to deal with in her young life:
A mildly abusive father (putting cow brains under a child's bed and telling a horror story is not funny) she idolized because of his early death, witnessing and feeling responsible for that early death.
A widowed mother who had no way to understand or deal with her own conflicted emotions and so pushes her children away to the point that she almost disowns them.
Poverty due to the fact that the family breadwinner has died and her mother has no means of support.
A sister who was most likely autistic who she feels responsible for at such a young age.
A boy/fiance who has his own mother's abuse and suicide to try to understand, as well as his own abusive father.
Her own feelings of having to be a responsible adult at 11.
Plus there was a lot of sex for a book written by a pre-teen, even though it was all semi-hidden because Tessie didn't understand it.
I just didn't find the story uplifting, engaging, or hopeful. The author's 5 star rating was a bit weird, too. Not a book I will recommend to anyone, nor will I read it again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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