History Lesson for Girls

This novel reads like you just found someone's diary in an attic of a home you just moved into, it is that authentic in every single aspect. Ms. Sheehan captures the essence of a 13-14 year old girl, and her relationship with her best friend in the midst of the 1970s. It is exquisitely poignant and one book I will not soon forget.

My wife is a big fan of this author. She liked this book so much she convinced me to read it. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Judging by the title, I didn't think it would be a something I would like. But having grown up in the 70's in a similar environment, I found myself relating to Alison and her friend Kate. A lot of people think of the 70's as being a simpler time, when everyone lived in a "Brady Bunch" sterilized world. The truth is completely the opposite. It was a transitional and confusing time in America and this book captures that period perfectly. I recommend this book for anyone who likes a good book about growing up in America (in any decade, not just the 70's) and how traumatic those early teenage years can be.

I loved Alison's character. She was genuine, innocent, but at the same time mature for her young age (sometimes, more mature than her parents). Alison was challenged with Kate but was rather cool and collective during her friendship. It's interesting how best friends put up with each other. This brought back my childhood memories with best friends, especially. I also enjoyed the way the author described Alison's thoughts and views of her family. There were sarcastic moments that made me laugh, which at the time, it may not have been that funny with Alison. For instance, when Alison had to listen to her parents argue over a petty conversation, the author describes how she has to listen because it was at the dinner table, a place that family should be enjoying their company together but instead it becomes the table of debate. It shows the power of how parents can influence a child. Without giving too many details away, "..Mom turned and made a dramatic exit out of the room...My father stood up, pushing his chair hard against the floor. He, too, flung his dish into the sink and left the kitchen. I got up myself: Dinner seemed to be over. I picked up my plate. Maybe it was a new ritual, flinging plates, like breaking wineglasses at a wedding. To fling or not to fling? I walked across the kitchen and put my plate in the sink quietly." Again, Alison is a mature person for her age. It's definitely worth reading.

this is a great book. it reads fast, good and true. it reminded me so much of my own childhood, my zany parents and how they were so busy entertaining and being giant children themselves. my sister and i just floated around. landing often on the top of the basement stairs, waiting and watching the parties (and finishing off the left over drinks). i had not been back there in a long while. i'm not sure she will ever go back. the characaters in this book feel so real, i especailly love that sham of a shaman, tut. and alison's tender relationship with kate. her struggles with feeling o.k. i her own skin, coming into her won and finding a place to be whole. the scenes are funny, sad, vivid and very, very honest. plus there is that horse thing we all had. this book reads like a breeze and is just like the high school i remember. i recall that madness, wanting so to fit in and be liked. this book makes me glad to be grown and done. i had forgotten those feelings, maybe they are the ones that are meant to be forgotten, but i am glad to have had them drummed up again for me to take a gander at. i love the small story within this story too - it's told in a very inventive way. weaving thought the book. this creates an interesting tie to the past. it uncovers even more strength in young women. thanks for the amazing book.

I loved this book. On one hand, it's delicately sensitive narrative that captures an extraordinary girl who heroically deals with some extraordinary circumstances of her early teens: a challenging illness, a change of scenery, a needy new best friend, a fully dysfunctional family. But wait... this also is a laugh-out-loud funny tale that captures the zany zeitgeist of the '70s. (Guarantee: Once you meet Tut Hamilton, you won't soon forget him.) Sheehan is an elegant stylist whose force of writing manages to hold all these bits and pieces together in an eminently readable book.