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Pretty Penny F.A.R.M
Spending the summer on a New Hampshire farm, fifteen-year-old Beth trains a beautiful chestnut horse for a local race and develops a friendship with an unpopular classmate.
- GenresHorses
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 23, 2021
My thoughts on this haven't changed much. Fine enough book, save for a few issues.
First review
This was surprisingly good. I was anticipating something quite different, based on the cover and the summary on the back. In some ways, it is the typical 'mean girl learns to be nice' story, but in this case, Beth's progression is actually quite genuine.
The only relationship that doesn't come off as genuine is her 'romance' with Dave, perhaps because he calls her a 'good kid' like an authority figure, and because they seem to have nothing in common. She loves the quiet countryside; he doesn't. She likes racing; he doesn't (this is explained later, but I doubt his dislike and her like change). The fact that he is almost nineteen and attending college while she is fifteen and just beginning high school doesn't help matters. Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but that just seems a bit squicky to me.
My only other qualms come from the fact that the name Charmin' makes me think of the toilet paper, that the author seems to feel the need to remind us of character's first names with every chapter (if not multiple times in the same chapter), , and that some important scenes are left to summary. For instance, Beth calling Sophie 'Zosh' for the first time; this should have been a moment of interaction where we feel the adjustment in their relationship. Instead, it's summarized as (paraphrasing) 'a shift in their relationship.' Show, don't tell.
Outside of these issues, it's a good read with a likable 'mean girl' and a believable transition. It doesn't hurt that Dolly and Charmin' are adorable.
First review
This was surprisingly good. I was anticipating something quite different, based on the cover and the summary on the back. In some ways, it is the typical 'mean girl learns to be nice' story, but in this case, Beth's progression is actually quite genuine.
The only relationship that doesn't come off as genuine is her 'romance' with Dave, perhaps because he calls her a 'good kid' like an authority figure, and because they seem to have nothing in common. She loves the quiet countryside; he doesn't. She likes racing; he doesn't (this is explained later, but I doubt his dislike and her like change). The fact that he is almost nineteen and attending college while she is fifteen and just beginning high school doesn't help matters. Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but that just seems a bit squicky to me.
My only other qualms come from the fact that the name Charmin' makes me think of the toilet paper, that the author seems to feel the need to remind us of character's first names with every chapter (if not multiple times in the same chapter), , and that some important scenes are left to summary. For instance, Beth calling Sophie 'Zosh' for the first time; this should have been a moment of interaction where we feel the adjustment in their relationship. Instead, it's summarized as (paraphrasing) 'a shift in their relationship.' Show, don't tell.
Outside of these issues, it's a good read with a likable 'mean girl' and a believable transition. It doesn't hurt that Dolly and Charmin' are adorable.
July 20, 2020
I may be giving this book five stars more for the nostalgia factor than anything. I remember reading this book so many times as a child and young adult. I would revisit it once or twice a year. It’s a sweet story, and it always made me feel good when I finished it.
December 29, 2012
Pretty Penny Farm Troll Associates, 1987, 218 pp.
Joanne Hoppe ISBN 0-8167-1326-X
Everyone has dreams, big ones and small ones. So when Beth’s summer plans change, she never thought it would be to help her with her dreams. Having a love for horses, going to a farm was a dream come true for her. But when her mother invites Sophie, the girl everyone makes fun of, will that dream turn into a nightmare? But when she discovers Charmin’ the horse she gets to ride, is a really fast runner, maybe Beth can look past unpopular Sophie, and maybe she just might realized Sophie is a nice person. But with the owner not wanting his horse to race, and Beth not having any experience as a jockey will she get to achieve her dream to ride in a horse race?
This book is a mixture of different genres, from mystery to friendship to a hint of romance, which keeps you as a reader interested. There is always something going on, not once did I find myself bored when reading this.
Reading this book, it taught me important lessons about friendship. It teaches you about who your friends are, who you can trust, and the difference between rights from wrong. Beth, the main character goes through all these hardships, and eventually she overcomes them. I recommend this book to anyone, starting at the age of 11 who wants a good read; it will definitely leave an impression on you.
Joanne Hoppe ISBN 0-8167-1326-X
Everyone has dreams, big ones and small ones. So when Beth’s summer plans change, she never thought it would be to help her with her dreams. Having a love for horses, going to a farm was a dream come true for her. But when her mother invites Sophie, the girl everyone makes fun of, will that dream turn into a nightmare? But when she discovers Charmin’ the horse she gets to ride, is a really fast runner, maybe Beth can look past unpopular Sophie, and maybe she just might realized Sophie is a nice person. But with the owner not wanting his horse to race, and Beth not having any experience as a jockey will she get to achieve her dream to ride in a horse race?
This book is a mixture of different genres, from mystery to friendship to a hint of romance, which keeps you as a reader interested. There is always something going on, not once did I find myself bored when reading this.
Reading this book, it taught me important lessons about friendship. It teaches you about who your friends are, who you can trust, and the difference between rights from wrong. Beth, the main character goes through all these hardships, and eventually she overcomes them. I recommend this book to anyone, starting at the age of 11 who wants a good read; it will definitely leave an impression on you.
Read
August 21, 2007This was one of my favorite books as a pre-teen. The plot is somewaht flaky, but the feel good affect was long lasting. If I read it now, it probably wouldn't have hte same affect, but 10-15 year olds would probalby love it.
February 7, 2011
This was a story I really enjoyed as a young teen; it might not be so good to me if I read it now.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews