Magic Diary

by Pat LaMarche

Do dead people write to Genevieve?

When a teenaged cancer patient relapses, she starts journaling to cope. But she’s not the only one. Musicians, scientists, athletes, politicians, activists – even a saint – give her courage based on their life and death experiences. Full of whimsy and hope: Magic Diary is a one-of-a-kind 21st century history book.

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2019

Reviews

[Queen Cronut · Rating 3 out of 5]

Magic Diary follows the Genevieve, a 14-year-old girl who has relapsed in her battle of cancer, writing in a journal gifted by her English teacher. What stood out about this book was the unique prose of the diary entries and Genevieve's bluntly honest tone. Additionally, I liked that the author didn't try to sugarcoat anything going on, however, this book was a bit heavy on the politics and history for a middle-grade novel and at times the tone felt condescending.

The diary entries alternate with different narrators- often switching between Genevieve and a historical figure that connects to her previous entries. While it was interesting to learn about these figures including Jim Thorpe, Arthur Ashe, Charlie Chaplin, Emmett Till, Florence Nightengale, and Harry S. Truman, the transitions between the narrators were sometimes awkward and didn't flow as smoothly. But I did like how the author seamlessly wove these historical figures together, finding an overarching connection between them.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book- it was a quick read with meaningful messages and interesting historical facts.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Sunberry Press for providing a free ARC

[Sylvia Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars. I fell in love with Ms. Genevieve Flynn immediately. The refreshing, witty, and authentic voice of this adorable teenager is captured on the pages of her 'magic diary.' A wise teacher gives Genevieve the journal to help cope with emotions as the teen spends endless hours in the hospital during treatment for a relapse of ALL. Through her magical diary, Genevieve is visited by historical personalities who give her (and her readers) valuable history lessons that help the protagonist come to terms with her illness and her own place in history. Genevieve graciously shares her story and her hospital room with a lively cast of believable and endearing characters: her doctors, nurses, the night janitor, her loving Nana, visiting teachers, and even a tarot card reader.

As an example of courage, strength, and grace, I strongly recommend this magical story. Thank you Sunbury Press, Inc. and Milford House Press for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.

[Lexy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was touching, full of emotions and deals with a hard reality, but even thought the writing was good, as well as the plot, I just didn’t connect with Genevieve. I understood the struggle, the hardship and the pain, but the narrator had a voice that I didn’t enjoyed. Possibly a much younger audience will love it more.

Thank you, Netgalley.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic Diary is wonderfully written, and Genevieve Flynn has become a new favorite character of mine! I devoured every entry as I kept wanting to know who would visit Genevieve next and offer advice! Thank you Pat LaMarche for this book!

[Devera Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic Diary is the mesmerizing mix of history, magic, and mystery that takes place during the hospital stay of a seriously ill child. Lightened by a lot of love, care, care giving, and a little romance, it is a marvelous story related by a consummate story teller.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pat's book taught me so many things. And I liked her characters so much. Especially the grandma.

I think someone should make this into a television series. The combination of likable characters and history lessons would lend themselves to an episodic delivery system. Perfect for Netflix!

[PJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Magic Diary is a beautifully written heartwarming story of Genevieve, a 14 year old girl, who is distressed to learn that her cancer is no longer in remission, and that she has to be hospitalized for treatment. Genevieve is more concerned with her mother’s well-being, than her own. But, this is not a dark, sad or tragic story, just the opposite! It is inspirational, insightful and educational, as well as charming, thought provoking, and yes, even, amusing. Genevieve is given a diary, a “Magic Diary” by her beloved teacher who tells her that by recording her thoughts and experiences in this diary, time would fly, as if by magic. Everything in this book is uplifting and I dare you not to fall in love with Genevieve! This book is a must read, not only for adults, but for young adults as well. It is simply amazing.

[Ileana Renfroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review

Magic Diary is the story of Genevieve a fourteen year old in the hospital after a relapse. Surrounded by other cancer patients and not knowing what the future brings she is given a diary from her teacher. As she begins to write in her journal she is visited by historical people who provide her with very important lessons. She even shares her story with those close to her including the staff and Nana.

Sad, but great novel to help someone dealing with such a devastating illness. It is very well written and extremely a must read.

This book was provided for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

Highly recommend this book whether you are a teenager or an adult.

I give this a 5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Sunbury Press, Inc. for giving me a free advanced copy of this book to review.

