When I decided to attend the Laurapalooza conference in Mankato, Minnesota, next year, I knew that I just had to read the Betsy-Tacy books. I’d heard of Maud Hart Lovelace, her books and her tie to Mankato, so it seemed logical to get to know her better before I visited!
The books were on my “to read” list, but I knew that I had plenty of time. All winter, in fact. Then one day, not long ago, Beyond Little House’s own Rebecca Brammer asked me if I’d read the books. Well, I did remember reading one when I was young, but it just didn’t grab me the way the Little House books did so I never continued on with the series. Rebecca explained the contest to me and I jumped at the chance. What a fun project this was going to be!
In no time at all, the book arrived in my mailbox and I started reading it that very day. It didn’t take long for the allure of Betsy, Tacy and the whole gang to reel me in. I loved the books. I could have read them in one sitting if things like, oh I don’t know, our business, meetings and housework didn’t get in the way! Maud Hart Lovelace’s writing is so delightful that you can’t help but find her characters irresistible. You have to know what happens next. I love that this is based on Maud Hart Lovelace’s real life.
I had originally intended to write a brief summary of the books, but I didn’t want to give too much away! The first book, Heaven to Betsy, begins as Betsy is about to embark on her freshman year in high school, and Betsy in Spite of Herself follows her through her sophomore year. Betsy (at the turn of the century) faces many of the issues that I faced growing up in the ’60s and ’70s and that many girls face to this day. Family, friends, boys, grades! There’s a charm about the books that just makes you know that everything is going to be okay. It’s a happy story that’s being told, yet things aren’t too perfect. I enjoyed getting to know Betsy and her family, Tacy, Tib and The Crowd.
It didn’t take me long to realize that I HAD to read all of the books. I only wish I would have ordered them before I finished reading Heaven to Betsy and Betsy in Spite of Herself. Now, I have to wait for my order to arrive. And another conundrum — should I read the next books in the series, or start at the beginning?
Now don’t get me wrong! Betsy will never replace Laura. Betsy had many friends, but Tacy remained her true and loyal best friend. I read many books, but Laura is a part of me, a best friend. So, take it from a convert — if you haven’t read Betsy-Tacy, read them and enjoy them. They are so worth your time! I know that the Betsy-Tacy books are ones that I will read and re-read!
Rebecca, thank you so much for thinking of me! I think that this contest was one of the best ideas I’ve ever heard. Now, I’m more excited than ever to visit Mankato next year! 