Customer Reviews

Eggs

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

You read enough of an author and you begin to get ideas about them. And if that author in question cuts a wide swath about them, the urge to slot them in a specific space grows strong. Jerry Spinelli cuts such a swath, yet all I'd read of him until now was a little Maniac Magee here and a touch of Stargirl there. Books that are nice enough in their own way but that don't really make my pulse pound any faster. There is a blessing one should bestow upon all authors: May your reviewers have low expectations. Cause honestly, I got a kick out of "Eggs". I mean, it's basically Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? for kids. Edward Albee would love this book, I'm sure. And while some people may see that as a deficiency, I'm all for it. You can find plenty of books where a boy and a girl meet and become bestest buddy buddies and skip happily off into a relationship that hasn't so much as a thimbleful of oomph or excitement to it. Far rarer is the title where the words leap off the page and begin to gnaw on the reader's anklebone. There's a true streak of anger at the core of "Eggs" which will make it equal parts adored and reviled by its potential readership. Want a book that sparks discussion and red hot emotions? Spinelli delivers.

David found the dead body hidden under a pile of leaves in the woods during an Easter egg hunt. The girl was about thirteen and beautiful, and he told her all his secrets, knowing she'd never tell. So imagine his shock and horror when a couple months later that same girl is sitting in the local storytime, asleep. She is not dead. She is Primrose and once it is made clear that she was never dead in the first place (the gal has a seriously twisted sense of humor) she and David are inseparable. They've their own family problems, of course. David's mom is dead, his father is always away, and he loathes his kindly grandmother for everything she isn't. Primrose, on the other hand, lives in an abandoned van outside her house. Her mother is an embarrassment to her, believing herself to be a fortune teller who (at this moment in time) will read feet like some people read palms. But with two such violent personalities, it's only a matter of time before David and Primrose are on the outs. They'll either fix what's broken in the other, or be worse off because of their friendship in the end.

First off, I can't think of better booktalk material. Seriously. Boy sees dead girl in a storyhour? Did someone just spill a whole cup of awesome all over this book? Some books grab you by the throat from page one and don't let go until you've read them cover to cover. This is such a book. It's not, however, an easy read. You're constantly on your guard as you go through it. With two such unpredictable characters, Primrose and David are just as likely to slap you as kiss you. Their little pre-adolescent nerves are all ah-jangled and it's this herky jerky clash of personalities that keeps the book consistently interesting.

The title is also very good at showing the true unattractiveness of desperation. David's grandmother would do anything for her grandson. If only he'd just throw her a bone. Some kind of thoughtful gesture and all would be well. But the lines are drawn very clearly here. He has decided to hate her because she's not his mother and she, for her part, doesn't know how to break through to him. It's the rare children's novel, actually, where the main character says that he out-and-out HATES the innocent family member taking care of him. Spinelli sets it up so that you dislike David for what he's doing to his grandma and, at the same time, you understand where he's coming from. The woman is a suffocating presence. Her neediness just serves to repel the people she's trying to befriend. And that you don't end up detesting David from start to finish is a kind of accomplishment of writing in and of itself.

I also thought that the sheer absurdity of the narrative has a way of sucking you in. Spinelli reveals his characters in fits and starts. Primrose is the kind of person who'd wave at an imaginary car, then not like the imaginary driver's response and start yelling and spitting. David's the kind of kid who can weigh down the carrot that his grandmother gives him to eat every day with a kind of heady symbolism, entirely of his own.

There are unanswered questions by the story's end, I'm afraid. The one that comes to my mind in particular concerns Primrose. The van outside her house where she stays is egged on a regular basis. We never get any specifics about this except when Primrose mentions that the kids who did it "followed" her and that they get their older siblings to drive them over to her van. It's a mighty odd element to leave unexplained. Otherwise the ending is a strong one. It doesn't cheat. You don't get flowers and sunshine and a sudden smattering of scales falling from various characters' eyes just in time to wrap up the narrative. None of that. It's a good ending. A strong ending. An earned ending.

