Pictures of Hollis Woods

By: Patricia Reilly Giff

Narrated by: Hope Davis

Length: 3 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

Hollis Woods has been in so many foster homes she can hardly remember them all. When Hollis is sent to Josie, she'll do everything in her power to make sure they stay together.

©2004 Patricia Reilly Giff (P)2009 Listening Library

Childhood Classic

I read this in English class as a child around Hollis's age, and I still love it so much. The ending nearly brought me to tears, but I had to compose myself as I was driving, and crying on the road isn't the safest thing to do 😅

Charming and touching

Would you listen to Pictures of Hollis Woods again? Why?

I would listen again. I read this as a kid and find it comforting.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Pictures of Hollis Woods?

The first time Hollis sees Josie's home.

What does Hope Davis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Hope Davis manages to deliver performances of both a teen girl and an elderly woman convincingly. She understands the whimsy and wonder that Hollis sees as a young girl as well as the aloofness and pain that orphandom has brought her.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

You don't have to be perfect to belong perfectly.

Any additional comments?

This book was important for me as a young girl who felt lost. I highly recommend it for young girls and boys around the fourth-grade level on.

Love this book

This is just amazing to listen to I can imagine all the scenes in my head.

Sara's Thoughts

Well done. A pleasure to listen too.

Not our fav!

It was easier for me to follow as a parent, an older generation, and someone who has that vision of what's happening as the story goes on. My daughter who is going into 7th grade was asked to read this. We read it together so I could explain what was happening in different parts of the story. My daughter feels it was a bit confusing in the beginning to towards the middle, but then felt things were starting to make sense as the end wrapped it all in. We are foster parents so we see a lot of what was going on in this story. I feel the recommended age for this book should be 14 or 15 years old. It did bounce around between pictures and chapters so that can tend to confuse a child. But the plot of the story was good. And a child should always feel part of a family!

Delightfully satisfying! Hope Davis narrates beautifully.

The unfolding of Hollis’ life settles into your mind like the marshmallows in her hot cocoa. I purchased Hollis Woods to listen to with my 13 yr old daughter as we drove across state, but even after she fell asleep I couldn’t turn it off. I intentionally drove slower so I could savor the ending and linger over this perfected tale of wonder. I think Hope Davis makes the story come alive more than the author could even have imagined! Her voice is like a gentle stream meandering through an awe-inspiring forest. I rarely listen or read a book twice...but I will be purchasing this one to read for myself, and a few extra to give as gifts.

Best book!

I love this story! It is so sweet and the ending is so beautiful! Please consider reading!

Great book

Loved it so much. Their need tobe more books like this one. love the soothing voice.

I loved how you added pictures in this book it was a good book! Thanks audible for letting me read this!

At first I did it understand this book at all! But I just kept reading and it came to me! This book it really good I would suggest this for anyone I would just tell say keep on reading if you get stuck!

Wonderful story

What fabulous characters and storyline! I cried at the end, as Hollis had finally found belonging and acceptance. Hope Davis has always been a favorite narrator of mine, and she does not disappoint in this story. Don't pass it up.