kimberlyinthewild's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
clarkf87's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
This was my favorite Judy Blume so far.
missprint_'s review against another edition
2.0
Davey's whole life is falling apart. Her father was shot in a holdup. Her family is broken. And worse, her mother is taking Davey and her little brother all the way from home to visit relatives in New Mexico while they recover.
Davey doesn't want to recover.
But New Mexico works its own kind of magic on Davey and her family. Wandering the desert landscape Davey meets a mysterious boy called "Wolf" with his own secrets and his own reasons for understanding Davey's sad eyes. With his help, maybe Davey can finally move on.
So Judy Blume is obviously very popular. Most of her books fall into the time before I was reading YA (this one being published a few years before I was born) so Blume is never quite an author I get to. While I can see the appeal of this book, it largely didn't work for me.
While Davey's struggles are very contemporary and relevant, the story itself was often dated with Davey working as a candy striper (do those even exist anymore?) to name but one example. A general air of Cold War hysteria permeates the story as well with Davey's aunt and uncle in a panic about the nearby nuclear plant malfunctioning.
I can see the appeal here and it might appeal to readers looking for this very specific kind of story. On the other hand there are also more recent stories that cover similar themes just as well.
Davey doesn't want to recover.
But New Mexico works its own kind of magic on Davey and her family. Wandering the desert landscape Davey meets a mysterious boy called "Wolf" with his own secrets and his own reasons for understanding Davey's sad eyes. With his help, maybe Davey can finally move on.
So Judy Blume is obviously very popular. Most of her books fall into the time before I was reading YA (this one being published a few years before I was born) so Blume is never quite an author I get to. While I can see the appeal of this book, it largely didn't work for me.
While Davey's struggles are very contemporary and relevant, the story itself was often dated with Davey working as a candy striper (do those even exist anymore?) to name but one example. A general air of Cold War hysteria permeates the story as well with Davey's aunt and uncle in a panic about the nearby nuclear plant malfunctioning.
I can see the appeal here and it might appeal to readers looking for this very specific kind of story. On the other hand there are also more recent stories that cover similar themes just as well.
mojostdennis's review against another edition
3.0
popsugar challenge 2022: read a book with a tiger on the cover or "tiger" in the title
optimaggie's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVED this book as a young girl. I remember reading this as I rode the bus and as I walked up our long driveway. I cried and felt her sadness, I felt fear, I felt her crush. Judy Blume wrote about everything I wanted to know about as a young girl. Have you heard Amanda Palmer's song about Judy Blume? If you haven't and you grew up reading her books you really need to listen to it.
papersbackswithposton's review against another edition
1.0
This was one of the worst books I've ever read! Not for people who like fantasy and sci-fi books!
Would not recommend for teenagers!
Would not recommend for teenagers!
jay_hobday's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
lisas_novel_idea's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Racism
loulud21's review against another edition
3.0
Read this years ago and remember liking it but definitely want to re-read at some point as my memory is foggy.
aliciababecla08's review against another edition
5.0
Growing up I was never into the whole idea that a Judy Blume book related to the "preteen bible" idea. I hated her books, then when going through a mess in my own life I picked up this book at a school used book sale and fell in love with it. I have read this book so many times my copy is worn beyond repair and I probably need to invest in another copy.