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 · i,721 ratings  · 107 reviews

First your review of When Christmas Comes Once again: The World War I Diary of Simone Spencer (Dear America)

This story was pretty good, but there really wasn't much Christmas in it until the end which sort of bugged me since its title has Christmas in it. Anyway, for someone who doesn't know much about the get-go World State of war, this might be a good story to go them interested, but I found information technology just pretty skilful. Perchance that was the fact that I'd done extensive reading and research on that war and this book only didn't give me the feeling of the state of war. Perhaps it was because this story is written in a diary fo This story was pretty good, merely at that place really wasn't much Christmas in it until the stop which sort of bugged me since its title has Christmas in it. Anyhow, for someone who doesn't know much almost the first World War, this might be a good story to get them interested, but I found it just pretty good. Perhaps that was the fact that I'd done all-encompassing reading and research on that war and this book just didn't give me the feeling of the war. Perchance it was because this story is written in a diary form which only allows for so much information.
There actually is no mention of the real significant of Christmas. There is 1 mention of Simone hoping an angel ornamentation will protect her brother and friend in the fighting. ...more than

This was such a sugariness and endearing read! I actually connected with the main character Simone and loved how the ending turned out for her and her family. It was fun learning most growing up during WW I as well. Highly recommend!

Sep 29, 2008 Jorge rated information technology really liked it

Recommends information technology for: people who similar diaries and journals

this book is near the life of Simone Spencer during World State of war i. in the story Simone leads an average life as a student, who sometimes helps the YMCA. just a few days after her graduation, her blood brother is leaving to go to war. during the twelvemonth that her brother, Volition, is gone life seems awfully boring for Simone, until she comes up with a brilliant idea. when she is 17, Simone asks her parents if she can help in the war by working on the telephone lines near the battlefront.
her parents give her per this book is about the life of Simone Spencer during Globe War 1. in the story Simone leads an average life equally a student, who sometimes helps the YMCA. just a few days afterward her graduation, her brother is leaving to go to war. during the year that her blood brother, Volition, is gone life seems clumsily boring for Simone, until she comes up with a vivid idea. when she is 17, Simone asks her parents if she can help in the war past working on the phone lines about the battlefront.
her parents give her permission and she is shipped to Paris in a few days. Simone spends time exploring Paris and with other girls. she shortly becomes friends with a daughter named Alice, who's by Simone's side a lot of the time. they(along with some other girls work on the telephone lines many hours a solar day. their jobs are important considering urgent messages are sent and are to exist sent by all the girls.
the girls are constantly moving from place to place and are always getting closer to the battlefront. there is a dance on i night and Simone finds her brother Will and her truthful love. she and a boy named Sam Cates run into each other in dances and they fall in dearest. unfortunately, Sam is existence sent to the next day, along with Sam and the other soldiers.
during the winter of 1918, the girls face harsh atmospheric condition and take difficulty in their jobs. Alice gets sick day by day, for it turns out that she has a illness! Alice's expiry wish is for Simone to write her family a letter almost how she cares about them. Simone fulfills her wish and mails it to Alice's family.
afterward many crude battles against the Germans, America finally wins the state of war! Simone and Volition are finally returning dwelling house, and but in time to gloat Christmas.simply, it turns out that Volition saw the death of Sam. Simone doesn't lose hope, though because she is certain that Sam did survive. as everyone is reunited during Christmas Eve, Simone goes to assistance in the hospital and is taken by surprise when she finds Sam on a hospital bed.
although Sam is alive, he isn't unharmed. it turns out that a grenade blew part of his leg off. unfortunately, Sam will have to stay in the hospital for rehabilitation. Male parent however, manages to bring Sam to their home to celebrate Christmas with them. all ends very well in Simone'due south life, but i can't tell you everything, and then read the Epilogue to detect out. ...more

Oct 28, 2016 kris rated it did non similar information technology

Simone Spencer, aged 17, volunteers with the Signal Corps to become to France and serve as a switchboard operator at the front lines. While overseas, she makes a friend, discovers the depths of grief, and falls in love.

If that seems overly simplistic for a WWI story, Yous'D Be Correct.

