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Catherine, Called Birdy
by
Karen Cushman (Goodreads Author)
"Corpus Bones! I utterly loathe my life."
Catherine feels trapped. Her father is determined to marry her off to a rich man--any rich man, no matter how awful.
But by wit, trickery, and luck, Catherine manages to send several would-be husbands packing. Then a shaggy-bearded suitor from the north comes to call--by far the oldest, ugliest, most revolting suitor of them all.
U
...morePaperback, 224 pages
Published
June 1st 2004
by HarperTrophy
(first published 1994)
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(showing 1-30)
If there were a 6-star rating, I'd give it to this book. When it won the Newbery Medal for Children's Literature, it was Cushman's first book. It's Hi. Lar. I. Ous. Birdy is the 14-year old daughter of a 14th-century landowner in Merrie Olde Englande. While her father plots suitable arranged marriages for her and her mother tries to prepare her for being a wife by teaching her manners, needlework and herbal medicine, Birdy, the ultimate tomboy, plots ways to get rid of the suitors and sneak off
...more
Entertaining, but overall highly anachronistic. Yet another author who transplants a spunky, modern heroine into a vastly different culture without an explanation of how such a character could have developed. People forget that 'teenagers' have only existed since the middle of the last century.
I wish Cushman had created a protagonist who was both engaging to the reader and able to provide illumination of how much people have changed over time. That's the book I want for my kids. You know, if I w ...more
I wish Cushman had created a protagonist who was both engaging to the reader and able to provide illumination of how much people have changed over time. That's the book I want for my kids. You know, if I w ...more
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In reality, this probably isn't a five-star book, but I'm giving it such a high rating because this is the book that made me love reading.
I first picked it up in 4th grade and started reading it for no particular reason, and I loved it so much I decided to read all of Karen Cushman's other books as well. The rest is history.
One of my favorite parts of the book is when Catherine complains about her brother Robert and how he likes to "drown ants by pissing on the anthill."
Ten-year-old Madeline: " ...more
I first picked it up in 4th grade and started reading it for no particular reason, and I loved it so much I decided to read all of Karen Cushman's other books as well. The rest is history.
One of my favorite parts of the book is when Catherine complains about her brother Robert and how he likes to "drown ants by pissing on the anthill."
Ten-year-old Madeline: " ...more
My biggest complaint about this book is how horribly she speaks of her father. We listened to it on CD (edition wasn't available to post) but the girl who does the reading has a very "common" accent. Combined with her sharp tongue I couldn't feel for the character. She sounded like she should be cleaning out the stables instead of the daughter of a knight and a lady. In fact you are always surprised when she mentions a servant.
It is written in diary format which is so popular for this age group ...more
It is written in diary format which is so popular for this age group ...more
Corpus bones, this book was terrible. i hated it. it was very boring and horrible.
I'm foregoing a real review, except to say that I highly recommend this provocative and personal glimpse into the middle ages. Karen Cushman has done her research and put together a marvelous novel which should be an exciting find for young readers. Catherine is an exciting, witty and empathetic character whose 'journal' makes the work concrete and vibrant.
The problem, as I've noted with other great books such as 'Tuck Everlasting' and 'Dragonwings,' is that the joy of finding a good book that ...more
The problem, as I've noted with other great books such as 'Tuck Everlasting' and 'Dragonwings,' is that the joy of finding a good book that ...more
I won't be able to read another book for a while. I'm ruined.
This book boasts a delightful heroine, and in spite of the (wonderful!) medieval setting, all the angst and rebellion and other feelings I had in my own adolescence came spilling out of the pages. Kids are kids, no matter when or where.
I loved the characters (the goat boy, the dairy maid, the brothers, the uncle, the best friend!), the hilarious diary entries, the main character's love of animals (from ants to sad, dancing bears!), a ...more
This book boasts a delightful heroine, and in spite of the (wonderful!) medieval setting, all the angst and rebellion and other feelings I had in my own adolescence came spilling out of the pages. Kids are kids, no matter when or where.
