The Beloved Dearly

By Doug Cooney

Review by TJ

The opening paragraph grabs the reader’s attention.

·Put reader right into the action

·Make reader imagine the unimaginable (ie. It’s not everyday that a 13 year old girl is accused of murder…)

·Don’t start with “the book I read was…” That’s way too BORING! Hook us into the plot!

Twelve year-old Ernie Castellano is in a money-making rampage. Always thinking of get-rich-quick schemes, he usually ends up in the principal’s office. But this time he discovers a way to make some fast cash, without getting caught. It’s a scheme that he’s sure that it will bring kids from all around the neighbor. Pet funerals!

The title and author are worked in naturally

·Don’t say, “My book was The Giver” when you can say, “Jonas, a twelve year old boy and the main character of Lois Lowry’s Newbery Award winning novel The Giver, must make decisions that impact his entire society.”

In The Beloved Dearly, Ernie, Dusty, Tony, and Swimming Pool, all work together to make the business a success. Dusty creates and decorates the coffins for the animals, Tony digs the holes, and Swimming Pool is Ernie’s most valuable member, a tomboy who can cry on cue. Doug Cooney brings you the story of a young boy who’s mom died of cancer and now lives with his dad who is at work for most of the day.

The overall idea and plot are discussed, without giving away the ending

·Keep it short and sweet, even if it’s a long book

·Just give the reader the gist of the book. Be clear, make sense, don’t give away the ending

This tycoon’s new business is booming with the help of some staff members. With ideas and plans for better funerals, Dusty helps Ernie expand the business and pretty soon, the bizarre themes are known throughout the neighborhood. Swimming Pool make is a big contribution, her weeping and wailing brings everyone’s tears moving. The income stops coming after Ernie loses Swimming Pool over a pay raise. Ernie Castellano’s cash empire goes downhill from there.

Describe one exciting incident in detail

·Again, don’t give away the ending

·Be clear enough so that someone who HAS NOT read the book can follow

The pet funerals fortunately lasted a lot longer than the cheeseburger scheme. Burgers were flying to Ernie’s customers as he chucked them left and right while hollering like a vendor, “Get your red-hot cheeseburgers! Just one dollar!” The money flows in and the business is great until a burger hits a fan and the ground beef is chopped up once more.
Another burger hits a lunch lady. Another splatters the wall. And Ernie, hits the principal’s office once again.

End the review with your opinion and recommendation

·Who might like this type of book? (Sports fans? People that love to laugh? History buffs? Late night readers that like to be freaked out?

·What did you think? Is it worth reading? If it won an award, is it worth the hype?

Anyone who likes a fast-paced, adventurous book filled with friendship will love The Beloved Dearly. I think this book is a great novel. Short and to the point, this story will hook you in and keep you there until the end.