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The Storms of Friendship
Surviving Gretchen
Abby and Emma aren't just best friends. They're like two life forces sharing the same soul, certain the ties that bind them can weather any storm. Then Gretchen comes into their lives, blowing across the landscape of their friendship like a hurricane. Will Abby and Emma survive Gretchen?
Surviving Gretchen, the first book in Bonnie Daly's The Storms of Friendship series, is a captivating tale about what happens when the bond between two thirteen-year-old girls is threatened by the dark, swirling depths of another girl's jealousy. The story reveals the importance of true friendship, mutual trust, and never taking the people you love for granted.
Surviving Gretchen, the first book in Bonnie Daly's The Storms of Friendship series, is a captivating tale about what happens when the bond between two thirteen-year-old girls is threatened by the dark, swirling depths of another girl's jealousy. The story reveals the importance of true friendship, mutual trust, and never taking the people you love for granted.
274 pages, Paperback
Published October 24, 2016
9 people are currently reading
823 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie Daly
8 books138 followersBonnie Daly lives in New London, Connecticut with her husband Tim and their son Cameron. When she’s not busy trying to keep the two of them out of mischief she enjoys spoiling her pets, reading, playing the piano, tennis, camping, and writing humor—which is pretty much the only thing keeping her out of an asylum.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 8, 2018
From the depths of that thing called heart : 5 Stars!
Take All My Stars Away, Please!!
I'm so exited right now that I want to write everything in CAPS-LOCK!
Wow! Just Wow! What a thoughtful plot!
Abby and Emma are two best friends whom only death can separate. They have known each other since the enternity and there's nothing that can come in between their friendship.
Or so we thought?
Gretchen, a spoilt girl who knows nothing except to maintain her status, arrives into the picture and refuses to leave.
People can forget the past and live happily ever after. Everything can be healed. Be it financial problems or emotional. But Gretchen is something different. She is determined to shatter this beautiful friendship and wouldn't stop at anything.
Will she succeed? Do find out!
Be your age be anything, Surviving Gretchen would never cease to astonish you. Most of all, it was a quick read. You start it and few hours later, you come to the end with some amazingly overwhelming emotions running inside your brain.
Language is fluid. Just a perfect thing for a YA novel. I enjoyed it to the core. I learnt a lot. I lived in this book too much. I thank Bonnie Daly for writing this book. Felt so close to me.
The cover gives it all away. It was a spellbinding moment for me to look at it and contemplate about a pure and inspiring friendship.
Verdict: Can't thank enough to the person who introduced me to this piece of awesomeness!
May 12, 2017
Thanks so much to Bonnie for providing me with an ARC copy of this book! I loved this story and found the characters to be very interesting. The epilogue ties it all together in the end, just perfect. Anxious to read more from this author. Highly recommend to anyone, especially young adults.
February 5, 2017
I was provided a copy of this book from the author for an unbiased review.
Emma and Abby are best friends out of school for the summer, excited about their days on the swim team at the local lake. Gretchen, the eponymous antagonist, wishes to have Abby as her best friend and provoked Emma throughout the story.
There is little to no character description or development, so I'm uncertain why Gretchen dislikes Emma as much as she does. Hints to "bring beneath her" are mentioned, but that's odd because i dont know what Gretchen 's situation is. Emma's dad is a fairly successful handyman. I say that because he lives right next door to a doctor, Abby's dad. Neither Emma's or Abby's parents are divorced; Gretchen's father is never discussed.
There is a relationship notes between the friends' brothers, Cameron, an eight year old, and Keith, a sixteen year old, which seems implausible. For this to work Cameron's maturity level needs to be greatly exaggerated while at the same time gearing up Keith's bad boy side. Then the age difference wouldn't be so glaring. Keith is also mentioned as having a secret admirer. This should have been delved into with a bigger reveal. It would have been so worth it.
My biggest issue, however, involves the setting of the book, which greatly impacts the storyline as a whole. I don't understand why parents in this day and age would be that accepting of a junior high girls' swim team using a LAKE as their place of performance. There is too liability, hence the crux of the biscuit. I'm assuming this team is in no way associated with the school.
Then once the accident occurs, my brain just exploded. First, if one wished to reach the scene quickly I wouldn't load the rowboat with 4 people-too much weight. Stats of BP 50/30 would make someone practically DOA, on top of which NO ONE can be without oxygen for TEN minutes and wake up perfectly normal. It's biologically impossible. I think longer than 2 minutes one is already risking brain damage.
