ameliagm's review against another edition
2.0
Well... it started out interesting. A unique plot. At first it was charming and witty and sweet but by the end it was ridiculous. It’s a big pet peeve of mine when an author rushes the story to fit a lot of action in at once. I find it’s much more interesting to draw out a story. Towards the end it seemed like the author was just shoving in drama for no reason. It wasn’t consistent at all nor was it realistic in the slightest. Also not a great portrayal of mental illness, to be honest. I finished it simply to feel resolved but not really because I felt compelled to out of want. It was a strange blend of political scandal and teenage drama. Not an excellent blend.
bethanymiller415's review against another edition
Student Review By: Claudia W. (11th Grade)
Grade Range: 8th grade and up
Genre: Realistic, Mystery
Literary Merit: Very Good
Characterization: Excellent
Review: Edgewater is an excellent novel written by Courtney Sheinmel that revolves around Lorrie, a girl who’s world has been turned upside down. At the surface everything seems great, but with a mentally unstable Aunt in control of the their finances it was only a matter of time until things went terribly wrong. After many untimely events Lorrie was forced to begin providing for herself as unimaginable events unfolded.
Sheinmel does an excellent job of describing each character as well as helping establish a connection between the character and the reader throughout the novel. In addition to this Sheinmel also does a great job of keeping the reader on their toes. While reading you may think you know what's going to happen next, but then the unexpected will happen. Overall it is a great book about family, friendships, and secrets.
Recommendation: I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a mystery and doesn't mind romance. Also, someone who appreciates extensive description of not only characters, but setting and events as well.
Grade Range: 8th grade and up
Genre: Realistic, Mystery
Literary Merit: Very Good
Characterization: Excellent
Review: Edgewater is an excellent novel written by Courtney Sheinmel that revolves around Lorrie, a girl who’s world has been turned upside down. At the surface everything seems great, but with a mentally unstable Aunt in control of the their finances it was only a matter of time until things went terribly wrong. After many untimely events Lorrie was forced to begin providing for herself as unimaginable events unfolded.
Sheinmel does an excellent job of describing each character as well as helping establish a connection between the character and the reader throughout the novel. In addition to this Sheinmel also does a great job of keeping the reader on their toes. While reading you may think you know what's going to happen next, but then the unexpected will happen. Overall it is a great book about family, friendships, and secrets.
Recommendation: I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a mystery and doesn't mind romance. Also, someone who appreciates extensive description of not only characters, but setting and events as well.
chwaters's review against another edition
3.0
If you didn't know Lorrie Hollander, you'd assume she had it all. Fancy private school, designer wardrobe, expensive horse...all the stereotypical trappings of the extremely wealthy. If you did know Lorrie, you'd know that appearances aren't all they seem. For one, Lorrie's family now consists merely of Lorrie, her sister Susannah and their unstable aunt Gigi and they live in a massive, crumbling mansion a la Grey Gardens. The estate was once grand, something of which to be proud. Now, it's an eye-sore and constant source of embarrassment. Lorrie has learned to deal with her idiosyncratic life, after all, her aunt may not take care of the house, but she always pays the bills. It all changes in the summer before Lorrie's senior year when the exclusive horse camp she's staying the summer at informs her that tuition has not been paid and that they need to send her home. Lorrie is furious at her aunt for allowing the tuition to go unpaid, but quickly realizes that nothing has been paid recently, not even their electric bill. Gigi refuses to tell Lorrie where their money is and changes the subject whenever Lorrie brings it up. Susannah's no help; she's more concerned with her numerous stray animals and deadbeat boyfriend. Determined to make ends meet and to keep up appearances, Lorrie gets a job at her horse's stable. At the same time, the son of the Kennedy-esque family (and kind-of neighbor to the Hollanders), Charlie, is in town and staying at his family's estate. Lorrie has a chance encounter with him that lands her an invite to one of the most elite parties of the year. There, she has a chance both to get to know the dreamy Charlie, as well as witness some strange incidents involving the famous family. Lorrie's summer will be nothing if not memorable.
