Remember When posts are when a take a look back at a book that came out awhile ago. Yes we all want to hear about the latest and greatest, but sometimes it's good to step back and remember when some older books.
Today I have a book review!
Title: Both Sides of Time
Publisher: Laurel Leaf
Summary
Imagine changing centuries--and making things worse, not better, on both sides of time.
Imagine being involved in two love triangles in two different centuries. What if, no matter which direction you travel in time, you must abandon someone you love?
Meet 15-year-old Annie Lockwood, a romantic living in the wrong century. When she travels back a hundred years and lands in 1895--a time when privileged young ladies wear magnificent gowns, attend elegant parties, and are courted by handsome gentlemen--Annie at last finds romance. But she is a trespasser in time. Will she choose to stay in the past? Will she be allowed to?My Review
I first read this book when I was much younger, and I remember soooooo loving it. Rereading books is something I enjoy when I have the time. And since I often thought my 7th grade girls would enjoy the book - from what I could remember about it - I thought I'd reread it and make sure.
Did I like it at my current age as much as I did before? No I didn't. But does that mean it's not a good book? NO! I still think my girls would enjoy the book because it has what some of them enjoy - romance, time travel, some suspense and um pretty clothes (don't kick me for that one!). I remember loving how Annie traveled back in time to an era where all she knew revolved around the pretty clothes they got to wear. And I remember learning along with Annie that in a way those clothes were chains keeping the girls down. It was still clear that part of the purpose for this book was to point out to the reader that in history women were not given the rights they have now, and we need to know that. I picked up on that then, and it clubbed me over the head this time. I did find that lesson a bit heavy handed this time around, but I think that's because I'm older.
The other part that made me giggle was the romance. I remember thinking that romance was just perfect in the book, and I think at 12 I would still think that. But you know how we complain now that girls fall in love so quickly in some books - without really knowing the boy at all. That's not a product of this time. Annie falls in love with Strat instantly! And it's not just a little bit in love - it's a deep love that she sees as forever! I found myself rolling my eyes a bit at it.
Over all it was a nice walk through memory lane, and I will recommend the book (and series) to my students. It does fit with the more current books they read now - especially since time travel is getting big in YA/MG again.
For the Guys? Oh no! Sorry but unless they like romance books, they won't like this one.
Final Thought: Sweet romance albeit to quick
Best stick-with-you image: Annie realize the pretty dress aren't that fun to wear
Best for readers who: Love romance
Best for ages: 11+
I'm not brave enough to read this again because I'm afraid I won't like it anymore! I loved it growing up though, and it still has a place on my shelf.
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