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Catherine, Called Birdy Audiobook
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(3.00) - 19,722 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Read the book behind Lena Dunham’s acclaimed new movie! This historical fiction classic, told in the form of a diary, has drawn in generations of readers and is a Newbery Honor Book.
Catherine feels trapped. Her father is determined to marry her off to a rich man—any rich man, no matter how awful.
But by wit, trickery, and luck, Catherine manages to send several would-be husbands packing. Then a shaggy-bearded suitor from the north comes to call—by far the oldest, ugliest, most revolting suitor of them all. Unfortunately, he is also the richest.
Can a sharp-tongued, high-spirited, clever young maiden with a mind of her own actually lose the battle against an ill-mannered, piglike lord and an unimaginative, greedy toad of a father? Deus! Not if Catherine has anything to say about it!
Catherine, a spirited and inquisitive young woman, narrates in diary form the story of her fourteenth year—the year 1290.
In an appreciation in the New York Times, illustrator Vera Brosgol spoke for many fans of this beloved book: ""I fell hard for Karen Cushman's Catherine, Called Birdy the second I opened it. More than any other heroine I'd read, this one sounded like me. For Catherine, and for me, there is no easy solution to the cages life makes for you. Sometimes the power is in deciding to be yourself in whatever cage you're in.""
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"I liked "Catherine" quite a bit, with only one qualifier: the trouble with books that set out to portray what life was really like for a regular person in any given situation is that they sometimes drag a bit through what life was really like for a regular person in that given situation, and you can find yourself longing, at least a bit, for something extraordinary in the situation, or in the character's response to whatever their situation is. That being said, this is still an enjoyable tale of life in medieval Britain, told from the perspective of a girl in her fourteenth year. While no Katniss or Bella, she is appealling nonetheless in her spunky rebellion against the cloying tedium that marks her life. It's hard to imagine not coming away with a fondness for her, an appreciation for many of the people around her, and certainly, a better understanding of what life was like in this part of the world seven or eight hundred years ago. A fine piece of historical fiction in an era that usually isn't found in books without fantastical elements muddying the picture."
— Steve (4 out of 5 stars)
Catherine, Called Birdy Listener Reviews
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" I read this book a long time ago and really liked it. I read it again over the last few days. I like the book but it is a little pessimistic because the main character is not very happy, but it all works out for the best. I was really surprised by all the holidays they had in medievel Britain. Plus, how everyday is a saints day. It was insightful into the period the book is set. "
— Melani, 2/14/2014 -
" Medieval diary writer refuses to do what her parents want. You go, girl! "
— Megan, 2/9/2014 -
" I think that Catherine, called Birdy was very long and boring. I did not find the majority of the book attention grabbing or even very interesting. I did not enjoy this book very much. I think the plot line is awesome, it is a great historical fiction topic but I found that this book could have definitely been better. It was difficult for me to finish. "
— Karli, 1/30/2014 -
" I loved Catherine, I identified with her so much! She hates the circumstances under which she lives and is constantly trying to escape. But then she discovers self reliance and strength within herself. It's a wonderful tale. "
— Glorious.Clio, 1/27/2014 -
" I snagged this book from my older sister when I was young, and I still remember it very fondly. It was one of the first times I think I was exposed to a strong, witty female protagonist. One of these days, I'll have to re-read this one! "
— K., 12/24/2013 -
" I enjoyed the humor in the book and thought it was cleverly written. "
— Mom, 12/21/2013 -
" This book really helped me understand the Middle Ages, I thought that they were so serious all of the time, obviously not!!!! Catherine really does have a sense of humor. "