I think the hard truth is that I have simply outgrown these books. I have enough base knowledge that these books no longer spark that involvement; they don't whet my appetite; they feel like they're under-delivering on ver

Simone Spencer, aged 17, volunteers with the Signal Corps to go to French republic and serve equally a switchboard operator at the front lines. While overseas, she makes a friend, discovers the depths of grief, and falls in love.

If that seems overly simplistic for a WWI story, You'D BE RIGHT.

I recollect the hard truth is that I have simply outgrown these books. I have enough base knowledge that these books no longer spark that interest; they don't whet my appetite; they feel like they're under-delivering on very serious, circuitous topics. I want to sink my teeth into them but there'southward cypher at that place: it's similar a mouthful of cotton candy, melting down into a stomach ache.

...more

Jan 23, 2015 Cassey rated it information technology was astonishing

The life of Simone is just similar a book I read befor.Her life was a existent book.i just beloved it.information technology makes me sad but makes me smile too of the happines.the finish made me happy and in the middle was sad how her best friend died.I just beloved her story of her life.

Jun 12, 2021 Tori rated it really liked information technology

I love when I learn brand new things from these books. I'd never heard of the 'hullo girls' before this. Amazing women. I honey when I learn brand new things from these books. I'd never heard of the 'hello girls' before this. Amazing women. ...more

Mar 30, 2019 Cheyenne rated it really liked it

"The thing is, if in your life, you never got whatever bad news, never got weary, never got the wind knocked out of you lot, well, there would be nothing left in this world to move you. And in that location would be no reason at all to well up in a teary grinning and hold on tight to everything you dear. I know at present that that's the whole point. That'southward the whole point of everything."

In that location'south a lot that Simone's story has going for it - musings on class relations and recognizing one'due south privilege equally a member of the upper cl

"The matter is, if in your life, you lot never got whatever bad news, never got weary, never got the wind knocked out of you, well, at that place would be naught left in this earth to motility yous. And at that place would be no reason at all to well up in a teary smile and hold on tight to everything you love. I know now that that'southward the whole bespeak. That's the whole point of everything."

In that location's a lot that Simone's story has going for it - musings on class relations and recognizing one's privilege as a member of the upper class, the struggle to preserve some sort of teenage girlhood while in a foreign country at war, and the complicated mix of emotions in bliss at the war existence over and the grim realization that both she and her earth will never quite be the aforementioned.

For those who debate that Simone has no characterization and that her diary entries are lackluster, I disagree completely. She clashes with her grandmother and other "high society" women over their expectations of her. She isn't as radical as her suffragist friend Francie, only Simone develops an agreement of women'due south empowerment through her experience equally a "hullo girl" switchboard operator. I related strongly to her anxieties over graduating high schoolhouse and wanting to make a departure in the globe without knowing what that departure could be.

Equally far every bit the diary entries go, before the war she couldn't find the motivation to write and after the war she couldn't find the time. She writes sporadically when she can, jotting down a few words in before she sleeps. She'south working twelve hour shifts - she doesn't have time or energy to hammer out a dissertation every nighttime. Information technology'south not realistic, especially when her days consist of the same monotonous and stress-inducing switchboards over and over again.

For those who criticize her love story with Sam and how quickly information technology progresses, I once more have to disagree. She grew up hearing all about how her mother and begetter cruel in love at first sight, so information technology's only natural that she would want to find that same kind of eye-stopping dear for herself. The traumas that she and Sam experienced at state of war bind them together as much as sharing a trip the light fantastic toe, and in an unfamiliar globe where yous don't know if you are going to survive to see the next day or not, you don't always take the luxury to take the time to autumn in love. Simone utilized her love for Sam (every bit well equally her brother) equally a fashion to motivate herself and proceed her focused on the importance of her work.

I finished the book in i sitting with tears in my eyes. Is the catastrophe a little too saccharine? Perhaps. Does that really matter? At that place are besides many DA books with gross mischaracterizations of their subject matter for me to be bothered that Simone's biggest flaw is she gets a happy ending. /endrant

...more

Jul sixteen, 2020 Rachel rated it it was amazing

Bang-up volume well-nigh the female bespeak corps workers in world war i. Recommend

December 12, 2020 Natalie rated it liked it

Not as Christmassy as I would have liked, but an interesting historical read nonetheless.

