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karajrapp's review against another edition
4.0
The kids and I were equally sad to come to the end of the Melendy Quartet. Thankfully we have several of Enright's other books to discover this summer!
misajane79's review against another edition
4.0
Though this one isn't quite up to the standards of the previous Melendy books, my lukewarm initial reaction quickly warmed up.
I adore Oliver and in this book, his personality became even stronger. Though the clues almost got old, the moments of discovery were well worth it.
And then the delightful ending made the whole book even better.
One of the things I really love about these books is the friendships that develop between the kids and adults they encounter. I adore Oliver's relationship with Mr. Titus, the new relationship with Miss Bishop, and the fact that Mrs. Oliphant just keeps coming back in all of her glory.
Another reason to love Elizabeth Enright. . .
I adore Oliver and in this book, his personality became even stronger. Though the clues almost got old, the moments of discovery were well worth it.
And then the delightful ending made the whole book even better.
One of the things I really love about these books is the friendships that develop between the kids and adults they encounter. I adore Oliver's relationship with Mr. Titus, the new relationship with Miss Bishop, and the fact that Mrs. Oliphant just keeps coming back in all of her glory.
Another reason to love Elizabeth Enright. . .
blakehalsey's review
5.0
Now to complete the Melendy quartet...and it was a great ending. You always know you've read a great book when you're sad it's over. I have become rather attached to the Melendys, but I know where to find them again.
compass_rose's review against another edition
4.0
My 7yo and I LOVED this series as a read aloud. Enright speaks right to the 12 yo that's still inside me. I hope my daughter rereads these herself when she is a bit older. She'll find she identifies with the kids even more. Highly recommend the whole series.
mat_tobin's review against another edition
4.0
With the other Melendy children away at boarding school and their father away on business for most of the book, the two youngest: Randy and Oliver must find some way to pass the time before the next summer arrives. Although at first it would appear that they have little in common except to annoy each other, a mysterious blue letter arrives in the mail box which sets them off a series of puzzle-solving quests set around their home and community. As they solve each quest together, both Randy and Oliver gain a respect and understanding for one another.
The final Melendy story in the quartet, I was intrigued to read reviews of the time bemoan the fact that the elder siblings were not present but for me, whose first outing with with the family was this book, I enjoyed sensing the creative freedom Randy and Oliver had without the others being around. Both were surrounded by broad open settings, far from the effects of the war and there was certainly a celebration here of a child's inquisitive nature.
The final Melendy story in the quartet, I was intrigued to read reviews of the time bemoan the fact that the elder siblings were not present but for me, whose first outing with with the family was this book, I enjoyed sensing the creative freedom Randy and Oliver had without the others being around. Both were surrounded by broad open settings, far from the effects of the war and there was certainly a celebration here of a child's inquisitive nature.
zoemaja's review against another edition
5.0
Love the Melendys, still listening to them on the way home from school and such.
audio
audio
lonelyfangirlirl's review
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
poplartears's review against another edition
4.0
This was a departure from the style of the first Melendy books but was just as enjoyable. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy the scavenger hunt that Mona and Oliver were on but as the story progressed and developed into the little side stories of other characters I enjoyed it more. The end of the hunt was truly delightful and was a wonderfully heartwarming end to this book as well as the quartet.
erin_hibshman's review against another edition
5.0
A gem of a book. I loved The Four Story Mistake as a child and didn't realize there were more Melendy books until I was an adult. This is #4, I will have to search for #3. I enjoyed the story and the relationships between Randy and Oliver and the adults in their community. I am glad to have read this!