The View from Saturday

By: E. L. Konigsburg

Narrated by: Jenna Lamia, Jan Maxwell

Did Mrs. Olinsky choose the four members of the sixth grade Academic Bowl Team, or did they choose her--and one another? Four stories-within-in-a-story, interspersed with the ongoing narrative of the team's triumphant march to the state championship, introduce each member of the team in his own her own voice, and bring the dynamics of the group into focus.©1998 E. L. Konigsburg (P)2009 Simon & Schuster

Heart Warming

I know that the start is a little slow for some people, but if you keep listening to it, it will get very good.

Fun perspective switching - rough read

It's a classic book, many say, but it felt arduous to get through. Most people have read this book in some sort of class, but I never had it assigned. I felt like giving it a go since many have read it before me, but it took me months to finish, although it was a leisurely, short read. I did enjoy the varying perspectives; it was overall fun and had its moments. E. L. Konigsburg did an excellent job writing the book in that instance, but its age did present some cringeworthy moments. I'm glad that I read it, but I would not recommend it unless trying to dissect it in a class for a specific purpose.

Enjoyable, even for adults

I enjoy a wide variety of adult fiction - from historical fiction to political thrillers to the occasional cozy mystery. But once in awhile it's nice to be entertained by a great children's book. And it's probably safe to say that the best children's books are those that can be enjoyed by kids and adults. This book is certainly one of those.

Not a great one for audiobooks

The story itself is very cute - four souls, 6th graders, all with high IQs, competing in a Academic competition in NY. Their teacher is just returning from a teaching hiatus after suffering from a bad accident that's left her wheelchair bound. 3 of the kids are all linked to the same elderly couple living in FL, with weirdly tenuous connections. I struggled so much distinguishing the characters while listening. 2 readers for 5 main characters, both in turns doing very poor British accents, and in a couple parts - attempting an American accent as a Brit... So between having the women doing the boys and the 2 female roles all using the same voice and the bizarre and unclear back and forth time jumps, it didn't work for me. Maybe it would have been better to just read this one.

Completely worth the listen

Would you consider the audio edition of The View from Saturday to be better than the print version?

The audio version is better in that you can listen to it and do other things while you're at it too, but I think that's the same of all audiobooks.

What did you like best about this story?

It's witty and unassuming and I think it can be enjoyed by story lovers of all ages. You can really feel for the characters in this story.

What about Jenna Lamia and Jan Maxwell ’s performance did you like?

They voiced all the characters really well. I have nothing to complain about.

Any additional comments?

This was amazing, and a completely feel good read.
I would highly recommend this story/book/audiobook to anyone.

Worthwhile!

The book Was well written, and well performed. it had real substance and was worth reading. Well done. 

bad boring book waste of mony

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

no i would not recommend this book it is well read recoding but boring book

What could E. L. Konigsburg have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

no

Have you listened to any of Jenna Lamia and Jan Maxwell ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Could you see The View from Saturday being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

no

Any additional comments?

no

AWESOmE!!!

I loved the plot the story and EVERYTHING it was so awesome GO THE SOULS!!!

Engaging story from beginning to end

I read a lot of kids and young adult books because I want to be familiar with what my kids are reading. This time I picked the book. I chose it based on the good reviews and the fact that Jenna Lamia was one of the narrators.

The story grabbed me from the beginning. I loved how the 6th graders each told some of the same events from his or her own perspective. I spend a lot of time with middle schoolers, as a parent and a volunteer, and these characters were true both in their actions and their motives.

I loved the character of the teacher. I loved how she was all about decorum, yet she sometimes struggled with her own emotions and impulses. How many teachers have I had, or have my kids have, that were firm but good? Those were always the most memorable.

The incompetent administrator was wonderful comic relief. With apologies to all the competent administrators here in audible land, I am sure that we all know someone in such a position who constantly says and does things that make us wonder how on earth he ever got appointed.

The theme of "smart kids get ahead," while common, is also one that is dear to my heart. But the true prize was the prize of lasting friendship. I love books that portray boys and girls at this age developing good, deep friendships.

The narrators also were wonderful; I love what Jenna Lamia puts into every performance. Jan Maxwell was perfect as the voice of the teacher.

This was a book I enjoyed from beginning to end, one I couldn't wait to get back to after I had to put it down.

All the different views of each soul way very cool

I loved this book! The ending was great. I loved the turtle walks. The narrators did a great job! Even with expression and voices!