by
E. Lockhart (and [
HERE])
I've begun the last two reviews with the character's name. I am determined to break the pattern. So:
P.G. Wodehouse? Check. Basset hounds? Check.* Secret societies? Check. Devious plans? Check.
This book has all of those, plus a spunky main character with a great vocabulary and the inability to take no for an answer.
And yet, somehow, I don't LOVE it. It's fun. I'm reading it for a second time, so clearly it isn't awful. I think most of my problem is that I never quite believe in Frankie as a real character. I feel bad for her and I rejoice at her victories. But she never quite jumps off the page.
Now, I know there are
heaps and
heaps of people** who love this book. And I do enjoy it. And yet.
I don't know. I may need to give it a few days to percolate.
Book source: my school library
*Incidentally, basset hounds always remind me of James Thurber, probably because I was a docent at the Thurber House for several years when I was younger.
**People whose recommendations I trust.