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roseleaf24's review against another edition
4.0
This book started off rough for me. It felt very after-school-special, and I had a hard time getting a hold of Lily's age. It switched characters frequently and was a bit confusing. But once it got going, it was wonderful to see the insight and growth of all the different people involved in the story, and I really enjoyed how everything came together. It is a story of reconciliation and of the understanding coming from considering someone's whole story.
aoosterwyk's review against another edition
5.0
Great choice of reader! Her voice compelled me to sit in the car when parked.
This is a story about an admittedly disfunctional Aussie family. Three generations are represented with their concerns about racism, education and social expectations.
The author tells an engrossing tale, weaves together multiple plot lines in a believable way and makes you care deeply about every character.
This is a story about an admittedly disfunctional Aussie family. Three generations are represented with their concerns about racism, education and social expectations.
The author tells an engrossing tale, weaves together multiple plot lines in a believable way and makes you care deeply about every character.
meghan111's review against another edition
4.0
Narrative from multiple viewpoints sets this book apart to me. Instead of just following Lily, the teenage girl struggling with always having to be the responsible, good child, the book expands to include her grandparents, her college-aged brother and his girlfriend, and a few other characters. This gives it much more emotional resonance. Set in Australia.
sc104906's review against another edition
3.0
This novel provides a slice of life for Lily and her family. A rift between her brother Lonnie and her grandfather, Stan, effects everyone in Lily's family. The grandmother, May, decides that the family needs to shape up. To do this she plans a birthday party for Stan and Lily is on board. Working to get the family together under the same roof, maybe they can all find their way back to each other.
froydis's review against another edition
4.0
4 1/2 stars -
This is really a lovely, beautiful little book about an average family in Australia. I particularly enjoyed the story being told from all the various points of view, even those characters who would normally be throw-aways in other novels. I also loved how all those various threads came together in the end to create Lily's whole and perfect day. Highly Recommended!
This is really a lovely, beautiful little book about an average family in Australia. I particularly enjoyed the story being told from all the various points of view, even those characters who would normally be throw-aways in other novels. I also loved how all those various threads came together in the end to create Lily's whole and perfect day. Highly Recommended!
bexbooks53's review against another edition
5.0
The book was very interesting. I felt like it kind of explained certain insecurities that girls and boys struggle with.
I enjoyed going through Lily's journey to find out her family isn't so messed up after all. The conflict between Lonnie and Pop is eye opening in the way of pointing out the importance of talking to someone and understanding why they are doing what they are doing. What they are going through. Lonnie just wasn't sure about what he wanted to do, so he kept dropping out, but everyone assumed he was too lazy to complete his courses.
Pop had been thought of as racist when really he didn't understand the ways of other cultures. He was too shy to show his unclean teeth to a Chinese dentist because he believed them to be clean and tidy. His teeth didn't show that.
I enjoyed how Lily would struggle with understanding how to deal with boys. She began to turn to magazines that would supposedly show her how to get a boy to notice her, how to look prettier, etc..
Overall I really enjoyed the story and the big build up to Pop's eightieth birthday party.
I enjoyed going through Lily's journey to find out her family isn't so messed up after all. The conflict between Lonnie and Pop is eye opening in the way of pointing out the importance of talking to someone and understanding why they are doing what they are doing. What they are going through. Lonnie just wasn't sure about what he wanted to do, so he kept dropping out, but everyone assumed he was too lazy to complete his courses.
Pop had been thought of as racist when really he didn't understand the ways of other cultures. He was too shy to show his unclean teeth to a Chinese dentist because he believed them to be clean and tidy. His teeth didn't show that.
I enjoyed how Lily would struggle with understanding how to deal with boys. She began to turn to magazines that would supposedly show her how to get a boy to notice her, how to look prettier, etc..
Overall I really enjoyed the story and the big build up to Pop's eightieth birthday party.
kellyjcm's review against another edition
I just could not get into it. I admire the writing, but I guess it's not for me.
christiek's review against another edition
1.0
It wouldn't be nice to go into all the reasons I didn't like this book. Let's just say the action is predictable and convenient. This is one of those books that gives the YA genre the reputation of being just for kids.
librariann's review against another edition
5.0
High school (not content, just sophistication)
The literary equivalent of an indie film, with its multigenerational ensemble cast. You'll want to put it down between chapters to savor the language - simple but beautiful. Begins with fifteen year old Lily, but travels perspective through brother, grandfather, grandmother, mother, friend - a huge interconnected group that all come together for one whole and perfect day at the end. No simple summary will do justice. More like an adult book than YA, in style, but will be appreciated by those with fine tastes who love a beautifully interwoven narrative filled with coincidence and joy. (a 2008 Printz honor book)
The literary equivalent of an indie film, with its multigenerational ensemble cast. You'll want to put it down between chapters to savor the language - simple but beautiful. Begins with fifteen year old Lily, but travels perspective through brother, grandfather, grandmother, mother, friend - a huge interconnected group that all come together for one whole and perfect day at the end. No simple summary will do justice. More like an adult book than YA, in style, but will be appreciated by those with fine tastes who love a beautifully interwoven narrative filled with coincidence and joy. (a 2008 Printz honor book)