Great Middle Grade Reads discussion
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A Year Without Autumn
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BOTM for September 2015: A YEAR WITHOUT AUTUMN
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I look forward to this. I've requested it from my library system; hope it comes in soon!
I started reading A Year Without Autumn this afternoon and was so engrossed in it that I couldn't stop reading and finished it this evening. Good character development--characters I cared about, and the author does a great job of continually ramping up the tension. I kept having to read one more chapter to see what happened. A satisfying ending. I would definitely recommend this book to middle graders--and adults.
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I think that was pretty much my reaction!
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I recently finished reading this novel, and I must say that it was not one of my favorite novels. I found it to be somewhat dull. It definitely wasn't the worst, but I would not highly recommend it.
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This is from what I said in March 2012, anyway:
This is an enthralling tale of what happened next, of unexpected consequences and of things that might have been. I simply could not put it down. The characters are vivid (especially the ‘not-friends’!), the family situations are all too real, and the cumulative effects of disaster on happy normal lives are all too painfully rendered.
That is definitely how I remember the book. I don't really want to reread it now you folks have given your comments, in case I find it disappointing on a reread.
Rebecca, not sure I understand your comment. What do you mean when you said that the author punted a bit at the end? This might have been my very first MG book, and I remember that I too, like Susan, just had to read that one more chapter, and then another chapter and then another. Over time and many MG books later, I find myself forgetting the plot of stories that I have read, but this one sticks in my mind.
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I do agree with Jemima about the vivid depictions of the effects of disasters. But I wonder...aren't those seeds of destruction there in all those people anyway?
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Yes, but how well do young people see the consequences of their actions? I know a few years ago I was astounded at the level (or lack of) awareness of consequences that young people seemed to have. It was just common sense to me, but that seemed/s to be something severely lacking these days.
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Actually, I wasn't completely convinced by the destruction of the two families, but maybe that was realistic (I would have been more convinced, I think, if I'd spotted the seeds of that destruction before the disaster).
It's the end of the month and I haven't started yet! Really wanted to join in the discussion, but my classes are more work than I expected. I've been following the discussion, still hoping to chime in!
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Cheryl, your tone and implications about Jemima might stand a little moderation. Liz Kessler is a well-known author with a very popular series. I have no idea if she knows Jemima, but that's not how the BOTM system works, in any case.
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Harry, I'm wondering about gender and books like this. Though this wasn't a book about romance and stuff, it felt to me very much like a girl's book (and not just because of the female characters, though that of course does--sadly--tend to drive off male readers). General tastes matter, too. I see from other comments that you are a fan of adventures and sci-fi/fantasy, pretty high action stuff. I'm not surprised that this doesn't appeal, but wonder if it's possible to sort out "it's not my sort of thing" from "it was a bad story."
Mind, I wasn't a huge fan myself (well, you can see my criticisms above). But I certainly wouldn't call it the worst book I've read.
Just trying to see if we can deepen the discussion here, hopefully without making you feel like your English teacher just joined the group!
I would echo Chery's views and agree it was a bad novel and seems to be pushed by one of the moderators, and that is fine as we all have an opinion and likes and dislikes.I did finish it and regret wasting time on it. I have so many novels to read and so little time, when one gets promoted as much as this by a Mod on a Middle grade group, I at least expect it to be middle grade and to be enjoyed by this who enjoy YA and Middle Grade novels.
It was pushed by Jemma quoting the great reviews on goodreads. Looking into further, many were by friends of the author and Jemma, take this out and the average reviewer gave it 2-3 stars. This is probably the worst novel I have read in a few years and feel like I was suckered into buying it. This group is not as open as it should be, I do not normally post but read the discussions but felt very strongly that something needed to be said. The recommendation was more than personal preference, the whole ; This book is rated 3.98 by Goodreads members with 1,177 ratings and 196 reviews.; was worked out by Gemma. However now REAL readers ahem read it, it is much lower. I hope I don't see this again on here.
