Doomed loves, failed families, nixed dreamssomeone else's leftovers are heaped on our plates the day we come into this world.
Big Macs and pop ... read full description
Big Macs and pop ... read full description
reviews
Jul 18, 2011
Kimberly
rated it: 
You've heard the old adage "you can choose your friends but you can't choose your family," right? Well, that's the premise behind Michelle D. Kwasney's young adult novel, Blue Plate Special. The title comes from the name of a special low-cost meal that could be ordered from a small town diner as early as the 1920s. This no-substitutions meat and veggie combo plate is sort of like your family - you get what you get.
Three teens, Madeline, Desiree and Ariel, are all good girl More...
Three teens, Madeline, Desiree and Ariel, are all good girl More...
May 27, 2010
Christian
rated it:
The Blue Plate Special by Michelle D. Kwasney, is and excellent story about three girls.
Madeline, Desiree, and Ariel are all living hard lives they have had to grow up faster then other girls their ages. Madeline has issues with her weight and her alcoholic mother, she lives a life where the mother and daughter roles are reversed. Desiree has a neglectful mother, but also has the unwanted attention from her mothers boyfriend who is a little to nice to her. Ariel is dealing with her grandm More...
Madeline, Desiree, and Ariel are all living hard lives they have had to grow up faster then other girls their ages. Madeline has issues with her weight and her alcoholic mother, she lives a life where the mother and daughter roles are reversed. Desiree has a neglectful mother, but also has the unwanted attention from her mothers boyfriend who is a little to nice to her. Ariel is dealing with her grandm More...
Feb 24, 2010
Kate
rated it: 
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading BLUE PLATE SPECIAL. After the first chapter, I had pretty much decided that I was reading a typical, if particularly well-written, teen problem novel. But this book is just so much more than that. Much more.
It's tough to review without giving any spoilers, and the last thing I want to do is spoil this journey for anyone. What I will say is that it's three stories (two written in prose and one in verse, and all with distinct voices) More...
It's tough to review without giving any spoilers, and the last thing I want to do is spoil this journey for anyone. What I will say is that it's three stories (two written in prose and one in verse, and all with distinct voices) More...
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Jan 24, 2010
Diane
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Three girls in three time periods deal with life and love. Madeline (1977) is the unpopular “fat” girl with the drunk, neglectful mother suddenly finds herself befriended by the cheerleader she admires. When a boy shows interest, she loses weight and falls in love. Desiree (1993) writes in poetry about her abusive stepfather, her overbearing mother, and the boy who loves her more than anything. Ariel (2009) has a father in prison, a mother who adores her, and a controlling boyfriend. The r
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Jan 21, 2010
Amanda
rated it:
I gave my favorites of 2009 earlier this month, listing Blue Plate Special by Michelle D. Kwasney in one of the YA spots. Honestly, I've been really thinking about this review, because I can't say enough wonderful things about this gem of a book, without sounding somewhat ridiculous and overly sappy. Truth be told, I really AM ridiculously sappy and gushy about Blue Plate Special. So here I am...doing my best to express my love for this book:
Jacket description:
"Doomed love More...
Jacket description:
"Doomed love More...
Jan 17, 2010
Holly
rated it:
This book was downright amazing. I wasn't exactly drawn to this based on the cover or the title, but the reviews I was reading made it sound good, so I decided to read it and see what all the fuss was about.
The book is centered around 3 girls, each struggling in their own ways. We read a chapter about Madeline, then one about Desiree, and then one about Ariel. Always in that order, each chapter is relatively short, and usually leaves a bit of a cliffhanger at the end. Because of the ma More...
The book is centered around 3 girls, each struggling in their own ways. We read a chapter about Madeline, then one about Desiree, and then one about Ariel. Always in that order, each chapter is relatively short, and usually leaves a bit of a cliffhanger at the end. Because of the ma More...
Sep 13, 2009
Ariel
rated it:
What an incredible book.
Blue Plate Special is the story of three teenage women, Madeline, Desiree and Ariel, in three different time periods. The narrative alternates between each of the women, so that each story, and the ways in which the women are connected, is drawn out slowly. In the end, all of the strands overlap to create one narrative that takes place over three generations. I had a strong suspicion about how the narratives overlap, which was confirmed, which is satisfying in i More...
Blue Plate Special is the story of three teenage women, Madeline, Desiree and Ariel, in three different time periods. The narrative alternates between each of the women, so that each story, and the ways in which the women are connected, is drawn out slowly. In the end, all of the strands overlap to create one narrative that takes place over three generations. I had a strong suspicion about how the narratives overlap, which was confirmed, which is satisfying in i More...
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Jun 28, 2009
Kim
rated it:
Three generations of girls, all tied together into one novel.
Madeline's the fat girl at school and has to deal with a drunk mother. No one pays any attention to her until that one day at McDonalds. Tad seems to like her regardless of her weight.
Desiree's mother is always nagging on her about how slutty she looks. Larry, her mother's boyfriend, seems to be the only one who 'gets' her until one day his interest goes too far.
Ariel's father is in prison and h More...
Madeline's the fat girl at school and has to deal with a drunk mother. No one pays any attention to her until that one day at McDonalds. Tad seems to like her regardless of her weight.
Desiree's mother is always nagging on her about how slutty she looks. Larry, her mother's boyfriend, seems to be the only one who 'gets' her until one day his interest goes too far.
Ariel's father is in prison and h More...
Jan 28, 2010
Rosalia
rated it:
This was an amazing read. In the 1970's Madeline spends all of her time taking care of her alcoholic mother, making no life of her own until it is almost too late. In 1999 Desiree's mother ignores her, unless it's to criticize. When she is raped by her mother's boyfriend, everyone's life is forever changed. Ariel is being raised by her mother. Ariel's boyfriend Shane wants just a little bit too much from her. The chapters alternate in each young woman's voice and Desiree's story is writte
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Aug 22, 2011
Melissa
rated it:
Three girls, three generations, three stories of life, loss, and finding your way in a complicated world.More...
Madeline’s mother is an alcoholic. Madeline takes care of herself, her mother, and the house. Overweight and underappreciated, everything changes for Madeline when she meets Tad.
Sixteen year-old Desiree has a mother who simply doesn’t care. She calls her daughter a slut, and doesn’t believe anything Desiree says. When her mother’s boyfriend rapes her, Desiree turns to
May 10, 2010
Tabitha
rated it:
This is a quieter book than some of the other YA available, and at first glance, it doesn't differentiate itself from the rest. But if you stick with it, you will be pleasantly surprised.
I am fascinated with many of the themes and concepts introduced in this story. And I love how these three girls tell their stories in a way that gives the reader so much more insight than you get in most novels. When I started to see the connection between these girls, the geek in me got all excited More...
I am fascinated with many of the themes and concepts introduced in this story. And I love how these three girls tell their stories in a way that gives the reader so much more insight than you get in most novels. When I started to see the connection between these girls, the geek in me got all excited More...
Apr 24, 2010
Della
rated it: 
blue plate special by Michelle D. Kwasney
I'm still trying to decide exactly how I feel about this book. If I took anything away from this novel, it would be an appreciation of family. The girls in this book all have horrific experiences that no one should have to go through. blue plate special was a difficult book to read because of all the pain the girls endure. The title and the book’s cover don’t really give you any idea of what the book is about, but at the end, you find that More...
I'm still trying to decide exactly how I feel about this book. If I took anything away from this novel, it would be an appreciation of family. The girls in this book all have horrific experiences that no one should have to go through. blue plate special was a difficult book to read because of all the pain the girls endure. The title and the book’s cover don’t really give you any idea of what the book is about, but at the end, you find that More...
