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misspippireads's review against another edition
3.0
Review at http://adolescentaudioadventures.blogspot.com/2016/12/review-graylings-song.html
katieweaverj's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
betwixt_the_pages's review against another edition
5.0
"Like all Karen Cushman's gorgeous novels, Grayling's Song delves into the past to let us know what we must ask of our future." --Lena Dunham
It's time for Grayling to be a hero. Her mother, a wise woman a sort of witch has been turned into a tree by evil forces. Tangles and toadstools! Lacking confidence after years of being called Feeble Wits by her mother, Grayling heads off dubiously into the wilds in search of help, where she finds a weather witch, an aromatic enchantress, a cheese soothsayer, a slyly foolish apprentice, and a shape-shifting mouse named Pook!
A fast-paced and funny coming-of-age odyssey from a Newbery medalist."
- - - - -
Rating: 5/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: spunky characters; a plot twist I didn't see coming; dark, atmospheric, and gorgeous writing; entertaining, often laugh-out-loud scenes coupled with huge adventure and action
Huge thanks to Karen Cushman, Clarion Books Publishers, and Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my read or opinions.
No, really, I laughed out loud several times, to which the husband side-eyed me in concern. There might also have been an argument about why I CAN read midgrade novels without, in fact, being that age. I won the argument. The husband just doesn't want to admit it. That's okay, I know what the truth is.
Okay, guys—let's jump into this! Starting with the language. Atmospheric, at times dark and moody...and so, so gorgeous! The descriptions leapt off the page, the action was fast-paced and easy to follow. The only thing I'd say about the language is, it's a bit heavy-handed on five dollar dictionary words. I don't know if you all know what I mean, but...the beginning, in particular, is especially dense. Some of the words I can't imagine every child reading will understand, although the meaning is easily figured out from the context and the sentences surrounding. In other words, really young readers, or those struggling with the English language, might find this read a bit tedious and confusing.
I, on the other hand, found it absolutely GORGEOUS. The plot is fast-paced and action-packed; from the get-go, things happen in rapid succession. This helped not only keep me invested in and enthralled by the read, but also to fly through the pages. A quick page-turner this might be, but so so worth it in my opinion!
There are plenty of laugh-out-loud, snort-inducing moments. As mentioned above, I did those very things many times throughout, causing the husband to once again question my sanity. The characters are quirky, spunky, and wonderfully paired—a seemingly rag tag team of “misfits” brought together through need and “fate.”
And the coming of age story?! Brilliantly done. While it is unclear how old Grayling is at the start of this and how much time passes between the first page and the last (Grayling mentions near the end that her mom seems to have aged quite a bit, herself, in their time spent apart), the amount of growth and self-discovery Grayling faces is subtle...but so beautifully done.
This is such a compelling, entertaining, and quirky read—I'm surprised I haven't picked Karen Cushman's work up before. You can bet I'll be doing so more in the future! I had a ton of fun following Grayling, Auld Nancy, Pansy, Pook, and Sylvanus along their journey toward redemption and setting the world right. I feel lovers of midgrade, coming-of-age adventures, and spunky, flawed characters will also enjoy this book—and the morals I feel we can all learn a little bit from, no matter our age.
It's time for Grayling to be a hero. Her mother, a wise woman a sort of witch has been turned into a tree by evil forces. Tangles and toadstools! Lacking confidence after years of being called Feeble Wits by her mother, Grayling heads off dubiously into the wilds in search of help, where she finds a weather witch, an aromatic enchantress, a cheese soothsayer, a slyly foolish apprentice, and a shape-shifting mouse named Pook!
A fast-paced and funny coming-of-age odyssey from a Newbery medalist."
- - - - -
Rating: 5/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: spunky characters; a plot twist I didn't see coming; dark, atmospheric, and gorgeous writing; entertaining, often laugh-out-loud scenes coupled with huge adventure and action
Huge thanks to Karen Cushman, Clarion Books Publishers, and Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my read or opinions.
