Status
Available
Call number
Call number
F JOH
Genres
Collection
Publication
HarperCollins Publishers (2009), 338 pages
Description
When seventeen-year-old Ginny receives a packet of mysterious envelopes from her favorite aunt, she leaves New Jersey to criss-cross Europe on a sort of scavenger hunt that transforms her life.
Original publication date
2005-08-23
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User reviews
LibraryThing member valerie2
I wanted to like this book but found it only mildly entertaining. The premise was interesting enough - a young American girl (Ginny) travels through Europe following instructions left to her in letters by a much loved and recently deceased aunt - but the writing was too superficial. The character
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development was minimal - despite this type of adventure clearly being out of character for Ginny the story line failed to impart any real sense of personal growth. Insights into the actual destinations visited were virtually non-existent - I was not surprised to read in the 'extra' information at the end of the book that the author had never even been to half the cities that she sent her lead character to! While I wasn't expecting a travel anthology the lack of depth and detail detracted from a story that was already struggling to hold my attention. While I realise the intended audience for this book is primarily teens/ young adults (of which I am not one!), I have read plenty of other YA fiction that is far better developed than this. Show Less
LibraryThing member stephxsu
Romantic, interesting, tender, and enviable: Ginny Blackstone’s journey of geographical and self discoveries in 13 LITTLE BLUE ENVELOPES is one that we all dream of. Who wouldn’t want to be sent on a backpacking trip across Europe and do things we’ve never thought we were capable of
Ginny’s free-spirited artist aunt, Peg, died from a brain tumor. After Peg’s death, a package containing 13 sealed blue envelopes is delivered to Ginny. They send her on various missions across the seas in foreign lands. All of a sudden, Ginny finds herself lugging a heavy purple-and-green backpack onto a plane and into the London flat of a man named Richard.
Peg’s instructions in the envelopes further mess with Ginny’s once passive existence as they instruct her to, for example, find a struggling artist whose work she admires to give money to. How does Aunt Peg seem to know that Keith, the artist Ginny chose, would be so cute and steal her heart like that?
Despite the crazy, un-Ginny-like adventures she’s having, Ginny still has doubts every once in a while of what the heck exactly is she doing in Europe. Will Ginny ever come to terms with the fact that she IS capable of everything her aunt had once done?
13 LITTLE BLUE ENVELOPES is more than a fun ride through several European countries. It’s a journey of self-discovery for Ginny, as a shy girl learns exactly what she is capable of. For those of us who do not have a wild aunt who will send us on an adventure through Europe, we can live through Ginny. I have read this book twice, and both times I could not put it down, preferring to lose sleep rather than wonder about what happens to Ginny.
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doing?Ginny’s free-spirited artist aunt, Peg, died from a brain tumor. After Peg’s death, a package containing 13 sealed blue envelopes is delivered to Ginny. They send her on various missions across the seas in foreign lands. All of a sudden, Ginny finds herself lugging a heavy purple-and-green backpack onto a plane and into the London flat of a man named Richard.
Peg’s instructions in the envelopes further mess with Ginny’s once passive existence as they instruct her to, for example, find a struggling artist whose work she admires to give money to. How does Aunt Peg seem to know that Keith, the artist Ginny chose, would be so cute and steal her heart like that?
Despite the crazy, un-Ginny-like adventures she’s having, Ginny still has doubts every once in a while of what the heck exactly is she doing in Europe. Will Ginny ever come to terms with the fact that she IS capable of everything her aunt had once done?
13 LITTLE BLUE ENVELOPES is more than a fun ride through several European countries. It’s a journey of self-discovery for Ginny, as a shy girl learns exactly what she is capable of. For those of us who do not have a wild aunt who will send us on an adventure through Europe, we can live through Ginny. I have read this book twice, and both times I could not put it down, preferring to lose sleep rather than wonder about what happens to Ginny.
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LibraryThing member pussreboots
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson follows Ginny as she goes on a European adventure outlined for her by her eccentric aunt. The rules also include: no ATM card, no electronic devices and no reading the letters out of order.
The journey takes Ginny first to New York, then to London and
The set up for the book requires some suspension of disbelief. But once the book gets going it's a fun but heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking journey for Ginny. She grows through struggles and discoveries.
