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Wreath Willis #1
Wreath
What do you do when you’re too young to be on your own but have no one to turn to? Sixteen-year-old Wreath Willis makes a Find a place to live. Buy cheap food. Finish high school. Get a job. Go to college. Now she’s finishing high school by day and squatting in a junkyard by night, flying below the authorities� radar while she makes a few awkward friends and searches for an illusory “good life.� But when a teacher grows too suspicious, Wreath is afraid she’ll have to move on before she graduates. Could it be this was a good life?
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
99 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Judy Christie
28books364followersJudy Christie is an author and consultant who lives in Northwest Louisiana.
She writes inspirational fiction and nonfiction. Her popular Green series chronicles the goings-on in the small Louisiana town of Green and is part of Abingdon Press’s new inspirational fiction line.
Judy is also the author of the popular Hurry Less, Worry Less nonfiction series, published by Abingdon Press.
Wreath, published in October 2011, is Judy’s first young adult book. Look for it and a free download on her books page!
Judy was a journalist for many years and is a frequent speaker at retreats and workshops. She works with clients around the country on how to slow down and enjoy each day more and how
She writes inspirational fiction and nonfiction. Her popular Green series chronicles the goings-on in the small Louisiana town of Green and is part of Abingdon Press’s new inspirational fiction line.
Judy is also the author of the popular Hurry Less, Worry Less nonfiction series, published by Abingdon Press.
Wreath, published in October 2011, is Judy’s first young adult book. Look for it and a free download on her books page!
Judy was a journalist for many years and is a frequent speaker at retreats and workshops. She works with clients around the country on how to slow down and enjoy each day more and how
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 19, 2020
About this book:
“Wreath Willis is finishing high school by day � and living in a junkyard by night.
Wreath is sixteen, alone after the death of her mother and on the run from a horrid man named Big Fun.
As she sets off in search of a better life, Wreath makes a list in her trusty notebook: “Find a place to live. Buy cheap food. Finish high school.� Then she adds: “Avoid notice”—because Wreath is pretty sure most people won’t understand a teenager living alone.
But it’s hard to go unnoticed when life puts a cute boy named Law on her path and brings in Faye, her new boss who depends on Wreath’s creativity to turn a dying business around.
Living at the junkyard is lonely and scary—but Wreath refuses to give up on her dreams. And Big Fun can’t find her. Can he?
Should Wreath keep running? Or has she maybe, just maybe, found a true home after all?�
Series: Book #1 in the “Wreath Willis� series.
Spiritual Content- Wreath writes out a prayer; Scriptures are read & remembered; Youth group, Church & hints of sermons; Wreath remembers her grandmother reading the Bible lot; A couple talks about God & His plans; Mentions of the Bible; Mentions of reading & searching the Bible; Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of Church & youth group; A few mentions of God;
*Note: A mention of something “ugly as sin�.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘crummy�, a ‘heck�, a ‘shut up�, a ‘suck up�, a ‘witch�, two forms of ‘darn�, two ‘dumb’s, and seven ‘stupid’s; Mentions of curses (said, not written); People die & Blood (barely-above-not-detailed to semi-detailed); Threats of violence; Mentions of jail; Mentions of cigarettes, tobacco & smoking; Mentions of drinking & beer; A mention of abusive boyfriends; A mention of a druggie; A mention of a pit ball attacking a chicken; Going to the bathroom in the woods.
Sexual Content- two cheek kisses, a forehead kiss, and a barely-above-not-detailed kiss; Touches & Hand Holding (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing & Smelling; Wreath’s parents weren’t married; Wreath has a crush on Law; Mentions of prom & dates; Mentions of cute boys & girls; Mentions of crushes, boyfriends, jealousy & flirting; A mention of a man liking Wreath; A mention of Big Fun taking off his shirt and thinking “he’s God’s gift to women�;
*Note: “butt into her/your business� is said twice; Mentions of short skirts & tank tops.
-Wreath Willis, age 16-17
P.O.V. mostly of Wreath, but also switches to Faye, Julia, Clarice & Law
282 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
I enjoyed this book, but there was some things that could have been a bit better in my opinion. The writing was a bit lacking (everybody said something, not much variety.), there was quite a few ????s and !!!!s in Wreath’s lists which made her look young, and I do wish there would have been more Spiritual Content, but overall I enjoyed “Wٳ� and her can-do attitude. I look forward to reading the second book in the series about her.
Link to review:
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“Wreath Willis is finishing high school by day � and living in a junkyard by night.
Wreath is sixteen, alone after the death of her mother and on the run from a horrid man named Big Fun.
As she sets off in search of a better life, Wreath makes a list in her trusty notebook: “Find a place to live. Buy cheap food. Finish high school.� Then she adds: “Avoid notice”—because Wreath is pretty sure most people won’t understand a teenager living alone.