The best section in this book comes from the character of Refrigerator John. Night after night the kids take refuge in his home. Looking at them he sums up their relationship nicely: "What brought them together? Sometimes they acting their own ages, sometimes they switched. Sometimes both seemed to be nine, other times thirteen. Both were touchy, ready to squawk over nothing. They constantly crabbed at each other - yet at the same time he might be braiding her hair, or she might be making him lunch. Half the time they left his place snarling, yet the next day there they were, together, knocking on his door." Good children's books with complex characters and motives are sometimes a little difficult to locate. "Eggs" at times feels like a bookclub's dream. You could parse many an action taken and word said in this story without ever quite running out of topics for discussion. A book that is worth reading, at the very least.

Eggs was my first Jerry Spinelli read, which is rather surprising considering two key points: (1) I am an avid reader and (2) I teach elementary school. Overall, I loved the characterization and detail Spinelli exercised throughout the storyline. I found pleasure and comfort in becoming familiar with the two main characters, David (age 7) and Primrose (age 13). However, at times these characters were difficult to be fond of considering their negative outlooks on life. As an educator, I read children's literature with the intent to use it in my classroom someday for a specific purpose. During most of this book I felt as if I was grasping for a reason to continue the read. With much afterthought I have compiled a list of ways Eggs would engage my students and thus reasons for teachers to use this book in their classrooms (see below). Even though I enjoyed Eggs, I am leery to recommend it for the general population. It is deep with symbolism and situations that would be hard for some students to understand and relate, such as death, psychics, children living alone, isolation of family members, children sneaking out at night, running away from home, etc. Amazon.com does not suggest the targeted grade level for this book, probably due specifically to its content. From my best estimate, the book reads at around a 3rd grade level, but deals with concepts more appropriate for 4th or 5th grade. I would not hesitate to use this book in the middle school grades, as it seems much more appropriate for their psychological development stages. Eggs does not have a "happily ever after" type conclusion, which would definitely appeal to some students. Being new to Jerry Spinelli works, Eggs has ignited my curiosity about his other books. Regretfully, I hope they are more age appropriate for my P-3 classrooms.
Reasons to Read Eggs
* The main characters ages make this book interesting for 2nd and 3rd grade students. Plus, the main characters have major attitude problems that would be funny to most elementary schoolers.
* The plot deals with life circumstances that might relate to students, specifically the death of a parent. Plus, the closure that comes after sharing your concerns with others who care.
* The main characters have exciting midnight adventures, where they often get into sticky situations.
* The younger male character befriends the older female character, yet their friendship is often on "love/hate" terms.
* The main characters work for what they want together. They are diligent about making money. Sadly, they are also diligent about spending and not saving.
* A bullying aspect is present and could be capitalized on by teachers.
* A focus on coping with life's struggles and acceptance of the way things change over time.
* An appreciation for those who are different.

from my blog:

I need to be clear - I like this book. I do. But like the crystalline fowly residue covering 13-year-old Primrose's van/bedroom windows, it's because the story just would not let go.
Primrose and nine-year-old David, the main character, form an awkward and unbalanced friendship after the freak accident death of David's mother uproots David and his only-home-on-the-weekends father. David could care less for his grandmother. Primrose is outrageously embarrassed of her fortune-telling mother. The two, er, stumble upon each other during an easter egg hunt and again at a library story time. Soon they latch themselves to each other and hang on for dear life.
It seems predictable enough - through each other they will find redemption. Right? Weeellll ... First of all, "unlikely friendship" = understatement of the year. The Amazon product description used the phrase "tight yet tumultuous". I think Booklist gets closer with "close albeit abrasive". It's this so-called friendship between David and Primrose that stayed with me after closing the book (Closing the book satisfied, remember? I promise I like it.)
These kids are mean to each other. Not Judy Moody smart-mouth mean. I am the older sister of a brother. I know what mean can look like, and yet these kids' insanely raw insecurities affected me like a Dementor. I was halfway through the novel when I thought to myself "Self? This might actually have a horrible, dramatic resolution." I could foresee a train wreck.
My emotional investment snuck up on me. I began to notice how much I ached for these two kids and how brilliantly Spinelli portrays their desolation without reverting to overused troubled-kid-gone-wrong scenarios. The more I sat with this story, the more I appreciated that it is not Spinelli's writing that is at the same time fragile and aggressive. It is David and Primrose. It is their characters, masterfully composed by Spinelli. I mean, gosh, you wonder if, realistically, there will ever be light at the end of the tunnel for these two. Given these characters' core and situation, could the predictable redemptive ending really happen? There are kids like David and Primrose in our world, in our own neighborhoods. For those of us who have only ever known reasonably comfortable Suburbia, we usually only know this side of struggling (whether economic, emotional or existential) via books like (and here is where I show my age) Dear Mr. Henshaw, Dicey's Song, The Hundred Dresses, and now David and Primrose.
Why I like this book - as heavy as I have probably made this book out to be, there are rays of sparkling sunshine through the clouds (which, by the way, are never stormy just overcast). David's grandmother, for one, reminds us that it is David who keeps himself in his mopey state; the world at large is not all bad. Refrigerator John, bless his heart, is the only adult whose advice and guidance David and Primrose heed. He allows them a safe space to be so dysfunctional. They may be mean, but they are cared for.
Lastly, I am a fan of the ending. It doesn't tie up loose ends in a pretty bow. It doesn't leave us with a cheesy benediction. In its own way it redeems the Reader, we who believe in David's innocence and sweetness and in Primrose's creativity and heart.

Coverness: Special shout-out to the cover. A close-up of an open six-pack of farm fresh eggs, no title, just "by jerry spinelli". Fabulous. In a story where words are flung so aggressively, the universally recognizable symbol works just fine. What a great discussion starter for kids about what else we understand without words - brand logos, body language, reading between the lines.

Some have claimed this book is a bookclub's dream. I'd go a step further and say that Eggs is a book that would serve as a great teaching tool for children to talk and learn about symbolism.

Although the eggs, the painting of the van, and the stuffed animal are a little on the obvious side when it comes to symbols, they're just right for children and young adults.

The only problem? I don't remember the books I *had* to read in school being so good. This is a book I enjoyed as an adult, and as a teacher, I would bet many children would enjoy reading this book just for fun, and many would find a kindred spirit in Primrose and/or David.

You know how they talk about "feel-good" movies? Well, this is a feel-good book. I loved it reading as an adult, and I've no doubt it's a feel-good book for children, too.

A sudden tragic loss, like that of a deeply loved family member, is often hard to deal with and difficult to overcome, even as adults. How is a nine-year old boy supposed to cope with such a loss? Jerry Spinelli attempts to explain in his newest novel, Eggs.

David wasn't scared when he uncovered the dead girl under a pile of leaves during an Easter egg hunt. In fact, he was relieved. To this dead girl, he told all his deepest secrets, he told her how he lost his mother, he even showed her his "memento". But when the dead girl appeared at story hour two months later, alive, David let out the scream of his life.

I think I first read Maniac Magee when I was in fifth grade, the grade I now teach. I reread the book when I was in sixth grade, and a few times even after that. I loved it. And because I loved it Jerry Spinelli became a name I would remember, a name I would return to, and a name I would always recognize and respect. Even now as an adult, there's something refreshing about returning to a Jerry Spinelli book, and I only mention this early on, in part, as a warning. I'm a Jerry Spinelli fan. Parts of this book that others may find odd or boring, I probably loved. And while it may be naive of me to say, I'm going to say it anyway, I think Eggs is a masterpiece.

There's not a lot of sunshine and rainbows in this book. Instead, think thunderstorms and lightning. These pages are filled with so much anger, you'll find it hard to believe that children can say and do such things, but trust me, I've seen it first hand. There is so much anger boiling up inside David and Primrose. They see it in each other and are drawn to each other because of this anger. David hates his grandmother because "she's not his mother" and goes out of his way to make her life as difficult as possible. She's passive and loving and he walks all over her and at first this makes David difficult to like. Primrose hates her mother because she's weird and doesn't love Primrose the way Primrose wants to be loved. It would be easy to call these children selfish and turn the other way without a thought. But Spinelli doesn't let us.

