Is Corey too Good to be realistic charster

Discuss the March 2015 book of the month, "Forever Twelve" by Meg Kimball.
User avatar
michelewhite0068
Posts: 48
Joined: 25 Jan 2015, 11:21
Favorite Author: Robert McCammon
Favorite Book: <a href="http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelve ... 88">Doctor Sleep</a>
Currently Reading: 11.22.63
Bookshelf Size: 117
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-michelewhite0068.html
fav_author_id: 2690

Icon Is Corey too Good to be realistic charster

Post by michelewhite0068 »

Although I really enjoyed this wonderfully crafted novel, I wonder how other readers viewed the character of Corey. Does she seem to be too nice to be a realistic pre-teen? Although, Corey's world is fraught with some other characters facing serious consequences for their problematic choices, Corey, on the other hand, seems to be almost devoid of character flaws. And, on the other hand seems more real in dealing with her own issues. Corey is a likable character. But I was wondering what your thoughts are in this matter? I would l love to know I you think abou Courey va.Amdi. which character
Do you identify with :twisted:
A book is a gift you can open again and again--anonymous
User avatar
Scott
Site Admin
Posts: 4068
Joined: 31 Jul 2006, 23:00
Favorite Author: Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
Currently Reading: The Unbound Soul
Bookshelf Size: 340
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-scott.html
Reading Device: B00JG8GOWU
Publishing Contest Votes: 960
fav_author_id: 248825

Post by Scott »

Great question :)

I definitely felt a little bit of what you are saying. I also noticed it in the way Corey and her mother interacted. I would have liked to see more conflict there. Maybe not even conflict exactly but something with a little more of the imperfections of real life.

On the other hand, I suspect some what the author was aiming for was giving Corey that sort of happy-go-lucky, careless attitude to capture the 12-year-old-spirit.
"That virtue we appreciate is as much ours as another's. We see so much only as we possess." - Henry David Thoreau

"Non ignara mali miseris succurrere disco." Virgil, The Aeneid
User avatar
Lisalovecraft
Posts: 235
Joined: 19 Jan 2015, 22:10
Bookshelf Size: 21
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-lisalovecraft.html
Latest Review: "A Devil of a Time" by Gretchen Jeannette

Post by Lisalovecraft »

I agree, Corey is too good to be true. I feel like her mom is too, and so is their relationship! I thought that was the point of the book, that this is a perfect, feel good world. That's the impression I got from the summary.

I am enjoying it, but it also makes me feel wistful. It would be nice if this was like real life. Seventh grade is a weird, awkward time of life. It is the cusp of childhood to adolescence. My son is twelve and in seventh grade..I know it can be rough for him. If only things were as nice as they are in Forever Twelve!
Latest Review: "A Devil of a Time" by Gretchen Jeannette
User avatar
michelewhite0068
Posts: 48
Joined: 25 Jan 2015, 11:21
Favorite Author: Robert McCammon
Favorite Book: <a href="http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelve ... 88">Doctor Sleep</a>
Currently Reading: 11.22.63
Bookshelf Size: 117
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-michelewhite0068.html
fav_author_id: 2690

Post by michelewhite0068 »

Although I think that Corey is too good, I found Andi to balance this out a little. I would have enjoyed reading about Andi's perspective more. Perhaps if their adventures continue Meg Kimbell might write it more evenly between Corey and Andi. I would look forward to reading about these two young ladies in the future. I did enjoy the novel that much. I also agree that Corey's mother seemed to emotionally well balanced considering the issues she has with her own mother and being that she is a single mother.
A book is a gift you can open again and again--anonymous
User avatar
NellySites
Posts: 17
Joined: 19 Feb 2015, 15:03
Favorite Author: Patricia Briggs
Favorite Book: Iron Kissed
Bookshelf Size: 8
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-nellysites.html
fav_author_id: 4314

Post by NellySites »

I think her wholesomeness and naivety give the author the ability to add more dimension to the book. For instance, if Corey was already a experienced kisser with the inability to forgive she would be Andi. Also, this allows the author to bring up more of the twelve year old problems within the book. If she would have already experienced them she would not need to struggle through them. I liked how good she was.
User avatar
michelewhite0068
Posts: 48
Joined: 25 Jan 2015, 11:21
Favorite Author: Robert McCammon
Favorite Book: <a href="http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelve ... 88">Doctor Sleep</a>
Currently Reading: 11.22.63
Bookshelf Size: 117
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-michelewhite0068.html
fav_author_id: 2690

Post by michelewhite0068 »

