Reviews for Grumble Bluff, by Karen
Bessey Pease.
What Readers Are Saying About Grumble Bluff
“Reading Grumble Bluff from cover to cover
was an absolute privilege. I’ve seldom encountered
prose that reads as smoothly, and I felt in the
opening few chapters that Karen Bessey Pease’s
writing had assumed the shape of a magnificently
comfortable sofa while she introduced me to two of
the most down-to-earth and engaging characters
you’re ever likely to meet.”
And…
“Your
talents are obvious. In the space of a few
paragraphs, you persuade me to laugh, then brought
me to the verge of tears, without forcing me into
either. That's gifted writing, and I thank you for
the experience and pleasure of reading your work.
What you've got is a masterpiece to rival… Proulx
and Picoult, Amy Tan and Geraldine Wooler.” Jack
Ramsay, author, Brisbane, Australia
Grumble Bluff is an intricate and soul-searching
study in the relationship between two young tweens,
cursed – but also bound – by their social status. It
is a wonderful story about the true meaning of
friendship – through the best of times and the
worst. A story of both ignorance and of deep
compassionate understanding set against the
sometimes cruel realities of being that age.
OK enough of that... here’s the deal. Karen Bessey
Pease will keep you rolling with her wit and
observational humor. This book is a hoot. She’s a
hoot. But then – and you know damn well it’s coming
– she rips out your heart and holds it still beating
before your eyes. She is vicious. I’m a tough old
bird; I’ve raised eight kids and served two tours in
Combat Infantry; this book broke my heart. And
that’s all I’m going to say about that.
My four daughters are going to love this book
probably just because they’re girls. My four sons
are going to love this book just because they’re
not. I suppose for that to make any sense at all...
you’ll have to read the book – I did. This has
best-seller written all over it. All through it.
This is the diamond in the heap and I feel
incredibly fortunate to have stumbled across Grumble
Bluff. Something tells me I have Jack Ramsay to
thank for that. I owe him – and trust me, he’ll get
what’s coming to him.
Once in a very long while you read a book, hear a
story, watch a movie and you know it will be with
you forever. This is one of those. It’s made that
way by Ms. Pease’s command of each scene. This is a
book you hear – a story you see. A world in which,
at least at some point, we’ve all played a part. I
hope you won’t regret your role.
Eugene Saint
WOW! That's
all I can say. WOW!
I just spent
3 1/2 hours, almost to the minute, reading
Grumble Bluff. Knowing you as I do, I expected
some laughs. And having read the reviews, I
expected some emotional scenes. But 3 1/2 hours
later, all I can say is, WOW!
You've done
something that very few people can do; you got
blood from a stone, you proved I am human, you
brought tears to my eyes, and less than a
paragraph later, you made me laugh! WOW!
I'm sure I'll
have more to say later, but for now I only have
one thought to pass on; If a year from now you
are still selling real estate, instead of
spending all your time writing, or signing
books, you need a better agent!
No Bull,
you're an amazing writer!
DC
“The story easily transcends the beauty and
working-class reality of its western Maine setting;
it gives life to the everyday concerns of families
trying to keep their children safe and help them
make the tough transition to young adulthood. Author
Karen Bessey Pease writes Katherine Anne's story in
the first person with an impeccable youthful
"voice." Katherine Anne and Greta are smart, tough,
tender and silly. They are grounded by their time in
the Bluff. Their sadness and joy will be yours while
you're in the pages of
Grumble Bluff. This is a book ideal
for adults or young readers. If you are looking for
a story about real issues, infused with the simple
magic of friendship and the healing beauty of
nature,
grab
Grumble Bluff
and prepare to
love it.” Linda Bulger, Amazon Reviewer, Avon,
ME
“Finally, a story for young folks where the
conjuring comes from the heart, not a wand! I loved
the two main characters in this book - genuine,
yearning, promising gals. I'm looking forward to the
sequel.” Firestarter, reviewer on Amazon
“Well, Karen, what can I say? I've finished Grumble
Bluff and I can't but believe it will be a best
seller. You've taken a simple idea and developed it
to perfection. Surely, if there is any justice in
the literary world you will soon be famous!” J.
Rupe Boyd, author, The Heart Reader, Ohio
“This is absolutely delightful, you have totally
captured this 12 year old girl's angst, but done it
with such finesse and such humour… I just love this
too much… It is a completely effortless read.” Alexandra
Stopford, author, God’s Away on Business
“Not fair. First you make me fall out of my chair
laughing… and then, not ten minutes later I'm
dripping tears so that my eyes got all blurry and I
had to stop, take off my glasses, blow my nose and
breathe. This is a fabulous book … it is a beautiful
story and if my lips ever make it to His ears....it
will be talked about in classrooms for generations
to come. Really, really well done, Karen!” -
Lesley Barker, author, Pastor’s Ex-Wife,
Kentucky
“I love your easy going writing style. I really feel
like I'm seeing the world through Kathy's eyes. What
a magnificent achievement that is. I was a super
skinny kid, but I can certainly relate to the taunts
that she endures.” Tyler Adams, author, In
Search of Me and Alex, Canada
“Karen, I've read…this compelling and engaging
story. Loved it. Your characters are nicly (sic)
developed and very believable. The writing is crisp
and easy to follow, and the story does a great job
of pulling the reader along.” Michael Croucher,
author, Through Bravo's Veil
“The scenes of bullying, with those all-too-familiar
patterns of mob behaviour among children, are
harrowing. Also painful to read was the parents'
half-hearted responses, the feeling that the
behaviour the girl suffers is somehow her own fault.