I loved the characters (the goat boy, the dairy maid, the brothers, the uncle, the best friend!), the hilarious diary entries, the main character's love of animals (from ants to sad, dancing bears!), a ...more
Cushman's Newbery Honor-winning book is wonderfully evocative, with its remarkably realized, feisty heroine determined to have a say in her own destiny, despite the strictures of her medieval society. Hilarious, endearing, and determined, Birdy's trenchant observations of the life around her are told with a refreshingly earthy honesty so real and direct that you put down the book sadly, feeling like you're being parted from a dear friend. Cushman manages to create her historical period in such i
...more
This is one of the "classic" books that they like you to read in late elementary school or early junior high. I'm sure it would hold the attention for that age. And it is rather intriguing to read a book set in medieval times, especially with a spunky heroine. But there were quite a few bawdy references, though they were made to be light or humourous. Perhaps it was like that back then, I don't know. I do know that I don't like that kind of humor, or that kind of talk in general.
I certainly did ...more
I certainly did ...more
Excellent! Both funny and historically realistic.
Books like this is why I would never want to live in the past (even if there was a hot Scott involved) - dirt, stench, sickness, boredom, ugh.
Books like this is why I would never want to live in the past (even if there was a hot Scott involved) - dirt, stench, sickness, boredom, ugh.
There were a few times where I was a little bit bored with it. That could have been partly due to the fact that it was written for a much younger audience and some things I am just not interested in that I would have found fascinating when I was a teenager. It was a pretty fun book for the most part though. I was surprised at how much I laughed as I read this book. The main character was quite comical and had a very different personality than I was expecting. She acted very much like I would thi
...more
Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman was not one of my favorite books.
Catherine had many of the characteristics of Ella from Ella Enchanted, such as determination, wit, and assertiveness, but without the vivacity which came through in the characterization of Ella. I found myself not really caring what happened to Catherine.
The format of the novel was interesting. Over the years, I’ve realized that writing in first person without becoming repetitive, pedantic and downright boring is diffi ...more
Catherine had many of the characteristics of Ella from Ella Enchanted, such as determination, wit, and assertiveness, but without the vivacity which came through in the characterization of Ella. I found myself not really caring what happened to Catherine.
The format of the novel was interesting. Over the years, I’ve realized that writing in first person without becoming repetitive, pedantic and downright boring is diffi ...more
Catherine, Called Birdy is a book that I probably would't have picked up on my own, seeing as I am not a big fan of historical fiction books. The book wasn't like I expected it to be, and could be pretty interesting in some parts. I found it a bit slow in some parts, and the setup of the book was different then I was used to. It definitely wasn't a favorite of mine, but I would recommend it to anyone who really enjoys historical fiction books.
Sassy and charming and full of wit, I had completely forgotten how hilarious Catherine and this novel were! Or maybe I didn’t get some of the humor at the time..? Either way, I’m thrilled I decided to pick this one up again after so many years and I know it’s one I’ll be revisiting time and time again.
For the full review and more, head over to The Pretty Good Gatsby!
For the full review and more, head over to The Pretty Good Gatsby!
Sep 06, 2016
MJ
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
recommendations,
2016-summer
I have memories of seeing this book on the shelf of my grade-school library, but for some reason I never got around to actually reading it. Now thanks to the magic of rentable ebooks, I can finally give myself the childhood reading experience I was lacking!!!
Or kind of. I think for sure that I would've loved this a lot more as a kid, yet at the same time I would've understood far less (all the references to people "tumbling" lmao). There's a real transitional feeling about this book; it's a perf ...more
Or kind of. I think for sure that I would've loved this a lot more as a kid, yet at the same time I would've understood far less (all the references to people "tumbling" lmao). There's a real transitional feeling about this book; it's a perf ...more
God's thumbs! I love this book. I fell for the way that Catherine is both hella feminist and kickass and also, generally, period-appropriate. She's not spouting fully formed ideas that don't fit her worldview or her setting, but is instead showing how women of her time and place sought to define a space for themselves, sought to better their situation bit by bit, by finding a way into marrying a boy who seems relatively okay and thoughtful instead of a gross creep or a violent drunk. By painting
...more
This book was a very fun read. I'm always a sucker for diary style fiction and this one was done especially well. Cushman really did her research about the time period and that's essential. I think this book wouldn't have been so effective if Birdy had modern ideals and attitudes.