Nice point Nellysites! I found it interesting that Corey comes from a home where there is no father figure; and yet, she does not have any issues that most people would deal with. Like picking the wrong kind of boy to like, or struggle herself with seeking the attention of boys more so than the typical twelve year old. However, that being said, I really loved the book and highly recommend it to other readers. Meg is a very talented writer who breaths live into her characters and the plot was solid.
A book is a gift you can open again and again--anonymous
User avatar
Lisalovecraft
Posts: 235
Joined: 19 Jan 2015, 22:10
Bookshelf Size: 21
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-lisalovecraft.html
Latest Review: "A Devil of a Time" by Gretchen Jeannette

Post by Lisalovecraft »

Ok, I just finished this. I think my opinion changed a bit after reading the second half of the book. I loved Corey, and I think her character progressed and grew throughout the book. She was definitely more self aware and flawed in part four, and I felt this section showed her transitioning from childhood to adolescence. It seems like her mom sheltered her from some of the more harsh realities of life until later in the story. I think that while Corey and her mom don't have many flaws, they are still well-developed characters. We're they realistic? I don't know, but I would like to think that there are people like that in the world.
Latest Review: "A Devil of a Time" by Gretchen Jeannette
csimmons032
Posts: 687
Joined: 27 Feb 2015, 21:49
Favorite Author: Stephenie Meyer
Favorite Book: Twilight and The Last Song
Currently Reading: Bluewater Walkabout
Bookshelf Size: 706
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-csimmons032.html
Latest Review: "Book Blueprint" by Jacqui Pretty
fav_author_id: 2594

Post by csimmons032 »

There are a lot of teenagers out there who have a lot of attitude, but I am sure that there are some out there who don't. It just might be kind of difficult and rare to find them. I do agree that Corey should have had to deal with more conflicts to make it seem more realistic, and I would have liked to have read more from Andi's point of view as well. I though both kids were very likable characters.
Latest Review: "Book Blueprint" by Jacqui Pretty
User avatar
michelewhite0068
Posts: 48
Joined: 25 Jan 2015, 11:21
Favorite Author: Robert McCammon
Favorite Book: <a href="http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelve ... 88">Doctor Sleep</a>
Currently Reading: 11.22.63
Bookshelf Size: 117
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-michelewhite0068.html
fav_author_id: 2690

Post by michelewhite0068 »

I agree that both characters were charming in their own ways. I would also have enjoyed reading more about Andi's viewpoint, but perhaps that might happen in the next novel [hint, hint--we want more Meg!] I also agree that the humor in the novel, especially from Corey's English teacher and from Corey's mother did a lot to soften a world that might seem a lot more hostile to Corey. I liked how Meg dealt with Corey's feelings about her father. I thought that she was very slick in that department.
A book is a gift you can open again and again--anonymous
User avatar
mmandy38
Posts: 480
Joined: 30 May 2014, 00:04
Favorite Author: Nicholas Sparks
Currently Reading: The Zookeeper's Wife
Bookshelf Size: 132
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-mmandy38.html
Latest Review: Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress by Gustavo Kinrys, MD
Reading Device: B00HCNHDN0
fav_author_id: 2460

Post by mmandy38 »

michelewhite0068 wrote:Although I really enjoyed this wonderfully crafted novel, I wonder how other readers viewed the character of Corey. Does she seem to be too nice to be a realistic pre-teen? Although, Corey's world is fraught with some other characters facing serious consequences for their problematic choices, Corey, on the other hand, seems to be almost devoid of character flaws. And, on the other hand seems more real in dealing with her own issues. Corey is a likable character. But I was wondering what your thoughts are in this matter? I would l love to know I you think abou Courey va.Amdi. which character
Do you identify with :twisted:
She wasn't a preteen, she was only twelve and a half lol. I don't know that her niceness is unrealistic at twelve, but maybe her naivety was a little bit.
User avatar
Jesska6029
Posts: 544
Joined: 28 Feb 2015, 09:21
Favorite Author: J.K. Rowling
Favorite Book: The Harry Potter series
Currently Reading: It and Mr. Mercedes
Bookshelf Size: 279
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jesska6029.html
Latest Review: "Texaners: Eight Short Stories" by T. F. Rhoden
fav_author_id: 1778

Post by Jesska6029 »

csimmons032 wrote:There are a lot of teenagers out there who have a lot of attitude, but I am sure that there are some out there who don't. It just might be kind of difficult and rare to find them. I do agree that Corey should have had to deal with more conflicts to make it seem more realistic, and I would have liked to have read more from Andi's point of view as well. I though both kids were very likable characters.