I think this is a doable ya novel, if a lot of changes are made, including some grammar mistakes. I always suggest to avoid "gonna" and " ' cause". As an author, ask yourself, is there a reason I am putting this in the story right now? Will there be any sort of impact or effect if I leave it out? I'm certainly willing to read draft #2.
Emma and Abby are best friends out of school for the summer, excited about their days on the swim team at the local lake. Gretchen, the eponymous antagonist, wishes to have Abby as her best friend and provoked Emma throughout the story.
There is little to no character description or development, so I'm uncertain why Gretchen dislikes Emma as much as she does. Hints to "bring beneath her" are mentioned, but that's odd because i dont know what Gretchen 's situation is. Emma's dad is a fairly successful handyman. I say that because he lives right next door to a doctor, Abby's dad. Neither Emma's or Abby's parents are divorced; Gretchen's father is never discussed.
There is a relationship notes between the friends' brothers, Cameron, an eight year old, and Keith, a sixteen year old, which seems implausible. For this to work Cameron's maturity level needs to be greatly exaggerated while at the same time gearing up Keith's bad boy side. Then the age difference wouldn't be so glaring. Keith is also mentioned as having a secret admirer. This should have been delved into with a bigger reveal. It would have been so worth it.
My biggest issue, however, involves the setting of the book, which greatly impacts the storyline as a whole. I don't understand why parents in this day and age would be that accepting of a junior high girls' swim team using a LAKE as their place of performance. There is too liability, hence the crux of the biscuit. I'm assuming this team is in no way associated with the school.
Then once the accident occurs, my brain just exploded. First, if one wished to reach the scene quickly I wouldn't load the rowboat with 4 people-too much weight. Stats of BP 50/30 would make someone practically DOA, on top of which NO ONE can be without oxygen for TEN minutes and wake up perfectly normal. It's biologically impossible. I think longer than 2 minutes one is already risking brain damage.
I think this is a doable ya novel, if a lot of changes are made, including some grammar mistakes. I always suggest to avoid "gonna" and " ' cause". As an author, ask yourself, is there a reason I am putting this in the story right now? Will there be any sort of impact or effect if I leave it out? I'm certainly willing to read draft #2.
January 3, 2017
I was kindly provided a copy of this book for an honest review.
This is the first book in the author's series The Storms of Friendship. There is no cliffhanger.
This story is told from different points of view, which I believe is necessary for the reader to obtain important information. Also, as in any disagreement, there is always more than one side to the story. Since I've encountered too many people like Gretchen in my own life, I share the same mistrust as Emma. However, I do understand Abby wanting to help Gretchen and give her a chance.
I enjoy reading about close friendships, the way they should be. This story showed two families that have been very close for a long time, like extended family to each other, regardless of their financial and social differences. Very nice. I wish to add that Ozzy is my favorite character in the entire book. He's so sweet, he won my heart!
This is the first book in the author's series The Storms of Friendship. There is no cliffhanger.
This story is told from different points of view, which I believe is necessary for the reader to obtain important information. Also, as in any disagreement, there is always more than one side to the story. Since I've encountered too many people like Gretchen in my own life, I share the same mistrust as Emma. However, I do understand Abby wanting to help Gretchen and give her a chance.
I enjoy reading about close friendships, the way they should be. This story showed two families that have been very close for a long time, like extended family to each other, regardless of their financial and social differences. Very nice. I wish to add that Ozzy is my favorite character in the entire book. He's so sweet, he won my heart!
November 13, 2016
4.5 stars. I actually read this book as though i was a teenage :) because I wanted to enjoy this to the fullest. There are very few books today that are written on what a true friendship is. Reading this book I felt like everyone must have their children read this book as they are growing up to make them realize that a friendship doesn't just happen on the surface. That it takes lot of patience and tests to keep a friendship healthy.
Two girls, best friends, inseparable by any means. Their trust in each other is the foundation of their friendship. Then there comes someone, a girl called Gretchen, who shakes the foundation of their friendship by creating confusion between them.
I've seen some comments that refer to the treatment that was given to Gretchen by people around or the goat. This is a work of fiction. I am not sure how we can hold a fiction writer to "what should be or should not be" in real life. I think young adults, specifically girls, would love this book.
