Heaven to Betsy/Betsy in Spite of Herself

Our current read aloud (just mom and 16 dd) is Heaven to Betsy by Maud Hart Lovelace. This book in the series is set in highschool in Minnesota. Like the LITTLE HOUSE series, these books are based on the author's own life in MN at the turn of the century, so as we read we are learning the culture and morales of the period. The books also celebrate family, respect for parents, and sibling love.

I read Laura Ingalls Wilder and Anne of Green Gables, and loved both, but it was Betsy Ray who really stole my heart! I read each of the "high school and beyond" books over and over when I was in high school, and continued to read them into college and beyond. Betsy's life resonated with me -- from her concern over her social status to her love of writing; her house as a haven for other teenagers to her guilt over times she was not true to herself. I used her a role model -- sometimes of what not to do! (Procrastinate! Neglect what gives you joy, even if it isn't "popular." Keep your feelings hidden -- you'll end up at the most important dance of the year with the wrong boy!) I learned that decisions have consequences, and that it was worthwhile to think things through a bit. The fact she "lived" so many decades before me didn't matter -- human nature doesn't change that much, and setting limits with boys, seriously considering basic faith beliefs, neglecting schoolwork, and gathering with friends for all kinds of good times (dancing, sledding, talking, plotting, ...) -- are issues that ring true at any time period! I liked that she was a "typical teenager," with problems and silliness and fun times and worry and heartbreak and joy. I especially liked that Betsy was always, always available. She was a comfort read, she was a steady friend during the sometimes trying times of adolescence, and it was -- and is -- always wonderful to open the pages and walk into the Rays' house again. (Could you pass me a muffin? Oh, and some fudge!) (And if you like reading about Betsy, make sure you read "Emily of Deep Valley" -- my personal favorite! -- and "Carney's House Party," too!)

I read the Betsy Books by Maud Hart Lovelace from the library years ago - but even then, it was getting hard to find them all. And if you're going to read about Betsy (along with Tacy and Tib, of course!), you have to read ALL about her. So I was delighted to find this two-in-one edition of Heaven to Betsy and Betsy in Spite of Herself at Amazon and add it to both my paperback library and my Kindle library (for a very nominal additional price, thanks to Amazon's great Matchbook program). I would recommend it as a gift for any pre-teen or young teenager - Betsy, I think, has staying power. She's ever and always interested in BOYS (or at least, she's interested in getting them interested in her, which almost every young girl can related to) - yet she's got career aspirations and a loving family as well as true-blue friends that help keep her grounded. Yes, they're a little old-fashioned, but they aren't overly sentimental, either. Betsy makes plenty of mistakes as she enters high school - but she learns from them. I recommend the remaining four books of the series just as highly (Betsy was a Junior/Betsy and Joe, another 2 volume set, takes Betsy through high school, and Betsy and the World/Betsy's Wedding into young adulthood). So journey back to a slightly simpler time and enjoy being part of Betsy's Crowd.

Nothing in the world makes you feel better than a Betsy-Tacy book, and, in my opinion, Heaven to Betsy is the best of them all, although every other Betsy-Tacy book is a close second.A male friend of mine who read the whole series describes Lovelace as the American Proust. You are THERE with Betsy and her family in Deep Valley, Minnesota, starting in 1897 and concluding 20 years later.Along the way you relive a happy childhood and with Betsy and her friends--and then go on to a typical adolescent teenage period, before the last two books, which include Betsy's adventures in the Great World and, at last, her marriage and early wedded life to the guy she's loved since the day she met him.Home schoolers and their parents love these books. The quality of the writing is unsurpassed, the values are superb and these girls are great role models, without being in any way boring--they are altogether too human for that.You want laugh out loud funny? Read a Betsy-Tacy book.You want a few tears and a lot of empathizing?You want nostalgia, and love, and joy? Lovelace delivers them all, in spades.Amazing, accomplished women all over the world love these books. Don't miss out on one of the greatest pleasures life can afford--an introduction to the world of Betsy Ray.

I have loved the Betsy-Tacy-Tib books since I was a child. I discovered the later series, when Betsy started high school, when I was a young adult. I remember splurging and ordering all 6 books from Krochs and Brentanos bookstore. I read them once a year, so have recouped my investment in them! They so vividly capture a time of much progress as well as innocence. The characters are real people, and though Betsy’s dilemmas are very simple, the lessons she learns are important. I find that when times are stressful, reading Maud Hart Lovelace books is an enjoyable escape from the situations we are dealing with at this time.

The series continues as the girls begin high school and their world grows bigger. They make mistakes and learn how to handle them, and their close friendships and lots of adventures continue. The books are page turners!

I read this series in high school, and even in my early 20s, I still love it. LM Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables) fans will love these books, even though these are lighter reading than her books. I love the fact that the Betsy Tacy books are based on the author's childhood! And the illustrations are very cute.

Exactly as I hoped for. Gift for a friend and she loved it.

It came as advertised in good condition and without any inscriptions

this book was written in so many years ago but Betsy, the protagonist, is delightfully modern and full of girl-next-door-ish charm. And all these illustrations are also great. depicted in such a simple, almost caricature-like line but the liveliness is undoubtedly there, I almost am able to catch their giggling, whispering and laughing. This is the comfortable food for every girl's soul.