Book Review: 13 LIttle Blue Envelopes and The Last Little Blue Envelope

13 Little Blue Envelopes

Author: Maureen Johnson

Publish Date:  Oct. 2006

Publisher: HarperTeen

When Ginny receives thirteen little blue envelopes and instructions to buy a plane ticket to London, she knows something exciting is going to happen. What Ginny doesn't know is that she will have the adventure of her life and it will change her in more ways than one. Life and love are waiting for her across the Atlantic, and the thirteen little blue envelopes are the key to finding them in this funny, romantic, heartbreaking novel. (Goodreads)

In today’s society it’s not hard to believe there are those that never step outside the box. It’s certainly hard to imagine stepping out of the box so far that a normally obedient, quiet child flies overseas and travels all over Europe at the request of a little blue envelope. However, with a starting point in America and an undisclosed ending point that’s just what happens. 

Ginny is… sheltered. She’s never stepped outside of her comfort zone. Watching her antics and how she grows is funny and saddening at some points. In essence she’s still following directions. She’s really not required to do any thinking other then obey the commands of 13 little blue envelopes. There are of course disasters that occur, what international trip is without them, and seeing how she deals with each one shows how each one makes her grow just a little more. 

The book comes to a neutral-ish conclusion. Ginny has grown, She’s met people, learned how to make friends.  I think she’s learned more about herself then she knew before. It was nice to have a simply pleasant read. Certainly recommended for carefree, easy reading. 

My Rating:

The Last Little Blue Envelope

Author: Maureen Johnson

Publish Date:  April 2011

Publisher: HarperTeen

Ginny Blackstone thought that the biggest adventure of her life was behind her. She spent last summer traveling around Europe, following the tasks her aunt Peg laid out in a series of letters before she died. When someone stole Ginny's backpack—and the last little blue envelope inside—she resigned herself to never knowing how it was supposed to end. 

Months later, a mysterious boy contacts Ginny from London, saying he's found her bag. Finally, Ginny can finish what she started. But instead of ending her journey, the last letter starts a new adventure—one filled with old friends, new loves, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Ginny finds she must hold on to her wits . . . and her heart. This time, there are no instructions. (Goodreads)

Nothing like having the rug pulled out from under you. That was my first thought within the first couple of chapters of the book. Ginny was okay with never knowing it was something that couldn’t be avoided but now there’s an opportunity to know.

While I understand how it happened her friends in London I think could have turned out to be better friends. I’m not happy with the way Ginny is left hoping for something that very obviously isn’t going to happen. Though, the new friends added to the mix sort of balance out that bitterness, sort of. 

While disappointed with some of the course of action I think Ginny is much stronger and independent at the end of this book. It was still just as fun traversing the world with the new unexpected friends and the incidents that occur left my sides aching with laughter at some points. Overall it was a decent book. A pleasant way to pass time.  Certainly if you’ve read the first one you’ll definitely wish to know the going ons here. 

My Rating: