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The Sweetheart of Prosper County
Almost-15-year-old Austin Gray is tired of standing at the curb and watching the parade pass her by. Literally. She decides this is the year she’ll ride on the hood of a shiny pickup truck in the annual parade, waving to the crowd and finally showing the town bully that she’s got what it takes to be the Sweetheart of Prosper County.
But far from simply being a beauty contest, becoming Sweetheart involves participation in the Future Farmers of America (FFA), raising an animal, and hunting or fishing. Austin will do almost anything to become Sweetheart, and has the support of her oldest friend, Maribel, her new FFA friends (including the reigning Sweetheart, and a quiet, cute cowboy), an evangelical Elvis impersonator, a mysterious Cajun outcast, and a rooster named Charles Dickens. If only her momma would stop overprotecting her, and start letting Austin live her own life. But Austin can’t move on until Momma moves on, too—and lets the grief of losing Austin’s daddy several years before out into the open.
Here is a bighearted story that will leave readers agreeing with Austin that sometimes, it’s not what you ride, it’s how you roll.
212 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2009
14 people are currently reading
1110 people want to read
About the author
Jill S. Alexander
3 books36 followersAn interest in novels came late for me in my rural East Texas hometown. With no public library and few books, save one full set of encyclopedias, I learned poetry from church hymnals and storytelling from eccentric relatives. Captivated by country music's story-songs coming across my grandfather's AM radio after the morning farm report, I began writing out the lyrics and creating my own as early as second grade. At age 12, I went to work bussing tables at the local truck stop on weekends and the all-you-can-eat catfish joint at night. With the restaurants located by the interstate, I met colorful folks from all walks of life traveling to places I had only read about in encyclopedias.
Having developed a love for reading fiction in high school, I combined that with my passion for storytelling and focused my college studies on literature and creative writing.
THE SWEETHEART OF PROSPER COUNTY is my debut novel.
Having developed a love for reading fiction in high school, I combined that with my passion for storytelling and focused my college studies on literature and creative writing.
THE SWEETHEART OF PROSPER COUNTY is my debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
January 26, 2025
this book was great! a good break from the other genres that i usually read
October 13, 2019
I am giving this book 5 stars because I loved the characters & the setting I loved the portrayal of FFA. The home spun quality of the people & town & the bit about the fair. It was a sweet version of my childhood memories. Loved it. Great to read a YA book that represents a group that is usually ignored in books.
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May 28, 2019Student Name:Faith Wisniewski Date Submitted:3/28/19
Book Title: The Sweetheart Of Prosper County Lexile:710L
Personal Response: Personally, I really liked this book. It used a lot of adult language and drama. It also talked about high school and made it very relatable.
Summary: The Sweetheart of Prosper County is a book about a sophomore named Austin. Austin just wants a place to fit in, she doesn’t have a clique like everyone else. Austin thinks that she best fits in with the FFA crowd. So for Christmas, Austin asks for a chicken for the county fair. Austin ends up with a beautiful Bantam rooster. This rooster has lots of personality and has a shot at winning the poultry division. Austin takes very good care of the chicken and treats it like a part of the family. The FFA is very impressed by this so Austin ends up finding her place and making great friends. She even gets a boyfriend that's very popular with the FFA crowd. Austin is still dealing with her bully, Dean. Austin survives her sophomore year with help from her new friends.
Recommendation: I would recommend this book to high school students who like comedy. This book was hilarious and was filled with drama. It's a great book for FFA members and country people.
Book Title: The Sweetheart Of Prosper County Lexile:710L
Personal Response: Personally, I really liked this book. It used a lot of adult language and drama. It also talked about high school and made it very relatable.
Summary: The Sweetheart of Prosper County is a book about a sophomore named Austin. Austin just wants a place to fit in, she doesn’t have a clique like everyone else. Austin thinks that she best fits in with the FFA crowd. So for Christmas, Austin asks for a chicken for the county fair. Austin ends up with a beautiful Bantam rooster. This rooster has lots of personality and has a shot at winning the poultry division. Austin takes very good care of the chicken and treats it like a part of the family. The FFA is very impressed by this so Austin ends up finding her place and making great friends. She even gets a boyfriend that's very popular with the FFA crowd. Austin is still dealing with her bully, Dean. Austin survives her sophomore year with help from her new friends.
Recommendation: I would recommend this book to high school students who like comedy. This book was hilarious and was filled with drama. It's a great book for FFA members and country people.
August 2, 2009
This has got to be one of the darn cutest, wholesome books I've read in awhile. I'm not sure if I've read anything like it! It just worked for me! I really don't have any complaints! It really has all that you could ask for, family, friends, a stupid bully, a touch of romance, eccentric town folks, and a rooster named Charles Dickens! I wish I could have visited this town!
I loved Austin Gray, she loves her momma, misses her daddy and just wants to get through high school without being picked on by bully Dean. She sees all the sweethearts in the parade pay him no mind and she decides that's the way she can finally stick it to Dean. To do so she'll need to join FFA (the Future Farmers of America) and also care for an animal for the purpose of showing him. The animal she picks is a rooster and oh boy does he come to life on the page! I loved Charles Dickens the rooster!
Before Austin decides to go out of FFA she had a friend named Maribel who is very confident in herself and never lets anyone's taunts get her done. While Austin makes some new friends in FFA she never abandons her friendship with Maribel and I just love that. It shows that while maybe your interests change and evolve a bit doesn't mean you have to leave your old friends behind for new ones. The friends she make in FFA are very kind to Austin and show her the ropes a bit and also help her out a bit with Dean! Sundi the past sweetheart is especially memorable.
Another memorable character is a boy that's an Elvis Performance Artist, as he puts it. He adds a great bit of humor and also classic manners to the story. Another character I really liked was Mr. Boudreaux who watches out for Austin and her momma. This story had a great cast of characters.
Overall a great book with a lot of heartwarming moments and also some good fun!
I loved Austin Gray, she loves her momma, misses her daddy and just wants to get through high school without being picked on by bully Dean. She sees all the sweethearts in the parade pay him no mind and she decides that's the way she can finally stick it to Dean. To do so she'll need to join FFA (the Future Farmers of America) and also care for an animal for the purpose of showing him. The animal she picks is a rooster and oh boy does he come to life on the page! I loved Charles Dickens the rooster!
Before Austin decides to go out of FFA she had a friend named Maribel who is very confident in herself and never lets anyone's taunts get her done. While Austin makes some new friends in FFA she never abandons her friendship with Maribel and I just love that. It shows that while maybe your interests change and evolve a bit doesn't mean you have to leave your old friends behind for new ones. The friends she make in FFA are very kind to Austin and show her the ropes a bit and also help her out a bit with Dean! Sundi the past sweetheart is especially memorable.
