Scan barcode
thenovelbook's review against another edition
2.0
Might be more engrossing to a middle-grade reader, but considering that it was full of freshman hijinks and social events for 14-year-olds, it was much too long for me. Wouldn't have minded if it had been short like the preceding books. I did like the sisterly bond that grew and strengthened between Betsy and Julia.
hol98's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
roseleaf24's review against another edition
3.0
Still a good book, but definitely not my favorite of the series. I'm sure I would feel differently reading these as a child/teenager. Reading them as an adult, though, this book is the perfect book about a freshman in high school. What is it about growing up, that we can progress and mature so steadily, then take such a step back at this age as we try to be so much more sophisticated than we really are???? Betsy is not as likable here as she usually is. I appreciated the serious thought and discussion given to the changing of denominations, but it bothered me (not as unrealistic, unfortunately, but bothered me as it would in real life) that no one seemed to care much about what Baptists and Episcopalians believe. They have very different views on baptism, notably, which might have at least been mentioned as it came into play in the events of the story. However, I loved the descriptions of family life, winter fun, and high school. The Crowd was a great deal of fun, and I loved being invited in.
avonleagal's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH. I read the first four Betsy-Tacy books when I was younger, and when I got older I found Heaven to Betsy and the rest of my the books. At the perfect time, too.
Betsy is just such a wonderful character. From writing to boys, it’s so perfect. The more I think about it she really does seem like a slightly more modern Jo March. Honestly, though (SPOILER) I never really liked Tony. I knew what was up.
Betsy is just such a wonderful character. From writing to boys, it’s so perfect. The more I think about it she really does seem like a slightly more modern Jo March. Honestly, though (SPOILER) I never really liked Tony. I knew what was up.
avec_la_fleur's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
missbryden's review
4.0
Not exactly a review or content note:
Heaven to Betsy: "changing religions" which according to an introductory essay had it removed from some libraries - they were just switching denominations within Protestant Christianity, if they can be such good friends with people of other denominations, and even a Catholic best friend, what's the big deal? After Julia and Betsy are nervous about telling their father they want to change churches, I think he does make the point it's not about which denomination, but which faith. So, my issue is that people considered this changing religions, and that that was shocking enough to remove it (especially when there is blackface in [b:Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown|42486|Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown (Betsy-Tacy, #4)|Maud Hart Lovelace|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1681863733l/42486._SY75_.jpg|10927] and I haven't seen a similar reaction about that, which might have actually deserved it, if one is censoring books (which I don't agree with).
My Pinterest board of book references
Heaven to Betsy: "changing religions" which according to an introductory essay had it removed from some libraries - they were just switching denominations within Protestant Christianity, if they can be such good friends with people of other denominations, and even a Catholic best friend, what's the big deal? After Julia and Betsy are nervous about telling their father they want to change churches, I think he does make the point it's not about which denomination, but which faith. So, my issue is that people considered this changing religions, and that that was shocking enough to remove it (especially when there is blackface in [b:Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown|42486|Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown (Betsy-Tacy, #4)|Maud Hart Lovelace|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1681863733l/42486._SY75_.jpg|10927] and I haven't seen a similar reaction about that, which might have actually deserved it, if one is censoring books (which I don't agree with).
My Pinterest board of book references
lgpiper's review
3.0
I rather liked the first four books of the Betsy-Tacy series. This one was ok, but not all that charming. I think the problem is that Betsy and Tacy have gotten a little older, 14 to be exact. They're beginning high school. High school girls, it seems, are primarily worried about their personal looks, their dresses, and how to fascinate boys and capture beaux for themselves.
So, while it was an interesting slice of life from 1906, the year my father was born, it didn't hold all that much interest for me. I'm not likely to continue on with Betsy-Tacy. I loved the first few books when it was just kids playing in the streets or dreaming up fun projects. But once romance rears its ugly head, I begin to be lost. I guess that, being an elderly, repressed Calvinist, I'm not much of a romantic.
So, while it was an interesting slice of life from 1906, the year my father was born, it didn't hold all that much interest for me. I'm not likely to continue on with Betsy-Tacy. I loved the first few books when it was just kids playing in the streets or dreaming up fun projects. But once romance rears its ugly head, I begin to be lost. I guess that, being an elderly, repressed Calvinist, I'm not much of a romantic.
beatniksafari's review
I find that returning to childhood favorites during times of stress soothes my frazzled nerves. Lovelace's books have had that effect on me ever since I discovered them on the shelves of Kingston Elementary School during the 1980s. This book follows Betsy through her freshman year at Deep Valley High School, from academics to friendships to a couple of blossoming romances. She contends with moving away from her childhood home, the struggle of balancing schoolwork (and her love of writing) with a burgeoning social life, and the heartbreak of watching her crush cozy up to another girl. Though we grew up in different times and places, Betsy and I shared enough characteristics and experiences that her small dramas and triumphs felt very real to me as a young girl. They still do.
"I must be getting very old," she thought, "the way things remind of things."
Indeed.
"I must be getting very old," she thought, "the way things remind of things."
Indeed.