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Sandpiper
"You shouldn't expect much of him. He's...he's damaged." Damaged . What a horrible word. Like a car after a wreck...It was how I'd been feeling myself. Slightly ruined, a big mess. Lately there have been a lot of guys in Sandpiper's life. In the past year, she's gone through eight or nine different boyfriends -- if you can call them that. She knows the boys are only using her for one thing, but she is using them, too. The Walker is different from the others. He is kind and gentle. Mysterious. And most of all, he is the first guy who doesn't want Sandy for all the usual reasons. In fact, she's not sure if he wants her for any reason. But she knows she wants to be around him. He makes her feel safe, when all the other parts of her life -- like her family and friends -- just make her feel awful. And when one of Sandy's exes starts harassing her, the Walker may be the only person who can help Sandy confront her uneasy past -- and steady herself for a different future.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 21, 2005
7 people are currently reading
1313 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Wittlinger
34 books270 followersEllen Wittlinger is the critically acclaimed author of 15 young adult novels including Parrotfish, Heart on My Sleeve, Love & Lies: Marisol's Story, Razzle, What's in a Name, and Hard Love (an American Library Association Michael L. Printz Honor Book, a Lambda Literary Award winner, and a Booklist Editors' Choice). She has a bachelor's degree from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, and an M.F.A. from the University of Iowa Writer's Workshop. A former children's librarian, she lives with her husband in western Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
January 25, 2009
Sandpiper Hollow Ragsdale can't stand her name, or the corny reason her parents stuck her with it, especially now that they've divorced. With her mother set to remarry and her father estranged by her entry into puberty, life is feeling pretty cruel, until she finds her path crossed with that of the mysterious boy around town, whom she dubs Walker. He doesn't talk much, and won't discuss himself, but he's different than the boys in her class who've come to look at her for only one thing. And when she finds herself in danger from one of them, Walker becomes the only one she can turn to.
Her sister won't listen to her warnings, she doesn't want to add to her mom's stress with the wedding just about to happen, her new step-sister is understanding, but not yet family, and her father would explode. So even when she's learned Walker's secret, she runs to him for aid when things get out of hand. And while events take a turn for the worse, the outcome surprises everyone. Family is brought closer together, surprising truths are learned, and Walker finds himself a new home, as Piper's friends rally around him.
While this book is slightly dark in nature, the story is excellent and the message is clear. With strength and a good foundation supporting you, there's nothing you can't face.
Her sister won't listen to her warnings, she doesn't want to add to her mom's stress with the wedding just about to happen, her new step-sister is understanding, but not yet family, and her father would explode. So even when she's learned Walker's secret, she runs to him for aid when things get out of hand. And while events take a turn for the worse, the outcome surprises everyone. Family is brought closer together, surprising truths are learned, and Walker finds himself a new home, as Piper's friends rally around him.
While this book is slightly dark in nature, the story is excellent and the message is clear. With strength and a good foundation supporting you, there's nothing you can't face.
August 1, 2009
I really liked this story. It was a very fast read- I started it this morning and finished it in the evening, with work in between. First person narrative but well done- I never felt like throwing the book across the room due to clumsy navigation of the POV.
I wanted to think that everyone was blowing (hah!) her situation out of proportion- she gives a lot of boys blow jobs and moves on and people start to see Sandpiper as a slut. She gets a number of boys angry at her and one of them becomes violent. But the more I thought about it, the more true and honest the whole thing became. When they're getting head, high school boys love it but once it's over, you're a slut, more or less.
I liked the characters, felt that the drama of the family story was very real. I liked Rachel and enjoyed the fact that she felt like a real person. She's the interloper, in a way, but she was kind and nice and had her own concerns that she was trying very hard to work through. The fact that Sandpiper reacts to Rachel in ways that were both real and not as extreme as some YA novels get really worked for me and made me like Piper all the more.
My only real complaint here is that the end felt rushed. The resolution with Walker- his backstory, how Piper's dad knew who he was, felt a bit deus ex machina even though there was the setup of Rags going to the courthouse. It just felt almost too easy, esp. for the size of Walker's Major Trauma. Adrienne's character change felt weird as well. She was so selfish and self centered in the beginning and felt like a completely different person by the end of the book but not in the sense that she had grown over the course of the narrative, more like the author had finally decided how she wanted to write the character and instead of changing the beginning, just kept going from that point in the book.
Now, I like that Adrienne took Walker in. I like that Piper's family rallied around him for trying to help her. But all of that felt so last minute, as if the author realized that she needed to resolve it but wasn't sure how to make it work and just tacked it on.
I'm a bit upset that there wasn't resolution to the rape case. I get that what the author is trying to do is look at choices and consequences and learning to make the right ones but I wish that she had resolved Derek and his lies. Simply having the bitchy grandmother say that no court would believe the guy is not a resolution of the case and having seen way too many episodes of Law and Order, it didn't make me feel any better about their chances in court.
But all in all, I really liked Piper. I loved the poems that she wrote. I thought the Walker was a cool guy and I liked him- it would be interesting to see something from his perspective. I know that this isn't the kind of book that gets a sequel but I would have liked to see a continuation from his end.
