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eyreguide's review against another edition
5.0
This was a very sweet and endearing read! I was already interested because of the link to the Brontes but the author managed to bring the Bronte history and the era to life so well, which was surprising for such a short read. I think this is a wonderful start to Carly Keene's adventures!
Carly (whose name must be inspired by Carolyn Keene, the pen name for the author of Nancy Drew) is a very believable and likable protagonist. The Alaskan setting, Carly's family, and her best friend Francesca, give Carly such a distinctive personality as well, because through these things, you can understand why Carly is so quirky. It's also fun to read how Carly copes with 19th century England with all of it's less savory aspects (like the food, poor hygiene, and the lack of plumbing) as well as her delight in wearing period dress and in exploring the beautiful countryside. These little details really captured the time and place, and felt so true to how someone would feel traveling out of their own time. This book made the time travel aspect very satisfying because it felt so realistic.
This story reads more like an adventure than a mystery to me. Perhaps later books in the series will explore true mysteries, but this book was more about Carly helping the Brontës be true to themselves and finding out more about their lives than any mystery surrounding them that Carly has to solve. (Although I may feel this way because I am pretty familiar with the Brontes' lives already.) There is a supernatural aspect though that felt very true to the Brontë legacy which I really appreciated. I think kids will enjoy Carly's adventure and spirit and adults will appreciate the authentic details, the multi-dimensional characters and the nostalgia of reading exciting books like this when they were young.
(I received this book from the publisher or author for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated for this review.)
Carly (whose name must be inspired by Carolyn Keene, the pen name for the author of Nancy Drew) is a very believable and likable protagonist. The Alaskan setting, Carly's family, and her best friend Francesca, give Carly such a distinctive personality as well, because through these things, you can understand why Carly is so quirky. It's also fun to read how Carly copes with 19th century England with all of it's less savory aspects (like the food, poor hygiene, and the lack of plumbing) as well as her delight in wearing period dress and in exploring the beautiful countryside. These little details really captured the time and place, and felt so true to how someone would feel traveling out of their own time. This book made the time travel aspect very satisfying because it felt so realistic.
This story reads more like an adventure than a mystery to me. Perhaps later books in the series will explore true mysteries, but this book was more about Carly helping the Brontës be true to themselves and finding out more about their lives than any mystery surrounding them that Carly has to solve. (Although I may feel this way because I am pretty familiar with the Brontes' lives already.) There is a supernatural aspect though that felt very true to the Brontë legacy which I really appreciated. I think kids will enjoy Carly's adventure and spirit and adults will appreciate the authentic details, the multi-dimensional characters and the nostalgia of reading exciting books like this when they were young.
(I received this book from the publisher or author for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated for this review.)
beyondevak's review against another edition
5.0
What a wonderfully enchanting book this was! I absolutely loved it. Everything about this book was a draw for me. The writing was superb and the storyline was brilliant. The characters were unique; they had their own voices and noteworthy personalities. The scenes were descriptive and clear. The underlying and obvious conflicts added precious layers to the story. The spook factor was perfect.
I appreciated how the author weaved academics and literary mentions into this book. I thought it was divine...and so very creative.
I cannot wait to learn more about young Carly and her adventures.
Outstanding all the way around!
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Reading Appeal: Middle grades to high school+
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The words I have expressed are my own.
I appreciated how the author weaved academics and literary mentions into this book. I thought it was divine...and so very creative.
I cannot wait to learn more about young Carly and her adventures.
Outstanding all the way around!
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Reading Appeal: Middle grades to high school+
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The words I have expressed are my own.
froggylibrarian1's review against another edition
3.0
You can read my review at http://readingbythepond.blogspot.com/2014/03/carly-keene-braving-brontes-by.html
scostner's review against another edition
4.0
I love books where the characters from our world get to meet famous people from history - and this is a triple crown winner, because Carly gets to meet all three of the Bronte sisters. Carly and her friend Francesca are always hoping for an adventure. They play games where they come up with scenarios and then imagine what a favorite character would do in the situation. They are on the lookout for a wardrobe or other everyday location that is actually a portal to another world, so it shouldn't be a big surprise when they discover an alleyway they have never noticed before and it contains a bookshop jammed with books of all sorts. Carly meets the owner and he offers to let her look at a first edition copy of Jane Eyre. Before she knows it, Carly has been transported to 1846 and is living with the Brontes as Charlotte's student. A ghost tells her that she must get the sisters to share their stories and then she must read Jane Eyre before she will be able to return to her own time. The only problem, the book hasn't been written yet! What's a girl to do?
Carly is a determined and spirited girl with plenty of imagination. She's also very fond of books and refers to them often, mentioning titles and characters that readers will recognize. Although her friend Francesca does not get to come along on this adventure, I'm sure that she is hoping for a chance of her own. If you enjoy books and mysteries, this is a mixture that will be your kind of story. I'm curious where and when Carly will go next.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
Carly is a determined and spirited girl with plenty of imagination. She's also very fond of books and refers to them often, mentioning titles and characters that readers will recognize. Although her friend Francesca does not get to come along on this adventure, I'm sure that she is hoping for a chance of her own. If you enjoy books and mysteries, this is a mixture that will be your kind of story. I'm curious where and when Carly will go next.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
alwyshaveabook82's review
5.0
Quite enjoyable. Twelve-year-old Carly is thoughtful. Being a reader, she has dreamed of being a romantic heroine and so is almost prepared for the time-travel quest. The puzzle is about the Bronte family and, though, I am no expert, I enjoyed puzzling along with her. The author has a flair for descriptions and includes many literary allusions. The humor of a modern tween fitting into the restricted life of a child of the mid-1800's is very appealing. (fortunately for me, I was given an advance copy - unfortunately for you, you'll have to wait for the May publication)
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