The book was such a delightful read, that I have The Last Little Blue Envelope on hand and hope to read it soon
The journey takes Ginny first to New York, then to London and
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finally around Europe. Each piece of the adventure is tucked away in one of the thirteen envelopes.The set up for the book requires some suspension of disbelief. But once the book gets going it's a fun but heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking journey for Ginny. She grows through struggles and discoveries.
The book was such a delightful read, that I have The Last Little Blue Envelope on hand and hope to read it soon
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LibraryThing member VavaViolet
The premise of this book is interesting - 17 year old Ginny receives 13 blue envelopes from her Aunt Peg who passed away. Aunt Peg was an artist and a free spirit. Ginny is supposed to open each envelope after she has completed a task, but there's a catch, she can't bring a cellphone and a map,
This book has been getting mixed reviews, and I understand why. As I was reading this, I was wondering how many parents would allow their underage daughter to travel abroad under the same conditions as Ginny. No cellphone, no maps, no extra cash, etc. I would be beside myself with worry. Also, Ginny's characterization is a bit flat - she lacks personality. The only time I felt Ginny show emotion was towards the end, when the reality of her aunt's death sunk in. The tasks that Ginny had to complete was so random and lacked significance. However, I'm hoping the story and characterization further developes in the sequel - The Lost Little Blue Envelope.
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among other things. Soon, Ginny finds herself retracing her aunts footsteps as she goes on the greatest adventure of her life.This book has been getting mixed reviews, and I understand why. As I was reading this, I was wondering how many parents would allow their underage daughter to travel abroad under the same conditions as Ginny. No cellphone, no maps, no extra cash, etc. I would be beside myself with worry. Also, Ginny's characterization is a bit flat - she lacks personality. The only time I felt Ginny show emotion was towards the end, when the reality of her aunt's death sunk in. The tasks that Ginny had to complete was so random and lacked significance. However, I'm hoping the story and characterization further developes in the sequel - The Lost Little Blue Envelope.
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LibraryThing member ctmsjisc
Jillian loved this book, because she loves books and english and Mr. Bronson.
LibraryThing member emilove
My Thoughts:
Oh, Maureen Johnson, the things you do to me! Where do I even start? The first book I ever read by Maureen was Suite Scarlett and I fell in love with her writing right then! 13 Little Blue Envelopes certainly did not disappoint. I laughed, I cried, and at times I wanted to scream.
Ginny
The setting is so well described you feel like you are traveling with Ginny most of the time. I was surprised to learn that Maureen hadn’t been to all the places she sent Ginny to because it certainly seemed like she had. Talk about fantastic research!
Ginny is an ordinary girl that gets an extraordinary opportunity, one I’m not sure I’d be so quick to accept. She’s very down-to-earth and level-headed for most of the book, not just a crazy teenager on a whirlwind backpacking excursion.
Keith got on my nerves, a lot. He was a typical annoying guy with horrible judgment. He was absolutely perfect! That seems like a total contradiction, but if Keith had been any other type of guy, the story would not have been what it was. He HAD to be annoying. It absolutely worked.
This book definitely lights the travel fire in me. I’m just itching to go on a trip like Ginny’s.
The Verdict: Three words: So. Much. Fun. A definite must read for anyone who’s ever traveled or is just dying to!
Oh, Maureen Johnson, the things you do to me! Where do I even start? The first book I ever read by Maureen was Suite Scarlett and I fell in love with her writing right then! 13 Little Blue Envelopes certainly did not disappoint. I laughed, I cried, and at times I wanted to scream.
Ginny
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is sent on a wild goose chase by her aunt in the form of, you guessed it, 13 little blue envelopes. Each envelope has instructions telling Ginny where to go, what to do, or who to meet and rules about when and where to open the next envelope. I couldn’t put the book down, I read it in one night! I had to find out what was in the next envelope.The setting is so well described you feel like you are traveling with Ginny most of the time. I was surprised to learn that Maureen hadn’t been to all the places she sent Ginny to because it certainly seemed like she had. Talk about fantastic research!