I remember reading a book in high school that was supposed to be set during the Industrial Revolution but the main character acted as though she was living in modern times. She traveled where she wanted, did what she ...more
I loved Catherine Called Birdy. This book was so good I just couldn't put it down! I was very happy at the end of the book because she did not have to do something she did not want to do. I felt happiness inside of me because of it!
This book takes place in a palace, and a chamber inside the palace. It was surprising how Birdie' s father is making her get married. This book makes us think of how when we are parents not to make our child do something they don't want to do, such as get married.
I ...more
This book takes place in a palace, and a chamber inside the palace. It was surprising how Birdie' s father is making her get married. This book makes us think of how when we are parents not to make our child do something they don't want to do, such as get married.
I ...more
Totally charming.
What an irrepressible child Birdy is. Her ingenuity in getting rid of prospective suitors is especially fun, though she's irrepressible in every other context, too. For a story to give you the flavor of the times, you could hardly do better. Of course it's quite obvious how the story is going to work out, and it does take a certain deliberate authorial intervention. Though for all I know, Birdy really would have poisoned that lout if necessary. I mean, I probably would have.
Als ...more
What an irrepressible child Birdy is. Her ingenuity in getting rid of prospective suitors is especially fun, though she's irrepressible in every other context, too. For a story to give you the flavor of the times, you could hardly do better. Of course it's quite obvious how the story is going to work out, and it does take a certain deliberate authorial intervention. Though for all I know, Birdy really would have poisoned that lout if necessary. I mean, I probably would have.
Als ...more
Absolutely excellent. Best YA historical novel I've ever read. Thirteen year old Catherine records the doings at her father's manor's house the year before she gets married. Sassy and smart, Catherine would fit in perfectly in modern times, but she lives in a medieval world where women are supposed to know their place (under the heels of men).
But still, Catherine finds a way to make her mark on the world.
Highly recommended. This book deserved to win the Newberry award.
But still, Catherine finds a way to make her mark on the world.
Highly recommended. This book deserved to win the Newberry award.
I STOPPED READING THIS BOOK, I DID NOT FINISH IT! I honestly could not have finished it because it was so terrible. I have never really disliked a book, but this book I really could not have finished.
Deserving of the Newberry award
Best YA historical fiction novel ever. Birdy is just as sassy as any modern girl but she's stuck in a medieval village where woman are property to be bought and sold. Her diary records the year before her marriage at age 13.
Best YA historical fiction novel ever. Birdy is just as sassy as any modern girl but she's stuck in a medieval village where woman are property to be bought and sold. Her diary records the year before her marriage at age 13.
I found this book to be interesting at first, but then as it went on began to see how boring it actually was.. It was a new kind of writing style for me, that I have decided that I don't particularly enjoy. I would not recommend this book unless you like a diary style writing format
Haha, this book is really weird.
Why I bought this book...
A), it was cheap and on sale, and B) because it starts like this:
***
12TH Day of September
I am commanded to write an account of my days: I am bit by fleas and plagued by family. That is all there is to say.
13TH Day of September
My father must suffer from ale head this day, for he cracked me twice before dinner instead of once. I hope his angry liver bursts.
***
Catherine is a young teen--fourteen--growing up in medieval (13th Century) England. She's a bit of an anachronism i ...more
A), it was cheap and on sale, and B) because it starts like this:
***
12TH Day of September
I am commanded to write an account of my days: I am bit by fleas and plagued by family. That is all there is to say.