I agree that attitude almost always comes with pre-teens and teens. I do believe that Corey acts in ways that sometimes does not reflect the typical girl her age, but she does encounter issues that many girls her age do face in reality. I believe her response to all situations makes her a great female role model for young ladies. I am a person who loves flawed protagonists, but I think it is best that Corey lacks most of these flaws.
“Some failure in life is inevitable. It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all—in which case, you fail by default.” ~J.K. Rowling
Latest Review: "Texaners: Eight Short Stories" by T. F. Rhoden
User avatar
krisliz88
Posts: 53
Joined: 24 Dec 2014, 08:26
Favorite Author: Agatha Christie
Favorite Book: Heartsick
Bookshelf Size: 10
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-krisliz88.html
fav_author_id: 2484

Post by krisliz88 »

michelewhite0068 wrote:Although I really enjoyed this wonderfully crafted novel, I wonder how other readers viewed the character of Corey. Does she seem to be too nice to be a realistic pre-teen? Although, Corey's world is fraught with some other characters facing serious consequences for their problematic choices, Corey, on the other hand, seems to be almost devoid of character flaws. And, on the other hand seems more real in dealing with her own issues. Corey is a likable character. But I was wondering what your thoughts are in this matter? I would l love to know I you think abou Courey va.Amdi. which character
Do you identify with :twisted:
I thought about this a few times when I was reading this book but then little instances would come up when you could see Corey's preteen behavior come out. I think that Corey was designed to be a character that was old than she really is. Her mother is eager for her to be just a 12 year old so she may indulge in her a little bit more which is where the lack of conflict comes from. However, one scene that comes to mind is when Corey was sick and basically complaining about everything. This shows Corey's age as in a lot of ways she is disrespectful to her mother during those scenes. Corey overall is a good kid, though, and I think that is why Corey's mother lets her slide.
User avatar
Jojowrites4All
Posts: 645
Joined: 01 Mar 2015, 18:59
Favorite Author: L.A. Banks
Favorite Book: <a href="http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelve ... =2847">The Great Gatsby</a>
Currently Reading: Hidden in Plain Sight: Revelation of the Sons of Yah
Bookshelf Size: 514
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jojowrites4all.html
Reading Device: B00I15SB16
fav_author_id: 8337

Post by Jojowrites4All »

Corey was very mature in how she dealt with resolving problems for other people. Actually, it was refreshing to absorb, because in reality follower the leader is wide spread. However, she couldn't deal with some of the issues that Andi spoke of. Andi was probably learning from Aunt Berry. I was glad to see the creative restraint by the author in terms of Corey.Now, when Corey was being a bratty 12 year old it was very annoying. It was times that I wasn't pleased with her attitude towards her mom. Corey was the character that made the story relatable to older kids and adults.
~ A Lack of Preparation on Your Part - Doesn't Constitute an Emergency on My Part~
User avatar
Scorsee
Posts: 217
Joined: 21 Feb 2014, 19:22
Bookshelf Size: 16
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-scorsee.html
Latest Review: Audible Book of your Choice by Amazon

Post by Scorsee »

I actually noticed a lot of parallels between Corey and my niece. She has a similar attitude toward life that Corey demonstrates and has the same care-free charm. But, at the same time, is able to grapple with the realities of life and work through complicated problems. I do agree with some of the other comments that perhaps Corey and her Mom's relationship is a little to evenly cast. However, I have known people who grew up with one parent and were able to forge a similarly close relationship that allows for openness and little conflict. The way that the author portrayed Corey's attitude when annoyed was absurdly accurate to my experiences with my niece. I'm thinking about recommending the book to her. She seemed intrigued by the idea of a book with central characters her age grappling with everyday issues.
“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” -Albus Dumbledore
User avatar
ALynnPowers
Posts: 8536
Joined: 21 Aug 2014, 07:14
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 417
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-alynnpowers.html
Latest Review: Sarah's Dream by Eileen Bird
Reading Device: B0051QVF7A
Publishing Contest Votes: 13

Post by ALynnPowers »

I personally adored Corey... but it might be my bias... she is almost an exact replica of me when I was that age! Except, well, she is a bit less of a drama queen, but maybe even a bit more immature. I feel saying weird that because I think Corey was a pretty mature girl. But still.... some typical 12 year old immaturity came out, but in a cute way. Her mom, on the other hand, seemed too good to be true. BUT... I also think that could just because I saw the mom through Corey's eyes, and she was still in that phase where her mother is the greatest thing to ever walk the planet. Anyway, that's what I got. 8)
Post Reply

Return to “"Forever Twelve" by Meg Kimball”