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The Year of Secret Assignments
(Ashbury/Brookfield #2)
by
The Barnes & Noble Review
Three Aussie girls become pen pals with three guys at another school in this delightful, high-spirited read by Feeling Sorry for Celia author Jaclyn Moriarty.
Told entirely through letters, diary entries, emails, and other writing, Moriarty's novel introduces us to Emily, Lydia, and Cassie -- all students at Ashbury High -- who begin writing to ...more
Three Aussie girls become pen pals with three guys at another school in this delightful, high-spirited read by Feeling Sorry for Celia author Jaclyn Moriarty.
Told entirely through letters, diary entries, emails, and other writing, Moriarty's novel introduces us to Emily, Lydia, and Cassie -- all students at Ashbury High -- who begin writing to ...more
Get A Copy
Paperback, 340 pages
Published
April 1st 2005
by Scholastic Paperbacks
(first published November 30th 2003)
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A G
nope. I had no idea there's was another book. This one can be a little confusing but damn it had me laughing out loud in many parts. Its worth a read.
Community Reviews
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Start your review of The Year of Secret Assignments (Ashbury/Brookfield, #2)
Every four years, I turn into this crazed figure skating fan. I remember the 2002 Winter Olympics in particular because I lived and died with Michelle Kwan four years earlier and 2002 was going to be HER year. In the long program, Sarah Hughes (aka Sarah Who?) skated first and threw down a flawless performance. Triple toe loop-triple loop, triple salchow-triple loop -- technically and stylistically, it was pretty damn perfect. However, with Michelle Kwan, Sasha Cohen and Irina Slutskaya still
...more
Also known as The Year of Secret Assignments and the follow up to Feeling Sorry for Celia. (Don't you hate it when books have different titles for different countries?)
I may hate the book having different titles in different places but that does not alter the fact that I loved the book every bit as much as I did Feeling Sorry for Celia.
This author has a real talent for writing young adult fiction which is still totally readable by those of us who are no longer young! The book is in the format ...more
I may hate the book having different titles in different places but that does not alter the fact that I loved the book every bit as much as I did Feeling Sorry for Celia.
This author has a real talent for writing young adult fiction which is still totally readable by those of us who are no longer young! The book is in the format ...more
If you have not yet read the brilliant Finding Cassie Crazy by Jacyln Moriarty, please do yourself a favour, stop reading this pitiful attempt at a review, and go track down a copy. Okay? Seriously, do it.
If you’ve decided not to immediately take my advice and you’re still hanging around this page, alright, I’ll try to make it worth your while.
So, here goes.
Five Reasons to Read Finding Cassie Crazy (you really don’t need all five, any one of these will do, but whatever, I’m feeling verbose ...more
If you’ve decided not to immediately take my advice and you’re still hanging around this page, alright, I’ll try to make it worth your while.
So, here goes.
Five Reasons to Read Finding Cassie Crazy (you really don’t need all five, any one of these will do, but whatever, I’m feeling verbose ...more
GUYS I'M NOT EVEN KIDDING THIS IS STILL ONE OF MY MOST FAVOURITE BOOKS EVER.
Such a great read! I loved the dynamic between the characters, and Lydia was hilarious. Such a sass queen! Her and Seb are #goals because they match each other's crazy SO WELL.
Poor Cassie, though. What a dud of a penpal.
Having the story written through exchanged letters was really clever, and kept things unpredictable which was fun! I related to the way some of these things were written. Other parts made me laugh out ...more
Such a great read! I loved the dynamic between the characters, and Lydia was hilarious. Such a sass queen! Her and Seb are #goals because they match each other's crazy SO WELL.
Poor Cassie, though. What a dud of a penpal.
Having the story written through exchanged letters was really clever, and kept things unpredictable which was fun! I related to the way some of these things were written. Other parts made me laugh out ...more
(Australian Title: Finding Cassie Crazy)
For their grade 10 English class at posh Ashbury High, their teacher Mr. Botherit (!) has best friends Emily, Lydia and Cassy writing penpal letters to the English students at the rival public (therefore dodgy) school nearby, Brookfield. This is, in part, to help forge a bond between the hostile schools. Emily and Lydia, after a rocky start, form friendships of sorts with Charlie and Sebastian, while Cassie gets single line threats from the boy, Matthew, ...more
For their grade 10 English class at posh Ashbury High, their teacher Mr. Botherit (!) has best friends Emily, Lydia and Cassy writing penpal letters to the English students at the rival public (therefore dodgy) school nearby, Brookfield. This is, in part, to help forge a bond between the hostile schools. Emily and Lydia, after a rocky start, form friendships of sorts with Charlie and Sebastian, while Cassie gets single line threats from the boy, Matthew, ...more
I finished re-reading this book for maybe the tenth or hundredth time on the airplane this morning.
