Scribbler of Dreams

( 178 )

Overview


Kaitlin Malone hates the Crutchfields. Her family has feuded with that family for generations, and now her dad is in jail for killing one of them. This legacy of hatred has never been questioned--until Kaitlin falls for a Crutchfield boy. As if that's not bad enough, that boy is the son of the man her father murdered.

Despite her family's long feud with the Crutchfields, seventeen-year-old Kaitlin falls in love with Bram ...

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More About This Book

Overview


Kaitlin Malone hates the Crutchfields. Her family has feuded with that family for generations, and now her dad is in jail for killing one of them. This legacy of hatred has never been questioned--until Kaitlin falls for a Crutchfield boy. As if that's not bad enough, that boy is the son of the man her father murdered.

Despite her family's long feud with the Crutchfields, seventeen-year-old Kaitlin falls in love with Bram Crutchfield and weaves a tangled web of deception to conceal her identity from him.

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Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Fans of angst-laden teen romance will be glued to this weepy tale of love and deception. . . . Irresistible."--Booklist
"Suspenseful. . . . Romance fans will enjoy the novel."--VOYA
Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
Drawing on the all-too-familiar theme of young lovers from warring families, Pearson (David v. God) recounts the relationship between Kaitlin, a high school senior who keeps a journal, and her more well-to-do artist-boyfriend, Bram. Borrowed diaries reveal to Kaitlin that the two California families are related five generations back, when two sisters became estranged as the result of a marital infidelity. More recently, Kaitlin's father is accused of killing Bram's father, perhaps accidentally, in a feud over rights to their neighboring properties and, further straining credibility, Kaitlin manages to win Bram over by concealing her identity. The whole maudlin tale is never fully sorted out and, in a highly unlikely denouement, Kaitlin gives a confused speech to her class about escaping the past and being honest. This seems to win back Bram, who says, "I never did care much for history." The story also suffers from repetitiveness (readers are reminded many times that Kaitlin is a "proud Malone") and the writing is filled with platitudes and clich d writing ("my footsteps kept time with my beating heart"). Heavy on formula, it seems more like a romance novel than a trenchant adolescent love story. Ages 12-up. (Apr.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Children's Literature
Seventeen-year-old Kaitlin Malone and her entire family have a hate affair going with the Crutchfields. It's a situation that has existed for over a century, placing the two distantly related clans right up there with the Hatfields and the McCoys—or perhaps more pertinently the Montagues and the Capulets. The violence, which has killed one Crutchfield and sent Kait's father to prison, also sends Kait to a new high school where she meets and falls in love with Bram Crutchfield. The relationship is strewn with lies, because Kait can't tell Bram that she's a Malone. Kait finds herself in deeper and deeper trouble until the truth outs. Can forgiveness exist? That's the question at the root of this well-written and readable modern parable. 2001, Harcourt, $17.00. Ages 13 up. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr
VOYA
The Hatfield and McCoy feud is reflected in the quarrel between the Crutchfields and Malones in this contemporary romance. Seventeen-year-old Kaitlin Malone has hated the Crutchfields all her life. Her father is in prison for killing Robert Crutchfield in what he says was an accident. Now Kaitlin has fallen hard for the enemy—Robert Crutchfield's son, Bram. As she hides her identity from the handsome, artistic, and popular Bram, she begins to learn more about the family she has vilified for so long. By reading the journals of Maggie Crutchfield, with whom the feud originated over a century ago, Kaitlin learns that the Crutchfields might not be the monsters she has always thought they were. She also discovers that the Malones might not be blameless and that the two families are bound more tightly than she had ever guessed. Kaitlin and Maggie are linked not just by blood but by their writing habits and their struggles to bring peace to their warring families. Through Maggie's journals, Kaitlin learns the pain regret can cause. She struggles to keep regret—and the feud—from ruining her own hopes for the future and her love for Bram. The plot is predictable but nevertheless suspenseful because of the problems Kaitlin creates for herself when she keeps secrets from her family and from Bram. Readers have to swallow a lot—for example, that the Crutchfields and Malones would not recognize each other despite a prominent murder trial. Despite these flaws, romance fans will enjoy the novel. VOYA CODES: 3Q 3P J S (Readable without serious defects; Will appeal with pushing; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2001, Harcourt, 240p,Ages 13 to 18. Reviewer: Rebecca Barnhouse SOURCE: VOYA, June 2001 (Vol. 24, No. 2)
School Library Journal
Gr 7-10-Like the Hatfields and the McCoys, the Malones and Crutchfields have always hated one another. Their long-standing feud started 100 years earlier when two sisters disagreed over one's illegitimate pregnancy. Ever since then, the Crutchfields have had the money and the power, the Malones the land, and both families are ruthless in trying to hurt the other. When Kaitlin Malone's father is put in prison for killing a Crutchfield, she and her sister are forced to go to the public high school under assumed names. There Kaitlin falls in love with a boy whose passion for drawing matches her need for writing in her journal. The only problem is that the boy is none other than the son of the man her father killed. As she waits for the right time to reveal her true identity, she gets to know Bram and his family. Suddenly, her world is turned upside down because the Crutchfields are not the villains that her family had always made them out to be. Meanwhile, her lies get more and more complicated. The truth about her identity comes out in the end, but luckily (and predictably), after initial feelings of betrayal, Bram, too, realizes their love is stronger than any family history. This is a good book to use to talk about points of view and perspectives, with believable characters and a fast-moving, if somewhat transparent, plot.-Rebecca Hogue Wojahn, Riverside Middle School, Watertown, WI Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
A literal blood feud in which warring factions of the same family have engaged for a century suffuses this readable if overwrought story of love between teens from opposing sides. Seventeen-year-old Kaitlin Malone, living with her mother and sister on their farm in contemporary northern California, has grown up detesting the wealthy Crutchfields—and they her side of the family. Misunderstandings and lies about each clan that have been perpetuated for generations have fueled the animosity, but Kaitlin's even worse dilemma is that she and schoolmate Bram Crutchfield fall deeply in love almost from the moment they meet, though under false pretenses. Forced by straitened finances to attend a public high school—situated on Crutchfield land—Kaitlin enrolls under an assumed surname. It turns out that there'll be more need for secrecy than "mere" bad blood, however. Not until she learns Bram's last name does Kaitlin realize that he's not only the "enemy" but also the son of the man her father is in prison for killing. To keep the relationship flourishing, she is forced to continue lying and weaves a more and more elaborate web of deceit in which she, her family, and her and Bram's friends become hopelessly entangled. Enlightenment and hope that something good can emerge from the age-old enmity come when Kaitlin reads the journals of the family's progenitor, a dedicated and talented writer like she is. In the journals Kaitlin discovers the truth behind the age-old disputes, and the diaries seem finally to point Kaitlin and Bram to a legacy of promise and not continued blind hatred. Romeo and Juliet this isn't, but fans of teen angst and undying-love stories will probablyappreciate the effort. (Fiction. 12+)
School Library Journal
Gr 8 Up—Romeo and Juliet meet the Hatfields and the McCoys in a story that manages to remain engaging despite the predictability of its plot. Kaitlin Malone and Bram Crutchfield come from two very different worlds. Kaitlin's family are farmers and Bram's are developers; her family scrapes by making ends meet, while his family has the best that money can buy; and her father is in prison for killing his father. When these two meet and fall in love under false pretenses, it's up to Kaitlin to look to the future and do her best to change the past. Mary E. Pearson's story (Harcourt, 2001) seems a bit dated, with Bram using a pager and the lack of cell phones. While this sounds like a small detail, it stands out because of its effect on the plot line. Kate Rudd is a fantastic narrator, brilliantly conveying the characters' emotions. However, her flat Michigan accent does not evoke the California coast where the story is set.—Genevieve Gallagher, Charlottesville High School, VA
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Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780152045692
  • Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
  • Publication date: 10/28/2002
  • Edition description: Reprint
  • Pages: 240
  • Sales rank: 120,125
  • Age range: 12 - 17 Years
  • Product dimensions: 5.50 (w) x 8.20 (h) x 0.50 (d)