No, really, I laughed out loud several times, to which the husband side-eyed me in concern. There might also have been an argument about why I CAN read midgrade novels without, in fact, being that age. I won the argument. The husband just doesn't want to admit it. That's okay, I know what the truth is.
There came a quivering in Grayling's chest as if a flock of the grayling butterflies for which she was named were imprisoned there, and her face grew cold with fear.
Okay, guys—let's jump into this! Starting with the language. Atmospheric, at times dark and moody...and so, so gorgeous! The descriptions leapt off the page, the action was fast-paced and easy to follow. The only thing I'd say about the language is, it's a bit heavy-handed on five dollar dictionary words. I don't know if you all know what I mean, but...the beginning, in particular, is especially dense. Some of the words I can't imagine every child reading will understand, although the meaning is easily figured out from the context and the sentences surrounding. In other words, really young readers, or those struggling with the English language, might find this read a bit tedious and confusing.
I, on the other hand, found it absolutely GORGEOUS. The plot is fast-paced and action-packed; from the get-go, things happen in rapid succession. This helped not only keep me invested in and enthralled by the read, but also to fly through the pages. A quick page-turner this might be, but so so worth it in my opinion!
“This,” he said finally to Widow Bagley. “This cheese I will have, and I will give you two coppers for two rounds.”
Widow Bagley snorted. “Six coppers,” she said.
Sylvanus shook his head, “Six? Nonsense. 'Tis thievery and greediness. I will give three.”
“Eight coppers,” said the widow.
“Eight? Nay. 'Tis not done that way. When I increase my offer, you lower your price until we meet in the middle. Four, and that will be my last offer.”
“Twelve,” said the widow.
Sylvanus sputtered. “You do not understand bargaining. I increase, and you decrease. Now I offer six, and 'tis absolutely as high as I will go. What say you?”
“Done!” said the widow, and she spit on her hand and offered it to Sylvanus.
There are plenty of laugh-out-loud, snort-inducing moments. As mentioned above, I did those very things many times throughout, causing the husband to once again question my sanity. The characters are quirky, spunky, and wonderfully paired—a seemingly rag tag team of “misfits” brought together through need and “fate.”
And the coming of age story?! Brilliantly done. While it is unclear how old Grayling is at the start of this and how much time passes between the first page and the last (Grayling mentions near the end that her mom seems to have aged quite a bit, herself, in their time spent apart), the amount of growth and self-discovery Grayling faces is subtle...but so beautifully done.
Grayling called to Sylvanus, “You never told us—what is the first rule of magic?”
He spun round and called back to her, “ 'Tis the hardest rule to learn: magic is not the answer. Magic may be convenient, brilliant, even dazzling, but it is not the answer.”
This is such a compelling, entertaining, and quirky read—I'm surprised I haven't picked Karen Cushman's work up before. You can bet I'll be doing so more in the future! I had a ton of fun following Grayling, Auld Nancy, Pansy, Pook, and Sylvanus along their journey toward redemption and setting the world right. I feel lovers of midgrade, coming-of-age adventures, and spunky, flawed characters will also enjoy this book—and the morals I feel we can all learn a little bit from, no matter our age.
brandypainter's review against another edition
3.0
I always want to love Karen Cushman's books more than I actually do in reality. The concept for Grayling's Song is excellent. Grayling has to travel through the land trying to figure out why all the witches and wizards have been turned to trees (including her own mother) and by whom. It is a quest fantasy with an animal companion and a young girl who is scared but determined to be brave and do the right thing. It is short and may appeal to some kids on the younger yet precocious end of the MG spectrum. The language was troublesome to me as I read it. This is often the case with Cushman's books and part of why they tend not to work for me. Her awkward attempts at an old fashioned country dialect throw me out of the story every time.
marbooks88's review against another edition
4.0
By doing what must be done Grayling travels far from her home gathering others with magic in order to find her mother's book of spells and free her from a spell. Strength, courage, and doing what needs to be done even when full of fear is the heart of this book.
booksnorkel's review against another edition
1.0
I read this book for my work as an uncorrected proof.
