Thursday, March 25, 2010

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

Book review #27
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
Rating: Four stars (refer to the rating system on the right)
Summary: (taken from Goodreads)

When Ginny receives thirteen little blue envelopes and instructions to buy a plane ticket to London, she knows something exciting is going to happen. What Ginny doesn't know is that she will have the adventure of her life and it will change her in more ways than one. Life and love are waiting for her across the Atlantic, and the thirteen little blue envelopes are the key to finding them in this funny, romantic, heartbreaking novel.

Whew I'm pretty exhausted from the wacky adventure I just took along with Ginny traveling through  London, Denmark, Greece, Paris, Rome, and even Amsterdam. 13 Little Blue Envelopes isn't the shortest book, but it was a surprisingly quick read. It flowed so easily, I found myself reading it one sitting. It was definitely different and unique. I can definitely say travel mixed in with humor and romance resulted in one awesome book.

Ginny's crazy Aunt Peg is gone due to cancer and the only thing left of her are thirteen blue envelopes.  The journey begins with the first letter  instructing Ginny to go to New York to pick up the rest of the envelopes. After retrieving the rest of the letters, she's off to London with everything she has stuffed inside a big backpack. Ginny begins the craziest adventure she's ever experienced. The only guide she has are the letters, which she may not open until her current task is completed. With twists and turns on the way, new scenery and interesting people Ginny almost becomes a whole other person.

There were so many awesome things about the book, but I would have to say the traveling and adventure was my favorite. Ginny traveled to so many different places, and got herself into the funniest situations. Ginny goes through almost everything- from sleeping on a park bench to staying with a random creepy family in Amsterdam. I learned a lot  about places I knew nothing about which was just an added plus.

 I loved all the characters Ginny met along her journey.All the characters were so different and unique. Ginny also meets the adorable Keith, who helps her along the way. The only information given about Aunt Peg were mainly in the letters, but that was enough for me to fall in love with her. She was such a cool interesting person. I also loved Ginny's personal transformation. Ginny is an ordinary likable person, who goes an a crazy journey that helps her discover who she really is.

Who wouldn't want to read about a real life scavenger hunt? An adventurous, romantic, light, and very fun read, are just a few words to perfectly sum up 13 Little Blue Envelopes. I know I definitely finished this book with a smile on my face. I had so much fun traveling with Ginny! I think everyone should check this one out :)

10 comments:

Tales of Whimsy said...

This book is so appealing to me :)

Mariana S said...

You know? I want to read this book since a long time. I think is time to read it. Great Review ;)

LJK said...

I agree with everything you said about this book, which I also really liked. I can't wait for the sequel!

Jeanne C. said...

Ah, another one to add to the TBR pile! :)

Patricia said...

I read this book 3 times in one year. I love it so much. Great review!

Stephanie said...

I'd pick up this book for the travel alone. :-) Who wouldn't want to take a vicarious trip through Europe?

Jessica Love said...

Did you know there will be a sequel? :-D It's going to be called The Last Little Blue Envelope, or so I hear.

Sara said...

Oh I had no idea there was going to be a sequel. That's awesome! :)

Melissa (i swim for oceans) said...

Oh, excellent review, Sara! I've wanted to read this one for a while :)

Dwayne said...

Gosh - seems soo ideal to do this - travel everywhere and be merry. For now I think I'd stack this one on my TBR pile :) Wonderful review, Sara!