Orphan Island

Jenken1998

pick

Once a year, a boat arrives to a mysterious island, bringing another child to the island and taking the oldest away. The children on the island have no clue who, what, where, why they are there but live their lives waiting for the next boat. It was lovely writing and full of imagination. Sad for sure. 3 stars due to some weird plot points that i felt were unnecessary. #middlegrademarch

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berko

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

so-so

Slow and depressing. Interesting. Good imagery.

Sienabooks123

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

pick

It was amazing and so detailed!

AshleyHoss820

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

so-so

I liked the idea of this book more than I liked the execution of it. Jinny is so unlikeable, so whiny. Sometimes the character‘s growth *is* the plot, but there didn‘t feel to be too much of that here. And I know that lost innocence and all that can make for a good read. This just fell short for me. In so many ways. #ChildrensLitClass Also, it gets compared to The Giver & that needs to stop...

45 likes

BritanyA

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

so-so

⭐️⭐️⭐️: Dog placement makes me crack up 😂🤣 This was good but not great.

8 likes

jenni_elyse

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

so-so

I liked the LOST-esque feel of the book (e.g. more questions than answers, supernatural elements, mysterious island), but I didn't like the characters as much as I liked the LOST characters so I couldn't get fully onboard with the story.

thebluestocking Nice picture! 5y

jenni_elyse @thebluestocking Thanks! 5y

2 likes2 comments

jenni_elyse

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

When I can‘t sleep: herbal tea in a llama mug with a book. #littlebitofheaven #ifonlythisblastedcoldwouldgoaway

1 like

thebluestocking

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

so-so

This quick read is my book club‘s January book. I thoroughly enjoyed the first half. The concept, nine orphans on an island where each year the oldest leaves and a young one arrives, is fascinating, and the tension was great. But the characters were either flat or unlikable or both. And the ending was supremely unsatisfying. If this was an metaphor for childhood, it did not work for me.

merelybookish A frustrating book! This was a #mgbuddyread last year and the reactions were mixed. But it was one of our best book discussions so that bodes well for your book club. 5y

thebluestocking @merelybookish I feel the same way! Though many of the reviews that have come in already (on Goodreads) have been three stars or less, I think it‘ll be a great book to discuss. Some of our most blah discussions are about books everyone liked. 5y

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jenni_elyse

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

I‘m participating in #boutofbooks 24. A week-long readathon that started yesterday (January 7) and goes until Sunday (January 13).

I‘m currently reading my book club book, Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder. What are you reading? Any #boutofbooks participants on Litsy? #bob24igphoto

thebluestocking Ooh. I need to get started on that too. 5y

3 likes1 comment

MaggieCarr

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

pick

4☆ | Ages 8+ May 2018

Maze Runner + Boxcar Children + The Blue Lagoon

"Nine on an island, orphans all, any more the sky might fall."

The island has everything the children need: food, shelter, clothing, and books. Even the animals are friendly. Everything is idyllic as long as the rules are followed.

However, no explanation is ever given for the adultless island, where the boats come from, or what force holds the island together.

40 likes

Well-ReadNeck

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

so-so

Started strong but fizzled out for me.

eedevore I felt the same way. I was so curious about why they were there and what happened after they left and then it just kind of ended. 6y

115 likes1 comment

Pandagirl

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

pick

Awesome book. Compelling read and kept me intrigued. Definitely needs a sequel, so hopefully one is coming!

1 like

ElizabethAndino

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

pick

This was amazing...initially magical and ending with melancholy, I hope there is a sequel someday.

4 likes

ElizabethAndino

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

Working on improving my middle grade game!

7 likes

juliegumdrop

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

pick

For ages 8-12 years, but adults will like it too!

monkeygirlsmama A group of us on Litsy read this together last year. It was really cute, but I do recall having a couple of problems with it. 6y

juliegumdrop The main character being a bit unlikable maybe, or the having no answers as to why this all happens and what/who is behind it? Super creative concept though. @monkeygirlsmama 6y

AvacadoandGlitter My teacher has this book 6y

7 likes3 comments

GondorGirl

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

pick

I started this audio book figuring it might be an easy listen to pass this week of work. Then I got sucked in so quickly that I ended up working late today, just so I could finish it.

Nine orphans live on a perfect (magical?) island. Each year a new little child is delivered by boat, and the oldest leaves. But what happens when one child refuses to leave?

I want to know what happens next, but I'm afraid a sequel would ruin the magic. 5/5🌟

Chelsibno This was our #MGBuddyRead book a few months back. We‘ve read a lot of great books in that group that you also might enjoy! 7y

GondorGirl @Chelsibno Oo- thanks for the group suggestion. I'll have to check it out! 7y

54 likes4 stack adds2 comments

GerardtheBookworm

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

pick

A Peter Pan story where orphans are magically cared for by a mystical island. The only catch is that when a child grows up, they must leave the island to let a new one in. What if one of them refuses to leave? There are consequences! A fun, coming of age adventure!

