Forever Rose

Rose is facing up to having to spend Christmas by herself. She’s not alone in the house, but she might as well be. Her father, Bill, is in London as usual, her mother, Eve, is down with the flu, and Saffy and Indigo, her sister and brother, are busy with their own teenage hobbies and are hardly in the house anymore. And Caddy, the oldest? Forget Caddy. She went chasing after Darling Michael just after her almost-wedding to Alex, and even though Michael may have come back home, Caddy sure hasn’t.But Rose is determined to have a good Christmas, even if her sadistic teacher won’t even let the class celebrate. And with the help of a school Nativity pageant, her rather dull friend Molly’s desperate attempts not to be boring anymore, and Indigo’s somewhat annoying (to Rose, anyway) but well-meaning friend David, Rose will surely have a holiday like none other she’s ever seen.Anyone who’s enjoyed the previous escapades of the Cassons will surely have fun with “Forever Rose.” As the title tells us, Rose is the main focus of the book, but she’s growing more compassionate by the day, so even though I wasn’t too enthused about spending a whole book with her, I got used to the idea pretty quickly and even got to like her voice. Did the book push the cuteness factor just the tiniest bit? Yes. Was it a little contrived? Well, maybe a little. But did I have a whole lot of fun and gobble this book up like Christmas cookies? Yes, I did. There’s one more Casson novel – a prequel about Caddy – and I’m not sure whether I’m excited to read it or sad to see this series go.

The most recent in the line of McKay's children's books about the Casson family -- huge fun to read aloud because it is all done in the first person, in the mind and speech of a twelve-year-old girl -- clever, funny, heartfelt, headstrong, considerate and loyal but critical and emotional -- a different sort of story than I'm used to reading aloud (being a volunteer audiobook narrator doing mostly science texts) - but with sudden stabs of worry, drama, sadness, to anchor the tale of the eclectic family and friends -- if you're new to the series, start with Saffy's Angel - certainly makes a nice gift to a child

I know, don't judge a book by its cover, but I have to say up-front the McKay has some of the worst designed covers outside of the $1 bin at the Walmart store from the 70's. That said, do not let yourself be turned away by them. McKay has been writing some of the most lovely children's literature set in a realistic framework. The families in her books are flawed, but utterly charming and usually female dominated. "Forever Rose" is one of 5 volumes in the life of a rather unconventional family, the Casons. They are the bohemian English cousins of Jeanne Birdsall's Penderwicks (Also worth reading). Dad is a philandering artiste who tries to avoid family life as much as possible by having a studio far away in London. Mom makes ends meet by painting kitschy art for the local market in the shed where she hides from her children. 13 year old Rose is in love with a 18 year old boy from New York and gives her unloved teacher a nervous breakdown, her sister Caddy has disappeared after running away from her wedding. The only sane one is Saffy, but she is adopted (sort of..). But with all their flaws the characters in the book are ... nice. And a lot of fun. I have been fighting with my 11 year old daughter whether I get to read the book to her at bedtime chapter by chapter, or if she would read it by herself.Check out "Rose's Blog", a free Kindle book that is set after the 5 proper books. It will give some of the twists away that play out in these books, but it will give you a good idea of McKay's writing. And then read everything of hers you can get your hands on

Okay, you should know that all things considered, I invariably choose fantasy over contemporary realism, and I can usually keep my head when reviewing and not gush. BUT--Hilary McKay's five books about the Casson family are among my all-time favorites. EVER. I LOVE the delicate blend of humor and truth and trouble and compassion in every one of these books. The characters are so quirky and likable and real--not only the Casson kids and their rather odd parents, but secondary characters such as David and Sarah, as well. In this last volume, even the various school teachers shine in their brief cameos--and the bits about the first grade Nativity play are the funniest thing since The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!I ordered Forever Rose the second I saw it was available and opened it up with bone-deep joy, then had one of those minor panic attacks that can sweep down upon avid readers: "What if it's not as good as I think it will be? As good as I want it to be?" But it was. In this book, the youngest Casson, Rose, is grumping her way through a pre-Christmas season beleaguered by a mother with an endless cold, a truly awful sixth grade teacher, and siblings who are clearly growing up and away and leaving her behind. Among other things. Like--how might someone get away with spending the night at the zoo? (In the arctic foxes' shed, of course. The foxes are apparently out of town.)I do strongly recommend you read all of the books in order, since you'll enjoy this one far more if you do. I mean, I imagine you can still have a good read without doing that; I just wouldn't recommend it.There is an air of magical realism about McKay's Casson books, even though there isn't a scrap of actual magic in them. (The main character does have some interesting things to say about fairy tales in Forever Rose.) I personally find real life--the people and words and sights and sounds of it--magical in its own right. McKay somehow manages to capture that world-faith/world-joy in her Casson books. It's also quite an accomplishment to write such hopeful books about life and family without being the least bit didactic.I'm just so happy today, having spent some time with the Casson family again. Thank you VERY much, Hilary McKay!

The only thing wrong with this book is that it's so clearly the end of the series. I know exactly who should marry whom when they all grow up - but we'll never find out!

I read this series with my daughter when she was younger and we loved them. I also worked in a bookshop and used to recommend them all the time - customers would soon be rushing back in for the next one. I had not realised that there was yet one more and I bought it for me as my daughter is now beyond the age of reading children's books, though I am sure she will be reading it when she gets her hands on it. As before, the humour in the book is delightful and can be appreciated on lots of different levels, whatever your age. The Casson Family are such vivid characters and although their lives might be considered quite eccentric, they are all so endearing and brave with it. This ties all the loose ends together in a most satisfying way and leaves you with a lovely glow. I dislike sickly sentimentality but this book is never like that, it is actually written with a lot of subtlety and a joyful spirit which carries you along with it - one of those books which makes you feel good.

This book is about a young girl called Rose who lives with her mother (Eve) sister Caddy, cousin Saffy and brother Indigo. When her "boring" friend Molly wants to do something daring Rose and friend, Kiran promise to do it with her however they don't know what they're getting themselves into. Meanwhile Indigo friend David is having problems at home and seem to be constantly appearing round the Cassons house. Caddy was off somewhere exploring and none of the family knew why she wasn't in touch very often. Rose herself is missing her good friend Tom who lives in New York and doesn't suspect what surprise she's got in store for Christmas day. She also managed to find the perfect match for Caddy to be with. And some unexpected news from her changes the whole atmosphere of the Casson family household. I would recommend this book for all ages as it is a realistic yet exiting adventure about a far from normal family. I give it 4 stars for the being an excellent literary, well written book, the excitement, the diary formatting making it a clever read and a true page turner.

Living with the Cassons has been a privilege and a delight. The friends and family are beautiful, vivid creatures and the story is soul-restoring and very, very funny. These books are EXACTLY ART!

Hillary McKay is an amazing author with her own special style. It's all about a crazy family which make you laugh. But it also has heart. It is the perfect book for 8-12s.

I loved this book it is very fast paced and there are no boring bits. I highly recommend this book for 9 to 12 year olds