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The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee
Everyone has problems. Candice has solutions.
Candice Phee isn't your typical twelve- year-old. She has more than her fair share of quirks. But she has the very best of intentions and unwavering determination to make sure everyone around her is happy. Which is no easy feat when you're dealing with a pet fish with an identity crisis, a friend who believes he came from another dimension, an age-old family feud, and a sick mom. But she is on a mission. And she's going to fix it all, even if it means risking sea sickness, guarding an edge of a cliff, and dancing in the rain. Her methods might be unique, but Candice will do whatever it takes to restore order to her world and make sure everyone is absolutely, categorically happy again.
Hilariously honest and wonderfully touching, "The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee" will have you rooting for the underdog and celebrating the oddball in each of us.
Candice Phee isn't your typical twelve- year-old. She has more than her fair share of quirks. But she has the very best of intentions and unwavering determination to make sure everyone around her is happy. Which is no easy feat when you're dealing with a pet fish with an identity crisis, a friend who believes he came from another dimension, an age-old family feud, and a sick mom. But she is on a mission. And she's going to fix it all, even if it means risking sea sickness, guarding an edge of a cliff, and dancing in the rain. Her methods might be unique, but Candice will do whatever it takes to restore order to her world and make sure everyone is absolutely, categorically happy again.
Hilariously honest and wonderfully touching, "The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee" will have you rooting for the underdog and celebrating the oddball in each of us.
242 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2013
72 people are currently reading
1620 people want to read
About the author
Barry Jonsberg
45 books105 followersBarry Jonsberg is an Australian author and teacher originally from Liverpool, England. He holds degrees in English and Psychology from Liverpool University and moved to Australia in 1999. His debut novel, The Whole Business with Kiffo and the Pitbull, earned acclaim in 2005, and his follow-up, It’s Not All About YOU, Calma, won the 2006 South Australian Festival Award for Children’s Literature. Jonsberg has continued to receive numerous honors, including awards and shortlistings for Dreamrider, My Life as an Alphabet, A Little Spark, and Smoke & Mirrors, affirming his place in contemporary young adult literature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 416 reviews
August 10, 2014
It often takes a while to figure out when you’re falling in love with a book. A book is a risk. You’re judging it from page one onward, informed by your own personal prejudices and reading history. Then there’s this moment when a shift takes place. It might be a subtle shift or it might be sudden and violent but all of a sudden it’s there. One minute you’re just reading for the heck of it, and the next you are LOVING what you’re reading, hoping it never has to end. Happily, that was my experience with Barry Jonsberg’s The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee. Lots of books promise you that you’ll fall in love with their odd characters. They’ll say something along the lines of “You won’t like her – you’ll love her.” And usually that’s untrue. But in this case, I really do love Candice. How can you not? She wants to turn her fish atheist, for crying out loud. And on that note . . .
In Candice’s own words, her family could not be considered, “front-runners for Australian Happy Family of the Year.” Her baby sister died years ago, her mother is depressed, her father is angry with his brother (sure that the man got rich on one of his ideas), and her Rich Uncle Brian is a lonely cuss. She’s kind of an odd kid in and of herself. The kind that doesn’t have a lot of friends but doesn’t mind the fact. There are other problems, of course. She worries that her fish has set her up as a false god. She worries that her friend Douglas, who seriously believes he’s from another dimension, intends to throw himself into a gorge. But at least she has her pen pal (who has never written back, but that’s no problem) to write to. And as Candice says, “I want to pursue happiness. I want to catch it, grab it by the scruff of the neck, drag it home, and force it to embrace all the people I mentioned above. I’m just not sure how to accomplish this. But I am determined to try.”
The thing you have to admire about Candice is that she’s a remarkably proactive protagonist. When she’s sick and tired of the broken state of her family she sets out to correct their problems (sometimes with odd results). When she thinks there’s a possibility of a friend doing something stupid she will put herself in harm’s way (or at least, annoyance’s way) to help him out. She’s smart as a whip, a fact that no one around her notices. And Candice is also a relentless optimist, but not in an annoying way. She has no interest at all in what you think of her. Early in the book she mentions that she has lots of friends as far as she’s concerned but that, “As far as everyone else was concerned, I didn’t have a friend in the world. Does that make a difference? I’m not sure.” Kids have so many bully books these days that it’s a huge relief to read one where the mean girl teases Candice and the words have absolutely zippo effect on her whatsoever. Like Teflon in a way, is this kid. Bullied kids make for dull reading. Candice is never dull.
She’s also not autistic. I feel like that kind of statement shouldn’t be as revolutionary as it is. Heck, it’s practically self-explanatory. We’re so used to kids on the autism spectrum in our children’s literature these days that we have a hard time remembering the ones that are just plain old weird. But they exist. In fact, Candice self-diagnoses as weird. When she was young she witnessed her beloved baby sister’s death from SIDS and it mucked her up in a couple ways. Not as many ways as her mother and father, but a lot of ways just the same. So there’s a wonderful scene where a friend’s mother makes the assumption that Candice is autistic. When she says that she is not the friend’s mom asks, “Then what are you?” “I’m me.” That could come off as cute. Here, for whatever reason, it does not.
I’ve already heard a couple people compare this book to Holly Goldberg Sloan’s book Counting By 7s which is understandable, if somewhat misleading. There are some major differences at work. First off, there’s the language. There’s a distinct deliciousness to Candice’s speech patterns. When her uncle wins her a stuffed toy at a fair that “might have been a gnu or a camel with severe disabilities” she tells him in no uncertain terms that it is “vile”. And then the descriptions in the book are also out of his world. A forced smile is described as “one of those smiles when someone has pointed a camera at you for half an hour and neglected to press the shutter.” Her friend Douglas is described as, “His eyes crowd toward the middle, as if they are trying to merge together but are prevented from doing so by the barrier of his nose, which is larger than you’d wish if you were designing it from scratch.” Her mother’s bedroom where she spends much of her time when depressed “smelled of something that had spent a long time out of the sunshine.”
Candice’s problems don’t just disappear miraculously in a puff of smoke either. By the end of the book she’s figured out how to mend some of the bigger problems that have been undermining her family’s happiness, but her sister is still dead, her mother still has depression, and her father still resents his brother. Things are significantly better, but there’s a long road to hoe. It is amazing that a book with this many potentially depressing subplots should be as upbeat, cheery, and downright hilarious as this. Jonsberg’s writing gives the book a skewed one-of-a-kind view of the world that is unlike any other you might encounter. You’ll like this book AND love it. And for what it’s worth, kid readers will too.
For ages 9-12.
In Candice’s own words, her family could not be considered, “front-runners for Australian Happy Family of the Year.” Her baby sister died years ago, her mother is depressed, her father is angry with his brother (sure that the man got rich on one of his ideas), and her Rich Uncle Brian is a lonely cuss. She’s kind of an odd kid in and of herself. The kind that doesn’t have a lot of friends but doesn’t mind the fact. There are other problems, of course. She worries that her fish has set her up as a false god. She worries that her friend Douglas, who seriously believes he’s from another dimension, intends to throw himself into a gorge. But at least she has her pen pal (who has never written back, but that’s no problem) to write to. And as Candice says, “I want to pursue happiness. I want to catch it, grab it by the scruff of the neck, drag it home, and force it to embrace all the people I mentioned above. I’m just not sure how to accomplish this. But I am determined to try.”
The thing you have to admire about Candice is that she’s a remarkably proactive protagonist. When she’s sick and tired of the broken state of her family she sets out to correct their problems (sometimes with odd results). When she thinks there’s a possibility of a friend doing something stupid she will put herself in harm’s way (or at least, annoyance’s way) to help him out. She’s smart as a whip, a fact that no one around her notices. And Candice is also a relentless optimist, but not in an annoying way. She has no interest at all in what you think of her. Early in the book she mentions that she has lots of friends as far as she’s concerned but that, “As far as everyone else was concerned, I didn’t have a friend in the world. Does that make a difference? I’m not sure.” Kids have so many bully books these days that it’s a huge relief to read one where the mean girl teases Candice and the words have absolutely zippo effect on her whatsoever. Like Teflon in a way, is this kid. Bullied kids make for dull reading. Candice is never dull.
She’s also not autistic. I feel like that kind of statement shouldn’t be as revolutionary as it is. Heck, it’s practically self-explanatory. We’re so used to kids on the autism spectrum in our children’s literature these days that we have a hard time remembering the ones that are just plain old weird. But they exist. In fact, Candice self-diagnoses as weird. When she was young she witnessed her beloved baby sister’s death from SIDS and it mucked her up in a couple ways. Not as many ways as her mother and father, but a lot of ways just the same. So there’s a wonderful scene where a friend’s mother makes the assumption that Candice is autistic. When she says that she is not the friend’s mom asks, “Then what are you?” “I’m me.” That could come off as cute. Here, for whatever reason, it does not.
