One more review of an old favorite...

Here's a book review of 13 Little Blue Envelopesfrom Mary S., the wonderful Americorps member who worked at Mainely Girls before me. Interesting reading! -Meredith

I'm excited to have an official blog follower! I hope those of you who aren't bloggers and can't add this to a list of "followed" blogs are instead showing your support by telling all your friends about the Girl's Point of View Book Club.

This review is of one of the books on our High School list, 13 Little Blue Envelopes, written by Maureen Johnson. It's not one of our new titles, but I happened to pick it up and read it a little while ago and I thought that I would share my thoughts with all of you.

Those novels I referenced rather negatively in my last review, that focuses solely on one sudden, huge, and rather unlikely life-changing event? That is exactly the concept on which 13 Little Blue Envelopes is based.

However... it is an absolutely wonderful, fun, interesting and entertaining story. Even if you have never been left a mysterious series of notes or a hefty inheritance from a recently deceased, quirky relative, this book contains enough careful character development and realistic conversation to be understood and appreciated by everyone. Ginny’s European adventure is complete with Italian food, Parisian wine, and a cute British actor, but her classic teenage American charm, naivety, and awkwardness persist throughout the story and compel the reader to love and relate to her as well as the girl next door. As she explores so many different countries and cultures, it is impossible not to empathize with the main character’s every excitement and discomfort. I would strongly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a laugh and a confidence boost.

Currently, I am finishing up both The Green Glass Sea (by Ellen Klages) and Ida B. and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (possibly) Save the World (by Katherine Hannigan), which are both new titles here at Mainely Girls and would probably be best enjoyed by girls reading from our 4th and 5th grade or Middle School lists. Look for those reviews coming up soon! Enjoy your Club meetings this week.