cate_zh's review against another edition
2.0
I kept reading just because I don't like giving up. The story is reasonably predictable and a little tired, with no real depth. The animal deliveries did make me laugh though...
cook_memorial_public_library's review against another edition
5.0
Recommended by Melissa, who loved the book and the characters. Read her review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/942947822?book_show_action=false&page=1
Check our catalog: http://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Scasebook%20simpson__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&suite=pearl
Check our catalog: http://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Scasebook%20simpson__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&suite=pearl
awin82's review against another edition
3.0
There's really nothing special about this story. I thought the book was well-written, but I didn't find the characters particularly engaging.
superdilettante's review against another edition
2.0
I read Simpson's Anywhere But Here five times. It was something I went to for comfort, clicking into the wisdom and resiliency of Ann August (even though, the first time i read the book, I became so incensed with her mother that I pitched the paperback across the room). I read her next two, The Lost Father and A Regular Guy and loved them as well. But My Hollywood disappointed and so did this one. I'm sorry, Mona Simpson, I just don't get you anymore.
bfth23's review against another edition
1.0
What can you say about a book that is dull and dry and you are more than half way through it before you realize you've read it before and you didn't like it then either. Nothing memorable. Don't waste your time like I did (twice!)
jaclynday's review against another edition
3.0
I’ll be honest—it took more than half the book for the story to really capture my attention. It was worth sticking with it (for the ending, which was great). But anyway, let me back up: Casebook is told from the perspective of Miles, a young boy who loves snooping on his parents, the neighborhood…anyone, really. He records his mom’s phone calls and reads the mail. The downside of being a snoop as a kid is that some things are better left undiscovered. In the midst of his routine spying, Miles finds out his parents are divorcing. Post-divorce, Miles’ mother starts dating a kind but frequently absent boyfriend. As Miles searches for info on the guy, his best friend Hector joins him on the case and they begin an intense campaign to discover the truth about the boyfriend and expose him for the scoundrel they suspect he is. The story cooks very slowly (calling it boring is too harsh, but immediately compelling it is not), but I kept at it. If you read it, you should too. The ensuing hijinks are funny and cringe-worthy, and the story ends poignantly with a perfect, fitting conclusion. I enjoyed this. Did not love it. But enjoyed it.
lisagray68's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars if I could. Nothing wrong with this book, a coming of age story of a boy whose parents got divorced. I just found myself wondering how much longer the book would go on. Good writing, good story, not sure where it didn't capture me.
thenerdjournals's review against another edition
2.0
I hate how this book is written and it makes it difficult to read. It's all over the place and I have trouble caring about any of the characters. Going to abandon this one.
cmrink's review against another edition
4.0
The plot was uneven, but I love her observations about her characters and humanity. And she pulled it together at the end, making me tear up.
caitlinxmartin's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book in ways I didn't expect - perhaps because it reminded me of so many things I loved when I was a kid. Harriet the Spy, for instance - I read that book over and over again because I loved the idea of looking into windows, of observing people in the neighborhood and the world and trying to figure out things about them - all kids are snoops, right? It made me think of hanging around on the upstairs landing when my parents had a dinner party and after I was supposed to go to bed - just listening to the adults. I never wanted to go to bed because I was positive I'd miss something.
Our hero, Miles, and his friend, Hector, spy on and listen in to Miles' divorcing parents. They snoop their computers, their phone calls, try to figure out things about the new boyfriend (who seems very suspicious to them). Much of what they learn is confusing and a bit scary - what do they do with their suspicions? What is this adult world all about? Will Hector's mother be okay?
Ms. Simpson captures the confusion and glamour of kids just learning about the grown-up world and trying to fit together the pieces. Moving and profound, Casebook offers a glimpse into a family coming apart and changing through the eyes of a very smart and cool kid who just wants to understand. Highly recommended.
Our hero, Miles, and his friend, Hector, spy on and listen in to Miles' divorcing parents. They snoop their computers, their phone calls, try to figure out things about the new boyfriend (who seems very suspicious to them). Much of what they learn is confusing and a bit scary - what do they do with their suspicions? What is this adult world all about? Will Hector's mother be okay?
Ms. Simpson captures the confusion and glamour of kids just learning about the grown-up world and trying to fit together the pieces. Moving and profound, Casebook offers a glimpse into a family coming apart and changing through the eyes of a very smart and cool kid who just wants to understand. Highly recommended.