Hoopi Shoopi Donna

by Suzanne Strempek Shea

Book Overview

Growing up in a small New England town, 14 year-old Donna Milewski had all she needed: a grandmother, Babci, whose fragrant cooking filled their home...her mother, Helen, who lovingly stitched outfits...and Adam, the most wonderful father a daughter could imagine, who dreamed she could one day lead an all-girl polka band.
Then came Betty, a tiny and adorable five-year-old, sent from Poland by Adam's destitute brother. Bringing with her only a...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671535455
• ISBN13: 9780671535452
• Release Date: May 1997
• Publisher: Atria Books
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Hoopi Shoopi Whoopi

I just finished reading Hoopi Shoopi Donna in October, 2001, although it was written in '96. Found it on a clearance shelf in a local drugstore and was attracted by the title and cover. What a great find! It was written with the kind of humor I enjoy. Just a daily take on everday life and relationships. I found the Polish family traditions interesting but the relationships were "every family." Donna's thoughts were so honest, even though she admitted herself they were not always kind. She knew she was being unpleasant at times but felt it was her right. Boy, I've felt that many times!I am in a book club in my area and can't wait for my turn to host and choose the book... as I already know my selection. This definitely needs to be discussed with others. The only adverse thing I can think of is my sympathy for the nice guys who always got dumped led me to being very frustrated with Donna. She's comes around at the end. Never have I considered reading a book twice... but this may be the one.

Absolutely Nostalgic

I absolutely loved this book! Donna reminds me of so many girls that I grew up with, including myself. I will recommend this book to all my friends and whoever is looking for a good book to read. Where has this book been hiding?

Wonderful - and not just for Polish-Americans

I was knocked out by how wonderful this book was. I literally could not stop reading it until I finished it. Suzanne Shea has a wonderful feel for 2d and 3rd generation Polish-Americans (of which I am one) and it makes for a delightfully original setting. The family dynamics were heartbreakingly true to life, especially in the Polish-American culture. But you don't have to be Polish to enjoy the great writing and vivid characters.

I sent out SEVEN copies of this book!!Did YOU get one?

When I read this book back in 1996,I liked it SO much,I purchased SEVEN copies and put a note in the frontis(sp?) page telling that the one who received this book he or she HAD to give it to someone else to read...I have NEVER received the books back(and YES,my name and address WAS in each) so it is my HOPE that those books have since traveled the world..I ALSO contacted OPRAH"S book club about choosing this book to read........it needs MORE publicity..but i DO believe I've done MY part!!

Emotionally Engaging and Fun Too

Hoopi Shoopi Donna is one of the most enjoyable and engaging books I've read in a very long time. The characters are beautifully drawn and the story is symbolic of every rift we have with life at one point or another, and the journey that the lucky ones are able to make back to hope and peace. This is an extraordinary novel.