But it’s hard to go unnoticed when life puts a cute boy named Law on her path and brings in Faye, her new boss who depends on Wreath’s creativity to turn a dying business around.
Living at the junkyard is lonely and scary—but Wreath refuses to give up on her dreams. And Big Fun can’t find her. Can he?
Should Wreath keep running? Or has she maybe, just maybe, found a true home after all?�
Series: Book #1 in the “Wreath Willis� series.
Spiritual Content- Wreath writes out a prayer; Scriptures are read & remembered; Youth group, Church & hints of sermons; Wreath remembers her grandmother reading the Bible lot; A couple talks about God & His plans; Mentions of the Bible; Mentions of reading & searching the Bible; Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of Church & youth group; A few mentions of God;
*Note: A mention of something “ugly as sin�.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘crummy�, a ‘heck�, a ‘shut up�, a ‘suck up�, a ‘witch�, two forms of ‘darn�, two ‘dumb’s, and seven ‘stupid’s; Mentions of curses (said, not written); People die & Blood (barely-above-not-detailed to semi-detailed); Threats of violence; Mentions of jail; Mentions of cigarettes, tobacco & smoking; Mentions of drinking & beer; A mention of abusive boyfriends; A mention of a druggie; A mention of a pit ball attacking a chicken; Going to the bathroom in the woods.
Sexual Content- two cheek kisses, a forehead kiss, and a barely-above-not-detailed kiss; Touches & Hand Holding (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing & Smelling; Wreath’s parents weren’t married; Wreath has a crush on Law; Mentions of prom & dates; Mentions of cute boys & girls; Mentions of crushes, boyfriends, jealousy & flirting; A mention of a man liking Wreath; A mention of Big Fun taking off his shirt and thinking “he’s God’s gift to women�;
*Note: “butt into her/your business� is said twice; Mentions of short skirts & tank tops.
-Wreath Willis, age 16-17
P.O.V. mostly of Wreath, but also switches to Faye, Julia, Clarice & Law
282 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
I enjoyed this book, but there was some things that could have been a bit better in my opinion. The writing was a bit lacking (everybody said something, not much variety.), there was quite a few ????s and !!!!s in Wreath’s lists which made her look young, and I do wish there would have been more Spiritual Content, but overall I enjoyed “Wٳ� and her can-do attitude. I look forward to reading the second book in the series about her.
Link to review:
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
December 11, 2012
Sometimes, there's nothing greater for a reader than finding a new book that just resonates deep within. Such was the case with me and my last read - Wreath. I can't explain what it was exactly that drew me back to this book over and over again, but I knew I would not be satisfied until I completed it. :o)
One thing that impressed me was that this did not feel like a young adult novel at all, perhaps because the main character had no choice but to grow up rather quickly after the sudden death of her mother. My heart ached that Wreath spent her days either going to the local park for a shower, eating nothing but peanut butter and crackers because her money supply was so thin, and that her home was the despised local junkyard. But oh, what perseverance! In spite of incredible obstacles, her determination to finish high school and hold down a job at the same time proved that this fictitious character was better than most kids I know in real life!
Wreath's biggest obstacle, though, was trust, and wow...did she have a lot to overcome there. I couldn't imagine living a life being afraid to trust in those around me--those who have shown they care about my well-being. It took a very long time, almost the span of the entire book, before she realized that she didn't need to run from those friends that she grew to love.
The ending was a little abrupt for my taste, but I'll admit that I'd love to take a return trip to Landry and catch up with Wreath and her friends. As this was my first experience with Judy Christie's work, I have no doubt that I'll pick up another of her novels down the road.
Highly recommended!
One thing that impressed me was that this did not feel like a young adult novel at all, perhaps because the main character had no choice but to grow up rather quickly after the sudden death of her mother. My heart ached that Wreath spent her days either going to the local park for a shower, eating nothing but peanut butter and crackers because her money supply was so thin, and that her home was the despised local junkyard. But oh, what perseverance! In spite of incredible obstacles, her determination to finish high school and hold down a job at the same time proved that this fictitious character was better than most kids I know in real life!
Wreath's biggest obstacle, though, was trust, and wow...did she have a lot to overcome there. I couldn't imagine living a life being afraid to trust in those around me--those who have shown they care about my well-being. It took a very long time, almost the span of the entire book, before she realized that she didn't need to run from those friends that she grew to love.
The ending was a little abrupt for my taste, but I'll admit that I'd love to take a return trip to Landry and catch up with Wreath and her friends. As this was my first experience with Judy Christie's work, I have no doubt that I'll pick up another of her novels down the road.
Highly recommended!