I wanted to think that everyone was blowing (hah!) her situation out of proportion- she gives a lot of boys blow jobs and moves on and people start to see Sandpiper as a slut. She gets a number of boys angry at her and one of them becomes violent. But the more I thought about it, the more true and honest the whole thing became. When they're getting head, high school boys love it but once it's over, you're a slut, more or less.
I liked the characters, felt that the drama of the family story was very real. I liked Rachel and enjoyed the fact that she felt like a real person. She's the interloper, in a way, but she was kind and nice and had her own concerns that she was trying very hard to work through. The fact that Sandpiper reacts to Rachel in ways that were both real and not as extreme as some YA novels get really worked for me and made me like Piper all the more.
My only real complaint here is that the end felt rushed. The resolution with Walker- his backstory, how Piper's dad knew who he was, felt a bit deus ex machina even though there was the setup of Rags going to the courthouse. It just felt almost too easy, esp. for the size of Walker's Major Trauma. Adrienne's character change felt weird as well. She was so selfish and self centered in the beginning and felt like a completely different person by the end of the book but not in the sense that she had grown over the course of the narrative, more like the author had finally decided how she wanted to write the character and instead of changing the beginning, just kept going from that point in the book.
Now, I like that Adrienne took Walker in. I like that Piper's family rallied around him for trying to help her. But all of that felt so last minute, as if the author realized that she needed to resolve it but wasn't sure how to make it work and just tacked it on.
I'm a bit upset that there wasn't resolution to the rape case. I get that what the author is trying to do is look at choices and consequences and learning to make the right ones but I wish that she had resolved Derek and his lies. Simply having the bitchy grandmother say that no court would believe the guy is not a resolution of the case and having seen way too many episodes of Law and Order, it didn't make me feel any better about their chances in court.
But all in all, I really liked Piper. I loved the poems that she wrote. I thought the Walker was a cool guy and I liked him- it would be interesting to see something from his perspective. I know that this isn't the kind of book that gets a sequel but I would have liked to see a continuation from his end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2011
Sandpiper Hollow Ragsdale is a somewhat disturbed young woman. She’s in her sophomore year in high school and already has a reputation for being a slut – this started back in eighth grade when her best friends told her that the only way to get a boyfriend was to give guys oral sex. While this has made Sandpiper popular with the boys, it hasn’t really gotten her a good relationship – and her friends stopped doing it awhile ago, so now she’s all alone.
Sandpiper is really desperate for a change. She meets a guy without a name who she sees walking around everywhere and simply calls him “the Walker.” They both have some things they need to work through, so they form a sort of walking friendship where they walk around and Sandpiper tells him things, and he tries to keep his secrets from her. It’s different from any of her other relationships with guys, and Sandpiper is intrigued by it.
What we learn is that Sandpiper’s dad has been a player all the time that she’s known him. And although he and her mother had an amicable divorce, he’s always checking out other women and going through them similarly to how Sandpiper has gone through all of these guys she knows. What’s worse is that Sandpiper’s dad couldn’t deal with her when she suddenly became a woman – he didn’t know how to talk to her anymore, and he was afraid that she was overly promiscuous and that all the guys would be after her. She just wanted his attention and love to be the same as it was when she was a little girl, and he didn’t know how to be her father anymore.
At the same time, the guys that Sandpiper has been with are annoyed that she loved them and left them so quickly – she dates most of them less than a month – and one of them in particular has vowed to get revenge. He’s actually dangerous, and soon he’s threatening not just Sandpiper, but her little sister and her family, too. She’s not sure how all of this is going to turn out, and readers will be on the edge of their seats waiting for it.
Lots of good issues in this book – growing up, development, oral sex, estranged fathers, drunk driving, rape, reputations, etc. Fans of the teen issue novels and drama will be delighted. Having said that, it’s not completely over the top.
Sandpiper is really desperate for a change. She meets a guy without a name who she sees walking around everywhere and simply calls him “the Walker.” They both have some things they need to work through, so they form a sort of walking friendship where they walk around and Sandpiper tells him things, and he tries to keep his secrets from her. It’s different from any of her other relationships with guys, and Sandpiper is intrigued by it.
What we learn is that Sandpiper’s dad has been a player all the time that she’s known him. And although he and her mother had an amicable divorce, he’s always checking out other women and going through them similarly to how Sandpiper has gone through all of these guys she knows. What’s worse is that Sandpiper’s dad couldn’t deal with her when she suddenly became a woman – he didn’t know how to talk to her anymore, and he was afraid that she was overly promiscuous and that all the guys would be after her. She just wanted his attention and love to be the same as it was when she was a little girl, and he didn’t know how to be her father anymore.
At the same time, the guys that Sandpiper has been with are annoyed that she loved them and left them so quickly – she dates most of them less than a month – and one of them in particular has vowed to get revenge. He’s actually dangerous, and soon he’s threatening not just Sandpiper, but her little sister and her family, too. She’s not sure how all of this is going to turn out, and readers will be on the edge of their seats waiting for it.