Genevieve is a teenage girl who has a relapse in her battle with cancer when her teacher gives her a magic diary. The magic diary is supposed to help Genevieve keep track of her thoughts and feelings and speed up the passage of time during her treatment. However, the unexpected happens; entries start appearing from historical figures as messages to Genevieve to help her understand all of the challenges she is facing.

There were a lot of things that I loved about this book. First, I love that it is about keeping a journal or diary as a coping mechanism during difficult times. This is something I found very useful when I was Genevieve's age, though for different life events. I also loved how the book introduced readers to different historical figures.

There were also some things I both liked, and felt conflicted over. I enjoyed that some entries tied into modern events, but some transitioned more smoothly than others in my opinion. I also felt that although the style seemed to be for young readers, some of the topics felt a bit more mature. Finally, I particularly liked how the ending tied everything together.

Overall, I did enjoy the book, and would recommend it to parents to read with their children. That way, the parents can expand on some of the more mature topics and include lessons that can be learned from the book.

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genny was an easy protagonist to love! Her struggles with a cancer relapse hit close to home for me, and I devoured the book in a short time. However, I found the politics in the book to be a bit heavy-handed - they were shared through the letters from various historical figures. While I agree with the author's political views as expressed in the book, I was distracted often by the political talk, when I felt like I should be transported instead by the story and the characters.

[Bonnie Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how Pat LaMarche's uses the "voices" of historical figures, to provide thought provoking lessons for dealing with pain, struggles and the need for courage that teen-aged Genevieve faces as she strives to keep a level of normalcy in her young tragic life. Even with the sobering subject of cancer, the book is full of humor, laughter and hope. When I finished it, i went back to the begining and read it again.

[Aditi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book is worth a read for readers under the age of eleven. Since I do not fall under that age category, I may not be the best to give a review, but I think it should be a 3.5 rounded to three stars book. At times the plot was at a crawling pace and the writing was stilted and unnatural, but the premise and Genevieve's story was nice. Good work, and keep it up Pat LaMarche!

[Pat LaMarche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey,

This review doesn't count for much - seeing as I'm the author. But, I got to tell you, it would be beyond awesome if you read this book. See, I'm a history nut and a big believer in social justice. So, I packed this book full of both.

Give it a read and let me know what you think!

Thanks and lots of love to you and yours.

[Cristie Underwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

I work as an instructional aide assisting middle school students with reading and I found this book to be geared to a younger group than middle school. The concept was good, but the writing wasn't the best, so I couldn't get into it 100%. A younger audience may enjoy this one more than I did.

[Herbert Hoke · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing that I could write that would do justice to Pat LaMarch's brilliant work titled "Magic Diary". It is charming, cleverly written, and full of social justice insights worth re-visiting.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the story, the concept, the characters and the message of the book, but it was something with the writing style that I struggled a little bit with for some reason.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sad and uplifting story. You have to give it your full attention because that is what it deserves. Check it out and add it to your reading list.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was such a wonderful story, but sad as well. I loved the main character and all the people that visited her through her diary.

[Pat Pehlman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genevieve is a 14 year old girl with all the typical teenage problems....and one non-typical problem: Genevieve has cancer. This delightful book tells the story of Genevieve's relationship with her mother, Nana, teachers, caregivers, the smartest and cutest boy in school....and a series of deceased historical figures who provide her with history lessons her teachers never anticipated. Harry Truman, Arthur Ashe, Babe Ruth, Jim Thorpe , Florence Nightingale, Albert Einstein and others all offer wisdom by writing in her magic diary while she is sleeping. Throughout the book the author, Pat LaMarche, weaves a charming tale with historical fiction, social commentary and a little bit of magic. Expect to be enchanted!

[Kareneliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I immediately fell in love with the young protagonist, Genevieve. This novel is perfect for adults and young readers alike. It offers interesting views from important historical figures who have shaped the world as we know it today. The author brilliantly tied all of the ghostwriters and current characters together making this also a bit of a mystery as well as historical fiction. You will feel all of the feels! Excellent read and highly recommended! The world needs more of Pat LaMarche.

[Mary]

I had the privilege of reading this before it went to print (and am planning on buying a copy as soon as I can, anyway).

LaMarche weaves a tale that not only gives the reader insight into the mind (and heart) of a young woman who has faced significant challenges in not just her health but at home as well.

This is definitely a recommended read for the young and not-so-young. Especially, perhaps, read together.