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Cassie Binegar
Cassie Binegar (whose name rhymes with vinegar) hates her family's new house by the sea. She envies Margaret Mary for her perfect home with its shiny kitchen counters and plastic flowers that are beautiful all the time. She is surprised to find that Margaret Mary adores Cassie's loud, slapdash family. Cassie yearns for orderliness in her life - for sameness. She wants things to go back to the way they used to be, in her old house, before Grandfather died. Then Gran comes, Gran who is so good at seeing the truth about Cassie. Other relatives arrive, too: Uncle Hat, who talks in rhymes; Cousin Coralinda, who wears too many feathers; and Baby Binnie, who speaks a language all her own. Slowly, Cassie learns from them how to look at life through other people's eyes. And she learns that there are some things that cannot - should not - stay the same forever.
116 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 18, 2022
Well and indeed, Patricia MacLachlan's 1980 Middle Grade novel Cassie Binegar just does not really all that much work for me either textually or thematically, and would in fact also not have really worked for me when I was a teenager in the 1980s either.
Sure, as someone very much introverted and not at all comfortable with any type of radical and often even not so radical changes (and just like Cassie is consistently being depicted by MacLachlan as being in Cassie Binegar) I do of course and naturally, personally understand and commiserate with Cassie's issues and frustrations with the family having had to move, I get the sense of alienation Cassie feels because everything is now so very much different and feels strangely painful and new after her grandfather's recent death and that she also feels absolutely horrible concerning the grandfather's demise as the last words Cassie spoke to him were shouted and very much uttered in anger and rage, not to mention that Cassie Binegar (just like myself) also simply does not fit in with her family, that she is too different from them with her desire for order and organisation whilst her parents and siblings are rather rambunctious, not all that order loving and often much too loud for Cassie's sensitive and quiet nature.
But even though I do understand Cassie Binegar, I also do NOT AT ALL find Cassie, as she is depicted and described by Patricia MacLachlan in Cassie Binegar a so-called kindred spirit, I personally consider Cassie Binegar first and foremost as being annoyingly self-centred to the absolute extreme (and as such also in serious need of and for some major attitude adjustments and discipline), as hugely egotistical, obstinate and sometimes horribly inconsiderate bordering on downright nastiness.
And it does get really and truly textually annoying and frustrating to constantly be put by Patricia MacLachlan into Cassie's head space throughout Cassie Binegar since I just do not find Cassie's unchanging attitudes and her pretty much one-sidedly negative behaviour towards especially her family appropriate, and that she, that Cassie Binegar constantly seems to be actively and rather deliberately disrespecting and denigrating her parents and her siblings simply because she feels different from and to them, sorry, even with me appreciating that Cassie Binegar feels that she is rather an alien in her family, her actions and the way Cassie thinks, they are both severely lacking in manners and also pretty well low class (as is the way that Cassie Binegar throughout the novel seems to consider Mary Margaret as basically what should be called only a fair weather friend, with Cassie mostly enjoying and tolerating Mary Margaret's company because the latter's house and family seem quietly organised but also totally unable and even unwilling to truly listen to Mary Margaret, who does try to convince Cassie that her family life is far from perfect but which Cassie Binegar blithely and selfishly utterly ignores and considers insignificant).
Combined with the fact that some of Patricia MacLachlan's characters in Cassie Binegar are almost ridiculously and artificially strange and in my humble opinion majorly feel as though they and their stories have simply been tacked on by Maclachlan for the sake of these scenarios being exaggerated and strange for no reason (such as for example Cassie Binegar's visiting rhyming poetry declaiming uncle), no, I have not at all found Cassie Binegar a pleasure and joy filled reading experience, and as such I also believe that my two star rating for Cassie Binegar and Patricia MacLachlan's featured text is actually and in fact rather majorly generous on my part.
Sure, as someone very much introverted and not at all comfortable with any type of radical and often even not so radical changes (and just like Cassie is consistently being depicted by MacLachlan as being in Cassie Binegar) I do of course and naturally, personally understand and commiserate with Cassie's issues and frustrations with the family having had to move, I get the sense of alienation Cassie feels because everything is now so very much different and feels strangely painful and new after her grandfather's recent death and that she also feels absolutely horrible concerning the grandfather's demise as the last words Cassie spoke to him were shouted and very much uttered in anger and rage, not to mention that Cassie Binegar (just like myself) also simply does not fit in with her family, that she is too different from them with her desire for order and organisation whilst her parents and siblings are rather rambunctious, not all that order loving and often much too loud for Cassie's sensitive and quiet nature.
