Remembering the Good Times

Reader reviewed by Haylee L

I liked and disliked the book, Remembering the Good Times. I disliked it because the story went to slow for me like in the beginning there were a lot of details and it just went on forever. But I like the story because it is about really close friends who spend most of their time together. Travis is a nice smart kid. Kate is nice and calm. Buck is hard working. They are all different but thats what makes them so perfect together. The ending is the worst part for me. I liked it but I hated it at the same time. I did not like how Travis died. I dont think he should have at all and especially at that time when we was getting better. But I think it was the changes that shocked him. I liked it though for all the things that Polly and Mr. Kirby said about Travis at that meeting. It shocked me but I loved it! Mr. Kirby stood up for Travis and he took a hard one at it. When the school had said it was his fault, he did not stand for that. It was not his fault it might have been the schools but I am not sure why Travis did what he did. Now Polly has the biggest heart for Travis even though she thinks she is the meanest person out there. That maybe so but, she showed that heart and held it out to Travis, Buck, and Kate.

Reader reviewed by GageJ

Remembering the Good Times Critique

I thought that Remembering the Good Times was overall a good book. I liked the characters that Richard Peck created because they are easy to relate to. I didnt like the fact that the author had Trav kill himself though. He had many benefits from being smart and could have grown up to be really successful. Trav had good friends that cared about him and he really hurt them by committing suicide. I liked Bucks character because he is determined, like when he didnt give up trying to get his dads construction hat back from Skeeter. I thought it was horrible the way that Kate had decided to get back at Skeeter for harassing Ms. Slater. I didnt think that Kate would do something like that because she was always trying not to start things and didnt like violence. Trav also didnt like violence so he was mad at Kate when she did that and said that he deserved it. Trav wanted to go back and help Skeeter even though he was a menace and a jerk to everyone. Trav always knew the right things to do and thats why he made a good character. Buck was didnt really ever know to take Trav or Kates side in the conflicts because he didnt want anyone to be mad at him. I thought that this was a great book and it teaches us about how some people deal with things when something bad happens in their lives and how to think back and remember the good times.

Reader reviewed by Megan K

Remembering the Good Times was an enjoyable book to read. It not only caught my attention, but wanted me reading ahead. It was great at making interesting details throughout the book. There are many sad things that happen in this story, but it helps the reading flow along. This book tells about good times and bad times. It makes you remember the good and bad times of your life to. Some of the items in this book you can relate to with your own personal experiences. A close friend leaving, new friends coming into your life, and hard times that make your friendships come closer together.

If you pick up this book you will have it done in no time because it's easy to follow along with. Plus, it isn't to terribly long either. There are reasons for picking up this book, it has an interesting cover, the back description grabs your attention, and it's about normal day to day lives. It's not just for teenagers, or young adults. Teachers, grandparents, parents, and others will have a wonderful time with the adventure of Kate, Buck, Trav, and especially Polly. Polly is the character in the story that pulls the story together. She will know when one of the friends is having a rough time, or needs some advice. Even though she's old she is smarter than most people in her town. She knows when something is up. She'll probably be one of your favorite characters.

In the story you will notice that the three friends have a place where they can think and just hang out. It is in Kate's backyard in an orchard. Kate, Buck, and Trav are all connected to the orchard. It has a special meaning to them. Once you read the book you will know what each one has that connects them to the orchard. As usual the orchard doesn't bring all happy memories back.

Remembering the Good Times also faces Buck with some hard decisions. Should he move with his mom and new step-dad, or should he stay with his dad where all his friends are? In the end Buck makes the choice that makes the most sense, but it is difficult without both your parents living in the same state as you. Luckily Buck has Kate and Trav to help him through this rough patch.

I hope that after reading this you won't wait to read this wonderful book. This book is great. It teaches to be thankful for the great friends and family that you have to cherish every moment that you have with them because you never know when something could go wrong. Remember there are always going to be good and bad things in your life.