Two girls, best friends, inseparable by any means. Their trust in each other is the foundation of their friendship. Then there comes someone, a girl called Gretchen, who shakes the foundation of their friendship by creating confusion between them.
I've seen some comments that refer to the treatment that was given to Gretchen by people around or the goat. This is a work of fiction. I am not sure how we can hold a fiction writer to "what should be or should not be" in real life. I think young adults, specifically girls, would love this book.
February 4, 2017
"We're going to have the best summer ever Emma said, still trying hard to contain herself but not really succeeding as she was now jumping up and down again, her long brown hair flapping all around her. A few kids stifled laughter as they walked by, but Emma was oblivious. "Indeed we will," Abby said, amused by her friends antics."........
Emma and Abby are the best of friends. Their families and siblings close. The summer is just beginning and they have lots of fun planned. Nothing can come between them, except maybe Gretchen. Poor Gretchen is nothing but a knock off of her mother. Over dressed, without feeling, snobby, and as self centered as they come. Petty and jealous of Abby and Emma's close friendship. She tries to insert herself between them.
Thirteen year old girls can't grasp the future and the outcome of bad choices. Gretchen has no problem being ugly on the inside. How far will she go to get Emma away from Abby, so that she can have Abby to herself?
Abby's kindness towards Gretchen may cost things that can never be replaced. I loved the story line. I loved Emma's brother Keith, and his pet. Abby's little brother, Cameron, was also quite the character. "Surviving Gretchen" may be harder than anyone realized.
Thank you Bonnie Daly
Emma and Abby are the best of friends. Their families and siblings close. The summer is just beginning and they have lots of fun planned. Nothing can come between them, except maybe Gretchen. Poor Gretchen is nothing but a knock off of her mother. Over dressed, without feeling, snobby, and as self centered as they come. Petty and jealous of Abby and Emma's close friendship. She tries to insert herself between them.
Thirteen year old girls can't grasp the future and the outcome of bad choices. Gretchen has no problem being ugly on the inside. How far will she go to get Emma away from Abby, so that she can have Abby to herself?
Abby's kindness towards Gretchen may cost things that can never be replaced. I loved the story line. I loved Emma's brother Keith, and his pet. Abby's little brother, Cameron, was also quite the character. "Surviving Gretchen" may be harder than anyone realized.
Thank you Bonnie Daly
October 29, 2020
This was a nice, little story of the trials of teenage friendship for younger (probably female) readers. I have to be honest, though, as a fortysomething, British, heavy metal loving, atheist male I couldn't be further from the target audience unless I was actually from Mars. :-D
The most entertaining part of the book for me was definitely Ozzy the goat and his human sidekick Keith. A most amusing pair who completely stole every scene they were in!
The most entertaining part of the book for me was definitely Ozzy the goat and his human sidekick Keith. A most amusing pair who completely stole every scene they were in!
October 24, 2016
I love this book. Received a free advanced copy over the weekend and could not put it down. The characters both delighted and intrigued me from the very first pages, beckoning me into their world. Great read, can't wait for the next one.
October 25, 2016
If you ever wonder how can confusion ever creep up between two best friends, and what it takes to clear it up, you've got to read this book. It is such a beautiful story about two girls who'd do anything for each other. But then, when a girl called Gretchen arrives, with her only aim to separate them, their friendship is throughly tested.
While the book shows how important are human bonds, and relationships, it also shows that the author has a very good eye for humor. A number of the scenes in the book make you smile and laugh.
This is one book that I can confidently recommend to any teenagers. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a wonderful story on friendship, family, and relationship.
While the book shows how important are human bonds, and relationships, it also shows that the author has a very good eye for humor. A number of the scenes in the book make you smile and laugh.
This is one book that I can confidently recommend to any teenagers. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a wonderful story on friendship, family, and relationship.
January 1, 2017
Everyone should read this book, especially the teens, to understand what a real friendship is all about. There are times when the friendship bond needs to show it's strength in staying strong during testing times.
Abby & Emma's story is everyone's story. We all get stuck in demanding situations where everything around seems to be misleading us. These are the times when we need to trust our best friends with their intentions.
I loved how the writer developed every character, specifically Gretchen's. She is spoiled by her parents and has no friends and tries her best to steal Abby from Emma. The ending is a bit heartbreaking-but that makes me look forward to the next book in the series.