Oct 22, 2009
Bri Meets Books
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Jun 27, 2010
Pj
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Nov 01, 2009
Alea
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Blue Plate Special is best if you go into it knowing nothing more than what you read on the jacket flap. It will reveal itself to you bit by bit until you are left sitting there stunned and extremely impressed, at least I think so. Unfortunately for me I knew a bit more than what the jacket tells you but it didn't matter. It just gave me a few more clues to work with. I was still very very impressed with Kwasney's ability to weave these three stories together. It's heartbreaking, honest, raw and
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Jun 08, 2010
Mandy
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Blue Plate Special is a mother daughter story that is heartbreaking, thought-provoking, and big on second chances. The book is told in alternating chapters by three teenage girls, each peppered with pop-culture references of their time. The reader senses the three stories are connected, and the connection is revealed gradually and very effectively. A tough story to read, with teen pregnancy, rape, an alcoholic mother, and cancer all present, but worth the journey. Sure to hit home with some
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Jun 02, 2010
Sarah
rated it:
I picked this book up because I'd heard it mentioned in several different places. I found it interesting, but fairly predictable. (Only one twist surprised me). That being said, I think it addresses some really important issues in an interesting way. It's written in three voices, the narrator's lives are intertwined in ways you don't know until towards the end. I thought the voices were realistic and somewhat heartbreaking. Seeing so many forms of abuse and neglect, balanced by hope and lo
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Nov 10, 2011
Nomes
rated it:
3.5 stars
Blue Plate Special is the story of three women in one family. The format alternates between each women's POV during their teen years. The snapshot of their teen years each covers pivotal moments which shaped their future. All three of them explore love and losing their virginity.
Madeline's teen story is set in 1977,
Madeline's daughter, Desiree, in 1993 and
Desiree's daughter (Madeline's granddaughter) Ariel, is in 2009.
Desiree's thread of the More...
Blue Plate Special is the story of three women in one family. The format alternates between each women's POV during their teen years. The snapshot of their teen years each covers pivotal moments which shaped their future. All three of them explore love and losing their virginity.
Madeline's teen story is set in 1977,
Madeline's daughter, Desiree, in 1993 and
Desiree's daughter (Madeline's granddaughter) Ariel, is in 2009.
Desiree's thread of the More...
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Feb 18, 2011
Lisa
rated it:
This wound up being my final book of the year. This little gem was number 100. I saw this on a list for teens, made by teens, for my library (I try to keep up with what they're talking about). I enjoyed this book a great deal.
One of the girls sections was even written in free verse. You know that's been my thing lately. Anyway, for all of their differences, these girls had undercurrents of similarities. You know we're all more alike than we realize. They were all very diffe More...
One of the girls sections was even written in free verse. You know that's been my thing lately. Anyway, for all of their differences, these girls had undercurrents of similarities. You know we're all more alike than we realize. They were all very diffe More...
Sep 01, 2010
McKenzie
rated it:
Blue Plate Special is one of those stories that really gets to you. It starts as just another teenagers with problems book, but Michelle weaves together intrigue, wit, and awkwardness into a classic coming of age story that defies preset standards.
Madeline, Desiree, and Ariel. All young girls with their whole lives ahead of them, stuck in problem situations. All are connected, but none know it just quite yet. As time flashes from one point of view to the next, each young woman offer More...
Madeline, Desiree, and Ariel. All young girls with their whole lives ahead of them, stuck in problem situations. All are connected, but none know it just quite yet. As time flashes from one point of view to the next, each young woman offer More...
Dec 21, 2010
Emma
rated it: 
1977. Elmira, New York: All Madeline wants to do is forget her life. She'd give anything to be like the popular cheerleaders at her high school. But she isn't. She's fat and homely. Her mother is a drunk. Music is the only thing that keeps her sane and food is the only thing that helps her forget how how empty she feels and how starved she is for just a little bit of affection. Living on Welfare, Madeline tries to keep her head down, hide her savings and look toward graduating and getting the he
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Apr 05, 2010
Christian
rated it:
The Blue Plate Special by Michelle D. Kwasney, is and excellent story about three girls.
Madeline, Desiree, and Ariel are all living hard lives they have had to grow up faster then other girls their ages. Madeline has issues with her weight and her alcoholic mother, she lives a life where the mother and daughter roles are reversed. Desiree has a neglectful mother, but also has the unwanted attention from her mothers boyfriend who is a little to nice to her. Ariel is dealing with her grandm More...
Madeline, Desiree, and Ariel are all living hard lives they have had to grow up faster then other girls their ages. Madeline has issues with her weight and her alcoholic mother, she lives a life where the mother and daughter roles are reversed. Desiree has a neglectful mother, but also has the unwanted attention from her mothers boyfriend who is a little to nice to her. Ariel is dealing with her grandm More...