Lots of good issues in this book – growing up, development, oral sex, estranged fathers, drunk driving, rape, reputations, etc. Fans of the teen issue novels and drama will be delighted. Having said that, it’s not completely over the top.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2008
I read this book because I noticed in a volume of School Library Journal that it was challenged in a high school library (I forget exactly where). So, I wanted to see what that was all about. I have since added it to my library collection and think it's a good book that explores some issues that students would normally find difficult to discuss.
January 9, 2011
This book was very difficult to find a book description to preview here with this review. The one above I felt just does not do this book justice, so here is a little more description about this story. Sandpiper is 15 years old, and found her way into a dangerous lifestyle. In attempts to replace the hole her father seems to be leaving in her life; she has become very promiscuous with many young men in her life. The charged emotions that accompanied sexual acts allowed her to feel, at least for the moment, that she was loved and adored. While she is still a virgin; she is far from innocent. After Piper s last break up things have begun to unravel leaving a desire for change in its wake. She soon finds that the past is a hard thing to overcome. When her last boyfriend decides that she must pay for breaking his heart; she not only finds herself in danger, but also her family and more importantly her thirteen year old sister. In the midst of the story Sandpiper finds herself drawn to one particular young boy that is known as The Walker ; her attraction to this young boy as her caught off guard when it is nothing like what she has experienced in the past. Aidan, aka The Walker, is a loner that is only known for his constant walking of their small town. When Sandpiper drags him into an altercation with her ex boyfriend it sparks a friendship that they never knew would lead them both into a world of trouble. Aidan has his own secrets that he has struggled to leave hidden, but his friendship with Sandpiper gains him some unwanted attention. When Aidan finds that he is no longer the loner with no name he knows that it is time to go, but it seems that he has more trouble leaving than was expected. Although, what Aidan fears most just might be what he needed to save him. Wittlinger adds depth to her story by following each chapter with a poem written by Piper. This gives the readers more insight into the characters feelings and thoughts; kind of like foot notes to each section of the story. Sandpiper is a very realistic story that gives readers a shocking glimpse of today s societies kids. This story portrays just how easy it is for a young girl to find herself in a position such as this one. The promiscuity of this story is a little hard to handle in parts, but it seems necessary in establishing the true nature of this story.
July 29, 2008
Fifteen-year-old Sandpiper Hollow Ragsdale was named after the place her parents first met and fell in love. Unfortunately, her parents are now divorced and her mother is engaged to another man.
Ellen Wittlinger’s Sandpiper starts a few weeks before the wedding, weeks full of turmoil for Sandpiper. First, her soon-to-be stepsister comes for the wedding, and she appears to be practically perfect. Second, Sandpiper’s bad reputation starts to haunt her. Her “ex,” Derek, becomes obsessed with enacting revenge on Sandpiper and her family. Third, Sandpiper meets “Walker,” an anonymous young man who spends his days wandering the streets.
The book is frank about Sandpiper’s sexuality. Although technically a virgin, she is known for “putting out” for multiple boys. However, it is also clear that Sandpiper’s sexual acts are far from liberating and are, instead, motivated by self-esteem issues. She enjoys the power she holds over males but instantly regrets her involvement with them.
Sandpiper is a certainly not a light teen read. Instead, Wittlinger shows that life is complicated for everyone: Walker has a secret that constantly torments him, the step-sister has father issues, and even the wedding’s maid-of-honor can’t handle her weight problems.
This book is not exactly an enjoyable or upbeat read, but Wittlinger boldly tackles topics relevant to many teens and even adults, and I give her credit for that.
Ellen Wittlinger’s Sandpiper starts a few weeks before the wedding, weeks full of turmoil for Sandpiper. First, her soon-to-be stepsister comes for the wedding, and she appears to be practically perfect. Second, Sandpiper’s bad reputation starts to haunt her. Her “ex,” Derek, becomes obsessed with enacting revenge on Sandpiper and her family. Third, Sandpiper meets “Walker,” an anonymous young man who spends his days wandering the streets.
The book is frank about Sandpiper’s sexuality. Although technically a virgin, she is known for “putting out” for multiple boys. However, it is also clear that Sandpiper’s sexual acts are far from liberating and are, instead, motivated by self-esteem issues. She enjoys the power she holds over males but instantly regrets her involvement with them.
Sandpiper is a certainly not a light teen read. Instead, Wittlinger shows that life is complicated for everyone: Walker has a secret that constantly torments him, the step-sister has father issues, and even the wedding’s maid-of-honor can’t handle her weight problems.
This book is not exactly an enjoyable or upbeat read, but Wittlinger boldly tackles topics relevant to many teens and even adults, and I give her credit for that.
April 15, 2007
Sandpiper Hollow Ragsdale loves feeling needed by guys. She almost doesn't mind the fact that she's lost her best friends, and that she has a reputation at school for being a slut. This all changes, however, when former "boyfriend" Derek threatens Sandpiper and her younger sister. Fortunately, Sandpiper (or Piper, as she chooses to be called) finds an ally in a young man she knows only as "the Walker." Both are estranged from their social circles, for different reasons, and find a bond through their differences from society. Through their friendship, Piper ends up confessing why Derek and his friends are after her, and Walker comes to her rescue when she needs him the most.
