Thanks for stopping by! I'm Cori and I'm happy you've found your way here. If you're wondering why my blog is called "Let's Eat Grandpa," it's an old grammar joke: Let's eat, grandpa! Let's eat grandpa! (Punctuation saves lives.) 
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
Read: based on several blog recommendations
Source: Kindle
Finished: 6/27/11
Rating: 7 out of 10
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 368
Published: 2005
Synopsis (from School Library Journal): This whirlwind adventure begins as Ginny, 17, reads a letter from her free-spirited, unpredictable Aunt Peg, who has recently passed away. She is given several destinations, four rules, and the instruction to open one envelope upon her arrival at each place. The motivation: Ginny wants to understand the woman’s wanderlust and, possibly, she just wants a connection to her beloved relative. Throughout her adventures in Rome, Paris, Greece, England, and the Netherlands, the teen collects pieces of Peg’s past and learns more about her rapid departure. She also learns much about herself.
Overall Impression: What we ended up with here is a really cute concept, that I’m not sure was full realized. The idea of letters taking a young woman on a trip across Europe is charming and intriguing, and, for the most part, I enjoyed following the hapless-but-likeable Ginny throughout her adventures (especially to the handful of places I’ve been — London, Edinburgh, Rome!). But sometimes it felt rushed and a little unrealistic. I wish it had been a bit longer and more fully thought out, with each spot on her trip giving her a little more insight into her Aunt Peg and herself. I wish Ginny had been just a little happier or open. She seemed so quiet and grumbly a lot.
The ending wasn’t satisfying, but I now know there’s a sequel, which I’m sure will help tie the whole thing together.
Positives: A quick, light read — perfect for summer. Any time I get to read about traveling to Europe, I’m a happy girl.
Negatives: A little rushed, not quite fleshed out enough.
Other books I’ve read by Maureen Johnson: none
Other blogger opinions:
Bookalicio.us: “Even with the stunning details, the book travels at a fantastic speed allowing for the reader to reach the conclusion in mere hours.”
KellyVision: “I wish someone would fund an adventure like this for me. And if you haven’t already read this, I wish you’d remedy that.”
books i done read: “But the banter is not as banty and the jokes feel stilted and whether I ever love a Johnson as much as I loved her short story in Let It Snow remains to be seen.”
