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Title: True to Form by Elizabeth Berg, Jen Taylor ISBN: 0-7927-2636-7 Publisher: Chivers Sound Library Pub. Date: June, 2002 Format: Audio CD Volumes: 6 List Price(USD): $64.95

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Average Customer Rating: 4.57 (51 reviews)

Rating: 5
Summary: Exquisite!
Comment: I've never had one favorite author until now. I've read all of Elizabeth Berg's fiction and she has never disappointed. This one, as well as Never Change, are two of the most memorable books I've ever read. Ms. Berg has the extraordinary ability to capture the true essence of her characters. She could easily be writing about my life right down to the dead-on dialogue. I am constantly astounded by how brilliantly she is able to accurately describe feelings that I never could put into words. This author is a true observer of the human experience right down to the most minute detail and it shows in her work.

I've shared this book with friends who all agree that it is outstanding. As a librarian, I've recommended it to my patrons, also. Katie Nash, the main character in this novel, is, by far, a character whom I will remember for years to come. I am an avid reader,therefore, I think that says a lot. Oftentimes, when one reads a lot, the characters, plots, and even titles begin to run together in the memory banks, but then one comes along that stands alone. True to Form is that novel for me.

I'm looking forward to more of Ms. Berg's work. I found out recently that she and I share the same birthday and I think that has to have something to do with why I relate so well to her books.

Rating: 5
Summary: A Novel Relevent To All Readers
Comment: True to Form is the third book in a series about Katie Nash, a thirteen-year-old girl living in Missouri in the 1960's. This book tells of a summer in which Katie faces many undesirable tasks: her father commits her to baby-sitting for three obnoxious boys, and to taking care of her elderly neighbor, Mrs. Randolph. Also, her friend Cynthia's mother drafts her into her new, "loser" Girl Scout troop. Over the course of the summer, Katie develops a close relationship with Mr. and Mrs. Randolph, and her job becomes more enjoyable. Mr. Randolph even helps her get a scholarship to the private school where he used to work. Soon, Katie receives an invitation to a welcome party thrown for her by the other girls at that school. However, an act of betrayal at the party leaves her trying to repair her friendship with her best friend, Cynthia, and questioning her own values. She continues to try to resolve these conflicts and questions throughout the rest of the book.
One of the most beautiful aspects of True to Form is its vivid descriptions. Katie is an observant and verbal character who picks up on many details in life.
Through Katie's voice, Berg not only describes each scene, but also captures the feeling of it, and makes the reader think of similar times in his or her own life. Katie also captures many vivid details in her poetry, which appears throughout the book. For example, she writes the following haiku, describing her view from an airplane:
Fog at mountain's base
A shallow bowl of earth holds
Sky fallen from sky

In this poem, she truly captures the image of the fog encircling the mountain.
Another wonderful thing about True to Form is the characterization. Each of Berg's characters has a distinct and consistent personality, and many of the characters will probably remind the reader of someone in their own life. Katie herself is a very vivid character, and her observations and questions about life are easy for a reader to relate to. Katie is also very human, and makes many mistakes, both large and small, that readers can probably imagine making themselves. For example, at one point, she describes an awkward social situation in which she realizes that it was "un-cool" to shake someone's hand. Later, she describes another awkward situation, in which her friend slams the door in her face, and she realizes how she should have treated her friend differently.
Overall, True to Form tells of events in everyday life, and is a book that people can easily connect to. It also provides valuable insights on people's significance to one another, and on the consequences of one's actions. Anyone who appreciates the little things in life, and likes knowing that there are others who appreciate the same things, should read this book, as well as its two prequels (Durable Goods and Joy School).

Rating: 4
Summary: Heartwarming coming-of-age story!
Comment: Elizabeth Berg's True to Form is a heartwarming coming-of-age story about Katie Nash -- a precocious thirteen-year-old -- and the important lessons that she learns on the summer of 1961. Katie feels like a loser. Not only does she have a job looking after three brats, she also has to care for her elderly neighbor Mrs. Randolph. In order to get reacquainted with the past, she wins a trip to her hometown to see her best friend Cherylanne. However, Katie is about to face some harsh realities. She also learns the true value of friendship...

This novel is funny, heartwarming and memorable. Katie made me laugh on various occasions; she also touched me in so many levels. Having loved Never Change and Open House, I knew I'd love this offering. Ms. Berg hasn't disappointed me. I couldn't put this novel down. Berg penned to other books about Katie and I look forward to reading them. In the meantime, I strongly recommend this wonderful gem.