This is strong stuff that most people will identify
with. I liked the introduction to the forest scenes
the most - the love of the natural world, the peace
to be derived from it. I particularly enjoyed the
description of dissolution and decay as being a
natural process. Buddhists will love you for that!
All in all a smashing read…” Pat Black, author,
Snarl, UK
“I love this book...your
story has me hooked! I love, love, LOVE Kathy and
when my daughter … is old enough this book is a must
read because the message is so good. .. I am so
emotionally connected to your book that… I started
to cry and had to re-read a page! I really care
about your characters and that is a compliment to
your writing! This book is really well done… You
are like a new Judy Bloome”
And then: “I finished reading Grumble....Loved it,
made me cry, and you really shocked me with the
twist at the end! Excellent writing and left me
wanting more! My best friend… was raving about your
book this morning I told her you are working on more
and she said she wants to know as soon as
possible when she can buy the next! You have a
following already.” Jana Viles Pease, reader
and mother, North Anson, Maine
I just
finished your book last night and I just loved it!
Great job and I can't wait till the sequel. I told
my daughter that she has to read it as well. You
brought me to tears in the book… Not many books
bring me to tears----KUDOS!! Very touching story
and I plan to send a copy to my step-daughter, she
will love the story as well. I just thought you
would love some feedback--not that you don't get
any, but it is always great to get a pat on the
back. Consider yourself patted. Crystal
Trenholm, reader, Kingfield, ME
“That
Writer Pease is an accomplished writer proficient
for producing intensely eloquent imagery is evident
as the reader treks through the fragrant woods along
with Kathy and Greta to sit with them and listen to
the splashing of the brook. Grumble Bluff
helps tweens understand that there can be hope and
life can be better. Grumble Bluff is a work
for the counselor’s shelf, parents and kids to read
together and classroom.” Molly Martin, Molly’s
Reviews
This story drew me in
immediately, broke my heart (in a place I
thought I mended long ago) but ultimately
reminded me of the courage and strength that
often lies within those to whom life is
unkind. What a brave, wonderfully sensitive
child it has at its center. It got to me on
such an emotional level that I can't be
objective about it. I loved it, and I hope
you... sell eleventy billion copies. I am
not a huggy person by nature, but this book
makes me want to hug someone, so consider
this a virtual hug, Karen. By "Pamelia
Bedelia"
Sue Scheff, author
of Wit's End and founder of
P.U.R.E.--Parent's Universal Resource
Experts writes:
"I just finished
Grumble Bluff and loved it! I finished
it in 2 days and didn't have much time,
but it was so good, I couldn't put it
down. It is such a lovely story of
friendship and family. Bullying among
kids today is so cruel, however Grumble
Bluff truly helps you to understand out
of negative situation, good things can
come. I can't wait for the next book!"
And:
What a great story - if you are a parent
of a tween or teen - this is a great
book for you and your child. http://www.karenbesseypease.com
be sure to check it out. I finished it
in 2 days, it was such a touching story.
It addresses bullying, friends and
family.
Visit
Sue's website,
www.helpyourteens.com for valuable
parenting tips and resources to help us
raise awesome kids! A quote direct from
the site:
"We will give you a feeling of
comfort in a situation that can be
confusing, stressful, frustrating, and
sometimes desperate."
I was delighted to
receive your book, and read it avidly...You
picked a tricky topic, and dealt with it gently
and understandably, without shock. A good
writer, you are!...I.'m so glad there'll be a
sequel! Please get it to me, to read; I'll be
one of your best fans. I really appreciate
lucid writing, even though it isn't exactly for
my age group. N.B.W., author, Lincoln
County, Maine
I really got into that story when
reading it. Laughing outbursts and tears were
unavoidable.
G. Gates, Franklin, VT
.....just finished
your book.....very talented
writing. Started reading it
last evening and wanted to finish this
morning, so as the bread burned in the oven
and the dogs waited to be fed, I sat and
read.
You've conveyed
a wonderful balance of humor and
sadness....that's what life usually is.
Anxious for the next
in the series.
J. T., Kingfield,
ME
I loved Grumble Bluff, I read half of
Holly's copy before I sent hers then I
borrowed Prudy's to finish the book. I felt
like I was 12 again. Unless you are short
on books again (due to your book signings)
I would like to order two more. We are all
so excited about your success. M.B.
