Betsy And The Great World by Maud Hart Lovelace Review #5

Product Details from Amazon.com
Reading level: Ages 9-12

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: HarperTrophy (February 16, 1996)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0064405451
ISBN-13: 978-0064405454


Product Description from Amazon.com
It's the trip of a lifetime.Betsey Ray, 21 years old, is heading off for a solo tour of Europe. From the moment she casts off, her journey is filled with adventure--whether she's waltzing at the captain's ball, bartering for beads in Madeira, or sipping coffee at a bohemian cafe in Munich.

It's rich fodder for a budding young writer, and Betsy's determined to make the most of the experience. If only she could stop thinking about her ex-sweetheart, Joe Willard...

Then a handsome, romantic Italian goes overboard for Betsy, and she has a big decision to make. Marco Regali is passionate, fascinating, and cultured. Could it be that Betsy's heart belongs in Europe instead of Minnesota?Betsy’s childhood dream is finally coming true—she’s off to Europe just like she and Tacy planned so long ago. Despite her travels and many adventures, Betsy’s heart won’t let her forget Joe Willard, her high school sweetheart.


About the Author from Amazon.com
Maud Hart Lovelace (1892-1980) was the beloved author of the Betsy-Tacy books as well as many other books for adults and children.


My Review:

As with the previous book I found this one very hard to get into. I guess as Betsy got older she lost a lot of her appeal for me. While I cherish the ones when they were in their elementary years. I found this one a real bore. It took me a week to get through it and that was forcing myself.

The character Betsy for me was kind of silly. I could not relate to her. I understand she took the trip to get over losing Joe but she could never really stop thinking about him.

Ms. Lovelace did a very good job of descibing the countries which a love to read about. One thing I can say is that this book made me want to go visit Venice.

Most fans of the series would love this but to me I guess I was not really in the mood.

I rate this a 2/5.

FCC Disclaimer: I borrowed this from my local library. I am also an Amazon Associate. I was not paid for my opinion and what is expressed is solely my opinion.

Betsy was Junior by Maud Hart Lovelace Review #4

Product Details
Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: HarperTrophy (February 3, 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0064405478
ISBN-13: 978-0064405478


Summary from Amazon.com:
Product Description
The Best School Year Ever
That's the kind of junior year Betsy Ray has planned for herself. And when her childhood friend Tib Muller moves back to Deep Valley, Betsy's sure her perfect year is off to a grand start. With charming, funny Tib around, Crowd doings are more fun than ever -- especially after Betsy starts Okto Delta, the first -- ever sorority at Deep Valley High.

But soon Betsy's luck takes a bad turn. The Crowd is getting into trouble at school, and Betsy isn't given a chance to compete in the annual Essay Contest. Could Betsy's best school year turn out to be her worst?


My Review:

This book is my least favorite so far in the Betsy-Tacy series. I just could not get into it. Betsy has grown in to such a silly girl. Her sister goes off to school and is pledging a sorority and she decides to start her own. This is when all her troubles start. She starts acting out in school and makes silly remarks. Some of the dialogue could not possibly be one of a 16 yr old girl. I guess times have changed since the writing of this book. Betsy was Junior just bored me a little. It took me the whole week to read it. I am moving on to Betsy and the Great World since I do not have Betsy and Joe in my possession. I also could not possibly take any more of her high school years.

I rate this a 2/5.