Abby & Emma's story is everyone's story. We all get stuck in demanding situations where everything around seems to be misleading us. These are the times when we need to trust our best friends with their intentions.
I loved how the writer developed every character, specifically Gretchen's. She is spoiled by her parents and has no friends and tries her best to steal Abby from Emma. The ending is a bit heartbreaking-but that makes me look forward to the next book in the series.
March 24, 2017
Quirky book about two life-long best friends whose friendship is threatened by a near-tragedy and a conniving rival who would divide them. It’s a great book about how fragile such relationships are and the lengths to which we will sometimes go when our friendship is on the line.
It also promises to be the first of a series, so I am anxious to read about Abby and Emma and their crazy brothers (and Ozzy the goat) again.
Probably 4.5 stars, but rounding it up for Goodreads.
It also promises to be the first of a series, so I am anxious to read about Abby and Emma and their crazy brothers (and Ozzy the goat) again.
Probably 4.5 stars, but rounding it up for Goodreads.
January 20, 2017
Thanks, Bonnie Daly for the ARC of this book.
This is going to be a tough one to review. What I thought was YA was more an MG book. And I have a difficult time reviewing an MG book...probably because it's been a long, long while since I've read an MG and I feel like I should be doing a book report or something.
Abby and Emma are BFFs. As in do everything together, share secrets, have fights, have life-altering death scares. (Yep, that one was unique to me.) Like any good set of BFFs. Then Gretchen, an evil mean girl, comes to town and decides that she wants to have Abby as her BFF...and what a little snot she was. Ugh. How Abby's mom doesn't see it in the beginning...IDK...
The cast of characters were fun. Best friends, aside. Brothers, older and younger, and a goat...yep, a goat with a humorous personality...reminded me of Charlotte's Web if maybe you could never hear/read Wilbur and Charlotte speak. Uncles and doctors and even the visit to what I call "The other side of existence"...which i do count as almost a character of it's own in this book, because it has a personality and plays a big part.
There is only one part I think wasn't wholly necessary...and that's the prologue. Especially, since it repeats a few chapters into the tale. And maybe in MG, it's common or typical, but to me it was too redundant. I much prefer to have skipped it and read the stressful part in the story.
It was a good story for an MG. Very detailed and nicely written for a younger group. It reminded me of the books I used to read in first, second, and third grade--Charlotte's Web, The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe, The Phantom Tollbooth and the likes of those.
I really don't know who'd I rec this to...maybe the fourth graders, third graders I used to volunteer with would enjoy this. Somewhere on that level, for sure.
This is going to be a tough one to review. What I thought was YA was more an MG book. And I have a difficult time reviewing an MG book...probably because it's been a long, long while since I've read an MG and I feel like I should be doing a book report or something.
Abby and Emma are BFFs. As in do everything together, share secrets, have fights, have life-altering death scares. (Yep, that one was unique to me.) Like any good set of BFFs. Then Gretchen, an evil mean girl, comes to town and decides that she wants to have Abby as her BFF...and what a little snot she was. Ugh. How Abby's mom doesn't see it in the beginning...IDK...
The cast of characters were fun. Best friends, aside. Brothers, older and younger, and a goat...yep, a goat with a humorous personality...reminded me of Charlotte's Web if maybe you could never hear/read Wilbur and Charlotte speak. Uncles and doctors and even the visit to what I call "The other side of existence"...which i do count as almost a character of it's own in this book, because it has a personality and plays a big part.
There is only one part I think wasn't wholly necessary...and that's the prologue. Especially, since it repeats a few chapters into the tale. And maybe in MG, it's common or typical, but to me it was too redundant. I much prefer to have skipped it and read the stressful part in the story.
It was a good story for an MG. Very detailed and nicely written for a younger group. It reminded me of the books I used to read in first, second, and third grade--Charlotte's Web, The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe, The Phantom Tollbooth and the likes of those.
I really don't know who'd I rec this to...maybe the fourth graders, third graders I used to volunteer with would enjoy this. Somewhere on that level, for sure.
November 11, 2016
A near death experience, loss of confidence in
ones self, family relationship, trust, forgiveness.
love plus humor in the form of a pigmy goat
make this an interesting read.
Two girls who are best friends from childhood
are inseparable. They have trusted each other
and relied on each other for thirteen years.