October 27, 2018
I initially picked up this book because of one review: "A must-read for every teenage girl." Yet, after reading the book I found it a must-read for every parent and foster parent. (My wife and I have fostered over a hundred children and have adopted nine.)
This is a story of how a teen and a widow change each other's lives. Wreath is a resourceful, strong character. I'd say she has more vision of her future than any teenager I've met. She makes goal lists and seeks to keep those items.
I was drawn into the story from scene one when Wreath had to say goodbye to her mother. Wreath's struggle kept me interested. Tension stayed throughout the book.
There is so much to learn from this book. I recommend it to every teenager.
This is a story of how a teen and a widow change each other's lives. Wreath is a resourceful, strong character. I'd say she has more vision of her future than any teenager I've met. She makes goal lists and seeks to keep those items.
I was drawn into the story from scene one when Wreath had to say goodbye to her mother. Wreath's struggle kept me interested. Tension stayed throughout the book.
There is so much to learn from this book. I recommend it to every teenager.
January 22, 2012
Wreath is a seventeen year old in the process of looseing her mother. when this happens she goes on the run from Frankie's boyfriend Big Fun who is anything but. Determined to finish high school and live on her own, she makes 'tiger van' her home in a junkyard and goes to Landry H.S. by day as an "A' student. The action is non-stop, with both adventures and danger. an outstanding first YA book for popular author Judy Christie!
July 5, 2011
Wreath is a unique story for a number of reasons. I'd say it's a coming of age story, but it really isn't. It's hard for me to pinpoint the exact genre because this novel can be enjoyed by any age reader. Have you ever wondered how a young girl could survive without parents and still manage to finish high school? Wreath strives to finish school, but it's hard for her because she's afraid to trust anyone or get close to them. She also wants to protect the people she cares about, but I can't disclose why without giving a spoiler.
The author's insight into the heart of a grieving teenager runs deep.It took awhile for the plot to build because the author had to lay the foundation of all of Wreath's relationships and establish the setting, but it was well worth the wait. I've never read a story like this one before, but I really enjoyed it. There was some suspense in it and a little bit of romance to sweeten the plot. Wreath blossomed when she allowed herself to be loved, and at the same time without realizing it, changed the lives of so many people who needed her as well.
The pacing of the story really picked up once Wreath started high school. Her faith journey was slow, but believable and a completely natural part of the story. How she gradually discovered that church family should be like a real family was perfectly done. If all churches were like the one Wreath attended, there would be a lot more people in this world following Jesus rather than running from Him.
Bottom line, Wreath is not only an entertaining read, but it's a compelling story written in a unique voice by an author who clearly has a passion for relationships. I couldn't help feeling that Wreath's story was a bit of a metaphor for how we are willing to live in a junkyard and merely survive when God wants to love us if we'd just let Him. Wreath grew on me to the point that I worried for her as much as the characters in the story did. If you don't read many books this year, make sure to save a spot on your calendar for this one.
The author's insight into the heart of a grieving teenager runs deep.It took awhile for the plot to build because the author had to lay the foundation of all of Wreath's relationships and establish the setting, but it was well worth the wait. I've never read a story like this one before, but I really enjoyed it. There was some suspense in it and a little bit of romance to sweeten the plot. Wreath blossomed when she allowed herself to be loved, and at the same time without realizing it, changed the lives of so many people who needed her as well.
The pacing of the story really picked up once Wreath started high school. Her faith journey was slow, but believable and a completely natural part of the story. How she gradually discovered that church family should be like a real family was perfectly done. If all churches were like the one Wreath attended, there would be a lot more people in this world following Jesus rather than running from Him.
Bottom line, Wreath is not only an entertaining read, but it's a compelling story written in a unique voice by an author who clearly has a passion for relationships. I couldn't help feeling that Wreath's story was a bit of a metaphor for how we are willing to live in a junkyard and merely survive when God wants to love us if we'd just let Him. Wreath grew on me to the point that I worried for her as much as the characters in the story did. If you don't read many books this year, make sure to save a spot on your calendar for this one.
August 2, 2011
This was the best YA fiction book that I have ever read. Wreath Willis is all alone
in the world when her mother dies leaving her an orphan. Her mother wants her to
go into foster care, but Wreath doesn't want that life and decides to go it alone. She gets herself into high school during the day, and squats in a junk yard nights.
