Helpful Score: 5
One of the best books I've ever read, this novel is beautiful in a quiet, unassuming way. Subtle but powerful. It's sort of a 'coming of age' novel about a young girl who is learning to cope with the end of her innocence in the wake of her uncle's death (due to AIDS) in the 1980's. Brunt writes in a way that shows both the misunderstandings and frustrations in the thoughts of this girl, as well as the truth that she's unable to see. As the reader, we see this girl embark on a journey that changes her from a little girl into a woman, both the good and the bad.
Though I admit the first few pages dragged just a little, the rest of the story was enchanting, haunting and tear-jerking. I cried so hard at times, I had to put the book down and walk away for a while. It's breathtaking, sad, charming, unique...I could go on and on. Unlike anything I've read before. It's a book that, for me, spoke of intense love and cruelty, selfishness and sacrifice. How misunderstandings can be so far-reaching, how fear of things misunderstood can cause heartbreak, and how love may not be able to conquer all, but can help heal even the deepest wounds. How simple kindnesses can change everything. Delightful characters, captivating but simply written, a unique storyline...this book is one that will stay in my permanent collection.
I don't think the cover does the book justice--it's not a children's book (though I think it appears that way). I think some readers may be turned off by some of the subject matter (discusses gay relationship and death from AIDS) but I felt it was handled well, showing the reader a love that may not have been accepted by the general population at the time (or even now), but was strong, true, real and enduring. No smut, no bad language, no violence...just an amazing story presented in an effortless, alluring package. It's a story that left me raw and heart broken at times, but also comforted. Satisfied. I highly recommend it. 5 stars.
Though I admit the first few pages dragged just a little, the rest of the story was enchanting, haunting and tear-jerking. I cried so hard at times, I had to put the book down and walk away for a while. It's breathtaking, sad, charming, unique...I could go on and on. Unlike anything I've read before. It's a book that, for me, spoke of intense love and cruelty, selfishness and sacrifice. How misunderstandings can be so far-reaching, how fear of things misunderstood can cause heartbreak, and how love may not be able to conquer all, but can help heal even the deepest wounds. How simple kindnesses can change everything. Delightful characters, captivating but simply written, a unique storyline...this book is one that will stay in my permanent collection.
I don't think the cover does the book justice--it's not a children's book (though I think it appears that way). I think some readers may be turned off by some of the subject matter (discusses gay relationship and death from AIDS) but I felt it was handled well, showing the reader a love that may not have been accepted by the general population at the time (or even now), but was strong, true, real and enduring. No smut, no bad language, no violence...just an amazing story presented in an effortless, alluring package. It's a story that left me raw and heart broken at times, but also comforted. Satisfied. I highly recommend it. 5 stars.
Helpful Score: 2
Sometimes it's difficult to write about a book you became so immersed in that you felt like you know the characters. Such was my experience with this novel. I chose to read it because I like the title (odd, eh) and because it was a GR read along. However, I finished it before the discussion began. So what's it about?
Fourteen-year-old June Elbus adores her uncle, Finn Weiss, who is also her godfather as well as a famous artist. He is the only one who really understands her. When he dies she misses him so much. Who can be her buddy, her friend, and her confidante now? She encounters a strange man who was at the funeral who seems scary. He is named Toby and her family refers to him as Uncle Finn's special friend who "killed" him. Yet as June gets to know Toby she finds he is special, too. And, he brings her special gifts from Finn.
I'm amazed at how this author could get into the skins of June and her sister, Greta. The emotional seesaw that both experience when their uncle dies is so realistic one feels like crying and I did. I have to keep telling myself that this is a story I am reading. As Greta leaves the stage of South Pacific and disappears into the woods, June is grounded. She fears what might happen to Greta if she can't meet her in the woods so calls on Toby.
If you haven't guessed yet you will soon recognize the cause of Finn's death and the illness of his "special friend", Toby. For me, this was a special read that overcomes one's fear of disease. It's all about caring and love for those who are important in our lives.
Fourteen-year-old June Elbus adores her uncle, Finn Weiss, who is also her godfather as well as a famous artist. He is the only one who really understands her. When he dies she misses him so much. Who can be her buddy, her friend, and her confidante now? She encounters a strange man who was at the funeral who seems scary. He is named Toby and her family refers to him as Uncle Finn's special friend who "killed" him. Yet as June gets to know Toby she finds he is special, too. And, he brings her special gifts from Finn.
I'm amazed at how this author could get into the skins of June and her sister, Greta. The emotional seesaw that both experience when their uncle dies is so realistic one feels like crying and I did. I have to keep telling myself that this is a story I am reading. As Greta leaves the stage of South Pacific and disappears into the woods, June is grounded. She fears what might happen to Greta if she can't meet her in the woods so calls on Toby.
