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janeblue's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
shemeladyv's review
5.0
A refreshing historical read
A quick getaway to times before my birth. And while I know it was (and still is) an entirely different story for people from my culture, it was good insight into what life was like for many during that time.
A quick getaway to times before my birth. And while I know it was (and still is) an entirely different story for people from my culture, it was good insight into what life was like for many during that time.
missbryden's review against another edition
4.0
2022: Carney at Vassar reminds me of [a:Jean Webster|30095|Jean Webster|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1261324998p2/30095.jpg]'s books [b:When Patty Went to College|67244|When Patty Went to College|Jean Webster|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1170669274l/67244._SY75_.jpg|1688023] and [b:Daddy-Long-Legs|1499952|Daddy-Long-Legs (Daddy-Long-Legs, #1)|Jean Webster|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1545901408l/1499952._SY75_.jpg|1710545], which used the author's experience at Vassar, set around the same time as Carney's story.
While I'm also reading [b:An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States|20588662|An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States (ReVisioning American History, #3)|Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1395003842l/20588662._SX50_.jpg|39861426] I particularly noticed when Indians are mentioned, in this book it's eastern Isobel imagining that Indian wars are still happening, that the Indians are running wild, and that the middle west of Deep Valley, Minnesota hasn't been thoroughly settled and "civilized".
2016: Carney's House Party: I enjoyed as much as the later Betsy-Tacy books. Similarly to their high school descriptions, I enjoyed the somewhat contemporary (women's) college life descriptions, and all their singing and dancing for entertainment.
2016: Winona's Pony Cart: similar feel to the earlier Betsy-Tacy books, although interesting to see a different perspective as Betsy, Tacy and Tib are background characters, plus the inclusion of young Dennie who appears in the high school books. It also seemed less like usual children's books because it featured more personally the behaviors of Winona's parents, talking about the mistakes they made, too, rather than strictly from Winona's point of view, level of knowledge.
My Pinterest board of book references
While I'm also reading [b:An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States|20588662|An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States (ReVisioning American History, #3)|Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1395003842l/20588662._SX50_.jpg|39861426] I particularly noticed when Indians are mentioned, in this book it's eastern Isobel imagining that Indian wars are still happening, that the Indians are running wild, and that the middle west of Deep Valley, Minnesota hasn't been thoroughly settled and "civilized".
2016: Carney's House Party: I enjoyed as much as the later Betsy-Tacy books. Similarly to their high school descriptions, I enjoyed the somewhat contemporary (women's) college life descriptions, and all their singing and dancing for entertainment.
2016: Winona's Pony Cart: similar feel to the earlier Betsy-Tacy books, although interesting to see a different perspective as Betsy, Tacy and Tib are background characters, plus the inclusion of young Dennie who appears in the high school books. It also seemed less like usual children's books because it featured more personally the behaviors of Winona's parents, talking about the mistakes they made, too, rather than strictly from Winona's point of view, level of knowledge.
My Pinterest board of book references
lazygal's review against another edition
4.0
This was a bit weird to read - the Carney part takes place when the characters are all in college, while the Winona part takes place years earlier. In each, Betsy Root makes an appearance (in Winona, Tacy and Tib also appear), but these aren't part of the Betsy-Tacy canon.
Readers will enjoy this look at early-1900s Vassar and Minnesota - it's not "historical fiction" because the author lived through those times, and it reads as an unforced look back. The customs, costumes, traditions and different pace are all appealing at a 100-year remove. While reading about the house party (a long sleepover) and all the outings, parties and fun the Crowd has, I wondered about this modern generation, where cyberfriendships and computer time often take the place of group fun.
