9 of 10: I love Richard Peck, and A Season of Gifts is a worthy addition to his series about Grandma Dowdel. So sweet and funny and perfect. Richard Peck is second only to Gary D. Schmidt in my “authors I think are absolutely brilliant and also very likely incredibly nice people” list.
a season of gifts by richard peck
The earlier Grandma Dowdel books A Long Way From Chicago and
A Year Down Yonder take place around the time of the Great Depression. This one takes place twenty years later, in 1958. The grandchildren featured in the earlier two books are, of course, long grown, and now the focus is on eleven-year-old Bob.
He’s moved to town with his family so that his dad can be the minister for one of the churches. The family is struggling a little, knowing that this first solo ministry will make or break the father’s career, and worrying about Phyllis, their teenage daughter who is going a bit wild, and the free-spirited younger daughter.
In the midst of all this chaos Bob gets a little lost in the shuffle, and since he’s already feeling unhappy about this new town and the bullies there, Grandma Dowdel, their next door neighbor, who scares them all to some extent, becomes an absolute blessing for Bob. He needs someone to watch out for him and Grandma Dowdel, in her unique and hilarious way, is just that someone.
If you read the other books, you’ll recognize immediately that this installment has many of the same characteristics – this book is laugh-out-loud funny, but also heartbreakingly sweet. I fell in love all over again.
AND, because I think you are all lovely and I have an extra advance copy, I’m going to give away a copy of A Season of Gifts to some lucky reader, two weeks before it comes out!
Leave a comment before midnight tomorrow (Tuesday, September 1), and I’ll choose a winner at random.
Melinda says
That sounds like a great book!
Carly Jane says
I have been meaning to read the first two books (I actually own them and haven't read them… I know, I know) because I have heard such great things about them. I need to get on the ball!
Tina's Blog says
I love Richard Peck! Please enter me.
http://www.booksaremything.blogspot.com
tina@forbin.net
Janelle says
ooh, pick me! I loved the first two!
Mary says
How have I not heard of this author before? I'll definitely have to add this to my library list.
Sherry says
Don't pick any of them. Pick me. Or else.
Sherry says
Fierce rhetoric.
Jodi says
I'm with Mary, looks like I need a trip to the library. Is today the first day of your new job? I hope it's going extremely well!
preethi says
Oh how I love free books. And even better if they sound this awesome. 🙂
Miri says
I haven't read any Richard Peck but I'm sure I would consider it if I were given a copy. 🙂
Gretchen says
Yes, please!
KT says
I would love to get my hands on this one.
Thanks!
KarenDV says
I loved the first two books — I wasn't aware there was a third!
And yes, Gary Schmidt is a peach!
karen_at_devriesfamily.us
Bean says
Oooh I love books! This would be another I could add to my collection to then hopefully have a wall of books just like you! 🙂
Rachel says
I started reading A Long Way From Chicago to my class today- what a coincidence! It's the Provo Reads book of the year. I hope I win his other book!
Miss L says
His current stuff is really great, but I hope you'll read some of Peck's earlier writings. "Remembering the Good Times" is still one of my favorites.
Norby Family says
I LOVE his other two books with these characters. I think it will be a must read for my kids when they are old enough. I couldn't be more excited for this book and would love my own copy =)
Packrat says
Since I love his other two Grandma Dowdel books, I had to comment. I can't wait to read this. I will wait, tho, because I'll be buying this book for presents.
Please don't put my name in the pot. I'd rather have someone who hasn't read Richard Peck get the book. Let's pass his "wonderfulness" on to those poor unfortunate souls. 🙂
Priscilla says
Ooo!Ooo!! Pick me! Pick me!!
megan says
never read a Richard Peck. And I love giveaways…. count me in the running!
Heather says
Haven't read any of these, I must put my library request in . . . or win one in giveaway.
Wanda says
This book looks wonderful. Please enter my name in your draw. Thanks.
wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com
David and Sammy says
Yay pick me please!
Kelli says
I love, love, love Richard Peck!
Kelli says
I love, love, love Richard Peck!
Renee says
Love your blog! After I finish reading Catching Fire (out today!!), I would love to read this book!!!
J. says
Hmmm, I've never heard of this author before! I must add him to my (huge) list!
Kathleen says
I would LOVE to win this book! I love Richard Peck and I think Grandma Dowdel is hilarious. I've loved the other two books and am excited to read this one. Thanks for having the contest!
Mad Hadder says
Major Peck fan as well!!! Do you need my great method for teaching Dewey Decimal???
Leslie says
Oh, I hope it's me! So far, I've loved the books you've recommended!
Saskia says
Most of the books you write about I've at least heard of. Peck's name is familiar, but I haven't read anything of his..
Peaceful Reader says
It sounds like a great book and I love many of his other books!