I’ve already heard a couple people compare this book to Holly Goldberg Sloan’s book Counting By 7s which is understandable, if somewhat misleading. There are some major differences at work. First off, there’s the language. There’s a distinct deliciousness to Candice’s speech patterns. When her uncle wins her a stuffed toy at a fair that “might have been a gnu or a camel with severe disabilities” she tells him in no uncertain terms that it is “vile”. And then the descriptions in the book are also out of his world. A forced smile is described as “one of those smiles when someone has pointed a camera at you for half an hour and neglected to press the shutter.” Her friend Douglas is described as, “His eyes crowd toward the middle, as if they are trying to merge together but are prevented from doing so by the barrier of his nose, which is larger than you’d wish if you were designing it from scratch.” Her mother’s bedroom where she spends much of her time when depressed “smelled of something that had spent a long time out of the sunshine.”
Candice’s problems don’t just disappear miraculously in a puff of smoke either. By the end of the book she’s figured out how to mend some of the bigger problems that have been undermining her family’s happiness, but her sister is still dead, her mother still has depression, and her father still resents his brother. Things are significantly better, but there’s a long road to hoe. It is amazing that a book with this many potentially depressing subplots should be as upbeat, cheery, and downright hilarious as this. Jonsberg’s writing gives the book a skewed one-of-a-kind view of the world that is unlike any other you might encounter. You’ll like this book AND love it. And for what it’s worth, kid readers will too.
For ages 9-12.
June 14, 2015
Ce livre était excellent. Il aurait gagné à approfondir certains points sur la fin pour être parfait mais il est tout de même génial, je recommande !
Read
October 20, 2014This book is amazing!! The characters in it are incredibly weird and interesting. Another thing I love about this book is that it focuses on all the good things in life! Overall this book is great for anyone who loves humor and just wanting something good to read this is a must!
November 18, 2021
Candice Phee is a quirky girl full of hope, despite the challenging circumstances of her home and school life. While she isn’t terribly talkative, she is highly precocious and her internal world is full of optimistic thoughts and ideas geared toward making things better for everyone around her.
It’s nearly impossible not to fall in love with Candice. She has a rosy view of the world, despite the hand she’s been dealt, and the way she expresses herself is utterly charming. I loved getting her extremely literal take on everything and I enjoyed reading her innocent and humorous explanations.
Overall, I thought this was a wonderful story and, while I struggle with accepting dark things in light stories, I was mostly able to embrace this one. There were a few minor details I didn’t absolutely adore, but I can definitely see why my husband, who had recommended this book countless times to me, loves it so much.
The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee was the perfect palate cleaner for someone like me - a reader who mostly exists on a steady diet of heaviness and darkness. I love that the author didn’t wrap it all up in a neat bow as it closed, but still gave the reader enough closure to feel settled in the end.
It’s nearly impossible not to fall in love with Candice. She has a rosy view of the world, despite the hand she’s been dealt, and the way she expresses herself is utterly charming. I loved getting her extremely literal take on everything and I enjoyed reading her innocent and humorous explanations.
Overall, I thought this was a wonderful story and, while I struggle with accepting dark things in light stories, I was mostly able to embrace this one. There were a few minor details I didn’t absolutely adore, but I can definitely see why my husband, who had recommended this book countless times to me, loves it so much.
The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee was the perfect palate cleaner for someone like me - a reader who mostly exists on a steady diet of heaviness and darkness. I love that the author didn’t wrap it all up in a neat bow as it closed, but still gave the reader enough closure to feel settled in the end.
January 5, 2019
Such a feel-good charmer. Not twee, or saccharine, or unbelievable like most Christmas stories... just a story that makes one feel that challenges can be met, crises overcome, friends made from enemies... using rose-colored glasses *is* a valid way of looking at the world. Young me would also have loved it.
I do like this author and will continue to consider more by him.
I do like this author and will continue to consider more by him.
February 22, 2025
The story is about twelve-year-old Candice, who has to write an autobiography from A to Z for a school assignment. Along the way, we get to know her and the (history of) her family.
Candice is clearly somewhere on the spectrum (though she completely disagrees), and she has a uniquely candid perspective on the world. The book is at times hilariously funny, but also heartbreaking—often both at the same time.
Highly recommended!
Candice is clearly somewhere on the spectrum (though she completely disagrees), and she has a uniquely candid perspective on the world. The book is at times hilariously funny, but also heartbreaking—often both at the same time.
Highly recommended!
March 3, 2020
Pure bunte Lebensfreude!
*Candice hat es geschafft, auch mich ein Stück glücklicher zu machen*
Ich habe selten einen Klappentext gelesen, der ein Buch wirklich so gut beschreibt wie der von diesem Buch. Denn dieses ist wirklich auf eine wunderbare Weise absolut genial. Wir begleiten in diesem Buch die 12 jährige quirlige Protagonistin Candice Phee, die mit ihren autistischen Zügen ab und zu in ihrer Umwelt aneckt, und in der ihre Handlungen und Ideen nicht von jedem nachvollzogen werden können. Candice liest in ihrer Freizeit Lexika und ich manchmal für den Geschmack ihrer Mitmenschen einfach zu ehrlich. Candice lässt sich von den Meinungen der anderen Menschen aber nicht unterkriegen, denn ganz im Gegenteil: Sie sprüht nur so vor lauter Energie und Lebensfreude und geht mit vollem Elan an ihre Aufgabe, den Menschen in ihrem Umfeld zu helfen und sie dadurch wieder ein Stück glücklicher zu machen. In einem von A-Z gegliederten Schulaufsatz erzählt Candice in diesem Zusammenhang von ihrer Familie und ihrem Leben. Dabei zeigt die super sympathische Candice dem Lesenden wundervolle neue Sichtweisen auf Dinge und Phänomene im Leben, die mir sehr gut gefallen haben. Denn wie oft stecken wir in unseren Denkmustern fest, sagen Dinge wie „Das kann doch so gar nicht funktionieren, das ist unlogisch.“ und vergessen, wie vielseitig Dinge betrachtet werden können. Das hat mir Candice beim Lesen ein ums andere Mal wieder ins Gedächtnis gerufen. Denn auch wenn nicht immer alles bei ihrer Mission, ihre Eltern, ihren reichen Onkel Brian, ihre Brieffreundin Danielle, ihren Fisch Erdferkel-Fisch und ihren besten Freund Douglas Benson aus einer anderen Dimension zu ihrem Glück zu verhelfen glatt geht, so gibt Candice nicht auf. Und das finde ich echt super an ihr.
Auch die anderen Charaktere haben mir wirklich gut gefallen. Hier hat der Autor sein großes Können sehr deutlich gezeigt, weil er so liebenswerte, verrückte und facettenreiche Charaktere erschaffen, die die Geschichte mit unfassbar viel Leben füllen und sie bunt machen. Genauso wie die Emotionen im Buch, die auch unheimlich bunt sind. Da gibt es farbenfrohe Kapitel in denen man herzlich auflacht und auch wiederum ein paar graue Kapitel, in denen es ernster und tiefgründiger wird. Auch hier ist die Mischung wirklich gut dosiert, sodass der Lesende am Ende zum Nachdenken angeregt wird, aber vor allem auch eine Vielzahl an Gefühlen beim Lesen spürt. Die Themen innerhalb der Kapitel waren mal lustig, leicht und locker, mal philosophisch und ernst. Eine sehr gelungene Mischung!
Der Schreibstil lässt sich an dieser Stelle für mich ebenfalls am besten mit dem Wort bunt beschreiben. Die Gedanken von Candice wurden so schillernd beschrieben, dass man direkt in Candice Kopf eintauchen und sie sehr gut nachvollziehen konnte. Die Wörter waren so treffend gewählt, das sie einerseits für ein 12 jähriges Mädchen sehr authentisch waren, und andererseits doch gezeigt haben, dass Candice doch irgendwie ein bisschen anders denkt.
Mein Fazit:
Eine unheimlich schöne, bunte Geschichte, die nur so vor positiven Emotionen blubbert, sodass ich als Lesende am Ende der Geschichte ein ganzes Stück glücklicher und auch ein kleines bisschen weiser geworden bin. Denn Candice hat mir nochmal gezeigt, dass es viele Betrachtungsweisen gibt und es manchmal echt gut tut, seinen Blickwinkel einfach mal zu verändern. Dieses Buch ist eine absolute Leseempfehlung von mir!
Ich vergebe 5 von 5 möglichen Sternen!