Readers will enjoy this look at early-1900s Vassar and Minnesota - it's not "historical fiction" because the author lived through those times, and it reads as an unforced look back. The customs, costumes, traditions and different pace are all appealing at a 100-year remove. While reading about the house party (a long sleepover) and all the outings, parties and fun the Crowd has, I wondered about this modern generation, where cyberfriendships and computer time often take the place of group fun.
finesilkflower's review
4.0
It's odd that these are in the same volume; other than being short books in the Betsy Ray universe where the star is not Betsy, they're not really related.
"Winona's Pony Cart" takes place in the Betsy-Tacy childhood; it's a cute but not very memorable story, and I can't think of much to say about it.
"Carney's House Party" is one of my favorite Deep Valley books. Carney Sibley, one of the medium-important members of Betsy's Crowd from high school, is a very different sort of hero from Betsy. She's one of the mature older girls who was actually good at the domestic arts; quiet, serious-minded, unassuming, determined, and fiercely loyal; best known for her unwavering long-distance romance with Larry, who moved to California at the end of "Heavens the Betsy." The story takes place during the college years, which the Betsy books mostly skip over, as Betsy didn't enjoy college; Carney, though, does, and she's sad to leave Vassar for a dull summer back home in Deep Valley. But the vacation looks up when several of her old friends come to visit, including a brief but exciting visit from the delightful Betsy Ray, who is somehow even more lovable from the outside. Most shocking is the visit from Larry, whom Carney has remained true, despite not seeing him since childhood. The entire reformed Crowd is on tenterhooks wondering if their romance will be rekindled. This is a sweet, thoughtful story about old and new love, the pull of nostalgia, and the power of life to surprise you. It's wonderful to get a chance to catch up the characters, and really gives you the feeling of a brief but sweet visit with old friends.
"Winona's Pony Cart" takes place in the Betsy-Tacy childhood; it's a cute but not very memorable story, and I can't think of much to say about it.
"Carney's House Party" is one of my favorite Deep Valley books. Carney Sibley, one of the medium-important members of Betsy's Crowd from high school, is a very different sort of hero from Betsy. She's one of the mature older girls who was actually good at the domestic arts; quiet, serious-minded, unassuming, determined, and fiercely loyal; best known for her unwavering long-distance romance with Larry, who moved to California at the end of "Heavens the Betsy." The story takes place during the college years, which the Betsy books mostly skip over, as Betsy didn't enjoy college; Carney, though, does, and she's sad to leave Vassar for a dull summer back home in Deep Valley. But the vacation looks up when several of her old friends come to visit, including a brief but exciting visit from the delightful Betsy Ray, who is somehow even more lovable from the outside. Most shocking is the visit from Larry, whom Carney has remained true, despite not seeing him since childhood. The entire reformed Crowd is on tenterhooks wondering if their romance will be rekindled. This is a sweet, thoughtful story about old and new love, the pull of nostalgia, and the power of life to surprise you. It's wonderful to get a chance to catch up the characters, and really gives you the feeling of a brief but sweet visit with old friends.
elizabethz's review against another edition
3.0
Liked them. Just not as much as the original series.
foreveryoungadult's review against another edition
Graded By: Susie
Cover Story: Meh
BFF Status: Nay
Swoonworthy Scale: 3
Talky Talk: Disposable and Classic MLH
Bonus Factors: Special Features, The World Wide Web, Woman's College, New Adult
Anti-bonus Factors: Replacement Kitten Syndrome, Lazy Illustrations
Relationship Status: Reunion Run-In
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Meh
BFF Status: Nay
Swoonworthy Scale: 3
Talky Talk: Disposable and Classic MLH
Bonus Factors: Special Features, The World Wide Web, Woman's College, New Adult
Anti-bonus Factors: Replacement Kitten Syndrome, Lazy Illustrations
Relationship Status: Reunion Run-In
Read the full book report here.
mrskatiefitz's review against another edition
4.0
This review of Winona's Pony Cart also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.