Another memorable character is a boy that's an Elvis Performance Artist, as he puts it. He adds a great bit of humor and also classic manners to the story. Another character I really liked was Mr. Boudreaux who watches out for Austin and her momma. This story had a great cast of characters.
Overall a great book with a lot of heartwarming moments and also some good fun!
February 10, 2010
I first heard about THE SWEETHEART OF PROSPER COUNTY from the 2010-2011 Texas Lone Star Reading List. After reading the description, I couldn't help but put it towards the top of my TBR. A couple of things caught my eye: (1.) It's set in small town Texas. (2.) It features a girl involved with FFA.
Austin Gray's goal for the next year is to be the FFA (Future Farmers of America) Sweetheart and ride of the hood of a pickup in next year's Christmas parade. Austin sets out gung-ho to reach her goal by joining FFA and getting a rooster to raise, but is hampered by the town bully and her overprotective mother. You see, Austin's mother still grieves for Austin's father who died in a car accident six years ago. Through the events of the story, Austin gains a better understanding for her mother and together the two begin to work through the pain of losing her father.
At first glance, one may think Austin's goal is a bit shallow, but come on, this IS a teen. It's EXACTLY the sort of goal a girl of 14/15 would have. She really wants to be accepted by her classmates and is looking for a niche. There is a ton of work involved in caring for an animal, so she shows more dedication towards reaching her goal than just a superficial one. I adored the characters -- some quirky, some determined, some shallow. They all felt real! The description of small town Texas life was dead-on, including the glimpse of the politics of the town.
I've already begun to recommend this book to many students and can't wait to recommend to many others. It's a story that those living in a rural town will recognize and those that don't will get a glimpse of the real rural life -- more than the stereotypes. Jill Alexander has made my "watch" list. I will definitely be looking for more from her in the future.
Austin Gray's goal for the next year is to be the FFA (Future Farmers of America) Sweetheart and ride of the hood of a pickup in next year's Christmas parade. Austin sets out gung-ho to reach her goal by joining FFA and getting a rooster to raise, but is hampered by the town bully and her overprotective mother. You see, Austin's mother still grieves for Austin's father who died in a car accident six years ago. Through the events of the story, Austin gains a better understanding for her mother and together the two begin to work through the pain of losing her father.
At first glance, one may think Austin's goal is a bit shallow, but come on, this IS a teen. It's EXACTLY the sort of goal a girl of 14/15 would have. She really wants to be accepted by her classmates and is looking for a niche. There is a ton of work involved in caring for an animal, so she shows more dedication towards reaching her goal than just a superficial one. I adored the characters -- some quirky, some determined, some shallow. They all felt real! The description of small town Texas life was dead-on, including the glimpse of the politics of the town.
I've already begun to recommend this book to many students and can't wait to recommend to many others. It's a story that those living in a rural town will recognize and those that don't will get a glimpse of the real rural life -- more than the stereotypes. Jill Alexander has made my "watch" list. I will definitely be looking for more from her in the future.
January 15, 2012
More reviews at http://readerpants.blogspot.com. For full review of this including content notes and status in my library, please visit my blog.
WHAT I LIKED: The characters depicted in this diverse, small town community remind me a little of Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts. For unique voice, setting, and character development, I give Jill Alexander major props. Reading Sweetheart makes me want to move from my big Texas city to a small Texas town. The people in the town are certainly interesting, their characters clearly drawn and believable. Even though I'm not jumping out of my chair over Sweetheart, I can't deny Jill Alexander's writing talent, and I plan to read her second novel, Paradise in the very near future.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: It's not that I didn't enjoy this book; I just don't see what all the fuss is about. Sweetheart has won numerous book awards and was included on last year's Lone Star List (not an easy feat), so I went into this one with high expectations. Despite beautiful writing and unique characters, I felt bored by the story. I did not care about Austin or her silly dream of riding on the hood of a parade car to one-up the nasty bully tormenting her. Very little actually happens in the story, and it was just too easy for me to put down. I didn't dislike it, but I didn't like it, either. Considering all Sweetheart's literary praise, I just expected more.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Literary recognition and great writing talent don't always make an engrossing read. While it's not a page-turner, I still strongly recommend middle school librarians, especially those in Texas, purchase Sweetheart for its characters and slice-of-life depictions of life in a small Texas town.
WHAT I LIKED: The characters depicted in this diverse, small town community remind me a little of Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts. For unique voice, setting, and character development, I give Jill Alexander major props. Reading Sweetheart makes me want to move from my big Texas city to a small Texas town. The people in the town are certainly interesting, their characters clearly drawn and believable. Even though I'm not jumping out of my chair over Sweetheart, I can't deny Jill Alexander's writing talent, and I plan to read her second novel, Paradise in the very near future.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: It's not that I didn't enjoy this book; I just don't see what all the fuss is about. Sweetheart has won numerous book awards and was included on last year's Lone Star List (not an easy feat), so I went into this one with high expectations. Despite beautiful writing and unique characters, I felt bored by the story. I did not care about Austin or her silly dream of riding on the hood of a parade car to one-up the nasty bully tormenting her. Very little actually happens in the story, and it was just too easy for me to put down. I didn't dislike it, but I didn't like it, either. Considering all Sweetheart's literary praise, I just expected more.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Literary recognition and great writing talent don't always make an engrossing read. While it's not a page-turner, I still strongly recommend middle school librarians, especially those in Texas, purchase Sweetheart for its characters and slice-of-life depictions of life in a small Texas town.
March 12, 2010
Sweet story, but I expected to feel a little bit more.
The Sweetheart Of Prosper County is a glimpse of life for one teenage girl struggling with the grief she feels over losing her father years before and her desire to become something more than what she is: a quiet, almost-friendless loner who spends her time working at her mother’s hardware shop or hanging out with Maribel, her best friend. Her rooster, a gift from a local Creole man named Mr. Bourdreaux, adds a new dimension to her otherwise sheltered existence — and working toward entering Charles Dickens in the county fair gives her a goal.
While I liked Austin and wanted her journey toward happiness and self-esteem to go well, I can’t say that I particularly connected with her — or any of Alexander’s characters. Austin’s rationale for joining the FFA, raising her rooster and striving toward becoming sweetheart is all about finding acceptance, but I didn’t feel like she really wanted to change... that she was actively striving to become a stronger person. Somehow, the plot felt thin — and it didn’t take long for me to become frustrated with Austin, who consistently did what her grieving mother asked her not to do — and I felt sad for her mother Jeannie, too. But not sad enough that I cared for them beyond merely reading about their lives in a book.
The novel is fast-paced and a very quick read; I finished it in just a few hours, and I’m happy to have read it. Fans of Southern fiction and small-town settings will find Big Wells, Texas charming and quaint, and the setting helped keep my interest. Those love coming-of-age stories with a touch of romance will find something to enjoy here, too.
The Sweetheart Of Prosper County is a glimpse of life for one teenage girl struggling with the grief she feels over losing her father years before and her desire to become something more than what she is: a quiet, almost-friendless loner who spends her time working at her mother’s hardware shop or hanging out with Maribel, her best friend. Her rooster, a gift from a local Creole man named Mr. Bourdreaux, adds a new dimension to her otherwise sheltered existence — and working toward entering Charles Dickens in the county fair gives her a goal.
While I liked Austin and wanted her journey toward happiness and self-esteem to go well, I can’t say that I particularly connected with her — or any of Alexander’s characters. Austin’s rationale for joining the FFA, raising her rooster and striving toward becoming sweetheart is all about finding acceptance, but I didn’t feel like she really wanted to change... that she was actively striving to become a stronger person. Somehow, the plot felt thin — and it didn’t take long for me to become frustrated with Austin, who consistently did what her grieving mother asked her not to do — and I felt sad for her mother Jeannie, too. But not sad enough that I cared for them beyond merely reading about their lives in a book.
The novel is fast-paced and a very quick read; I finished it in just a few hours, and I’m happy to have read it. Fans of Southern fiction and small-town settings will find Big Wells, Texas charming and quaint, and the setting helped keep my interest. Those love coming-of-age stories with a touch of romance will find something to enjoy here, too.
August 26, 2009
I’m always on the lookout for books featuring farm, rural, small-town, or Southern fresh-faced girls, but THE SWEETHEART OF PROSPER COUNTY blows the competition right out of the water. The people of this quirky small town in Prosper County are funny, charming, and absolutely unforgettable.
The characters steal the show for this super sweet book. Austin is a relatable protagonist, with her desires to not be made fun of, to step out of the crowd and be a winner for once. Her actions may cause us to cringe, remembering the bad decisions we made as an uncertain teen, but ultimately Austin pulls through and becomes a character to fall in love with.
The plot is equal parts gut-achingly funny and poignant, the plot of THE SWEETHEART OF PROSPER COUNTY is sure to satisfy. Along with a group of interesting and well-developed friends, Austin navigates the slightly absurd process of achieving a sweetheart nomination. The result is a fun, fast-paced story that loses none of its sweetness or credibility.
All in all, I adored THE SWEETHEART OF PROSPER COUNTY. Austin makes a fantastically believable and lovable protagonist, and the plot and supporting characters live up to the main character’s strength as well. This is a fantastic pick if you love funny, small-town Southern charm reminiscent of Catherine Gilbert Murdock’s Dairy Queen series. Check it out!
The characters steal the show for this super sweet book. Austin is a relatable protagonist, with her desires to not be made fun of, to step out of the crowd and be a winner for once. Her actions may cause us to cringe, remembering the bad decisions we made as an uncertain teen, but ultimately Austin pulls through and becomes a character to fall in love with.
The plot is equal parts gut-achingly funny and poignant, the plot of THE SWEETHEART OF PROSPER COUNTY is sure to satisfy. Along with a group of interesting and well-developed friends, Austin navigates the slightly absurd process of achieving a sweetheart nomination. The result is a fun, fast-paced story that loses none of its sweetness or credibility.
All in all, I adored THE SWEETHEART OF PROSPER COUNTY. Austin makes a fantastically believable and lovable protagonist, and the plot and supporting characters live up to the main character’s strength as well. This is a fantastic pick if you love funny, small-town Southern charm reminiscent of Catherine Gilbert Murdock’s Dairy Queen series. Check it out!
January 1, 2010
This book taught me alot about being yourselve and never giving up on what you believe in. When I read this book I related to it so much and not just because I;m country but because I get made fun of alot and my country accent sticks out lke a sore thumb giving kids someone to tease. Most of the time I don't let it bother me because i know that this is who I am and they just make fun of me cause they might be jealous. I love talking the way i talk cause it reminds me of my family and where I come from. I would recommend this book to anyone who needs their spirits lifted because of teasing. It'll definitely teach you that what other people think shouldn't matter to you because that's just one person's opinion and somebody else might love it and just remember if we were all the same where would the fun be of being different. Here's a little quote I got out of this that helps me get through the hard times: "God made you unique so embrace!" Next time you are being made fun of or teased just remember that you are the person that God made you and hiding it ain't gonna do you a bit of good.
July 5, 2010
This story is so quietly unassuming that it sneaks past you barely tugging at your heart strings as Austin Gray steps over the threshold into womanhood leaving behind much pain and puzzlement over the events of her daily life since her father's untimely death some six years before. Now 14, Austin is determined to heed her mother's advice..."never be afraid to aspire to be like someone else...but you've got to be yourself first. Be your own icon..." This story never falls prey to being too sentimental or preachy as we watch Austin grow along with her mother as they bury the past, enjoy the present and embrace the future.
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May 31, 2010This was a wholesome coming of age story--something I appreciate. I can actually give this book to my daughter for her classroom library.
It's basically about a girl who has to find a way to stand up to and deal with the jerk of guy who is intent on making her the punchline of all his jokes. We've probably all been there, so it had a great message and one a lot of kids will appreciate.
It's more of a character driven novel than a plot driven novel, so if you like character driven novels, you'll enjoy this one.
It's basically about a girl who has to find a way to stand up to and deal with the jerk of guy who is intent on making her the punchline of all his jokes. We've probably all been there, so it had a great message and one a lot of kids will appreciate.
It's more of a character driven novel than a plot driven novel, so if you like character driven novels, you'll enjoy this one.
November 4, 2009
This book is LOL funny, and a perfectly beautiful depiction of small town life, in which being the parade Sweetheart is about as top of the line as you can imagine. I loved the way characters go to church without being overtly "religious", the band member who happily lets his freak flag fly, rich obnoxious jocks. Does all this sound like a stereotype when I'm writing it? It isn't. This is my sleeper delight pick of 2009.
May 31, 2017
Cute but nothing to write home about. Very Southern which I enjoy.
July 18, 2017
It was a Cute book and I LOVEDher friends and I HATED Dean he's a
Big F**king Jerk
who deserves to be put in his place or beat.