Lest fleißig,
eure Sabrina
*Candice hat es geschafft, auch mich ein Stück glücklicher zu machen*
Ich habe selten einen Klappentext gelesen, der ein Buch wirklich so gut beschreibt wie der von diesem Buch. Denn dieses ist wirklich auf eine wunderbare Weise absolut genial. Wir begleiten in diesem Buch die 12 jährige quirlige Protagonistin Candice Phee, die mit ihren autistischen Zügen ab und zu in ihrer Umwelt aneckt, und in der ihre Handlungen und Ideen nicht von jedem nachvollzogen werden können. Candice liest in ihrer Freizeit Lexika und ich manchmal für den Geschmack ihrer Mitmenschen einfach zu ehrlich. Candice lässt sich von den Meinungen der anderen Menschen aber nicht unterkriegen, denn ganz im Gegenteil: Sie sprüht nur so vor lauter Energie und Lebensfreude und geht mit vollem Elan an ihre Aufgabe, den Menschen in ihrem Umfeld zu helfen und sie dadurch wieder ein Stück glücklicher zu machen. In einem von A-Z gegliederten Schulaufsatz erzählt Candice in diesem Zusammenhang von ihrer Familie und ihrem Leben. Dabei zeigt die super sympathische Candice dem Lesenden wundervolle neue Sichtweisen auf Dinge und Phänomene im Leben, die mir sehr gut gefallen haben. Denn wie oft stecken wir in unseren Denkmustern fest, sagen Dinge wie „Das kann doch so gar nicht funktionieren, das ist unlogisch.“ und vergessen, wie vielseitig Dinge betrachtet werden können. Das hat mir Candice beim Lesen ein ums andere Mal wieder ins Gedächtnis gerufen. Denn auch wenn nicht immer alles bei ihrer Mission, ihre Eltern, ihren reichen Onkel Brian, ihre Brieffreundin Danielle, ihren Fisch Erdferkel-Fisch und ihren besten Freund Douglas Benson aus einer anderen Dimension zu ihrem Glück zu verhelfen glatt geht, so gibt Candice nicht auf. Und das finde ich echt super an ihr.
Auch die anderen Charaktere haben mir wirklich gut gefallen. Hier hat der Autor sein großes Können sehr deutlich gezeigt, weil er so liebenswerte, verrückte und facettenreiche Charaktere erschaffen, die die Geschichte mit unfassbar viel Leben füllen und sie bunt machen. Genauso wie die Emotionen im Buch, die auch unheimlich bunt sind. Da gibt es farbenfrohe Kapitel in denen man herzlich auflacht und auch wiederum ein paar graue Kapitel, in denen es ernster und tiefgründiger wird. Auch hier ist die Mischung wirklich gut dosiert, sodass der Lesende am Ende zum Nachdenken angeregt wird, aber vor allem auch eine Vielzahl an Gefühlen beim Lesen spürt. Die Themen innerhalb der Kapitel waren mal lustig, leicht und locker, mal philosophisch und ernst. Eine sehr gelungene Mischung!
Der Schreibstil lässt sich an dieser Stelle für mich ebenfalls am besten mit dem Wort bunt beschreiben. Die Gedanken von Candice wurden so schillernd beschrieben, dass man direkt in Candice Kopf eintauchen und sie sehr gut nachvollziehen konnte. Die Wörter waren so treffend gewählt, das sie einerseits für ein 12 jähriges Mädchen sehr authentisch waren, und andererseits doch gezeigt haben, dass Candice doch irgendwie ein bisschen anders denkt.
Mein Fazit:
Eine unheimlich schöne, bunte Geschichte, die nur so vor positiven Emotionen blubbert, sodass ich als Lesende am Ende der Geschichte ein ganzes Stück glücklicher und auch ein kleines bisschen weiser geworden bin. Denn Candice hat mir nochmal gezeigt, dass es viele Betrachtungsweisen gibt und es manchmal echt gut tut, seinen Blickwinkel einfach mal zu verändern. Dieses Buch ist eine absolute Leseempfehlung von mir!
Ich vergebe 5 von 5 möglichen Sternen!
Lest fleißig,
eure Sabrina
July 19, 2022
This book was delightful. I loved it from the very first chapter.
Candice is neurodivergent (but if you ask her, she's just herself) and we get very logical but unreliable narration. She was a lot of fun, and I could picture my daughter saying so many of the things that came out of her mouth. She's such a positive person but oblivious to social cues and conventions, but in a really innocent and endearing way. One of those characters that always sees the best in others. Once she started worrying about her fish's religion and made plans to encourage atheism I lost it. It's just a genuinely hilarious book, without poking fun at anyone. My kids made me read so many bits of this out because I kept laughing and they wanted in on the joke. It's weird and quirky and somehow still wholesome at the same time.
Candice is neurodivergent (but if you ask her, she's just herself) and we get very logical but unreliable narration. She was a lot of fun, and I could picture my daughter saying so many of the things that came out of her mouth. She's such a positive person but oblivious to social cues and conventions, but in a really innocent and endearing way. One of those characters that always sees the best in others. Once she started worrying about her fish's religion and made plans to encourage atheism I lost it. It's just a genuinely hilarious book, without poking fun at anyone. My kids made me read so many bits of this out because I kept laughing and they wanted in on the joke. It's weird and quirky and somehow still wholesome at the same time.
April 13, 2015
Book Report by: Emily DeVeyra
Room: 307
Introduction
The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee was written by Barry Jonsberg. He is an English author and a teacher. He was born in Liverpool, England. The original title was, My Life as an Alphabet. Barry Jonsberg also wrote Being Here, Dreamrider, a series called Pandora Jones and more books written by him.
The genre is Realistic Fiction, sub-genre is humorous. It is Realistic Fiction because it’s like everything you’ll see in everyday life, but isn't real. It’s humorous because there is actually a lot of funny moments in the book. The book is actually an essay written by Candice Phee in Alphabetical order. The view of point is 1st person, Candice is the one telling the story which affects the story because Candice actually has special needs which makes it interesting because when you read a book that is 1st person, the character is usually strong and heroic. It’s also interesting because she is the one writing the essay.
Candice Phee gets assigned to an assignment to write an essay about her whole entire life in alphabetical order. She likes to see people happy, but her family has problems that she tries to fix. She gets assign a pen pal, Denille, that for some reason never responded to her.
Settings
The story takes place in Albright, Australia, 41.5 kilometers from Brisbane. She describes it small, she said two days after she was born, they had fireworks and dancing. She lives in a townhouse by a trail. This story takes place in present times. In a way if she lived in a better town, she would have been a little less interesting because then it’s just like any other story next door, in a popular city with lots of friends and lots of wealthy people.
Characters
The main character is Candice Phee who is the one telling the story, she is an outsider who isn't really popular because she has special needs. She is a positive person and wants everyone to be happy in every circumstances. She has a friend named Douglas. He claims he is from another dimension, and does things he should not do, I think he is kinda new not someone you’ll see everyday, he is unique. Her uncle, Rich Uncle Brian which she calls RUB is rich and doesn't really like her father.
Plot Summary
The protagonist (hero) is Candice because she faces life when it gets hard and tries to solve problems. She is usually put down from people because she has special needs, but she doesn't listen to the bad things people expect from her. The antagonist is life itself. The problems in life she is facing is, family problems and people who put her down. To solve all these problems, she must come up with a solution that can solve her family problems. One of the people that supports her is Douglas. He is a friend of Candice, who supports her a lot. The other supporting characters is her own family.
The story begins when she gets assigned to write an essay about her life in alphabetical order. Then she gets assign a pen pal. In around the middle and ending, her dad and RUB finally gets along. In the end, she resolves her family problems and defeats the bullies.
Theme
So one of the morals is don’t let people take you down and never be anyone but yourself. you can tell because Candice has a really positive personality and never lets people take her down because she has special needs. She is a really nice person.
Personal Response
I enjoyed it a lot. I really liked it because it makes me know more about Candice more from her short stories. It made her more interesting to me. I like humorous a lot. I recommend this for 4th and 5th graders. I also recommend this people who like Realistic fiction and Humorous.
Room: 307
Introduction
The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee was written by Barry Jonsberg. He is an English author and a teacher. He was born in Liverpool, England. The original title was, My Life as an Alphabet. Barry Jonsberg also wrote Being Here, Dreamrider, a series called Pandora Jones and more books written by him.
The genre is Realistic Fiction, sub-genre is humorous. It is Realistic Fiction because it’s like everything you’ll see in everyday life, but isn't real. It’s humorous because there is actually a lot of funny moments in the book. The book is actually an essay written by Candice Phee in Alphabetical order. The view of point is 1st person, Candice is the one telling the story which affects the story because Candice actually has special needs which makes it interesting because when you read a book that is 1st person, the character is usually strong and heroic. It’s also interesting because she is the one writing the essay.
