Catherine, Called Birdy

By: Karen Cushman

Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin

Heartland Award • Commonwealth Club of California Silver Medal • Newbery Honor Book • Horn Book Fanfare • Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts (NCTE) • Parenting Magazine Reading Magic Award • American Bookseller Pick of the Lists • South Carolina Children's Book Award • Golden Kite Award • Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award (Vermont) • ALA Notable Children's Book • School Library Journal Best Book • New York Public Library's One Hundred Titles for Reading and Sharing

Listen to the book behind Lena Dunham’s acclaimed new movie! This historical fiction classic, told in the form of a diary, has drawn in generations of audiences and is a Newbery Honor Book.

Catherine feels trapped. Her father is determined to marry her off to a rich man—any rich man, no matter how awful.

But by wit, trickery, and luck, Catherine manages to send several would-be husbands packing. Then a shaggy-bearded suitor from the north comes to call—by far the oldest, ugliest, most revolting suitor of them all. Unfortunately, he is also the richest.

Can a sharp-tongued, high-spirited, clever young maiden with a mind of her own actually lose the battle against an ill-mannered, piglike lord and an unimaginative, greedy toad of a father? Deus! Not if Catherine has anything to say about it!

Catherine, a spirited and inquisitive young woman, narrates in diary form the story of her fourteenth year—the year 1290.

In an appreciation in the New York Times, illustrator Vera Brosgol spoke for many fans of this beloved book: "I fell hard for Karen Cushman's Catherine, Called Birdy the second I opened it. More than any other heroine I'd read, this one sounded like me. For Catherine, and for me, there is no easy solution to the cages life makes for you. Sometimes the power is in deciding to be yourself in whatever cage you're in."

©1994 Karen Cushman (P)1996 Recorded Books

The excellent research in medieval medical practices. The way is was expressed to a Young Adult audience.

It could have been longer because Matilda needed more skill and understanding and Cushman had much more research to spare.

Charming!

I love this book! I read it when I was young and decided to revisit it as an adult through this recording. As always Jenny is a delight. I love to hear her read. I imagined the book was being read to me by an older Catherine!

Amazing

I've loved this book since I was a kid. It never gets old! Karen Cushman's story is thoughtful and Jenny Sterlin's performance is awesome. Definitely recommend.

Poor choice of narrator

I’ve loved this book for over twenty years. The titular character in the novel is a teenage girl and the narrator of the audiobook sounds about 70 years old. Still an enjoyable listen for fans of the book.

An Imagined Glimpse

First--why is the cover to this audiobook title so vastly different from the book? Don't let it fool you!

Second--this book was my jam in middle school. I loved it to bits. Although, I'll have to tell you, that it may not be for everyone. It's set in Medieval Europe in a diary format from a 14-year-old girl. Some may not like the day by day treatment of the narrative. Some may not find Catherine's spunky behavior appropriate for a medieval setting. Good for me, I am not a part of those "some." I found the novel charming, engaging, and informative. I've been a fan of Jenny Sterlin since I was a kid, so she can really do no wrong as a narrator for me.

Third--Karen Cushman really did her homework with this novel. Actually, the fact that she studies the time periods she writes about so thoroughly is the reason why I've made a point to read all of her books. She's another reason why I want to write professionally one day because of her dedication to make sure her craft is as authentic as it can get.

Conclusion--if you're into the Medieval time period and are open to a different point of view, try this baby out!