It doesn't take long for David and Primrose to begin directing this anger at each other. They know each other well and know where to sink their teeth in. They know each other's weaknesses and aren't afraid to attack. There's a scene where the two are competing against each other collecting night crawlers. They bicker back and forth and David ends up dumping Primrose's collection to the ground. What Primrose does in retaliation . . . let's just say she aims to kill. It's a horrible scene, one that might be difficult for many children to swallow, but what follows this scene proves that while neither Primrose or David quite understand their relationship, the bond between them has grown thick and they know that they need each other. This is writing at its best.

There is some difficult, potentially scary subject matter on display here though as well. I'm not sure how parents would react to David's initial discovery of Primrose, playing dead under a pile of leaves. It's an eerie, almost creepy sequence. Another questionable theme is how David and Primrose answer to no one, and I mean no one! Spinelli is sympathetic and understanding toward each one and their stories but very rarely are they held accountable or do they take ownership over the mean things they say and do. There's some resolve in the end but not much. As adults, we see how fragile these two are and take it for what it's worth. But I hope children wouldn't think of this behavior as normal or acceptable. I wish these children would've shown more remorse for the horrible things they said and did to each other but here's hoping that in time, they eventually will.

This book would obviously be very powerful and meaningful to children in a similar situation. Teaching fifth graders, I see this in students every year. Children are very bothered by and in some ways, far too young to be able to comprehend some of life's harsh realities. Death being one of them. Spinelli has captured this struggle perfectly. There's irony in the fact that David wants nothing more than to have his mother back while Primrose wants nothing to do with her mother. David has fond loving memories of his life with this prematurely deceased mother whereas Primrose remembers nothing good from her earlier childhood with her living mother. Students struggling with anger issues or learning to deal with an emotional loss could find the message within this irony very worthwhile.

I'm sad this book wasn't released last year, as I think being very similar to The Higher Power of Lucky, Eggs would've given that book a run for its money. As far as a Newbery Medal, I think this one may have missed the boat, and readers may find it to be too similar to last year's winner. Both are centered on small, angry, lonely, fragile children coming to terms with losing a mother and not knowing how to move on. I felt that The Higher Power of Lucky was far too overhyped. Eggs, I'm afraid, probably isn't getting the credit it deserves. It's not an easy read by any means, but it's one that speaks very loudly.

Okay, so I used to like happy books. Books where two people meet and everything is perfect and it's all daisies and sunshine. I used to think that was great. But now that I've got my nose in a Jerry Spinelli novel very often these days I see books and the world in a whole new light.
One part of "Eggs" is dreamlike, whimsical (like "Stargirl" and "Love, Stargirl" which I loved for that very reason) and part of it is angry and real and hard. Another part is touchy, bruised, grieving and confused. And yet another part is just plain weird.
And it was AWESOME.
It's odd and zany and just kind of off the wall, overall. The chapters are not very long (which I like generally) and some of the descriptions are so real I feel as if I'm living it. Some sentences, even some chapters feel like memories. Despite the gap between their ages (thirteen and nine), Primrose and David are exactly what each other need. They need someone to talk to. Someone to vent to. Someone to yell at. Someone to say goodnight to them.
All of the characters are memorable and eccentric. I loved the nearly endless, plainspoken talks between David and Primrose. I loved Primrose's 'house' outside the garage-sized house. I loved her screaming and her outrageousness. I also loved Refrigerator John.
The partly whimsical, partly angry, partly confused and partly odd "Eggs" is the perfect summer read (it's still August! Not too late for a summer read!). I am twelve years old and I loved this book. I think anyone from ten to fourteen would enjoy this book.

David's mom died and he moves in with his grandmother. He eventually meets a mysterious girl and they become friends. Through this friendship he learns how to open up to the people around him and realize that it's going to be alright, even though his mom passed away.