In addition to the plot twists surrounding Piper and Walker, Piper's mother is getting remarried and the stress affects the entire family. Piper's father, still a close friend of the family, is unable to communicate with his daughter like he used to, and Piper feels that this is because he is such a womanizer, and because he cannot come to terms with her recent transition into womanhood. Piper tells her story in narrative format, and at the end of every chapter is one of her poems, sometimes inspired by famous poets, and always reflective of what is going on in her life and how this makes her feel.
In addition to the plot twists surrounding Piper and Walker, Piper's mother is getting remarried and the stress affects the entire family. Piper's father, still a close friend of the family, is unable to communicate with his daughter like he used to, and Piper feels that this is because he is such a womanizer, and because he cannot come to terms with her recent transition into womanhood. Piper tells her story in narrative format, and at the end of every chapter is one of her poems, sometimes inspired by famous poets, and always reflective of what is going on in her life and how this makes her feel.
November 7, 2008
Going to put this behind a spoiler alert because I am talking about sex.
Does anyone remember after school specials? I don't think they have them anymore. But in my generation they had after school specials that addressed pre-teen/teen issues such as parents divorcing, drugs, drinking, sex and other issues. Well Sandpiper reminds me of a much better and more edgy after school special. It is for todays times though I feel. I don't have any kids but if I did I would be having my teenage daughter read this book. But if you are a parent thinking you want to give this to your teenage daughter, I would read it first. It is pretty descriptive and addressed an issue that I think many teens use to have sexual interaction. They say if they are having oral sex well then that isn't really sex....and I am still a virgin. Oral sex can still give you STD's. And really sex is sex though no matter if oral or vaginal. It is still an intimate act that should be handled with care not carelessness.
Anyway I thought it was a good story. I really enjoyed the poetry in it. It was a quick read for me - one night. And I also plan on reading more books by Ellen Wittlinger.
Does anyone remember after school specials? I don't think they have them anymore. But in my generation they had after school specials that addressed pre-teen/teen issues such as parents divorcing, drugs, drinking, sex and other issues. Well Sandpiper reminds me of a much better and more edgy after school special. It is for todays times though I feel. I don't have any kids but if I did I would be having my teenage daughter read this book. But if you are a parent thinking you want to give this to your teenage daughter, I would read it first. It is pretty descriptive and addressed an issue that I think many teens use to have sexual interaction. They say if they are having oral sex well then that isn't really sex....and I am still a virgin. Oral sex can still give you STD's. And really sex is sex though no matter if oral or vaginal. It is still an intimate act that should be handled with care not carelessness.
Anyway I thought it was a good story. I really enjoyed the poetry in it. It was a quick read for me - one night. And I also plan on reading more books by Ellen Wittlinger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2016
Sandpiper likes the initial excitement of being with a new boy, of holding a physical power over them and being needed so much. But after awhile, she’s really not part of their picture, just someone who can give them a blow job. Derek, a boy she dumped, has begun to harrass her for not having real sex with him, a situation that becomes more dangerous when he threatens to involve Daisy, Sandpiper’s younger sister. At the same time Sandpiper meets Walker, a mysterious boy who’s seen walking all over town and who harbors the terrible guilt of running over and killing his nephew. Their friendship becomes a way of helping overcome their issues: his guilt, her self-esteem.
This book has recently been challenged for its content but this is a necessary read about self-esteem for all the girls out there who are like Sandpiper. There are no graphic sex scenes but Sandpiper speaks bluntly about being with her "boyfriends."
This book has recently been challenged for its content but this is a necessary read about self-esteem for all the girls out there who are like Sandpiper. There are no graphic sex scenes but Sandpiper speaks bluntly about being with her "boyfriends."
April 11, 2011
I first heard of this book when I was in Library School and we were discussing books that were banned. While this book was not banned, someone in Texas decided not to return it to her public library because she deemed it "was too inappropriate for teenage girls." Well, when I saw that, I knew that I had to read this book.
In all honesty, I didn't quite understand what the big deal was, so yeah, Sandpiper gave head at school. To a few boys- not the entire grade. This book was more about Sandpiper learning to trust people after being distrustful of people for years. Sandpiper was more chaste than some of her friends, yet her reputation was trashed. It was no wonder that she didn't trust people.
I really enjoyed the book, though I was quite disappointed that it wasn't as sordid as the woman from Texas made it out to be! :-)
In all honesty, I didn't quite understand what the big deal was, so yeah, Sandpiper gave head at school. To a few boys- not the entire grade. This book was more about Sandpiper learning to trust people after being distrustful of people for years. Sandpiper was more chaste than some of her friends, yet her reputation was trashed. It was no wonder that she didn't trust people.
I really enjoyed the book, though I was quite disappointed that it wasn't as sordid as the woman from Texas made it out to be! :-)
December 1, 2007
This book has gotten a lot of controversy, because the main character, Sandpiper, talks candidly about oral sex. She does it on lots of guys, because she likes that new relationship feeling and giving a guy oral sex makes her feel powerful in some way. But the overall message is a good one - she realizes that the good feelings of a new relationship go away quickly, if you don't take the time to find someone you really like.
April 24, 2011
The book was OK. I don't think there was an overall "purpose" to it, but it was OK.
Sandpiper/Sandy/Piper was really annoying and she is kind of stupid.