Ginny is an ordinary girl that gets an extraordinary opportunity, one I’m not sure I’d be so quick to accept. She’s very down-to-earth and level-headed for most of the book, not just a crazy teenager on a whirlwind backpacking excursion.
Keith got on my nerves, a lot. He was a typical annoying guy with horrible judgment. He was absolutely perfect! That seems like a total contradiction, but if Keith had been any other type of guy, the story would not have been what it was. He HAD to be annoying. It absolutely worked.
This book definitely lights the travel fire in me. I’m just itching to go on a trip like Ginny’s.
The Verdict: Three words: So. Much. Fun. A definite must read for anyone who’s ever traveled or is just dying to!
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LibraryThing member gpwts
Ginny has always been a bit of a straight edge. The only person who lossened her up was her aunt. So when a letter arrived in the mail from her aunt ordering her to go to an apartment in NYC Ginny decides to follow. Even though her aunt's been dead for a couple months.
This book show a wild chase
This book show a wild chase
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that Ginny takes through all sorts of European countires while following letters from her Aunt. This book is touching and moving in ways that I didn't expect. It's not a romance novel, but there's still a touch of romance and life. Show Less
LibraryThing member sarah1234
Exciting adventure and very well described. I recommend it to anyone that is not very specific because unlike most people I am very picky with my books and though this one was good, it was not fantastic
LibraryThing member andreablythe
Following the death her beloved, eccentric, runaway, aunt, Ginny receives a package of 13 envelopes. Each envelope has a letter with instructions in it, instructions that will take her over the big blue ocean to a stranger's house in London, in search of a starving artist, and across Europe. Along
Ginny is pretty damn brave to follow these instructions as she does, jumping into a foreign country fairly blind and trusting to the letters of an aunt who was often unreliable. But the result is an adventure, the kind of traveling adventure where there is more uncertainty and boredom and hungry reality than the glossy idea of adventure you get from travel books. I definitely sympathize with Ginny. I'm somewhat shy and I've felt the lonely, lost boredom of being in a foreign country. It's an amazing, unsettling experience that always ends up being worth the effort, even if only in hindsight.
Maureen Johnson presents a story that is both funny and touching, and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, which is coming out this Spring.
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the way, she may just find some romance, too, if she can just let her guard down long enough to allow it. Ginny is pretty damn brave to follow these instructions as she does, jumping into a foreign country fairly blind and trusting to the letters of an aunt who was often unreliable. But the result is an adventure, the kind of traveling adventure where there is more uncertainty and boredom and hungry reality than the glossy idea of adventure you get from travel books. I definitely sympathize with Ginny. I'm somewhat shy and I've felt the lonely, lost boredom of being in a foreign country. It's an amazing, unsettling experience that always ends up being worth the effort, even if only in hindsight.
Maureen Johnson presents a story that is both funny and touching, and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, which is coming out this Spring.
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LibraryThing member karafrib
You’re 17 and your deceased aunt has left you 13 little blue envelopes, the first of which instructs you to fly to London…alone. Would you go? Ginny did, and what followed was an international adventure in Maureen Johnson’s 13 Little Blue Envelopes. Ginny had always thought highly of her
Through the process, Ginny visits many European countries, including England, Scotland, and Greece. Along the way she meets many of the charismatic characters her aunt befriended while staying in Europe and, little by little, learns about the illness that claimed Peg’s life as well as how much her aunt truly lived. Ginny also makes some of her own European friends, one of whom is Keith, who quickly becomes the object of Ginny’s affection.
Johnson fills her novel with detailed descriptions of the places Ginny visits, and hits the mark with many of the situations and relationships that occur during international travel. However, the story sometimes lags because of too much description, and often Ginny finds herself in situations that are just a little too fantastic to be plausible. This takes away from the parts of the novel that feel utterly real, and disrupts the overall flow of the story. Also, while Ginny is the narrator of this story, her character often does not feel very strong, despite her brave and independent ventures. However, it is still a fun international romp that will spark the imagination of those who have travelled, and those who dream of doing so in the future. Recommended for grades 7 and up.