So, we've got a down-on-their-luck family with decidedly odd and slightly mysterious circumstances, generational family drama of the scandalous variety and the beginnings of a romance - all in the same book. I think my favorite aspect was probably more in the beginning as Sheinmel introduces us to the Hollander estate (fascinating and disgusting at the same time). Lorrie begins as a somewhat annoying character, but ultimately shows some growth throughout the book. I had a lot of trouble suspending my disbelief when it came to a lot of other elements in the book, particularly early explanations of the parental absence and the later revelations that comprise the novel's denouement. That being said, the pacing is swift, so I barely gave myself time to question the plot points that were bothering me. The story is compelling, even if in a smug and voyeuristic way. Hand this one to those who love stories of family secrets, particularly if the family happens to be wealthy and/or famous.
So, we've got a down-on-their-luck family with decidedly odd and slightly mysterious circumstances, generational family drama of the scandalous variety and the beginnings of a romance - all in the same book. I think my favorite aspect was probably more in the beginning as Sheinmel introduces us to the Hollander estate (fascinating and disgusting at the same time). Lorrie begins as a somewhat annoying character, but ultimately shows some growth throughout the book. I had a lot of trouble suspending my disbelief when it came to a lot of other elements in the book, particularly early explanations of the parental absence and the later revelations that comprise the novel's denouement. That being said, the pacing is swift, so I barely gave myself time to question the plot points that were bothering me. The story is compelling, even if in a smug and voyeuristic way. Hand this one to those who love stories of family secrets, particularly if the family happens to be wealthy and/or famous.
hermanabeckman's review against another edition
2.0
I liked the premise behind the book and read about half way but got tired of the inappropriate language that had no purpose whatsoever.
theyalibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Captivating read!
Lorrie Hollander comes from a privileged family. Long ago her wealthy grandfather built an impressive estate in an exclusive community (think Martha’s Vineyard). But time has not been kind. Twelve years ago, Lorrie’s mother left two daughters with Aunt Gigi. Gigi is delusional and raises the girls in the decrepit, decaying old family home among hoarding stacks and a menagerie of animals. (Think Little Edie of #GreyGardens) Each month Lorrie spent stipends escaping to a prestigious boarding school and equestrian camp. But when the money stops she is forced to move back.
Edgewater has it all: drama, glitz & glamor, mystery, romance, and not too mention
Lorrie Hollander comes from a privileged family. Long ago her wealthy grandfather built an impressive estate in an exclusive community (think Martha’s Vineyard). But time has not been kind. Twelve years ago, Lorrie’s mother left two daughters with Aunt Gigi. Gigi is delusional and raises the girls in the decrepit, decaying old family home among hoarding stacks and a menagerie of animals. (Think Little Edie of #GreyGardens) Each month Lorrie spent stipends escaping to a prestigious boarding school and equestrian camp. But when the money stops she is forced to move back.
Edgewater has it all: drama, glitz & glamor, mystery, romance, and not too mention
teenlibrarian's review against another edition
2.0
Predictable and just room so long to wrap it all up. Main character wasn't they like able. Similarities to Silence of the Deep Sea YA fiction.
midnightbookgirl's review
4.0
More of a 3 and a 1/2 because the ending was just a little too neat and easy and unfolded way too fast. But while it was predictable at times, it was also a page turner. The description of Edgewater brings the house to life, and it was easy to care for Lorre and Susannah. Plus, the chapter where Lorrie sells the thing she loves the most (for a good reason) had me crying. Like real tears, which was embarrassing because I was at work, but wonderful because book feels are real, ya'll.
kenzigrl's review against another edition
4.0
This book was such a great read with an amazing plot. The plot was strong and it was just more then romance it was about Lorrie understanding that not everything can stay the same. Also the plot twist was mind blowing!
val9000's review against another edition
3.0
Edgewater is the name of the mansion where Lorrie, her sister Susannah, and their aunt Gigi live. What was once a beautiful, sprawling homestead overlooking the ocean is now so disgusting that Lorrie's best friend Lennox has never set foot in it. Filled with unwashed dishes, carpets full of cat urine, and an indescribable stench that permeates the entire house, Lorrie hopes every day that she won't be recognized as one of the girls who lives there.
