This Book Have I loved

Every child (with brothers or sisters) has probably felt some envy towards their siblings from time to time. It's natural, it's a part of growing up, and even if you didn't have that perfect sister to live up to, chances are there was always something or someone that seemed that much more light, easy and graceful.

And for Louise, it's her sister, Caroline, the beautiful, light, delicate, talented and kind sister that she can never live up to. Louise spends much of her early years watching as her sister becomes everything she can't: charming enough to win over Louise’s best friend, talented enough to melt everyone's heart with her singing, and angelic enough to gain the affection and devotion of an entire town.

Louise, on the other hand, has "never caused a moment's worry" to anyone and in the tumultuous years of growing up, she bemoans this state: "Didn't they know that worrying meant they cared?"

In this classic, and poignant coming-of-age tale, Louise relates a story that is emotional, beautiful and true-to-life. There are moments that to make you cry, moments to make you laugh aloud, and moments where the injustices of growing up and finding your own self seem so very hard.

Set on a rural island in the Chesapeake Bay, the story includes lots of details about the fishing business there that's also quite nice for students to learn about. WWII (the book is set during the war) is also mentioned- gives a nice sense of setting and place to the story.

The story is written relatively simply, probably at a fifth or sixth grade level, yet for an older person, it is still enjoyable and a worthwhile read. It's a classic, well worth reading.