Candice Phee gets assigned to an assignment to write an essay about her whole entire life in alphabetical order. She likes to see people happy, but her family has problems that she tries to fix. She gets assign a pen pal, Denille, that for some reason never responded to her.
Settings
The story takes place in Albright, Australia, 41.5 kilometers from Brisbane. She describes it small, she said two days after she was born, they had fireworks and dancing. She lives in a townhouse by a trail. This story takes place in present times. In a way if she lived in a better town, she would have been a little less interesting because then it’s just like any other story next door, in a popular city with lots of friends and lots of wealthy people.
Characters
The main character is Candice Phee who is the one telling the story, she is an outsider who isn't really popular because she has special needs. She is a positive person and wants everyone to be happy in every circumstances. She has a friend named Douglas. He claims he is from another dimension, and does things he should not do, I think he is kinda new not someone you’ll see everyday, he is unique. Her uncle, Rich Uncle Brian which she calls RUB is rich and doesn't really like her father.
Plot Summary
The protagonist (hero) is Candice because she faces life when it gets hard and tries to solve problems. She is usually put down from people because she has special needs, but she doesn't listen to the bad things people expect from her. The antagonist is life itself. The problems in life she is facing is, family problems and people who put her down. To solve all these problems, she must come up with a solution that can solve her family problems. One of the people that supports her is Douglas. He is a friend of Candice, who supports her a lot. The other supporting characters is her own family.
The story begins when she gets assigned to write an essay about her life in alphabetical order. Then she gets assign a pen pal. In around the middle and ending, her dad and RUB finally gets along. In the end, she resolves her family problems and defeats the bullies.
Theme
So one of the morals is don’t let people take you down and never be anyone but yourself. you can tell because Candice has a really positive personality and never lets people take her down because she has special needs. She is a really nice person.
Personal Response
I enjoyed it a lot. I really liked it because it makes me know more about Candice more from her short stories. It made her more interesting to me. I like humorous a lot. I recommend this for 4th and 5th graders. I also recommend this people who like Realistic fiction and Humorous.
July 24, 2014
This is one of the great reads of the year. I totally agree with all the YA readers who voted it for the Inky Award. This is the story of Candice Phee and her attempt to fix her family after the death of her baby sister and her mother breast cancer and subsequent depression. She is also trying to be there for her best friend, who believes he's fallen into the wrong dimension. Candice is odd, a misfit and brutally honest. The humour in this book reminded me so much if 'The diary if Adrian Mole' and I laughed out loud many times. I couldn't recommend this book more highly - absolutely beautiful.
July 5, 2022
Ich hab das Buch nun zum dritten Mal gelesen. Und es so herzerwärmend, sehr lustig und kann ich echt empfehlen, wenn man auf eine kurze und tolle Lektüre aus ist!
<3
<3
April 14, 2015
Book Report on The categorical universe of Candice Phee
by: Katharine B.
~ THERE ARE SPOILERS IN THIS BOOK! ~
Introduction:
The author of the three star book "The categorical universe of Candice Phee" is "Barry Jonsberg.” Barry Jonsberg has also written the book called "Cassie", "Ironbark" and a few others. The genre of this book is fiction, and the sub - genre is young adult fiction. I think this book is very thoughtful because of how the main character Candice helps everyone. The narrator of this book is Candice Phee, and it's in first person. It affects the story because you get to read only Candice's thoughts not anyone else. Candice Phee has a mission to keep everyone happy. She has a friend named Douglas Benson from another dimension. Her sister has been dead for the past few years and her parents are still depressed about it. Her rich uncle Brian and her dad never talk anymore. Could Candice fix all of these problems and still keep up with school?
Setting:
The story takes place in Queensland, Australia ( Forty-one and a half kilometers from Brisbane.) Candice lives in a house in the state Queensland. The story takes place sometime in the present because the author describes things that we have in our lives today. If the book took place somewhere else it would change the story. For example all the times Candice talks about Australia will change and she would've acted different if she were in a different country.
Characters:
Candice Phee - Main character.
Candice is a twelve year old only child. She had a younger sister that died a few years back. Candice is a type of person who is very caring and tries her best to get her uncle and dad back to friends again. She also tries to help her English by giving her a patch to cover her distorted eye. Candice is different from everyone else because she tries to make everyone happy Also for a twelve year old she has an amazing vocabulary.
Frances (Sky) - Supporting character.
Frances was Candice's little sister but died when Candice was seven years old. She mentions her sister frequently in the story. She describes when her mom is sad thinking about Candice. Candice describes the whole story how her sister died and other memories she had of her.
R.U.B. (Rich Uncle Brian) - Supporting character.
RUB is Candice's rich uncle and is having trouble with Candice’s dad. RUB is forgiving but his brother (Candice’s dad) hates him. What makes him different is that he actually wants to be friends with his brother and wants to help Candice’s dad on his project.
Dad - Supporting character.
He is the father of Candice Phee, and is working on a project on his computer that involves colored lights. He is carefree. He only pays attention to his project and not to the things that need to be solved. In most of the book he just stays by himself but later on in the book he comes out of his shell.
Mum - Supporting character.
Candice’s mum is depressed from the death of her daughter Frances. She usually stays in her bedroom and sometimes spends the whole day being depressed. In about half of the story the mum is in her bedroom.
Douglas Benson from another dimension; - Supporting character.
He is a new friend she met at school. At first they were friends but later he became her boyfriend. He claims he is from another dimension and is very odd. He reminds of Candice. He uses adult vocabulary like Candice. He is very dependable. If Candice needs any help she can count on Douglas. What makes him different is that he claims he is from another dimension, when no one really knows if he is.
The last two characters we don't know that much about.
Jen is bullies Candice by making fun of her. They start working on a project together and soon become friends. Also there is Miss. Bamford. Miss. Bamford is Candice's English teacher and no matter how weird Candice is, Miss. Bamford still cares for her.
Plot Summary:
Candice Phee is the protagonist; she always tries to put a smile on everyone's face, and solves hard problems for everyone. Society is the antagonist. Candice has the deal with bullies making fun of her, and her family is depressed. Some of the two supporting characters that helped Candice through her journey is Miss. Bamford. Miss. Bamford helps Candice by giving her courage to do what she needs to do. Douglas Benson helps Candice by staying on her side from bullies, and helping her deal with her depressed family.
The story begins with a twelve year old girl named Candice Phee; she has an assignment where she writes about her life. Each chapter's topic has to start with the next letter in the alphabet. For example the first chapter is "A" for "Assignment". Candice has a lot of problems like bringing her uncle and dad together again or helping her Mum with her depression. Out of the whole story the turning point was when Denille wrote back to Candice. It was really exciting when Douglas Benson said he was finally going into another dimension but instead he just bumped his head on a tree. Soon Candice figured out a plan to make her dad and uncle friends again and it worked. Candice also realizes why her mother was so sad and does things to make her happy. She makes her mom her favorite dish and she takes the money her uncle saved for her and pays for her mom’s plane ticket for her to go on a trip. Everything was starting to look up in Candice's life. Her mum was out of depression and they were going to go on a trip. Candice grew a lot during the story. She learned to stand up to the bully and is now friends with her. Candice is now thirteen;
Theme:
One moral I found in this story is that life goes on. About half of the story Candice's mum is depressed because of Frances death but Candice shows her that she is not going to come back, that life goes on. Another moral is that “don't judge a book by its cover.” Candice thought that Jen was mean but once she got to know her she was ending up to be a good person.
Personal response:
I like that Candice is a person who tries her best to keep a smile on someone's face. I also enjoyed that Candice has a pen pal and they write to each other. The literary element I liked the most was the characters because you can see how much each of them changed from time to time. But I also liked the setting because of the country it took place in. I would recommend this book to 5th grade and up because the vocabulary is not that difficult but also because Candice has a boyfriend.
by: Katharine B.
~ THERE ARE SPOILERS IN THIS BOOK! ~
Introduction:
The author of the three star book "The categorical universe of Candice Phee" is "Barry Jonsberg.” Barry Jonsberg has also written the book called "Cassie", "Ironbark" and a few others. The genre of this book is fiction, and the sub - genre is young adult fiction. I think this book is very thoughtful because of how the main character Candice helps everyone. The narrator of this book is Candice Phee, and it's in first person. It affects the story because you get to read only Candice's thoughts not anyone else. Candice Phee has a mission to keep everyone happy. She has a friend named Douglas Benson from another dimension. Her sister has been dead for the past few years and her parents are still depressed about it. Her rich uncle Brian and her dad never talk anymore. Could Candice fix all of these problems and still keep up with school?