3 likes

KilgoreTrout

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

I'm a sucker for #bookswithmaps

No_One Ooooh! The Game of Thrones books (A Song of Ice and Fire) has some good maps (fictional) And "Lost City of Z" from what I recall (real). ? 7y

30 likes1 comment

Lmstraubie

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

Thank you to everyone who was able to participate in today's #mgbuddyread. Please continue adding your responses. Remember to tag anyone you are responding to so they know you are carrying on the conversation. There is still plenty of time to add to the discussion! Keep your thought provoking insight coming!! 😁 See below for something additional resources. Thank you!

Lmstraubie Betsy Bird's review - http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2017/07/11/review-of-the-day-orphan-island... 7y

Lmstraubie An interview with the author - https://www.google.com/amp/s/writersrumpus.com/2017/05/16/orphan-island-by-laure... 7y

merelybookish Thanks for hosting! 7y

See All 12 Comments

monkeygirlsmama Thanks @Lmstraubie for putting this together! It's been fun. 🙃 7y

rubyslippersreads I see the author is working on a prequel (Abigail's diary). She must have read my mind. 😄 7y

rubyslippersreads @Lmstraubie Interesting. I thought of Peter Pan right away, especially Wendy growing up and her daughter Jane taking her place. Thanks for hosting this buddy read—this is definitely a book perfect for discussing! 😊 7y

Chelsibno Thank you for hosting! You asked some really thought-provoking questions! Sorry I was a whole day late in my responses! 7y

Lmstraubie Thank you @rubyslippersreads @monkeygirlsmama @merelybookish @Peddler410 @Smangela @awishman @syasutake @TheWordJar @amie @Chelsibno for participating in our #mgbuddyread. The discussion was thought provoking, insightful and just downright enjoyable! Thank you for taking the time to share. I'm looking forward to our next read! 7y

monkeygirlsmama @rubyslippersreads Not during the reading but during the discussion I had a fleeting thought of how it almost had a Peter Pan "I don't want to grow up" feel. 7y

syasutake What a beautiful review by Betsy Bird! It definitely gives me a different perspective. 7y

syasutake And thank you for hosting. I loved hearing everyone's thoughts. Looking forward to our next read, and I'll try to get one or both of my daughters to join in. 7y

Lmstraubie @syasutake So glad you joined us!! It would be wonderful to have the insights of your daughters as well. 😊 7y

29 likes12 comments

Lmstraubie

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

#mgbuddyread
Question #10

Overall, what were your feelings about the story?

Peddler410 Overall, it was okay. I did not like Jinny which made it hard to like the book. 7y

merelybookish I didn't really like it. I like weird books but this one was dissatisfying. And I found it boring in places. I wondered what actual middle grade readers would make of it. 7y

monkeygirlsmama Overall I liked the story. I felt for Jinny even though I found her borderline obnoxious at times. Oh, and I do wish it had a more fulfilling ending. I wanted answers as to the purpose of the island and the idea/reasoning behind it. 7y

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rubyslippersreads At first I thought I was going to hate it. Then I got interested in the story, especially the Abigail mystery. But overall, it was frustrating. I'd love to see a prequel that would explain more. 7y

Chelsibno I really liked it as I read, especially the mystery behind the purpose of the island. While Jinny wasn't the most likable protagonist, she was a pretty realistic depiction of a child who is still learning and maturing. I was really frustrated with the ending. So much mystery and so many questions, only to be left unanswered! 7y

JaclynW For any of you with young children at home or who are teachers, I'm so curious what children think of this book. Please report back! 7y

JaclynW This was an okay read for me. I was intrigued by the idea of the book, this kept me reading. I liked the dynamics between the children on the island and with the island as well. What appeared to be an experiment started to disturb me. I couldn't figure out the mystery and my questions were never answered. That was frustrating at the end. A sequel or prequel may help me change my mind about the entire book. 7y

Lmstraubie @JaclynW I found the ambiguity frustrating also. Initially I don't think the author had any intentions on a sequel, but hopefully she changes her mind. I NEED answers!!! 7y

JaclynW @Lmstraubie We should start a petition. 😊 I think we all want answers! 7y

Lmstraubie @JaclynW Yes! 🙆😅😅😅 7y

18 likes10 comments

Lmstraubie

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

#mgbuddyread
Question #9

Is Jinny a rebel or is she selfish?

Smangela I want to say selfish but I have a hard time calling a child who is still learning and going through puberty selfish. especially because she does care for the other children, I more want to say she is frightened than a rebel or selfish. I never saw her as brave until the end and I tend to equate that quality with rebel 7y

Peddler410 Given only those choices, selfish. While I do believe she cared about the other children her decision not to leave was solely based on what she wanted/need. I believe Ben says it a couple times. (edited) 7y

awishman I think she is both! 7y

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merelybookish What @awishman said! I think she's willing to test the limits but I don't think she's doing it for the greater good. 7y

monkeygirlsmama To me she was written as both. She's only got what her time on the island has taught her. Her heart and mind are growing & changing as she matures. However, without answers to her questions a feeling of fear & responsibility take over. She wants to do what she feels is right & at the same time test the boundaries for the sake of discovering some much needed truths. Plus, she's hormonal, and every girl knows that can make you pissy & selfish. 🤣 (edited) 7y

rubyslippersreads @Smangela I agree; she's afraid of change and, as @monkeygirlsmama said, she's hormonal, with everything that goes along with that. 7y

Chelsibno I think she's a bit of both. At times, she seems more selfish than rebellious. Yet, she's also scared and confused during one of the most scary and confusing times in a girl's life. She's learning, and by the end, she does step up and take responsibility. 7y

12 likes7 comments

Lmstraubie

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

#mgbuddyread
Question #8

Jinny finally decides she needs to leave the island, but she takes Loo with her. Will having 8 instead of 9 effect the island like having 10 instead of 9 did?