This is an AR book for school, worth only 4 points even though the book has 220 pages. Was easy to read, and it only took a few days.

Didn't like the subject; way too much focus on his mom's death. Seems like the author never really delivered a plot at all. The ending just pops up as if to say, "well, that's enough of that, On yer bike!"

Eggs, the latest book from Jerry Spinelli, is a wonderful read for anyone that has lost a parent, has a parent that they cannot relate to or is trying to cope with life in general! Nine year old David's mother dies in a freak accident, so he must live with his grandmother while his father works out of town. David meets Primrose, an interesting, older, and different girl, at an Easter egg hunt that his grandmother forces him to attend. She is pretends she is dead and scares him. Primrose lives with her mother that works as a psychic and only knows her father by a photograph she has of him. From here there friendship takes off. They spend time together fixing up the old VW van that Primrose lives in, starting a bait business, and eventually walking to the city on an adventure.
Two unlikely characters that have much more in common than they realize as they form a friendship makes this book an "eggs"cellent choice! Boys or girls will enjoy this quirky book. The Amazon website recommends the book for ages 9-12, but I found it to be a great read even for an adult. I will be using the book with my students for Spinelli literature circles. I highly recommend this book!

I loved "Stargirl" and have read all of Spinelli's other books since that one was published (and there's a sequel coming out to that book!). In this thought-provoking story, two kids find friendship, despite their age difference.

David is a nine-year-old boy who is coping with his mother's death, while his workaholic father is emotionally and physically unavailable to him. Primrose is a thirteen-year-old girl who tries everything to stay away from her eccentric mother and only knows her father from a framed photo that is one of her most treasured possessions. Both kids hide the secrets of their pasts, which are as fragile as eggshells. Both share a love for a drink called Mango Madness and a yearning to have one person whom they each can depend on. Told from the point of view of several different characters, this book is one that should not be missed if looking for a good tale of friendship.

This review was also sent to the ALAN Review. :)

The Main Characters in this book are David and Primrose. David is nine and Primrose is thirteen. David lives with his grandmother because his mother died. She died from slipping on a wet floor and hitting her head. David thinks that if he follows all the rules then it'll bring his mother back. He's not very respectful to his grandmother, in fact he barely says anything to her. In the beginning of the story David's grandmother takes him to an Easter egg hunt. Even though David thought he was to big to go, but he still tries to find eggs anyways, when he finally found a pretty blue egg this bigger kid tells David its his, so he gives it to him. David thinks they might have hid more eggs in the woods, so he wonders off looking for them. While he's walking he sees a yellow egg in a pile of leaves. He picks up the egg and noticed it has a red circle on it, he brushes the leaves off, until he saw a face. It was the most beautiful face he had ever seen. Three days after school ended he had to go to the library with his grandmother, she was the volunteer reader for summer story time. When they were acting out the last story, David recognized the girl playing Goldilocks was the girl he had seen in the woods. He let loose the scream of his life, he thought she was dead.
They started talking and she gave him a card. On the card it said, Madame Dufee Reader and Advisor "Meet Your Tomorrow Today" Tulip street. The next day David went to her house. It was a tiny house, Primrose didn't live inside the house, she lived in a car in the backyard. David and Primrose became the best of friends. They did everything together. They fought like they were brother and sister. They we're always at Refrigerator John's ( Primrose's friend) house. They would watch TV and fight over the remote. They watched the news and saw a man standing on the freeway waving at people, they called him "The Waving Man". David and Primrose were curious about why he would wave at people in cars. 0ne day they got in a huge fight and stopped talking for two weeks, until one morning David found a note on his bed saying, "Meet me at my place now." He went to Primrose's house, she told him they were going somewhere. David followed her like a lost puppy, David would ask over and over where they were going, and finally Primrose told David "We're going to the city." David was excited, he had never been to Philadelphia before. They were going to the city to see the waving man they had seen on TV, so they could ask him why he waved at people. They walked until night, when the police had found them and brought them back home. They never made it to see the waving man, but Primrose told David she knew why he did it. It was because the people would wave back.