February 2, 2019
Cowboys and southern accents? Be still my heart! <3 :)
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August 5, 2019Read: Early 2009
For some reason, in 2019, this book popped in my head. I remember really enjoying it. Might have to find a HC copy at some point, especially because of that rooster on the cover!
For some reason, in 2019, this book popped in my head. I remember really enjoying it. Might have to find a HC copy at some point, especially because of that rooster on the cover!
August 18, 2019
A sweet story with a love able anti- heroine who finds strength in being herself as she navigates the politics of high school life in a small Texas town.
August 6, 2022
My teacher made the class read this in 7th grade. It sucked.
December 16, 2011
At First Sight: Tired of being the butt of the town's bully's jokes, Austin Gray latches onto a solution to her troubles: to become a Sweetheart and ride in the No-Jesus Christmas Parade. This, of course, will require quite a bit of work, starting with getting a chicken for a Christmas gift, entering it at the county fair and joining the Future Farmers of America's chapter at her school, who pick their own Sweetheart for the parade and are her best chance of getting a spot.
With the reluctant support of her mother Jeannie and her best friend Maribel, Austin soon finds herself raising a chicken known as Charles Dickens and becomes friends with Sundi Knutt, the current sweetheart who is funny and outgoing and seems to love every body... and with Josh, an FFA member and friend of Sundi's who takes an interest in Austin and seems to understand that she sometimes doesn't like to talk about certain things.
And even if things don't always run off smoothly, the year Austin spends trying to become a Sweetheart brings a strange mix of blessings into her life in the form of a little more confidence, a renewed connection to her best friend, the friendship and advice on an evangelical Elvis performance artist named Lewis, and a bit of closure for herself and her mom, as they are finally able to talk about what happened on a Christmas Eve, many years before, when her dad died.
Second Glance: I was quite surprised by how much I loved The Sweetheart of Prosper County because, to start with, it covers quite a bit of time for such a short book and it doesn't really feel rushed or anything like that.
I really liked Austin and she sounded quite real, she's a good girl who sometimes bends the truth a little, chaffing at the over-protectiveness of her mom but still very much wanting to make her proud. And it was fun to see her interact with the people around her, how she grows to appreciate Sundi -whom she and Maribel call Marshmallow Girl because she's big and soft and fluffy - and how she doesn't get jealous that Sundi and Josh as such good friends. And how she realizes that you can grow up to be someone very different from your best friend but still remain as close as ever.
I loved the whole FFA spin of things, and Charles Dickens made for one fun character, as did Lewis, I really liked him. Actually, I think I liked all the main characters in this book. Plus, there is a bit of social commentary regarding town's politics and even discrimination without it being shoved in your face or exaggerated, I liked it. I wasn't entirely happy with how the bully was handled but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book.
Bottom Line: The Sweetheart of Prosper County is a fun, quick read with more substance than I first imagined. It's full of likable characters and fun situations and I found myself really rooting for Austin, who was flawed but good. And I would say that, just as Charles Dickens, this book is a winner.
Favorite Scene:
...I had played with marshmallows - pressing one onto the end of each finger, mashing them down just to watch them spring back up. They were soft but though, resilient. No matter the pressure or poking, they almost always returned to their original shape.
...
For me, it was a rock star moment. Sundi Knutt - the marshmallow girl, the sweetheart - in the weepy throws of despair pounding my archenemy into silence. But it was her moment, not mine. Sundi stood up; I didn't.
We left the fairgrounds, but I learned something from Sundi that being a sweetheart in the no-Jesus parade couldn't provide. Sundi traveled light; she didn't tote around a load of loss. She could throw away or throw down. Either way, she put stuff behind her. She didn't get her confidence from a prize lamb, a mound of cleavage, or a hood ride in the no-Jesus parade. Her confidence came from facing the losses and the losers, not being a hood ornament. That's the strength of a marshmallow sweetheart.
With the reluctant support of her mother Jeannie and her best friend Maribel, Austin soon finds herself raising a chicken known as Charles Dickens and becomes friends with Sundi Knutt, the current sweetheart who is funny and outgoing and seems to love every body... and with Josh, an FFA member and friend of Sundi's who takes an interest in Austin and seems to understand that she sometimes doesn't like to talk about certain things.
And even if things don't always run off smoothly, the year Austin spends trying to become a Sweetheart brings a strange mix of blessings into her life in the form of a little more confidence, a renewed connection to her best friend, the friendship and advice on an evangelical Elvis performance artist named Lewis, and a bit of closure for herself and her mom, as they are finally able to talk about what happened on a Christmas Eve, many years before, when her dad died.
Second Glance: I was quite surprised by how much I loved The Sweetheart of Prosper County because, to start with, it covers quite a bit of time for such a short book and it doesn't really feel rushed or anything like that.
I really liked Austin and she sounded quite real, she's a good girl who sometimes bends the truth a little, chaffing at the over-protectiveness of her mom but still very much wanting to make her proud. And it was fun to see her interact with the people around her, how she grows to appreciate Sundi -whom she and Maribel call Marshmallow Girl because she's big and soft and fluffy - and how she doesn't get jealous that Sundi and Josh as such good friends. And how she realizes that you can grow up to be someone very different from your best friend but still remain as close as ever.
I loved the whole FFA spin of things, and Charles Dickens made for one fun character, as did Lewis, I really liked him. Actually, I think I liked all the main characters in this book. Plus, there is a bit of social commentary regarding town's politics and even discrimination without it being shoved in your face or exaggerated, I liked it. I wasn't entirely happy with how the bully was handled but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book.
Bottom Line: The Sweetheart of Prosper County is a fun, quick read with more substance than I first imagined. It's full of likable characters and fun situations and I found myself really rooting for Austin, who was flawed but good. And I would say that, just as Charles Dickens, this book is a winner.
Favorite Scene:
...I had played with marshmallows - pressing one onto the end of each finger, mashing them down just to watch them spring back up. They were soft but though, resilient. No matter the pressure or poking, they almost always returned to their original shape.
...
For me, it was a rock star moment. Sundi Knutt - the marshmallow girl, the sweetheart - in the weepy throws of despair pounding my archenemy into silence. But it was her moment, not mine. Sundi stood up; I didn't.
We left the fairgrounds, but I learned something from Sundi that being a sweetheart in the no-Jesus parade couldn't provide. Sundi traveled light; she didn't tote around a load of loss. She could throw away or throw down. Either way, she put stuff behind her. She didn't get her confidence from a prize lamb, a mound of cleavage, or a hood ride in the no-Jesus parade. Her confidence came from facing the losses and the losers, not being a hood ornament. That's the strength of a marshmallow sweetheart.