The thing is that she really isn't alone. The author introduces characters that will
ultimately change her life just as she changes theirs. The way the author writes her story, you really feel for the teen and her struggles. The dangerous part with Big Fun, her mothers boyfriend, just added more to the story. I love the way in which she regrets having to tell lies, just to stay hidden and safe. Wreath is a good person, smart and talented. You cannot help but hope the best for her and wish her to accept help from those who offer it. Her relationship with God is very gradual which makes it believable. Usually when I read a story I can tell how it's going to work out in the end, but there were a couple of surprises, that I didn't see coming at all. I read this in just two days. It's that good, that I'm definitely going to get this when it's released. This is a book that should be in every teens personal library.
in the world when her mother dies leaving her an orphan. Her mother wants her to
go into foster care, but Wreath doesn't want that life and decides to go it alone. She gets herself into high school during the day, and squats in a junk yard nights.
The thing is that she really isn't alone. The author introduces characters that will
ultimately change her life just as she changes theirs. The way the author writes her story, you really feel for the teen and her struggles. The dangerous part with Big Fun, her mothers boyfriend, just added more to the story. I love the way in which she regrets having to tell lies, just to stay hidden and safe. Wreath is a good person, smart and talented. You cannot help but hope the best for her and wish her to accept help from those who offer it. Her relationship with God is very gradual which makes it believable. Usually when I read a story I can tell how it's going to work out in the end, but there were a couple of surprises, that I didn't see coming at all. I read this in just two days. It's that good, that I'm definitely going to get this when it's released. This is a book that should be in every teens personal library.
February 13, 2018
This was a thought-provoking story, and I really did enjoy getting to know Wreath... but there were many elements that bothered me.
First of all, there were just far too many happy accidents. Wreath finds old clothes - and nothing smells?! Trust me, vintage garments are fabulous but often pungent (especially the way it's described that she finds them). And how is it that she continually finds what she needs? Didn't she look in those places already?! Things that would truly be a problem, particularly the school transcript, only become an issue when it's convenient to the plot (and in such a small school, no WAY is her paperwork going to be overlooked like that). And WHEN is this supposed to be happening? There are references to shopping online, but none of the high schoolers have cell phones? The references to "retro" clothing and furniture were a bit odd and all-over-the-place as well. I won't say anything about the ending, but it's mighty tidy. I just felt like the author was just making a bunch of things fit for her story, but they just didn't quite come together in a believable world.
As far as the writing itself, it's quite well done but very abrupt/uneven in places - the author provides meticulous details on a few things, but then skips over big details (Prom, for example. Where and how exactly did Wreath find her dress? A single paragraph describing a shopping trip would have cleared that up. And then what actually happened AT the event? And how on earth did she manage to get home after?!)
Bottom line - it was compelling enough that I'm bumping it from 2 to 3 stars, and I'm going to check out the second installment. I know my daughter would really enjoy this, but my practical middle-aged brain focuses too much on the probability of events.
First of all, there were just far too many happy accidents. Wreath finds old clothes - and nothing smells?! Trust me, vintage garments are fabulous but often pungent (especially the way it's described that she finds them). And how is it that she continually finds what she needs? Didn't she look in those places already?! Things that would truly be a problem, particularly the school transcript, only become an issue when it's convenient to the plot (and in such a small school, no WAY is her paperwork going to be overlooked like that). And WHEN is this supposed to be happening? There are references to shopping online, but none of the high schoolers have cell phones? The references to "retro" clothing and furniture were a bit odd and all-over-the-place as well. I won't say anything about the ending, but it's mighty tidy. I just felt like the author was just making a bunch of things fit for her story, but they just didn't quite come together in a believable world.
As far as the writing itself, it's quite well done but very abrupt/uneven in places - the author provides meticulous details on a few things, but then skips over big details (Prom, for example. Where and how exactly did Wreath find her dress? A single paragraph describing a shopping trip would have cleared that up. And then what actually happened AT the event? And how on earth did she manage to get home after?!)
Bottom line - it was compelling enough that I'm bumping it from 2 to 3 stars, and I'm going to check out the second installment. I know my daughter would really enjoy this, but my practical middle-aged brain focuses too much on the probability of events.
September 29, 2020
This book was absolutely horrendous to read. There is so much actual ridiculousness shoved into this book that I don't think I physically have the energy to talk about it so I'll just talk about the three things that bugged me the most.
1. The main character is literally the definition of "Mary-Sue." Every single character that has any major influence in this book has said or thought something along the lines of, "Wow, Wreath isn't like your average girl. She's different. She's special." When she wears old, faded clothes at least three different times someone says how, "Only Wreath could pull off something like that." It was nauseating to read and I couldn't connect with the main character AT ALL.
2. The beginning neither made sense nor worked. The first chapter, her mother dies and her mother's sketchy boyfriend is out for Wreath so, instead of going to child protective services, or heck, even the police, Wreath thinks its a fantastic idea to run away and live in a dump. Lovely. The author tried a little to justify these actions, but it just didn't work for me, like at all. I know I'm not alone because everyone I have talked to about this book agrees that this made no sense. Not knowing the reasoning behind a character's actions, especially actions that literally cause the rest of the book to happen, really takes you out of the experience.
