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Persnickety Girl Saves the World #1
Bits of String Too Small to Save
ElizabethAnn Von Earp never intends to leave the safety of suburban No Oaks, but when her eccentric grandmother peels around the corner in a jacked-up, pimped-out, original-orange International Scout and shouts that it’s time to break the space/time continuum, they dive through a badger hole into Bumblegreen. There, ElizabethAnn joins forces with a cast of characters to save a forested dystopia from greedy watchmakers, toxic babies, and a particularly obnoxious Lothario.
In this new world of seduction and betrayal, illusion and intuition, black arts and purple-speckled fruits, you, dear reader, must ask yourself, will magic avenge our heroine? Will technology save her? Or are ElizabethAnn and her gang of malcontents already too late to repair the beautiful, mysterious, and troubled land of Bumblegreen?
In this new world of seduction and betrayal, illusion and intuition, black arts and purple-speckled fruits, you, dear reader, must ask yourself, will magic avenge our heroine? Will technology save her? Or are ElizabethAnn and her gang of malcontents already too late to repair the beautiful, mysterious, and troubled land of Bumblegreen?
470 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2017
34 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 22, 2024
(2.0 Stars)
Where to begin with this review. I should start by saying that I am not the target audience for this book. So you could probably stop reading this review right now and just move on to the next one. However, I am the target audience of the description for this book.
I read the audiobook version, but more on that later.
This book billed itself as "Teens and YA", "Mad Max meets Miss Peregrine's home for peculiar children", and "a dystopian adventure". This book is none of that. I also see a lot of comparisons to Alice in Wonderland, and while I think the author had Alice's Adventures in mind while writing this book, I simply don't see it.
What this book is, is a Children's book. The main protagonist is a ten-year-old girl, and the book is written at that level (with some odd, and unnecessary, sexual references thrown in). I'd say much closer to Pippi Longstocking meets The Wizard of Oz. If you are a fan of dystopian fiction, you will immediately realize this is more of an alternate reality fantasy, or maybe fever dream, but certainly not what I would consider dystopian.
As I said above, I read the audiobook version, which was described as being narrated by the author. It was provided by #NetGalley, but this was not a typical unabridged narration. It was performed by a full cast (including the author), complete with sound effects, musical chapter breaks, and not at all what I was expecting.
Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I'll try to review this as a children's book. It has very vibrant characters and descriptive "worlds". The story is easy to follow, and has girls in leading roles. If you like watching Eloise, you would probably like this, especially if you'd like it with a heavy fantasy element. This is a fast moving, imaginative adventure. The cast of characters is acted out as an audio drama, and the book is neatly divided up in parts, since the overall length of the book is more than 10 hours.
Where to begin with this review. I should start by saying that I am not the target audience for this book. So you could probably stop reading this review right now and just move on to the next one. However, I am the target audience of the description for this book.
I read the audiobook version, but more on that later.
This book billed itself as "Teens and YA", "Mad Max meets Miss Peregrine's home for peculiar children", and "a dystopian adventure". This book is none of that. I also see a lot of comparisons to Alice in Wonderland, and while I think the author had Alice's Adventures in mind while writing this book, I simply don't see it.
What this book is, is a Children's book. The main protagonist is a ten-year-old girl, and the book is written at that level (with some odd, and unnecessary, sexual references thrown in). I'd say much closer to Pippi Longstocking meets The Wizard of Oz. If you are a fan of dystopian fiction, you will immediately realize this is more of an alternate reality fantasy, or maybe fever dream, but certainly not what I would consider dystopian.
As I said above, I read the audiobook version, which was described as being narrated by the author. It was provided by #NetGalley, but this was not a typical unabridged narration. It was performed by a full cast (including the author), complete with sound effects, musical chapter breaks, and not at all what I was expecting.
Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I'll try to review this as a children's book. It has very vibrant characters and descriptive "worlds". The story is easy to follow, and has girls in leading roles. If you like watching Eloise, you would probably like this, especially if you'd like it with a heavy fantasy element. This is a fast moving, imaginative adventure. The cast of characters is acted out as an audio drama, and the book is neatly divided up in parts, since the overall length of the book is more than 10 hours.