But even though I do understand Cassie Binegar, I also do NOT AT ALL find Cassie, as she is depicted and described by Patricia MacLachlan in Cassie Binegar a so-called kindred spirit, I personally consider Cassie Binegar first and foremost as being annoyingly self-centred to the absolute extreme (and as such also in serious need of and for some major attitude adjustments and discipline), as hugely egotistical, obstinate and sometimes horribly inconsiderate bordering on downright nastiness.
And it does get really and truly textually annoying and frustrating to constantly be put by Patricia MacLachlan into Cassie's head space throughout Cassie Binegar since I just do not find Cassie's unchanging attitudes and her pretty much one-sidedly negative behaviour towards especially her family appropriate, and that she, that Cassie Binegar constantly seems to be actively and rather deliberately disrespecting and denigrating her parents and her siblings simply because she feels different from and to them, sorry, even with me appreciating that Cassie Binegar feels that she is rather an alien in her family, her actions and the way Cassie thinks, they are both severely lacking in manners and also pretty well low class (as is the way that Cassie Binegar throughout the novel seems to consider Mary Margaret as basically what should be called only a fair weather friend, with Cassie mostly enjoying and tolerating Mary Margaret's company because the latter's house and family seem quietly organised but also totally unable and even unwilling to truly listen to Mary Margaret, who does try to convince Cassie that her family life is far from perfect but which Cassie Binegar blithely and selfishly utterly ignores and considers insignificant).
Combined with the fact that some of Patricia MacLachlan's characters in Cassie Binegar are almost ridiculously and artificially strange and in my humble opinion majorly feel as though they and their stories have simply been tacked on by Maclachlan for the sake of these scenarios being exaggerated and strange for no reason (such as for example Cassie Binegar's visiting rhyming poetry declaiming uncle), no, I have not at all found Cassie Binegar a pleasure and joy filled reading experience, and as such I also believe that my two star rating for Cassie Binegar and Patricia MacLachlan's featured text is actually and in fact rather majorly generous on my part.
October 24, 2018
Too much left unsaid, making it difficult to follow, although some points made sense. I'm not sure what age Cassie is supposed to be, but if she is writing poetry, she seems a bit too old to be spending so much time hiding under the table.
June 24, 2009
i dont recommend it! its boring
January 23, 2018
the gist I got was that Cassie was a little girl who complained all the time. :(
May 4, 2026
New read to me but I grew up on the author's other books (Sarah, Plain and Tall). This was a similar vibe.....vague but poignant from the child's POV.
December 19, 2016
Cassie Binegar doesn't like change. She's not happy with her family's recent move to the shore, and she feels guilty that she and her grandfather had an argument just before he died. She also constantly compares her family to that of her best friend Margaret Mary, assuming that Margaret Mary's neat, organized, and well-dressed parents are normal, while her more laidback family must be odd. Cassie longs for a space of her own, away from it all, but instead gets a visit from her grandmother, and a surprise meeting with a real, live author, both of whom help her to come to terms with her guilt and look ahead to her promising future.
This is another of Patricia MacLachlan's introspective and descriptive novels for which it is not always easy to imagine an audience. (Others include Kindred Souls, Fly Away, The Truth of Me, and White Fur Flying.) In addition to lots of complicated emotions, this book uses strange metaphors (such as an aunt who wears feathers, and an uncle who wears hats and speaks in rhyme) and poetic descriptions to paint a picture of the world as Cassie experiences it. Some elements of the story itself - the deceased grandfather, the inter-generational relationships, the baby who doesn't talk yet - are recurring themes in MacLachlan's work which I recognized from more recent titles such as Fly Away. Other things, such as the desire to write, the need for space, and an overall introverted worldview were new to me, but equally satisfying. Some of the images - such as Cassie hiding under the table and being spotted by the visiting author, or writing her feelings in the sand with a stick - stayed in my mind long after finishing the book, a testament to the strength of MacLachlan's word choice and powers of description. For adults, undoubtedly, this book is a treat.