2021 Review: I offset read this as a 17 twelvemonth old, the verbal age of the heroine. But I have to say that reading information technology as a 24 twelvemonth old did not change my feel (or my star rating). As well a interruption for tiffin, I reread it in one sitting. It is warm, it is cozy, it is heartbreaking, it is real. I'm truly in awe of the fact that Levine could have such stunning prose and simply have written this one book! 6 years later and I nevertheless promise she'll write some other novel someday.

2018 Review:
This book is part of

2021 Review: I beginning read this equally a 17 twelvemonth old, the verbal age of the heroine. Just I have to say that reading it equally a 24 year old did non modify my experience (or my star rating). Besides a interruption for lunch, I reread it in ane sitting. It is warm, it is cozy, information technology is heartbreaking, it is real. I'1000 truly in awe of the fact that Levine could have such stunning prose and only have written this one volume! 6 years later and I however promise she'll write some other novel anytime.

2018 Review:
This book is part of the Dear America serial, a heart grade historical fiction series near and dear to my middle. I hope to review many Dear Americas in the future, but I'yard excited that my showtime one happens to be one of my all-fourth dimension favorites!

When Christmas Comes Again past Beth Seidel Levine is one of the few (if not the simply) Dear America almost a seventeen-year-erstwhile girl. Nigh of the Honey America heroines are between twelve and fourteen years one-time, then you can imagine my excitement when I was finally the exact same age as the main graphic symbol. Therefore, Simone's questions about her futurity and her meaning in life are very relatable every bit I asked myself similar questions at that historic period. As well, Simone'south family is French and as I am French-Canadian, I loved the $.25 of French language and references throughout the diary.

I'll acknowledge I might be a piffling biased every bit World War I is my favorite time period and this book happens to take place so, but ultimately, a practiced story is a practiced story. Simone, in wanting to make a difference, ends up signing on for a job that is more than she bargained for. Existence a Hello Girl is non easy, but involves high-stress situations where her communications with Centrolineal soldiers not merely have to be coded, just she must help them reach their goals in calling, if she can. Simone wonders if she's strong enough, but she doesn't accept time to decide whether she is or not because they demand her—at present. Sometimes information technology's non about having strength before a situation arises, simply getting through the situation which then gives you strength. This story is rich in history and I loved learning nearly another side of World War I we don't often hear virtually.

There is romance, there is friendship, there is loneliness and at that place is heartache. Life lived during a state of war—any war—is often cruel and unfair. And questions are ofttimes left unanswered. But Simone pushes through information technology and when she returns home, she is made dissimilar by her experiences. She tin never return to the sweet, innocent New York gal she one time was, but she would never go dorsum. One of my favorite quotes from the book perfectly reflects this thought:

"The thing is, if in your life, you never got any bad news, never got weary, never got the wind knocked out of you lot, well, there would exist nothing left in this world to move you lot. And at that place would be no reason at all to well up in a teary smile and hold on tight to everything y'all love. I know now that that's the whole signal. That's the whole point to everything."

If that didn't just give y'all chills, there'due south cipher more I tin do.

I give When Christmas Comes Again 5 out of v stars. It's geared toward centre grade readers, but just every bit entertaining and educational for loftier schoolers and across. While the story does non entirely center around Christmas fourth dimension, it begins and ends with Christmas. Because Christmas marks a fourth dimension for families to be together—happy, content and at peace. There was no peace for the Spencer family in 1917 and although World War I had inverse them greatly, they had peace in Christmas of 1918. This demonstrates that while we may not take peace now, we tin look forward to the peace to come up.

...more

Nov 24, 2017 Sadie Joy rated it it was astonishing

With the war swiftly approaching, seventeen year old Simone Spencer's older brother, Will, immediately registers before a draft comes. As the state of war progresses, Simone begins to feel helpless, and her own New York Urban center remains as it ever was, so it's easy to forget that there's a state of war going on at all.