Then along comes Gretchen. She is new to the area,
very opinionated, spoiled and use to getting her way.
Will Gretchen be able to ruin a lifetime friendship with
trickery, insincerity and viciousness?
An eye opening story about the way the young think
and behave when change occurs.
Good read!!
I volunteered to read this eBook. Thanks to the author
for the eBook. My opinion is my own.
ones self, family relationship, trust, forgiveness.
love plus humor in the form of a pigmy goat
make this an interesting read.
Two girls who are best friends from childhood
are inseparable. They have trusted each other
and relied on each other for thirteen years.
Then along comes Gretchen. She is new to the area,
very opinionated, spoiled and use to getting her way.
Will Gretchen be able to ruin a lifetime friendship with
trickery, insincerity and viciousness?
An eye opening story about the way the young think
and behave when change occurs.
Good read!!
I volunteered to read this eBook. Thanks to the author
for the eBook. My opinion is my own.
November 14, 2016
I enjoy middle grade stories and this was one that fit the bill for me. I enjoyed the story of Abby and Emma and how their friendship is tested, by a new person. The book for me was written in away that makes you feel how each of the girls is impacted during this trying time in their friendship.
There was some elements of this book that were different from the traditional story. For example, Ozzy the goat. This made me smile each time a scene occurred with him in it. I really enjoyed that it was a little different than just the traditional 'falling out' book.
This book was a pretty quick read for me. That said, I enjoyed the story. Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.
There was some elements of this book that were different from the traditional story. For example, Ozzy the goat. This made me smile each time a scene occurred with him in it. I really enjoyed that it was a little different than just the traditional 'falling out' book.
This book was a pretty quick read for me. That said, I enjoyed the story. Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.
November 18, 2016
Beautifully written friendship story about a pair of thirteen year old girls.
Abby and Emma, two inseparable best friends find their lifetime of closeness tested with the arrival of a vicious new girl to their class.
Spoilt and spiteful Gretchen will stop at nothing to shatter their friendship, her non-stop dirty tricks and pack of lies aimed at dividing Abby & Emma forever.
Are 13 years of trust enough to render a friendship immune to all threats.
Is the friendship strong enough to withstand storm, sea and Gretchen?
Abby and Emma, two inseparable best friends find their lifetime of closeness tested with the arrival of a vicious new girl to their class.
Spoilt and spiteful Gretchen will stop at nothing to shatter their friendship, her non-stop dirty tricks and pack of lies aimed at dividing Abby & Emma forever.
Are 13 years of trust enough to render a friendship immune to all threats.
Is the friendship strong enough to withstand storm, sea and Gretchen?
February 12, 2017
2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
Thanks to the author for the chance to read and review this novel. It wasn't for me (that happens!) so out of respect, I have sent the review privately to the author and it won't be posted here right away.
Thanks to the author for the chance to read and review this novel. It wasn't for me (that happens!) so out of respect, I have sent the review privately to the author and it won't be posted here right away.
October 31, 2016
Loved this! It’s a story I would highly recommend for young and old alike. The narrator's take on things is priceless. BTW, do not bypass the prologue!
May 6, 2018
Thank you again Bonnie for providing me with a copy of this ARC
This is a mostly contemporary middle grade story about two friends whose relationship is tested by a girl new to their swim team. Now, I don't read a lot of middle grade. I haven't in a few years. I don't have a lot to compare it to so this will be subjective.
There are a few things I thought were done really well. For one, the sibling and family relationships in here are healthy and realistic. They spent a fair amount of time with their parents and each other's families. They liked their siblings, but didn't always get along. I liked that the brothers of both girls were an important part of their lives (though I'm not sure if I buy a 15 and 8 year old hanging out, no matter how close their families are). The other huge positive is the character Abby. I thought all of her actions toward her friends, family and the antagonist were very mature and respectful except when provoked to be otherwise. And on a similar note, I appreciate that the overall message was that keeping secrets/keeping your feelings bottled up can be toxic and bad for relationships as well as the general well being of those involved.
I of course have a few negatives also. I'm probably in the minority here, but Ozzy stretched my suspension of disbelief a little thin. Now don't get me wrong, I like my wacky animal companions as much as the next person (he's a goat). I just thought he was a little too intelligent for a pet in a non-fantasy setting. Just the fact that he reacted to everything said to and about him with seemingly perfect understanding is probably a bit more than the average goat's capacity. I don't personally know any goats but I assume. His role surely appeals to young readers though.