I did not like this book. It was pretty disappointing and over all just did nothing for me. It should really be called “Four women walk around calling each other names and complaining about everything”
This book made me think of when I read old fantasy that just doesn’t stand up to the test of time it feels very dated. It lacks details that would immerse you in the story; it doesn’t go far enough with the plot, any of the dangers, the magic, even how the main character is treated by her mother. Everything feels glossed over, and after about 75 pages I took the hint and started glossing over the book. The writing is done in an archaic language that instead of enhancing the story slowed and encumbered it. Making it a 150 ish page book a three day slog. The book seems more of an outline than an actual book as if it’s missing a large part; with it only being 150 ish pages I think that there is a lot of room for details and character building. Honestly the cover is bad also, making it look like this was self published and the author couldn't get a real artist.
I did not like this book. It was pretty disappointing and over all just did nothing for me. It should really be called “Four women walk around calling each other names and complaining about everything”
This book made me think of when I read old fantasy that just doesn’t stand up to the test of time it feels very dated. It lacks details that would immerse you in the story; it doesn’t go far enough with the plot, any of the dangers, the magic, even how the main character is treated by her mother. Everything feels glossed over, and after about 75 pages I took the hint and started glossing over the book. The writing is done in an archaic language that instead of enhancing the story slowed and encumbered it. Making it a 150 ish page book a three day slog. The book seems more of an outline than an actual book as if it’s missing a large part; with it only being 150 ish pages I think that there is a lot of room for details and character building. Honestly the cover is bad also, making it look like this was self published and the author couldn't get a real artist.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
1.0
DNF - Unfortunately, I was unable to finish this novel (3 chapters in) as I could not get into the setting, characters, dialogue and plot. I do like that this story is about a young girl coming into her own and maybe I am too old for this writing.
impreader's review against another edition
3.0
A lovely tale, which begins with a bit of bump over the unfamiliar dialect of Grayling and her mum - Grayling's Song is specific in its detail, and boasts characters with character. It might stretch both the young and older reader -- for a young reader will have to look up, and stretch their neck a bit at both diction and theme, and an older reader may need to become quiet and small enough to listen to its subtlety.
jasmyn9's review against another edition
4.0
Graying experiences quite the adventure in Grayling's Song. Being given the task to gather "the others" and find her mother's spellbook in order to save the world from a very vague evil shadowy menace was quite a terrifying concept for her. There are only a handful of people with the ability to help her, and she instantly starts off on her quest to find them
She manages to accumulate quite the variety of people. I loved how their personalities clashed and blended together at times in such a fun and realistic way. You like each one of them for different reasons and they are full of surprises - especially one of them!
What may be the downfall for some middle graders is the language. There is nothing foul or inappropriate, but it is very period specific. I could see some of the more reluctant readers struggling with reading and understanding it.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.hotofftheshelves.com/2016/03/graylings-song-by-karen-cushman-review.html#sthash.HCDAuji6.dpuf
She manages to accumulate quite the variety of people. I loved how their personalities clashed and blended together at times in such a fun and realistic way. You like each one of them for different reasons and they are full of surprises - especially one of them!
What may be the downfall for some middle graders is the language. There is nothing foul or inappropriate, but it is very period specific. I could see some of the more reluctant readers struggling with reading and understanding it.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.hotofftheshelves.com/2016/03/graylings-song-by-karen-cushman-review.html#sthash.HCDAuji6.dpuf
ashleylm's review against another edition
3.0
Pleasant--very pleasant, comforting like rice pudding--with perhaps the least impressive antagonist of all time, a quasi-fellowship that contributes very little, some slight growth on the part of the protagonist, and a marvellous creation in little Pook (I'm guessing at spelling, as I "read" this via Audible) who contributes almost nothing to the plot, but who gets the best characterization.
(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s).
(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s).