Samantha's Secret Room

by Lyn Cook

The search for a lost book and a secret room enlivens the summer of an eleven year old girl.

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Young Adult

210 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1963

Reviews

[Jennifer]

This is probably the book that started my love of reading. I remember it so fondly.

[Margrete]

I've been trying to identify this book as it was one of my favourites when I was in school -- and I finally found it!

[Sharon Ouderkirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of my favourites when I was a kid - I still have my old copy from the 1970s. In re-reading it, I can see why I loved it: it was full of fun. Samantha is a 12 year old girl with two younger brothers, growing up on a farm in Penetanguishene, Ontario. The farmhouse is old with so many rooms that Samantha has not been inside all of them. She does, however, have a secret room in one of the abandoned outbuildings, where she goes when she is upset or to write in her diary.
The story follows several months in her life, including events such as her best friend moving away, finding new friends, having a crush on an older cousin, doing endless work on the farm and with the animals, and preparing for a big summer reunion for the whole family to celebrate the 90th birthday of her Great-Grandmother. There's a lot of growing up to do between the events, and Samantha is a real girl with faults and insecurities. The book was written in 1963 and is therefore a bit dated in terms of gender roles, but Samantha is clearly a young girl who takes action to make things happen. I enjoyed reading it again, looked forward to reading it at the day's end, and generally indulged in the well-remembered memories of girlhood summer reading. A pleasant reading interlude.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOL...had to give this one 5 stars...it's a book from childhood. I came across it at a used book sale. I first read this in grade 4 and have now re-read as an adult. I have to say...I loved it just as much. It brought back so many memories and feeings from that time in my life. It was like visiting an old friend. Loved it and I am now hunting for other childhood friends to add to my collection.

[Anna Docker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilled to have reread this banger of a book after nearly 50 years. Purchased at a massive secondhand book fair, among 20 or so books I selected. I had a vague memory of it, I couldn't remember what happened and I couldn't put it down! Smashed my way through it to find out the ending. A fantastic book!!!! If you see a copy GET ONE!

[Gordon Bloem]

I have been looking for this book forever as I loved it when I was a kid. I would love to read it again but have not been able to lay my hands on a copy.

[Sarah Thornton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The Canadian history, the day trips and camping... The secrets of the house and the relationships and brattiness and happiness that flows effortlessly.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I’m so looking forward to sharing it with my nieces.

[Sherry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can see how some folks who read this in their youth would remember it fondly, especially if you lived on a family farm in a small Canadian town - it is relateable in that way. One other reviewer said they liked its "normalcy" and that is exactly what it is, a vingette of a normal family living their farm life and supporting their community and appreciating the history of its existence. Not much in the way of drama.

There are a couple little mysteries to follow, though the references to them are patchy throughout the book which becomes somewhat frustrating because you get interested in the mystery and then it gets pushed in the background as the rest of the subplots emerge. There are so many secondary storylines that it becomes difficult to feel engaged or committed to any of them. I suppose that is how it is in real life, distractions at every corner, but it doesn't seem to work in a novel.

There was the grandma's missing book, the two secret rooms, the old friend/new friend weirdness, the wish for a boat, the mysterious neighbour, the paragraphs of historical content, the school fundraiser, the cousin visit, the birthing of farm animals, the family reunion Birthday event - it was a lot. It never really led anywhere and the mystery of gran's book and the second secret room did not reveal itself until the very last chapter and after waiting all that time for some conclusion to the mystery it turned out to be a titch disappointing.

The story was published in 1963 so the historical references are based on that time and the author refers to First Nations people as Indians so there is that issue. Therefore, it might require some research to authenticate the numerous facts noted in the story. I would think that some editing would be required should the book be republished today.

[Al-hafiz Virani · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the *best* books I have ever read in my youth. I was searching for this book like crazy and am so glad I finally found a copy. I used to read a lot when I was young, but of all the books I read back then - this is the one book that I have always remembered since then. Decades later, this one story still stands out from all the others. I have just started reading it again, and it's just as magical as I remembered it!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it when I was about 8 and loved it. I still think about it every now and then.

[Kimberly Foulger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to search to find this childhood favourite and I am glad I did. It is a sweet, gentle story and a classic.

[Sean Harding · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cook the Books #1
Well that was pretty uninspiring, but the end I didn't care if Samantha's secret room had the secrets to the life the universe and everything, I just wanted it to end.

[Gary Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this only because it was set in Penetanguishene. Glad I did. It is the viewpoint of a young girl growing up in Penetang. Her crushes, friendships, family and a family secret she discovers that no one has yet found. I enjoyed the normalcy of it. Something people don't seem to write about anymore. I hope my daughter will read and enjoy this book also.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this bok on the shelf of a secondhand store and it reminded me of having to read it in fifth grade. I've appreciated it that much more having read it a second time-the Canadian history and being up north in Penetanguishine was great! It didn't feel at all like a history lesson at all... It brought back many memories of that particular teacher too!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was probably my very favourite novel as a child! I loved the idea of a secret room and cherished this book. Sadly now, I remember ver little about it except that the heroine has a secret place she can go to.

[Theryn Fleming · Rating 3 out of 5]

review tk

[Akemi Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book over and over as a child and it has stuck with me throughout the years (decades). I cannot wait to share this one with my young daughter.

[Kerliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite childhood book (read at age 9).