After getting used to the fact that the main antagonist is a thirteen year old I still felt she was unnecessarily villainized at times. Now, I do think she was truly awful and there are certainly people like her in real life. But I was hoping for a bit more to her character than just being a spoiled brat. In fact I wasn't expecting to like her but I would have appreciated her character being a bit more fleshed out.
I was also surprised that bullying is condoned by some of the characters as long as it's directed at Gretchen or her mom. When Gretchen did or said something bad, she was thoroughly chastised by the narrative and characters. The reader has no doubt of her (or her mom's) wrongdoing. Yet there are a few times when things happen to them-sometimes by accident- that a lot of the characters have no problem with. They might apologize, but it's insincere for most. I mean, they are teenagers though. I have to admit rubbed me the wrong way. I've never found public humiliation very funny. I totally agree Gretchen deserved her comeuppance, just not like that I guess. The time where Abby was more what I had in mind. Thus why I liked Abby so much.
Now my next point is kind of both positive and negative. Let me explain. There's a part that happens about halfway through that was surprisingly intense. One of the characters has an out of body experience of sorts, hence the mostly contemporary designation. That's not super important in the long run, but the part with a lot of action and drama right before that I really liked. It was by far the most engaging part of the book. It's just that it seemed a little out of place with the otherwise commonplace setting. I wish there had been more stuff like that. It wasn't exactly dropped, but I would have liked to see more of the results of that scene.
Well that's all I have for now. Hope I wasn't too harsh.
This is a mostly contemporary middle grade story about two friends whose relationship is tested by a girl new to their swim team. Now, I don't read a lot of middle grade. I haven't in a few years. I don't have a lot to compare it to so this will be subjective.
There are a few things I thought were done really well. For one, the sibling and family relationships in here are healthy and realistic. They spent a fair amount of time with their parents and each other's families. They liked their siblings, but didn't always get along. I liked that the brothers of both girls were an important part of their lives (though I'm not sure if I buy a 15 and 8 year old hanging out, no matter how close their families are). The other huge positive is the character Abby. I thought all of her actions toward her friends, family and the antagonist were very mature and respectful except when provoked to be otherwise. And on a similar note, I appreciate that the overall message was that keeping secrets/keeping your feelings bottled up can be toxic and bad for relationships as well as the general well being of those involved.
I of course have a few negatives also. I'm probably in the minority here, but Ozzy stretched my suspension of disbelief a little thin. Now don't get me wrong, I like my wacky animal companions as much as the next person (he's a goat). I just thought he was a little too intelligent for a pet in a non-fantasy setting. Just the fact that he reacted to everything said to and about him with seemingly perfect understanding is probably a bit more than the average goat's capacity. I don't personally know any goats but I assume. His role surely appeals to young readers though.
After getting used to the fact that the main antagonist is a thirteen year old I still felt she was unnecessarily villainized at times. Now, I do think she was truly awful and there are certainly people like her in real life. But I was hoping for a bit more to her character than just being a spoiled brat. In fact I wasn't expecting to like her but I would have appreciated her character being a bit more fleshed out.
I was also surprised that bullying is condoned by some of the characters as long as it's directed at Gretchen or her mom. When Gretchen did or said something bad, she was thoroughly chastised by the narrative and characters. The reader has no doubt of her (or her mom's) wrongdoing. Yet there are a few times when things happen to them-sometimes by accident- that a lot of the characters have no problem with. They might apologize, but it's insincere for most. I mean, they are teenagers though. I have to admit rubbed me the wrong way. I've never found public humiliation very funny. I totally agree Gretchen deserved her comeuppance, just not like that I guess. The time where Abby was more what I had in mind. Thus why I liked Abby so much.
Now my next point is kind of both positive and negative. Let me explain. There's a part that happens about halfway through that was surprisingly intense. One of the characters has an out of body experience of sorts, hence the mostly contemporary designation. That's not super important in the long run, but the part with a lot of action and drama right before that I really liked. It was by far the most engaging part of the book. It's just that it seemed a little out of place with the otherwise commonplace setting. I wish there had been more stuff like that. It wasn't exactly dropped, but I would have liked to see more of the results of that scene.
Well that's all I have for now. Hope I wasn't too harsh.