Guilford, Maine
You can quote me on anything
that I said about "Grumble Bluff", I would
be honored and I would be glad to tell
anyone that I know about the book. It was
part of my job to read all of the teen and
young adult fiction that came into the Jr.
High library where I worked and I was so
moved and impressed with your story.
Marilyn Gorman, New
Portland, ME
I hope she writes more, a writer that
truly hits the mark
Posted December 12,
2008, 4:26 PM EST: The book has a solid plot
and an easy flow. With teenagers facing so
many challenges these days, this book gives
the early teen some guidance if they are
dealing with bullies or in dealing with any
issue. Kudos to the author, I haven't read
anything she has written before, but I will
be looking for her name in the future. "Pendance"
on
www.barnesandnoble.com
"There was something very comforting
and freeing about the solitude and beauty of
Grumble Bluff and the brook.....We could
scream with laughter or howl with tears and
the forest would do nothing but stand guard
over us and shelter us..." Two twelve year
old girls with miseries and joys all their
own unite to navigate the
not-old-enough-to-be-a-grown-up, yet
too-old-to-act-like-a-child obstacle course
of the pre-teen years. Currently set in a
small town in Maine, the story conveys a
comforting country charm, although the
girls' emotions are universal to all young
people who must search within to find their
place in this world, amid the confusion of
youthful and adult situations. Graced with
acutely descriptive imagery of Katherine
Anne and Greta's deep woods haven and the
brook that runs through it, Grumble Bluff
beckons its reader to grow deep roots and
sprout new branches. K. M. on
www.amazon.com
Grumble Bluff
roller coaster
By Dave
Miller
What an emotional
roller coaster ride you can take reading
Karen Pease's book, "Grumble Bluff."
Heck, I am an old grumpy, 66-year-old
retired guy and wouldn't normally tell
"anyone" I read a girly book. I couldn't
believe that I read a book about two young
girls, the forming of their friendship and
the trial and tribulations of their young
lives and couldn't set it down.
I had bought the book the evening of its
official release at the New Portland Library
with the thought that it would make a nice
gift for our youngest granddaughter, Kelly.
As I have loved Karen's down to earth
Maine humor and wit since first meeting her,
I expected a funny story. I also thought
that my wife or I should read the book
before sending it away to our granddaughter,
Kelly, in North Carolina to ensure it was
appropriate for one of her young age of 9
years.
As my wife is busy getting things ready
for the coming holidays, I decided to take a
look at the book. I ending up reading a book
that I feel is fitting and appropriate for
all ages. I am not sure our granddaughter is
quite old enough to understand the real
impact of this great story, but she will
realize it in time.
This story of two young girls can be
related to many real and hard issues one
faces in today's world. From the like
torment and feelings of young folks starting
to mature and face real life issues as in
the book, to today's family issues such as
drug problems, broken homes and many other
social issues in today's society, to the
bonds and friendships formed in the
military, and the loss of one's friends and
family members. This book is just plain
great.
I have no problem saying I read a kids'
book and saw all ages and genders in my
thoughts as I read through it.
Well done Karen. If you never write
another thing in your life - -you shall have
made an impact.
From the
12/24/08 issue
www.theirregular.com
| |
Tweens, teens, parents, teacher, anybody who loves a
good story, January 30, 2009
Grumble Bluff addresses very real issues that face children growing
up in a world that isn't always easy when you're trying to catch you
stride in life. The book is written in the vernacular of pre-teens
and teens, but I'm a childless adult who loved the trek down memory
lane. I laughed, I cried -- and I reminisced. I think the author has
created an enjoyable story for younger people who will be comforted
and guided by osmosis of the books entertainment quality. My hope is
that parents and teachers will use Grumble Bluff as a tool to
encourage children to become who they are - and that Karen Bessey
Pease will continue to work her literary magic! By Marsha
N. Liles. |
Nancy B. Wilson, Bremen, ME
purpleyurts38@yahoo.com
February 3, 2009
GRUMBLE BLUFF
Grumble Bluff is an insightful, human story, dealing with several conflicts
of today, among them the rejection that Greta and her family endure because
her father has AIDS; this has upset the entire town. As author Karen Bessey
Pease points out, however, the townspeople’s reaction is based entirely on
fear. She weaves a compassionate tale around the topic, ultimately giving
the bullies their comeuppance and resolving the story on a note of hope and
good cheer.
While Grumble Bluff is tagged as a young adult story, it is certainly
appropriate for just about anyone else, especially anyone who has endured
some of the trials that its two young girls faced. It is well worth reading.
Everyone needs a private place, a spot where she can find respite from
whatever troubles her. In Grumble Bluff, it is a place in the woods,
overlooking Grumble Brook, where Katherine Anne Kirby goes to find solace.
Until she befriends Greta Rommel, she has never shown this spot to anyone
else. She and Greta both need it, however; each of them is bullied at
school, for very different reasons, and neither has another friend.
Organization is the key to conformity. nbw
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