Wanting to help in some mode, Simone searches for options, volunteering at the YMCA for some time, and even looking into beingness a nurse for the Ruddy-Cross. But subsequently seeing the men at the hospital in crit

With the war swiftly approaching, seventeen yr old Simone Spencer's older blood brother, Will, immediately registers before a draft comes. Equally the war progresses, Simone begins to experience helpless, and her ain New York City remains as information technology e'er was, so it's easy to forget that at that place'southward a state of war going on at all.

Wanting to help in some fashion, Simone searches for options, volunteering at the YMCA for some time, and even looking into beingness a nurse for the Cerise-Cantankerous. But later seeing the men at the hospital in critical condition, Simone doubts that being a nurse is the right choice.

When General John J. Pershing calls for young women to join his ranks to operate switchboards, Simone is thrilled, and when the ages are lowered, she immediately starts training. That'due south when the real action begins.

This book weaved humour, anger, happiness, and sorrow and then well. Simone'southward ain perspective, her losses, her fury, her happiness, her sadness, they were written beautifully. I take a vivid imagination, and the words brought it to life.

Though the catastrophe was bittersweet, equally told, even Simone didn't wish anything differently. If her grief, if sad things had not happened, if her life had non ever been sorrow filled, then in the end, she wouldn't be able to be truly appreciate the joy that came in the finish.

...more

This outstanding volume in the Dear America historical diary series centers on a "hello girl" of World War I. (In lieu of spoilers, read the volume) The author'southward perfect pacing and organic infusion of historical fact into an epistolary fiction is like a master grade. I've read many of the Dear America and My Proper noun is America books, and while some have maybe better writing or more gripping plots, this ane is superb in its natural feel, engaging style, and informative content. The backmatter is not a This outstanding book in the Dear America historical diary series centers on a "hello girl" of World War I. (In lieu of spoilers, read the book) The author'southward perfect pacing and organic infusion of historical fact into an epistolary fiction is like a master class. I've read many of the Beloved America and My Proper name is America books, and while some have maybe better writing or more gripping plots, this 1 is superb in its natural experience, engaging style, and informative content. The backmatter is not equally good every bit some of the others. Simply this one is in no style still or irksome (as some in the series are) Highly recommended to glean a flake about this time period. ...more

Okay, and then the ending was a footling sappy and contrived, but that'due south fine. The rest of the book...well, it's interesting, but mostly considering I didn't realize women went over to Europe during WWI in whatever other chapters than "nurse." So that role was cool. All the same, the volume itself was merely kinda...meh. Information technology didn't seem terribly well-written or anything. In other words, topic = interesting, book = not so much.

iii/five on here, 6/x for myself.

Okay, and then the ending was a little sappy and contrived, simply that's fine. The rest of the book...well, information technology'south interesting, but mostly because I didn't realize women went over to Europe during WWI in any other capacity than "nurse." So that role was cool. All the same, the book itself was but kinda...meh. It didn't seem terribly well-written or anything. In other words, topic = interesting, volume = not so much.

iii/5 on here, 6/10 for myself.

...more

I'm choosing to read this during Christmas considering of the title, but really it'southward non completely centered on the holiday and covers a year of a young American woman stationed in Europe. This shows how much responsibility was given to young people during an extremely challenging menstruation of history. It gave an interesting look at how women were able to be involved in the military during WWI. I'grand choosing to read this during Christmas because of the title, but really information technology'due south not completely centered on the holiday and covers a yr of a young American woman stationed in Europe. This shows how much responsibleness was given to young people during an extremely challenging catamenia of history. It gave an interesting wait at how women were able to be involved in the armed services during WWI. ...more than

December 18, 2017 Meredith rated information technology it was amazing

[2021 Review]

I really enjoyed returning to this lovely Dear America story, which was the first i I ever read! It endures as one of my all-time favorites. Smashing characters, potent historical setting, charming romance, proficient lessons, and an ending that's tied up as pretty equally a Christmas bow—what more could y'all ask for during the holidays?!