— Brigham, 12/10/2013 -
" Cushman's writing is charming, she really brings history alive. I listened to this one on tape a few years ago, and thoroughly enjoyed it. "
— Andrea, 12/6/2013 -
" Book was pretty good. But the midwifes apprentice was much better "
— Tammyribbey, 11/16/2013 -
" I read this book so many times when I was younger. Catherine was my role model growing up. I would recommend this book to anyone. "
— Calista, 10/12/2013 -
" Didn't like it. Crude and stupid. Catherine is a selfish spoiled girl who deserves no respect. "
— AlixJamie, 8/9/2013 -
" One of my favorite books from my childhood. Catherine is hilarious, and I still love this book today. "
— Jackie, 4/14/2013 -
" This little book was just my cup of tea. It's nice to feel like I'm learning a little bit as I'm being thoroughly entertained. Sure, it stretches credibility for the time period (1290), but Cushman made it work. "
— Frances, 1/3/2013 -
" A feminist young adult book about a young woman who wanted to be married for love rather than as a pawn for increasing her father's wealth. A quick read with a few giggles. I enjoyed it. "
— Ellie, 11/29/2012 -
" I loved this book in my adolescent years. "
— Samantha, 11/26/2012 -
" I know I read this...but I should probably give it a reread since I can't remember anything. hahahaha "
— WideEyedPanda, 6/11/2012 -
" Charming and funny, Cushman's tale of a medieval girl's efforts to avoid an arranged marriage was a quick diversion for a Sunday afternoon. "
— Renae, 2/19/2012 -
" Read this book in the 7th grade, later dressed up as her for an assignment. "
— Kristin, 1/30/2012 -
" Oh my goodness, this book rocks! Heavy on the female power but in a non-obnoxious way. Highly recommended. "
— Willow, 1/14/2012 -
" Corpus Bones I love this book. Sassy and amazing. I've probably read it 15 times. "
— Bean, 12/13/2011 -
" Great book really loved it. Cushman managaed to make Catherine seemed historically real while making her feisty and teenaged. "
— Jane, 5/20/2011 -
" A plucky female heroine comes of age in the middle ages. Told with humor and insight. Can't help but like Catherine. Although probably true to the period, I got a bit tired of her type of swearing. "
— Dina, 5/17/2011 -
" My all-time favorite book! I have read it no less than 30 times. "
— Whitney, 5/16/2011 -
" Hana E. <br/> <br/>This book was really interesting. I like how Catherine was a stuck up girl to a nice and not stuck up girl anymore. "
— Iskreads, 5/9/2011 -
" Newberry Award Honor winner in 1995, this book is interesting historical fiction. A young woman named Cat keeps an interesting journal of the year before her upcoming arranged marriage. Interesting and well-written. "
— Sandy, 5/1/2011 -
" I would just like to say this was an epic fail in literature. She could not have whined anymore. And my whole seventh grade humanities plus class agrees. "
— Diana960, 4/30/2011 -
" It doesnt have the best story line and it isn't all that isteresting, but it is a fast and easy read. It isn't my favorite book, but it is not too bad. "
— Lindsey, 4/27/2011 -
" Read this book in 5th grade and really enjoyed it. It was my first taste at historical fiction :) "
— Anaiz, 4/27/2011 -
" Interesting book on the middle ages and lifet therein. It wasn't called the Dark Ages for nothing! "
— Laurie, 4/27/2011 -
" Loved the journal style in which Catherine's tale was told. Very fun story and I love that it's so full of what life was actually like back in 1290 a.d. Glad to live in the 21st century! "
— Becky, 4/25/2011 -
" I had to read this for 7th grade lit. and it will never be in my possession again. It really deserves zero stars but oh well. I would not recommend this to hound readers. "
— Brooke, 4/25/2011 -
" Sad to see this story end! "
— Chris, 4/12/2011
About Karen Cushman
Karen Cushman is the author of many acclaimed historical novels including Catherine, Called Birdy, a Newbery Honor winner, and The Midwife’s Apprentice, which received the Newbery Medal.
About Mary Jane Wells
Mary Jane Wells (a.k.a. McAllister Lee) is a British actress, writer, voice-over artist, and Earphones Award and Audie Award–winning narrator. A graduate of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, she held a recurring role on the BBC’s Half Moon Investigates and narrated the BBC Three television show My Children, which won a Scottish BAFTA.