Overall Rating and Opinion of "Forever Twelve"

Discuss the March 2015 book of the month, "Forever Twelve" by Meg Kimball.

How do you rate "Forever Twelve"?

1 star - poor, recommend against reading it
1
4%
2 stars - fair, okay
1
4%
3 stars - good, recommend it
8
35%
4 stars - excellent, amazing
13
57%
 
Total votes: 23

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Re: Overall Rating and Opinion of "Forever Twelve"

Post by Jojowrites4All »

Wow, I wouldn't naturally pick up such a book due to my age. Yet, I'm glad that I did read the book. It was full of innocence, fun, and compassion. It made me question if I'm doing all that I can to help others, and if I'm seeing people and circumstances with the purest heart. Yes, this story has been impactful for an older person. Rating****
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Post by bookowlie »

bookowlie wrote:Please don't feel you should alter the sequel to include a more defined setting. One thing that is nice about "Anywhere, USA" is that readers can focus on the universal themes in the book.
-- 13 Mar 2015, 18:07 --

Oops, I was looking for the author's recent comment to reply to and can't find it. Oh well....

The point I was trying to make is that a real setting, fictional setting, or "Anywhere" setting are all fine choices and are a matter of preference. The book is excellent. While I like a sense of place in a book, other readers may have a different preference. Some people like chocolate ice cream and others love mint chocolate chip. No right or wrong choice. :)
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Post by ashley_claire »

I went into reading this book not really expecting much, for no other reasons than the last couple of books I've read were duds and the thought of reading about 12 year olds didn't really intrigue me. But I was wrong. If I had to choose one word to describe this book it would be refreshing. Even though it dealt with some serious issues, I felt that it was an overall lighthearted, easy read that was very different from the books I am normally drawn to, which created a nice change of pace.

As someone already mentioned, I thought the change of perspective between Corey and Andi was a great addition. Reading the way they view themselves and each other was fascinating for me. Twelve seems like such a pivotal age where some kids are starting to understand the way that other people view them isn't necessarily the way they view themselves. I would say that my only real gripe about the book was the characters not understanding their emotions. I mean, I understand it's a confusing age, but I had a hard time buying that they couldn't identify being embarrassed or understanding when they had a crush. Those seem like pretty simple, straightforward feelings to me.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and appreciate that it got me out of my blah book funk. I would absolutely read a sequel.
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Post by scquarantillo »

I have started but I can not get into this book. Its not my genre, but I wanted to try and participate anyways. I am going to keep trying to push forwards but we shall see. I will let you all know what I think when I'm done. Its not that I dislike the story, it's just that it may just not be for me!
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Post by Lisalovecraft »

bookowlie wrote:Please don't feel you should alter the sequel to include a more defined setting. One thing that is nice about "Anywhere, USA" is that readers can focus on the universal themes in the book.
I agree with this. I think that having a real location can detract from a story, unless the location is a meaningful part of the plot. For instance, in Forever Twelve, the location was vague enough I was able to just imagine my own neighborhood growing up or other various places I've been.

Isn't this a running joke in the tv show The Simpsons? They live in Springfied, but never say what state. It could be anywhere!
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Post by zeldas_lullaby »

OK! :-)

HA HA. Yeah, that makes me think of the TV show Frasier, in which we never see Maris. Or Home Improvement, in which we never see all of Wilson's face. He came out and took a bow after the last episode, and it was like, "Oh! That's what he looks like."

(Just between us, I've never seen the Simpsons! Is it funny?) :shhh:
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Post by Lisalovecraft »

Hah, I think so! I think the last few seasons have declined in quality, though.

I forgot about Wilson on Home Improvement!!
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Post by zeldas_lullaby »

"Howdy, neighbor!"
"Howdy, neighborette!"
:greetings-wavegreen: :greetings-wavegreen: :greetings-wavegreen: :greetings-wavegreen:
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Post by Scorsee »

I really enjoyed reading this book. While not usually my cup of tea, the plot and characters were immersive. While I too found the transition form Corey to Andi to be a bit jarring, I really liked seeing things from Andi's perspective. For pre-teens and teens reading this book I could see it being a valuable asset to their empowerment. Since the plot delves into real issues that this age group faces that are not often broached in novels, it is particularly valuable.

I loved the way it was written and that each character was given their own, very discernible, voice.
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Post by britt1125 »

At first, I though this book was going to be ordinate towards more of a younger group of people, but as the story unfolded it became of some interest to me. I have a 7 year old boy and I though it rather interesting to compare and contrast the two.
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Post by Deee »

This book took me back to those times when so much was going on in my twelve year old girl life, and every little detail of that life was of the utmost importance. Thank Goodness I'm older now, but I reminisce about that period of my life with great fondness. Great Job Meg on bringing me back to those days.


4 out 4 stars
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Post by zeldas_lullaby »

You're so welcome! That's, like, so beautiful. I'm falling under the influence of Ambien right now. But thank you so much. This makes me happy, and I will persevere with the writing. After I sleep. Thank you!! :-)
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Post by ananya92 »

I picked up this one just a few days back and I'm yet to finish it. However, the book is very well wrtten and since I don't mind books with young characters, I find the book quite engrossing till now.
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Post by zeldas_lullaby »

I'm super-glad that you're enjoying it!! :-)
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Post by debo9967 »

I didn't think at first that I would enjoy this book so much. I think I'll tell my nephew to give it a try, I'm sure he'll like it as well.
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