Author: Nancy Grossman
1st Date of Publication: July 17, 2012
1st Date of Publication: July 17, 2012
ISBN: 9781423151531
# of Pages: 400
# of Pages: 400
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Age Rating: 13+
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Book Description:
A summer of firsts
Sixteen-year-old Eliza Miller has never made a phone call, never tried on a pair of jeans, never sat in a darkened theater waiting for a movie to start. She’s never even talked to someone her age who isn’t Amish, like her.
A summer of good-byes
When she leaves her close-knit family to spend the summer as a nanny in suburban Chicago, a part of her can’t wait to leave behind everything she knows. She can’t imagine the secrets she will uncover, the friends she will make, the surprises and temptations of a way of life so different from her own.
A summer of impossible choice
Every minute Eliza spends with her new friend Josh feels as good as listening to music for the first time, and she wonders whether there might be a place for her in his world. But as summer wanes, she misses the people she has left behind, and the plain life she once took for granted. Eliza will have to decide for herself where she belongs. Whichever choice she makes, she knows she will lose someone she loves.
Setting: Iowa and Illinois in 21st Century
Point of View: 1st person- Eliza Miller
Sixteen-year-old Eliza Miller has never made a phone call, never tried on a pair of jeans, never sat in a darkened theater waiting for a movie to start. She’s never even talked to someone her age who isn’t Amish, like her.
A summer of good-byes
When she leaves her close-knit family to spend the summer as a nanny in suburban Chicago, a part of her can’t wait to leave behind everything she knows. She can’t imagine the secrets she will uncover, the friends she will make, the surprises and temptations of a way of life so different from her own.
A summer of impossible choice
Every minute Eliza spends with her new friend Josh feels as good as listening to music for the first time, and she wonders whether there might be a place for her in his world. But as summer wanes, she misses the people she has left behind, and the plain life she once took for granted. Eliza will have to decide for herself where she belongs. Whichever choice she makes, she knows she will lose someone she loves.
Setting: Iowa and Illinois in 21st Century
Point of View: 1st person- Eliza Miller
Goodreads Rating: 3.82
My Rating: 4.0
Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both
View on the Cover: I really like the butterflies in the jar. It seems like a metaphor. The one butterfly that is help must be a character that is finally free from being confined.
View on Title: Does a character travel out of their country or their surroundings? Is life better, worse, or the same?
View on Title: Does a character travel out of their country or their surroundings? Is life better, worse, or the same?
Pros:
- A view of two different societal worlds are seen. The world that Americans live in and the other world is the Amish culture that lives within parts of the United States. There's a glimpse of Americans looking into the lives of the Amish, which the reader is also doing. The primary glimpse is when the reader gets to see an Amish girl who glimpses into the world of the modern American citizen.
- Amish culture is revealed in this book, such as rumspringa and the plain clothing. Rumspringa is the "free will" period where teenagers come of age to run free to have parties, listen to music, and possibly drink before they decide whether they want to continue being Amish or be shunned and live in the modern American lifestyle.
- Eliza's character is very interesting because she is similar to a child who is learning how the world works for the first time. She is fascinated by everything and pretty much not afraid to do everything. She's a fighter and passionate as she urges her parents to let her go into every day society.
- I knew there was going to be a love interest since this kind of book involves a "naive" girl who doesn't truly understand how Americans' motives are after all the technological and social advances. It really shows how experiences shape both our perspective and perception of the world.
- Eliza's mother, Rebecca, plays a key role in this novel, which really added depth to the story because I really enjoyed learning more about Rebecca.
Cons:
- I was frustrated with the love triangle aspect of the book. I don't think it is necessary because she knew she was going to end up marrying Daniel if she decided to return back to her Amish life. Josh's character would have been enough to continue the plot without either Daniel or Josh.
Critics' Reviews:
"This sensitive debut grabs hearts right away and doesn’t let go… Readers experience their own world through the girl’s naive eyes, marveling at technology, experiencing new relationships, and worrying through her difficulties. Grossman’s love for her story seeps into every page, locking readers into the narrative. She produces a heartfelt tale that will be difficult for readers to resist. Simply lovely." -Kirkus Review
"With an easy-to-read style and an engaging main character, Grossman’s novel creates an intriguing and appealing foray into the Amish world. Eliza’s struggle for self-identity and acceptance make her a well-developed character, reflective of teens in all walks of life. Both school and public libraries will find this title an excellent addition to their collections." -VOYA
"In this honest and meticulously detailed first novel, Grossman offers a rare glimpse into Amish culture, bringing to light core values and the difficulties Amish people, especially teens, face living apart from the rest of the world. Eliza emerges as an intelligent, vulnerable heroine who gains wisdom and maturity from the mistakes she makes and the friendships she builds." -Publishers Weekly
"With an easy-to-read style and an engaging main character, Grossman’s novel creates an intriguing and appealing foray into the Amish world. Eliza’s struggle for self-identity and acceptance make her a well-developed character, reflective of teens in all walks of life. Both school and public libraries will find this title an excellent addition to their collections." -VOYA
"In this honest and meticulously detailed first novel, Grossman offers a rare glimpse into Amish culture, bringing to light core values and the difficulties Amish people, especially teens, face living apart from the rest of the world. Eliza emerges as an intelligent, vulnerable heroine who gains wisdom and maturity from the mistakes she makes and the friendships she builds." -Publishers Weekly
Other Recommendations:
The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Kody Keplinger
The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky
The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky
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