Rachel is one of the two characters I actually like. The second is Walker/Aiden.
I think the book was longer than it needed to be.
Anyway, the book was a time waster so... Yeah.
Read this if you have nothing to do or you want to waste time.
Sandpiper/Sandy/Piper was really annoying and she is kind of stupid.
Rachel is one of the two characters I actually like. The second is Walker/Aiden.
I think the book was longer than it needed to be.
Anyway, the book was a time waster so... Yeah.
Read this if you have nothing to do or you want to waste time.
July 9, 2016
I confess. I "judged a book by its cover" and put off reading this for over a year because I thought it looked lame. I was wrong. John-Green-like character development, witty writing, and creative poems tucked between each chapter. My only complaints: Piper was a little too whiny for my liking, and some of the dialogue felt contrived at times.
September 20, 2007
Came out the same year as RAINBOW PARTY (a ridiculously sensationalized flop of a book). Both books have to do with oral sex among teens, and I don't think I even need to say which one handles the subject better. The hardcover of this one has a HORRIBLE cover!
April 29, 2015
I thought this was a great book. I don't read books often so it takes a lot to keep my attention throughout a whole book and Sandpiper definitely kept me on my toes. At first I wasn't too sure about Sandy but then I began to learn her story and then I loved her. This book was awesome!
December 30, 2018
This book is a beautiful coming of age story about a young girl, learning about what it means to go from the person people think she is to the person she wants to be.
November 10, 2022
I absolutely love this book, I read the whole thing in 2 days!!
October 14, 2018
Sandpiper Ragsdale is a fifteen year old girl with a reputation for being a “slut”. Switching boyfriends every other week or every few weeks. Her mother is about to get remarried and her relationship with her father is distant since she became aware of his cheating and he became aware of her growing up. She falls in with Walker, a mysterious guy who walks constantly around town and extremely secretive.
Soon Derek, one of Sandpiper’s flings begins harassing and making threats towards her and her family.
The book was good, I guess... Yeah a solid good. It wasn’t great and I wouldn’t recommend it. But it was an experience. I’ve liked Ellen Wittlinger’s Hard Love and Blind Faith but this was falls a little short for me.
My biggest problem with it is we get most of book building up to her mother and stepfather’s wedding and then after that, it rushes to end.
I felt like there could have been more. We’re left with a lot open endings.
Does therapy help Walker and Piper? Does Walker ever see his family again? Does the jury side with Piper and Walker, or Derek?
Someone might say that these questions are the point and it’s suppose to leave you wondering, thinking and guessing. But I like my books to have conclusions. So I felt the book could have been longer.
Which a lot of people might be groaning at, saying “This book is long enough.”
And that’s because the book wastes time on building up to the wedding. If the book had maybe started with the wedding, the story could have focused more on Piper navigating her bad reputation.
My next problem is I really didn’t like Walker’s back story. It’s tragic, yes. And it makes since for not getting in cars and stuff. But it just didn’t jive with the overall story to me. And once again, there was a lot of build up. Reason why a character shouldn’t be built up into a mystery. The reveal will never live up to the build-up’s expectations.
And by that part of the story, the wedding had already happened and we’re rushing full speed to the ending.
Then there’s her friends, Allie and Melissa, we see Allie once and Melissa twice throughout the entire story. And I honestly agree with Piper’s initial reaction to her friends changes. They started this whole Blowjob Club in middle school, but then high school happened, they got boyfriends and suddenly they care about their reputations.
And why was Piper the only one to get a reputation? Weren’t they all giving guys head in middle school? What, Piper did it for two extra years and she’s the biggest slut in the school?
How big is this town again? I just find it hard to believe that her friends didn’t have some small amount of reputation as well. So yeah, I hated her friends especially the way they talked down to her about getting a “real boyfriend”. Like the next step for giving head to random guys is getting a boyfriend.
And how did Piper get stuck in this mentality and her friends didn’t? They all started it together.
Alright, that’s enough about the bad parts, now moving onto the good parts of the book.
I loved the poetry. It was well-written and fit with the story’s flow very well.
Next, I really enjoyed Piper’s character. She’s straightforward, tough and pretty self-aware for a girl who’s being used by a bunch of guys. While she doesn’t go through amazing growth through the book, she does learn to accept Rachel into her life and even takes fault for effecting Daisy’s reputation and her relationship with Sam at the end of the book.
The cast of characters was pretty good, coming off as weird and dynamic and real.
Overall the book gets two stars, because it was good but not great. It rushed the ending, some plot points didn’t make a lot of sense and I’m left with a lot of open endings and questions. When it got to the end, I just stared at the last poem, like: That’s it? It was an unfulfilling book.
This book could’ve been done better. The idea and plot were there, execution not so much. Obviously this is my opinion and people can feel free to disagree.
Soon Derek, one of Sandpiper’s flings begins harassing and making threats towards her and her family.
The book was good, I guess... Yeah a solid good. It wasn’t great and I wouldn’t recommend it. But it was an experience. I’ve liked Ellen Wittlinger’s Hard Love and Blind Faith but this was falls a little short for me.
My biggest problem with it is we get most of book building up to her mother and stepfather’s wedding and then after that, it rushes to end.