Smangela Part of me thinks the only reason things broke down on the island were because she was expecting them to/questioning them to fail. Perhaps the cliff's wind would have only failed for her? In that same vain, Loo didn't seem to have the same immediate acceptance and therefore the rules wouldn't work for him either? (edited) 7y

Lmstraubie @Smangela I never thought of that, but you're right. Loo was sort of rebelling himself. I thought that maybe it had something to do with the breakdown of the island as well. Maybe the balance was off set with Jinny not leaving so Loo was acclimating. 7y

Peddler410 Loo was a hot mess. Jinny takes responsibility for what happened to him and in so doing I feel the island will right itself. 7y

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monkeygirlsmama Probably 7y

rubyslippersreads @Peddler410 Considering the British definition of "loo," I wonder if the author picked that name for a reason. ? 7y

Chelsibno I think the island will right itself. Having more than nine presented problems that wouldn't occur with only eight. For instance, Ben was having to go without his bowl, because they only had nine. However, while I believe the island will right itself with only eight, I wonder how this will affect future cycles. What happens in around nine years when there is no Elder? 7y

Lmstraubie @rubyslippersreads 😂 7y

JaclynW @rubyslippersreads 😂🤣 7y

17 likes8 comments

Lmstraubie

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

#mgbuddyread
Question #7

At one point Jinny goes for a swim far out in the lake. The island "disappears" from her view. Where did the island go?

Smangela I just figured it was either something like fog or mist or that she had swum a far enough distance. Perhaps it was part of the island's magic. But after reading the Truman Show ideas it could've been manipulated to keep her following the rules. 7y

Peddler410 I figured she simply swam out too far 7y

monkeygirlsmama I took it as part of the island's magic. I suspected there was a fog layer around the island to prevent the kids from seeing too far beyond and from preventing anyone in the real world from seeing the island. Kind of like the storm system surrounding Kong Island in the recent movie. Inside the barrier and outside the barrier it's normal weather, but impossible to see from one side to the other. I think there were limits on how far they could go. 7y

Chelsibno I figured that it was part of the island's magic to keep the kids from escaping or seeing what laid beyond. Likewise, it could have been a scare tactic on the part of the island's magic. Scare any child that tries to swim out too far to keep them from going farther or trying it again. 7y

25 likes1 stack add4 comments

Lmstraubie

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

#mgbuddyread
Question #6
Because she didn't leave the island technically Jinny is still in charge when Loo arrives. Jinny takes him as her charge instead of letting Ben have him. Was this the right decision?

Smangela I actually don't see Jinny as being in charge. I think Ben is/should have been. I also kind of feel like Jinny wasn't an Elder throughout the whole book - she didn't teach Ben or Ess the things she was supposed to. 7y

Lmstraubie @Smangela Yes, I agree. Jinny kind of let everyone else do it for her, the swimming, the reading. I see Ben as being more mature than Jinny. Or at least a more mature temperament. 7y

Peddler410 I don't really feel Jinny did much with Ess so, again, I see Jinny as being selfish by denying Ben his rightful role with Loo. Ben, by far, is better suited to care for Loo. 7y

monkeygirlsmama This is a part where I found her behavior selfish. Oldest or not, she shouldn't have taken Ben's experience away from him. 7y

Chelsibno I felt this was a selfish decision on her part and really displayed her emotional immaturity. Throughout the book, Jinny didn't fulfill her role as the Elder, not teaching Ess and Ben everything she should have. Upon Loo's arrival, she seizes him, wanting a do-over. This feels like a child that had her turn at a game, but then immediately took the next child's turn because she didn't like how her turn went. 7y

15 likes5 comments

Lmstraubie

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

#mgbuddyread
Question #5
All the kids on the island seem to accept their fate, except for Jinny (even before finding Abigail's letter). Why do you think Jinny is so resistant? Why aren't the other kids?

Smangela I think it has to do with personality some, and also childlike innocence/naivety. At first, Jinny clings to the island and her childhood, she doesn't want to leave and is afraid to. As she stays longer on the island though, she questions everything about their temporary home and what else is "out there." It seems like the Elders generally "outgrow" the island and are at least looking forward to change. The kids are also taught to not fear 7y

Smangela Anything. And that could attribute to why they seem to leave without trepidation. 7y

Smangela When we see Jinny starting puberty I think her resistance can be attributed at least partially to that as well. That is a time of many, many varying emotions! 7y

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monkeygirlsmama The younger kids can easily accept everything at face value because it's what they see the older kids doing. They don't remember much, if anything, from their lives before the island. Jinny, however, is getting older and I think she's simply beginning to question things more as she picks up on things. It's human nature to think and process. (edited) 7y

monkeygirlsmama Plus there's the books she's been reading for years. She knows the people who wrote them must not have been from the island, so it leads her to wonder where they came from and how much of their stories were based on fact vs fiction. 7y

merelybookish And Deen's departure seems to affect her. Like losing him is her first real taste of sadness. 7y

