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13 Little Blue Envelopes series by Maureen Johnson is a story that is both cute and inspiring, and the main character transforms. In my opinion, the story should have ended with the first book, but the sequel is still interesting enough. This is the perfect book for those looking for an adventurous read.
Title: 13 Little Blue Envelopes Series: Little Blue Envelopes
Author: Maureen Johnson
Also by this author: Truly Devious (Truly Devious #1)
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genres: Contemporary
Publication Date: 2010-2012
Rating:
Series Rating:
Inside little blue envelope 1 are $1,000 and instructions to buy a plane ticket.
In envelope 2 are directions to a specific London flat.
The note in envelope 3 tells Ginny: Find a starving artist.
Because of envelope 4, Ginny and a playwright/thief/ bloke about town called Keith go to Scotland together, with somewhat disastrous though utterly romantic results. But will she ever see him again?
Everything about Ginny will change this summer, and it's all because of the 13 little blue envelopes.
Series Review: Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
❀ Travel in Europe
This book tells the story of a girl who travels through Europe with letters from her aunt as her guide. I love any book about travel, so I was excited to read about the descriptions of Ginny’s trip. The full letters are also included, and this provides some nice immersion. I found it interesting how the trip isn’t glamorous, and Ginny can only bring enough to fit inside a backpack for her journey. This is different from other books I’ve read which only feature privileged teens travelling. Ultimately, this is an original and thought-provoking read which is perfect for those looking for something quick.
❀ Brave Main Character
I enjoyed Ginny’s character throughout the books. She is pretty shy but is forced to step out of her comfort zone with the challenges her aunt provides. Ginny is pretty brave for following through with the trip and travelling all by herself, and I liked how she tries her best to accomplish each task. I did feel like Ginny complains a lot, but I guess it’s appropriate considering what she goes through.
❀ Unnecessary Sequel
While I enjoyed the first book, 13 Little Blue Envelopes, I didn’t think a sequel was necessary. The second instalment, The Last Little Blue Envelope, is cute, but nothing really major happened that made me think wow! It featured a lot of walking around with little action. Keith’s character is also very different, and not for the better. In my opinion, the story should have wrapped up at the end of the first book, however the sequel is worth the read to know what the final letter says.
❀ An Inspiring Series
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson is an inspiring series about travel and family. I enjoyed the unique concept and the main character who transforms. Personally, I didn’t think the story needed a second instalment, but it is worth the read to tie up a couple loose ends.
About Maureen Johnson
Maureen knew from an early age she wanted to be a writer. She went to high school at an all-girls’ Catholic school and graduated from University of Delaware with a degree in writing. She now lives and writes in New York City.
Many of the adventures Maureen’s characters face in her books are based on real-life stories. Maureen has traveled all over Europe, and is a Secret Sister to vlog brothers Hank and John Green.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.
One of my pet peeves is unnecessary sequels. As long as books don’t end on a cliffhanger, I don’t mind some loose ends. I’m glad you enjoyed the first book!
It was a fun series, but that second book was definitely not needed. 😉
Sounds to me like they just wanted to earn a bit more cash by extending it. I like that the character’s not privileged, there’s more challenge in that!
Perhaps! The character has so much depth! 🙂
Yay! I’m really happy you read and enjoyed this series! I read the first book a long time ago and remember enjoying it a lot, the travel, the characters, I have fond memories of it all. I haven’t read the sequel, but it seems like I am not missing out on much by not doing so, so… that’s good haha 🙂
Lovely review! 🙂
I think that you are fine to not read the sequel! You could just skim it a little if you are curious how things end, but it’s not necessary. 😉
Aw I’m sorry that the sequel was such a let down. As much as I love it when my favorite books are extended into a series, there have been plenty of times where I wish the author and publisher left well enough alone. *cough*Divergent*cough* anyway… thanks for sharing!
~Brittany @ Brittany’s Book Rambles
I am glad that I am not the only one who ever feels this way. Divergent was definitely one of those! 😉
Great review! This series sounds pretty cute even though the sequel wasn’t exactly necessary. That sucks, though.
It is a fun series and the books are so quick to read. I would stick with the first one if you do give it a try.
Great review! This sounds like a fun read. I don’t like unnecessary sequels either. I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
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These have been around a long time, and they sound so cute. I haven’t read them, but I think they would be a fun little end of summer series!
They are perfect for the end of summer! 🙂
These sounds like a cute series. I will have to put it on my TBR list. Glad you enjoyed them!
Mary
Some books better a standalone than series..
This sounds like a fun series, I like the covers.
Cool book that sounds like it did all right from your review. Nice
Thanks for the great review. The book sounds like a fun read. Great cover.