- Hardcover: 208 pages
- Publisher: Random House Inc (T) (April 1997)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1568653972
- ISBN-13: 978-1568653976
- ASIN: 0679449434
- Product Dimensions: 20.3 x 13.2 x 2.3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 3,396,208 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Anna Maxted
'American Maeve Binchy, a modern day Jane Austen, whatever praise you heap on Elizabeth Berg, she probably deserves it.’
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
Product Description
In this exquisite new novel by bestselling writer Elizabeth Berg, a young woman falls in love -- and learns how sorrow can lead to an understanding of joy.
Katie, the narrator, has relocated to Missouri with her distant, occasionally abusive father, and she feels very much alone: her much-loved mother is dead; her new school is unaccepting of her; and her only friends fall far short of being ideal companions. When she accidentally falls through the ice while skating, she meets Jimmy. He is handsome, far older than she, and married, but she is entranced. As their relationship unfolds, so too does Katie's awareness of the pain and intensity first love can bring.
Beautifully written in Berg's irresistible voice, Joy School portrays the soaring happiness of real love, the deep despair one can feel when it goes unrequited, and the stubbornness of hope that will not let us let go. Here also is recognition that love can come in many forms and offer many different things. Joy School illuminates, too, how the things that hurt the most can sometimes teach us the lessons that really matter.
About Durable Goods, Elizabeth Berg's first novel, Andre Dubus said, "Elizabeth Berg writes with humor and a big heart about resilience, loneliness, love and hope. And the transcendence that redeems." The same will be said of Joy School, Elizabeth Berg's most luminous novel to date.
Katie, the narrator, has relocated to Missouri with her distant, occasionally abusive father, and she feels very much alone: her much-loved mother is dead; her new school is unaccepting of her; and her only friends fall far short of being ideal companions. When she accidentally falls through the ice while skating, she meets Jimmy. He is handsome, far older than she, and married, but she is entranced. As their relationship unfolds, so too does Katie's awareness of the pain and intensity first love can bring.
Beautifully written in Berg's irresistible voice, Joy School portrays the soaring happiness of real love, the deep despair one can feel when it goes unrequited, and the stubbornness of hope that will not let us let go. Here also is recognition that love can come in many forms and offer many different things. Joy School illuminates, too, how the things that hurt the most can sometimes teach us the lessons that really matter.
About Durable Goods, Elizabeth Berg's first novel, Andre Dubus said, "Elizabeth Berg writes with humor and a big heart about resilience, loneliness, love and hope. And the transcendence that redeems." The same will be said of Joy School, Elizabeth Berg's most luminous novel to date.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I found myself in "Katie". Her character is so easy to relate to. It is an easy read, but very touching. All you want is more! It is really hard to put down this book, but to really understand "Katie", please read "Durable Goods" first. I read them the other way around. Just finished "Durable Goods" actually. They are both good books, and I have a new fav. author!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I absolutely loved this book. It's a quick read, and deceptively simple, but extremely insightful and sensitive. Berg's portrayal of adolescence - the longing to belong, the intricacies of friendship, the intensity of crushes, fear and fascination of sex - is beautifully and realistically delineated. As are the bigger themes of death, conscience, and family that are intrinsic to the book's plot and characterisations. This is a real gem.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book was sweet, well writtem and truly touched me. A fast read that will leave you wanting more. I have never read a book by this author before but am looking forward to reading more.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A Joyful Read
Joy School is a very simple, short and beautiful tale. It was the first Elizabeth Berg book that I ever happened upon - and I never found another one of her novels that came close. Read more
Published on 14 Jan 2009 by Z. OConnor
Heart warming and emotional....
Elizabeth Berg's writing shows a great depth of understanding of how women think and feel. I recognised myself in Katie as I think most women will do, she portrays the confusion... Read more
Published on 5 Oct 2008 by Aphrodite
A disappointment when compaired to her previous books.
I really looked forward to reading this book since I had read 3 other books by the author and loved them. Read more
Published on 27 Sep 1998
You don't read this book . . .
You find yourself listening to it. Katie speaks in a voice that can be confused with any teenaged female. The book speaks to you from you. Go listen to it!
Published on 10 Aug 1998
This book was sensational!!!!
This book was the best book I have ever read in my whole life. I really didn't like reading but when this book got put in my hands and I read even the first line it sucked me in. Read more
Published on 5 Aug 1998
Touching and true to life.
Once again I'm amazed that Elizabeth Berg has so perfectly captured the essence of a teen aged girl...or at least the kind of girl I was. Read more
Published on 10 July 1998
Bittersweet, yet extremely funny
Elizabeth Berg's writing style is one that describes characters, and feelings down to a T. This book reminded me of my own sometimes times painful adolescence and the main... Read more
Published on 2 July 1998
Captivating.
I loved it. Even though the storyline is familiar, the feeling and the depth of this story are not. It wasn't what I expected--a trite, silly story. Read more
Published on 7 Jun 1998
I could not put it down.
Reading is not my favorite past time, actually I have never enjoyed it. There are few books I have read from cover to cover, I usually get too bored to finish them. Read more
Published on 19 May 1998
Simplistic, but entertaining
I was glad I finished this book even though it didn't keep me coming back for more. It was a little too simplistic, although the innocence was refreshing. Read more
Published on 14 May 1998
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