Penelope in Retrograde; a Novel - Book Review

 

Title: Penelope In Retrograde; A Novel

Author: Brooke Abrams

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Publication Date: October 3, 2023

Length: 247 Pages

An Amazon Prime First Reads Selection

About the Author
Brooke Abrams lives in the Sonoran Desert with her husband, three children, three dogs, and a cat. This is the author's first novel.

A Family Thanksgiving
Romance writer Penelope Barnes travels home for Thanksgiving to make amends with her estranged family. She is shocked to discover her ex-husband on the same ride-share van traveling to his childhood home right across the street from her parent's house. She experiences hilarious (and a few serious) situations with her perfect twin sister, her match-making mother, her workaholic father, her weed-growing grandmother, and her fake boyfriend.

My Thoughts
I have always been a nonfiction book reader. I read memoirs, art, history, self-help, and Christian books. I also like to read children's picture books. I have decided to start adding some adult fiction to my reading list. I chose this book from the group of Amazon Prime First Reads in September. 

This was a delightful book to read. I think almost everyone can relate to the family drama that happens around holidays. The humor in the story was outstanding. I loved Penelope and the way she handled problems and conflicts with laughter and a positive attitude. 

Family relationships were emphasized and that made the story really come to life. Penelope eventually took responsibility for her part in the family conflicts and vowed to make things right. 

The nicest thing about this story is that the ending is just the way I was hoping it would be. Everything came together for a Thanksgiving that would be cherished and remembered for many years to come.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

Childrens Book Review: The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer Holm

The Fourteenth Goldfish

Author: Jennifer L. Holm

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Date: August 26, 2016

Length: 210 pages

Grade Level: Grades 3 - 7


About the Author
Jennifer Holm is the NY Times bestselling author of three Newbery Honor Books, as well as the co-creator of the Babymouse series (a 2013 Eisner Award Winner) and Squish series, which she collaborates on with her brother Matthew Holm.

Believe In The Possible
Eleven-year-old Ellie has never liked change. She misses fifth grade, her best friend and even her recently departed pet goldfish.

One day a strange boy shows up at her house. He looks a lot like Ellie's grandfather, a scientist who's always been interested in discovering a fountain of youth. Could this teenager really be Grandpa Melvin?

This story explores questions about science, family, friendship, immortality and possibility.

Favorite Quotation
(From the end of Chapter 11)

"I'm proud of you," my grandfather says to me.
"But I didn't get it," I tell him.
He shakes his head. "Scientists fail all the time. You tried. That
is what counts. You have to keep at it just like Marie Curie."
It feels like a compliment.
"What did she do?"
"Marie Curie won a Nobel for her work on radiation."
"Do you think I'll ever win a Nobel?" I ask.
"Of course you will," he says without a second's hesitation.
And I believe him.

My Thoughts
It has been a long time since I have read a fiction book for middle school students. This book was a real joy to read. It deals with the cycle of life in a way that children will understand that growing old is a natural part of life and should not be feared.

The humorous interactions between Ellie and her now teenage Grandpa Melvin are just priceless. Grandpa has the experience and knowledge of a senior citizen but is now living in the body of a teenager. He teaches Ellie to love science and to believe in herself...and the possible.

I think this book will be popular with both girls and boys. It would be a perfect read-aloud selection for middle school classrooms and homeschool environments. I predict this will be another award-winning book for Ms. Holm. Highly Recommended!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review from NetGalley.

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