Thursday, April 21, 2011

Review: 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

13 Little Blue Envelopes
Author: Maureen Johnson
Publication Date: October 1st 2006
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 336
ISBN: 9780061973802
Source: ARC

Available for Purchase Now:
B&N | Amazon | HarperTeen
When Ginny receives thirteen little blue envelopes and instructions to buy a plane ticket to London, she knows something exciting is going to happen. What Ginny doesn't know is that she will have the adventure of her life and it will change her in more ways than one. Life and love are waiting for her across the Atlantic, and the thirteen little blue envelopes are the key to finding them in this funny, romantic, heartbreaking novel. -Goodreads.com

My Review:

13 Little Blue Envelopes is a quick, interesting read. I finished it in about 2 settings.

I really enjoyed reading most of the book, but some parts I just couldn’t enjoy, being a parent. For instance, who in their right mind would let their 17 year old daughter travel across Europe, alone, not knowing what she would be getting into? And where were the parents?? Hardly any mention of them at all. (I have to say this, because I’m a mom, and that’s what we do!)

That being said, as long as I reminded myself that this is a fiction novel, and kept an open mind, it was an enjoyable read. The main character, Ginny, was a little off for me. I liked her, but she didn’t make it easy for me. I did love Keith, he gave me a lot of LOL moments. I’m hoping to see more of them together in the sequel.

I really enjoyed following Ginny on her journey. I would love to visit some of the places she went. I wouldn’t want to go alone though, and I would prefer to have LOTS of money on hand.

Overall, this was a good read for me. I enjoyed it, as long as I kept reading it with an open mind. I’m really looking forward to reading the sequel, The Last Little Blue Envelope, to see what journey Ginny will go on next.
Have you read this book?? Leave a comment and let me know what you thought of it!
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15 comments:

  1. I have this on my request list at the library. Everyone seems to have the same issue with the book that you did. I am curious to read it now to see what I will think. I think it's a common theme in YA that the parents are not there, or they seem to be non existent(sadly).

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  2. I really liked this book and like you I look forward to read the sequel =)

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  3. I actually have this book, but haven't read it yet. I agree with you about the parents thing. That does seem weird....

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  4. I've heard this is a really cute series. I can't wait to read it.

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  5. I downloaded this on my Nook but I still haven't read it!

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  6. When I first read 13LBE I loved it. I completely agree with you about the whole parenting thing, though. My mum won't even let me go away with my friends until I'm 18 and its out of her control, let alone would she let me go off galavanting on my own with next to no money.
    Still an awesome book, though :)

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  7. I gotta say that I'm not even sure I like the premise of this one... I'm not a teen anymore, and I still wouldn't just head on over to Europe because some little envelopes told me I should. I agree with you - where were the parents?

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  8. The premise makes me a bit skeptical on the realism of the novel, but then again, as you said, it is a work of fiction. I have this one on my ereader, and it sounds like a cute book, so I'm looking forward to it. :) I'm happy to hear you enjoyed it overall.

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  9. Thanks for commenting! I started the second book today, and am halfway through with it. Same issues though. lol

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  10. I LOVED this book when I read it about a zillion years ago, and I was thrilled when I heard that there was going to be a sequel. I think the second one's even better, but it definitely leaves me wanting more.

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  11. I have this book but haven't read it yet! It sounds fun and cute but the no parent thing is weird, even to me who isn't a parent! Great review.

    Blakeley :)

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  12. I'll definitely read this one, thanks for your review. I don't know where the envelopes came from, but maybe her parents do and know that it's safe for her to follow the instructions?

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  13. I had the same problems with this book, and I am not a parent lol. But I think the second one is much better! I hope you like it!!

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  14. I am liking the second one much better! Especially the new character. :)

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  15. I like your review...I just downloaded this to my Nook so I am interested in seeing if I feel the same way. I am a parent, so I am sure I will have some of the same issues as you :)

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