October 7, 2014
Austin Gray doesn't have a lot of things at the beginning of The Sweetheart of Prosper County (2009) by Jill S. Alexander. She doesn't have a blue-ribbon-winning sow. She doesn't have a deer hunting license, or a signature wave. And she definitely doesn't have a mound of cleavage.
What Austin does have is a plan.
Austin is almost as tired of waiting for someone else to pull her into the annual Christmas parade as she is of being the butt of Dean Ottmer's jokes and Austin has a surefire way to fix both her problems: become a hood ornament/Sweetheart in the No-Jesus Christmas Parade.
The plan is pretty simple: join Future Farmers of America, raise a blue-ribbon-winning animal, learn to hunt or fish, and say hello to her new role as a member of the confident, parade royalty that are able to shrug off Dean Ottmer's bullying and taunts. Easy as pie with a little help from her best friend and her momma.
Things soon get complicated (and exciting) when Austin acquires a chicken named Charles Dickens and befriends the FFA crowd. Before she knows it, what had started as a mission for Austin becomes a lifestyle as her dream of becoming the sweetheart of Prosper County forces Austin and her momma to rethink how they deal with little things like annoying neighbors and bigger things like the death of Austin's father years before.
As a New York City native, reading about Austin's world was almost like reading about another country. In the beginning I wasn't sure what to expect. But this book was also disarming in the best possible way. Austin is an open-minded and mellow (except when it comes to Dean Ottmer) character and the book absorbs those qualities.
The book mentions religion a lot (one of the awesome secondary characters is an Elvis impersonator with an Evangelical side) but not in a self-important or righteous way--it's just a part of who these people are. And, really, that's how most things should be treated in a book be it cultural, religious or otherwise.
Alexander is a Texas native and she adds a lot of that flavor to The Sweetheart of Prosper County. Readers will be able to hear the twang and feel that Texan charm in Austin's narration and the story itself. The plot is well-paced and delightfully fun while still having some weight to it.
What Austin does have is a plan.
Austin is almost as tired of waiting for someone else to pull her into the annual Christmas parade as she is of being the butt of Dean Ottmer's jokes and Austin has a surefire way to fix both her problems: become a hood ornament/Sweetheart in the No-Jesus Christmas Parade.
The plan is pretty simple: join Future Farmers of America, raise a blue-ribbon-winning animal, learn to hunt or fish, and say hello to her new role as a member of the confident, parade royalty that are able to shrug off Dean Ottmer's bullying and taunts. Easy as pie with a little help from her best friend and her momma.
Things soon get complicated (and exciting) when Austin acquires a chicken named Charles Dickens and befriends the FFA crowd. Before she knows it, what had started as a mission for Austin becomes a lifestyle as her dream of becoming the sweetheart of Prosper County forces Austin and her momma to rethink how they deal with little things like annoying neighbors and bigger things like the death of Austin's father years before.
As a New York City native, reading about Austin's world was almost like reading about another country. In the beginning I wasn't sure what to expect. But this book was also disarming in the best possible way. Austin is an open-minded and mellow (except when it comes to Dean Ottmer) character and the book absorbs those qualities.
The book mentions religion a lot (one of the awesome secondary characters is an Elvis impersonator with an Evangelical side) but not in a self-important or righteous way--it's just a part of who these people are. And, really, that's how most things should be treated in a book be it cultural, religious or otherwise.
Alexander is a Texas native and she adds a lot of that flavor to The Sweetheart of Prosper County. Readers will be able to hear the twang and feel that Texan charm in Austin's narration and the story itself. The plot is well-paced and delightfully fun while still having some weight to it.
August 10, 2009
When almost fourteen year old Austin Gray was in the third grade, her father died in an auto accident. Her overprotective mother doesn’t talk about him, but his death hangs between the two of them.
Now that she’s in high school, Austin is having trouble with the high school bully. Austin says:
"I just couldn’t get out from under Dean Ottmer’s smothering insults and constant harassment. I didn’t need for him to like me; I just needed for him to shut up. Chestless, Stork, AustiNK. What other people say is not supposed to matter, but the truth is, it does."
While Austin’s at the annual Christmas parade, she decides that being a “hood ornament” (riding on a car in the parade) will be the answer to all of her problems. She determines that the best way to do this is to become the FFA Sweetheart. She signs up for FFA and asks for a chicken for Christmas, so she can win a ribbon at the County Fair. Along the way, she gains some confidence, helps her mother come to terms with her grief and discovers the value of true friendship.
The Sweetheart of Prosper County is a delightful coming-of-age story by Jill S. Alexander. Austin is a fantastic character – she has her insecurities and wants to fit in, yet she doesn’t want to hurt her mother. She’s a good, but not perfect kid – she stretches the truth with her mother a few times. In other words, she’s real. A lot of people will be able to relate to Austin and the problems she has dealing with the bully. I also thought the bully, Dean, was a great character. I think we all knew someone like him in high school – obnoxious but popular, and no one can understand why. The story is good, too and I liked the way Austin and her mother worked out their problems. The Sweetheart of Prosper County is classified as YA, but I think it will appeal to readers of all ages.
Now that she’s in high school, Austin is having trouble with the high school bully. Austin says:
"I just couldn’t get out from under Dean Ottmer’s smothering insults and constant harassment. I didn’t need for him to like me; I just needed for him to shut up. Chestless, Stork, AustiNK. What other people say is not supposed to matter, but the truth is, it does."
While Austin’s at the annual Christmas parade, she decides that being a “hood ornament” (riding on a car in the parade) will be the answer to all of her problems. She determines that the best way to do this is to become the FFA Sweetheart. She signs up for FFA and asks for a chicken for Christmas, so she can win a ribbon at the County Fair. Along the way, she gains some confidence, helps her mother come to terms with her grief and discovers the value of true friendship.
The Sweetheart of Prosper County is a delightful coming-of-age story by Jill S. Alexander. Austin is a fantastic character – she has her insecurities and wants to fit in, yet she doesn’t want to hurt her mother. She’s a good, but not perfect kid – she stretches the truth with her mother a few times. In other words, she’s real. A lot of people will be able to relate to Austin and the problems she has dealing with the bully. I also thought the bully, Dean, was a great character. I think we all knew someone like him in high school – obnoxious but popular, and no one can understand why. The story is good, too and I liked the way Austin and her mother worked out their problems. The Sweetheart of Prosper County is classified as YA, but I think it will appeal to readers of all ages.
