Peaches (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Every spring since she had turned thirteen had started the same way for Murphy McGowen..." (more)
Key Phrases: supply barn, cider house, pecan grove, Honey Babe, Horatio Balmeade, Balmeade Country Club (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up–During a summer at the Darlington Peach Orchard in Georgia, Murphy, Leeda, and Birdie discover the true meaning of friendship despite their differences. Murphy, a bright, sarcastic 16-year-old from the wrong side of town, is completing community service at the orchard. Wealthy Leeda lives in her perfect older sister's shadow. She decides to work at her uncle's orchard on a whim and then is too proud to change her mind. Birdie Darlington is trying to keep the farm running despite the fact that her mother has left and her father refuses to face the desperate straits that the business is in. As the summer progresses, the girls bond and realize that you cannot judge someone by her financial or family situation. The characters are realistic and the dialogue is fresh. Readers looking for light reading will not be disappointed.–Angela M. Boccuzzi-Reichert, Merton Williams' Middle School, Hilton, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Gr. 8-11. Anderson's debut reads like a first cousin to Ann Brashares' Traveling Pants series. Here, rather than the perfect pair of jeans, it's an intoxicating peach orchard that works its magic on three teens, brought together to pick fruit in the summer before their last year of high school. Shy, awkward Birdie, the homeschooled daughter of the Darlington Orchard's owners; Leeda, Birdie's gorgeous, wealthy, "kind of cold and uptight" cousin; and restless, rebellious Murphy discover in one another a strong, unlikely friendship that helps each girl move past her own limitations and open herself to thrilling possibilities. The Darlington's financial troubles, overtures from a sleazy developer, and several dreamy romantic interests add tension and intrigue to the friendship story. Interspersed vignettes of momentous scenes from the orchard's past add to the setting's mysterious aura, and Anderson's vivid descriptions of the scented rows of trees, buzzing with heat and life, echo the restlessness of her well-drawn teen characters. A charming, breezy choice for strong and reluctant readers alike. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (May 9, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060733071
• ISBN-13: 978-0060733070
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #166,114 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars even better than The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants!, June 8, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Peaches (Hardcover)

I saw that the author of the Taveling Pants books recommended Peaches, and since I LOVED those books, I had to read this one. It's about three girls who probably wouldn't be friends, but then they spend a summer together. I really liked all of the girls in different ways, even though I think I'm most like Birdie (the shyest one). Anyway, I read this book in one weekend because I couldn't put it down. I was so sad when it was over!Everyone should definitely read this book!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Fun and Sweet Reading ..., January 14, 2007

By	Busy Mom (Ohio) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

I found this book in one of those Buy Three and Get One Free deals in a chain bookstore ~~ the selections were quite limiting that day and I really didn't want to pass up the free book deal. (That is a true sign of a bookholic btw!)I picked it up during a recent bout of sinus infection and wasn't able to put it down till it was finished. Yes, it is sweet and predictable ~~ but it was written so nicely! It really is a sweet book!

This book is about friendship among three young girls. There's Murphy, a very intelligent but bored young girl who rather be busy causing trouble. There's Birdie, a very shy girl who's father owns the peach orchard. She is related to Leeda, a young socialite, who's parents own several hotels in the area and is considered to be spoiled. All three girls have issues with their mothers and with their lives. Thrown together over spring break for various reasons, they developed a bond while protecting the peaches from a late frost. Coming back together over the summer, they really defined their friendships, fell in love and it was the summer of their lives.

This is a sweet book simply because it's written simply. It flows naturally among the characters and it brings back memories of summer camp! The descriptions of working in a peach orchard didn't hurt it any ~~ in fact, after reading this book, I was craving peaches!

It is a wonderful book for anyone to read ~~ and perfect for those young teenagers who likes to read. It's fun and delicious.

1-14-07

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A fun read, May 27, 2006

By	Lyn (Virginia) - See all my reviews

This was a very fun book-- there was a lot going on, since there were three main characters and therefore alternating points of view. It was interesting to watch how the girls grew together to become best friends, and it wasn't at all fake: through the entire book, the girls weren't hesitant to make smart remarks to each other. I loved the portrayal of the peach orchard, around which the book was centered; it brought the story together and brought it to life. The descriptions were wonderful and evoked strong imagery. The girls learned to grow together through their differences in personalities and the hardships they were facing as teenage girls. My favorite character was definitely Murphy; she was strong and independent, and had a tendency to speak rather sharply at times. She loved to get herself into mischief. However, she was not perfect: at times she let her guard slip, and her friends were able to see underneath her tough cover.
I recommend this book to any teenager who is looking for a quick enjoyable read with themes that pertain to almost every young girl.