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Spreading the Word
I haven't ever posted about a book I'd read. (Have I?) But I enjoyed reading this series so much, I can't help but spread the good news. The Betsy-Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace chronicle the growing-up years (from 5 yrs old to young married life) of Betsy Ray, a girl from a small town in Minnesota in the early 1900's. I first heard of these books not long after I made one of my first friends here in Brooklyn, but didn't take her advice to read them until Adam brought home these brand-spanking new editions from work. The books start when Betsy is very young and are written to be read by/to a 5 year old. So reading the first one was enjoyable, but not particularly thrilling. But each novel goes up in reading level as Betsy gets older. And by the time Betsy started high school, I was hooked. All the inner-workings of the teenage girl mind are delightfully detailed with humor and empathy. Who will take Betsy to the dance? How will she get that Joe to take notice of her? It's so much fun! And just as addictive as any ol' teen vampire love novel, but without the squeamish stuff. And Betsy won't even consider letting a boy get "mushy" with her (by holding her hand.) It's so refreshing. But it's not old fashioned or stuffy.
Lovelace based these books on her own life experiences and that, I think, makes all the difference with these books. You get to know the characters so well. All the details about life in the time period really transport you there. I found myself looking up all the old songs they sing so I could hear the melodies in my mind as I read the lyrics. And we're talking OLD, like "By the Light of The Silvery Moon" old. (Which is also a wonderful movie, BTW. "Marjorie's old petticoat!!") And because it's autobiographical, there are photographs of all the people she based the characters on at the end of the books. Plus, the illustrations by Vera Neville are beautiful. Are you convinced yet? Maybe if Adam can find more copies, I'll do a giveaway. But until then, go to the library and CHECK OUT THESE BOOKS! But you don't have to take my word for it.
I haven't ever posted about a book I'd read. (Have I?) But I enjoyed reading this series so much, I can't help but spread the good news. The Betsy-Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace chronicle the growing-up years (from 5 yrs old to young married life) of Betsy Ray, a girl from a small town in Minnesota in the early 1900's. I first heard of these books not long after I made one of my first friends here in Brooklyn, but didn't take her advice to read them until Adam brought home these brand-spanking new editions from work. The books start when Betsy is very young and are written to be read by/to a 5 year old. So reading the first one was enjoyable, but not particularly thrilling. But each novel goes up in reading level as Betsy gets older. And by the time Betsy started high school, I was hooked. All the inner-workings of the teenage girl mind are delightfully detailed with humor and empathy. Who will take Betsy to the dance? How will she get that Joe to take notice of her? It's so much fun! And just as addictive as any ol' teen vampire love novel, but without the squeamish stuff. And Betsy won't even consider letting a boy get "mushy" with her (by holding her hand.) It's so refreshing. But it's not old fashioned or stuffy.
Lovelace based these books on her own life experiences and that, I think, makes all the difference with these books. You get to know the characters so well. All the details about life in the time period really transport you there. I found myself looking up all the old songs they sing so I could hear the melodies in my mind as I read the lyrics. And we're talking OLD, like "By the Light of The Silvery Moon" old. (Which is also a wonderful movie, BTW. "Marjorie's old petticoat!!") And because it's autobiographical, there are photographs of all the people she based the characters on at the end of the books. Plus, the illustrations by Vera Neville are beautiful. Are you convinced yet? Maybe if Adam can find more copies, I'll do a giveaway. But until then, go to the library and CHECK OUT THESE BOOKS! But you don't have to take my word for it.
4 comments:
I am seriously SO happy that you loved these books! How are you liking the "Companion"? Isn't it great? Maybe someday you and I will have to make a pilgrimage to Mankato, Minnesota.
I wonder if Lavar Burton ever reviewed any of these books on Reading Rainbow. Save a set to give me when I come out in March!
I am adding them to my library list. :)
I have heard all about these books. Cecilly D. told me about them in Provo, but I never got the right name for them. Thanks! I'll have to check them out. I just finished the unabridged Count of Monte Cristo and thought it was one of the best books of all time. I am now reading a The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and it surprisingly good.
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