December 17, 2010
This is my pink/purple girly realistic fluffy regional book for booktalks in a month or two. Just over 200 pages, strong cover, nice structure, great depictions of hispanic culture. I wrote the booktalk (which feels really solid) when I was only a few chapters in.
Austin has grown up in a small town in Texas. Targeted by a bully, she decides to try to become the "Sweetheart" for the Future Farmers of America chapter at her high school for the Christmas parade. This is supposed to make him no longer see her as a victim. But she isn't a future farmer. So she decides to get a chicken. Interwoven is her relationship with her mother and the fallout from her father's death when she was in 3rd grade.
I read this alternately between TBCD and print. The TBCD narrator strangely didn't choose to use a Texas accent for the primary narration, which is really odd since many of the characters do speak in dialect, and Austin uses some very southern expressions, which give me the impression that she should sound like the rest of her town.
It wasn't perfect - a page or so late in the book gets real preachy to the point where I wondered if it was a Zondervan title. The emotional transitions happen a bit too quickly to be believable. The boy who Austin gets together with (sort of, in a really lowkey way) is way too perfect. And it's really painful to watch some of Austin's bad decisions, almost to an unbelievable level. But overall, this would be a nice compare/contrast with Dairy Queen by Catherine Murdock for regional small town culture. And, of course, I'm still booktalking it.
Austin has grown up in a small town in Texas. Targeted by a bully, she decides to try to become the "Sweetheart" for the Future Farmers of America chapter at her high school for the Christmas parade. This is supposed to make him no longer see her as a victim. But she isn't a future farmer. So she decides to get a chicken. Interwoven is her relationship with her mother and the fallout from her father's death when she was in 3rd grade.
I read this alternately between TBCD and print. The TBCD narrator strangely didn't choose to use a Texas accent for the primary narration, which is really odd since many of the characters do speak in dialect, and Austin uses some very southern expressions, which give me the impression that she should sound like the rest of her town.
It wasn't perfect - a page or so late in the book gets real preachy to the point where I wondered if it was a Zondervan title. The emotional transitions happen a bit too quickly to be believable. The boy who Austin gets together with (sort of, in a really lowkey way) is way too perfect. And it's really painful to watch some of Austin's bad decisions, almost to an unbelievable level. But overall, this would be a nice compare/contrast with Dairy Queen by Catherine Murdock for regional small town culture. And, of course, I'm still booktalking it.
September 18, 2009
This novel is absolutely adorable! That makes it sound a bit like a middle grade book so something, but it really isn't. Austin is young, only fourteen actually, but she really seems older. Everytime that attention was drawn to her age and I remembered she was only 14 I was a bit startled actually. While she isn't the most mature character, she definitely didn't seem that young.
I was never in FFA, but I'm from a small town where FFA is a bit of tradition, and in ways a lifestyle, for many families and kids. Reading about Austin's adventures in chicken-raising made me wonder if a missed out a little!
I was pleasantly surprised by the references to noodling and Matthew McConaughey! I know what you're thinking, "that is such a random comment to have in a review!" But it is true. One of the best parts about The Sweetheart of Prosper County was that it was so well rounded. There were all sorts of references: FFA, southern, current/pop culture references all blended together to make Austin's world believeable.
Austin was definitely the star of this novel, but the minor characters helped it shine! Charles Dickens the Rooster, Maribel, Lewis, Josh, and Sundi all were amazing characters, no matter how big or small their part in the novel.
I thought Austin's friendships and budding romance were believable and well written. There was even a subtle sexual reference that I thought was tastefully done and reflected Austin's age and personality well...
Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing style: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10
Total: 50/50 (A!)
I loved Austin and her quest to become a Sweetheart - even though I think she was a Sweetheart all along! Jill S. Alexander is an author to watch - I can't wait for her next novel!
I was never in FFA, but I'm from a small town where FFA is a bit of tradition, and in ways a lifestyle, for many families and kids. Reading about Austin's adventures in chicken-raising made me wonder if a missed out a little!
I was pleasantly surprised by the references to noodling and Matthew McConaughey! I know what you're thinking, "that is such a random comment to have in a review!" But it is true. One of the best parts about The Sweetheart of Prosper County was that it was so well rounded. There were all sorts of references: FFA, southern, current/pop culture references all blended together to make Austin's world believeable.
Austin was definitely the star of this novel, but the minor characters helped it shine! Charles Dickens the Rooster, Maribel, Lewis, Josh, and Sundi all were amazing characters, no matter how big or small their part in the novel.
I thought Austin's friendships and budding romance were believable and well written. There was even a subtle sexual reference that I thought was tastefully done and reflected Austin's age and personality well...
Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing style: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10
Total: 50/50 (A!)
I loved Austin and her quest to become a Sweetheart - even though I think she was a Sweetheart all along! Jill S. Alexander is an author to watch - I can't wait for her next novel!
March 3, 2013
Title: The Sweetheart of Prosper County
Square Fish, 2009, 240 pp., $8.99
Author: Jill S. Alexander
ISBN: 978-0-312-54857-5
Mothers are always protective of their child. They are even more protective of their daughters without a father. They are so protective because they already lost their husband, they do not want their child to be harmed or run away from them.
Austin Gray has a very protective mother and she does not want her mother to worry about her. However, she also wants her freedom and her mother says she is like her father with her determination. Austin was bullied and she wants be the Sweetheart to show him, the bully, that she can do it. Austin wants to prove him wrong and make him sorry for all those things he did to her. Austin joined the FFA and she made some new friends. She took care of a rooster as part of the requirement to take care of an animal to be able to enter for Sweetheart. Austin worked hard and did everything she could to make it happen.
It was great to see how caring Austin was to her rooster, she treated him almost like he was a baby. I was glad she was able to make some new friends and they showed her how to be wild and adventurous. I was happy to see that in the end, Austin’s mom release her grip a little from Austin and allowed her to have fun as long as she was safe. Overall, this Sweetheart competition changed both Austin and her mother.
I would recommend this book to teenagers who feel like they know exactly how Austin feels to have overprotective parents and be able to connect to how one event can change a person. Sometimes it is okay to relax your grip a little and let things roll.
Square Fish, 2009, 240 pp., $8.99
Author: Jill S. Alexander
ISBN: 978-0-312-54857-5
Mothers are always protective of their child. They are even more protective of their daughters without a father. They are so protective because they already lost their husband, they do not want their child to be harmed or run away from them.