3. Finally, it was just SUPER boring. After she makes it to Layfette, pretty much the entirety of the book until the climax is just exposition, filler, filler, and more filler. I literally had to force my eyes open during some long stretches.
I highly doubt I will ever want to read anymore about Wreath.
1. The main character is literally the definition of "Mary-Sue." Every single character that has any major influence in this book has said or thought something along the lines of, "Wow, Wreath isn't like your average girl. She's different. She's special." When she wears old, faded clothes at least three different times someone says how, "Only Wreath could pull off something like that." It was nauseating to read and I couldn't connect with the main character AT ALL.
2. The beginning neither made sense nor worked. The first chapter, her mother dies and her mother's sketchy boyfriend is out for Wreath so, instead of going to child protective services, or heck, even the police, Wreath thinks its a fantastic idea to run away and live in a dump. Lovely. The author tried a little to justify these actions, but it just didn't work for me, like at all. I know I'm not alone because everyone I have talked to about this book agrees that this made no sense. Not knowing the reasoning behind a character's actions, especially actions that literally cause the rest of the book to happen, really takes you out of the experience.
3. Finally, it was just SUPER boring. After she makes it to Layfette, pretty much the entirety of the book until the climax is just exposition, filler, filler, and more filler. I literally had to force my eyes open during some long stretches.
I highly doubt I will ever want to read anymore about Wreath.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2022
I enjoyed following Wreath in this first book of a series. I think teens that read this book would get a sense of "if Wreath could do it" then "maybe I can too". Wreath was a very determined young girl, who was on her own, and unwilling to accept foster care. As the story continued and she met Faye and started to work for her, we see how ambitious she was - this is something that many teens of today might find enhancing. There were many things that I found hard to believe and were far-fetched. I probably am too practical, but how would finding clothes in the vacated autos and camper in the junkyard even be wearable. They must have smelled musty. Not once was there talk of Wreath going to do her laundry or even having money to pay for that and yet everyone thought her clothes were charming. I would recommend this book to teens as it follows what many of us parents value.
February 13, 2024
I liked the book and the characters(except for Big Fun). Although some of it seems unrealistic for a young girl to come to Landry, which is small town, and lives in the junkyard for a year without anyone knowing where she is living. And it talks about her going through the junkyard and finding a bunch of vintage clothing to wear, which seems like the clothing would be dirty and smelly. Yet there is no mention of her washing her clothes before wearing them. Her deceased mother's boyfriend coming to that town was a surprise to me, but then it seems like he is from there(which is where her mother and father came from). I did wonder why he was so set on finding her, but it is revealed near the end. I would have liked to hear about the prom too. Law and Wreath are good together and it was interesting to see how many friends Wreath made despite wanting to be a loner.I was worried she wouldn't be able to graduate and go to college after putting a fake name on the papers. Nice ending.
December 30, 2016
Okay, so this is probably written for teenagers...didn't know that when I picked it up. But I liked the book. Not a lot happened for many many chapters. Her mother died, leaving her an orphan, but her mother's boyfriend is hunting her, and Wreath is trying to hide from him.
Most of the book is about the unattended junkyard she lives in and a job that pays barely enough to feed her, and a few people who have taken note of her. Later things change a bit. But for whatever reason, I could hardly put it down. I wanted to see how this sad orphaned teenager lives day to day and how she tries to get along.
I'd recommend it to teenagers and maybe moms looking for good books for their teenage daughters.
Most of the book is about the unattended junkyard she lives in and a job that pays barely enough to feed her, and a few people who have taken note of her. Later things change a bit. But for whatever reason, I could hardly put it down. I wanted to see how this sad orphaned teenager lives day to day and how she tries to get along.
I'd recommend it to teenagers and maybe moms looking for good books for their teenage daughters.
December 31, 2019
You can’t run away from your problems
Wreath and her mother, Frankie, live as transients never able to call any place home. After Wreath’s father dies in an accident, Frankie is not able to find love. Instead, she struggles financially and finally settles for a relationship with an abusive man known as Big Fun (Fred).
When Frankie gets sick and knows she may die, she comes up with a plan to protect Wreath and secure her future. However, when Wreath is faced with the challenges of executing the plan, she alters it in ways that lead to an unexpected outcome.
This book will keep you engaged to the very end. Christie creates great characters and develops a story that is suspenseful and satisfying.
Wreath and her mother, Frankie, live as transients never able to call any place home. After Wreath’s father dies in an accident, Frankie is not able to find love. Instead, she struggles financially and finally settles for a relationship with an abusive man known as Big Fun (Fred).