And I could write down some quirky anecdote about how I came across this book (because trust me, going on Barnes&Noble.com and ordering whatever looks mildly interesting always makes for a quirky anecdote :) or I could say how I first walked by Feeling Sorry for Celia about six times before I picked it up and then spent the whole afternoon torn between laughter and empathy, and then started ...more
And I could write down some quirky anecdote about how I came across this book (because trust me, going on Barnes&Noble.com and ordering whatever looks mildly interesting always makes for a quirky anecdote :) or I could say how I first walked by Feeling Sorry for Celia about six times before I picked it up and then spent the whole afternoon torn between laughter and empathy, and then started ...more
Aug 17, 2010
Nic
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
Fans of Good Oil, Dairy Queen, Six Impossible Things
Recommended to Nic by:
Teccc
Favourite Quote: "I like the way you took that whole journey to Balmoral without looking at me once. But all the time I felt like you were crinkling the corners of your eyes for me."
I ADORE this book. The Secret Year of Assignments is smart, warm and irresistible funny! This is the kind of book that makes you cheeks ache from smiling too much.
The Secret Year of Assignments is written in letters, diary entries, emails, notices, transcripts, summons and more. It is not just one person story but ...more
I ADORE this book. The Secret Year of Assignments is smart, warm and irresistible funny! This is the kind of book that makes you cheeks ache from smiling too much.
The Secret Year of Assignments is written in letters, diary entries, emails, notices, transcripts, summons and more. It is not just one person story but ...more
Jun 18, 2010
oliviasbooks
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
those who like letter novels and multi-angled tales
I liked this very much, but I didn't expect less after reading Feeling Sorry for Celia. It was partly hilarious, partly cute and chicklitish, partly insightful, deep and disturbing and always interesting and cleverly crafted. Highly recommended.
What puzzled me first was the chronology. The novel consists of letters between three boy-girl-pen-pal-couples, diary entries, e-mails, unsuccessful efforts to fill a notebook for aspiring writers, special agent assignments, a court script and more. ...more
What puzzled me first was the chronology. The novel consists of letters between three boy-girl-pen-pal-couples, diary entries, e-mails, unsuccessful efforts to fill a notebook for aspiring writers, special agent assignments, a court script and more. ...more
1/2
Rounding this up just because its a sweet little light story - but actually I was pretty disappointed in this after the first book in the series Feeling Sorry for Celia, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
The letter/email/note format in this book is honestly very clever & makes it an easy read, I really think Jaclyn Moriarty has a cool thing going on here. The story is cute & the characters quite charming & I totally understand why young adults especially love this. I'm so I'm not sure if ...more
Rounding this up just because its a sweet little light story - but actually I was pretty disappointed in this after the first book in the series Feeling Sorry for Celia, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
The letter/email/note format in this book is honestly very clever & makes it an easy read, I really think Jaclyn Moriarty has a cool thing going on here. The story is cute & the characters quite charming & I totally understand why young adults especially love this. I'm so I'm not sure if ...more
I ramble more about this book and Feeling Sorry for Celia here but this is the basic gist of it...
Jo’s Official Rating.
If the first half of this book was a person, I would send them a letter with (um.. this analogy isn’t going to work but I’ve already committed) an orange matchmaker taped to the bottom of it. Because they are my favourite.
If the last few chapters of this book were a person, I would send them a letter with a lime Wine Gum taped to it. Because I’m not that fussed about them.
Jo’s Official Rating.
If the first half of this book was a person, I would send them a letter with (um.. this analogy isn’t going to work but I’ve already committed) an orange matchmaker taped to the bottom of it. Because they are my favourite.
If the last few chapters of this book were a person, I would send them a letter with a lime Wine Gum taped to it. Because I’m not that fussed about them.