Lmstraubie I found it interesting that her questions didn't lead her to want to leave & find out what is on the other side of the boat trip. 7y

Smangela @Lmstraubie yes - especially since it seems like that is how it normally affects the Elders 7y

rubyslippersreads @Lmstraubie Maybe it's that Jenny is torn between wanting to grow up and wanting things to stay the same, which is kind of part of becoming a teenager. 7y

monkeygirlsmama @rubyslippersreads Yes! I think so. I think she wants to know what is beyond the island, but her fear and hormonal upset ave her stuck in limbo and uncertain as to what she should do. 7y

monkeygirlsmama @Lmstraubie ⤴️ 7y

Chelsibno I think a lot of it has to do with personality and emotional maturity. Deen is shown to be mature and ready for his journey, partly because he has felt restless during his last few weeks on the island. Jinny, on the other hand, doesn't seem as emotionally mature as Deen was, and instead clings to the island since it is all she knows. As time goes on, she has questions, but is torn between staying and leaving, between childhood and adulthood. 7y

Lmstraubie @rubyslippersreads @monkeygirlsmama I second that YES! I'm figuring Jinny is about 13 which is such a conflicting time. She's no longer a little girl, but she's yet to be a grown-up. She's wants control of her life, but she wants everything to stay the way it is. 7y

Lmstraubie @Chelsibno Jinny didn't seem as mature as Deen, Ben or Joon. 7y

monkeygirlsmama @Lmstraubie Agreed. And really, without any adults or even older teens to look up to for guidance you have to figure all maturity is instinctual more than learned by example. 7y

19 likes15 comments

Lmstraubie

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

#mgbuddyread
Question #4

The kids have a collection of books from someone named Abigail. Jinny then finds a letter from Abigail that changes what she knows about life on the island. Who do you think Abigail was? How does finding the letter effect Jinny?

Smangela I had so many thoughts about this book, the whole time I felt this sort of anxious, nervous feeling. That and heartbreak. When Jinny found this letter, which obviously didn't reach it's recipient, I wanted to cry. The pleading tone of the letter just seemed so unfair. Not to mention that finding it didn't seem to help Jinny but rather create more questions for her, more questions she (and we!) will never have the answers to. (edited) 7y

Smangela As a mother, it just was too hard to fathom these children being left or sent here. And the possibility that their parents are alive and have sent them away, for whatever reason, without explanation is heart wrenching. I can't imagine it! 7y

awishman The letter from Abigail could have been the cornerstone of some amazing world building. But it felt like just another unfulfilled element. 7y

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monkeygirlsmama What was the purpose of the island and sending the kids there to begin with? It seems like there were parents on the outside living their lives like normal while their children were away which is what made me feel the whole island scheme had a cult like air to it. As for Abigail, I felt she was one of the first children to be sent to the island, but to what end I have no idea. 7y

merelybookish It does feel like the island is an experiment and they have learned better not to send children when they remember their parents. It also seems to suggest some of the kids are siblings. I also wonder about the books. Why did Abby get to have some but no new ones are sent? By the books they are reading, it would seem like this is a present day story. 7y

Smangela @merelybookish I thought that some might be siblings as well - which perhaps it's the same few families participating in sending the children to the island? 7y

Lmstraubie @Smangela @merelybookish But why, oh why, are these children being sent?!?!?! I hate the ambiguity 😣 7y

Chelsibno From her letter, it seems Abigail was among the first group of children sent to the island. The ways in which she talks about this in her letter, it gives me the feeling that it's some sort of experiment, perhaps to study how children survive without adult contact? It forces Jinny to question the island and reconsider everything she thought she knew. 7y

Lmstraubie @Chelsibno I thought it was interesting that Abigail knew she had a mother and was allowed contact. I wonder where along the way that changed. 7y

JaclynW @Smangela I completely agree!! 😢 Why would a parent send their child away? 7y

JaclynW @Lmstraubie The ambiguity is a killer in this book! 7y

20 likes11 comments

Lmstraubie

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

#mgbuddyread
Question #3

Jinny says it's her job to keep Ess safe. Ben says it's Jinny's job to teach Ess to keep herself safe. Who is right & why?

Smangela They're both right, but I think Ben is more right when you follow the strict rules of the island. Because Jinny shouldn't always be there for Ess, after this year, she should be leaving and Ess needs to be able to manage. However, I can easily understand how difficult it would be to not coddle such a little child. (edited) 7y

awishman Anyone else read that as a commentary on modern parenting? A criticism of helicopter parenting? 7y

monkeygirlsmama Both were right. Being so little, Ess needed someone (Jinny) to take care of her and keep her safe. Yet, Ben was right in believing that Jinny needed to teach her how to take care of herself and not be so dependent on someone else. In the real world we wouldn't give a small child free reign and not keep an eye on them to keep them safe. ⤵️ 7y