When Frankie gets sick and knows she may die, she comes up with a plan to protect Wreath and secure her future. However, when Wreath is faced with the challenges of executing the plan, she alters it in ways that lead to an unexpected outcome.
This book will keep you engaged to the very end. Christie creates great characters and develops a story that is suspenseful and satisfying.
February 6, 2021
Fantastic book. I really enjoyed this book and fell in love with the characters. Wreath was so determined to graduate high school. She found talents she didn’t know she had even though she was scared and afraid to trust people. All these emotions made for an excellent and hard to put down book. Wreath’s mom, Frankie, died and Wreath had to run away fast from Frankie’s boyfriend, Big Fun. Where does she go? Who does she meet? How does she develop her unknown talents? Who and why is there someone always following her in a car?
Clean Read. Book 1
Clean Read. Book 1
March 3, 2025
"Wreath, A Girl" by Julie Christie is young adult fiction. Wreath is 16 years old when her mother dies and she flees to the town of her mother's childhood to escape her mother's violent partner. Wreath has promised her mum that she will finish high school and go to college. Wreath tries to remain unnoticed, yet people are drawn to her, and she eventually learns to trust them and ask for help. Wreath is a resilient, creative and independent girl. I was interested in her developing relationship with other characters in the book. It has a happy ending which always pleases me.
October 11, 2018
It took me a bit to get into this book. I found it was a little slow-moving. Some of the situations in the book were a somewhat difficult to believe, yet I was willing to set that aside.
I would have given this a three-star rating, but I found the subject matter to be timely and important. Therefore, I bumped my rating up to four stars. The writing is good and the characters were compelling. All in all, not a bad read.
I would have given this a three-star rating, but I found the subject matter to be timely and important. Therefore, I bumped my rating up to four stars. The writing is good and the characters were compelling. All in all, not a bad read.
May 4, 2023
This is my favorite book by Judy Christie. Wreath is a great character! She’s not perfect, like many fictional heroines are portrayed. She’s both real and extraordinary, which makes her a relatable and compelling character. The other characters in the town add to Wreath’s journey of both growing as a person and impacting those around her. There’s humor, challenges, friendships, and a bit of danger on Wreath’s journey. A fun read!
October 25, 2018
A great touching story. I loved Wreath, such a courageous young girl and most of all I loved the way she organized her life. She made lists upon lists (like me!) and planned everything. A heartbreak caused her to be skeptical of trusting friends but the people she finally found as friends were the bright side of her life. A Great book.
May 14, 2020
Home
That one word means so much. It brings pictures to our minds. This story is a treasure. Don't let the junior reader thing keep you from a book you will love. Wreath sought a home, doing it her way, making good and not so good choices. Give yourself a treat and read about a bunch of loving characters with their own choices to make.
That one word means so much. It brings pictures to our minds. This story is a treasure. Don't let the junior reader thing keep you from a book you will love. Wreath sought a home, doing it her way, making good and not so good choices. Give yourself a treat and read about a bunch of loving characters with their own choices to make.
September 13, 2022
This is a very warm and fuzzy type of book. Very unrealistic.
Wreath runs away after her mother dies. She ends up living in a junk yard. She has very good grades. She keeps a good job. She has no issues with drugs or sex trafficking. Very wholesome girl with no issues except she is homeless.
I need stories to be somewhat realistic.
Wreath runs away after her mother dies. She ends up living in a junk yard. She has very good grades. She keeps a good job. She has no issues with drugs or sex trafficking. Very wholesome girl with no issues except she is homeless.
I need stories to be somewhat realistic.
January 27, 2025
Wreath by Judy Christie is a heartfelt story about finding hope and healing during tough times. The characters are relatable and the small-town setting adds charm to the book. While the pacing can feel a bit slow at times, the themes of community and personal growth make it worthwhile. Overall, it’s a touching read the will make you appreciate the little moments in life.
June 6, 2017
Actual Rating: 3.5
I think I liked it, but have some complains about it:
The girl is clearly introduced as a 16 year old, and she acts like a 12 year old.
I thought that was really confusing. It would have been better if she was like a 12 or 13 year old.
I think I liked it, but have some complains about it:
The girl is clearly introduced as a 16 year old, and she acts like a 12 year old.
I thought that was really confusing. It would have been better if she was like a 12 or 13 year old.
June 13, 2021
Not just for the young
Loved this! I’m quite beyond young but I’m so glad I found this book. It spoke to all my requirements for the perfect read: characters, setting, and plot.
Loved this! I’m quite beyond young but I’m so glad I found this book. It spoke to all my requirements for the perfect read: characters, setting, and plot.
September 23, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! Wreath is such a loveable character that you are rooting for from beginning to end. This story is so sweet and I can't wait to read the next in the series!