March 27, 2025
Listening to the audiobook was like taking a journey with ElizabethAnn through the vividly described world of Bumblegreen. The talking animals and unpredictable plot kept me constantly surprised. As an avid reader, I was genuinely refreshed by how the story avoided familiar tropes and maintained its multifaceted nature throughout. I loved watching unexpected adventure change ElizabethAnn’s demeanor. The voice acting and sound effects created a rich listening experience that truly brought the story to life.
January 22, 2025
This is a review of the audiobook edition - I strongly suspect that the experience might be quite different for those reading a visual copy of the book, so keep that in mind for what follows.
The audiobook was clearly created with a lot of love and meaning by everyone involved, and I genuinely feel bad for raining on their parade. It’s just that for a reader not part of the author’s personal circle, the listening experience is like hearing a radio broadcast in a language that you are only mostly fluent in. The multicast “wacky” voices used for the characters are distracting, and also a constant reminder that the multiple storylines don’t really mesh well with one another. This is one of the areas where I suspect the visual reading experience is different. The little tune that leads into each chapter is cute, but doesn’t tie into the story. And the author’s comments at the section breaks feel odd in material that seems to be intended for adults or older teens.
The story itself has a lot of promise - there is certainly no shortage of Alice in Wonderland takeoffs out there, but having that shared backstory is often an asset. The problem here is that there’s no real commentary or expansion of the traditional presentation - characters get fleshed out and story elements added, of course, but there’s nothing that makes you reconsider your assumptions about the premise. If anything, this version leans even more heavily into gender and cultural stereotypes than some earlier versions. The repeated and unnecessary use of the word “g*spy” in a book set in modern times is particularly unfortunate.
I was really looking forward to this one and expected to be leaving a very different review when I started out. I hope this saves someone out there some disappointment!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
The audiobook was clearly created with a lot of love and meaning by everyone involved, and I genuinely feel bad for raining on their parade. It’s just that for a reader not part of the author’s personal circle, the listening experience is like hearing a radio broadcast in a language that you are only mostly fluent in. The multicast “wacky” voices used for the characters are distracting, and also a constant reminder that the multiple storylines don’t really mesh well with one another. This is one of the areas where I suspect the visual reading experience is different. The little tune that leads into each chapter is cute, but doesn’t tie into the story. And the author’s comments at the section breaks feel odd in material that seems to be intended for adults or older teens.
The story itself has a lot of promise - there is certainly no shortage of Alice in Wonderland takeoffs out there, but having that shared backstory is often an asset. The problem here is that there’s no real commentary or expansion of the traditional presentation - characters get fleshed out and story elements added, of course, but there’s nothing that makes you reconsider your assumptions about the premise. If anything, this version leans even more heavily into gender and cultural stereotypes than some earlier versions. The repeated and unnecessary use of the word “g*spy” in a book set in modern times is particularly unfortunate.
I was really looking forward to this one and expected to be leaving a very different review when I started out. I hope this saves someone out there some disappointment!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
November 21, 2024
When I read the brief summary of this book as a YA/ teens meets Mad Max and Miss Peregrine, I was excited for the adventure I would be taken on.
As the story unfolded, I felt as though i was thrown into an odd sort of Alice in Wonderland world with similar scenes and references and a bit more alternate reality.
The main character ElizabethAnn, is a 10 year old girl who's life in the real world seems boring and benign. Her neighborhood seems to have cut down all the trees and imagination barely seems to be encouraged. However, ElizabethAnn's grandmother is a bit of a wildcard as she comes roaring onto the scene in her big car and theoretical physics mindset.
The story really "goes down a rabbit hole" when ElizabethAnn and her dog Jackson enter a portal after a monkey and are transported into another world which is about as bizarre as one can imagine, with talking mosquitos, sloths, and Duchess's who are allergic to their own babies. It just gets stranger and stranger the more people and places we encounter which is why I liken this to that of Alice and her Wonderland.
I give it 4* because I do like the whimsy and the fun the author must have had writing it. I also love reading middle grade and YA, but some points still felt a bit childish which may be just my personal opinion. There were times, the chaos was a bit overwhelming.
As the story unfolded, I felt as though i was thrown into an odd sort of Alice in Wonderland world with similar scenes and references and a bit more alternate reality.
The main character ElizabethAnn, is a 10 year old girl who's life in the real world seems boring and benign. Her neighborhood seems to have cut down all the trees and imagination barely seems to be encouraged. However, ElizabethAnn's grandmother is a bit of a wildcard as she comes roaring onto the scene in her big car and theoretical physics mindset.