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monkeygirlsmama Terrible accidents would ensue and it would be awful. That said, little kids need direction so they can learn to be self sufficient because they won't always have an adult or older sibling there to way out for them. On the island it's all the more important for Ess to learn to take care of herself because, in theory, Jinny will leave the island soon- as will Ben. 7y

merelybookish I think the book is suggesting children are more capable than they are treated in modern society. But it's a weird balance. The island both wants to maintain their innocence (something only protected children get to enjoy) while also making them self-sufficient. 7y

Lmstraubie I think the set up of the island (shelter, food, clothing, etc.) gives the kids the opportunity to learn independence in a controlled situation. Also the size of the group and the fact that the kids weren't all the same age helped add to the organization & success. It would be a different story if these kids just randomly ended up on the island. 7y

syasutake @awishman I did think Jinny seemed like a helicopter parent whereas Ben was maybe more like a free-range parent. 7y

monkeygirlsmama @Lmstraubie I wondered how often the supplies had to be replaced. What would happen if they ran out of clothes? These sort of things. 7y

Chelsibno I think they're both right to a certain extent. Being so young, Ess needs looking after and protecting. But at the same time, she also needs to be taught how to be self-sufficient, especially since Jinny won't be around for long. 7y

Chelsibno @Lmstraubie That's true. The island does allow the kids to develop independence in a safe environment. If they were all the same age, it definitely work out this way. However, we do see some ways in which the age arrangement doesn't always work to help with the issue of hierarchy and leadership. Where Jinny is rather mentally more immature than some of the kids younger than her, it leads to conflicts. 7y

JaclynW @merelybookish I agree! It was a strange balance indeed. Being independent in such a controlled environment doesn't really prepare them for the real world (and all its goings on). They were very self sufficient on the island, which I do believe kids can be. If kids are given good guidance and high expectations, it's amazing what they can do. They are quite resourceful and resilient. But you don't really give a match to a toddler either. Balance! 7y

JaclynW @Lmstraubie Yes! It's a good thing they weren't all the same age. Remember Lord of the Flies?? Similar age children equals major competition. 😣 There was a bit here. But it was mostly a family unit. Each child had her/his own job and place in the family. It seemed to work well for the most part. They looked out for each other it seemed. 7y

Lmstraubie @JaclynW I thought of Lord of the Flies also. You're right though. It seemed everyone had a role and took to it. 7y

22 likes13 comments

Lmstraubie

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

#mgbuddyread
Question #2
Do you think the children are safe?

syasutake My sense is they're safe as long as they don't break the rules of the magic. 7y

Smangela I agree with @syasutake but I also think that is a reason they can't stay on the island for too long, they lose their blind trust and start to have questions instead of just accepting things for how they are. As an adult reading this I felt like I was anxious for the kids at every turn. 7y

awishman It shows how kids are able to make their own systems and rules. 7y

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awishman @Smangela @syasutake The timing of their departure is when they start to question more developmentally. 7y

monkeygirlsmama I believed they were safe too as long as they trusted the island to do what it was promised to do as long as the rules were obeyed. 7y

merelybookish Yes, they are like Adam and Eve in the garden before they eat the apple. Innocence = safety. 7y

TheWordJar @merelybookish The whole island set up also made me think Garden of Eden. Everything will be perfect and safe, until you question or break the rules. What eventually gets Jinny to leave the island...a snake. 7y

TheWordJar Again...I'm reading this as a parent, not the intended audience...but I think the whole question of safety also points out that kids are capable of so much more than parents/adults sometimes allow them to be capable of. 7y

Smangela @TheWordJar I didn't even think of the snake aspect! Interesting! 7y

Lmstraubie @TheWordJar Interesting how it seems like the kids are in control, until they break the rules. 7y

Chelsibno I felt they were safe so long as they obeyed/didn't question the rules of the island. It's interesting how they seem to leave at just the right age, the age at which their bodies and brains begin to develop more rapidly and they question their world. 7y

Chelsibno @merelybookish Wow! I hadn't made that connection to the Adam and Eve story. It makes me want to skim through it again to find out if there might be other connections I had missed. 7y

merelybookish @Chelsibno Let us know what you come up with! @TheWordJar noticed the snake. I guess there's also Evie (Eve) who is a troublemaker of sorts. 🤔 7y

Lmstraubie @merelybookish @TheWordJar @Chelsibno I didn't even think of that although I kept wondering why she was so disgruntled all the time. 7y

JaclynW @TheWordJar @merelybookish I thought the same thing about the Garden of Eden. Similarities for sure. @Chelsibno I'm curious too if you find other similarities between the two stories. 7y

JaclynW I agree with most of you in that the island was safe. Until they broke the rules that is. It was disturbing how quickly things changed and how drastic/ dangerous some of the changes were. There is some serious conditioning going on here. It was crazy to see these kids be so independent, but then one wrong move and they were really punished. I worried about these kids the entire book. 7y

23 likes16 comments

Lmstraubie

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

Good morning #mgbuddyread Littens! I know there are many feelings about this book and I think we're in for a good discussion. Let's get this conversation started!