[2021 Review]

I really enjoyed returning to this lovely Dear America story, which was the first 1 I ever read! It endures as one of my all-fourth dimension favorites. Nifty characters, strong historical setting, mannerly romance, practiced lessons, and an ending that'southward tied up as pretty as a Christmas bow—what more could y'all ask for during the holidays?!

...more than

not to sound like i'm a cynic who hates romance but why didn't sam actually get fridged to further simone's emotional development not to sound similar i'1000 a carper who hates romance just why didn't sam actually get fridged to further simone's emotional development ...more

Sep 21, 2021 Sarah rated it liked information technology

Unpopular opinion fourth dimension!

This is a PG romance masquerading as a Honey America volume. There, I said it!

At present don't become me wrong, it wasn't terrible, but I felt this was a 50/50 split betwixt a love story and a historical fiction. Everything was very...fairytale happy. Simone instantly knows that Sam is the love of her life. She never doubts whether he's dead or live. They become married and live happily always after. Even the friend she makes in hospital ends up beingness part of her happy ever after thank you to

Unpopular opinion time!

This is a PG romance masquerading equally a Honey America volume. There, I said it!

Now don't get me wrong, it wasn't terrible, but I felt this was a 50/50 divide between a dearest story and a historical fiction. Everything was very...fairytale happy. Simone instantly knows that Sam is the honey of her life. She never doubts whether he's expressionless or alive. They get married and live happily always subsequently. Even the friend she makes in infirmary ends upwardly being office of her happy ever after cheers to her best friend. Her time equally a switchboard operator was...okay. It doesn't go into also much detail and she skips a lot of time because she'due south so "decorated."

All in all it was okay. Not the greatest but not terrible past any means.

Actual rating 2.5 stars out of v.

...more than

Probably one of my favorite Honey America books! I don't call back this is one I read as a kid, and then it was all new to me.

I'll be honest that I don't actually recall learning much about WWI in school, so much of the content was new to me. I've only briefly heard of Hello Girls earlier this.

This i definitely rugged at my heartstrings and Simone was such a badass grapheme. I loved the strong girl power theme hither.

My merely actual complaint was the slightly misleading title. Most of the book didn't have

Probably one of my favorite Beloved America books! I don't think this is 1 I read as a kid, so it was all new to me.

I'll exist honest that I don't really think learning much about WWI in school, so much of the content was new to me. I've only briefly heard of Hi Girls before this.

This one definitely rugged at my heartstrings and Simone was such a badass graphic symbol. I loved the strong girl power theme here.

My only actual complaint was the slightly misleading title. Most of the book didn't take place around Christmas. But information technology did lead back to the hope that the whole family unit would be together again come Christmas.

...more than

I was torn between a 2 or a 3 star rating. I just found it uninteresting. Some aspects were. I didn't like our protagonist much either. I wouldn't say I disliked her. She was too plain, and seemed a bit airy like many teen girls. Not all simply something I've experienced. Perhaps it's naivety I'm thinking of. Anyway it was fairly blah for me. And a tad cheesy. My kid said information technology was really interesting yet she couldn't remember anything after a several months lull of not reading it. Withal other books and I was torn betwixt a ii or a 3 star rating. I just found it uninteresting. Some aspects were. I didn't like our protagonist much either. I wouldn't say I disliked her. She was likewise plain, and seemed a bit airy like many teen girls. Non all merely something I've experienced. Perhaps it's naivety I'm thinking of. Anyway it was adequately blah for me. And a tad cheesy. My kid said information technology was really interesting withal she couldn't call up anything afterward a several months lull of non reading it. Nonetheless other books and shows she remembers lots. ...more than

Sep 22, 2021 Clara rated it liked it

I have basically no opinions on this book, but information technology didn't do child marriage, then I think it'southward a win. The main problem with Dear America is the child marriage. This volume demonstrates a mode to practice romance while avoiding child wedlock: making the grapheme xviii. I would recommend this volume to Kristiana Gregory. I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone else. I didn't care for the writing and I thought it made Simone feel younger than she is. Still--and I cannot stress this enough--there was no kid mar I have basically no opinions on this volume, but it didn't practise child union, so I retrieve it's a win. The main problem with Beloved America is the child marriage. This book demonstrates a way to do romance while fugitive child marriage: making the graphic symbol 18. I would recommend this book to Kristiana Gregory. I wouldn't really recommend information technology to anyone else. I didn't care for the writing and I thought it made Simone feel younger than she is. However--and I cannot stress this enough--there was no child spousal relationship in this volume. ...more

