Cookie
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4.8 • 6 Ratings
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
What kind of a name is Beauty? Well it’s my name for a start, but that doesn’t mean I love it.
Beauty Cookson is no beauty. She's a plain, timid girl who constantly gets teased by the super-confident, snooty girls at school. Worse than the teasing in the playground, though, is the unpredictable, hurtful criticism from her father. Beauty and her meek, sweet mother live in uneasy fear of his fierce rages, sparked whenever they break one of his fussy house rules.
After an unbearable birthday party and the very real threat of Dad's out-of-control temper, Mum and Beauty run away. Now in a quiet, idyllic seaside village, their new-found freedom and a moment of culinary inspiration give them a hobby, an income and even a new nickname for Beauty.
Can they begin a happier, sweeter life - without Dad?
A charming, page-turning and heart-warming story from the beloved Jacqueline Wilson.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Popular British author Wilson's latest may be a tough sell a novel that looks cheery, with Sharratt's trademark cartoonish illustrations, but contains much darkness. The unfortunately named Beauty Cookson lives with her abusive, obnoxious, financially successful father, Gerry, and her saintly mother, Dilly, his third wife. Both mother and daughter live in fear of setting off Dad, who turns his volcanic temper on them at the slightest provocation. Beauty, a talented student with plain looks, is also unmercifully teased at school. The villains are without nuance Dad has not a single redeeming quality beyond his income (he abhors art and homemade cookies). Beauty's fear is palpable and sad, but her method of comforting herself by having imaginary conversations with a TV show host (think Blue's Clues with a rabbit) may make her seem delusional. After nearly 200 pages of verbally terrorizing his wife and daughter, Dad does something so horrible that Mom finally flees with Beauty. The happily-ever-after ending seems pat given the gritty stuff that's gone before, but if Wilson's aim was to write a novel that makes a powerful argument for divorce, she's succeeded. Ages 9 12.
Customer Reviews
i love this book!
this story is very well written and leaves you wanting a sequel!you will really only like it if you are interested in divorce and abuse and drama.I did
not think i would like her books but i love them!
A lovely read
"Cookie" by Jacqueline Wilson definitely was one of the best books I've read about family dynamics. I was already familiar with Ms. Wilson's work, as I have read many of her novels from works meant for a younger audience, like "Clean Break" to stories targeted towards older youths, like "Love Lessons". Ms. Wilson never failed to impress me throughout the many titles I've read, especially with her skill of being able to capture and depict complicated family relationships so accurately and efficiently.
Of course, "Cookie" was no exception. Even though this novel is illustrated and supposed to be for children, I found Ms. Wilson's writing was still mature and sophisticated. I feel many kids reading this novel will be able to relate to the story line: feeling frustrated with one's parents, feeling alone and friendless, feeling worthless just as the main character Beauty had felt. Though, this novel teaches young readers how to be brave, confident, and know that you will always be loved.
Though this title does touch on some rather dark themes (such as abusive relationships) it has plenty of heartwarming laughs to serve as comic relief to the other tense, rather serious scenes. Other than being comical, this novel also provides many warm, genuine moments in which a young reader is sure to feel reassured and comforted by. Overall, an excellent read. I definitely recommend buying "Cookie" and any other novel by Jacqueline Wilson. Once again, Ms. Wilson has written a story so complex, compelling, and real that I am sure to never forget it.
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