Question #1 - Why do you think the children are being sent to the island and who is sending them?

rubyslippersreads My library hold just came in, so I'll have to catch up on these questions after I've read the book. 😀 7y

Smangela I cannot decide why they are being sent to the island, all I know is it breaks my heart! At first it seemed like they were orphans or perhaps it was a metaphor for heaven, and then after reading Abigail's letter it almost seems like some twisted boarding school or extended summer camp? 7y

syasutake This is the question that kept me reading the book. I thought It would be revealed in the end and was so disappointed when it wasn't. Maybe the real world is dangerous for children, so parents send them to the island until they reach adolescence and it's safe for them to return home. I don't know! Interested to hear what everyone else thinks. 7y

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Amie I ended up bailing on this book and one of the reasons I didn't finish it is because I knew from reading other reviews that this is never explained. If I knew there were answers in the end, I might have kept reading out of curiosity but not having any answers would have just frustrated me. 7y

Smangela @syasutake oh my gosh I like that idea much better! And I agree I was frustrated with how much mystery there still was at the end. 7y

awishman I kept hoping for an answer to this question and was frustrated we didn't find out. Maybe it shows the kids' powerlessness? 7y

Smangela @syasutake @amie @awishman I wonder how the intended audience (middle grade readers) feels about the lasting mystery? I wonder if it doesn't bother them as much as an adult? 7y

Amie @Smangela I wonder too what kids would think about it. I suspect that it wouldn't bother them as much as it does me 😀 7y

syasutake @Amie @Smangela @awishman My 10-y.o. daughter who read it said she didn't like the ending either, but I think it was for slightly different reasons. She's at a movie now but later today I'll ask for her opinion and report back. 😉 7y

monkeygirlsmama From the git go it struck a chord with me that made me think the island was some how associated with a cult. I couldn't tell you why exactly I felt that, I just did. Being so small an island population it didn't seem to me likely to be an issue with trouble on the mainland and parents sending their kids to save them. So, I'm really not sure. I liked the book, but it frustrated me too. Lack of definitive answers = no closure. 7y

merelybookish This whole book felt like a thought experiment to me. An attempt to make childhood (innocence) into a place as well as a time, to imagine what that would be like. I felt like it was both challenging and reinforcing romanticized ideals of childhood. I felt really detached from the story as I read. And the ending. 🙄 7y

Lmstraubie @rubyslippersreads Don't read any other questions!! Spoiler alert!! 😁 Definitely join in when you finish the book. 7y

Lmstraubie @smangela @syasutake @awishman @amie @monkeygirlsmama @merelybookish I love all these theories! I kept thinking it was some type of experiment almost along the lines of The Truman Show. @syasutake I would love to hear your daughter's perspective. 7y

TheWordJar Looks like I'm in the minority, as I liked the ambiguous ending. I'm still not sure how the kids are chosen to go to the island or why kids even have to go, but it seems more experimental on the part of the mainlanders. @syasutake There are only nine kids in the island, so I'm not sure it's a matter of being safer for the kids on the island than the mainland (otherwise why not send all the kids)? 7y

TheWordJar @Lmstraubie I also thought of the Truman Show! And the televised Hunger Games. Especially when the fin came out of the water when Jinny was swimming out. A ploy on the part of producers to get her back to the island??? 7y

monkeygirlsmama @Lmstraubie @TheWordJar Ooh, I never considered either of those, Truman Show or Hunger Games. Both do make very logical comparisons though. 7y

Lmstraubie @TheWordJar @Smangela I never thought of The Hunger Games aspect, but you're right. Like the fire to get Katniss back in the game. I still believe these kids were in some way being monitored. 7y

syasutake @smangela @amie @Lmstraubie My daughter says she didn't mind much that the author didn't explain what was going on. She didn't like the ending because she wanted to see Jinny meet back up with Deen and her other friends from the island. She is hoping for a sequel in which Ess comes back from the island and finds Jinny. Overall she liked the book. 7y

Smangela @syasutake interesting! I agree with her that I'm hoping for a sequel! 7y

rubyslippersreads @monkeygirlsmama I agree about the cult. Abigail's letter made it sound like maybe a kind of social experiment. 7y

rubyslippersreads @Smangela Or a prequel, about Abigail and how it all got started. 7y

monkeygirlsmama @rubyslippersreads @Smangela I'd be down with both. 7y

Chelsibno As I read, I had the vibe that it was some sort of weird experiment, especially the way Abigail described it to her mother in the letter. However, finding out that at least 40 kids have been on the island makes me wonder about this theory. I don't know how to feel about the lack of answers. I kind of wonder what a middle grade reader would think of it. 7y

Lmstraubie @syasutake I love the idea of Ess helping us find out what is going on! I know initially the author didn't have any plans for a sequel. I'm hoping she changes her mind. 7y

Lmstraubie @rubyslippersreads A prequel would work nicely as well. It would help the reader to understand how this all started. 7y

Lmstraubie @Chelsibno For me I think there were just too many unanswered questions. I'm okay with a little unknown, but I walked away from this book with more questions after reading it than before. 7y

JaclynW @syasutake Agreed. I kept reading the book to find out why these kids were on the island. Who does this?! And WHY?! It was frustrating to not get an answer. @Lmstraubie @rubyslippersreads @syasutake I would LOVE a sequel or prequel to get some answers! 7y

JaclynW @Lmstraubie I was also thinking of The Truman Show. It is kind of a creepy concept though. What would they have wanted to observe exactly? Tearing them away from a family at such a young age and then tearing them apart from the family they created with the other kids is just torture! It would really mess with a child's mind and I would think have long term effects. This book was hard for me to like because of that. I needed answers. 😉 7y

