Lizziefaye's Comfy Corner discussion

To save Elizabeth some time and trouble, inspired by her words for the first Penderwicks book thread...

This is the discussion thread for book 2 of The Penderwicks. You may include spoilers, but please let us know at the top of the comment if you have done so.

This book is 21 chapters, which breaks down to just over 5 chapters per week in the month of June, however feel free to read at your own speed. 🙂

I currently have the first book checked out from my library and the second book on hold, and will be reading both of these for the first time in the month of June. 🙂

Thanks so much Monique for starting this thread. It's the 4th of June and I just remembered to get over here and do it, and lo and behold it was done. So glad that you are planning to join in the readalong.

I got a late start on this and am reading chapter 5 today. I had forgotten about the circumstances that propelled Mr. Penderwick to date again. I liked how reader got a glimpse of the girls' mother.

What is everyone’s guess or thoughts on the time period these books take place? They were written this century but seem simplistic in a 50’s or 60’s era.

I’m enjoying book 2 as much as book 1. The prologue got me in the feels. The necklace! What a wonderful gift the mom received from her daughters just before her death (not a spoiler, we know this from book 1).

Melinda wrote: "What is everyone’s guess or thoughts on the time period these books take place? They were written this century but seem simplistic in a 50’s or 60’s era.

I’m enjoying book 2 as much as book 1. Th..."

That is a good question Melinda. They really have a timeless feel. I have always thought that they were contemporary, but I guess they really couldn't be or the girls would all have a cell phone. I think they could be anywhere from the 70s to the 90s.

I enjoyed book 2 more than book 1. The shenanigans (this word needs using for this book) the sisters got up to. Some were diabolical like the new save daddy plan. The girls individual problems were hilarious. I love teenage angst. They feel their problems are the end of the world. Batty is still my favourite. Her friendship with Ben was adorable. I’m so happy with the conclusion of this book especially since I predicted it from the beginning. Can’t wait for book 3 next month.

I am halfway through the book and enjoying it. The "save dad" plan is hilarious and I can just picture Batty and Ben in their bug disguise glasses. The different ages of the girls lends a lot of variety to the story as they go through their different stages of childhood. I've always loved family stories and they were more popular in the 50's and 60's sit seems. This book reminds me of those even though I think it is a later period.

I'm about halfway through now too. It is really fun reading this again since I had forgotten several of the details.
What do y'all think of the use of Latin in this series? I think it's a fun aspect, although I have no idea how to pronounce most of the words used. I never took Latin in school, but my sister did. Our dad was a science teacher and enjoyed trying to teach us the Latin names of plants. So maybe I enjoy Mr. Penderwick's use of Latin because it reminds me a bit of my own father.

I just thought this was okay, I actually kind of liked book one more than this one. I know that this is not my kind of book as just reading about day to day things about a family to me is not exciting. I am not a huge contemporary reader but I tried. :)

Stormi (BMReviewsohmy) wrote: "I just thought this was okay, I actually kind of liked book one more than this one. I know that this is not my kind of book as just reading about day to day things about a family to me is not excit..."

Well, thanks for giving it a try Storm. True, there isn't a big "wow" factor here, but I do love the idyllic nature of the book and series. It's such an all around comfort read.

Yeah, at least I gave it a try. :)

I just finished Gardam Street this morning. I had forgotten that it ended with a wedding. I didn't remember that it happened so soon. But I just love how they make the perfect blended family.