Dec 02, 2010
Steph
rated it:
This novel is told from the perspectives of three very different teenage girls - Madeline in the 1970s, Desiree in the 1990s, and Ariel in the 2000s. I found that each of their perspectives were brilliantly written, and each of their stories moving. I especially loved the sparse verse that is used in telling Desiree's story, and all of the music references used to ground the reader in the era of each of the girl's stories. Though it may seem as if chapters jumping between three different girls a
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Sep 17, 2010
****
I really liked this book. I loved how the plot lines all came together--so intricately woven and beautifully unfolded. There was a good strong (without being heavy handed) female empowerment message. Definitely an "out of adversity come strength and beauty" moral. I was pleased when the book ended with a happy ending but wasn't too Disney. This book deals with some really tough topics but it was handled in a way that wasn't too graphic for younger readers. 5Q 4P MJS
I really liked this book. I loved how the plot lines all came together--so intricately woven and beautifully unfolded. There was a good strong (without being heavy handed) female empowerment message. Definitely an "out of adversity come strength and beauty" moral. I was pleased when the book ended with a happy ending but wasn't too Disney. This book deals with some really tough topics but it was handled in a way that wasn't too graphic for younger readers. 5Q 4P MJS
Jun 03, 2010
Deb
rated it:
I could not put this one down, even though I guessed much of it at the beginning. Told in alternating chapters, 3 teen girls have family issues to deal with; one in 1977, one in 1993 and one in 2009. Unplanned pregnancies, drunk or otherwise uncaring moms and rape are some of the issues these girls have to cope with. Two of them have loving boyfriends who stand by their side. Their connected stories get revealed but it's the lessons learned and also the love that can be found that I thought comp
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Feb 11, 2012
Cathy
rated it:
Oh wow. I love when stories start off with totally unrelated characters and the story magically winds them together. This book ranks right up their with Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak for me. Teens, rape, teen pregnancy...a must read for teens!! What better way to teach our girls how to handle these sticky situations than to let them read it in a book like this--a story that ultimately has such a good message!!
Jun 26, 2011
Lori
rated it:
This book is clever. I really love when authors tell different stories simultaneously and then tie them all together somehow. I didn't particularly love any of the characters, but there were aspects of each that I could relate to. We don't often see how one's decision affects the down line and that is what I liked so much about it.
Jun 21, 2010
Kris
rated it:
Madeline - Desiree - Ariel. Mothers and daughters. The premise is that our lives are blue plate specials - we're often making something from the leftovers of our parents. Really liked this. I do quibble with the "reveal" that M. Murdock was Madeline (duh) but love how Muralee affected the lives of all three women.
Mar 16, 2010
Nicole
rated it:
I liked it. An easy, relatively quick read.
Three focalizers with similar problems but distinct voices. The connections between the girls were revealed slowly and with obvious authorial relish. And I was actually surprised by a couple of them!
This one was brought to YALSA at ALA but ultimately didn't make the cut. Eh, I would have let it slide onto the list.
Though I will admit, for a relatively sweet and simple tale, there was an awful lot of gritty materia More...
Three focalizers with similar problems but distinct voices. The connections between the girls were revealed slowly and with obvious authorial relish. And I was actually surprised by a couple of them!
This one was brought to YALSA at ALA but ultimately didn't make the cut. Eh, I would have let it slide onto the list.
Though I will admit, for a relatively sweet and simple tale, there was an awful lot of gritty materia More...
Jul 05, 2010
Allison
rated it:
I loved, loved, loved this book and absolutely could not put it down- I had to keep following the stories of three teen girls in different eras (1977, 1993, and 2009) to see how they would deal with the challenges life had thrown at them.
The connection between the three main characters was clear to me even before I started reading (just do the math), so my enjoyment was not found in the element of surprise, but in seeing how the girls' stories unfolded, how the characters got where More...
The connection between the three main characters was clear to me even before I started reading (just do the math), so my enjoyment was not found in the element of surprise, but in seeing how the girls' stories unfolded, how the characters got where More...
