The Bluebird and the Sparrow (Women of the West #10) [Paperback]

Janette Oke (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2006

Sometimes she wished she was an only child . . . "She's lovely! Look at those curls. Those blue eyes. She's just beautiful!" Berta was used to hearing comments like that. But they were not about her. . . . Whenever ladies came to the house or met her mother on the street, they exclaimed over Berta's little sister, Glenna. Somewhere along the way, Berta decided that whatever Glenna was, she would not be. Whatever Glenna did, she would not do. Whatever Glenna liked, she would not like. She would be the opposite. Sure enough, Glenna is sparkling, vivacious, outgoing, and adored, while Berta is serious, dependable, and prim. Their relationship grows more and more distant until, finally, Berta must look into her heart and discover what truly has caused the rift between them.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up-A richly detailed inspirational novel from a prolific writer of Christian fiction. Set in the early 1900s on the Canadian prairie, the story centers on Berta, the older, plain, dependable sister of cheerful, beautiful, affectionate Glenna. From childhood on, Berta feels ignored as pretty Glenna receives most of the attention from family, friends, and especially young men. She develops a protective shell so as not to compete with her sister's limelight. Circumstances and the stress of not revealing her true feelings finally cause the young woman to seek the advice of her minister. Both sisters eventually discuss their feelings and Berta discovers her "true self." Oke presents believable characters in a well-paced story full of insight and common sense. It will be especially appealing to any young adult who feels like a "sparrow" in comparison to the "bluebirds." The religious message does not appear until the later half of the book and could be overpowering to some readers, but the universal message of acceptance of self is this book's strong point.
Judy R. Johnston, Auburn High School, WA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

The Bluebird and the Sparrow is the story of two sisters whose lives are set in contrast. As the older sister, Berta Berdette is serious determined, prim, and grows up feeling plain and ordinary (especially when she often compares herself to her sister). Glenna Berdette is sparkling, vivacious, outgoing, and beautiful. Within the family, Berta is depended upon while Glenna is adored. The Bluebird and the Sparrow is a heartwarming story of the sisters' relationships with each other, with family and friends, and eventually with the young man who came calling. Readers will identify closely with both sisters and celebrate they discovery found when personal value is separated from one' physical appearance. -- Midwest Book Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House; Repack edition (August 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764202537
• ISBN-13: 978-0764202537
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,043,096 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "Whiney" isn't quite the right word., April 9, 2000

By 

A. Grace (Michigan) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Bluebird and the Sparrow (Women of the West #10) (Paperback)

Yes, Berta is bitter and biting at times; but "whiney"? I consider this one of the top three Janette Oke books I've read, and yes, I have read quite a few. Berta's pessimism and resistance against affection certainly do keep the reader from admiring her as a character, but (once she matures into an adult) she doesn't "whine." She has allowed bitterness and a misinterpretation of the past to enslave her, and her story is really a rather tragic one. Yet this less-than-appealing character serves as a very vivid lesson against holding grudges and focus on self; and she does finally see her flaws at the end of the story. This story is also good for struggling sisters (don't let your differences create such a gulf that you can't even have an honest conversation anymore), and even for new moms (try to get behind each child's eyes). All in all, a well-written story that teaches some lessons on how *not* to be but, in traditional Oke fashion, doesn't leave the reader without hope for reconciliation.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another good read from Janette Oke, July 28, 2000

By 

M. Spano (Northern Calif.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Bluebird and the Sparrow (Women of the West #10) (Paperback)

This book seemed to dwell on the issue being presented more than most of her other books, but I have to admit that maybe it took that for the reader to realize how stubborn we ourselves can be! Even if you're unaware of it, there is usually a spot in your life that you Will Not change, even though you know you are being silly, childish or annoying. And for the people who'd identify more with Glenna, well maybe this will give you an insight to someone in your life.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From Blackbird to Bluebird, September 21, 2006

By 

BeatleBangs1964 (United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Bluebird and the Sparrow (Women of the West #10) (Paperback)

This is a beautiful work of Christian literature. The story opens in June of 1894 when 3-year-old Berta becomes an older sister to Glenna. From the start, Berta feels displaced and rebuffs all efforts on the part of her immediate family to draw her in. Glenna, a ray of sunshine with light hair to match is adept at peace making, peace keeping and generally trying to assuage her older sister's resentments.

Poor Berta can never let her grudges go long enough to enjoy life. When Glenna marries and moves to another town, Berta closes herself off from everyone. When their father dies, Berta withers in resentment.

Things change for the better when Glenna returns for a visit with her then 2-year-old son James in tow. The family reconnects, the sisters, mother and their maternal grandmother. Berta Rose (Rosie) was born, some 4 years after James. Unlike Berta, he embraces his new role as a brother and delights in Rosie.

In time, tragedy strikes. James, then 4 falls from a tree and dies from a closed head injury. Glenna's third child, Anna is born shortly thereafter. In time, Glenna and Berta have a heart-to-heart. Glenna says she prays to God daily to help her feel compassion instead of envy; she is not the naturally sunny personality people think she is. Slowly, Berta's emotional armor is chipped away. Once she accepts herself and lets go of her past resentments and allows herself to love Glenna unconditionally, then she is receptive to the love of a persistent suitor.

I think this is a wonderful story about love and redemption and prayer. I like the way God is mentioned throughout the book and the reminders of how important God is to those who believe in and serve Him. As a Christian, I think this book beautifully illustrates compassion from a Christian standpoint.

Berta reminds me of a Beatle song - 1968's "Blackbird." Once she took her broken wings and learned to fly, she saw that flying with the bluebirds (Paul McCartney wrote "Bluebird" years after his Beatle classic, "Blackbird") made for a happier life.