janerose123's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, this book is great. It's about Deenie who have scoliosis and Judy Blume takes a fairly overlooked theme - scoliosis - and builds this story about Deenie that isn't just about back problems. The story is told from Deenie's point of view and I found that it showed the anguish that goes through a young girl when she goes from childhood to her teenage self. It destroys her domineering mother's stereotypes of her as “the beautiful one.” Because of the brace, Deenie figures out who she is outside of her parent's crushing expectations. This, really, is the main theme of the book — how parents project their own needs on their children, and how destructive that can be. This book is nicely written and I like the characters also Deenie and her friends:)
christinecasey's review against another edition
4.0
Like many others, I was introduced to this book when, after years of slowly watching my scoliosis get worse, it was decided that I would have to wear a back brace my sophomore year of high school. At 15, you can imagine I thought my life was over. School, dating, soccer, gymnastics... This book was a subtle comfort and reminder that life would go on. I remember reading lots of Judy Blume's other novels (i.e. Freckle Juice, Margaret, Tales of a 4th grade nothing, Blubber), but this one had passed me by until the moment I needed it.
cs_the_librarian's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
sarcasmandscifi's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
freudfries's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mcancian's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
bubreads45's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is one of my favorite books. It's a great coming of age book. I love Judy Blume books. They are my favorite! Judy Blume is my favorite author! Her books are amazing that everyone has to read them!
mollywonders's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
julianna718's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it!!! ugh i’m a sucker for judy blume i don’t know what it is about her writing but it’s great.