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Summary and Reviews of Feeling Sorry For Celia by Jaclyn Moriarty

Feeling Sorry For Celia by Jaclyn Moriarty

Feeling Sorry For Celia

by Jaclyn Moriarty
  • Critics' Consensus (2):
  • Readers' Rating (51):
  • First Published:
  • Feb 1, 2001, 272 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Jan 2002, 288 pages
  • Rate this book

About This Book

Book Summary

A funny, touching, revealing story written entirely in the form of letters, messages, postcards - and bizarre missives. Hilariously candid, shows that the roller coaster ride of being a teenager is every bit as fun as we remember--and every bit as harrowing.

Life is pretty complicated for Elizabeth Clarry. Her best friend Celia keeps disappearing, her absent father suddenly reappears, and her communication with her mother consists entirely of wacky notes left on the fridge. On top of everything else, because her English teacher wants to rekindle the "Joy of the Envelope," a Complete and Utter Stranger knows more about Elizabeth than anyone else.

But Elizabeth is on the verge of some major changes. She may lose her best friend, find a wonderful new friend, kiss the sexiest guy alive, and run in a marathon. So much can happen in the time it takes to write a letter…

A #1 bestseller in Australia, this fabulous debut is a funny, touching, revealing story written entirely in the form of letters, messages, postcards - and bizarre missives from imaginary organizations like The Cold Hard Truth Association.

Feeling Sorry for Celia captures, with rare acuity, female friendship and the bonding and parting that occurs as we grow. Jaclyn Moriarty's hilariously candid novel shows that the roller coaster ride of being a teenager is every bit as fun as we remember -- and every bit as harrowing.

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Reviews

Media Reviews

Kirkus Reviews
When a teenager acquires a pen-pal and a life, highs and lows alternate as dizzily as adolescent hormone levels in this engaging Australian debut.

Publishers Weekly
Coyly channeling teen quirkiness and enthusiasm, Moriarty captures the essence of a girl's adolescent years in her epistolary first novel.

Tara Hoopes, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
I think you were lucky to get your hands on such a fabulously thrilling book by such an obviously supremely talented author! I was unable to put the book back on the shelf after part 3 and read almost as fast as Elizabeth runs. I intend to write a letter to my best friend right now. A delightfully enthralling tale! I only hope we have the honor of hosting Jaclyn at Blue Willow someday! I promise to make her a slice of coconut pie as soon as I find a recipe! For anyone who has ever had or been a best friend.

Author Blurb Lori Gottlieb, author of Stick Figure: A Diary of My Former Self
In Elizabeth Clarry, Jaclyn Moriarty has created more than a delightfully irreverent and engaging Everygirl. She brilliantly captures the poignancy and vulnerability of adolescence with a razor-sharp wit and authenticity, and provides a refreshing take on the nature of friendship and family along the way.

Author Blurb Marian Keyes, author of Watermelon and Rachel's Holiday
I absolutely loved Feeling Sorry for Celia and wished I had written it myself. It's so funny and so gripping - it describes perfectly the confusion and bittersweet hope of being a teenager. Written with exquisite deftness, immense warmth and humanity, it is the best 'feel-good' book I've read in a long time.

Author Blurb Melina Marchetta, author of Looking for Alibrani
Elizabeth Clarry is exactly the sort of person I'd love for a best friend.

Author Blurb Michelle Ison, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Lexington, KY
I loved this book! I think it would be a great [book]... for teens and maybe their mothers as well. The format is fun since you feel like you're going through a box of notes instead of reading a book. Excellent YA read!

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Read-Alikes

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