Michelle Herman

Well...
I was utterly curious to see what this novelette would contain. The main character projects her identity onto the dog, making the reader consider the impact of expectations on the psyche in other realms. The main character has some rather turbid emotional issues, that she resolves through the dog.

I'd wondered whether she'd hook up with the dog's rescuer. She didn't . Oh well.

I know! I'll give this book lots of stars! Because I liked it!

I have several things to say about this book.

The first is that I don't know how I found this book or how I came across it. I know that I came across it, years ago (probably online, somehow), and put it on my Christmas wish list on the elfster web page one year for a family gift exchange.

Then, in December, I participated in another elfster exchange. My giver asked if my wishlist was still relevant. I checked what was on the list, show more and found several interesting things that I had never received or even looked at in three years. So I said yes, it was still relevant, and received this book from Sinterklaas.

It was a pleasure to read this book, and (or possibly because of this) it was fun to think about what had drawn me to it in the first place.

The writing itself was particularly likeable, for me, because Herman writes... kind of the way I write. I mean to say of course that I write the way she writes (she's been doing it longer), and she seems drawn to the same kind of things as I do. For example, names of characters seem to be of especial importance to her; naming characters is perhaps my favorite part of the writing process. Writing about little bits of normal life instead of huge, life-changing events also is more important to me. The little bits of happiness she describes are, an afternoon snack of fresh fruit and chocolate, or a couch from Goodwill, or the one fancy new piece of furniture a character can own. The arts at the forefront, and behind that all of the regular struggles of people with little to no money who are just trying to get some kind of happiness.

This is something I will definitely want to reread some day. show less

My rating is for the purpose of the information within, not the entertainment value for an adult.

I chose to read this book because I have a daughter at the age of the intended audience. This book does a great job of simplifying everything into terms for a kid. Also it uses examples that would be important to a child. If the author would have used adult issues, it probably would go over most little girls' heads because the situations wouldn't be something that they are concerned/troubled with show more in their day-to-day.

The organization of the sections wasn't the best in my opinion, but it probably won't matter to the chosen audience.

I believe my daughter would enjoy this book, and it would be beneficial for her. I recommend parents with preteen girls check it out.






***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***





toni





FangirlMoments and My Two Cents









FULL REVIEW CAN BE FOUND AT http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.blogspot.com/2015/05/a-girls-guide-to-life-by... show less

A short review for a short little book. This is a quietly beautiful and quirky little book. Divided into two distinct sections these are pretty much extended essays that read in a somewhat 'stream of consciousness' manner (Dreamlife in particular).

Herman has produced something completely different than the norm and managed to make it charming in the process.

Full review here