I felt like there could have been more. We’re left with a lot open endings.
Does therapy help Walker and Piper? Does Walker ever see his family again? Does the jury side with Piper and Walker, or Derek?
Someone might say that these questions are the point and it’s suppose to leave you wondering, thinking and guessing. But I like my books to have conclusions. So I felt the book could have been longer.
Which a lot of people might be groaning at, saying “This book is long enough.”
And that’s because the book wastes time on building up to the wedding. If the book had maybe started with the wedding, the story could have focused more on Piper navigating her bad reputation.
My next problem is I really didn’t like Walker’s back story. It’s tragic, yes. And it makes since for not getting in cars and stuff. But it just didn’t jive with the overall story to me. And once again, there was a lot of build up. Reason why a character shouldn’t be built up into a mystery. The reveal will never live up to the build-up’s expectations.
And by that part of the story, the wedding had already happened and we’re rushing full speed to the ending.
Then there’s her friends, Allie and Melissa, we see Allie once and Melissa twice throughout the entire story. And I honestly agree with Piper’s initial reaction to her friends changes. They started this whole Blowjob Club in middle school, but then high school happened, they got boyfriends and suddenly they care about their reputations.
And why was Piper the only one to get a reputation? Weren’t they all giving guys head in middle school? What, Piper did it for two extra years and she’s the biggest slut in the school?
How big is this town again? I just find it hard to believe that her friends didn’t have some small amount of reputation as well. So yeah, I hated her friends especially the way they talked down to her about getting a “real boyfriend”. Like the next step for giving head to random guys is getting a boyfriend.
And how did Piper get stuck in this mentality and her friends didn’t? They all started it together.
Alright, that’s enough about the bad parts, now moving onto the good parts of the book.
I loved the poetry. It was well-written and fit with the story’s flow very well.
Next, I really enjoyed Piper’s character. She’s straightforward, tough and pretty self-aware for a girl who’s being used by a bunch of guys. While she doesn’t go through amazing growth through the book, she does learn to accept Rachel into her life and even takes fault for effecting Daisy’s reputation and her relationship with Sam at the end of the book.
The cast of characters was pretty good, coming off as weird and dynamic and real.
Overall the book gets two stars, because it was good but not great. It rushed the ending, some plot points didn’t make a lot of sense and I’m left with a lot of open endings and questions. When it got to the end, I just stared at the last poem, like: That’s it? It was an unfulfilling book.
This book could’ve been done better. The idea and plot were there, execution not so much. Obviously this is my opinion and people can feel free to disagree.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2017
Well that was sad
February 24, 2017
I actually thought that this had the makings of a great story, but it fell a bit in execution. The main character was annoying and I didn't see enough emotional depth in her. Also, I felt that the author skimmed the surface of some issues without delving deep enough into them. It could've been a great, thought-provoking teen novel, but it ended up being a waste of time.
September 27, 2014
The character became increasingly annoying and two-dimensional as the story progressed at first I enjoyed Piper's slightly sarcastic somewhat insightful outlook on life. Initially I believed the book would comment on sexual double standards, but Piper having sex was blamed solely on insecurity and daddy issues - she didn't enjoy the sex itself as much as the power.
Although I was disappointed in its themes, the main cause of my low rating was the author forcing the plot to meld with her agenda (having Piper make the Walker trust again and learn to love himself) and orchestrating this with a world of flat characters. Piper (initially) and the walker were the only characters who seemed round to me. The antagonists seemed round at the beginning, but acted less and less realistically as the book went on. Derek's actions did seem somewhat realistic given his characterization towards the end, but his dramatic change in character was far too sudden. The author didn't seem to research how someone with his psychology would behave.
I really liked the walker. I found him to be insightful and kind-hearted and largely realistic on account of his back story (isolation and bitterness.) I also see why Piper was drawn to him, and as the story wore on I found his attraction to Piper convincing as well; she was a interesting, thoughtful girl giving him unconditional attention. But I think someone in his condition might need more time to get to know her.
The book had a lot of unnecessary detail when it could have recorded the adventures of Piper and Walker. The wedding discussions and scenes annoyed me; it seemed like the whole subplot was added to fill pages. The poems annoyed me to no end as well. There were a few inspiring lines but it mostly sounded whiny. I couldn't see why her English teacher enjoyed them.
Ultimately I'm glad it wasn't reduced to a love story with a kiss at the end. The story had so much potential, but I think Ellen took the synopsis in the wrong direction. I enjoyed her book hard Love so much I have this one a try. Unfortunately this book did not meet my expectations in the slightest.
Although I was disappointed in its themes, the main cause of my low rating was the author forcing the plot to meld with her agenda (having Piper make the Walker trust again and learn to love himself) and orchestrating this with a world of flat characters. Piper (initially) and the walker were the only characters who seemed round to me. The antagonists seemed round at the beginning, but acted less and less realistically as the book went on. Derek's actions did seem somewhat realistic given his characterization towards the end, but his dramatic change in character was far too sudden. The author didn't seem to research how someone with his psychology would behave.