If you haven't guessed yet you will soon recognize the cause of Finn's death and the illness of his "special friend", Toby. For me, this was a special read that overcomes one's fear of disease. It's all about caring and love for those who are important in our lives.
Helpful Score: 2
Wow!!!! What an emotional ride!!! I laughed, I got mad, I cried, I felt anchious, I was mad again and again. I was sad again and again and I laughed some more. I cried my eye out. I truely did. I fell in love with Junie and her dad, Finn, and Toby. I was mad as a wet hen through 99 % of the book at Junie's sister and I wasn't sure I liked her mom. But by the end of the first chapter I was living in Junie's life and as with all families there you are. Like it or not. This is a story about so many things, love, truth, secrets, trust, and aids. By the last page I was sobbing once again and drained. My life had been changed. The family I had lived with was over at the close of the cover of the book. But then I realized this isn't true. As I've said my prayers since then I've asked that each aids patient never have to be alone. So this story is never ending for me and I like that. I never want it to end. I never want to forget it. I loved it.
Helpful Score: 2
I loved this book. Refreshingly different writing. Loved the main character as she navigated her young life, secrets, loss and the complexities of family.
Helpful Score: 1
Utterly charming. About the relationship between a young girl and her uncle, who is a painter and who dies of AIDS in the 1980s. There is lots about art and families in it that is fresh and surprising, and the characters are wonderful. Haunting and memorable. Can't wait for more books from this author.
Helpful Score: 1
I think what I like best about this book is the way the relationships change with the main characters. Ms. Brunt really captured the essence of being "teen". It is so much more than coming of age. It is first love, sibling rivalry, and deep grief all rolled together in memories and hope.
This was a hard one to rate. The writing is spectacular, however I tended to get bored and just a bit creeped out. In 1987 I was a year older than June and a year younger than Greta so I remember the huge AIDS epidemic and how everyone freaked out. The characters were a tad screwed up. I wanted to like them, but I just couldn't. June was way too attached to her Uncle Finn in a way that was really not healthy for a 14 year old. Not only was it strange, but she managed to push everyone else in her life away from her because she thought the only one that really understood her was Finn. Greta, her sister, was a mean and jealous drunk who was intent on trying to hurt whomever she could. June and Greta's parents were pretty damn clueless who attempted to shield June from the truth. Why? I have no idea. Finn was a huge liar. Everything in his life was not what it looked like. I think that is what bugged me the most. I know he had his reasons for hiding things, but they were the wrong reasons. Ok I did like Toby. He was really the only one in this story that I actually felt sorry for. He was the only one that seemed to do what he did for love. He never asked for anything in return and he was the one that was always making the sacrifices so that everyone else could be happy. In the end, it killed him. Very sad!
Utterly charming. About the relationship between a young girl and her uncle, who is a painter and who dies of AIDS in the 1980s. There is lots about art and families in it that is fresh and surprising, and the characters are wonderful. Haunting and memorable. Can't wait for more books from this author.
Such a unique, sweet, and heartwarming story that is incredibly well-written!
It touches on so many dynamics - awkward girl coming of age, sisterly bonds, terminal illness, and the stigma surrounding AIDS in the late 1980's.
It touches on so many dynamics - awkward girl coming of age, sisterly bonds, terminal illness, and the stigma surrounding AIDS in the late 1980's.
very easy read. took me back to the AIDS panic which was going on when I first started my professional life. the characters were well developed and the story flowed smoothly.
I was worried there was something wrong with me because I was a child of the 80s, and although the author nailed the time period (I kept internally exclaiming, "yes, I remember that!") I did not enjoy the book. I would not have finished it if it hadn't been a book club read. However, when I arrived the rest of the group was also filled with those who either did not finish it or did not enjoy it. I think it boils down to the fact that most of the relationships were defined by jealousy and a lack of intimacy, so it was hard to like the characters. I loved the level of detail and aspects of the characters (playing dress up in the woods, pretending to be in another time, being in the school play, the differences in the city and the suburbs) but several of us felt like the relationship between June and her uncle's friend was just creepy. My group is composed of parents of teens and through that lens we found the parents' lack of awareness disturbing. We agree tax season is a busy time for accountants, but would you really miss the fact that your daughter was drunk on stage in front of the whole school?
The darkest days of the AIDS epidemic are made to serve as a backdrop to the REALLY IMPORTANT problems of two obnoxious teenage girls. I found this actually offensive: stopped reading after about 50 pages.
I have not read this book, but would enjoy reading it. I am scheduled for surgery on 7/23 and 4 more every 4 weeks. I am trying to find as many books as possible right now to entertain myself for the next 7 months. It would be wonderful to win this book and find a new author to adore. Sincerely Julie C.