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eccentric, artistic Aunt Peg. So, when she received the 13 little blue envelopes after her aunt’s death, she convinced her parents to allow her to go the on the “quest” Peg had created. Only one envelope may be opened at a time, and the task from the envelope before must have been completed before Ginny can move on to the next message from her aunt. Through the process, Ginny visits many European countries, including England, Scotland, and Greece. Along the way she meets many of the charismatic characters her aunt befriended while staying in Europe and, little by little, learns about the illness that claimed Peg’s life as well as how much her aunt truly lived. Ginny also makes some of her own European friends, one of whom is Keith, who quickly becomes the object of Ginny’s affection.
Johnson fills her novel with detailed descriptions of the places Ginny visits, and hits the mark with many of the situations and relationships that occur during international travel. However, the story sometimes lags because of too much description, and often Ginny finds herself in situations that are just a little too fantastic to be plausible. This takes away from the parts of the novel that feel utterly real, and disrupts the overall flow of the story. Also, while Ginny is the narrator of this story, her character often does not feel very strong, despite her brave and independent ventures. However, it is still a fun international romp that will spark the imagination of those who have travelled, and those who dream of doing so in the future. Recommended for grades 7 and up.
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LibraryThing member sedelia
A charming coming-of-age story with an interesting plot that contains good twists and will leave the reader wondering what will come next. The author does a good job in describing setting, places, and people. By the end, I found myself itching to go on a trip to Europe. What I feel this book was
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lacking was depth to the main character's relationships with others. While the absence of such deep relationships further enhances the main character's individual growth and change, it leaves the story itself feeling a little flat and underdeveloped. Overall, this is a good read, especially for those who are interested in what it takes to "find yourself." Show Less
LibraryThing member librarymeg
I knew I was really enjoying this book when a co-worker who saw me reading it said "You must like this book. You're smiling!" I realized it was true. Every time I picked it up, I ended up with a silly grin of happiness on my face. I spent last summer in London, which was part of why I picked this
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book up and part of why I thought I'd enjoy it. It involves a teen girl who is given instructions by letter that take her through Europe, beginning in London. I ended up enjoying it for more than that, though. For me, it was a perfect, and perfectly enjoyable, read. It had great main characters, it was funny and strange, and it captures in a fun way all the awful, terrifying wonderfulness of travel, especially travel by yourself. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who loves travel, or who is about to go on vacation. You may end up being more adventurous for having read it. Show Less
LibraryThing member ewyatt
Ginny gets a packet from her favorite aunt which includes 13 blue envelopes. Inside the envelopes are a series of tasks that Ginny needs to complete. The tasks trace important parts in the Aunt's life. Ginny learns a lot about herself, life, and love along the way. An enjoyable trip.
LibraryThing member Brandie
13 Little Blue Envelopes was a cute, very quick read!
As of this morning, I was on about page 50. I had a few hours to kill while my oldest took some co-op classes and the other two children and I sat in a church nursery.
Thankfully the kids played beautifully with the toys and I was able to finish
Anyway, like I said, a cute read. Very easy, very quick. Not a lot of thinking involved (which is a good type of book to read with the children under foot). It was interesting to travel around Europe with the main character - mostly because I've never done it, dream about doing it, but am far too chicken to ever really do it!
A great read and in the end worth the 40 cent fine I will recieve (however, it probably wouldn't have been worth, say a 2.00 fine LOL!)
As of this morning, I was on about page 50. I had a few hours to kill while my oldest took some co-op classes and the other two children and I sat in a church nursery.
Thankfully the kids played beautifully with the toys and I was able to finish
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the rest of the book in about 2 hours. Of course, I was highly motivated, as the book wsa due at the library Saturday and I was passing the library on my way home today - it would be returned finished or not. And so it was returned finished.Anyway, like I said, a cute read. Very easy, very quick. Not a lot of thinking involved (which is a good type of book to read with the children under foot). It was interesting to travel around Europe with the main character - mostly because I've never done it, dream about doing it, but am far too chicken to ever really do it!
A great read and in the end worth the 40 cent fine I will recieve (however, it probably wouldn't have been worth, say a 2.00 fine LOL!)
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LibraryThing member AlaskaYoung
This book is a great travel read (especially to places in Europe).