I really liked the walker. I found him to be insightful and kind-hearted and largely realistic on account of his back story (isolation and bitterness.) I also see why Piper was drawn to him, and as the story wore on I found his attraction to Piper convincing as well; she was a interesting, thoughtful girl giving him unconditional attention. But I think someone in his condition might need more time to get to know her.
The book had a lot of unnecessary detail when it could have recorded the adventures of Piper and Walker. The wedding discussions and scenes annoyed me; it seemed like the whole subplot was added to fill pages. The poems annoyed me to no end as well. There were a few inspiring lines but it mostly sounded whiny. I couldn't see why her English teacher enjoyed them.
Ultimately I'm glad it wasn't reduced to a love story with a kiss at the end. The story had so much potential, but I think Ellen took the synopsis in the wrong direction. I enjoyed her book hard Love so much I have this one a try. Unfortunately this book did not meet my expectations in the slightest.
Read
October 21, 2013Sandpiper can trace all of her problems back to 8th grade - when her best friends, Melissa and Allie, figured out a way to get guys to like them. Melissa was the first one to figure out the foolproof method. Allie and Sandpiper were disgusted at first, but after a few weeks, figured they’d give it a try. It worked, like a charm. Who knew? Obviously, the way to an 8th grade boy’s heart was through the zipper of his jeans. It probably wasn’t the only way, but it was the only way they knew.
It’s high school now, and even though Melissa and Allie have had the same boyfriends for a long time, Sandpiper is still going through them like Kleenex during cold season. And as is an ex-boyfriend showing up in the park and yelling “slut” at you at the top of his voice wasn’t enough for a bad day, Sandpiper's Mom is stressing out and giving her a hard time at home.
And then there’s Walker - or the Walker - a kid who you can always find walking around town, but nobody knows who he is or has ever talked with him - they just see him walking - walking everywhere - in a leather jacket with sleeves a few inches too short. What’s his story? What secrets does he keep? And is there anyway they can possibly be worse than Sandpiper’s?
Find out in Sandpiper - by Ellen Wittlinger
It’s high school now, and even though Melissa and Allie have had the same boyfriends for a long time, Sandpiper is still going through them like Kleenex during cold season. And as is an ex-boyfriend showing up in the park and yelling “slut” at you at the top of his voice wasn’t enough for a bad day, Sandpiper's Mom is stressing out and giving her a hard time at home.
And then there’s Walker - or the Walker - a kid who you can always find walking around town, but nobody knows who he is or has ever talked with him - they just see him walking - walking everywhere - in a leather jacket with sleeves a few inches too short. What’s his story? What secrets does he keep? And is there anyway they can possibly be worse than Sandpiper’s?
Find out in Sandpiper - by Ellen Wittlinger
February 24, 2008
I can see why this book is contraversial. It has a certain shock value to it :O) I felt that is what is so good about it. It doesn't play around, gets to the point and is of this world... the real world. This is a YA book and certainly confronted real issues facing our youth. I would read it first before letting your teen read it, just to be sure they are at the right maturity level for it. I will say no age because i feel every teen would be different. I liked the fact that the author had several points throughout the book that delt with self esteem and you can be the person you want to be even if you have made some bad choices in the past or had bad things happen. I am encouraging my oldest to read this book and hanging on to it after that until my next oldest is ready for it. If i came across another book by this author i would most definately read it in hopes that it would be just as good. I bought this book with the intention of swapping it, but that idea is out the window, this book is a keeper for my shelf.
November 2, 2008
It May Have A Few Inappropriate Pints But That's Is What The Book Is All About Right Now
Sandypiper Hallow Ragsdale -name after the place her parents met- is known for giving blow-jobs to guys because of her ex-B.F.F who told her she should do them to get guys in the Eighth Grade. Now Her Mother is getting remarried and she will soon have a new stepsister who her younger sister, Daisy adores.3 Weeks before the wedding Sandpiper meets a mysterious guy she refers to ask Walker. He is often seen by people walking around town he won't tell Sandpiper his name. But yet she seems to like him. Some of the guys she used to give head to seem to be mad at her and start threatening her. Oneday they attack their cat and say they want to "Get to know Daisy". She has developed a bit more than usual and her dad can't seem to talk to her like they did when she was a little tomboy and they are very uncomfortable around each other....
Sandypiper Hallow Ragsdale -name after the place her parents met- is known for giving blow-jobs to guys because of her ex-B.F.F who told her she should do them to get guys in the Eighth Grade. Now Her Mother is getting remarried and she will soon have a new stepsister who her younger sister, Daisy adores.3 Weeks before the wedding Sandpiper meets a mysterious guy she refers to ask Walker. He is often seen by people walking around town he won't tell Sandpiper his name. But yet she seems to like him. Some of the guys she used to give head to seem to be mad at her and start threatening her. Oneday they attack their cat and say they want to "Get to know Daisy". She has developed a bit more than usual and her dad can't seem to talk to her like they did when she was a little tomboy and they are very uncomfortable around each other....
January 28, 2011
I really liked a lot about this book. I liked the characters, both the teens and adults. They all felt very real. The family relationships also felt real. I liked the plot with the family wedding and the blending of two families.
I usually love open ended books where it is up to the reader to decide what happens after the final pages, but for this one I thought there was too much left unanswered. I got to the last page and I was like "what the heck, we don't get anything else?" I did like that we don't know the outcome of the trial, because I assume that Sandpiper wins, but I wanted to know more about Walker and what happens with his family. I also wanted Andrew to step up and tell the police his part in the whole mess. He did apologize to Piper, but after what Derek did that isn't enough. I also wanted Rachel to decide to go to a school on the East coast to be closer to her new family.
I usually love open ended books where it is up to the reader to decide what happens after the final pages, but for this one I thought there was too much left unanswered. I got to the last page and I was like "what the heck, we don't get anything else?" I did like that we don't know the outcome of the trial, because I assume that Sandpiper wins, but I wanted to know more about Walker and what happens with his family. I also wanted Andrew to step up and tell the police his part in the whole mess. He did apologize to Piper, but after what Derek did that isn't enough. I also wanted Rachel to decide to go to a school on the East coast to be closer to her new family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2013
I read this because it is a banned book in most school libraries and im a sucker for banned books. A little disappointed in the book. it started off very slow and took me a long time to get into it. the ending was very good.
Sandpiper Hollow Ragsdale has more than a weird name; she's got a reputation for a girl who willingly goes down on boys. Its not about "being liked" by these boys, but rather having power over them, if only for a few moments. But she's ready to move on, only to discover getting off her knees and standing up straight isn't so easy. All of this is set against an important, if often annoying, story about her mother's upcoming marriage. Things change for Sandpiper when the "new kid" walks into town: nicknamed Walker. The growing relationship between the two teens — who've both been damaged — is the heart of the story
Sandpiper Hollow Ragsdale has more than a weird name; she's got a reputation for a girl who willingly goes down on boys. Its not about "being liked" by these boys, but rather having power over them, if only for a few moments. But she's ready to move on, only to discover getting off her knees and standing up straight isn't so easy. All of this is set against an important, if often annoying, story about her mother's upcoming marriage. Things change for Sandpiper when the "new kid" walks into town: nicknamed Walker. The growing relationship between the two teens — who've both been damaged — is the heart of the story
September 12, 2007
This book was really great about a girl who makes some bad decisions with boys and gets into trouble as a result. The book jacket says for ages 12 and up but I think more like 15 and over. Sandpiper is a 16 year old girl who has had many short assignations with guys and she always breaks up with the guy. She begins to be harrassed by Derek. At this time she also meets the Walker who is walking to escape something in his past. Sandpiper befriends him and it is their friendship that helps them become better people and face their problems. I was hooked from the 2nd page and I really liked Sandpiper's voice, Walker's voice and the author's compelling writing style. I learned you can really help someone by truly caring and reaching out to them.
May 12, 2008
i had fully expected this book to make the ALA list of the most challenged books of 2007. it has had so much controversy around it. sandpiper is the author's response to the notion that "oral sex is not sex". as such, it follows a girl known as the town's blow job queen as she re-evaluates her life and tries to find a new path. this, of course, pisses off several of her former "boyfriends". one of them has a series of violent reactions to sandpiper, the main character.
i didn't find all of the characters fully believable. some of them seemed to be there to illustrate a point. the poetry is sometimes painful. but, in the context of the book, believable. the book is one i have recommended to teen readers looking for something somewhat "edgy".
i didn't find all of the characters fully believable. some of them seemed to be there to illustrate a point. the poetry is sometimes painful. but, in the context of the book, believable. the book is one i have recommended to teen readers looking for something somewhat "edgy".
October 11, 2011
This is a heartwarming book about family relationships, being a "bad" girl, and salvation. Unfortunately, the book is quite predictable and does not keep the reader wanting to read unless this type of "romance" is what you like.
The name of the protagonist is wonderful -- Sandpiper Hollow Ragssdale. You can't fault that. The portrayal of "Sandy" of "Piper" as a "skank" is probably faitly accurate, however the fact that she has a sensitivity to it seems to come out of nowhere. The impending conflicts and her friendship with a damaged boy of 18 do not seem as realistic as they could be.This is displeasing since I consider Wittlinger and excellent writer and can't help but wonder why she wrote such a "fluff" piece.
The name of the protagonist is wonderful -- Sandpiper Hollow Ragssdale. You can't fault that. The portrayal of "Sandy" of "Piper" as a "skank" is probably faitly accurate, however the fact that she has a sensitivity to it seems to come out of nowhere. The impending conflicts and her friendship with a damaged boy of 18 do not seem as realistic as they could be.This is displeasing since I consider Wittlinger and excellent writer and can't help but wonder why she wrote such a "fluff" piece.
June 18, 2013
I liked it...I thought it was a great read for the middle school girls...perhaps seventh or eighth grader...would be a bright spot on a summer reading list...deals with subject matter too few are willing to address...oral sex is sex...yes there is a drifter who has his own issues...yes there are family issues...yes there are way to many things going on but isn't that how every young teen feels - that their whole world is messed up? and again the subject of how others see you as compared to how you think they see you...it was an easy read...I do not think it would hold the interest of any older teen...it may even come across as unsupported or predictable but it is a subject that should be discussed and brought to the front so banning (while understandable) cheats the readers
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