nithpanthiel's review
4.0
Really enjoyed the diving into Karen's emotions in this one. It felt realistic in a child trying to make the people around her understand but adults failing to see the connections. The story was cute and the display of Karen's character seemed well thought out.
bibliotequeish's review
When you were too old for childrens books, but too young for The Baby Sitters Club.
Ann M. Martin really is a genius to piggy back on the success of The Baby Sitters Club.
After reading the little sisters series I remember feeling like a real adult opening up that first BSC book.
Ann M. Martin really is a genius to piggy back on the success of The Baby Sitters Club.
After reading the little sisters series I remember feeling like a real adult opening up that first BSC book.
impybelle's review
4.0
How dare you make me feel bad for Karen Brewer, book? HOW. DARE. YOU.
Seriously though, Karen's never been my favorite character, but kid!me really liked the original illustrations for her series (even though I was too old for them even then) and I admit that she and I would've totally bonded over the witch love. But as an adult, there's a reason a good chunk of the fandom can agree on one thing, and that thing is Karen is kind of the worst.
That being said? She's not in this one. She's a little kid whose parents are divorced and are at that stage where they don't talk to one another so much as snipe at each other when things go south as they're bound to do when you've got two very young kids. But Karen's only six (soon to be a permanent seven) and as advanced as she is, she can't articulate everything perfectly. So her simple wish to have both sides of her family (big house and little house) together on her birthday is seen as selfish. To be fair, I've never really been clear on why that is. Is it just that originally Watson was going to take Karen, Hannie, and Nancy, so swapping those two out for the entire Brewer-Thomas-whatever Seth's last name is- clan would be infinitely more expensive? Because, Watson? Dude? You're a millionaire. You can literally afford it.
It's weird because Karen specifically says she wants her family to go instead of her friends. I'm guessing it's the fancy dinner part she adds after, casually volunteering her mother to cook said feast, that might be the real issue, but still.
I really felt bad for Karen each time she tries to explain what she wants but it gets tangled up and everyone gets mad at her. Honestly, most of Karen's family in this book suck. Seth, Andrew, and Nannie are the exceptions and Elizabeth doesn't really do anything at all, so maybe I'll exclude her, too. But normally Kristy listens to Karen long after everyone else does, but she's just as quick to get mad at Karen after the initial circus fiasco so... boo and bullfrogs indeed.
I will never not find Hannie's proclamation of impending marriage followed by "we haven't officially met yet" hilarious.
Seriously though, Karen's never been my favorite character, but kid!me really liked the original illustrations for her series (even though I was too old for them even then) and I admit that she and I would've totally bonded over the witch love. But as an adult, there's a reason a good chunk of the fandom can agree on one thing, and that thing is Karen is kind of the worst.
That being said? She's not in this one. She's a little kid whose parents are divorced and are at that stage where they don't talk to one another so much as snipe at each other when things go south as they're bound to do when you've got two very young kids. But Karen's only six (soon to be a permanent seven) and as advanced as she is, she can't articulate everything perfectly. So her simple wish to have both sides of her family (big house and little house) together on her birthday is seen as selfish. To be fair, I've never really been clear on why that is. Is it just that originally Watson was going to take Karen, Hannie, and Nancy, so swapping those two out for the entire Brewer-Thomas-whatever Seth's last name is- clan would be infinitely more expensive? Because, Watson? Dude? You're a millionaire. You can literally afford it.
It's weird because Karen specifically says she wants her family to go instead of her friends. I'm guessing it's the fancy dinner part she adds after, casually volunteering her mother to cook said feast, that might be the real issue, but still.
I really felt bad for Karen each time she tries to explain what she wants but it gets tangled up and everyone gets mad at her. Honestly, most of Karen's family in this book suck. Seth, Andrew, and Nannie are the exceptions and Elizabeth doesn't really do anything at all, so maybe I'll exclude her, too. But normally Kristy listens to Karen long after everyone else does, but she's just as quick to get mad at Karen after the initial circus fiasco so... boo and bullfrogs indeed.
Spoiler
I will never not find Hannie's proclamation of impending marriage followed by "we haven't officially met yet" hilarious.
helloskayuu's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
inthelunaseas's review
3.0
Karen's birthday is coming up, and all she wants is for her mother and father to get back together. Fair enough, right? Well, in Karen's typical manner, she goes about it in a completely selfish way. She gets into all sorts of trouble just to have her parents talk. Kid, I know you're young and all, but when you parents keep on arguing due to your mishaps, it ain't gonna work out.
However, Karen's step-grandmother sorts things out for her. Ah, good to see Karen is learning early that others will fix her messes for her.
Meanwhile, Karen's friend, Hannie, decides she loves the boy down the street, and they're going to get married! Only Scott, the boy, doesn't know it yet. Hell, he doesn't even know who Hannie is. Ah, the stalkers start early in Stoneybrook.
Given this is early in the series, and AMM wrote this book, the characters are all acting their appropriate age. Where did it all go wrong, AMM? Where did it all go wrong?
However, Karen's step-grandmother sorts things out for her. Ah, good to see Karen is learning early that others will fix her messes for her.
Meanwhile, Karen's friend, Hannie, decides she loves the boy down the street, and they're going to get married! Only Scott, the boy, doesn't know it yet. Hell, he doesn't even know who Hannie is. Ah, the stalkers start early in Stoneybrook.
Given this is early in the series, and AMM wrote this book, the characters are all acting their appropriate age. Where did it all go wrong, AMM? Where did it all go wrong?
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