For kids, unfortunately, this book is probably the kind of thing most of them won't read unless it's assigned and won't appreciate even then because they will be forced to analyze it. Still, it is beautifully written even if it is strange, and for a reader in third or fourth grade who likes to be challenged, it could be a surprise favorite.
This is another of Patricia MacLachlan's introspective and descriptive novels for which it is not always easy to imagine an audience. (Others include Kindred Souls, Fly Away, The Truth of Me, and White Fur Flying.) In addition to lots of complicated emotions, this book uses strange metaphors (such as an aunt who wears feathers, and an uncle who wears hats and speaks in rhyme) and poetic descriptions to paint a picture of the world as Cassie experiences it. Some elements of the story itself - the deceased grandfather, the inter-generational relationships, the baby who doesn't talk yet - are recurring themes in MacLachlan's work which I recognized from more recent titles such as Fly Away. Other things, such as the desire to write, the need for space, and an overall introverted worldview were new to me, but equally satisfying. Some of the images - such as Cassie hiding under the table and being spotted by the visiting author, or writing her feelings in the sand with a stick - stayed in my mind long after finishing the book, a testament to the strength of MacLachlan's word choice and powers of description. For adults, undoubtedly, this book is a treat.
For kids, unfortunately, this book is probably the kind of thing most of them won't read unless it's assigned and won't appreciate even then because they will be forced to analyze it. Still, it is beautifully written even if it is strange, and for a reader in third or fourth grade who likes to be challenged, it could be a surprise favorite.
January 6, 2016
The book started out OK, with Cassie disliking everything because she is still dealing with her grandpa's death, which she feels indirectly responsible for. To top it off, her parents move from the house she loved and grew up in and where she had her own room, to a new house where there doesn't seem to be a place for her. She's a born worrier, and adolescent on top of it. That I can deal with. I remember it well.
But...sigh. Cassie (named for the ever-moaning Cassandra of Greek legend?) is too often directly adressed by her full name "Cassie Binegar." Yes, yes, we know it rhymes with vinegar. Don't tell us quite so often. But her relatives and close friends wouldn't use the whole name like that.
The interesting thread of what's really going on with her best friend just peters out. Yeah, for much of the novel Cassie is so self-absorbed that she wouldn't notice much, but man--her friend puts out all kinds of throwaway little remarks like "things aren't as perfect as they seem" whenever Cass admires her life, and Cassie never bothers to say, "What do you mean?" Some friend. It's allll about me, innit Cass? Uncle Hat and the other feather-obsessed cousin turn up with a baby in tow, and we aren't told much about them, either--like WHY does he speak in rhyme?
The last "chapter" was a real disappointment. Even in a small beach town, I feel pretty sure that "article" wouldn't have been convincing.
Do better, Patricia. I know your output is pretty uneven, but I know you could have done so much more with this. What a disappointment, I really can't recommend this to anyone.
But...sigh. Cassie (named for the ever-moaning Cassandra of Greek legend?) is too often directly adressed by her full name "Cassie Binegar." Yes, yes, we know it rhymes with vinegar. Don't tell us quite so often. But her relatives and close friends wouldn't use the whole name like that.
The interesting thread of what's really going on with her best friend just peters out. Yeah, for much of the novel Cassie is so self-absorbed that she wouldn't notice much, but man--her friend puts out all kinds of throwaway little remarks like "things aren't as perfect as they seem" whenever Cass admires her life, and Cassie never bothers to say, "What do you mean?" Some friend. It's allll about me, innit Cass? Uncle Hat and the other feather-obsessed cousin turn up with a baby in tow, and we aren't told much about them, either--like WHY does he speak in rhyme?
The last "chapter" was a real disappointment. Even in a small beach town, I feel pretty sure that "article" wouldn't have been convincing.
Do better, Patricia. I know your output is pretty uneven, but I know you could have done so much more with this. What a disappointment, I really can't recommend this to anyone.
March 28, 2018
Patricia MacLachlan is a bit of a mystery to me, with her dreamy, humorous, insightful, sweet, perceptive stories. Meant for children 8-12, I should be considered far, far too old to enjoy her books as much as I do. I wonder if she really meant her audience to be old children like me. I can even handle her occasionally "bleep" word and would happily read the book aloud to any child ages 8-12 and just do a little "editing" in the reading. There is something about reading the story and thoughts of this little girl who loves to hide and observe the world in secret. I especially love when she discovers hiding under the table that is covered with a tablecloth. I want to do that, and I want to see the world like Cassie Binegar sees the world.
