Monday, January 31, 2011

I, Emma Freke

Elizabeth Atkinson

"I, Emma Freke, am not a freak.  Or maybe I am.  I just don't know."

There are five thing Emma Freke does know.

1. Her mother didn't bother to say her name out loud before she signed the birth certificate.
2. That might not be such a big problem if she weren't almost 6 feet tall at age 12,
3. And if her mother would take a break from being a New Age weirdo and give her a straight answer about who her father is,
4. And if she didn't find it impossible to talk to someone her own age.
5. There has to be a place somewhere where she fits in...doesn't there?

When a mysterious letter comes inviting Emma to The Freke Family Reunion, to be held at a campground in the wilds of Wisconsin, Emma thinks she may just find out why she is the way she is.  But once she meets her fellow Frekes, things aren't at all what she expected.  Maybe it's better to be her own freak than someone else's Freke.

My Take:

This book is absolutely wonderful!  There were so many things I enjoyed about this book, so I'll get started with my favorite: Emma.  Feeling completely out of place in the world and not fitting in with anyone in her life, including herself, she feels lost and frustrated.  Being abruptly thrust from her New Age free spirit mom's guidance into her Stepford-esque family reunion allows her to carve her own existence in between the two.  She is a very strong girl who doesn't realize how brave she is until she has someone to stand up for, because she never stood up for herself.  After asserting herself, she learns to become comfortable in her own skin, which isn't an easy feat for a 6 foot tall 12 year old girl.  This is a great book for any girl who feels like she is too adult to relate to the kids her age, but not quite adult enough to relate to grownups (that was me!) The plot moves well, and is predicable, but the book isn't so much about the events but about Emma's character evolution.  I, Emma Freke is really a timeless book for anyone to enjoy who was ever less than confident during the preteen and teen years.  Aside from the great characters in this book, I loved the writing.  It was funny, simple, subtle, quirky and fully engaging.  It's all told from Emma's point of view, and the author does a great job of sucking the reader right in and feeling what Emma is feeling.  I can't wait to read more from this author!  This book was easy to rate: 1Pay Full Price.  Everyone can relate to this book, because we all have a bit of a Freke in us.

Do you agree with my review?  Do you think I'm totally off base?  Either way I'd love to hear from you, be sure to leave a comment and tell me how you feel!

If I, Emma Freke was a movie, it would be rated PG




***FTC Disclosure:  This book was provided in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was given, all opinions are my own***

If you are interested in purchasing I, Emma Freke, please consider supporting The Book Buff by purchasing from the following Amazon link, thank you!

16 comments:

Natalie~Coffee and a Book Chick said...

This definitely sounds like a great book! Will keep my eye out for it.

Kate the Book Buff said...

Make sure you do, its such a good book!

Marie McCulloch said...

Might have to go out and get this one!

Becca said...

Sounds like a great book, and your review was great. Def going on my list.

TNS Family Value[s] said...

Hello! I'm your newest follower! I'm at www.tnsfamilyvalues.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I am so excited to find (& Follow) your blog. Thank you for your comment on Bloggy Moms.

http://burstingattheseam.blogspot.com/

Kate the Book Buff said...

I'm excited to have you guys here as new followers! Feel free to take a good look around and don't hesitate to email me with any questions or comments!

Kate the Book Buff said...

P.S @intergalactic word salad...i LOVE your blog! I was so excited to be your first followers :) I think the theme, styling, etc. of your blog is awesome!

Tiff said...

New follower from MBC! Loving your site... So glad I found it!

Kate the Book Buff said...

thanks tiff!

Deb said...

Great review. I have to get this one! Loving another tour of your site...

Deb said...

Kate, I wonder how you accumulated so many followers. I have just started my http://abookishlibraria dot blogspot dot com in the past 8 months, but I hardly have any followers. Can you help me? Deb

Unknown said...

I agree with your thoughts on this book. I will be excited to read this book whether I win it or not. I am following!

Anonymous said...

This book is on my TBR list...can't wait!

Brea said...

I've been looking for good read!! Thanks for reviewing this :) I definitely have to pick it up now!

Glad I found you through Social Moms.

Brea
www.becomingbrea.com
www.bregettingfit.com

Mia said...

Awesome review! I love this book as well. such a charming and beautiful story :)

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