Customer Reviews

Crushed

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

'Crushed' is one of the funniest books, if not the funniest, I have ever read. I thoroughly enjoyed the wit, which was razor sharp with the most hilarious unforgiving character descriptions ever penned. I don't consider myself a fast reader, especially novel size books, but it took me only a few hours to finish it because I was so hooked. I didn't even eat dinner because I didn't want to interrupt my reading. I just had to keep going to find out what was to become of Door and her odd but endearing family. There's not a wasted moment in the story. I never felt like I was being carried off on a tangent that had nothing to do with anything. Every disastrous event builds something in the development of the story and the characters. After I finished reading it, I felt like I would miss the Brevingtons. Exceptional work, Frances. I'm impressed.

"Crushed" by Frances Lynn

If you happen to be the father of teen twin daughters you could learn a thing or two here.
Mr. Brevington, aka Pa, is a nifty escape artist who manages to maintain his serenity while living in poverty in the eye of the storm created by the three female members of his chaotic household situated in one of London's poshest barrios. While the tempest rages around him his writer's studio provides a shield as well as gateway into an ancient world of mystery and thus deserves special attention.
Meanwhile his wife Ma and twin daughters Door and Dee work overtime to steal the show. Their emotional outbursts may be a result of a general hysteria that Central London living generates, what with the constant pull between classical heritage and contemporary pop culture. Elements of The Ugly Duckling blended with the mythological Eve versus Lilith or the more recent Nicky Hilton versus Paris Hilton will show young women from Tokyo to West Virginia what fun they could have had if fate had only tossed them into the life of being groomed in the capital of British pop.
After reading Crushed one is left with little doubt that London was built on top of an elevator shaft that has been pouring talent and glitter and sparkles from the secret world of fairies and goblins at the centre of this planet ever since time began. And author Frances Lynn seems to be an authority when it comes to a twenty-first century version of Middle Earth.

Ulla Ward de Mora

I was amazed when I discovered that "Crushed" was dedicated to me. That was because my aunt, Frances Lynn wrote it. I am sixteen and normally, I read books like "Catcher In The Rye" and "1984" but I even though the book is for 11-12 year olds, I really enjoyed it. I knew it was for younger readers than me, but I thought it was very funny and it read well. My only criticism is I wish I had read it when I was 11 because I think I would have enjoyed the book even more. I don't have sisters, but I have a little brother so I could somewhat relate to the story. I always have crushes on boys so that's why I thought "Crushed" interested me. I also thought the drawings were really cool, considering I cant draw myself.

written by CAROLINE DE LONE

Reviewed by Sarah Wilborn (age 12) for Reader Views (3/07)


The book "Crushed" was a very interesting and fun book. It was about a girl in England, named Door. She was determined that she was adopted. Her sister got everything she wanted, yet Door got nothing. Door was a bit gloomy, and Dee was stuck up. Door was also not as pretty as Dee, and didn't have as much talent.

Their Mom was unlike others and favored Dee more than Door. Their father was in his own little world; he wrote books about history. At times he would be zoning out and thinking about being back in time, and what it was like, at other times he was writing about what he thought. His life was centered on his books.

Her parents seemed to have cared more about Dee than Door. As well, Dee did get everything, including a date with Door's favorite singer. All's well that ends well, Door finds a humongous family secret Dee doesn't know, and she gets a super popular and a awesome boyfriend.

This should be a 5 Star book. I absolutely LOVED it!!! My rating for it is 5.

I really liked this book. It was funny and it was realistic. At times I would laugh and think what I would do if I was there. Sometimes I would think that Door is stupid, sometimes I thought their parents were clueless and dumb. The author, Frances Lynn, gave very, very, very, very good details, most of the time. It didn't get boring at all. The hardest part was to put the book down to do what I needed to do. I could see this book being someone's life, although it would be horrible.

"Crushed" is a book for any age and can relate to those that have someone in their life that favors someone else. All they want is attention, and one or two simple dreams. Door wanted to play the drums and her parents said no, yet Dee was a ballerina and went to practice almost every day. Door has a big problem with her mom never understanding. They have so many fights and those are big and scary.

"Crushed" was such a good book. I absolutely want all my friends to read it, and I know they'll go crazy for it. Like I said, this book isn't for a certain age group or certain kind of person. Anyone with a love for reading, or need something good to do needs to read this book!

Book received free of charge.

CRUSHED is a delightful read. The twin girls are deftly drawn, and, in these cynical times, are innocents (along with the whole eccentric Brevington family) from a different era. Planet even. (Door wonders if she is indeed an alien).
The book is about - and doubtless for - young teen-agers, and has the freshness of being written by a talented peer. One who draws as well.