Sealover
member
Reged: 31/08/2006
Posts: 1271
Loc: Devon
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Just to remind you that reviews of Just Another Kid can be posted from tomorrow, 1st May (where does the time go to?!).
Looking forward to reading your thoughts on this book.
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ElaineThomas
member
Reged: 29/03/2008
Posts: 13
Loc: South Cheshire
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I found the book really readable. The mix of humour and pathos kept the story going. The relationship with Ladbrooke dominated the storyline (hence the title) but it was the children’s storyline that held my interest. The difficulties in that line of work came across but I sometimes felt that Torey herself was a little too perfect. Although she acknowledged occasional mistakes in her teaching methods, towards the end of the book I was beginning to wonder whether there was any field that Torey didn’t feel she could handle. Only occasional fall outs were recorded between the two women – surely spending so much time together in what was a stressful environment (9 and a half hours a day plus Sundays) would have resulted in more eruptions. I was also loosing patience with Ladbrooke. For one who was supposed to have difficulty communicating she couldn’t half go on! One telling comment from her towards the end was that Torey was only happy when she was controlling people. I began to agree with her. A good read and a good choice. Thank you
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Sealover
member
Reged: 31/08/2006
Posts: 1271
Loc: Devon
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I've been trying to think about how to say what I thought of this book, because to say I enjoyed it isn't really true. But, I think Elaine has hit it right on the head - I did find it very readable. The subject matter did, I think, make it impossible to say that it was enjoyable, although there were some funny moments. I do agree, too, that Torey comes across as thinking that she is Ms Perfect, but wonder whether this is more because she is American and, in my experience, they are better at giving themselves a pat on the back for something they do well, than we, more retiscent, Brits are? Ladbrooke could be irritating, but I felt that she was doing this deliberately because she thought it was the only way she could get attention. She had obviously had a very sad life and I think that the fact that she couldn't really love her own child was perhaps because she had never really been exposed to love and hadn't 'learned' how to love. Maybe that's a bit deep!
Anyway, once again a book I wouldn't have chosen, but one I'm glad to have read. Thanks Jayra for an excellent choice!
Can I just add a couple of things to this? Firstly, we have lost Scout and Cam54 from the Eyes Down Club and are therefore looking for volunteers to choose the books for September and November. To be fair, I think that first refusal should go to those who have not chosen a book before and to those who have contributed to the Club. Perhaps you could PM me if you would like to be a 'choser'.
Lastly, can I just make a please that, if you haven't already done so, you sponsor the ForumGirls who are doing the Ribbon Walk in Blenheim. They have nearly reached their target and if everyone gave even the minimum of £2.00 it would really be great. Thanks.
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nannyconnie
member
Reged: 05/03/2008
Posts: 455
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Not my choice
Not my type of book
Shant enjoy it------But I will read it (its the taking part after all)
Maybe because of all those pre-conceptions I have to say that I did enjoy it-----Very Much.It took me a while to realise Ladbrook was the "kid" of the title and I thought that came in very well.I grew to like her through the book and although I agree that Torey seemed a bit too perfect,I also greatly admired her dedication to what must be a very difficult job.I look forward to reading more of her stories.Thanks so much for the choice.Happy Reading Everyone.
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Foxie
member
Reged: 09/08/2007
Posts: 4024
Loc: South London
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Again, this was a book I would not have chosen, but I am glad it was suggested.
The subject matter was quite difficult and I found some parts of the book painful reading. Torey did seem a bit of a goody two shoes and was a little bit too perfect. However I found the story engaging and the relationship between Torey and Ladbrooke seemed very real.
Thanks to the book choice choser!
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In your journey through life, take what works for you and let the rest go. Susan Jeffers
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duckegg
member
Reged: 26/02/2007
Posts: 1071
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Yes, I 'enjoyed' it (if that's the right word) too, so thanks Billie. I'd never heard of Torey Hayden before and actually picked my copy up from a charity shop.
Like nannyconnie it took me a little while to realise that Ladbrooke was the kid in the title. As the storyline developed I did begin to think that perhaps Torey was too good to be true, but the way that she gained Ladbrooke's trust and continually encouraged her whilst at the same time being responsible for her class of emotionally damaged children made for interesting and thought provoking reading.
I'm not a teacher and have no experience of caring for children such as these and the book really brought home to me how difficult life can be for their parents/carers and just how dedicated teachers such as Torey need to be.
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Sealover
member
Reged: 31/08/2006
Posts: 1271
Loc: Devon
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Sorry, I just realised that I had thanked Jayra for choosing when it was Billie who chose this book. Sorry for the confusion and thank you Billie!
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Emerald
member
Reged: 27/08/2007
Posts: 304
Loc: Greater Manchester
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I would echo many of the others thoughts. A book that I would avoid (I work in CAMHS-Child and Adolescent Mental Health) so do veer away from "work related books", but I felt the story was quite readable. However several times I did think "Oh please...Torey!"but carried on turning the pages!!! Thank you Billie, that's what I enjoy about the club, venturing out of my comfort zone.
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duncs
member
Reged: 29/08/2007
Posts: 289
Loc: Kent
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I found this was a book I wanted to stay and keep reading, to see how all the children developed. At times it was difficult to believe this was factual, and I did have doubts about how wonderful Torey was. In a way I was reassured although saddened by the children who didn't become "perfect" under her direction.
I thought it a real cop out by the authorities to put such a mixed bag under the care of one teacher, but maybe that is what happens there.
I did actually enjoy it, and I do mean "enjoy". Thank you for choosing it.
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billie
member
Reged: 21/11/2007
Posts: 71
Loc: Derbyshire
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Hi, everyone it's been really interesting reading everyone's reviews. I have to agree about Torey and i think it's possible her character has been glossed over and comes across too perfect at times, but there were many times when i found myself wishing i was like her when dealing with children/parents, as i'm a teaching assistant and find the need to be like a social worker/grandma as well these days.
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jennifer36
member
Reged: 16/01/2008
Posts: 444
Loc: West Oxfordshire
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Not an author I'd come across before but the subject sounded interesting. Having taught small children, and encountered many problems, I could identify with some of the situations, although I've never dealt with such severely disturbed children. I felt that Torey was so good and had an answer for everything and her interaction with Ladbrooke was so intense for such long spells that I can't believe Torey was so patient with her all the time!
It was interesting to find out what happened to the children at the end of the book and the fact that not all made much progress I suppose showed Torey wasn't completely perfect!
I know she has written other books about children but don't think I'd read any more as they would probably be in a similar vein, although I did find this book very readable.
Interesting choice!
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snoopy56
member
Reged: 28/08/2007
Posts: 78
Loc: Norfolk
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Sorry, I'm a bit late in posting my review! Like most of the rest of you this is a book I would not normally have read - I find pictures of tearful children on the front cover a bit of a turn-off. I had assumed this was going to be another story of childhood abuse. But, obviously, this was not quite the case and I did find this to be a fascinating read. My best friend has worked with disturbed children for many years so I know it takes a special kind of person to do this job and I have nothing but admiration for them. The book certainly had a very 'American' feel to it which could be a bit off-putting but on the whole I really enjoyed it especially the relationship between Torey and Ladbrooke ( I must be a bit slow because it's only through reading these reviews that I realised the title referred to Ladbrooke)!
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Sealover
member
Reged: 31/08/2006
Posts: 1271
Loc: Devon
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Well, you see, Snoopy, that's the joy of reading what other people think of a book. You learn a bit more about what you've just read!
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