What do readers think of How to Build a House by Dana Reinhardt? Write your own review.

The young adult I had intended to read this book was not available so I read it myself - a 50 year old mother of two sons ages 21 and 23. I really enjoyed this book and the characters seemed like real kids dealing with real issues although it was somewhat predictable. I would recommend this to mature teenagers and adults who are dealing with divorce or family separation issues.

The book had an interesting and easy to follow plot with many unique characters. I would only recommend this book to someone in High School (or older) because the mature themes would not be relevant or appropriate for younger readers. I am a few years younger then the main character who is a senior in high school, but the book still has relevance to me. At first the book is a bit confusing because it takes place in both the past and present, but in the end the effect is great, giving you a puzzle to solve about the main character and her life. The book includes some romance which I enjoyed. The only reason I did not rate it a 5 is because it seemed like a common teen novel with nothing in particular setting it apart. That said, it is still a good book to read; I enjoyed it and would recommend it to my friends.

How to Build a House by Dana Reinhardt is a surprisingly good read. What first starts out as an account of a pretentious teenager who runs away from her problems to help the earth evolves into a very familiar, yet not overdone, story of summer love. The main character Harper Evans warms her way into the readers’ hearts with her insecurities and idiosyncrasies. Although she has a non-conventional family she is very predictable in her actions. We see repeatedly throughout the novel her struggle to deal with her family’s imperfections. Yet, in contrast to the Wright family, for whom she is building a house, Harper’s clichéd problems seem insignificant. This story allows the reader to feel as if they are part of something bigger than themselves, and that although as individuals we may seem insignificant when we join together we can do a lot change.

I gave this book to my 12 year old granddaughter, Madison, to read and review..the following is what she had, to say: "I really enjoyed reading this book. I am a child of divorced parents, and totally related to the main character. Reading this book reminded me of all of the feelings that I had, ....and that I still have when it comes to divorce. I especially liked the fact that I really got to know the people in the book and that it was easy to read. Most of all, it made me think about forgiving and forgetting. It really stressed family and communication. I think that no matter what kind of family you come from, you can enjoy this book. I think that every age group can read this book. And, everyone might learn some things while reading this book."

How to Build a House by Dana Reinhardt would make a lovely summer read
but lacks the depth of an excellent novel. The plot line follows a
basic summer love and loss story that occasionally overdoes the
comparison between building a house and building a relationship. Also,
the authors attempt at imitating high school love turns what is
supposed to be a story about healing love into one where a
relationship is mainly based on its physicality. Still, this kind of
substance makes it worthy of a "pool side" read. The character are
simple and humorous and the plot is easy to keep track of and,
overall, has a cute meaning.

My name is Alex and I'm 13. I really liked this book because it was very funny and emotional. I know what it is like to have your parents divorce.

After finishing How to Build a House, I can safely sum it up in the word ‘alright’. While it is touching, can be sad, and has a good message at the end, at times I found Harper’s behavior unrealistic. For the sake of not spoiling the plot I won’t mention any examples, but she does a lot of things that aren’t explained, which then left me confused.

I did like the plot, however; the idea of it was touching, as I had said. It’s a good story of overcoming hardships and repairing relationships. But, Harper’s actions aren’t the only ones I found unrealistic. Teddy’s were sometimes too, along with a good handful of the other characters’. I didn’t get a very deep connection with them like I usually do, who also sometimes didn’t act as strongly towards certain things as much as I believe they should have.

But, maybe that’s just me being critical; at 17, I know how kids my age can react. Overall, I’d say that it is a good story for the bookworm looking for something new, but I don’t think it’ll make the best seller’s list.