The story really "goes down a rabbit hole" when ElizabethAnn and her dog Jackson enter a portal after a monkey and are transported into another world which is about as bizarre as one can imagine, with talking mosquitos, sloths, and Duchess's who are allergic to their own babies. It just gets stranger and stranger the more people and places we encounter which is why I liken this to that of Alice and her Wonderland.
I give it 4* because I do like the whimsy and the fun the author must have had writing it. I also love reading middle grade and YA, but some points still felt a bit childish which may be just my personal opinion. There were times, the chaos was a bit overwhelming.
December 27, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for letting me listen to this audio ARC! I’d like to first say that this book was interesting as in strange but I think that’s what the author was going for because of the similarities to Alice in Wonderland. So if you are in the mood for a completely different read this is for you.
The author narrating this book was excellent, it made it fun how she voiced the different characters. Although a negative aspect of the audiobook was the music at the beginning of each chapter was repetitive and unnecessary to me, though that may be a personal preference.
If you read this book how it was originally classified as a children’s/ya I’d have to say that it’s a bit inappropriate at times for the aspect of dark sexual magic and different comments made in the book. But read as how they changed the classification to an adult fiction it’s ok although I felt as though that aspect could have been left out.
The magic system and the “trippiness” of the story is very cool and I wouldn’t mind listening to a sequel. The main characters like Queen Dahlia was one of my favorite things and how the animals turned human at the end too was awesome.
Overall it was enjoyable and I would recommend it as an adult fantasy if you like books like Alice in Wonderland.
The author narrating this book was excellent, it made it fun how she voiced the different characters. Although a negative aspect of the audiobook was the music at the beginning of each chapter was repetitive and unnecessary to me, though that may be a personal preference.
If you read this book how it was originally classified as a children’s/ya I’d have to say that it’s a bit inappropriate at times for the aspect of dark sexual magic and different comments made in the book. But read as how they changed the classification to an adult fiction it’s ok although I felt as though that aspect could have been left out.
The magic system and the “trippiness” of the story is very cool and I wouldn’t mind listening to a sequel. The main characters like Queen Dahlia was one of my favorite things and how the animals turned human at the end too was awesome.
Overall it was enjoyable and I would recommend it as an adult fantasy if you like books like Alice in Wonderland.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2024
Although I'm not the target audience for this book, I do read (listen to) quite a few books for kids. Most are better and more complex/meaningful than books for adults!
This book was not for me.
It seemed like a pretty blatant rip off of Alice in Wonderland.
The background music/sounds were odd and distracting. The song at the beginning of each chapter was the nail in the coffin. WHY IS IT THERE?? It's repetitive and annoying.
I was confused at some points what grade level this was intended for. At some points, the silliness plus the background seems appropriate for grades 2-4 (which is the grade range listed on Amazon), but at other times, I was wondering if it was meant for high school. Odd.
Finally, I can definitely see some parents having an issue with some of the language and subjects. Not saying they should have an issue, but I think some will. Especially for such a young target audience.
This book was not for me.
It seemed like a pretty blatant rip off of Alice in Wonderland.
The background music/sounds were odd and distracting. The song at the beginning of each chapter was the nail in the coffin. WHY IS IT THERE?? It's repetitive and annoying.
I was confused at some points what grade level this was intended for. At some points, the silliness plus the background seems appropriate for grades 2-4 (which is the grade range listed on Amazon), but at other times, I was wondering if it was meant for high school. Odd.
Finally, I can definitely see some parents having an issue with some of the language and subjects. Not saying they should have an issue, but I think some will. Especially for such a young target audience.
December 11, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Pangloss Press for the ARC of this audiobook for my honest review
This audiobook was the best I’ve heard, it probably isn’t what I would listen to in terms of the plot but the way it was read, the full cast, the background sounds. I’ve never heard anything like it and that itself was incredible. The book wasn’t bad either I loved the characters especially Jackson , Hank and earl they were all to die for, the plot was really unique definitely made for children but the imagination was probably the best, the things thought up is like what Roald Dahl would , it was just a lot for me to wrap my head around. When I was picturing everything I kind of imagined it all in claymation with coraline looking characters and the plot would probably remind me of a more childish imaginative world of the labyrinth with more stuff going on. I liked it it was just very long and a lot was happening.