13TH Day of September
My father must suffer from ale head this day, for he cracked me twice before dinner instead of once. I hope his angry liver bursts.
***
Catherine is a young teen--fourteen--growing up in medieval (13th Century) England. She's a bit of an anachronism i ...more
This is one of my favorite books. It's an easy read, with some light humor and an interesting story. Plus, it has a bonus of the Newbery Honor Award and some medieval history.
Catherine, the 14-year-old daughter of Sir Rollo, is a wonderful character, and I admire her vivacity and spirit. Her funny, satirical view of things is something I can relate to. However, the way she views herself, and all her favors and faults, rubs me the wrong way. She is incredibly pessimistic about herself, and is ver ...more
Catherine, the 14-year-old daughter of Sir Rollo, is a wonderful character, and I admire her vivacity and spirit. Her funny, satirical view of things is something I can relate to. However, the way she views herself, and all her favors and faults, rubs me the wrong way. She is incredibly pessimistic about herself, and is ver ...more
Okay, I know this story is contrived. No 14 year old girl in Medieval England would get away with even a fraction of the things Catherine does. She screams at her father, sets the privy on fire, runs away from home, and pushes kids into the river. She would have been beaten into submission long before.
On the other hand, the rest of the book does a fairly good job of presenting the horrors of life at the time. I mean, it is a book for kids so you don't want to scare them too much! Even attractiv ...more
On the other hand, the rest of the book does a fairly good job of presenting the horrors of life at the time. I mean, it is a book for kids so you don't want to scare them too much! Even attractiv ...more
Oct 01, 2012
Elisbet
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
preteens, young teens, interested adults
Recommended to Elisbet by:
school
This is a book I have read and re-read to pieces. It's become a familiar friend, oddly enough, even long past school-required reading and into adulthood. I'm not entirely sure of the historical accuracy, but as the "coming of age" tale of a young girl in medieval England, it's pretty good! There's enough action to satisfy most kids, male and female alike. Birdy faces many age-related trials and tribulations, and slowly learns about the truths of life along the way. This is one of those books tha
...more
Catherine Called Birdy was a witty, charming book to read. Catherine is such a great character because while she is aware that Edward will eventually read her journal, she is hilariously honest in her evaluations of people. She avoids her suitors at all costs, and comes up with all kinds of schemes to drive them away. Catherine is a relatable, down to earth character that feels real, with her devious nature and aversion to growing up, because while most teenagers want to be older and have more c
...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Reading Chal...: Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman | 1 | 9 | Feb 22, 2015 07:07PM | |
| writing style | 6 | 68 | Apr 21, 2014 08:51AM | |
| Young Adult Book ...: April 2014: Catherine, Called Birdy | 1 | 6 | Apr 13, 2014 06:13PM | |
| YA Rewind: Catherine, Called Birdy Discussion Page | 2 | 7 | Sep 05, 2013 10:51PM |
Karen Cushman was born in Chicago, Illinois.
She entered Stanford University on a scholarship in 1959 and graduated with degrees in Greek and English. She later earned master’s degrees in human behavior and museum studies.
For eleven years she was an adjunct professor in the Museum Studies Department at John F. Kennedy University before resigning in 1996 to write full-time.
She lives on Vashon Isla ...more
More about Karen Cushman...
She entered Stanford University on a scholarship in 1959 and graduated with degrees in Greek and English. She later earned master’s degrees in human behavior and museum studies.
For eleven years she was an adjunct professor in the Museum Studies Department at John F. Kennedy University before resigning in 1996 to write full-time.
She lives on Vashon Isla ...more
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“I watched the early morning light pass over and through the windows of colored glass, leaving streaks of red and green and yellow on the stone floor. When I was little, I used to try and capture the colored light. I thought I could hold it in my hand and carry it home. Now I know it is like happiness-- it is there or it is not, you cannot hold it or keep it.”
—
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“Corpus Bones! I utterly loathe my life.”
—
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Aug 07, 2012 08:11PM
Dec 01, 2016 04:10PM