Austin Gray has a very protective mother and she does not want her mother to worry about her. However, she also wants her freedom and her mother says she is like her father with her determination. Austin was bullied and she wants be the Sweetheart to show him, the bully, that she can do it. Austin wants to prove him wrong and make him sorry for all those things he did to her. Austin joined the FFA and she made some new friends. She took care of a rooster as part of the requirement to take care of an animal to be able to enter for Sweetheart. Austin worked hard and did everything she could to make it happen.
It was great to see how caring Austin was to her rooster, she treated him almost like he was a baby. I was glad she was able to make some new friends and they showed her how to be wild and adventurous. I was happy to see that in the end, Austin’s mom release her grip a little from Austin and allowed her to have fun as long as she was safe. Overall, this Sweetheart competition changed both Austin and her mother.
I would recommend this book to teenagers who feel like they know exactly how Austin feels to have overprotective parents and be able to connect to how one event can change a person. Sometimes it is okay to relax your grip a little and let things roll.
April 8, 2016
The Sweetheart of Prosper County is about a young Texan girl named Austin Gray who faces constant nagging and teasing from her peers, especially a boy named Dean Ottmer. Austin decides she must escape this by becoming a "hood ornament" in the next upcoming No-Jesus parade. To become this, she must win over the hearts of the FFA, which would vote for her to become the FFA Sweetheart. To do so, she must win first for an animal in the county fair and earn her hunting experience. In the book, she goes on many adventures in hopes of becoming the sweetheart and finally being above Dean Ottmer and his annoyance.
I liked this book! It was fun to read and was very comfortable. The characters were very well developed, no matter how small it was. By the end of the book, I could have legit emotions for each of the characters which always is a great thing to have for a story. I felt connections throughout the book and there was excellent imagery, making everything very easy to understand.
One thing I wish the author had done was not spend so much time on one part of the story and fit the other half within 50 or so pages. By near the end of the book, I was convinced that the story was just about Austin's struggle with winning first with her chicken, which by the end, took little significance and practically disappeared. I wish she could've expanded more on other important details on the story, like Austin's hunting, which was only a few pages when it should have definitely been much more detailed.
I would recommend this book to girls from around 12-14 that like light hearted stories. It has very mild mature themes but keeps the very girly feel as well as humor and happiness throughout.
I liked this book! It was fun to read and was very comfortable. The characters were very well developed, no matter how small it was. By the end of the book, I could have legit emotions for each of the characters which always is a great thing to have for a story. I felt connections throughout the book and there was excellent imagery, making everything very easy to understand.
One thing I wish the author had done was not spend so much time on one part of the story and fit the other half within 50 or so pages. By near the end of the book, I was convinced that the story was just about Austin's struggle with winning first with her chicken, which by the end, took little significance and practically disappeared. I wish she could've expanded more on other important details on the story, like Austin's hunting, which was only a few pages when it should have definitely been much more detailed.
I would recommend this book to girls from around 12-14 that like light hearted stories. It has very mild mature themes but keeps the very girly feel as well as humor and happiness throughout.
December 20, 2011
I don't normally choose to read things like this, in fact, I avoid them at all costs. If it doesn't have any of the three M's (murder, mystery, or magic) then no thank you! But this was given to me by my psychology teacher. Maybe she's trying to tell me to be more girly? (Feh, yea right!)
This book was whiny, sappy, corny, b*tchy, pointless, and just plain stupid. I read until chapter 10, got incredibly bored of the storyline, and skipped to the end to see how it played out. Needless to say, the ending was stupid as well. And I didn't miss anything. It actually recapped the bit that I missed, like I was EXPECTED to skip it.
The main character was supposed to be 15? I've seen 12 year olds with more guts than her. She was SUCH a wuss! If some guy comes up to me and shoves my hat down his pants, I'd kick him where it hurts. Hard. Okay, maybe I wouldn't, but I'd do more than just stand there and cry! And quite often I am the butt of some people's jokes, but I laugh with it! It's funny!! This girl either needs to grow a pair, or just go home to her chicken.
I thought I'd give this a try to be more open-minded, and try to read more things than just fantasy or murder mysteries. This was not the book to try it with. This made me want to run back to Foo, or Narnia, or Draconna, or Farworld, or the Nevernever, clawing out my hair by the roots on the way. Is this how all "clean" girly teen fictions are? If so, then I'm sticking with my fantasy addiction. Gimme some gore and magic any day!
The only thing I DID like about this book? The chicken. That dude knew how to last in a fight. Plus, I like how it was named Charles Dickens.
This book was whiny, sappy, corny, b*tchy, pointless, and just plain stupid. I read until chapter 10, got incredibly bored of the storyline, and skipped to the end to see how it played out. Needless to say, the ending was stupid as well. And I didn't miss anything. It actually recapped the bit that I missed, like I was EXPECTED to skip it.
The main character was supposed to be 15? I've seen 12 year olds with more guts than her. She was SUCH a wuss! If some guy comes up to me and shoves my hat down his pants, I'd kick him where it hurts. Hard. Okay, maybe I wouldn't, but I'd do more than just stand there and cry! And quite often I am the butt of some people's jokes, but I laugh with it! It's funny!! This girl either needs to grow a pair, or just go home to her chicken.
I thought I'd give this a try to be more open-minded, and try to read more things than just fantasy or murder mysteries. This was not the book to try it with. This made me want to run back to Foo, or Narnia, or Draconna, or Farworld, or the Nevernever, clawing out my hair by the roots on the way. Is this how all "clean" girly teen fictions are? If so, then I'm sticking with my fantasy addiction. Gimme some gore and magic any day!
The only thing I DID like about this book? The chicken. That dude knew how to last in a fight. Plus, I like how it was named Charles Dickens.
April 30, 2012
Alexander's breezy book is narrated by Austin, a freshman who decides that the best way to protect herself from the school and town bully is to become the Future Farmer's of America's (FFA) Sweetheart in the "No-Jesus Christmas Parade." She creates a plan to become The Sweetheart of Prosper County.
Austin's life is overshadowed by the death of her father when she was in the third grade. Her mother refuses to celebrate Christmas and is overprotective of Austin. But, her mother isn't a wilting flower, hiding away. She runs the family hardware store and fends off the odious attentions of the town's mayor. Once Austin shares her plan with her mother she gives her a rooster for Christmas, Charles Dickens.
Along for the ride to the parade is Austin's best friend Maribel, new friends in the FFA, a Cajun guardian angel, and an Elvis performance artist.
Readers will follow along with Austin and might shed a tear or two. This book is a rarity in that it actually portrays teens with genuine faith lives. Mirabel's quinceañera is treated not as a big party, but as a prayerful moment in her life. Alexander doesn't get preachy, simply presents honest spirtuality.