This audiobook was the best I’ve heard, it probably isn’t what I would listen to in terms of the plot but the way it was read, the full cast, the background sounds. I’ve never heard anything like it and that itself was incredible. The book wasn’t bad either I loved the characters especially Jackson , Hank and earl they were all to die for, the plot was really unique definitely made for children but the imagination was probably the best, the things thought up is like what Roald Dahl would , it was just a lot for me to wrap my head around. When I was picturing everything I kind of imagined it all in claymation with coraline looking characters and the plot would probably remind me of a more childish imaginative world of the labyrinth with more stuff going on. I liked it it was just very long and a lot was happening.
March 22, 2025
A beautifully crafted collection that captures the essence of memory and nostalgia. Every piece feels like a delicate thread woven into a larger, poignant tapestry of life. The author’s keen observations and poetic prose make even the smallest moments feel significant. This book lingers in your mind, evoking emotions you didn’t expect. Thoughtful, elegant, and deeply moving, it’s a reminder of how the tiniest fragments of our past shape who we are. A must-read for lovers of introspective and beautifully written literature.
March 22, 2025
This book is a quiet masterpiece, filled with tender reflections on life’s fleeting moments. The writing is lyrical yet profound, turning seemingly insignificant details into deeply resonant stories. The author’s ability to capture emotions with such precision is remarkable. Each page feels like a whisper from the past, reminding us of the beauty in small things. A deeply personal and relatable read, perfect for those who enjoy reflective and poetic storytelling. It left me feeling nostalgic and appreciative of the little moments we often overlook.
March 22, 2025
A stunning and introspective book that highlights the power of memory and the beauty in the everyday. The writing is elegant, filled with keen observations that make even the smallest details feel meaningful. It’s rare to find a book that makes you pause and reflect on your own experiences in such a profound way. Every chapter is a gentle reminder that life’s most precious moments are often the ones we take for granted. A truly beautiful read that stays with you long after you turn the last page.
March 22, 2025
This book is a poetic meditation on memory, love, and the passage of time. The author’s attention to detail and ability to find meaning in life’s smallest fragments is remarkable. The writing is deeply moving, evoking emotions that linger long after reading. Each story feels personal yet universally relatable, making this book a deeply immersive experience. If you love thoughtful, beautifully written literature that captures the quiet moments of life, this book is a must-read. It’s a gentle, nostalgic journey that tugs at the heartstrings.
March 22, 2025
A masterpiece of quiet storytelling that transforms everyday moments into something extraordinary. The writing is poetic and evocative, each passage filled with a sense of longing and reflection. The way the author captures the nuances of human emotion is breathtaking. This book reminds us of the beauty in the small, forgotten pieces of life—those fleeting instances that shape who we are. It’s a deeply touching and resonant read that leaves a lasting impact. A must-have for those who appreciate literature that makes you pause and feel.
March 22, 2025
A delicate and deeply touching book that explores the significance of small moments and forgotten memories. The prose is lyrical, almost meditative, drawing you into a world where emotions are quietly powerful. The author’s ability to find beauty in the overlooked and seemingly trivial is astonishing. Each story or reflection resonates with truth and nostalgia, making you reflect on your own past. It’s rare to find a book that feels so personal yet universally relatable. A truly remarkable read that lingers in the soul.
March 23, 2025
This book is an exquisite collection of memories and reflections, capturing life’s fleeting moments with grace and sensitivity. The writing is filled with quiet beauty, making the ordinary feel extraordinary. The author’s attention to detail and ability to evoke emotion with subtlety is impressive. Every page feels like a heartfelt whisper, reminding us of the significance of the past. It’s a book to be savored slowly, one that makes you appreciate the little things in life. A truly beautiful and moving read that stays with you.
March 23, 2025
A profoundly moving book that captures the delicate threads of memory and emotion. The writing is elegant and deeply personal, making even the smallest moments feel significant. It’s a book that makes you reflect on your own life, your own collection of forgotten fragments. The stories are beautifully woven together, each one carrying a quiet power that resonates deeply. This book is a true gift for anyone who appreciates thoughtful, poetic storytelling. It’s the kind of read that stays with you, offering new insights with every revisit.