Aug 28, 2007
Chelsea
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
own,
doubleplusgood,
youngadult,
reread,
2006,
covers,
contemporaryfiction,
advance,
epistolary
Not only does she bring some of the best epistolary writing I've ever read and feature some of the best character voices in ya lit, here Moriarty offers up one of those wonderfully impossible friendships. Lydia, Cassie, and Emily are so in tune with each other it hurts, and I want to hang out with them. In terms of trios I'd like to join, they fall very close to the reigning champ of Harry/Hermione/Ron.
They're wacky; they pull pranks; they swear; they keep secrets from each other; they mock ...more
They're wacky; they pull pranks; they swear; they keep secrets from each other; they mock ...more
Trigger warnings: death of a parent (in the past), mental health, fat shaming, slut shaming, misogyny, violence (off the page but recounted afterwards).
This feels quite dated now, given that it was first published in 2003. But the epistolary format works surprisingly well, the characters are fun and their friendships felt authentic, and I laughed out loud multiple times. Although honestly, I think one of my favourite moments in it came not from the teenagers but from Emily's father bemoaning ...more
This feels quite dated now, given that it was first published in 2003. But the epistolary format works surprisingly well, the characters are fun and their friendships felt authentic, and I laughed out loud multiple times. Although honestly, I think one of my favourite moments in it came not from the teenagers but from Emily's father bemoaning ...more
YEEESSS!!!!
Well done, Jaclyn Moriarty! I had so much fun reading this book. Instead of spending all day cooped up inside the office I had to work outside and this (audio)book was the best type of distraction I could ask for. I kept laughing at loud and looking over my shoulder to check it anyone heard me acting like a loon.
Even though I marked this book as 'chick-lit' I think it's more suited for younger readers, those just starting with young adult novels. Doesn't have any sexy scenes, it's ...more
Well done, Jaclyn Moriarty! I had so much fun reading this book. Instead of spending all day cooped up inside the office I had to work outside and this (audio)book was the best type of distraction I could ask for. I kept laughing at loud and looking over my shoulder to check it anyone heard me acting like a loon.
Even though I marked this book as 'chick-lit' I think it's more suited for younger readers, those just starting with young adult novels. Doesn't have any sexy scenes, it's ...more
Guess I'll have to read this one soon because ELLIS
2018 Review
*looks suspiciously at 2014 review*
*shakes head*
PEOPLES. I'm doubting my sanity again. Look at that staid, calm review below. Look at the cautious, 4 stars.
DID I NOT READ THE SAME BOOK?
I re-read this book and it was amazing. Easily 5-stars. Beautiful. Almost flawless. There is some language, but not enough to not give this book stars. I loved all the characters. I laughed and chuckled and chortled. I sighed. I gasped and feared for the characters.
I can't believe I missed how good ...more
*looks suspiciously at 2014 review*
*shakes head*
PEOPLES. I'm doubting my sanity again. Look at that staid, calm review below. Look at the cautious, 4 stars.
DID I NOT READ THE SAME BOOK?
I re-read this book and it was amazing. Easily 5-stars. Beautiful. Almost flawless. There is some language, but not enough to not give this book stars. I loved all the characters. I laughed and chuckled and chortled. I sighed. I gasped and feared for the characters.
I can't believe I missed how good ...more
(3.5 stars) Despite the fact that I can't understand the reason for this novel (why would three girls be writing to three boys at a different school and why would Ashbury and Brookfield set up this penpal program? I don't buy the 'eliminating school rivalry' excuse...What's the educational benefit?), I loved the friendship among Lydia, Cassie and Emily. Despite being all being the daughters of lawyers, they're all so wonderfully distinct, and I enjoyed reading how their three different
...more
This and other reviews can be found on The Psychotic Nerd
This was such a cute, fun book!
I hardly every laugh-out-loud while reading a book and this was one of those book that you could hear me laughing constantly!
If you want to read a book that's unique, funny, and just a cute contemporary I highly recommend this book! It will put a smile on your face and you won't want to stop reading!
And, by the way, you don't have to read the first book before this one. This book is technically a sequel, but ...more
This was such a cute, fun book!
I hardly every laugh-out-loud while reading a book and this was one of those book that you could hear me laughing constantly!
If you want to read a book that's unique, funny, and just a cute contemporary I highly recommend this book! It will put a smile on your face and you won't want to stop reading!
