Rating: 
Summary: Still my favorite book, after 29 years
Review: I first read The Changeling when I was 12, and its impact on my life has been so pervasive that I barely know how to begin to talk about it. It's still my favorite book, all these years later; I re-read it about once a year, and every time I notice new things about the characters and their dynamic and the magical ways they transform each other's lives. Martha is the "ordinary" one, quietly suffocating in a relentlessly narcissistic family until her friendship with Ivy transforms her and gives her the strength to become her own individual. Ivy is the "out of this world" one, determined to transcend her family's darkness and chaos; she's the spokesperson for the possibility of magic and beauty in the world, even as the ugliness of her family situation threatens to pull her down. Any capsule description can only fail to do justice to the mystery and beauty of this book, though; the story just glows with magic and wonder, in the many memorable moments and adventures the girls have, and the way they grow and change through their friendship and manage to become strong, creative people who transcend their screwed-up families. And the way that Ms. Snyder explores these themes in such a powerful and magical way that one comes away buoyed with hope and feeling transformed. It's not at all a typical exploration of childhood or adolescent angst; rather it shows the girls' journey toward adulthood and individuality as a mysterious and captivating journey, suffused with wonder. I love reading these reviews and seeing how others have related to the characters, and how the story is complex enough that people's experiences of it change over the years. When I was a kid, I utterly identified with Ivy. Some time in my twenties I was surprised to realize how much I'm like Martha. I think this may be one of the things that makes the book so powerful -- Ivy and Martha are distinct individuals and yet they're also two halves of a whole, and their twin journeys are intricately interwoven; I imagine many readers may identify with both, and with the life journeys of the two girls as two sides of their own journey. I also want to echo what other reviewers have said: This book deserves to be re-issued immediately; it's unbelievable that it's not currently in print. I hope the publishers will come to their senses and bring it back.
Rating:
Summary: This One Resonates
Review: I first read this book almost thirty years ago, and it still touches me just as deeply. This is the story of how the shy and chubby Martha, who feels that she cannot measure up to her superstar family, meets Ivy, the free-spirited, imaginative daughter of the town's most notorious family. Martha becomes Ivy's home and family, and Ivy brings Martha out of her shell and helps her to see her full potential. A story that is truly timeless and everyone can relate to - whether the reader is currently experiencing the painful awkwardness of childhood or simply remembering it. Everyone can remember how it feels to not fit in anywhere, and innocently do things that you are ridiculed and teased for. I think everyone knew a rich bitch in school, someone who was sweet as sugar to adults, but a little two-faced sneak to other kids. Too bad everyone couldn't have Martha's wonderful experience of having a friend like Ivy.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Story
Review: I first read this book when I was 11 and I still like to re-read it at age 34. I really identified with the main character, Martha, and had a friend a little bit like Ivy. It is hard to describe what makes this books so good. There is a magic that feels very real to me. The two girls both do not fit what is expected from them. I see no reason why this story should only appeal to females. It is about human experience. Also, the author shows the children as having full lives, not as being little puppets as some adults imagine children to be.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best stories of imagination and friendship ever!
Review: I first read this book when I was in 3rd grade, having found it in my teacher's book collection. I read it so many times that eventually the binding fell away, and my teacher was kind enough to give it to me. I still have that rubber-banded copy, and I cherish it. Read this book, and give it to the young people in your life - there is something in it for all of us.
Rating:
Summary: This book is my favorite out of all the books I've ever read
Review: I first read this book when I was in fourth grade and I wished then and I still do that I could have that sort of imaginative person for a friend. I read it at least five times and every day I would ask the school Librarian if I could have it but alas it was never mine and I haven't been able to find it since.
Rating:
Summary: Must-read for young girls
Review: I have been searching for a good copy of this book for years now. I have an old crumbling paperback I bought for a dime in a used bookstore and have been diligently searching for a good hardback copy, or at least a sturdy paperback one. I first read this book when I was ten years old and I believe it shaped my life after that. Its lessons on the value of imagination, the joy of true friendship, and the necessity of standing up for what you know is true, are invaluable.
Rating:
Summary: One of Snyder's very best books
Review: I have read this story many, many times since I was 11, and I am 33. I am very surprised that of all Snyder's books, this one is not in print. It is a magical story and much of it reminded me of my own experiences.
Rating:
Summary: I remember dancing . . .
Review: I read this book once, more than twenty years ago, and it still stands out as one of my favorites. I especially remember the part when Ivy does a dance tryout for something at school. Even though her dancing is the best, they choose a girl who did a dull, mechanical, pre-planned ballet routine. I've often thought about the truth and sadness of this.
There are many truths in this book and they are mixed up beautifully with a magic that can't fail to enchant.
Rating:
Summary: I found it!
Review: I read this book years ago. It has haunted me ever since then, yet I had long ago forgotten the name and the author, as well as the main plot. All I rembered was a few pieces here and there as well as the sense of emptiness after I realized I had finished the book. I'm so happy to have found this book again. That is my main goal for today, to find all of the books that have haunted me. I'm doing pretty good so far!
Rating: 
Summary: Good book....hard to get ahold of.
Review: I really loved this book as a child and wanted to own it again, but would suggest looking in second hand book stores, because paying $20 for this paperback was WAY too much.
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