Wednesday, April 23, 2014

How Far Will Georges Go?

Georges is in seventh grade and doesn't have many friends. He tries not to call attention to himself, but unfortunately the class bullies still spot Georges and make fun of him because of his name: George with an s. His dad lost his job in the past year, so the family had to downsize and moved into a new apartment building, or rather an old apartment building, with lots of unique features. It’s up to Georges and his dad to unpack and setup the apartment, because his mom is so busy at the hospital. When Georges sees a sign in the basement that says Spy Club Meeting Today he ends up getting to know Candy, Safer and later, their Bohemian family. Safer teaches Georges how to be more observant by watching the residents of the apartment building on the lobby camera. Later he wants Georges to help him solve the crime of Mr. X. Unfortunately, Safer is pushing the limits and wants Georges to do things he doesn’t feel comfortable doing. Will Georges help solve the case? Is Safer someone who should be trusted? Will Georges ever be able to change the way things are for him at school? What else is really going on in Georges’s life? Read this mysterious book to find out!


Liar and Spy by Rebecca Stead is a book I found easy to relate to for a few reasons. Even though I'm not really like Georges, we have parts of our personalities that are similar. We both like funny things, and we get bored doing stuff we don’t really want to do. I loved Safer’s family and found them very entertaining. I also really liked the character of Bob English, a kid in Georges’s science class who likes to draw. The story had some surprises up its sleeve, and I liked trying to solve the case of Mr. X. I think this book would be appropriate for kids in fifth grade and up. It will appeal to kids who like a mystery, because they will enjoy trying to figure out what's really happening with Mr. X and what's going on with Georges. I know I liked it, and I think others will too. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Has anyone else read Liar and Spy? Or have you read another book by Rebecca Stead?  We would love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L


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34 comments:

  1. sounds like a very enjoyable book! thanks for the rec!

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    1. Tammy- You are welcome! It is a great read. :) ~L

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  2. I love a book with good characters and to be able to relate to them is always a bonus.

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  3. I loved Rebecca's WHEN YOU REACH ME and this one, too! She has a unique way of building a story so the story you end up reading isn't the one you thought you were.

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    1. Barbara- I haven't read When You Reach Me- but I am hoping to read it soon. I like that Rebecca's writing is full of surprises. :)
      ~L

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  4. I love this book as much as I loved When You Reach Me. Like me, they were just so NYC

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    1. Alex- I loved all the NYC references and I can't wait to read When You Reach Me. Glad to hear you enjoyed this one too! :) ~L

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  5. I hadn't heard of the book before, but it sounds like a good read. Thanks for the review! And I love the book's cover!

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    1. Cherie- I agree that the cover is great! It is definitely a terrific read. :) ~L

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  6. Always appreciate finding authors and books that are new to me. Thanks.

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    1. Lee- Glad to make the introduction. :) ~L

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  7. This book and author are new to me. Sounds interesting.

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    1. Kelly- It is an interesting book. The author was new to me too! :) ~L

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  8. I always like seeing mystery books for MG readers. They are so fun.

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  9. I haven't read this, but it sounds really fun! I like the multiple plots--something there for everyone it seems!

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    1. Meradeth- There is a lot to this book and I think it will appeal to a lot of people. :) ~L

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  10. I used to enjoy mysteries when I was in my teens. Sounds like a great book!

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    1. Editors at Work- Mysteries are great! This is a fun read. :) ~L

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    1. Patty- Yeah! So glad you loved this one too! :) ~L

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  12. Yes, I've read this book. I love Rebecca Stead's writing.

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    1. Medeia- This was my first book by Rebecca Stead- but I look forward to reading more of them. So happy to hear you enjoy her writing. :) ~L

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  13. I loved mysteries back when I was a kid - they were terribly exciting and I loved guessing and solving the puzzle. This book would make a good read too!

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    1. Priya- It was great to try to solve the case along with Georges. :) Mysteries are such fun! ~L

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  14. This week has been very odd! I was on holiday on Monday so didn’t get over to try out the weekly riddle. I decided to pop in today to see Tuesday’s answer only to realise it’s actually Thursday! Where has the week gone?
    Anyway, I’m very glad I did call in today, as I enjoyed reading about Liar and spy, it’s not something I had heard about before, but it sounds like an excellent book.

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    1. Barbara- Some weeks do fly by!

      I am glad you enjoyed our review of Liar and Spy- it was an excellent read. :) ~L

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  15. I have this book on my to-read shelf. Looks like I'll have to bump it up because it sounds very good!

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    1. Claudine- I hope you get to read it soon! I can't wait to hear your thoughts. :) ~L

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  16. I have not read this book but it does look very interesting.

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  17. What a unique premise! I love it. Moving can be so difficult, especially when you're young, but the forging of new friendships, especially under the guise of such a unique club...very cool.

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    1. Crystal- I think many kids will be able to relate to the changing friendships and the move in this book. Plus- it is full of surprises that will make kids everywhere think. :) ~L

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