For this review, I'm going to make it a little different. I am going to interview myself, Ms Foster being the interviewer. B.O.B.er being the one interviewed. But if you missed Part 1 to Flops, click here.
News Cast Reporter: "On today's episode of Blog of Books, our own Ms Foster will be interviewing the author of the B.O.B. To you Ms Foster." [Cameras switch to cozy room with two people sitting in it.]
Ms Foster: "So B.O.B.er, what did you think about The Friendship Doll by Kirby Larson? On a scale of one to five, what did you think of it?"
B.O.B.er: "I'm going to be straight forward with you Ms Foster. I would give it a one; the book didn't really have what a book needed. I wanted a climax in this book, and I wanted a solid plot. That means I need a problem and solution. The problem was mentioned in the blurb, but not in the book. Plus, it was just dry, really."
Ms Foster: "So you expected more?"
B.O.B.er: "Yes for a book that's won awards and so has the author, I expected more. I pumped myself up for a mystery, as it said so on the back, but I was mistaken. No mystery there. So for the readers, I wouldn't hope for something you're not going to get."
Ms Foster: "So if you were to recommend this book to someone, who would you recommend it to?"
B.O.B.er: "Someone who likes the book Steal Away Home by Lois Ruby, or someone who doesn't like action adventure books or mystery books. Ages nine to twelve."
Ms Foster: "Here's a question from one of the viewers: Do you like cheese?"
B.O.B.er: "What kind of question is that? Everyone likes cheese!"
Ms Foster: [Mumbles] "I don't like cheese."
B.O.B.er: "Shame on you!"
News Cast Reporter: "That's it for today, folks! Next week we'll tap into our magical sides with The Name of This Book is Secret!"
I enjoyed the interview format. I've not read this one but it was nice to read a viewpoint from the other side of the fence with so many positive ones out there.
ReplyDeleteThanks Greg!
DeleteGranted, this didn't have a lot of action and adventure, but for readers who like history and dolls (granted, a rare combination!), this was interesting. I looked up pictures of the actual dolls on line, and they were kind of creepy! This circulates from time to time in my library. I probably liked it more than I should have, since I was a big fan of Rumer Godden's doll books, but it certainly wouldn't make action/adventure fans happy.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I agree completely. (I was thinking about using dolls in replacement of stars for this post, but I decided to try not to freak out some people who are reading this...)
DeleteLoved your interview with yourself! I love Kirby Larson, but this wasn't my favorite by her, probably because of the more episodic aspect. I am almost gave up on it because of that. But I was glad I stuck with it. I liked how the stories tied together in the end.
ReplyDeleteThe ending was probably my favorite. Not because I was done with a book I didn't like (and a fifteen book long list of books members of the Reading Club were required to read), but I favored the way Kirby Larson tied up the book neatly with connecting stories.
DeleteCool review format! I've actually heard of this book before but never read it. It certainly seems like a unique premise and point-of-view. But I really like my action and there doesn't seem like there's much of it here so I'll probably give this one a pass.
ReplyDeleteThanks! There really weren't that many edge-of-your-seat moments, or sword fighting awesomeness like Percy Jackson and the Olympians or Heroes of Olympus (a couple of my favorite book series), but there were heart touching moments on occasion. But if you want you should give it a try. I can't forget the hundreds of good reviews on this book, so you might like the way Kirby Larson writes! : )
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