Setting:
The story takes place in Queensland, Australia ( Forty-one and a half kilometers from Brisbane.) Candice lives in a house in the state Queensland. The story takes place sometime in the present because the author describes things that we have in our lives today. If the book took place somewhere else it would change the story. For example all the times Candice talks about Australia will change and she would've acted different if she were in a different country.
Characters:
Candice Phee - Main character.
Candice is a twelve year old only child. She had a younger sister that died a few years back. Candice is a type of person who is very caring and tries her best to get her uncle and dad back to friends again. She also tries to help her English by giving her a patch to cover her distorted eye. Candice is different from everyone else because she tries to make everyone happy Also for a twelve year old she has an amazing vocabulary.
Frances (Sky) - Supporting character.
Frances was Candice's little sister but died when Candice was seven years old. She mentions her sister frequently in the story. She describes when her mom is sad thinking about Candice. Candice describes the whole story how her sister died and other memories she had of her.
R.U.B. (Rich Uncle Brian) - Supporting character.
RUB is Candice's rich uncle and is having trouble with Candice’s dad. RUB is forgiving but his brother (Candice’s dad) hates him. What makes him different is that he actually wants to be friends with his brother and wants to help Candice’s dad on his project.
Dad - Supporting character.
He is the father of Candice Phee, and is working on a project on his computer that involves colored lights. He is carefree. He only pays attention to his project and not to the things that need to be solved. In most of the book he just stays by himself but later on in the book he comes out of his shell.
Mum - Supporting character.
Candice’s mum is depressed from the death of her daughter Frances. She usually stays in her bedroom and sometimes spends the whole day being depressed. In about half of the story the mum is in her bedroom.
Douglas Benson from another dimension; - Supporting character.
He is a new friend she met at school. At first they were friends but later he became her boyfriend. He claims he is from another dimension and is very odd. He reminds of Candice. He uses adult vocabulary like Candice. He is very dependable. If Candice needs any help she can count on Douglas. What makes him different is that he claims he is from another dimension, when no one really knows if he is.
The last two characters we don't know that much about.
Jen is bullies Candice by making fun of her. They start working on a project together and soon become friends. Also there is Miss. Bamford. Miss. Bamford is Candice's English teacher and no matter how weird Candice is, Miss. Bamford still cares for her.
Plot Summary:
Candice Phee is the protagonist; she always tries to put a smile on everyone's face, and solves hard problems for everyone. Society is the antagonist. Candice has the deal with bullies making fun of her, and her family is depressed. Some of the two supporting characters that helped Candice through her journey is Miss. Bamford. Miss. Bamford helps Candice by giving her courage to do what she needs to do. Douglas Benson helps Candice by staying on her side from bullies, and helping her deal with her depressed family.
The story begins with a twelve year old girl named Candice Phee; she has an assignment where she writes about her life. Each chapter's topic has to start with the next letter in the alphabet. For example the first chapter is "A" for "Assignment". Candice has a lot of problems like bringing her uncle and dad together again or helping her Mum with her depression. Out of the whole story the turning point was when Denille wrote back to Candice. It was really exciting when Douglas Benson said he was finally going into another dimension but instead he just bumped his head on a tree. Soon Candice figured out a plan to make her dad and uncle friends again and it worked. Candice also realizes why her mother was so sad and does things to make her happy. She makes her mom her favorite dish and she takes the money her uncle saved for her and pays for her mom’s plane ticket for her to go on a trip. Everything was starting to look up in Candice's life. Her mum was out of depression and they were going to go on a trip. Candice grew a lot during the story. She learned to stand up to the bully and is now friends with her. Candice is now thirteen;
Theme:
One moral I found in this story is that life goes on. About half of the story Candice's mum is depressed because of Frances death but Candice shows her that she is not going to come back, that life goes on. Another moral is that “don't judge a book by its cover.” Candice thought that Jen was mean but once she got to know her she was ending up to be a good person.
Personal response:
I like that Candice is a person who tries her best to keep a smile on someone's face. I also enjoyed that Candice has a pen pal and they write to each other. The literary element I liked the most was the characters because you can see how much each of them changed from time to time. But I also liked the setting because of the country it took place in. I would recommend this book to 5th grade and up because the vocabulary is not that difficult but also because Candice has a boyfriend.
January 5, 2015
Der erste Satz:
A steht für Aufsatz.
Meine Meinung:
Inhalt
Candice soll einen Aufsatz über ihr Leben schreiben. Für jeden Buchstaben des Alphabets soll sie sich ein bestimmtes Wort ausdenken und darüber schreiben. Diese Aktion nimmt allerdings größere Ausmaße an, als sich die Lehrerin vorher gedacht hatte, denn Candice schreibt wirklich alles auf, was sie bedrückt und ist dabei sehr offen und ehrlich.
Von ihrer neuen Brieffreundin, die nie antwortet, bis hin zu ihren Eltern, die sich nicht mehr so nahe sind, wie sie es mal waren, schreibt Candice außerdem noch über ihren neuen Freund Douglas Benson und davon, wie sie Menschen um sich herum glücklicher machen möchte.
"Du singst dein eigenes Lied, Pumpkin, und du tanzt nach deiner eigenen Melodie. Du siehst die Welt mit anderen Augen als wir. Und weißt du, was? Manchmal wünschte ich, jeder sähe sie mit deinen Augen. Ich weiß, dass die Welt dann ein besserer Ort wäre."
Zitat aus "Das Blubbern von Glück"
Charaktere
Candice ist wohl das selbstloseste 12 Jährige Mädchen, welches ich jemals kennengelernt habe. Sie stellt ihre eigenen Bedürfnisse in den Hintergrund, damit es ihren Lieben gut geht. Sie möchte, dass alle glücklicher sind und tut dabei Dinge, die einen schmunzeln lassen und dafür sorgen, dass einem ganz warm ums Herz wird.
Douglas sagt von sich selbst, er käme aus einer anderen Dimension. Davon ist er so sehr überzeugt, dass ich manchmal laut lachen musste, wenn von ihm erneut eine Theorie ins Leben gerufen wurde. Er und Candice verstehen sich prächtig. Douglas ist sogar verliebt in sie.
ROB ist der Reiche Onkel Bob. Er hat durch eine fabelhafte Idee in der Computerwelt jede Menge Geld verdienen können und ihm ist es ein vergnügen Candice damit eine Freude zu machen. Mit seinem Bruder (Candice´ Vater) ist er leider zerstritten.
Candice´ Eltern sind sich nach einem schlimmen Ereignis in der Vergangenheit leider nicht mehr so nah, wie sie es davor waren. Ihre Mutter leidet unter Depressionen und ihr Vater stürzt sich in Arbeit.
Eine Seite von Douglas Benson aus einer anderen Dimension ist wirklich großartig: Er ist so abgedreht, dass ich daneben normal erscheine.
Zitat aus "Das Blubbern von Glück"
Gesamt
"Das Blubbern von Glück" ist ein hervorragender Titel für dieses Buch, denn mir kam es wirklich so vor, als würde Candice mir ihre Geschichte persönlich "vorblubbern". Dabei ist sie so erfrischend ehrlich und offen, dass ich sie sogleich in mein Herz geschlossen habe.
Die Protagonistin erzählt aus ihrem Leben in Aufsatzform. Jedes Kapitel steht für einen Buchstaben von A, wie "Aufsatz" bis hin zu Z, wie "Zeitwende". Zu diesen Schlagworten erzählt sie stets einen Teil aus ihrem Leben, der mitunter wirklich ans Herz geht. Dabei ist es dem Autor vorzüglich gelungen einem das Gefühl zu geben, dass dieses Buch im Ganzen wirklich von einem 12 jährigen Mädchen geschrieben wurde.
Ich konnte mich gleich sehr gut mit Candice identifizieren. Sie ist so herrlich offen und ehrlich, dass ich sie mehr als einmal gerne in den Arm genommen habe, denn selbst in so jungen Jahren musste sie einmal ein richtig schlimmes Erlebnis durchmachen, durch welches ihre Eltern, und auch ein Stückweit sie selbst, noch immer leiden. Doch damit soll Schluss sein. Unsere Protagonistin hat sich zum Ziel gesetzt all die Menschen, die ihr am Herzen liegen, glücklicher zu machen. Dabei macht sie manchmal Dinge, die eigentlich so verquer sind und doch wieder absolut süß rüberkommen. Sehr oft habe ich mich dabei ertappt, wie sie auch mir, als Leserin, dadurch ein Lächeln auf das Gesicht zaubern konnte.
