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5.0 out of 5 stars
A real "Champion" of a book, April 16, 2009
This review is from: The Beef Princess of Practical County (Hardcover)
What a wonderfully funny, touching and entertaining book. I am so anxious for our county fair in August because I will now be seeing a lot of it through Libby Ryan's eyes.
I had no idea everything that goes into getting an animal ready to exhibit at a fair and I was fascinated to see it all unfold. You could feel every emotion that Libby was feeling from the joy of it all to the hard realization that you must let your animal go, and Libby learned to do that with style and grace.
Readers need to be aware that this is not just a story about getting a steer ready for exhibit, far from it. It is a story about family and friends and even "enemies" and learning what a family tradition is and how to come to understand the importance of that tradition.
Libby's family and friends give her unconditional support during her journey. Her Grandad's quiet nature and wonderful sense of humor gets Libby through some hard decisions. Her parents are also there to help Libby but they are also smart enough to let her do what she needs to do. Her brother Ronnie is a guiding force even though he is away at college. Frannie, Libby's 4 year old sister brings humor and patience to Libby's life. I was particularly taken with Frannie's "grandchildren", each time they appeared I could not help but chuckle and smile. Carol Ann is the essential friend that we all had growing up, the one that got us through each day, always there to understand and offer advice and know just what to say and sometimes knowing what not to say.
I enjoyed seeing the way Libby and Carol Ann dealt with the Darling sisters, who did their best to make life miserable and less than "darling" for everyone they knew. As much fun as I had watching Libby grow and mature I was just as taken with Ohma Darling. It was just so wonderful watching her get to learn to like herself. In many ways she changed even more than Libby and I just burst with pride when she realized it was ok to like who you are and not worry about living up to her sisters.
I highly recommend this book, it will make you think, laugh and realize that doing what is right and doing your best is exactly what we should all be lucky enough to get out of life.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Portrayal!, November 28, 2011
This book follows Libby through a year of getting ready to show her calves at the county fair. It's a very accurate portrayal of the responsibility, hard-work, and sometimes heart-break of showing animals and then selling them at the fair.
As a ten-year 4-Her this book hit home. The chores, the prep work, the practice, and the joy of the fair are all fully broadcast in the book. (Though my rabbits were probably slightly less work than two calves!) Libby's voice shines through as she raises her calves and tries to convince her dad to be proud of her. I enjoyed the friendship between Libby and Carol Ann-one being the spontaneous one and the other the voice of reason. And the Darlings; great "villains" with just the right amount of spunk and stupid-ness.
Through the challenges, the heartache, and the joy, this book follows a determined girl on her path to the fair. A great book for rural girls or urban ones, and a perfect window into what it takes to raise and show an animal.
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