Lmstraubie @JaclynW It's interesting that the older kids had no memories of leaving a family behind, but the new child knew a family was left behind. I guess memories fade with time. I really want to know the purpose of the whole thing! I guess we need to make up our own. 7y

JaclynW @Lmstraubie Yes, I'm sure it's fading memories. 7y

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Read4life

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

bailed

Bailing on a book is not something I do. However, I just couldn't get into this book. It's a good idea, but I just felt like this was poorly executed.
I really tried to stay with it. It's our #mgbuddyread this month but I didn't care about the characters and found I was thinking of my time reading this as a chore.

monkeygirlsmama Aww, that's too bad. It was a cute read despite having some annoying aspects. 7y

66 likes1 comment

Lmstraubie

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

Just a reminder #mgbuddyread participants - Our discussion for Orphan Island will take place on Saturday. Questions will be posted throughout the morning. Join in when you can! Remember to tag anyone you are responding to so they are alerted to you response. I am looking forward to this discussion. It should be a feisty one! 😉

44 likes

syasutake

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

Just finished this and I so look forward to discussing it Saturday for #mgbuddyread. How does the discussion work--do we chime in at a particular time or any time on Saturday?

Lmstraubie

Lmstraubie Yay! 🙆 I'll start posting questions on Saturday morning. You just answer when the time is right for you. By tagging others they will know you responded to them. I hope this helps! 7y

syasutake Thank you @Lmstraubie! See you Saturday! 😊 7y

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merelybookish

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

Looking forward to to discussing the #mgbuddyread pick. I have opinions! 😉 @Lmstraubie

Lmstraubie I can't wait to hear them!!! 7y

66 likes1 comment

Peddler410

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

so-so

I was hoping this would be a solid pick but I have to go with so-so. I'll update after the #mgbuddyread discussion next week.

Lmstraubie If you notice I did a blurb & not a review for this one. Holding back my opinions until we chat (but I'm sure I just gave a bit away). 7y

29 likes1 comment

Peddler410

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

Half way through #mgbuddyread . I'm enjoying it, but I don't really like Jinny. I really like Ben.

19 likes

merelybookish

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

Cat sniffs for the #mgbuddyread selection. #twowordtitle #anditsaugust #catsoflitsy @RealLifeReading @Lmstraubie

LauraBeth Looks like royalty 😻👑 7y

Lmstraubie Hope kitty thinks it smells good 😉 7y

JazzFeathers So handsome 😻😻😻 7y

emtobiasz Oh, right! Thanks for the reminder--I just put my copy on hold! 7y

DebinHawaii Gorgeous and I agree with @LauraBeth, quite regal! 👑🐱💜 7y

65 likes5 comments

Lmstraubie

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

Have you gotten your copy yet? ☺️
Join us for our #mgbuddyread on Saturday, August 26th to discuss this book! #teachersoflitsy #librariansoflitsy

Peddler410 I'm starting tonight. Today was my first day back to school and I used an audible credit -- just in case I fall behind reading the print copy I have. 7y

Lmstraubie @Peddler410 Good thinking! Hope you had a good first day back! 7y

Smangela Technically mine was due back at the library today, but I'm out of town so I've got a few more days with it, luckily it's only $.10 a day 😅 7y

33 likes3 comments

syasutake

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

This future Litten snagged my #mgbuddyread book off the shelf and dove right in.

Lmstraubie

Reviewsbylola 😍😍 7y

Bostonmomx2 😍 7y

WhatDeeReads Yes Tiny Litten! 7y

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Robothugs 💕 7y

LibrarianJen 💖💖💖 7y

Lmstraubie Yay! I hope she lets us know what she thinks. ☺️ 7y

57 likes6 comments

monkeygirlsmama

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

pick

Finished this #mgbuddyread book just now. I liked it, but I wasn't satisfied with the ending. I needed more in the realm of explanations and closure. All in all, it was an intriguing premise and a cute story. Looking forward to the group discussion on the 26th. 🙂

Lmstraubie

Lmstraubie @monkeygirlsmama I'm eager to chat about this one too! 7y

42 likes1 comment

monkeygirlsmama

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

Odd, but sweet. A way to send off their close friends when the unfortunate times occur. 💛📗📕📙📘

#mgbuddyread

Lmstraubie I took a photo of this same part! 7y

44 likes1 comment

TheWordJar

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

#anditsaugust! What?! How? As I contemplate time flying, I've started Orphan Island for August's #mgbuddy read, organized by @Lmstraubie , and Wally's decided to get some warm summer sun on his arthritic bones. Never in my #wildestdreams did I think he'd stick around for 15 years when we got him! Another #mostanticipated read is The Pattern in the Carpet by Margaret Drabble. #augustgrrrl #pugsoflitsy #dogsoflitsy #gorgeouspups #hashtagpalooza

RealLifeReading, Cinfhen

JenReadsAlot He is so cute!! 7y

TheWordJar Thanks @JenReadsAlot! 7y

monkeygirlsmama ☺️ 7y

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LauraBeth Awww - what a gorgeous pug ❤️ 7y

Leftcoastzen So cute !Love Pugs! 7y

britt_brooke Cutie!! 7y

Lmstraubie So glad you'll be joining us! 7y

50 likes7 comments

monkeygirlsmama

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

Spread the word by tagging @Lmstraubie ! 😉

Lmstraubie @monkeygirlsmama Thanks for spreading the word! 😊 7y

33 likes1 comment

Lmstraubie

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

Do you like #middlegrade books? Then join us for our #mgbuddyread! We will be reading Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder. Our discussion will take place on Saturday, August 26th. Questions will be posted throughout the day for you to answer when you can.