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To return to the book, one issue I had, which I think I forgot to mention, was that at the beginning I thought maybe we'd see Jenni figuring out who she was without Autumn--since it's evident that Autumn is a pretty overwhelming friend, and the pair are always doing what she wants. Jenni doesn't stick up for her own desires and tastes at all (I really hated that she was made to feel ashamed of wanting to go to the candle museum, and that was never dealt with). I hoped that she'd have a year without her friend and come back with a backbone, but that's not what the author did.
Maybe that's part of what I meant when I said I thought the end was disappointing--because everything goes back to how it was, and no one has to change after all. But I can't let go of a feeling that Jenni would be changed, and irrevocably, by the experience.
Since this book is more about relationships than anything, again I can't help feeling that tastes are very different. But while I would rate this at probably only 2 or 3 stars, because of the things I mentioned, I can see where someone else might like it a great deal more.
Don't we have any middle grade girls on here to chime in with yet another perspective?
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I wouldn't go so far as you, Harry, Brent, etc., do about this being the worst I've read (I might actually be happy to hear this is as bad as it's gotten for you!), but I agree with much of what you said--and your conclusion is just what I was trying to say:
"The other reason I didn't find this book very satisfying is that this type of story works best when the main character learns something about her-or-him self, but in this case that didn't seem to happen, maybe if I had finished it but I could not."
Sadly, even if you'd finished I don't think you'd have seen the character growth you were looking for.
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This book was recommended to me as a good example of children's literature in 2011. So I read it and enjoyed it. Simple as that.
You may think I'm an idiot, but please don't turn your difference of opinion into a personal attack :) Remember the group rules that pop up as you type your comments "Respect. Tolerance. Good vibes"
Now, what would you like to nominate in November, since we already have the voting up for October. Would you like the nomination thread up now? I'll add your books, Dave.
One thing I'd like to get straight:
The recommendation was more than personal preference, the whole ; This book is rated 3.98 by Goodreads members with 1,177 ratings and 196 reviews.; was worked out by Gemma. However now REAL readers ahem read it, it is much lower. I hope I don't see this again on here.
The book was voted for, maybe not by enough people, and I used the introduction format used by my predecessor organiser of the BOTM. It's a straight quote from the Goodreads stats. That's all. If you don't want me to 'set the scene' in this way, I won't, but I don't recall MG having a problem with this format.
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I'm also glad to see we have more teen members, male or female, than I thought. I hope you will all participate more in our discussions; I think we could use more input from the intended audience for these books.
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Amen to that! I'll go to sleep during an argument about sports teams! Actually, it's very heartening to see that people can get this steamed up over a book, when some people would try to argue that the book is dead. Not around here it isn't!
I have just finished the book, which I was driven to buy and read because of the somewhat 'lively' discussion. I love books with time travel, and the whole mystery of time that the travel throws up. I have just finished Terry Pratchett's 'The Nation' which really explores the concept of reality. However, I felt that the 'portal' was clumsy in 'A Year Without Autumn'. I also felt constantly frustrated by the main character. The resolution felt both clumsy and too neatly done, if that makes sense. So I'm afraid I go along with those who rate the book two to three stars.
One of the reasons I like goodreads is because everyone can have their opinion, without it becoming personal. There are many previous discussions which show this. I am pleased to see that much of the disagreement above has been resolved and hope that the messages of 'respect, tolerance and good vibes' will continue to be adhered to.
I look forward to next Month's read.
Well, it is interesting that so many people did not like the book. I loved it. It reminded me of the old Twilight Zone shows that I watched when I was a kid. I gave it a 5 star rating.
I also decided to read this book because of the lively discussion. I started it last night agreeing with myself to give it three chapters to suck me in. I wanted to finished it last night but decided I needed sleep and finished it this morning. I loved it.One of the things that I love about books is that we all have our different opinions and get something different as we read.
