Terrible book IMHO

In my humble opinion, this book is truly terrible. The story lacks depth and coherence, making it difficult to follow and engage with. The characters are one-dimensional and fail to evoke any real emotions or interest. The writing style is平淡无奇 and fails to add any excitement or vividness to the narrative.

Furthermore, the plot is predictable and full of clichés, leaving no room for surprises or twists. It seems as if the author simply recycled ideas from other books without adding anything new or original. The pacing is also off, with some parts dragging on while others are rushed through.

Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone. It is a waste of time and money, and there are many other great books out there that are worth reading instead.

I'm a little torn between 4 and 5 stars.

On one hand, it was a very good book that had a certain charm and managed to keep me engaged in reading from start to finish.

However, perhaps for an adult reader in today's fast-paced world, the pace of the story might have seemed a little slow.

Despite this, it was still a pleasure to read.

I can clearly understand why it won the Newberry award.

The book has qualities that make it stand out and remain relevant even today.

It has a unique story line and well-developed characters that draw the reader in and make them care about what happens.

Overall, it's a great book that I would recommend to others, especially those who enjoy a good story with a bit of depth.

A story about differences, judgements, friendship and self-discovery unfolds in 1687. Kit Tyler, who has grown up in Barbados, is about to be introduced to the Puritan way of life in Connecticut. She quickly realizes that things in America are very different from what she is used to.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond was awarded the John Newberry Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Literature for Children in 1959. Over the decades, this well-written book has become a classic, inspiring generations of readers. Most readers can easily relate to Kit's temperament, her communion with nature, love of literature and independent thinking.

Kit wonders which of the queer little boxlike houses is home. The others stare at her suspiciously, as if she has sprouted a tail and fins. She feels out of place in this new country. However, she discovers a secret place in the meadow that brings her a sense of peace and comfort.

Kit also forms friendships with John, Prudence and Hannah. They share a love of reading and find solace in each other's company. But their friendships are tested when Kit is accused of being a witch.

In the end, Kit learns many lessons about herself and the world around her. She discovers that true friendship and love can overcome even the greatest of differences and judgements. And she realizes that sometimes, the only way to find peace is to look within one's own heart.

My wife Barb read this book back in the 90s and told me how much she liked it, which made me take notice. So last fall, when I was thinking about a new book to read aloud to her, I chose this one. I guessed correctly that after about 25 years, it would be like reading it for the first time. The short description on Goodreads for this edition says it "brings to life the witch hysteria of Puritan New England." That's true, but it's not the whole story. One part of the plot shows the witch hysteria of that time, building up to an intense climax that creates a lot of drama and suspense. But there's much more to the book than that. (The cover blurb is a bit more lurid and Gothic than the book really is.) It's good historical fiction (the kind that won a Newbery Award when quality was important for that) and not just a sappy melodrama. The 16-17 year old heroine, Kit Tyler, will appeal to teens, but adults can enjoy the novel too.

The story is set in the fictional town of Wethersfield in the colony of Connecticut in 1687-88, on the verge of England's Glorious Revolution. New England history buffs know that royal governor Sir Edmund Andros was pushing the limits of royal absolutism at that time. (Speare does a great job of working this historical background into the story.) But we see it through the eyes of Kit Tyler, who was born and raised in Barbados, in a very different environment. She was orphaned at a young age and raised by her wealthy grandfather, who has now passed away. But a thieving overseer misused his trust, leaving Kit with a lot of debts. After her grandfather's death, the plantation had to be sold to pay the debts. So Kit sails to Connecticut without any money except what paid for her passage, to find a home with her mother's sister, Rachel Wood, and her family. Both Kit and the Wood family are in for a big culture shock.

In my opinion, this is a wonderful novel with no major flaws. It's a detailed and fascinating portrayal of human relationships across different cultures and generations. Speare avoids the mistakes of making fun of Puritan society or creating one-dimensional characters who are all good or all bad. Kit is a likeable person who is free-spirited, kind-hearted, smart, and loves books. (Her grandfather taught her to read and had a big library.) She also appreciates beauty. But at 16, she's a bit lazy and entitled, which is a result of her upbringing. She takes the slavery-based economy she's grown up in for granted and is too subservient to the Crown. (Even though they're more narrow-minded than Kit in some ways, the New Englanders she meets are often on the right side of these issues.) The author also shows that New England society isn't all the same. Hannah Tupper, an old Quaker who becomes Kit's friend, and Nat Eaton, a seaman with a broader perspective from traveling, are also part of the community. And even among the Puritan congregation in Wethersfield, there are differences in personalities and attitudes. Most of them aren't really bad (although Goodwife Cruff is), and Speare shows how mob psychology can work if given the chance. They're just regular people with the same range of moral and psychological qualities we'd find in a small town today, and most of them are sympathetic. Speare has also created dynamic characters who can learn from each other and from their experiences and change their attitudes and perspectives. And while Kit doesn't like the long, boring sermons at the Puritan church services on Sundays and doesn't support the bigotry against Quakers, she's not anti-Christian or promoting anti-religious ideas in the book.