Meet the Author


MARY E. PEARSON received her bachelor's degree from Long Beach State University and her teaching credential from San Diego State University. She lives in San Diego, California.
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 5
( 178 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(155)

4 Star

(13)

3 Star

(7)

2 Star

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1 Star

(1)

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 178 Customer Reviews

  • Posted June 25, 2011

    more from this reviewer

    Classic Dilemma...

    Family feud. Girl and boy from both families fall in love. Girl keeps identity secret. Dilemmas ensue. Teen age harlequin.

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted May 23, 2008

    A MUST READ!

    i picked up this book at a random store thinking that the title was promising and it ended up being one of the BEST books i've ever read. Kaitlin's story can be related to a modern day romeo and juliet, only romeo doesn't know who the real juliet is. After her father is sent to prison for 'killing' the father of Bram Crutchfield, Kait's life is turned upside down. It only gets worse when her mother sends her to the school of the family who sentenced her father to prison. Kait and bram Crutchfield form a bond stronger than anything she ever imagined, but the lies and hatred of their familys' pasts keep them apart. Kait is drawn deeper and deeper into a web of lies to bring herself closer to the truth and to bring a family feud over a hundred years old to an end. This book is amazing and i strongly recommend it=]

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 22, 2008

    Best Book I Have Ever Read

    I'm 14 years old and I don't enjoy reading. In my eighth grade honors english class we read this book as an intro to Romeo and Juliet. I could not have asked for a better reading assignment. I read it in two days, and thats a miracle for me. Even the boys in my class enjoyed it. By far the best book I have ever read.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted June 1, 2012

    I first read this book in sixth grade. Our teachers had donated

    I first read this book in sixth grade. Our teachers had donated books to their students as a Christmas present. I had arrived late that day, and the only book left to choose from was this. So I went with it. I ended up falling in love with the story and characters. Ever since then, I've read this book over ten times. If I were to read it today, I would still find it beautiful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted February 21, 2012

    Teenage trash.

    I agree with a previous review about this being a teenage harlequin.

