Dorrie's Book

This remains a book I treasure today. This is without a doubt Marilyn Sachs' finest work. Dorrie, a gifted 6th grader has to write her life story for a school assignment. Her story is certainly an interesting and worthwhile one because it is during that year her life changes in quantum leaps. Dorrie's triplet siblings, Deirdre, Randolph and Raymond are born and she feels shunted aside. Her parents become foster parents to two neglected neighborhood children. The only thing I didn't like was the emotional blackmail they used on her when "consulting" with her about bringing these new children into their home. The drawings, done by Anne Sachs are a bonus treat. The voice of Dorrie rings true; at 11 I could readily identify with Dorrie. Readers of all ages will enjoy this. I wish it was back in print. This is a classic.

I have been an admirer of the writings of Marilyn Sachs since I was a young girl. So naturally, when I had a daughter of my own, I wanted to share those reading experiences with her someday. And although she's only a year and a half old, I hope she, too, will someday appreciate the wonderful books as I did some 20 years ago.I was the age of this book's title character when I first read "Dorrie's Book." At age 11, her words resonated with me, even though my life was significantly less chaotic than hers! We are introduced to Dorrie as she prepares to write her own book for a class assignment. And we learn how her somewhat pampered life as a only child suddenly becomes upended with the arrival of triplets! Dorrie must deal with a myriad of emotions, ranging from envy to indifference to betrayal, as she tries to find some sense of order in her world. She must contend with the rigors of helping to care for three babies, as well as a move to a new home and dealing with a neighborhood "mean-faced girl." Just when Dorrie begins to feel a semblance of complacency, other events arise - some of which are obstacles, others victories.I would not dare to spoil any further surprises by releasing too much detail about the rest of this young girl's travails, but it is interesting to note that Dorrie herself has some control over the way the tale is presented, as she attempts to tidy things up in one pat ending.Anyone who is familiar with the works of Marilyn Sachs will find this book to be more raw and more introspective than most of her other writings. I feel that strategy is necessary and responsible for making "Dorrie's Book" the charmer that it is. I can truly say that I savored each page as much today as I did when I first set eyes on it long ago. As an 11-year old, I found Dorrie to be an intriguing, rather precocious girl. Today, my impression of her has changed little. Marilyn Sachs has captured all of the emotion of a unique situation and made me feel as if Dorrie and her family were real people.A lively reading adventure for young women and women young at heart!

This mother and daughter team really worked! This delightful book, written by Marilyn Sachs and illustrated by her grown daughter is about major changes taking place within a family.Dorrie, a gifted and talented 5th grader has an assignment which is to write her life story for a school assignment. Dorrie has a lot to write about! She becomes the sister of triplets (2 brothers and a sister); she moves from an apartment to a large house with a yard; her parents become foster parents of two neighborhood children who have been abused and neglected and Dorrie herself isn't quite sure what to make of these changes. The delightful illustrations are such a welcome contribution to this story. Written as a first person narrative, this story will ring pure and clear and touch everyone who comes across it. This is a gem that should be back in print. It is really good.