Check out this interview with the author: http://www.booksbetween.com/booksbetweenpodcast/2017/6/6/25-laurel-snyder

Please repost and tag @Lmstraubie to help spread the word. Thank you!

Peddler410 I'm trying to access the podcast interview but it seems like it's not active? I found what I think is the most recent -- Book A Day -- but I can't find how to subscribe... 7y

Lmstraubie @Peddler410 Sorry about that 😕 Try this link: http://www.allthewonders.com/podcasts/laurel-snyder-books-between-episode-25/ 7y

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monkeygirlsmama

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

Nine children, each one younger than the next, live on an island where everything is perfect. Each year the oldest child must leave when a new child arrives. Who sent them there? Where do they go when they leave?

This book sounds so good! I'm so happy I managed to get a copy from my library's online catalog! Now I'll be participating in the August #mgbuddyread. Discussion will be held Saturday August 26. Who else wants to join in? 📖🙃🏝

Lmstraubie

syasutake I'm joining you all--the book is on hold for me at the library! 7y

monkeygirlsmama @syasutake Yay! 👏 7y

Lmstraubie @monkeygirlsmama Thanks for the shout out! So glad you and @syasutake will be joining us! 7y

33 likes3 comments

Lmstraubie

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

I don't want to say too much about this one since it is our #mgbuddyread for August. "Nine on an island, orphans all, Any more the sky might fall." Nine children live together on an island supporting themselves. Each year a green boat arrives bringing a new child and the oldest must leave. But leave and go where?

SilversReviews Oooo....I like the looks of this book. Love the cover. 7y

monkeygirlsmama Stacked 7y

Lmstraubie @SilversReviews @monkeygirlsmama I hope you'll join us for the August #mgbuddyread! 7y

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SilversReviews Thanks. 7y

monkeygirlsmama @Lmstraubie I'll see if I can find a copy! 😊 7y

monkeygirlsmama I found a copy, @Lmstraubie; so I'm in! Question, does everyone just read at their own pace for this buddy read, since it's a middle grade book and therefore fairly short? Then just the one discussion at the end of the month? (edited) 7y

Lmstraubie @monkeygirlsmama Yup! You got it! So glad you'll be joining us. I just posted some info. about it. 7y

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Lmstraubie

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

Next up for the August #mgbuddyread Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder.

Nine children, each one year younger than the next, live on an island were everything is perfect. Each year the oldest must leave when a new child arrives. Who sent them there? Where do they go when they leave?

Discussion will take place on Saturday, August 26th.

Join us! ☺️

Please share this post and tag @Lmstraubie to help spread the word!

syasutake I just requested it from my library! I enjoyed her book Bigger than a Bread Box. 7y

Lmstraubie @syasutake Great!😁 7y

Peddler410 I'm excited! I bought this book awhile ago. @Lmstraubie do you know what September's book will be? 7y

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Lmstraubie @Peddler410 I actually don't. I was using July & August as a gauge to see if people were interested. I would love to continue!! I have a couple ideas in mind, but we're you thinking of anything in particular?? 7y

Lmstraubie @syasutake I hope you'll join us for the August #mgbuddyread! 7y

syasutake I'm in! So nice to find fellow MG readers. 7y

Peddler410 @Lmstraubie I didn't have anything specific but I could share suggestions if you want them. Do you want to do newer stuff or are you open to some a couple years old? 7y

Lmstraubie @syasutake Yay!! 🙆 7y

Lmstraubie @Peddler410 Let me think on this. Maybe I'll do a couple of choices & survey the bunch. 7y

31 likes9 comments

Chelsibno

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

pick

I just finished my #MGBuddyRead for next month. I couldn't put it down. The author creates so much mystery & suspense through her writing that it's impossible to put down. The characterizations are interesting and diverse, ranging from calm & mature characters to immature & annoying characters. I can't believe it'll be a month before we are able to talk about this one. I hope all my fellow middle grade buddy readers enjoy it. @Lmstraubie

Lmstraubie If you like #podcasts check out #booksbetween. It's by a 5th grade teacher and focuses on #middlegrade books. In episode #25 she chats with #laurelsnyder. ☺️ 7y

Chelsibno @Lmstraubie That sounds awesome! I love checking out new podcasts. Thank you for suggesting it! 7y

Lmstraubie 👍 7y

Smangela Yay! I'm so glad to hear this review! :) can't wait to start it! 7y

41 likes4 comments

Chelsibno

Orphan Island | Laurel Snyder

I just picked up our next #MGBuddyRead from ILL! I'm super excited to start reading it! @Lmstraubie

Lmstraubie Yay!🙆 7y

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