Leaving the Bellweathers

Simply wonderful and whimsical. I heard an excellent comparison: like Lemony Snickett's "Series of Unfortunate Events" meets "The Adam's Family." Recommended for anyone with a whimsical imagination.

LEAVING THE BELLWEATHERS is just so funny, I could simply say "read it if you enjoy humor" and leave it at that. But there are some other things to note about this book. First of all, I was surprised at what a page-turner it was. I started reading it while in the middle of a project, thinking it would be a great book to pick up and put down, a nice little ten-minute-at-a-time break from serious thinking. How wrong I was! I tried hiding the book in a hard-to-reach cupboard. That solution didn't work--I had to bring it back down and finish it! Secondly, although Tristan Benway, stuffy and unappreciated butler to the Bellweathers, is an unlikely hero, I loved his character so much that by the conclusion of his delightfully absurd journal entries I was quite upset that the book had ended. Thirdly, the humor is layered so both children and their parents can find plenty to laugh about. Puns, both sly and silly, are everywhere. Witty commentary on human nature is slipped in next to hilarious character names, zany exploits, and out-and-out pranks by the Bellweather children, Spider, Ninda, Spike, Sassy, and Brick. Rollicking fun!

Having not read done much leisure reading in some time (only work-related journals) I thoroughly enjoyed this witty and entertaining tale of an (un)usual family, the Bellweathers. As a parent I could really relate to the story and characters. Overall it was good fun and a pleasure to read.

Leaving the Bellweathers is an imaginative and fun ride through the eccentric lives of the Bellweather family and their butler Benway. Entertaining and humorous throughout it will undoubtedly keep the attention of any middle-grader. Venuti did a wonderful job of creating characters with individuality -- each was spirited in a odd but completely relatable way. The children in particular were socially conscious (though not as one would suspect) and well rounded in their beliefs. Educated, artistic and all around fun each brought something unique to the story. For example, in an interesting twist I found it ironic that Ninda was known for fighting persecution and injustice yet it was already prevalent in her own home with the Oath of Fealty Benway was required to live under. All in all Leaving the Bellweathers is a whimsical tale that I would recommend to parents looking for an amusing story that demonstrates the power of dedication, family and ultimately individuality in a positive and interesting light.