Für ihr junges Alter ist Candice auch noch absolut schlau. Sie liest regelmäßig in einem Wörterbuch und verfügt somit über einen unglaublichen Sprachsatz. Dieser Sprachsatz ist so außerordentlich gut, dass ich selbst manchmal froh darüber war, wie sie selbst schließlich irgendeins ihrer benutzten Fremdwörter übersetzt hat.
Die Schreibweise des Autors ist flüssig und leicht zu lesen. Wie oben schon erwähnt hat er es geschafft mir weis zu machen, seine Geschichte wäre wirklich von Candice geschrieben worden. Er schafft es mit vielen kleinen Überraschungen seine Leser bei der Stange zu halten. Zudem ist Candice eine so liebevoll gezeichnete Protagonistin, dass man gar nicht anders kann, als sie in einem Stück zu begleiten - Nämlich so lange, bis man das Buch glücklich zu macht.
"Das Blubbern von Glück" hat mir außerordentlich gut gefallen. Es beschreibt viele Themen, die durchaus immer aktuell ist, wie z.B. die Depressionen der Mutter, zeigt aber auch gleichzeitig, wie wichtig es ist, das Beste aus jeder Situation zu machen und weiter zu leben.
Ich kann von mir behaupten, dass ich schon sehr lange kein Buch mehr gelesen habe, was mich derart berührt und auch glücklich gemacht hat. "Das Blubbern von Glück" sollte in keinem Bücherregal fehlen. Zwar ist es ein Kinderbuch, jedoch eignet es sich auch hervorragend als Erwachsenen-Lektüre.
Fazit:
Positiv
Ich bin begeistert von Candice. Sie ist eine enorm sympathische Protagonistin. Ich habe regelrechte Beschützerinstinkte ihr gegenüber entwickelt.
Der gesamte Roman ist aus der Sicht von Candice in der Ich-Form geschrieben. Zudem hatte ich wirklich das Gefühl, sie würde mir ihre Geschichte persönlich erzählen,
was für die außerordentlich gute Schreibweise des Autors spricht.
Das Buch brachte mich zum Lachen, aber auch zum Weinen und geht allgemein sehr ans Herz.
Alle Charaktere haben genug Farbe bekommen, sind allerdings nicht überzeichnet worden.
Die Botschaft des Buches kam ausnahmslos bei mir an (und dies mit voller Wucht).
"Das Blubbern von Glück" ist zwar ein Kinderbuch, Erwachsenen wird es aber ebenso gut gefallen.
Negativ
Nichts!
© www.mybooksparadise.de
A steht für Aufsatz.
Meine Meinung:
Inhalt
Candice soll einen Aufsatz über ihr Leben schreiben. Für jeden Buchstaben des Alphabets soll sie sich ein bestimmtes Wort ausdenken und darüber schreiben. Diese Aktion nimmt allerdings größere Ausmaße an, als sich die Lehrerin vorher gedacht hatte, denn Candice schreibt wirklich alles auf, was sie bedrückt und ist dabei sehr offen und ehrlich.
Von ihrer neuen Brieffreundin, die nie antwortet, bis hin zu ihren Eltern, die sich nicht mehr so nahe sind, wie sie es mal waren, schreibt Candice außerdem noch über ihren neuen Freund Douglas Benson und davon, wie sie Menschen um sich herum glücklicher machen möchte.
"Du singst dein eigenes Lied, Pumpkin, und du tanzt nach deiner eigenen Melodie. Du siehst die Welt mit anderen Augen als wir. Und weißt du, was? Manchmal wünschte ich, jeder sähe sie mit deinen Augen. Ich weiß, dass die Welt dann ein besserer Ort wäre."
Zitat aus "Das Blubbern von Glück"
Charaktere
Candice ist wohl das selbstloseste 12 Jährige Mädchen, welches ich jemals kennengelernt habe. Sie stellt ihre eigenen Bedürfnisse in den Hintergrund, damit es ihren Lieben gut geht. Sie möchte, dass alle glücklicher sind und tut dabei Dinge, die einen schmunzeln lassen und dafür sorgen, dass einem ganz warm ums Herz wird.
Douglas sagt von sich selbst, er käme aus einer anderen Dimension. Davon ist er so sehr überzeugt, dass ich manchmal laut lachen musste, wenn von ihm erneut eine Theorie ins Leben gerufen wurde. Er und Candice verstehen sich prächtig. Douglas ist sogar verliebt in sie.
ROB ist der Reiche Onkel Bob. Er hat durch eine fabelhafte Idee in der Computerwelt jede Menge Geld verdienen können und ihm ist es ein vergnügen Candice damit eine Freude zu machen. Mit seinem Bruder (Candice´ Vater) ist er leider zerstritten.
Candice´ Eltern sind sich nach einem schlimmen Ereignis in der Vergangenheit leider nicht mehr so nah, wie sie es davor waren. Ihre Mutter leidet unter Depressionen und ihr Vater stürzt sich in Arbeit.
Eine Seite von Douglas Benson aus einer anderen Dimension ist wirklich großartig: Er ist so abgedreht, dass ich daneben normal erscheine.
Zitat aus "Das Blubbern von Glück"
Gesamt
"Das Blubbern von Glück" ist ein hervorragender Titel für dieses Buch, denn mir kam es wirklich so vor, als würde Candice mir ihre Geschichte persönlich "vorblubbern". Dabei ist sie so erfrischend ehrlich und offen, dass ich sie sogleich in mein Herz geschlossen habe.
Die Protagonistin erzählt aus ihrem Leben in Aufsatzform. Jedes Kapitel steht für einen Buchstaben von A, wie "Aufsatz" bis hin zu Z, wie "Zeitwende". Zu diesen Schlagworten erzählt sie stets einen Teil aus ihrem Leben, der mitunter wirklich ans Herz geht. Dabei ist es dem Autor vorzüglich gelungen einem das Gefühl zu geben, dass dieses Buch im Ganzen wirklich von einem 12 jährigen Mädchen geschrieben wurde.
Ich konnte mich gleich sehr gut mit Candice identifizieren. Sie ist so herrlich offen und ehrlich, dass ich sie mehr als einmal gerne in den Arm genommen habe, denn selbst in so jungen Jahren musste sie einmal ein richtig schlimmes Erlebnis durchmachen, durch welches ihre Eltern, und auch ein Stückweit sie selbst, noch immer leiden. Doch damit soll Schluss sein. Unsere Protagonistin hat sich zum Ziel gesetzt all die Menschen, die ihr am Herzen liegen, glücklicher zu machen. Dabei macht sie manchmal Dinge, die eigentlich so verquer sind und doch wieder absolut süß rüberkommen. Sehr oft habe ich mich dabei ertappt, wie sie auch mir, als Leserin, dadurch ein Lächeln auf das Gesicht zaubern konnte.
Für ihr junges Alter ist Candice auch noch absolut schlau. Sie liest regelmäßig in einem Wörterbuch und verfügt somit über einen unglaublichen Sprachsatz. Dieser Sprachsatz ist so außerordentlich gut, dass ich selbst manchmal froh darüber war, wie sie selbst schließlich irgendeins ihrer benutzten Fremdwörter übersetzt hat.
Die Schreibweise des Autors ist flüssig und leicht zu lesen. Wie oben schon erwähnt hat er es geschafft mir weis zu machen, seine Geschichte wäre wirklich von Candice geschrieben worden. Er schafft es mit vielen kleinen Überraschungen seine Leser bei der Stange zu halten. Zudem ist Candice eine so liebevoll gezeichnete Protagonistin, dass man gar nicht anders kann, als sie in einem Stück zu begleiten - Nämlich so lange, bis man das Buch glücklich zu macht.
"Das Blubbern von Glück" hat mir außerordentlich gut gefallen. Es beschreibt viele Themen, die durchaus immer aktuell ist, wie z.B. die Depressionen der Mutter, zeigt aber auch gleichzeitig, wie wichtig es ist, das Beste aus jeder Situation zu machen und weiter zu leben.
Ich kann von mir behaupten, dass ich schon sehr lange kein Buch mehr gelesen habe, was mich derart berührt und auch glücklich gemacht hat. "Das Blubbern von Glück" sollte in keinem Bücherregal fehlen. Zwar ist es ein Kinderbuch, jedoch eignet es sich auch hervorragend als Erwachsenen-Lektüre.
Fazit:
Positiv
Ich bin begeistert von Candice. Sie ist eine enorm sympathische Protagonistin. Ich habe regelrechte Beschützerinstinkte ihr gegenüber entwickelt.
Der gesamte Roman ist aus der Sicht von Candice in der Ich-Form geschrieben. Zudem hatte ich wirklich das Gefühl, sie würde mir ihre Geschichte persönlich erzählen,
was für die außerordentlich gute Schreibweise des Autors spricht.