January 21, 2020
A book you have to read to end
August 2, 2011
The book starts out with Wreath trying to comfort her mother as she is very sick from an illness. Wreath's mom Frankie then dies and Wreath takes off, fleeing from her mom's boyfriend, Big Fun.
The story's plot revolves around Wreath's promise to her mother, to attend college after high school. (Wreath is entering her senior year.) Frankie also thinks Wreath has called Child Protective Services to be put in foster care, but what Frankie doesn't know...turns out to be Wreath's biggest downfall and success.
This story follows the year after Frankie dies, leaving Wreath to fend for herself in the big wide world, trying to still attend high school to honor her mother's wishes.
While the plot was very good, I enjoyed it very much, it was also unrealistic, in its setting. Maybe in a big city a girl like Wreath would go unnoticed, but in a small community where this supposedly takes place, it would not. (I'm from a small town...whatever you try to keep secret isn't...whatever you do is broadcasted!) I did find it annoying that everyone "loved" her. To her out-dated, thrift clothes (come on...really she found wearable clothes in junk cars that have been sitting there for ages?!) to her ideas for decorating. That seemed a little far-fetched as well. No one is always liked by everyone, a fact everyone knows.
I like the determination of Wreath in her situations, which will probably help teens overcome their struggles as I'm sure none of them face what she tackles head on. The character is well developed and I can remember feeling and thinking some of the same thoughts when I was in my teens.
I would give this book a 3.5 star rating. The plot was good, just maybe not the way it was told.
Read
September 7, 2011Wreath is a sixteen year old girl who must grow up and live on her own when her mother dies. The problem is she’s living in a junk yard. It’s her life’s mission to complete high school and go to college, but she doesn’t want to go into foster care for the last year of high school. So she finds a small town where she can slip through the cracks until it’s time to graduate.
Unfortunately, Wreath’s too wonderful to forget, and soon she has a support group of community members who care deeply for her. They all know something is wrong, but no one quite knows what.
Living in a junk yard is only the beginning. What would they say if they knew the secret that didn’t die with her mother? Now her mother’s abusive boyfriend is hunting Wreath down, and getting closer than she knows.
**
This book is completely fascinating. Wreath’s stubborn determination keeps her going, and sometimes I wish she would just people help her! It’s just her personality though. I thought the details of this book worked together nicely, and the author did a good job of tying up loose ends (like what Wreath did for showering and not being able to get a library card). There were a few things that I questioned how Wreath got around (like not having a social security card to apply for colleges).
There were also a few times where the chapter just ended, and I had no idea what happened to the situation the chapter was working up to. For example, Wreath goes to prom, and then the chapter ends. Minor details come up in the next chapter, but not much. It just seemed like sometimes the passage of time was a little uneven.
Other than that, I really, really enjoyed this book. It was very clean, there was some good suspense, and I don’t think there was really any swearing.
Unfortunately, Wreath’s too wonderful to forget, and soon she has a support group of community members who care deeply for her. They all know something is wrong, but no one quite knows what.
Living in a junk yard is only the beginning. What would they say if they knew the secret that didn’t die with her mother? Now her mother’s abusive boyfriend is hunting Wreath down, and getting closer than she knows.
**
This book is completely fascinating. Wreath’s stubborn determination keeps her going, and sometimes I wish she would just people help her! It’s just her personality though. I thought the details of this book worked together nicely, and the author did a good job of tying up loose ends (like what Wreath did for showering and not being able to get a library card). There were a few things that I questioned how Wreath got around (like not having a social security card to apply for colleges).
There were also a few times where the chapter just ended, and I had no idea what happened to the situation the chapter was working up to. For example, Wreath goes to prom, and then the chapter ends. Minor details come up in the next chapter, but not much. It just seemed like sometimes the passage of time was a little uneven.
Other than that, I really, really enjoyed this book. It was very clean, there was some good suspense, and I don’t think there was really any swearing.
June 26, 2013
Wreath Willis is a sixteen year old girl who is determined to have a good life. Recently orphaned, she makes herself a list of all the things she needs to do to succeed in life, despite the odds against her. With no guardians, no place to stay and no money, she scopes out the town where her mother grew up, and settles on an old junkyard for a roof over her head.
One of the big things on her "list" is to avoid notice, something she does with no avail. Everywhere she turns is a complication to her plans, and no matter what she does, she draws attention wherever she goes. Will her past fears catch up to her, or will her secrets cause suspicions to the point that she will be forced to run again?
Wreath caught me up in it's spell to the point that I didn't realize I was entrapped until the book came to an end. I realized that every hope and dream of this girl became my own. Every disappointment and sorrow that overtook her became mine to resolve. And it wasn't until I finally had shut the book and looked up at life that I realized I was caught in it's fantastical web, and that the line between reality and fiction was blurred and no longer clear. A wonderful book that I will visit again and again, and again...