I felt like Jenni grew a lot over the few days of her adventure. She was much more vocal and insisted on people doing what was best for them when she was able to influence them. Look at the way she convinced her mom to take it easy and her dad to be there "just in case." It didn't surprise me that she still went horseback riding because she'd seen the future and what would happen if she didn't go once she realized she wasn't going to change Autumn and her mom's minds.
In the beginning of the book, yes, I would've like to see Autumn respecting Jenni's wishes more about what she'd like to do (like she does at the end of the book), but Jenni admits once she went along with Autumn's plans, she had fun with them even though they pushed her out of her comfort zone.
As a side note: I chuckled at Autumn's attitude toward her dad calling himself a writer and wondered how many of our children feel that way about those of us who are authors. :)
I attended a writing panel discussion this weekend and the idea of fluffy, happy endings came up. They're expected in MG books and can come across as forced or a quick wrap up if not done correctly. The panelist said that the protagonist has to earn his or her happy ending. I felt like Jenni worked every angle she could to ensure the happy ending instead of it just happening.I could easily follow the destruction of the Leonard family since their new reality was a stark contrast to the life they'd been living. Jenni's family was a little more drastic but I think the author planted the seeds of the destruction in the first year when everyone was tense and on edge. Once again, a complete contrast to what they're used to and something that, if left unchecked, could lead to the downfall of a marriage.
What a fun discuss for a book! I'm glad this one was chosen.
Rebecca wrote: "Justine, I thought maybe things got put back together too well. And Jenni gets to live with all those memories--that's not going to be easy, but we're just handed a "happily ever after ending."
I..."
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Wow, some really strong feelings about this book! I was interested to read this because I have read a few of the books from the author's popular Emily Windsnap series. The premise was interesting. It was maybe a little slow to start but I thought it picked up quickly. My biggest issue was that as soon as Jenni figured out how the elevator worked she chose to move forward instead of backwards. Everything was obviously falling apart. Why wouldn't she want to go back immediately? It was pretty evident things would only get worse in the future. The other issue was that the jumps to the future revealed more cracks in her relationships than she had realized. Maybe the author went too far here? When Jenni goes back and fixes the outcome of the accident she thinks to herself how she'll make sure her parents never split up. Um, not the responsibility of any child and the implication that she could ensure their relationship works is concerning to me. Also I would have liked to see Jenni change a little in her relationship with Autumn. Something showing she has grown a bit through the experience. All in all I think my daughter (4th grade) would like it but wouldn't find it as engaging as other books she's read. I'm giving it 3 stars. I thought it was a decent read despite some flaws.
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Um, first let me say that there must be another Cheryl, who has since deleted her comments. I would not be abusive or accusatory. I only read the book today, as my library only finally filled my request a few days ago.I enjoyed it. Not a whole lot, as I thought the beginning awkward, and there were more shortcuts taken than in the very best books. I pretty much agree with everyone above who didn't hate it, but the weaknesses some expressed didn't bother me too much. I'm definitely glad I read it. I'll review it on Leafmarks and give it 3.5 stars.
I will add that I was disappointed the book didn't, imo, match the cover. It took place in August, not Autumn, and the girls didn't really spend much time being happy together. So, the book was not as joyful as I expected it to be, based on the cover.
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LOL. Me too. I had to go look up some profiles because the comments really didn't seem like you, Cheryl!
Great Middle Grade Reads
Books mentioned in this topic
North of Nowhere (other topics)A Year Without Autumn (other topics)
This book is rated 3.98 by Goodreads members with 1,177 ratings and 196 reviews.
Here's the description:
On her way to visit her best friend, Autumn, Jenni Green suddenly finds she's been transported exactly one year forward in time. Now she discovers that in the year that's gone by, tragedy has struck and her friendship with Autumn will never be the same again. But what caused the tragedy?
I read it three or four years years ago, one of my first forays into modern MG books. I'll post my review in a week or so when you've got started!
If you're new to our BOTM discussion, all you need do is read the book and leave your comments about it, and discuss with other people. The thread stays open for about six months in case you can't read it straight away - you can comment as long as the thread is open.