Winona's Pony Cart is the third of the three Betsy-Tacy spin-offs, but the second one I have read, due to it and Carney's House Party being published together in the same volume. The novel was published prior to Betsy's Wedding, but is set much earlier, when Winona is about to turn eight years old. What Winona wants more than anything is a pony, and despite the fact that her father has said she can't have one, she has developed a strong belief that she will receive a pony for her birthday. So certain is she in fact that she brags to Betsy, Tacy, and Tib about it, and then invites several additional children to her party without telling her mother. When the day of the party arrives, there is a pony at the party, but this does not mean Winona's dream has been totally fulfilled.
Every child can relate to the desire for that one special birthday present, and Lovelace captures it well in this quick read. Though Winona is clearly very spoiled, she is not especially bratty. She, like many kids, just gets caught up in the excitement of possibly having the one thing she wants more than anything else. Any child who has ever had to limit the guest list at a party also understands her desire to invite extra guests, and her complete disregard for the fact that her mother would need to be told of the additions. Winona is just a very real character, and everyone has either been in her shoes, or knows someone very much like her.
This book really drives home Lovelace's talent for turning everyday experiences into engaging stories. The writing in this book is so effortless, and girls who are the same age as Winona will love it, even today, because it touches on a universal experience and turns into a very satisfying story with a well-earned happy ending.
This review of Carney's House Party also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.
Carney's House Party is one of three spin-offs to the Betsy-Tacy series, published between Betsy and Joe and Betsy and the Great World. Carney has just finished her sophomore year at Vassar College, and though she is hesitant about it, she invites her roommate, Isobel, to Deep Valley to join her two-week-long house party. Shortly after Isobel arrives, she and Carney meet a young rich man named Sam Hutchinson. Though Carney instantly dismisses him on the grounds that he looks like a "baby hippo," Sam keeps appearing and reappearing wherever Carney goes throughout the summer. Because Carney is still waiting to find out whether she and childhood sweetheart Larry Humphreys will end up together, she assumes Sam is pursuing Isobel, but is soon surprised to discover she might have more than one man vying for her affection.
I have been looking forward to reading this book for a long time because Vassar is my alma mater, and I knew there were at least a few scenes set on campus. I loved the descriptions of early 20th century college life, and of the Vassar daisy chain tradition, and I could imagine just exactly how landmarks like Main Building and Sunset Hill must have looked way back when. Beyond that, though, this book is just really well-written and easy to zip right through. I love that Lovelace is able to turn a "baby hippo" into a romantic hero, and that her treatment of romance in general is so old-fashioned and polite. Today's teen books are so sexualized and "edgy" that it's nice to be able to settle into a book like this, where everything feels positive and pleasant, even when disappointments occur.
I don't re-read a lot, but this book seems like one I might return to in order to read particular scenes or moments over again. It's just such a warm and comforting book, and a very tame and "safe" romance story. Since the characters are all in college and concerned with marriage, the story is probably most interesting to older teens, but because everything is so tasteful, there would be no problem with a middle schooler or even an upper elementary reader picking it up. Highly recommended, especially to fans of the Betsy-Tacy series, and to those who like Beverly Cleary's vintage romances.
Winona's Pony Cart is the third of the three Betsy-Tacy spin-offs, but the second one I have read, due to it and Carney's House Party being published together in the same volume. The novel was published prior to Betsy's Wedding, but is set much earlier, when Winona is about to turn eight years old. What Winona wants more than anything is a pony, and despite the fact that her father has said she can't have one, she has developed a strong belief that she will receive a pony for her birthday. So certain is she in fact that she brags to Betsy, Tacy, and Tib about it, and then invites several additional children to her party without telling her mother. When the day of the party arrives, there is a pony at the party, but this does not mean Winona's dream has been totally fulfilled.
Every child can relate to the desire for that one special birthday present, and Lovelace captures it well in this quick read. Though Winona is clearly very spoiled, she is not especially bratty. She, like many kids, just gets caught up in the excitement of possibly having the one thing she wants more than anything else. Any child who has ever had to limit the guest list at a party also understands her desire to invite extra guests, and her complete disregard for the fact that her mother would need to be told of the additions. Winona is just a very real character, and everyone has either been in her shoes, or knows someone very much like her.
This book really drives home Lovelace's talent for turning everyday experiences into engaging stories. The writing in this book is so effortless, and girls who are the same age as Winona will love it, even today, because it touches on a universal experience and turns into a very satisfying story with a well-earned happy ending.
This review of Carney's House Party also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.
Carney's House Party is one of three spin-offs to the Betsy-Tacy series, published between Betsy and Joe and Betsy and the Great World. Carney has just finished her sophomore year at Vassar College, and though she is hesitant about it, she invites her roommate, Isobel, to Deep Valley to join her two-week-long house party. Shortly after Isobel arrives, she and Carney meet a young rich man named Sam Hutchinson. Though Carney instantly dismisses him on the grounds that he looks like a "baby hippo," Sam keeps appearing and reappearing wherever Carney goes throughout the summer. Because Carney is still waiting to find out whether she and childhood sweetheart Larry Humphreys will end up together, she assumes Sam is pursuing Isobel, but is soon surprised to discover she might have more than one man vying for her affection.
I have been looking forward to reading this book for a long time because Vassar is my alma mater, and I knew there were at least a few scenes set on campus. I loved the descriptions of early 20th century college life, and of the Vassar daisy chain tradition, and I could imagine just exactly how landmarks like Main Building and Sunset Hill must have looked way back when. Beyond that, though, this book is just really well-written and easy to zip right through. I love that Lovelace is able to turn a "baby hippo" into a romantic hero, and that her treatment of romance in general is so old-fashioned and polite. Today's teen books are so sexualized and "edgy" that it's nice to be able to settle into a book like this, where everything feels positive and pleasant, even when disappointments occur.
I don't re-read a lot, but this book seems like one I might return to in order to read particular scenes or moments over again. It's just such a warm and comforting book, and a very tame and "safe" romance story. Since the characters are all in college and concerned with marriage, the story is probably most interesting to older teens, but because everything is so tasteful, there would be no problem with a middle schooler or even an upper elementary reader picking it up. Highly recommended, especially to fans of the Betsy-Tacy series, and to those who like Beverly Cleary's vintage romances.
kellyhager's review
4.0
It's Winona's birthday (she's a minor character in the MG Betsy-Tacy books but I think---hope!---she has a bigger role in the YA ones) and all she wants in the world is a pony (and also a miniature printing press and a doll the size of a baby. But really just a pony). Her parents say no, but she tells everyone she's going to get a pony. Also, her mom invites 15 kids to the party but Winona invites a few more without telling anyone. (Like, say, every other kid she's ever met.) Oh, Winona.
This is easily my favorite of the MG novels and I am excited to get into the YA ones. Betsy, Tacy and Tib didn't have a big role in this but I was surprised at how much I liked Winona. Yes, she's a little spoiled, but she's also so completely exuberant that it's hard to dislike her.
I'm enjoying reading these books and I'm a little sad that there are only eight left. On the plus side, I'm not even half done and the other books are much thicker than the ones I've read so far. (Obviously; there's a huge difference between middle-grade and YA.)
If you haven't read the Betsy-Tacy books, you absolutely should. They're incredibly sweet and fun.
This is easily my favorite of the MG novels and I am excited to get into the YA ones. Betsy, Tacy and Tib didn't have a big role in this but I was surprised at how much I liked Winona. Yes, she's a little spoiled, but she's also so completely exuberant that it's hard to dislike her.
I'm enjoying reading these books and I'm a little sad that there are only eight left. On the plus side, I'm not even half done and the other books are much thicker than the ones I've read so far. (Obviously; there's a huge difference between middle-grade and YA.)
If you haven't read the Betsy-Tacy books, you absolutely should. They're incredibly sweet and fun.
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