One of the big things on her "list" is to avoid notice, something she does with no avail. Everywhere she turns is a complication to her plans, and no matter what she does, she draws attention wherever she goes. Will her past fears catch up to her, or will her secrets cause suspicions to the point that she will be forced to run again?
Wreath caught me up in it's spell to the point that I didn't realize I was entrapped until the book came to an end. I realized that every hope and dream of this girl became my own. Every disappointment and sorrow that overtook her became mine to resolve. And it wasn't until I finally had shut the book and looked up at life that I realized I was caught in it's fantastical web, and that the line between reality and fiction was blurred and no longer clear. A wonderful book that I will visit again and again, and again...
September 23, 2012
Wreath was actually a surprise find at the local Dollar General store and because no matter where I go if I see they have a book selection I check it not matter how big or small.
So it was a pleasant surprise to come across a book that caught my interest and held it through the entire book.
Wreath is a girl who has to fight for everything she gets, including her own survival. In a world where it seems like mot of the young people are use to being handed every single thing, this girl finds herself living in a junkyard about to enter her senior year with little to no money and no job in a town she has been to only once as a child.
It was very realistic, her struggles and the sheer stubborn strength of will that kept her going. Having spent months on the streets in her type of situation it was easy to relate and understand some of the fear that most people don't think of that come with finding yourself homeless and alone.
This is a book I think every Teen should read and an inspiration to everyone to never give up and always try to find new goals once you accomplish one's you have already set for yourself.
So it was a pleasant surprise to come across a book that caught my interest and held it through the entire book.
Wreath is a girl who has to fight for everything she gets, including her own survival. In a world where it seems like mot of the young people are use to being handed every single thing, this girl finds herself living in a junkyard about to enter her senior year with little to no money and no job in a town she has been to only once as a child.
It was very realistic, her struggles and the sheer stubborn strength of will that kept her going. Having spent months on the streets in her type of situation it was easy to relate and understand some of the fear that most people don't think of that come with finding yourself homeless and alone.
This is a book I think every Teen should read and an inspiration to everyone to never give up and always try to find new goals once you accomplish one's you have already set for yourself.
February 5, 2012
This is considered teen fiction, but I think that a younger, mature reader could handle it. Not unlike award winning books where the protagonist faces adversity after a death. In this case Wreath's mom dies, and Wreath has promised her that she will finish high school and go to college. Her mom also thinks the girl has set it up to go into the system after her death. Wreath has no such plans. She does intend to finish high school and go to college, but decides that she will be better off by running away and living in a junkyard.
This one is considered Christian literature, but it was not anything more than what you might hear every day. I mean, that who hasn't heard someone say that they prayed for a friend to get better, that kids go to some sort of religious lesson. So it's done in everyday, matter-of-fact tone, so that it doesn't come off as preachy (hee hee).
Really liked most of the characters. And the town it is set in seems quaint. All in all an enjoyable read.
This one is considered Christian literature, but it was not anything more than what you might hear every day. I mean, that who hasn't heard someone say that they prayed for a friend to get better, that kids go to some sort of religious lesson. So it's done in everyday, matter-of-fact tone, so that it doesn't come off as preachy (hee hee).
Really liked most of the characters. And the town it is set in seems quaint. All in all an enjoyable read.
August 25, 2013
This story captivated me from the first page and held me until the last word.
As a high school teacher, it gave me pause about the circumstances of my students' lives, even more than normal.
My one small disappointment-- I'm a history and social studies teacher, so I didn't love that the teacher who most influences Wreath hated her job teaching social studies. I realize that Ms. Christie needed to give her a job she didn't like, but I hate to see social studies get dumped on when it's such a wonderful and interesting subject! Great teachers can be passionate about any subject. I loved that the author allowed the teacher to connect with Wreath beyond her own dislike of her job (and desire to teach art, instead). This is what all teachers should do-- connect with students beyond the subject matter.
This story truly moved me-- I was brought to tears several times.
This is a must-read!
As a high school teacher, it gave me pause about the circumstances of my students' lives, even more than normal.
My one small disappointment-- I'm a history and social studies teacher, so I didn't love that the teacher who most influences Wreath hated her job teaching social studies. I realize that Ms. Christie needed to give her a job she didn't like, but I hate to see social studies get dumped on when it's such a wonderful and interesting subject! Great teachers can be passionate about any subject. I loved that the author allowed the teacher to connect with Wreath beyond her own dislike of her job (and desire to teach art, instead). This is what all teachers should do-- connect with students beyond the subject matter.
This story truly moved me-- I was brought to tears several times.
This is a must-read!
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