I was thoroughly enjoying this book, but I became distracted by other books I was reading like The Bourne Identity (way too long) and Sold. Something about the days become shorter that makes me read less. ( )

Advance copy. ( )

When a recorded book has as irritating a narrator as this one, I don't usually continue to listen, but my 11- year-old was enjoying it, so I gritted my teeth. Alas, while Cushman is renowned for her historical fiction, this more modern title (set in the 1950s in LA) fell flat for this listener in characterization, plot, & historic detail. I agree with a previous reviewer that it is unlikely that in an all-girls' Catholic school, an 8th grader would have been encouraged to read "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn," nor would the nuns have produced "Oklahoma." There were numerous times that I stopped the CD to point out what seemed to be an inaccuracy to my child. Would a ballpoint pen have been in school use then?

Despite my dislike of the story, my daughter was able to experience some fellow-feeling with Sophie, yet believed that Francine was a one-dimensional chicken throughout whose sudden rebellion at the end was only a plot device. We both found the ending abrupt & unsatisfactory. The plot & characters were too didactic to overcome the painfully insipid narration. ( )

When a recorded book has as irritating a narrator as this one, I don't usually continue to listen, but my 11- year-old was enjoying it, so I gritted my teeth. Alas, while Cushman is renowned for her historical fiction, this more modern title (set in the 1950s in LA) fell flat for this listener in characterization, plot, & historic detail. I agree with a previous reviewer that it is unlikely that in an all-girls' Catholic school, an 8th grader would have been encouraged to read "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn," nor would the nuns have produced "Oklahoma." There were numerous times that I stopped the CD to point out what seemed to be an inaccuracy to my child. Would a ballpoint pen have been in school use then?

Despite my dislike of the story, my daughter was able to experience some fellow-feeling with Sophie, yet believed that Francine was a one-dimensional chicken throughout whose sudden rebellion at the end was only a plot device. We both found the ending abrupt & unsatisfactory. The plot & characters were too didactic to overcome the painfully insipid narration. ( )

Somewhat considered historical fiction because of it's references to certain 1950's/60's characteristics. Could still be applicable to modern readers / realistic fiction. ( )