Alexander gently challenges readers to look beyond the stereotypes. The description of the current FFA Sweetheart as a "marshmallow girl" isn't a bad thing. Alexander only makes one misstep. While challenging us to look beyond the physical attributes to the real person with most characters she conveys that having hairy arms is a character flaw with another. This isn't enough to ruin the story. This is a great read for those who enjoyed Joan Bauer's Squashed.
I received this book as an ARC.
Austin's life is overshadowed by the death of her father when she was in the third grade. Her mother refuses to celebrate Christmas and is overprotective of Austin. But, her mother isn't a wilting flower, hiding away. She runs the family hardware store and fends off the odious attentions of the town's mayor. Once Austin shares her plan with her mother she gives her a rooster for Christmas, Charles Dickens.
Along for the ride to the parade is Austin's best friend Maribel, new friends in the FFA, a Cajun guardian angel, and an Elvis performance artist.
Readers will follow along with Austin and might shed a tear or two. This book is a rarity in that it actually portrays teens with genuine faith lives. Mirabel's quinceañera is treated not as a big party, but as a prayerful moment in her life. Alexander doesn't get preachy, simply presents honest spirtuality.
Alexander gently challenges readers to look beyond the stereotypes. The description of the current FFA Sweetheart as a "marshmallow girl" isn't a bad thing. Alexander only makes one misstep. While challenging us to look beyond the physical attributes to the real person with most characters she conveys that having hairy arms is a character flaw with another. This isn't enough to ruin the story. This is a great read for those who enjoyed Joan Bauer's Squashed.
I received this book as an ARC.
September 30, 2009
15 year old Austin Gray is convinced that her life will be different once she’s chosen as the FFA’s (Future Farmers of America) Sweetheart and gets to ride on the float in the No-Jesus Christmas parade – Dean Ottmer, all-round jerk and son of the richest man in town, will finally show her the respect she deserves. The first step is raising up a cocky Bantam rooster and winning a blue ribbon at the fair, then she’s got to be nominated by the other FFA members, and she’s got some steep competition – Sundi Knutt, this year’s Sweetheart, is drop-dead gorgeous and she’s already got a first place sow and a deer hunting license. Austin’s clearly got her work cut out for her.
This brief little book sure has a lot of issues packed into its 212 pages. Austin’s got a dead (reckless) father that no one will talk about, a still-grieving over-protective mother, a bully problem, the sleazy mayor keeps making passes at her mama, her best friend Maribel is Hispanic and there are plenty of racists in town trying to make her life miserable, etc. etc. It’s a wonder that she’s got anything going right for her. The writing feels jam-packed as well – stumbling over itself in a hurry to cram everything in. As a slice of life stories go, this one is the mother lode. Charles Dickens, the rooster, and Lewis Fortenberry (Elvis performance artist) add some humor to the mix, and there are a lot of potentially great characters, but it all feels a bit rushed.
This brief little book sure has a lot of issues packed into its 212 pages. Austin’s got a dead (reckless) father that no one will talk about, a still-grieving over-protective mother, a bully problem, the sleazy mayor keeps making passes at her mama, her best friend Maribel is Hispanic and there are plenty of racists in town trying to make her life miserable, etc. etc. It’s a wonder that she’s got anything going right for her. The writing feels jam-packed as well – stumbling over itself in a hurry to cram everything in. As a slice of life stories go, this one is the mother lode. Charles Dickens, the rooster, and Lewis Fortenberry (Elvis performance artist) add some humor to the mix, and there are a lot of potentially great characters, but it all feels a bit rushed.
October 20, 2010
This sweet story of learning to live with the tough parts of life centers on Austin Gray, a girl who has known more than her share of heartache. Austin’s Daddy died when she was only eight and her Momma has never really gotten over him. Austin would like to talk about Daddy, but it’s one subject Momma will not discuss. Making Austin’s life a hundred times more difficult is her bully of a neighbor, Dean Otmer. Austin has been a favorite target of Dean’s cruel jokes since fourth grade and it’s not that she’s had enough - it’s that she’s had way too much.
It’s while Austin and her best friend Maribel are watching the annual Big Wells Christmas Parade that Austin has an epiphany. If she could earn a spot in the parade, she’d be able to look down her nose at Dean Ottmer, to smile and wave and shrug off his insults. Austin figures her best shot is joining the Future Farmers of America and getting herself elected FFA Sweetheart for next year’s parade. All she has to do is raise a farm animal that wins a blue ribbon at the county fair and learn to hunt. What could be easier?
This episodic novel spans one year in Austin’s life, highlighting a series of happy and not-s0-happy events. Anyone who’s ever been picked on or bullied will see themselves in the shy girl trying so hard to become someone she can be proud of. There are no earth-shattering moments here, just the wonderful and horrible things that go into growing up.
October 23, 2016
Strictly for the younger set, say, through age 12. For the older reader, the story was lost in the lesson. A lot of lesson. It was like a good writer was being forced to fit a certain market in order to be published, so she made sure to have bad things happen to the bad people while the good people learned to live with their narrow, self-imposed morality. I think she's capable of better things, but this one didn't leave me smiling.
I liked Lewis and Maribelle and the Cajun guy even though they didn't get any character development. They were just tools for teaching. I might have liked the Mom, but she preferred to duck her head down and be a good little woman instead of making a stand that might have saved a kid's life. She had a chance--I held my breath--she ignored it. (I'm referring to Dean; she could have filed a lawsuit instead of muttering a "not my problem" epitaph and turning aside.)
And worst of all was the total lack of spine development in the heroine. She ended up moseying along her mousy way. The same old coping strategies that failed to work in the beginning suddenly and miraculously started to work--thanks to her friends. She never made an effort to make the friends, but they just happened to come along and save her. Like a certain 'invisible' friend who will eventually solve all your problems.
I kept expecting to like it and trying hard, but never did. Sorry.
I liked Lewis and Maribelle and the Cajun guy even though they didn't get any character development. They were just tools for teaching. I might have liked the Mom, but she preferred to duck her head down and be a good little woman instead of making a stand that might have saved a kid's life. She had a chance--I held my breath--she ignored it. (I'm referring to Dean; she could have filed a lawsuit instead of muttering a "not my problem" epitaph and turning aside.)
And worst of all was the total lack of spine development in the heroine. She ended up moseying along her mousy way. The same old coping strategies that failed to work in the beginning suddenly and miraculously started to work--thanks to her friends. She never made an effort to make the friends, but they just happened to come along and save her. Like a certain 'invisible' friend who will eventually solve all your problems.
I kept expecting to like it and trying hard, but never did. Sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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