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" This book was painful--many raw emotions from the 10-year-old brother to his 13- and 16-year old sisters, to their parents, friends, and neighbors. Thirteen-year-old Nellie, the main character was likable, lovable, infuriating, annoying, and unforgettable. The one I wanted more developed was the mother--I'd like to know more about her past. Will definitely look for more of this author's books. "
- Nancy, 1/26/2014
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" Well I did like this book but it was about 7-10 chapters to long. I mean you know who did it and why from the beginning, so why need to drag on the story??? "
- Heaether, 1/24/2014
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" After about 80 pages I started skipping ahead to see if it might pick up when it hit the major plot point. It didn't. It read like someone's diary of everything single thing that happened to them every day, without feeling like there was direction or movement. I gave up. "
- Gina, 1/20/2014
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" This author does a great job of getting into the mindset of her characters, such amazing writing, very descriptive and it does a wonderful job of creating this setting. She makes me remember what it was like to be a young teen and not understand everything around you, be at the mercy of the adults in your world who make all the rules. She shows how parents can be loving but due to life circumstances are also still human with frailties and can mess up sometimes. I loved the main character, Nellie, a girl who continues to stand up for what she believes in, despite obstacles put in her way. The other people in her family, the characters have so much depth. This a book that is slightly depressing and is not a read if you want fluff. It is a deep book, well worth some thought. It is something that I think will stay with me for a long time. There were parts where you want to just tell the other characters to grow up or where you yearn to wish things could be different for the poor family, but it does a great job of being true to life, very realistic and makes you long for childhood again too. "
- Sophia, 1/4/2014
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" Lots of subplots that never reach relevancy. Also, the book is dragged out and pretty dull. "
- Steena, 12/28/2013
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" I could not get into this book so I did not read it. "
- Harriet, 11/30/2013
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" It's Refreshing to read a book that finally depicts a capable, thoughtful, and smart 13 year old. There are some out there...it was nice to read from her perspective and not through flashbacks. "
- Jessica, 11/29/2013
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" Very satisfying. As always, MMM delivers. Vanished is still my favorite (and most disturbing) but I really like Nellie, our narrator, and wanting to stay with her was very easy. I always come away from MMM feeling like I just took an art walk. Each book is a masterful creation. "
- Jennifer, 11/15/2013
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" Another engaging novel from this award winning author, about a 13 year old who wants to tell the truth about what she saw and the misguided adults who keep thwarting her. "
- Kate, 11/13/2013
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" Absolutely wonderful book. Morris never misses the mark. The voice of Nellie is so true to that of a thirteen year old. Highly recommend this absorbing read!!! "
- Sherri, 11/12/2013
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" I enjoyed reading this book. It made me realize that as a parent I should pay more attention to what my children are trying to tell me. "
- Cindy, 9/27/2013
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" Coming of age story with a murder thrown in. Although I knew who was going to be murdered and who did it and who was going to be accused early on, I still liked it. A young 11 yr old, Nellie, is smart and tries to do the right thing. "
- Jennifer, 8/14/2013
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" Drew me in and kept me there. I'll be checking out other books by this author. "
- Donna, 7/9/2013
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" While I liked the lead character Nelly and her younger brother Henry Peck, The plot moved at a slow pace and the ending left me wanting. "
- Jill, 6/21/2013
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" The ending did not in anyway reward me for the time I invested in this book. The main character had the potential to be endearing but was mostly just annoying to her family and to the reader. "
- Sharon, 1/29/2013
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" This book was okay. Kind of a To Kill a Mockingbird type story, but just not as good. I just don't think the author had a good grip on thirteen year old behavior. Unless this was supposed to take place years ago when middle school kids acted like elementary school kids. "
- Melanie, 10/22/2012
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" Great story of courage from a 13 year old girl in an adult world. "
- shirley, 10/17/2012
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" Not so bad I didn't want to finish it. But, deeply convoluted and very dark. Took a long time getting to the point of the story... "
- Amber, 6/4/2012
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" I loved this book. Nellie grabbed my heart and never let go. The adults were very frustrating but my emotional reaction to them just emphasises how good this book reads.
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- Jane, 10/23/2011
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" Another engaging novel from this award winning author, about a 13 year old who wants to tell the truth about what she saw and the misguided adults who keep thwarting her.
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- Kate, 10/18/2011
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" This was a listless book. Seemed to lack a tight enough plot to make me want to keep reading although I did finish it. The ending was hohum, like ok, what do I write to end it?
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- Bj, 7/27/2011
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