    Nothing is more attractive then when one of the characters finds out that they are distantly related to their love interest yet pursues them anyway. I do not like the style in which the story was written, and the families hatred was portrayed in childish and annoying manner.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted September 1, 2011

    Finally!

    I read this in 5th grade and forgot the title. All I remembered of the title was "Scribble" I recall really enjoying this book. Now that I'm in high school, I wonder if I'll like it as much. Going to read it again (: Highly recommend.

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  • Posted July 24, 2011

    loved evey page of it

    this book so good if you like books about teen love this is the book you have to read.

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  • Posted May 25, 2011

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    Deadly Little Games (Touch Series #3)
    Fade (Wake Trilogy Series #2)
    Deadly Little Lies (Touch Series #2)
    Deadly Little Secret (Touch Series #1)
    Project 17

    I only got one word....AMAZING!

    I am tweleve years old and fell in love with this book immediately! This book was really really good. And i guess thats why I'm so surprised this isnt a movie yet! If you start i promise you wont ne able to put it down(:

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  • Anonymous

    Posted March 12, 2011

    Highly Recommended

    i love this book so much it has ben a while sence a read it though my teacher let me brough it back in sophomre year of high school and i loved it i remember i could not beging able to put it down it was that good and i finished the book so fast that was how good it was and i have ben seaching for longest time through google to find it but had no luck to today..

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 8, 2011

    Amazing!

    I found it simaler to a love story but a lot better.

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  • Posted November 30, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    Very Nice Read

    I have to say, I got this book out of chance and have to put out there that I feel bad I hadn't known about this title before.

    This story is basically a modern day Romeo and Juliet but that hype of Shakespeares' master work never wore the story down for me. Kaitlin slowly falls for the one person her and her family have known to despise, however, as the reader starts to grasp the power of love in this novel...it gives judgment a whole new meaning.

    Mary E. Pearson knows what she's doing. I love the surprise, twist'n turns and the balance of drama, romance, and mystery in this novel. I'd recommend this to any young adult who are looking for that classic love story that we all love with a guarantee of a soft, exciting, original teen love romance. This book will have you appreciate and be more hopeful for that special person that you may or may not have come across in life.

    Scribbler of Dreams is what every young adult needs.

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  • Posted January 21, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    Shiver (Wolves of Mercy Falls Series #1)

    A-M-A-Z-I-N-G

    I saw this book at my school library & decided to get.I'm so glad I did this book is a classic american love story Romeo & Juilet twist to it.Kaitlin and Bram's love for each other is amazing .My favorite book I've ever read.This book is a must read.

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  • Posted November 27, 2009

    more from this reviewer

    scribbler of dreams

    this book filled me with so much emotion..love twist..and it made me realize if someone really loves you they will love you no matter what happens or problems that come about.

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  • Posted November 22, 2009

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    Don't Die, My Love
    Just Like That
    Kiss Me Kill Me (Kisses and Lies Series #1)
    Deadly Little Secret (Touch Series #1)

    Fell In Love With

    This book is by far my most favorite book ever. I read all the time, and this is my top #1. I read this book in exactly 3 hours- until 1 o'clock in the morning. I couldn't quit turning the page. I fell in love with it and shed some tears. I let a lot of my friends read it and my language arts teacher. They all loved it! This book shows you how much loving someone can affect you and others. It's amazing how Kaitlyn was so interested in the boy before she met him. When Kaitlyn realized who he was she couldn't help herself not to care. She loved him that much, and she tried to protect the secret. Then it got out and things got a little...read the book. (;

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  • Anonymous

    Posted May 17, 2009

    I Also Recommend:

    Wake (Wake Trilogy Series #1)
    Deadly Little Secret (Touch Series #1)
    Book of Shadows (Sweep Series #1)
    Marked (House of Night Series #1)
    Fade (Wake Trilogy Series #2)

    greatest love story:)

    when i read this book i fell in love with it . its the first ever romance book i have read i usually don't fall for romance novel well any way back to the book .scribbler of dreams is about teenagers who fall in love but both of them were raised to hate each other....... sorry don't want to ruin the book for you

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  • Posted October 30, 2008

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    Green Angel
    The Host
    Twilight
    Wildwood Dancing

    Read more than three times!

    I first got this during a book fair in elementary school, and the storyline immediately caught me. Its a Romeo and Juliet story that can actually happen, and might relate to. I've read it at least four times over the years, and it always captures my heart every time! A great romance for a rainy day, or if you don't have a date anywhere.

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  • Posted October 26, 2008

    more from this reviewer

    My Comments

    I have read this book over and over again. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good romance.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 25, 2008

    Fantastic! A rare treat!

    This novel is very well written and the characters are very well examined! The story line is not of the regularities found in most romance novels. The ending seemed a bit odd but the story in truth was extremely delightful and worded exquisitely. The Scribbler of Dreams was indeed a page-turner.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 25, 2008

    I Cried ,I Laughed

    The most wonderful and tantalizing, modern day 'Romeo and Juliet' story I have ever read. By Far!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted June 25, 2008

    wonderful book

    scribbler of dreams is one of the best books i've ever read. the characters are so realistic, the writing is fantastic and the book just pulls you into the story entirely. i reccomend this book to everyone!

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