First off, this is not a book I would normally read in a million years. I hardly ever read anything outside of Young Adult. I joined a book club to try and read more books that I wouldn't normally read and that's why I read A Year on Ladybug Farm. A Year on Ladybug Farm started off a lot better then I thought. I tried to go in with an open mind butI just knew I would like it at all. But it started off surprisingly well. I really like the chapter headings and it was well written. But on page 30, things took a turn for the worst. I hated how the writer was implying women can't mow their own lawn. And that it's remarkable, or even notable, when one woman does mow her lawn. I, for one, mow almost every week. It's not impressive. It's not something to brag about. It's no different from cooking a meal or cleaning a bathroom. These three characters did not seem by any means well written, which was very disappointing.But by page 56, I seemed to have forgotten how angry I was by page 30 and moved on. I was enjoying the book again. I went back and forth on the three characters. I never really liked them and I was always more on the disliking side of things.I felt like Donna Ball missed so many chances to make great side characters with Farley and Noah. But she kept them plain, boring, and uninteresting. I could've really liked them if Ball been a better writer.I read half the book before I put the book down for 3 weeks. And when I got back to read it, I found myself bored and not as interested as before. I couldn't muster what I had felt when I first started. Regardless of me liking or disliking the book, I was able to get very passionate about whatever I was feeling while I was reading. Overall, this was a pretty good read. Being an 18 year old girl, I'm pretty sure I'm not the main demographic this book is trying to appeal to. But regardless of not being able to relate to anything in this book at all, I still didn't mind reading it. Probably not real plausible (especially the "ghost"), but a fun summer beach read that could lead to some good dreams and good planning for one's future...Three Baltimore friends rather impulsively purchase a huge old estate in Virginia and move there...they run into construction snafus, overgrown foliage, snakes & sheep...and find that the house is, indeed, a money pit. But they grow together, learn a lot about themselves and their grown children...much about them changes, but their friendship remains not only intact but they grow continually closer as they each develop their talents.This series is reminiscent of Joan Medlicott's "The Ladies of Covington" series...I will continue to read the "Ladybug Farm" series...this was the first book in that series.
What do You think about A Year On Ladybug Farm (2009)?
Predictable and wonderful at the same time. I can't wait to finish the rest of the novels!
—John
lovely beginning of a cute, cute series of books. a bit like "City Slickers" for women.
—monkeysings101
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Light reading that was fun and interesting.
—Angeline134
Maximum renewals at library, doggone it. To be continued.
—ariadna
forestsprite recommended it based on my love for SAA.
—monkey
