The Fabulous Year

Cass Phillips #2

by Elisabeth Ogilvie

To Cass Phillips, entering her senior year at Sandford High School, membership in the Calpurnias represents social success. But when Alicia, a dependent, insecure classmate, attaches herself to Cass, hope for membership seems dubious. Cass worries too about Adam, the boy whom she had dated before he left for college.

Genres: Young Adult, Historical, Fiction

223 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1958

About the author

Elisabeth Ogilvie’s striking evocation of the atmosphere of the Maine seacoast that is the background of The Seasons Hereafter is no accident, for she lived in just such an area for many years, and her love for its people and their way of life has influenced all her novels.
Her activities on Gay’s Island, where she spent most of the year, included writing, gardening, and “trying not to suspect that a bear is at the door, a moose lurking in among the alders, or a horned owl hovering overhead about to bear away the cat.”
She contributed a considerable amount of writing of magazine fiction and children’s books, and is the author of several novels, including There May Be Heaven, The Witch Door, Rowan Head, The Dawning of the Day, Storm Tide, and one book of nonfiction, My World Is an Island.

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel was originally published in 1958 and primarily concerns one girl's struggles to get into the prestigious Calpurnias society at school (in rural Maine) while also feeling conflicted about befriending an obviously uncool girl. Very much as one might imagine, at turns frustrating, but also with a few good moments.

[Teresa Henson]

Another flash from the past, nice easy going reading. Relaxing but enlightening look at the past.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sequel to Blueberry Summer. Awesome!

[Reading with Cats · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aw, this was so good! I wish there had been a #3 to follow Cass to nursing school.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a late 1950s time capsule of dating and high school life. Cass finally loses weight and gets the guy, but life is still full of annoyances and surprises. I enjoyed this, although I suspect many would find it dated. Ogilvie was very adept at capturing the female mindset.