November 12, 2016
Actual rating: 3.5 stars. Review to come!
Update 11/5/16:
See more reviews on my blog Novels and Necklaces
Surviving Gretchen was a cute, quick read that will tug at your heartstrings. It is a beautiful story of friendship between two girls, and how that can change over time due to outside influences. I will say that the story was a bit cliche, but it was still enjoyable nonetheless. It is most definitely YA, and I think it would be a good read for all young readers since it shows the importance of having those special people in your life that will be there throughout anything.
Abby and Emma were your typical 13-year-old's with the perfect friendship...until Gretchen came along. She puts a kink in their best friends for life status, and things go a bit wonky. Both Abby and Emma were great characters to follow, and had a great bond. There were plenty of scenes that had me laughing and smiling. Their friendship is definitely inspirational, and we should all hope to have a special connection like theirs.
There were some times when I felt the story felt a bit jumpy, and I feel like this is due to the fact that it's written entirely in 3rd person. Overall though, this story has a very good message to it and that's why I would definitely recommend it to all teens out there. The novel is all about trusting and having faith in the people who have always been there for you. Even if something happens and those bonds become a bit frayed, there is hope that they can be repaired and come out stronger than ever.
Happy reading :)
Update 11/5/16:
See more reviews on my blog Novels and Necklaces
Surviving Gretchen was a cute, quick read that will tug at your heartstrings. It is a beautiful story of friendship between two girls, and how that can change over time due to outside influences. I will say that the story was a bit cliche, but it was still enjoyable nonetheless. It is most definitely YA, and I think it would be a good read for all young readers since it shows the importance of having those special people in your life that will be there throughout anything.
Abby and Emma were your typical 13-year-old's with the perfect friendship...until Gretchen came along. She puts a kink in their best friends for life status, and things go a bit wonky. Both Abby and Emma were great characters to follow, and had a great bond. There were plenty of scenes that had me laughing and smiling. Their friendship is definitely inspirational, and we should all hope to have a special connection like theirs.
There were some times when I felt the story felt a bit jumpy, and I feel like this is due to the fact that it's written entirely in 3rd person. Overall though, this story has a very good message to it and that's why I would definitely recommend it to all teens out there. The novel is all about trusting and having faith in the people who have always been there for you. Even if something happens and those bonds become a bit frayed, there is hope that they can be repaired and come out stronger than ever.
Happy reading :)
January 6, 2017
I was very lucky to receive an ARC of this book and I really enjoyed it. It's a young adult book which features the friendship between two 13 year old girls. The first couple of chapters brought a big smile to my face as the author captured the friendship. The Gretchen in the title is a new girl to the town and she tries way too hard to fit in. She also has a very snobbish mother who really wants her to befriend "certain kinds of people". I love how the author kept the story fun and readable while still delivering important lessons about friendship. The only character I didn't like was Ozzy the goat - I just thought it was a bit unbelievable for a 16 year old boy to have a goat as a pet.
March 21, 2017
Even though this novel is geared towards young adults, I loved it. I'm approaching 40 and found myself reminiscing about my own preteen years with my best friend and the inevitable imposing outsider friend. This is a really sweet novel and I hope the next two are just as special. The characters are vibrant and real. Ozzie the goat is a true gem. I'm curious to see what happens with Abby and Emma as time goes on. And even Gretchen's future with the two girls interests me, even though she got under my skin in this novel.
November 10, 2016
Book Review
Book Title: Surviving Gretchen
Author: Bonnie Daly
Introduction: I was given a copy of this novel for an honest review.
Review:
This story is a great middle-grade or pre-YA novel. It's a contemporary, Disney Channel-esque book that will keep young readers interested. I definitely enjoyed this book on a middle-grade level. Bonnie Daly did a fantastic job writing towards her audience, and I'm sure that younger readers will relate to this story.
From an adult's point of view there were definitely holes (Gretchen seems to be mean because she doesn't have friends, but usually there is a reason behind the behaviour), but viewing it as if I was younger reading it, it makes sense. When I was a kid, it seemed like the bullies just picked on others for fun and not because they had issues in their own lives.
Some of the really fantastic parts within this story was the family and friendship relationships. Bonnie made these friendships seem real and honest, which is truly an incredible feat. There are many books I've read where I wonder how realistic the relationships are, but this book makes it very clear. I applaud Bonnie's skill in writing that aspect of a novel.