Das Buch brachte mich zum Lachen, aber auch zum Weinen und geht allgemein sehr ans Herz.
Alle Charaktere haben genug Farbe bekommen, sind allerdings nicht überzeichnet worden.
Die Botschaft des Buches kam ausnahmslos bei mir an (und dies mit voller Wucht).
"Das Blubbern von Glück" ist zwar ein Kinderbuch, Erwachsenen wird es aber ebenso gut gefallen.
Negativ
Nichts!
© www.mybooksparadise.de
July 15, 2021
Read for a book club, and the author joined the discussion, from Australia!
Watched the movie H is for Happiness based on the book, which was also fun. Twelve year old Candice uses the assignment to write a paragraph About herself for each letter of the alphabet to write this story of her life, with observations and a mindset that made me laugh out loud many times.
Watched the movie H is for Happiness based on the book, which was also fun. Twelve year old Candice uses the assignment to write a paragraph About herself for each letter of the alphabet to write this story of her life, with observations and a mindset that made me laugh out loud many times.
January 12, 2025
das war eins meiner lieblinsgbuecher als kind und ich hatte so recht damit 🙂↕️🙂↕️
candice ist so ein toller haupt charakter, man schliesste sie sofort ins herz und von ihrer art kann man so viel lernen
candice ist so ein toller haupt charakter, man schliesste sie sofort ins herz und von ihrer art kann man so viel lernen
March 22, 2020
Loved this book. A really fun YA read for a State Library of Victoria/Public Libraries Victoria challenge. Have to see the movie now!
September 22, 2014
Obwohl Barry Jonsberg zu den renommiertesten Kinder- und Jugendbuchautoren zählt, waren mir die Bücher des australischen Autors bisher überhaupt nicht bekannt, bis ich beim cbt-Verlag schließlich auf das farbenfrohe Cover von “Das Blubbern von Glück” aufmerksam wurde.
Die Geschichte dahinter handelt von der 12-jährigen, etwas andersartigen Candice Phee, die als Hausarbeit einen A-Z-Erlebnisbericht über ihr Leben schreiben soll.
So erzählt sie uns, angefangen mit A für Aufsatz bis hin zu Z, wie Zeitenwende, von ihrem Leben. Von ihrer etwas stark mitgenommenen Familie, von ihren nicht vorhandenen Freunden, von einer Brieffreundin, die nie antwortet und von ihrem Haustier, dem Erdferkel-Fisch. Dabei besitzt Candice eine überraschend klare Sicht auf die Dinge, welche die Erwachsenen in ihrem Umfeld gar nicht erst wahrnehmen. Bis ein schlaues Mädchen sie mal darauf hinweist.
Ich muss zugeben, dass mir wieder einmal ein wenig die Worte fehlen, um diesen Roman so zu beschreiben, dass es gerechtfertigt wäre. Aber ich will es mal versuchen: Nach den ersten Seiten schon weiß man, Candice Phee ist anders als ihre gleichaltrigen Schulkameraden. Sie liest am liebsten im Wörterbuch oder auch die gesammelten Werke von Charles Dickens. Was anderes kommt aber nicht in Frage. Freunde hat sie keine, aber das macht ihr eigenlich auch nichts aus. Und diejenigen, die sie täglich beleidigen, findet sie trotzdem immer noch nett und möchte sich mit ihnen anfreunden. Candice ist eine so unglaublich sympathische, aufrichtig ehrliche und nette Protagonistin, dass man sie einfach nur ins Herz schließen kann und ganz fest umarmen möchte.
Obwohl “Das Blubbern von Glück” ganz streng genommen ein Kinderbuch sein soll, bin ich der Ansicht, dass wirklich jeder diese Geschichte lesen kann und auch sollte. Von einer ehrlichen 12-Jährigen, die das Leben nicht durch eine beschlagene rosa-rote Brille sieht, sondern die Dinge so wahrnimmt, wie sie sind, kann man auch als Erwachsener sehr viel lernen. Tatsächlich erkennt sie als Einzige, wie dumm der Streit zwischen ihrem Vater und ihrem reichen Onkel ist oder dass ihre Mutter nicht den ganzen Tag im Bett liegen kann.
Mich hat Barry Jonsberg mit seiner Erzählung von Candice wirklich sehr positiv überrascht. Manche Stellen sind so berührend, dass sich schon vereinzelte Tränen in den Augen sammeln können, andere Passagen sind wiederum so lustig, dass man schon einen kleinen Lachflash bekommen kann. Und das Schöne daran: man erwartet es nicht.
Dieser herzerwärmende Roman steckt voller Überraschungen und kann eigentlich nicht anders, als seinen Leser vollkommen zu begeistern. Ein Buch, das wirklich glücklich macht – weil man lernt, auch die kleinen Dinge wertzuschätzen.
Die Geschichte dahinter handelt von der 12-jährigen, etwas andersartigen Candice Phee, die als Hausarbeit einen A-Z-Erlebnisbericht über ihr Leben schreiben soll.
So erzählt sie uns, angefangen mit A für Aufsatz bis hin zu Z, wie Zeitenwende, von ihrem Leben. Von ihrer etwas stark mitgenommenen Familie, von ihren nicht vorhandenen Freunden, von einer Brieffreundin, die nie antwortet und von ihrem Haustier, dem Erdferkel-Fisch. Dabei besitzt Candice eine überraschend klare Sicht auf die Dinge, welche die Erwachsenen in ihrem Umfeld gar nicht erst wahrnehmen. Bis ein schlaues Mädchen sie mal darauf hinweist.
Ich muss zugeben, dass mir wieder einmal ein wenig die Worte fehlen, um diesen Roman so zu beschreiben, dass es gerechtfertigt wäre. Aber ich will es mal versuchen: Nach den ersten Seiten schon weiß man, Candice Phee ist anders als ihre gleichaltrigen Schulkameraden. Sie liest am liebsten im Wörterbuch oder auch die gesammelten Werke von Charles Dickens. Was anderes kommt aber nicht in Frage. Freunde hat sie keine, aber das macht ihr eigenlich auch nichts aus. Und diejenigen, die sie täglich beleidigen, findet sie trotzdem immer noch nett und möchte sich mit ihnen anfreunden. Candice ist eine so unglaublich sympathische, aufrichtig ehrliche und nette Protagonistin, dass man sie einfach nur ins Herz schließen kann und ganz fest umarmen möchte.
Obwohl “Das Blubbern von Glück” ganz streng genommen ein Kinderbuch sein soll, bin ich der Ansicht, dass wirklich jeder diese Geschichte lesen kann und auch sollte. Von einer ehrlichen 12-Jährigen, die das Leben nicht durch eine beschlagene rosa-rote Brille sieht, sondern die Dinge so wahrnimmt, wie sie sind, kann man auch als Erwachsener sehr viel lernen. Tatsächlich erkennt sie als Einzige, wie dumm der Streit zwischen ihrem Vater und ihrem reichen Onkel ist oder dass ihre Mutter nicht den ganzen Tag im Bett liegen kann.
Mich hat Barry Jonsberg mit seiner Erzählung von Candice wirklich sehr positiv überrascht. Manche Stellen sind so berührend, dass sich schon vereinzelte Tränen in den Augen sammeln können, andere Passagen sind wiederum so lustig, dass man schon einen kleinen Lachflash bekommen kann. Und das Schöne daran: man erwartet es nicht.
Dieser herzerwärmende Roman steckt voller Überraschungen und kann eigentlich nicht anders, als seinen Leser vollkommen zu begeistern. Ein Buch, das wirklich glücklich macht – weil man lernt, auch die kleinen Dinge wertzuschätzen.
May 29, 2015
Candice Phee ist ein ganz bemerkenswertes junges Mädchen. Die reizende Zwölfjährige ist außerordentlich klug, extrem ehrlich und hat eine ganz besondere Sicht auf die Welt. Mit ihrer direkten und aufrichtigen Art ist die kleine Australierin die Außenseiterin in ihrer Schulklasse. Candice hat Probleme im Umgang mit andere Menschen und benötigt viel Zeit um sich an neue Personen in ihrem Umfeld zu gewöhnen. Sie spricht prinzipiell nicht mit Fremden, sondern kommuniziert stattdessen über kleine Notizzettel. Ihre Freizeit verbringt das Mädchen gerne in der Bibliothek beim Lesen des Wörterbuches, oder sie schreibt ausführliche Briefe an ihre amerikanische Brieffreundin Denill, die allerdings nie antwortet. Eines Tages wird der neue Schüler, Douglas Benson in Candice Klasse aufgenommen und es entwickelt sich kurzerhand eine schräge Freundschaft zwischen den beiden eigensinnigen Helden. Zum ersten Mal hat das junge Mädchen einen Gefährten an ihrer Seite, der genauso originell und außergewöhnlich ist wie sie selbst.