And, by the way, you don't have to read the first book before this one. This book is technically a sequel, but ...more
What's not to love about The Year of Secret Assignments?! Jacyln Moriarty's writing style occasionally put me in the mind of Lemony Snicket minus the dark undertones. I enjoy stories presented in format that strays from the traditional chapter flow, and Moriarty does a good job of revealing the various characters' personalities through their letters and e-mails to one another. I know that a book has me under its spell when I am willing to sacrifice sleep on a school night to read "just a few
...more
An amazing book. Hilarious and sweet. Loved all the characters. LOVED the Australian setting too, and inspired me to pick up some more Australia-set books.
After-the-fact thoughts on this book --
When I think about this book, I want to:
1) Cry -- because I can't re-experience the beauty/magic/charm of it all as though it was the first time.
2) Hug ALL the characters.
3) Re-read it. The whole thing.
After-the-fact thoughts on this book --
When I think about this book, I want to:
1) Cry -- because I can't re-experience the beauty/magic/charm of it all as though it was the first time.
2) Hug ALL the characters.
3) Re-read it. The whole thing.
Awwwwwww. These Asbury/Brookfield books make me so happy. Who ever would have thought that epistolary novels could be so charming?
Fantastic, hilarious, and too happiness-inducing for words. I will forever reread this.
Aug 12, 2013
Stuti (Turmeric isn't your friend. It will fly your ship
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
My day started like this:
I woke up(duh!(except I shouldn't duh considering you'd've had no reason to suspect that I'm not an insomniac)) to the sound of my personalized alarm clock- my mom, sorry didn't mean to talk about you that way but you kinda are, aren't you?-and I decided against taking a shower, as it had been barely seven hours since my last one. I got ready and all the shenanigans followed and ended with me parking my ass in my bus. Now, it might not seem like it considering my ...more
I woke up(duh!(except I shouldn't duh considering you'd've had no reason to suspect that I'm not an insomniac)) to the sound of my personalized alarm clock- my mom, sorry didn't mean to talk about you that way but you kinda are, aren't you?-and I decided against taking a shower, as it had been barely seven hours since my last one. I got ready and all the shenanigans followed and ended with me parking my ass in my bus. Now, it might not seem like it considering my ...more
3.5 stars
Content Warnings & Why You Might Move This Down On Your TBR:
Harmful
Two characters express fat phobic statements. One character challenged one of the fat phobic characters, but the conversation peters out and the author doesn't challenge the ignorance.
The male protagonists express misogynist ideas. The female protagonists call them out but, again, the conversations don't really go anywhere and not everything is challenged.
Self-harm is normalized.
Men being violent is normalized ...more
Content Warnings & Why You Might Move This Down On Your TBR:
Harmful
Two characters express fat phobic statements. One character challenged one of the fat phobic characters, but the conversation peters out and the author doesn't challenge the ignorance.
The male protagonists express misogynist ideas. The female protagonists call them out but, again, the conversations don't really go anywhere and not everything is challenged.
Self-harm is normalized.
Men being violent is normalized ...more
I used to read this book on a yearly basis growing up and re-reading it after a few years I remember why. What a delightful book. I am a sucker for a book that doesn't tell the story in the typical novel fashion so I absolutely loved the letter/notebook/diary theme going on here. Jaclyn Moriarty did a fantastic job with that. And this book is just pure fun! I actually laughed out loud quite a few times reading this. This is a quick read too. Overall just a really enjoyable book.
Dec 08, 2010
Bree T
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
young-adult,
library-reads
Finding Cassie Crazy is about 3 best friends, Cassie, Emily and Lydia who attend a made-up, private, very well-to-do school in Sydney’s north west somewhere near Castle Hill. As part of year 10 English, they undertake something named the ‘Joy of the Envelope Pen-Pal Project’, which is all about no one taking the time to communicate properly anymore and everything taking two seconds via text or messenger or email. Cassie, Em and Lydia have to write letters to three boys from the famed Brookfield
...more
Agent in-charged : Natasha Anne
A.K.A : Natshane
Special Covert Operation Assignment: Review
Operation Description: Write a review for this book that made you laughed like crazy in the middle of the night.
Warning: May contain inappropriate words for young children.