I was slightly confused as to why there was a goat as a pet and why it seemed to take on more human characteristics - this book seemed to be quite realistic, but Ozzy felt out of place. At times, I felt like Bonnie was trying to make a character similar to Olaf and Sven and Pascal in the Disney-realm, but it just didn't feel right in this setting. That being said, kids might really like a friendly goat in the story, I just know as an adult I found it quite silly and useless.
If anything, I really didn't like the portrayal of Gretchen. I really wanted her to grow within the novel at some point - maybe she gets friends, maybe a reason is given for her behaviour, maybe she's not the true villain - I wanted something, and I didn't get it. Perhaps in further books she will be discussed, but for now I'm left feeling cheated. With the fantastic story building and relationships in this novel, having this wicked villain who's just evil, "because" (and no other reason) made me want so much more. I finished the book and wondered if I was missing pages! This couldn't be the climax and ending of the story! Gretchen needs her human-izing ending!
This book did a great job at being short and to the point. There were scenes that I felt could have been left out, but they made the book interesting. A majority of this book is cliche - it deals with preteens, bullying, diaries/journals, someone reading your journal, backstabbing, gossiping, and essentially every cliche in the book that can happen to 13 year olds. Although, the aspect of the story about what happens when friends get confused and assume things was very well written, so among the cliches there are some gems.
Overall, this book had it's highs and it's lows. As an adult, I expected more. As a younger reader, this might be the type of book they need. I'm not entirely sure, especially since as a younger reader I was more into the entire vampire scene and not the contemporary.
Three out of five stars.
Book Title: Surviving Gretchen
Author: Bonnie Daly
Introduction: I was given a copy of this novel for an honest review.
Review:
This story is a great middle-grade or pre-YA novel. It's a contemporary, Disney Channel-esque book that will keep young readers interested. I definitely enjoyed this book on a middle-grade level. Bonnie Daly did a fantastic job writing towards her audience, and I'm sure that younger readers will relate to this story.
From an adult's point of view there were definitely holes (Gretchen seems to be mean because she doesn't have friends, but usually there is a reason behind the behaviour), but viewing it as if I was younger reading it, it makes sense. When I was a kid, it seemed like the bullies just picked on others for fun and not because they had issues in their own lives.
Some of the really fantastic parts within this story was the family and friendship relationships. Bonnie made these friendships seem real and honest, which is truly an incredible feat. There are many books I've read where I wonder how realistic the relationships are, but this book makes it very clear. I applaud Bonnie's skill in writing that aspect of a novel.
I was slightly confused as to why there was a goat as a pet and why it seemed to take on more human characteristics - this book seemed to be quite realistic, but Ozzy felt out of place. At times, I felt like Bonnie was trying to make a character similar to Olaf and Sven and Pascal in the Disney-realm, but it just didn't feel right in this setting. That being said, kids might really like a friendly goat in the story, I just know as an adult I found it quite silly and useless.
If anything, I really didn't like the portrayal of Gretchen. I really wanted her to grow within the novel at some point - maybe she gets friends, maybe a reason is given for her behaviour, maybe she's not the true villain - I wanted something, and I didn't get it. Perhaps in further books she will be discussed, but for now I'm left feeling cheated. With the fantastic story building and relationships in this novel, having this wicked villain who's just evil, "because" (and no other reason) made me want so much more. I finished the book and wondered if I was missing pages! This couldn't be the climax and ending of the story! Gretchen needs her human-izing ending!
This book did a great job at being short and to the point. There were scenes that I felt could have been left out, but they made the book interesting. A majority of this book is cliche - it deals with preteens, bullying, diaries/journals, someone reading your journal, backstabbing, gossiping, and essentially every cliche in the book that can happen to 13 year olds. Although, the aspect of the story about what happens when friends get confused and assume things was very well written, so among the cliches there are some gems.
Overall, this book had it's highs and it's lows. As an adult, I expected more. As a younger reader, this might be the type of book they need. I'm not entirely sure, especially since as a younger reader I was more into the entire vampire scene and not the contemporary.
Three out of five stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2018
Wow, this was bad. It reads as if it was written BY a 10 year old, not FOR a 10 year old. We’ll call it 1.5 Stars because I could see the value in a young girl reading this to learn what it means to be a good friend. But for the other 99% of the population, don’t bother.
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