Sixteen-year-old Jenny faces many challenges on an overland journey to California in 1853 with the acting company that she inherited from her father.
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From Publishers Weekly
With mixed results, the popular author of such zany fare as My Teacher Flunked the Planet here tries his hand at historical romance. In 1853, 16-year-old Fortune Plunkett is leading her late father's six-person itinerant acting troupe westward in hopes of building a permanent theater in San Francisco. Along the way, in a sleepy Missouri town, the group picks up another player, Jamie, a handsome young fellow who causes blushes to creep up Fortune's cheeks. As their wagon rolls along-often, unfortunately, at a snail's pace-the spunky heroine finds herself torn between her growing affection for Jamie and her long-standing attraction to another actor in her group. Before reaching their destination, the players endure some harrowing, convincingly relayed moments (their wagon comes very close to falling off a cliff with one of the actors trapped inside; Fortune is carried downriver by a sudden flood; and cholera ravages her companions). But even more potentially devastating to Fortune is the misunderstanding that prompts Jamie's departure. Not to worry: a joyous conclusion awaits readers who hang on. These are less apt to be youngsters, however, than hardcore genre fans who don't mind tame romance and megadoses of melodrama. Ages 10-up.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 5-7?Following her father's death, Fortune Plunkett, 17, is leading his acting troupe to San Francisco. It is 1853 and the trip will be a treacherous one. As the story begins, the players have arrived in Busted Heights, Missouri, to deal with some "unfinished business." Here, Fortune meets Jamie, whose stepmother runs the hotel where the troupe stays. The intended sense of mystery surrounding Jamie and the reason for coming to this out-of-the-way town develop into a contrived plotline. A fight and a subsequent fire cause the acting company to flee, and Jamie, who is curiously able to recite Shakespeare, runs off with them, thus creating the romantic interest for Fortune. Characterization is disappointing. Fortune's motivation based on her devotion to her father seems flimsy, and her passion for the theater is tentative. The book's historical aspect offers interest, and readers do get a sense of the ordeal involved in a wagon-train journey. Living conditions and 19th-century theatrical life are well described, but as a novel this is basically a melodrama with characters who play predictable roles. Misunderstandings interfere with the course of Fortune's romance, but they are cleared up, as is the nature of the business in Busted Heights. This is a departure in genre for Coville, and it falls short of its potential.?Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Amazon.com:
4.2 out of 5 stars
13 reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Suspense, Accuracy,, and love!
July 5 2000
By A Customer
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
This book was an amazing one to hear. I say "hear" because I listened to the book on tape. One person in particular in a review said that the book was boring at the start. The book, however, was not boring at all, if listened to by careful naration by the person talking on tape. Filled with suspense, the book carries you on a journey back in time for me. Great emotion in the book. I loved it. It is a story about fulfilling a dead father's dreams, and realizing she is fulfilling her own. Read the book. It is good time spent! Great immagination too. The author teaches you to think carefully before you act, and to not let life pass you by. Realize the gifts you have been given.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A book proving that love always wins in the end.
Jan 23 1999
By A Customer
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
At first sight, this book seems like it would be boring. But in fact, it is the complete oppisite. Fortune Plunkett an inspiring actress finds herself in situations that she would never have thought possible. Taking on the dangerous route to California on the Oregon Trail is one thing...but fighting to keep her life and the lifes of her family together is another. She must choose between love and friendship, greed and loss. Not to mention her own war happening right inside of her head. The book has characters that you instantly fall in love with. I know, i found myself wanting Jamie to resight "Romeo and Juliet" to me. A good book is one that makes you never want to put it down, and one that makes you want to read it over and over again, and yet never makes tired of it. Bruce Coville does a wonderful job of making this book fit in to that description. So I hope that furture readers will take this book into consideration it is truly inspiring and wonderful piece of literature.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is the best book I have ever read! And I read a lot!
Nov 1 1999
By A Customer
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
If you have not yet read "Fortune's Journey", then you are missing out on a real treat. I can honestly say that this is my most favorite book in the whole world! So, read it! You know, Bruce Coville has written this so well you think you are actually in the book with Fortune Plunkett and the crew. It really keeps you wondering who will end up with who, I mean, if Fortune will end up with Aaron or Jamie. But it is really a great book. READ IT! YOU HAVE TO!
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4.2 out of 5 stars
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