Synopsis: Three Girls, Three Boys, Two Rival schools. This could get Messy.
The Ashbury-Brookfield pen pal program is desinged to bring together two rival schools in a spirit of harmony and the 'Joy of envelope'. But when Cassie, ...more
A.K.A : Natshane
Special Covert Operation Assignment: Review
Operation Description: Write a review for this book that made you laughed like crazy in the middle of the night.
Warning: May contain inappropriate words for young children.
Synopsis: Three Girls, Three Boys, Two Rival schools. This could get Messy.
The Ashbury-Brookfield pen pal program is desinged to bring together two rival schools in a spirit of harmony and the 'Joy of envelope'. But when Cassie, ...more
Do yourself a favour and read this gem.
You can thank me later.
If you’re still here and reading this pathetic excuse for a review, then I might as well make it worthwhile and humour you with the following:
1. Jaclyn Moriarty and All Her Glory: Can we talk about how wonderful Moriarty’s way with words is? Because it is wonderful—she’s wonderful. She mixes genuine characters and witty, laugh-out-loud dialogue into a realistic yet quirky and hilarious novel. Oh, Jaclyn Moriarty, you slay me!
2. ...more
You can thank me later.
If you’re still here and reading this pathetic excuse for a review, then I might as well make it worthwhile and humour you with the following:
1. Jaclyn Moriarty and All Her Glory: Can we talk about how wonderful Moriarty’s way with words is? Because it is wonderful—she’s wonderful. She mixes genuine characters and witty, laugh-out-loud dialogue into a realistic yet quirky and hilarious novel. Oh, Jaclyn Moriarty, you slay me!
2. ...more
I came across the name of this Australian writer on E. Lockhart's website. If I remember it right, she named Jaclyn Moriarty as an inspiration for the format of her own Ruby books. Of course, being as huge of E. Lockhart's as I am, I simply had to eventually check out Moriarty.
"The Year of Secret Assignments" is a book written entirely in the form of letters, notes, e-mail messages, etc. I love this format and it definitely makes the book one easy, quick and entertaining read. The story itself ...more
"The Year of Secret Assignments" is a book written entirely in the form of letters, notes, e-mail messages, etc. I love this format and it definitely makes the book one easy, quick and entertaining read. The story itself ...more
This is one of those books that just makes you smile for so many reasons and sometimes for no reason at all other than you just love it that much. The characters are quirky and funny and the format allows readers to truly get to know them. I love most of all the steadfast friendship the three main girls have and that absolutely nothing ever gets in the way of that. My only complaint is that the end was wrapped up a little too quickly for me - I wanted to know more and I wasn't ready to move on.
...more
I adore this book. I've read it soooo many times. First I checked it out from the library at least four times. Since then, I've bought it and still read it constantly. It's one of my favorite chicklit-but-not-really-chicklit books. It's an intriguing plot line, well-written, and definitely funny. It's the perfect borderline between cheesy/mystery/light romance. I really love The Year of Secret Assignments.
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Readers also enjoyed
Jaclyn Moriarty is an Australian writer of young adult literature.
She studied English at the University of Sydney, and law at Yale University and Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where she was awarded a PhD.
She is the younger sister of Liane Moriarty. She was previously married to Canadian writer Colin McAdam, and has a son, Charlie. She currently lives in Sydney.
She studied English at the University of Sydney, and law at Yale University and Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where she was awarded a PhD.
She is the younger sister of Liane Moriarty. She was previously married to Canadian writer Colin McAdam, and has a son, Charlie. She currently lives in Sydney.
Other books in the series
Ashbury/Brookfield
(4 books)
27 trivia questions
More quizzes & trivia...
“I'm screwed up, mixed up, messed around, dive-bombing, crashing and burning.”
—
50 likes
“I saw your name in lights last night.
It's the middle of the night,
and I can't sleep,
thinking all my trumpeting thoughts,
and I get out of bed,
open the curtains,
and look into the night full of stars,
and you know what I saw?
Your name.
Like the stars joined up and spelled the word for me.
Like a sign.”
—
40 likes
More quotes…
It's the middle of the night,
and I can't sleep,
thinking all my trumpeting thoughts,
and I get out of bed,
open the curtains,
and look into the night full of stars,
and you know what I saw?
Your name.
Like the stars joined up and spelled the word for me.
Like a sign.”