LibraryThing member geekydorkette
This wild goose chase through england will leave readers stunned, pleased, and dreaming. Ginny is sent on a trip through Europe after receiving letters from her dead aunt. She finds love, in both people and places, and she experiences things most peopl only dream of.
LibraryThing member WittyreaderLI
This is a fun, upbeat story about a girl who gets a set of envelopes from a recently deceased aunt who takes her on a trip that spans several countries. I enjoyed this book because it was a quick, fun read and I liked reading about the different countries that Ginny visits.
LibraryThing member francescadefreitas
It took me a little while to fall into this story, as I was both annoyed by Ginny's denseness (for example, not being able to figure out how to use a tube ticket) and awed by her courage (for example, leaving on the trip in the first place.) But by the third or fourth envelope, I was rooting for
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her, and eager to move from mystery to mystery. Show Less
LibraryThing member Jadesbooks
A favorite aunt has sent you on a quest around Europe - what's not to love about that. This book was so fun to read, all the time she was alone in the different countries, it was like you were on the missions with her - trying to complete each task, so that the next little bit of the puzzle could
Yes, this book is also sad, but it's one that is about the journey and not the ending.
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be opened. Yes, this book is also sad, but it's one that is about the journey and not the ending.
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LibraryThing member 4sarad
Virginia is a shy Jersey girl who only really lets go and is loud and spontaneous when she’s with her Aunt Peg. After her aunt dies suddenly, Ginny receives a package from her with 13 little blue envelopes containing instructions. Following these instructions, she travels all through Europe,
Johnson has created a fun and easy read with 13 Little Blue Envelopes. She taps into everyone’s desire for fantastic gifts, mystery, and adventure. Ginny is a round, well thought out character and is easy to relate to. The book is almost strictly written for a female audience, but would have a broad appeal with almost all girls. My only issue with the book was Johnson’s perhaps inadvertent glorification of smoking when she mentions the beautiful sophisticated women in both Paris and Rome as all being smokers. Other than this slip, I believe this to be a very engaging book, sure to please almost all teenage girls.
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having on adventure after another. Along the way she finds new friends, a special boy, a new relative, and a sense of adventure and spontaneity that she thought she lost along with her aunt. Johnson has created a fun and easy read with 13 Little Blue Envelopes. She taps into everyone’s desire for fantastic gifts, mystery, and adventure. Ginny is a round, well thought out character and is easy to relate to. The book is almost strictly written for a female audience, but would have a broad appeal with almost all girls. My only issue with the book was Johnson’s perhaps inadvertent glorification of smoking when she mentions the beautiful sophisticated women in both Paris and Rome as all being smokers. Other than this slip, I believe this to be a very engaging book, sure to please almost all teenage girls.
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LibraryThing member julielynn44
I enjoyed this book. It was interesting and entertaining. I also really wanted the main character of this book to succeed in her mission.
LibraryThing member mattsya
This gimicky plot takes teenage Ginny on a course through Europe directed by envelopes from her dead aunt. The characters and the writing are very simple and not quite believable. Some readers may appreciate the fairy-tale like aspect of it--a sort of wish-fulfillment fantasy. Possibly a good book
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for reluctant readers as the 13 envelope plot gimmick creates momentum and suspense for the reader. More advanced readers will find the book simple and trite. Show Less
LibraryThing member wwjules
I really enjoyed this book. The premise was really intriguing, I liked the characters, and when the book was over, I wanted more. I hope my students enjoy it, as well.
LibraryThing member lala123
This book takes a girl, Ginny, on a trip when her aunt leaves her a mysterious note. She is givin 13 blue envelopes and is not allowed to open the next one until that task is completed. It sends her all across Europe because of the places her aunt sends her but her aunt is no longer alive. She
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comes across numerous adventures and really learns to step out of her comfort zone.This book was failry intresting but not the most engaging book I would recommend it for teens for a quick read. Show Less
LibraryThing member clpteens
Sixteen-year-old Ginny's artistic aunt, dead from brain cancer, leaves 13 blue envelopes to open that lead her on the path her aunt took through Europe. Ginny, who's usually shy, funds a performance artist she ends up caring about, stays in youth hostels and takes more than one boat ride while her
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aunt's and her own journeys unfold. Show Less
Pages
338