Als Candice einen Erlebnisaufsatz für ihren Englischunterricht verfassen soll, macht sich das Mädchen an die Arbeit und erzählt ihre komplette Lebensgeschichte. Sie berichtet über ihre depressive Mutter, ihre verstorbene Schwester Sky, ihren verbitterten Vater und ihren reichen Onkel Brian. Hemmungslos ehrlich schreibt sie über ihre Familie, die schon seit einiger Zeit zu zerbrechen droht aber gewährt auch Einblicke in die glücklichen Jahre früherer Zeiten. Trotz vieler Schicksalsschläge, bestreitet Candice mit viel Lebensfreude ihren Alltag und schmiedet Pläne, wie sie wieder Freude in ihre Familie bringen kann. Mit verrückten Ideen und kreativen Gedankengängen ist sie entschlossen, ihre Familie wieder glücklich zu machen.
Barry Jonsberg hat mit seinem Roman „Das Blubbern von Glück“ ein ganz besonderes Buch erschaffen und konnte mich mit der bezaubernden Geschichte vollkommen begeistern. Der Roman besticht sowohl durch berührende als auch durch lustige Momente und wir lernen, dass wir die glücklichen Augenblicke in unserem Leben schätzen sollten und die Lebensfreude nie aus den Augen verlieren dürfen. Mit ihrer liebenswerten und ehrlichen Art ist mir Candice Phee sofort ans Herz gewachsen und sie wird mir sicher sehr lange in Erinnerung bleiben.
Als Candice einen Erlebnisaufsatz für ihren Englischunterricht verfassen soll, macht sich das Mädchen an die Arbeit und erzählt ihre komplette Lebensgeschichte. Sie berichtet über ihre depressive Mutter, ihre verstorbene Schwester Sky, ihren verbitterten Vater und ihren reichen Onkel Brian. Hemmungslos ehrlich schreibt sie über ihre Familie, die schon seit einiger Zeit zu zerbrechen droht aber gewährt auch Einblicke in die glücklichen Jahre früherer Zeiten. Trotz vieler Schicksalsschläge, bestreitet Candice mit viel Lebensfreude ihren Alltag und schmiedet Pläne, wie sie wieder Freude in ihre Familie bringen kann. Mit verrückten Ideen und kreativen Gedankengängen ist sie entschlossen, ihre Familie wieder glücklich zu machen.
Barry Jonsberg hat mit seinem Roman „Das Blubbern von Glück“ ein ganz besonderes Buch erschaffen und konnte mich mit der bezaubernden Geschichte vollkommen begeistern. Der Roman besticht sowohl durch berührende als auch durch lustige Momente und wir lernen, dass wir die glücklichen Augenblicke in unserem Leben schätzen sollten und die Lebensfreude nie aus den Augen verlieren dürfen. Mit ihrer liebenswerten und ehrlichen Art ist mir Candice Phee sofort ans Herz gewachsen und sie wird mir sicher sehr lange in Erinnerung bleiben.
March 16, 2015
The book “My Life As An Alphabet” by Barry Jonsberg is a book
about a young girl called Candice Phee and her life being as an alphabet.
She is a strange girl that has no friends because she is too weird
but then one day a new boy comes to the school and they become friends.
His name is Douglas Benson from another dimension and he thinks he is from another universe and that he has to get back to his world.
About Candice, she has a pet fish called “Earth Pig Fish”. I don’t know why she called it that she just did. She has a dead sister called Frances but she calls her sky and you will find out why if you read this book. Her mum usually stays in bed and has the curtains closed because she is tired or has the day off. Her dad doesn’t come out only if dinner is on. He usually just stays in his shed and works al daylong. If you like the sort of stuff where you meet a boy that says he’s from another dimension and everything seems crazy, you’ll like this book.
about a young girl called Candice Phee and her life being as an alphabet.
She is a strange girl that has no friends because she is too weird
but then one day a new boy comes to the school and they become friends.
His name is Douglas Benson from another dimension and he thinks he is from another universe and that he has to get back to his world.
About Candice, she has a pet fish called “Earth Pig Fish”. I don’t know why she called it that she just did. She has a dead sister called Frances but she calls her sky and you will find out why if you read this book. Her mum usually stays in bed and has the curtains closed because she is tired or has the day off. Her dad doesn’t come out only if dinner is on. He usually just stays in his shed and works al daylong. If you like the sort of stuff where you meet a boy that says he’s from another dimension and everything seems crazy, you’ll like this book.
October 12, 2015
I thought this book was very set forward with the plot and the length of the story because the chapters went in order of the alphabet (A is for Assignment, B is for Birth, etc.). It had me thinking that my family is lucky because of the financial and emotional problems that the family is going through. I also liked the book because the main character, Candice, tried everything in her power to make her family relations right again. Socially awkward, Candice learns how to have friends and talk more. I loved this literature because of the struggles that the characters go through and how they try to fix their lives. This five star book really describes the emotions of each person and the details of the story which made it easy and quick to read.
February 25, 2013
Barry Jonsberg has once again written an amazing novel. Candice is a smart, quirky and at times a little odd 12/13 year old. Barry Jonsberg has used these traits to make a character who is able to make you laugh and at times feel sympathy for her as she tries to fix her family and pet’s problem. Candice gives you a unique view on the world and how she sees it. By giving Candice a friend named Douglas (aka. Douglas Benson From Another Dimension) who is able to understand Candice's odd behaviours and thoughts, rivalry between two brothers, a broken mother and a goldfish, you end up with one amazing story. I would/am recommend this to everyone
July 10, 2015
This was a surprisingly enjoyable read, for the tween age group.
In this novel, Candice tells her own story, in an Alphabet Autobiography. But Candice is no ordinary 12-13 year old. Her family is dysfunctional and has experienced tragedy. Candice is different from other kids and she hints that people think she is somewhere on a spectrum.
Funny, delightful and often times poignant, this is a beautiful coming-of-age story, about a girl, her friend, her fish and a quest to make those she loves happy.
In this novel, Candice tells her own story, in an Alphabet Autobiography. But Candice is no ordinary 12-13 year old. Her family is dysfunctional and has experienced tragedy. Candice is different from other kids and she hints that people think she is somewhere on a spectrum.
Funny, delightful and often times poignant, this is a beautiful coming-of-age story, about a girl, her friend, her fish and a quest to make those she loves happy.
May 4, 2015
My life as Alphabet… A thought-provoking book written by Barry Jonsburg.
Wow, What a book! Anyone who is looking for a story that is sad but will make you smile at the same time, should read this book. It is funny and wholehearted and talks about the issues of cot death, cancer and family problems, as well as lame and sloppy first kisses. This book will take you on an amazing journey through the life of Candice Phee.
Wow, What a book! Anyone who is looking for a story that is sad but will make you smile at the same time, should read this book. It is funny and wholehearted and talks about the issues of cot death, cancer and family problems, as well as lame and sloppy first kisses. This book will take you on an amazing journey through the life of Candice Phee.
March 22, 2016
I read this in preparation of Book week for work.
I wish I had read this when I was 12. It would have been as well loved as my decrepit copy of Just as Long as We're Together
Candice Phee is an odd creature, but very relatable.
I wish I had read this when I was 12. It would have been as well loved as my decrepit copy of Just as Long as We're Together
Candice Phee is an odd creature, but very relatable.
September 2, 2014
Really enjoyed this. Read it for YA lit at uni. I found the language smart, funny and creative. The story heartfelt, and something most people could relate to, family and dysfunction following loss. The characters are layered, loveable and interesting. Candice, the central character, is just beautiful. I would recommend this to all young readers, and old ones too!
February 17, 2013
Delightful tale of life from the perspective of an individual, a character who knows she is different and accepts and appreciates her individuality and that of her family and friends.
A heart-warming character, trying to heal the ones she loves, as only she can.
A heart-warming character, trying to heal the ones she loves, as only she can.
July 26, 2016
It took me a little while to get into this book, but I am glad I persevered. A heartwarming story about friendship, family and belonging.
December 29, 2014
Total süßes Buch, ein sehr ungewöhnlicher Schreibstil und auf seine Weise unterhaltsam. Das Ende überraschte mich total und zauberte mir ein Lächeln auf das Gesicht.
July 15, 2016
Candice Phee est une jeune fille pétillante, pleine de bonne volonté et avec un grand coeur. Histoire légère mais assez bien développée.
October 22, 2020
Eine unwahrscheinlich herzerwärmende Geschichte mit einer Protagonistin so liebenswert, dass man sie am liebsten knuddeln würde.
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