When a failed tuition payment forces Lorrie to leave her summer riding camp and return to Edgewater, Lorrie is intent on emancipating herself from her aunt and gain access to the trust fund her mother left when she moved to London with her boyfriend. The only problem is the empty tank of gas. With only eight dollars to her name and an embarrassing negotiation underway over a can of Coke, Lorrie's pride is sort-of saved by Charlie Copeland. On one hand, she won't have to put a Coca Cola on credit but on the other hand, the Senator's son has just paid for her gas...and invited her to a political party at his house on Friday.
While Lorrie and Charlie are getting to know each other, things like a turned off phone, no electricity in the house, and a need for food are pushing Lorrie to get a job and sort everything out herself, with no help from Gigi or Susannah. Unfortunately things aren't going as planned and even weirder things are happening behind the scenes of the Copeland residence. What secrets are the Copeland's hiding and why does it seem that Lorrie's family is involved?
The plot is interesting but I found the characters hard to like. Undoubtedly this is the way Sheinmel intended as both Susannah and Gigi find nothing wrong with living in the squalor they have made for themselves. There may be those who may find sympathy but I could not. Susannah at 15 should have been helping Lorrie take care of the house or at the very least not add to her troubles. Gigi who was obviuosly going through a depression should have had help. Though, I can see why neither Lorrie or Susannah would have wanted to involve social services. Lennox's mothers seemed the perfect people to broach such a subject and yet, the girls were left to live in horrible conditions.
What I also didn't like was the fact that the idea of Edgewater being in such ruin was nothing but a talking point to those who lived within the neighborhood. Perhaps they didn't have a homeowner's association but what...they didn't have property taxes? I'm sure that people who live within such riches would take more interest in a house that looked like Edgewater next to their lovely, perfect homes.
Edgewater is mostly a story about the idea that money doesn't grow on trees and there are people who really have to work to earn such a living. A fast read but does not require much thought or leave you feeling changed. It's an okay book to pass the time while waiting for a flight.
This review was first published on: http://www.indecisivelyrestless.com/2015/05/edgewater-by-courtney-sheinmel.html
When a failed tuition payment forces Lorrie to leave her summer riding camp and return to Edgewater, Lorrie is intent on emancipating herself from her aunt and gain access to the trust fund her mother left when she moved to London with her boyfriend. The only problem is the empty tank of gas. With only eight dollars to her name and an embarrassing negotiation underway over a can of Coke, Lorrie's pride is sort-of saved by Charlie Copeland. On one hand, she won't have to put a Coca Cola on credit but on the other hand, the Senator's son has just paid for her gas...and invited her to a political party at his house on Friday.
While Lorrie and Charlie are getting to know each other, things like a turned off phone, no electricity in the house, and a need for food are pushing Lorrie to get a job and sort everything out herself, with no help from Gigi or Susannah. Unfortunately things aren't going as planned and even weirder things are happening behind the scenes of the Copeland residence. What secrets are the Copeland's hiding and why does it seem that Lorrie's family is involved?
The plot is interesting but I found the characters hard to like. Undoubtedly this is the way Sheinmel intended as both Susannah and Gigi find nothing wrong with living in the squalor they have made for themselves. There may be those who may find sympathy but I could not. Susannah at 15 should have been helping Lorrie take care of the house or at the very least not add to her troubles. Gigi who was obviuosly going through a depression should have had help. Though, I can see why neither Lorrie or Susannah would have wanted to involve social services. Lennox's mothers seemed the perfect people to broach such a subject and yet, the girls were left to live in horrible conditions.
What I also didn't like was the fact that the idea of Edgewater being in such ruin was nothing but a talking point to those who lived within the neighborhood. Perhaps they didn't have a homeowner's association but what...they didn't have property taxes? I'm sure that people who live within such riches would take more interest in a house that looked like Edgewater next to their lovely, perfect homes.
Edgewater is mostly a story about the idea that money doesn't grow on trees and there are people who really have to work to earn such a living. A fast read but does not require much thought or leave you feeling changed. It's an okay book to pass the time while waiting for a flight.
This review was first published on: http://www.indecisivelyrestless.com/2015/05/edgewater-by-courtney-sheinmel.html