Speare's plotting is perfect and her writing style is great. At only 223 pages, this is an engaging and fast-paced read that kept my interest from start to finish. If a reader had the time to read it without many interruptions (which Barb and I didn't have), it would be a quick read. As a lifelong New Englander herself, Speare's love for and knowledge of the beauty of New England's natural world is clear in many parts of the text. Finally (and this is important for this genre), her historical accuracy and faithful reconstruction of the life and values of the times are excellent. This book really makes you appreciate the hard, monotonous work that filled daily life for both men and women (although the focus is on women), as well as the sense of community and some of the traditions. Some might say I give too many books five star ratings, but I really couldn't give this one any less!

I'm not sure how I missed this as a kid.

Especially since I made an effort to read all the Newbery winners at one point.

But strangely enough, I don't remember it at all!

However, after reading it now, I found that I really liked it.

I was drawn to the charming romances that unfolded within the story.

The historical time period it was set in added an extra layer of interest and authenticity.

It was fascinating to see how the characters interacted and lived during that particular era.

Additionally, the complexity of the people was truly captivating.

Each character had their own unique personality, motives, and flaws, which made them feel real and relatable.

Overall, it was a great read that I'm glad I finally discovered.

This is a book that I truly enjoy rereading.

Kit is an extremely lovable character, and Mercy is just as endearing. And then there's Nat... oh Nat! In the beginning of the book, I had no idea he was so wonderful.

Oh, how I wish this was a romance! But alas, it's more of a children's book. In fact, I liked almost all of the characters, including Kit's uncle!

I found The Witch of Blackbird Pond to be very educational about those 'Witch hunt' years.

Because of all these aspects, I gave this book a well-deserved five stars. It's a story that combines charming characters, an interesting historical backdrop, and valuable lessons, making it a great read for both children and adults alike.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging and educational story.

This is one of my absolute favorites ever since I was in 5th grade!

It is so incredibly good. I have reread it several times, and each time I love it just as much or even more than the first time.

Recently, I introduced this wonderful piece to my daughters. We all sat down and read it together, and we all fell in love with it!

I highly recommend it to you. You won't be disappointed.

Happy Reading!!!

One of my all-time favourite books from my childhood was truly a remarkable piece of literature. It had the power to transport me to different worlds and ignite my imagination.

The story was filled with engaging characters and a plot that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I would often find myself lost in the pages, completely immersed in the adventures and emotions of the characters.

This book not only entertained me but also taught me valuable lessons about life, friendship, and courage. It left a lasting impression on me and continues to be a source of inspiration even today.

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I didn't have high expectations that a book written in the 1950s, which I first read in the early 1990s, would hold up today. However, to my great surprise, it did!

I was pleasantly astonished that this book was better written than I had anticipated. Usually, when I revisit books from my youth, the writing can be rather painful to read. But that was not the case here. The descriptions and dialogue were quite powerful, and I truly appreciated the distinct characterizations of the Wood family members and others whom Kit encounters. Kit herself remains a very captivating character. I think the author did an excellent job of writing a 16-year-old girl from this time period with her unique background. She is a bit brash and foolish, yes, but it is understandable given her circumstances. And she does make an effort to adhere somewhat to the rules and strictures of her new life.

It is true that the witchcraft trial was resolved a little too quickly. I wish there had been more build-up to it because the accusations against her seem to come out of nowhere. Also, the moment early on, when Kit is still on the ship heading to Connecticut and John asks if she had any women to care for her in Barbados, and she responds with "LOL yeah, slaves, duh," I winced so hard that I almost sprained something. But I was pleasantly surprised when very soon after, she is talking with Nat and he firmly rejects the idea of owning human beings.

Moreover, I adored Hannah and Prudence. I hope they both had wonderful lives after the end of this book and that no one ever treated them poorly again.

This is one of the most beautiful novels that I have ever read!

It takes the reader on an extraordinary journey through a world filled with vivid characters and captivating storylines. The author's writing style is simply enchanting, painting a detailed and immersive picture that makes it impossible to put the book down.

From the very first page, I was drawn into the lives of the characters and their struggles, joys, and loves. The plot twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat, constantly guessing what will happen next.

This novel is not just a story, but a work of art that touches the heart and soul. It has left a lasting impression on me and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a truly remarkable reading experience.

Oh, my heart! It seems that I have discovered a new favorite. <3 <3 <3 I must give a huge thanks to Olivia. It was because of her mention in a recent blog post that I was inspired to go to the library and pick it up. :))

I have this urge to do a real review at some point. However, I can't make any promises. You see, when it comes to blogging and such, I have a bit of a reputation for not being the best at keeping my word. :P But still, this new find has really captured my attention and I can't wait to explore it further. Maybe one day, I'll be able to sit down and write a detailed review that does justice to this wonderful thing that has become my new favorite.

3.5 stars.

I read this book a long time ago, and I really enjoyed it then.

The story was engaging and filled with interesting characters and plot twists.

I remember being completely immersed in the world that the author had created.

The writing style was also very good, making it easy to follow along and understand the story.

Although it has been a while since I read it, I still have a positive impression of the book.

I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good read.

Overall, it was a great experience, and I'm glad I took the time to read it.

I might even consider reading it again in the future to see if my opinion has changed.