March 23, 2025
An absolute gem of a book that beautifully explores the significance of the past. The author has a rare gift for turning everyday moments into something extraordinary. The writing is rich with emotion, nostalgia, and poetic elegance. Each piece feels like a memory resurfacing, pulling you into its quiet yet powerful embrace. This book is for those who find beauty in the small things, who understand the weight of forgotten details. A deeply touching and reflective read that leaves a lasting impact on the heart and mind.
March 23, 2025
This book is a masterpiece of introspection, capturing the essence of nostalgia and memory with breathtaking precision. The writing is soft yet powerful, drawing you into a world of quiet emotions and unspoken truths. Every passage is a reminder of how the smallest details in life often hold the most meaning. It’s a book that lingers in your heart long after you finish reading. Beautiful, poetic, and deeply touching—this is a must-read for anyone who appreciates literary works that stir the soul.
March 23, 2025
A mesmerizing collection of reflections that beautifully explore life’s quiet moments. The prose is stunning, filled with a depth of emotion that makes even the simplest memories feel profound. The author has an incredible ability to take the overlooked and make it unforgettable. This book is like a warm embrace, comforting yet thought-provoking, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the past. If you love books that gently pull you into a world of nostalgia and poetic storytelling, this one is absolutely for you.
March 23, 2025
This book is a gentle yet powerful exploration of memory, love, and the beauty in the seemingly insignificant. The writing is so delicate and evocative that it feels like stepping into a dream. Each story or passage carries an emotional weight that lingers, making you reflect on your own experiences. It’s rare to find a book that captures nostalgia with such grace and precision. This is the kind of literature that makes you pause, breathe, and truly feel. An unforgettable read that deserves to be cherished.
March 26, 2025
Bits of String Too Small to Save weaves a fantastical tapestry of humor, oddities, and adventure 🧵🌍. Ruby Peru’s visionary narrative captivates with its bizarrely lovable characters and engagingly quirky plot. Elizabeth Ann and her grandmother are like two peas in a pod, truly adventurous in both of their hearts. It’s a treasure trove of unexpected delights that satisfies every page-turning craving 🕰️📖. For book geeks, this is an unapologetic plunge into wonderfully weird fiction!
March 20, 2025
Whaaaaaaat? This audiobook was amazing. I listened with my daughters and we laughed the whole way through. The characters are completely hilarious, and the actors made them come to life in amazing fashion. if there were more audiobooks like this one, I'd never watch TV again. Just great entertainment all around with occasional moments of real social insight.
April 7, 2025
I absolutely loved Bits of String Too Small to Save! It’s quirky, smart, and full of heart—with a story that pulls you into a world unlike anything you’ve read before. ElizabethAnn is a fantastic lead, and her fearless grandma totally steals the show. If you're into imaginative adventures with a dash of humor and a lot of originality, this one's a gem.
May 27, 2017
Throughly enjoyed joining following ElizabethAnn on her quest and spending time with Queen Dahlia and her subjects in Bumbleweed.
A riotous, vibrant, adventure story told in sparkling prose. Definitely worth a read and methinks a re-read.
A riotous, vibrant, adventure story told in sparkling prose. Definitely worth a read and methinks a re-read.
December 29, 2018
A modern Alice in Wonderland tale that somehow links together the most absurd parts of fantasy & science into an advanced children's story that keeps you wondering what on earth (or Bumblegreen actually) will happen next
December 28, 2024
If you grew up loving Alice in Wonderland, Wizard of Oz and the Chronicles of Narnia, and always wanted to go to an unknown land and have adventures, then I think you will enjoy this book. It reminded me of all these stories but I found it more twisted and dark so not really for the younger readers. I listened to this audiobook and it was fantastic! With the large cast of characters and sound effects and music, it was such a fun story to listen to. A really fun and amazing read. Thank you so much to PR by the book for the audio book of this.
March 27, 2025
I love the story, and the way it is conversational, It is a mood lighter. The relationship between ElizabethAnn, and Grandma is Enviable. I will definitely recommend this to friends, and if you are reading this review, this book is a must read, and I can ascertain that you won't regret it.
March 18, 2024
3 1/2 stars
October 29, 2024
This was a strange interesting story I read over 100 books a year and I have never read anything even close to this and the audiobook experience is the way to go
March 14, 2025
This book was amazing. I really enjoyed the grandma that was into hot rods. Also love the monkey that open portals.
April 10, 2025
This book is a great deal of whacky fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews