Rate this book

What I Thought Was True (2014)

by Huntley Fitzpatrick(Favorite Author)

3.72 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

0803739095 (ISBN13: 9780803739093)

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Dial Books for Young Readers

review 1: Quite a different novel from Huntley Fitzpatrick after 'My Life next door' - but still an enjoyable one. Initially found it quite hard to get into but once you got past the first few chapters that set the scene, it became very intriguing. Stayed up till 3am finishing it.This story focuses on the half-Portugese girl Gwen whose family are a year-round resident of Seashell Island in New England on the Connecticut coast. She lives with her young house-cleaning mother, Fabio their ancient dog, eight year old brother Emory with adjustment issues, lobster-catching, Grandpa Ben and Coast Guard academy ambitious, fitness freak cousin Nic. Her young father has recently moved out but manages his family Castle's Ice cream business which she sometimes helps with. Her central clan is su... morepplemented by Vivien- her catering, crazy driving best friend who is with Nic. Every summer revitalises the island destination by bringing the vacation-ing wealthy summer people. This includes the return of the particular Robinson family and their son Gwen had a brief liaison with. A major problem this summer is the ubiquitous presence of Cass as the surprising new yard boy whom she had an inconclusive history with while managing her new summer job as Mrs Ellington's companion and complicated family issues with her son Henry. Enjoyed being part of this vivid summer adventure with the Bronco, octogenarians and a funny interlude with adult novel excerpts, time in the water and on land also as the dubbed Jose and Maria summer workers by old Mrs Patridge. A slow history of past hurts are revealed with flashbacks from the Polar Bear Plunge and through characters such as the womanising Spence. Was not pleased by the so-called fatherly advice but glad to see Gwen making a stand for herself and doing the right thing, even though it was difficult. A surprise that came out of nowhere which was well done, Fitzpatrick! Was not a huge fan of the classic teenage-fiction premise where an incident is not further delved into at the time, snowballing until it is confronted later by the main teens- which is the crux of this story. A lot of mistakes that needed to be clarified and discussed weren't or dealt with an abundance of immaturity. However, great ideas present about moving on from these and making a meaningful restart. A fair bit of teenage angst but hilarious teenage-typical thoughts italicised to balance this out. Amusing conversations provided by these cast of young characters. A chunky book about growing up as a teenager while managing life with work, school, friends and family. Enjoyed seeing the range of Seashell teenagers and their own unique dreams and working towards those goals- both with successes and setbacks while maintaining responsibilities for their jobs, looking after their family members and maintaining friendships while life takes place around them. Great overall theme of taking second chances for a better re-do.
review 2: I found this book a little hard to follow at times because there are flashbacks and talk of past events. Thinking about it now, that's kind of a mirror of Gwen's wavering in her feelings for Cass. There's a few story lines going on at once and at times I felt in need of some more information, but it all comes together. This book painted a picture of a seasonal resort town where there are clear lines of rich and working class. Having visited a few New England towns like this, I found that really interesting and true. less

Download links for: What I Thought Was True

Advertising