No thing how old I get, I will always love The Honey America series. Back in centre school, those were the simply books I always read. I love the well researched history that draws the reader dorsum into the time catamenia. My favorite part are the pictures they e'er include in the back, information technology makes everything all the more than existent. As for this particular book, this was my outset fourth dimension reading it and I enjoyed it very much. These books are great for a quick read.

Aug 08, 2020 Sharon rated information technology really liked it

Naomi brought three Dear America titles home from the library - again. She has her favorites that she revisits a couple times a year.

This is a nice intro to New York City and WWI during 1917-1918. The "Hello Girls" of the US Army Betoken Corps are little known or remembered ladies who served their state with stardom during this "modernistic war". These were ground-breaking women. This is a quick, enjoyable read.

Naomi brought three Dear America titles home from the library - again. She has her favorites that she revisits a couple times a year.

This is a squeamish intro to New York Metropolis and WWI during 1917-1918. The "Hi Girls" of the United states Army Signal Corps are little known or remembered ladies who served their land with stardom during this "modern war". These were ground-breaking women. This is a quick, enjoyable read.

...more

It was a well written story. But very sad and hardly had a Christmas theme to information technology! Another title would have fit better. I establish information technology sad that Alice lost her life at a young age communicable a flu during the state of war. I was pleased that Sam was subsequently institute almost Christmas. Still was a sad not an uplifting type of Christmas story at all.

Sep 11, 2020 Janis rated it it was astonishing

World War I was a huge deal and the average American knows almost nothing near it. The Hello Girls were American women who were very important to the state of war endeavour and even people who know a lot about WWI frequently oasis't heard of them. I have read a lot about that war and actually did enjoy this book.

November 07, 2020 Kristal rated information technology actually liked it

This book is quite unique for the Dear America serial- the protagonist is older than usual (Simone is 17-19 in this book as opposed to the usual 12-14) and is upper class. I never knew nearly the switchboard operators-"Hello Girls" of WW1- what an interesting assignment to take! This volume is a neat companion to the suffragette diary in the Dear America serial.

May 24, 2017 Gazelle S rated it it was amazing

The Peachy War only began. Simone Spencer wants to help. Her brother goes first ,then she follows him and becomes a "Hello Daughter". She basicly works the telegrams. The volume was a actually expert overall, i would recomend it. The Great War just began. Simone Spencer wants to help. Her brother goes first ,then she follows him and becomes a "Hello Girl". She basicly works the telegrams. The volume was a really proficient overall, i would recomend information technology. ...more than

The book is amazing because Simone, once a bit concerned almost fashion, and she grew upward privileged, decided she wanted to do something to assist her state & becomes a telephone operator during WWI. She stepped out of her comfort zone and grew upwardly tremendously while doing that stressful job.

February 03, 2021 Devin Hinkle rated it information technology was amazing

A fictional account of a young how-do-you-do daughter during Earth State of war i. I'k non a large fan of war stories, only I loved this book. I laughed, cried, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I learned a lot by reading this volume . I could definitely see this every bit a film. A fictional account of a young howdy girl during Earth War one. I'm not a large fan of state of war stories, but I loved this volume. I laughed, cried, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I learned a lot past reading this book . I could definitely come across this as a moving picture. ...more

Jan 23, 2018 Star Merrill rated it really liked it

Very interesting look into little-known facts about the women, "hello girls", of WW I. I was amazed at what they did, especially in that fourth dimension period. They were brave and dedicated. Very interesting look into footling-known facts almost the women, "hi girls", of WW I. I was amazed at what they did, especially in that time period. They were brave and dedicated. ...more

October 30, 2018 Diane rated it really liked information technology

The story of the howdy girls, who handled communications in French republic for the military. They were French speaking Americans. Due to WWI, physical therapy became a legitimate practice and need.

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