Friday, August 6, 2010

Review: 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

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.


Review:

I remember reading 13 Little Blue Envelopes in middle school and LOVING it so when I recently bought my own copy I couldn't stop myself from rereading it :)

Upon receiving a package containing thirteen envelopes from her runaway aunt, Ginny sets off for London. When reading this, I was currently on vacation in London myself, so I felt an even bigger connection with Ginny and her trials and triumphs with things like mastering the subway and navigating Harrods. Everywhere Ginny went in London she faced a new adventure and met some very interesting people. Two of my favorite characters in the book are introduced in London- Keith and Richard. Richard was a kind hearted guy and I loved learning more about him as the story went on. Keith really helped Ginny out with solving some of the envelope tasks and I loved how quirky and sweet he was. There are tons more people Ginny meets in her travels through Paris, Rome, Denmark, Greece, and more. Each person had a spot in the story and added a little something to it.

Traveling is one of my favorite things to do, and reading about Ginny's adventures was a lot of fun. She faced a variety of complications, but also had some amazing experiences. The little details in this book just made it that much better. Even if you don't like traveling, you will love experiencing things with Ginny and will laugh and cry by the time you're finished.

The plot was so original and fantastic. I couldn't wait to uncover what each envelope held and to see what mission Ginny would be sent on next. Not only was Ginny finding the places and people her Aunt directed her to, but Ginny was also finding herself.

This is a fun and enjoyable read that never will get old for me. Each page holds a new excitement and the characters in this novel will remain in my head for a long time. Ginny is a fantastic heroine and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the long anticipated sequel- The Last Little Blue Envelope!

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars

September 1, 2005/HarperTeen/321 Pages/Young Adult/Book One

Source: Bought (Paperback)
Other books in the series: The Last Little Blue Envelope (2011)

6 comments:

  1. This sounds really good, I've been meaning to get it form the library for a while now (I should really just push it to the top of my TBR list). Great review!

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  2. I just wrote a review of this book not too long ago. I loved the book too and I liked the artwork on the pages where the notes in the envelope are. Very creative. Go check out my review!!

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  3. I really like 13 Little Blue Envelopes, I loved Ginny's adventures. And I'm super stoked there is going to be a sequel.

    Lovely review.

    Alex

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  4. I think I'm in the minority that really didn't like this book, I only know one other person that didn't.

    I wanted to love it, because Maureen is awesome, but it was just so mind numbingly boring I could barely bring myself to finish it (maybe it's because all the viewing the UK through a tourists eyes thing was dull to me because I'm from the UK -- plus, Ginny was boring to me too). =/

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  5. I noticed that my library had this one, but translated. Glad to hear that you really loved it, now I cant wait to borrow the book. :)

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  6. I read this book, and I liked it, I guess. I'm more of a fantasy person, so...I really liked your review though!
    Happy Reading!! ~Stev

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