December 30, 2024
This book begins with a girl unhappy with her new circumstances after her family has moved. I wasn't sure I was going to like the book, but in the end I did. Some unusual family characters, but I appreciated the emphasis on a family being a family, seeing things from others' perspective, and appreciating each other. Good plot and development.
January 3, 2021
I really loved this book, although I recognize parts of it that have been used in the author's other books. Cassie's story would be a great read for any kid (or adult) whose family drives them crazy sometimes.
July 26, 2024
Perfect middle grade fiction and just darling
The only thing making it feel dated is no mention of TV - the family plays music and sings together. Sounds wonderful and so pre-internet and pre-phone
Just lovely
The only thing making it feel dated is no mention of TV - the family plays music and sings together. Sounds wonderful and so pre-internet and pre-phone
Just lovely
June 14, 2025
This had a melancholy tone to it throughout. Cassie was struggling with change and contentment with her life and family.
Mention of dad drinking wine, a couple swear words and talk of seeing her parents skinny dipping. None of which was needed in this story.
Mention of dad drinking wine, a couple swear words and talk of seeing her parents skinny dipping. None of which was needed in this story.
May 8, 2017
One of my all time favorites <3
May 23, 2018
Such a charming little book from my childhood - re-reading it made me notice how much influence it had on me growing up!
June 10, 2019
A sweet and emotional book about a girl who is learning how to handle the world as it changes.
February 27, 2020
She has such a way of capturing young Human Nature and this one is just as insightful as ever
September 7, 2020
Slow reading. A little harder to connect to compared to other McLachlan books.
June 30, 2022
Quick read but eh. There was too much random stuff in the story.
November 19, 2022
“So sometimes we build cocoons around us and linger inside awhile.” Pg 78
May 10, 2024
Excellent, a real gem of a book. I can't believe it took me so long to discover it.
February 8, 2026
charming!
June 21, 2024
This book definitely was INTERESTING 🤔😁 at first I was not sure how I should feel about this book.
But even so i could relate to quite a bit of the topics in it. like when Cassie was talking about wanting her own space and how she does not want things to change.
Other than her falling in love with the 20 YEAR OLD WRITER!! This book has alot of emotional parts that I can relate with!!! I REALLY ENJOYED IT!!!
But even so i could relate to quite a bit of the topics in it. like when Cassie was talking about wanting her own space and how she does not want things to change.
Other than her falling in love with the 20 YEAR OLD WRITER!! This book has alot of emotional parts that I can relate with!!! I REALLY ENJOYED IT!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2012
recently found a used copy of this childhood favorite. the cover of the edition i remember reading features an extremely grouchy looking girl wearing a pink shirt.
maclachlan's books, which i adored as a kid, stand up well to the test of time because her writing is so well-crafted and lyrical and the characters so vivid. not necessarily realistic (uncle who constantly speaks in rhymes didn't actually age that well) but vivid. enjoyable reread.
maclachlan's books, which i adored as a kid, stand up well to the test of time because her writing is so well-crafted and lyrical and the characters so vivid. not necessarily realistic (uncle who constantly speaks in rhymes didn't actually age that well) but vivid. enjoyable reread.
March 20, 2014
I first read this in the 4th grade and it remains one of my all-time favorite children's books. It reminds me of Madeleine L'Engle's quote that when she has ideas that may be too much for her adult readers, she puts it in a children's book instead.
Beautifully crafted setting, and an easily-imaginable and loving family. Themes of Cassie's reluctance towards change are as accurate, familiar, and poignant as any I've read elsewhere at age 25.
Beautifully crafted setting, and an easily-imaginable and loving family. Themes of Cassie's reluctance towards change are as accurate, familiar, and poignant as any I've read elsewhere at age 25.
Read
December 23, 2008i remember reading this for AR.. it took me forever b/c I kept putting it down and having a hard time picking it back up
September 27, 2010
Great characters who are full of life and a lesson about change in this book.
June 14, 2011
it was a ssoft but slightly enjoyable book that I really came to love really good bookread!
June 1, 2015
I always enjoy MacLachlan. See http://www.eatreadandbemommy.com/2015... for more!
June 7, 2015
I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you: http://www.indiebound.org
June 26, 2016
Great book about growing up, loss, and change.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews