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When the cat's away
Story about three siblings aged 17, 15 and 14 whose parents go to Europe for a month, supposedly leaving them in the care of their aunt with the neighbour as back-up. However, their parents' best laid plans go awry and the kids discover a freedom they've never had before. Things get out of hand and they end up hosting a teenage party with disastrous results. The three siblings then have to work together to sort everything out before their parents return.
205 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
3 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 19, 2020
this book surprised me. it was actually very good for what I was expecting. would recommend for a quick read.
October 1, 2011
Why I decided to read this book:
I decided to read this book because as I was looking through the library I came across it, I thought it would be intersting because firstly it's written by a New Zeland author and secondly the plot and characters seemed to be easily related to as they were aroynd the same age.
Which category on the bingo board this book completes:
A book written by a New Zealander.
What I liked about this book:
I liked how everything was set in NZ and had NZ slang which was cool and relateable as I personally haven't experienced that in a book before. The characters where around my age and it seems to be easier to understand what they are goong through, the problems they face through out this story etc. It has moments of comedy then quickly changing back to deep serious parts, letting you get to know the personality of each character. The deep description in this book gives you a vivid image to what is happening.
What I didn't like about this book and why:
I didnt like how it ended so abruptly, personally I think the author could of given a better described ending, it leaves wanting more, not in a good way though, it leaves you with the thought 'oh is that it?', after the very well describe plot and climax the ending kind of ruins it.
Who I would recmmend this book to:
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good laugh, but a sprinlke of seriousness in there aswell, keeping you engaged to pretty much the end. Overall this is a really great read and all nz teenagers should have a read of it.
I decided to read this book because as I was looking through the library I came across it, I thought it would be intersting because firstly it's written by a New Zeland author and secondly the plot and characters seemed to be easily related to as they were aroynd the same age.
Which category on the bingo board this book completes:
A book written by a New Zealander.
What I liked about this book:
I liked how everything was set in NZ and had NZ slang which was cool and relateable as I personally haven't experienced that in a book before. The characters where around my age and it seems to be easier to understand what they are goong through, the problems they face through out this story etc. It has moments of comedy then quickly changing back to deep serious parts, letting you get to know the personality of each character. The deep description in this book gives you a vivid image to what is happening.
What I didn't like about this book and why:
I didnt like how it ended so abruptly, personally I think the author could of given a better described ending, it leaves wanting more, not in a good way though, it leaves you with the thought 'oh is that it?', after the very well describe plot and climax the ending kind of ruins it.
Who I would recmmend this book to:
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good laugh, but a sprinlke of seriousness in there aswell, keeping you engaged to pretty much the end. Overall this is a really great read and all nz teenagers should have a read of it.
August 16, 2011
When The Cat's Away was such a cool book! I loved Jackie Rutherford's way of writing and I will look out for anymore books by her!!
This is a very funny and hooking book that I read in one day since it was so good!
I hugely enjoyed every minute of this book!
Three siblings: 18 year old Jodi, 15 year old Nathan and 14 year old Bianca simply don't get along. Things get worse when their parents leave them to go on a month's holiday around Europe. They think the Aunty and the neighbour are looking after them, but truth is that it is just Jodi looking after her siblings. When Bianca's sleepover turns into a crowded party, things get out of contol. It is only when the grumpy old neighbour Mr Murphy comes along looking like a cop the party stops and people leave. The teenagers are left to scrounge up enough money to pay for the damages of Mum's crystal vase, Mr Murphy's garden gnome, the bathroom cabinet and the blinds. They are forced to get jobs: a waitress, a farmer and an alphalfa packager. In the end they are forced to work together to fix things before Mum and Dad get home.
Funny, well written, engaging and interesting plot are some words to describe this awesome book!
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read it. It isn't a long book but you will definitely enjoy it!
This is a very funny and hooking book that I read in one day since it was so good!
I hugely enjoyed every minute of this book!
Three siblings: 18 year old Jodi, 15 year old Nathan and 14 year old Bianca simply don't get along. Things get worse when their parents leave them to go on a month's holiday around Europe. They think the Aunty and the neighbour are looking after them, but truth is that it is just Jodi looking after her siblings. When Bianca's sleepover turns into a crowded party, things get out of contol. It is only when the grumpy old neighbour Mr Murphy comes along looking like a cop the party stops and people leave. The teenagers are left to scrounge up enough money to pay for the damages of Mum's crystal vase, Mr Murphy's garden gnome, the bathroom cabinet and the blinds. They are forced to get jobs: a waitress, a farmer and an alphalfa packager. In the end they are forced to work together to fix things before Mum and Dad get home.
Funny, well written, engaging and interesting plot are some words to describe this awesome book!
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read it. It isn't a long book but you will definitely enjoy it!
July 20, 2014
18 yr old Jodi, 15 yr old Nathan and 14 yr old Bianca have been left home alone for a month. Their parents believe Aunty Jean is looking after them. Aunty Jean thinks the neighbour is looking after them. But when those plans fall through the siblings decide not to tell anyone. Especially after a party goes horribly wrong and they are left with the chaos.
The next month is spent getting jobs to get the money to repair the damage – before their parents come home and ground them until they are 100.
To their surprise, working together isn’t impossible and they get to know each other again – and achieve their goal together – only just.
Laugh out loud moments and refreshing to read something fun and light for older readers.
The next month is spent getting jobs to get the money to repair the damage – before their parents come home and ground them until they are 100.
To their surprise, working together isn’t impossible and they get to know each other again – and achieve their goal together – only just.
Laugh out loud moments and refreshing to read something fun and light for older readers.
October 30, 2013
It could have been better. but it was still interesting.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews