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bbingham's review
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kirstenrose22's review
3.0
As a series wrap-up, this hit a lot of the right notes. I liked having some insight into how the older generations of women were thinking, and understanding how their childhoods had helped to shape them. Unfortunately, Georgie did not really ring true for me, as a modern-day kid/teen. The ending as okay - I was glad that there was finally a marriage that lasted, and glad the brother was able turn his life around.
marcidarling's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
mrskatiefitz's review
2.0
Ann M. Martin's four-book Family Tree series concludes with Home is the Place. Georgia, the great-granddaughter of Abigail, brings the story into the 21st century as she tries to make sense of the choices made by the women who have gone before her. With the help of a secret diary she finds tucked in the wall of her bedroom, Georgia pieces together Abigail's mother's life and death and brings together four generations in the hopes of revealing the truth behind all their secrets and lies.
This series got off to a great start with the first book, Better to Wish. With only one generation and one character to focus on, Martin was able to spend much more time on description and style. With each successive book, though, as there were more characters and storylines to balance, it seemed as though nearly everything was sacrificed for the sake of plot. This final book, while interesting to readers of the previous three, is almost nothing more than a list of events. Georgia is the least developed of the four main characters, and her entire story focuses on learning the history of her family, a good portion of which the reader already knows from reading the earlier books. Unlike the other girls, who are given a storyline of their own, Georgia is used solely as a plot device for solving conflicts brought about by previous generations. Readers who are eager for a resolution to the whole series will be motivated to read the book, obviously, but those who don't care that much to begin with might struggle to make it through to the end.
Ann M. Martin has a wide range as an author. Rain Reign, also published in 2014, is a perfect testament to her ability to write thoughtful literary prose, while Family Tree shows the more commercial, "fluffy" side to her writing. Rain Reign shares many things in common with her Newbery Honor novel, Corner of the Universe, whereas the Family Tree books are more reminiscent of the Baby-sitters Club. Home is the Place will not disappoint readers of the series who want to see a happy ending, but it's not likely to become a favorite novel for most kids.
This series got off to a great start with the first book, Better to Wish. With only one generation and one character to focus on, Martin was able to spend much more time on description and style. With each successive book, though, as there were more characters and storylines to balance, it seemed as though nearly everything was sacrificed for the sake of plot. This final book, while interesting to readers of the previous three, is almost nothing more than a list of events. Georgia is the least developed of the four main characters, and her entire story focuses on learning the history of her family, a good portion of which the reader already knows from reading the earlier books. Unlike the other girls, who are given a storyline of their own, Georgia is used solely as a plot device for solving conflicts brought about by previous generations. Readers who are eager for a resolution to the whole series will be motivated to read the book, obviously, but those who don't care that much to begin with might struggle to make it through to the end.
Ann M. Martin has a wide range as an author. Rain Reign, also published in 2014, is a perfect testament to her ability to write thoughtful literary prose, while Family Tree shows the more commercial, "fluffy" side to her writing. Rain Reign shares many things in common with her Newbery Honor novel, Corner of the Universe, whereas the Family Tree books are more reminiscent of the Baby-sitters Club. Home is the Place will not disappoint readers of the series who want to see a happy ending, but it's not likely to become a favorite novel for most kids.
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