Story in Review: Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan is the sweet story of Willow Chance, a young girl who has had a rough life. Adopted at birth, Willow is now in middle school, and doesn’t really fit in. The problem is, she’s a genius. Bright beyond her years, she has a hard time interacting with kids her own age – or people in general. When her parents die suddenly in a car accident (this happens very early on, not a spoiler), she winds up living with a family she barely knows, trying to establish roots in a place that might just be temporary.

The novel tackles some tough topics: the death of both parents, not fitting in, cultural and socioeconomic barriers, and problems with the foster system. At the same time, it does so with a lot of heart, making it accessible and easy to follow. The characters are entertaining and engaging. Watching Willow evolve throughout the book is kind of like watching Sheldon Cooper fall in love with Amy Farrah Fowler – slow, humorous, and heartwarming. The rights have been optioned, and I am excited to see how they turn this into a film.

Favorite Quotes:

“I would live here at Beale Memorial Library, if it were any kind of viable option… I do wish that it were possible. Because: books = comfort
To me, anyway.
And comfort is a thing of the past.” -p. 151

“The idea of something for nothing is appealing in some visceral way.
Even if free things are never free.
The burden on ownership means everything has a price.” – p. 297-298

“So we need an adult, a credit card, and a car?” – p. 300

“A second can feel like forever if what follows is heartbreak.” – p. 351

“If the last few months have proven anything, it’s that I don’t need more theory, but rather more experience with reality.” – p. 364

“Pattie says nothing is for certain.
That is the truest statement I’ve ever heard.” – p. 376

What made this a good story? The book had a way of unfolding that felt you were tumbling along – it was quickly paced and entertaining the whole way. The characters were, for the most part, lovable. The ending was perfect.

What could have made it a better story? I disliked Dell Duke, the guidance counselor. I felt that for a book aimed at middle school readers, he was a hard personality to understand or identify with – and while I am no prude, the way in which his relationship to women and with Quang-ha develops is problematic for me. The upside to Dell is that he is the character most redeemed by the story line. By the time the book ends, he has undergone a significant shift – and that is nice to see. Aside from that, I wish we would have gotten to know Pattie more – she was the most under-developed character, and possibly the most interesting, having migrated to Mexico from Asia, and then to the states. She is an immigrant who owns her own nail salon and is raising two teenagers on her own. I would like to read her story.

Have you read Counting by 7s? What do you think?