Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of Joy School

Joy School
Joy School
Author: Elizabeth Berg
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Hardcover
Ladyslott avatar reviewed on + 113 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4


This is book 2 in the Katie trilogy by Berg. I recently read Durable Goods, and wanted to see where the story of Katie was going.

The book opens with 13 year old Katie and her dad now stationed on a base in Missouri. She is having a tough time adjusting to her new life. It is difficult for her to make friends, her sister Diane is not with her to help her deal with the problems she is having. Her dad is still very distant and her mothers recent death is still tormenting Katie.

One day Katie meets the man of her dreams, 23 year old Jimmy. He is a gas station attendant who is extremely handsome and nice, although married. This doesnt stop Katie from falling in love with him and planning their life together. As she settles into her new life Katie makes new friends, and has to make some choices about which road to take, without much adult guidance.

Once again, I love the simple but heart felt style of writing that Berg utilizes. The writing is spare but you really identify with many of Katies feelings and actions. A sweet tale of first love and the joy and pain it can bring. I have book three True to Form sitting here waiting to be read. I dont think Ill wait very long.