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Caught Between Two Curses
Seventeen-year-old Julie Nigelson is cursed. So is her entire family. And it's not just any-old-regular curse, either-it's strangely connected to the famous "Curse of the Billy Goat" on the Chicago Cubs. Julie must figure out this mystery while her uncle lies in a coma and her entire love life is in ruins: her boyfriend Gus is pressuring her to have sex, while her best friend Matt is growing more attractive to her all the time. Somehow, Julie must figure out how to save her uncle, her family's future, and her own love life-and time is running out!
- GenresYoung Adult
242 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 2014
116 people want to read
About the author
Margo L. Dill
5 books40 followersMargo L. Dill is the author of Maggie Mae, Detective Extraordinaire: The Case of the Missing Cookies (picture book); the American Civil War Adventure Series: Anna and the Baking Championship (1) and Finding My Place: One Girl's Strength at Vicksburg (2), for historical fiction, middle-grade readers; and That's the Way It Always Happened (picture book)*. Besides being a children's author, she is also a freelance editor with the business, Editor 911 and Editor-911 Books, and she is the managing editor for WOW! Women On Writing. Margo loves presenting workshops to writing groups and school groups. She also loves blogging and does so regularly on WOW!'s blog, The Muffin, and on her own website. When she is not writing or editing, Margo loves to spend time with her daughter and crazy rescue dog, Sudsi. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri; and if she could eat out every day, she would!
*Caught Between Two Curses (YA paranormal romance) is currently out of print.
*Caught Between Two Curses (YA paranormal romance) is currently out of print.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 4, 2014
I finished Caught Between Two Curses in about a month due to excessive schoolwork. I'm fairly well-read, but this book fell into the category of not being "my sort" of book. I felt that it was written more in a middle-grade style than YA, but some of the themes, especially regarding Julie's relationship with Gus, were too mature for middle-grade. Even though I wasn't the biggest fan, I could still identify with some of those themes. That part was gratifying.
I didn't believe that Julie was a very strong main character. I felt that she could have been more mature in some situations (especially near the end), but I was on good terms with her. The thing was that I never got to really know who Julie really was. Even though I was told many times over how smart and funny she was, I never really cracked a smile or found her to be that intellectually advanced. For example, I figured out how she would break the curse a third of the way in, when in her world it took her until she had broken it to realize what she had done. The only time that she truly got on my nerves was when she broke up with Matt and acted as if her life was ending. I saw it as them simply putting their relationship on hold for a while and not possibly ending forever, but Julie was reduced to sobs.
I thought that, seeing as the story was based off of the Billy Goat Curse and the Cubs, the baseball was evenly spread. There was just enough to give us the knowledge we needed about the curse and how it related to her family. In this way, the story was well done.
The thing that I liked about this plot was that it didn't leave you with any major questions or worries. When it ended, it ended. A problem I had with it was that, as said before, I found it to be very predictable. It was inevitable that Julie and Matt would end up together (spoiler, sorry), and so I wasn't happy or unhappy. I didn't feel a real connection to the characters.
I did, however, like Dill's writing. It read like you were talking to a friend, which was a pleasingly unique aspect to the story. I hope that I can read more and see how she progresses.
I didn't believe that Julie was a very strong main character. I felt that she could have been more mature in some situations (especially near the end), but I was on good terms with her. The thing was that I never got to really know who Julie really was. Even though I was told many times over how smart and funny she was, I never really cracked a smile or found her to be that intellectually advanced. For example, I figured out how she would break the curse a third of the way in, when in her world it took her until she had broken it to realize what she had done. The only time that she truly got on my nerves was when she broke up with Matt and acted as if her life was ending. I saw it as them simply putting their relationship on hold for a while and not possibly ending forever, but Julie was reduced to sobs.
I thought that, seeing as the story was based off of the Billy Goat Curse and the Cubs, the baseball was evenly spread. There was just enough to give us the knowledge we needed about the curse and how it related to her family. In this way, the story was well done.
The thing that I liked about this plot was that it didn't leave you with any major questions or worries. When it ended, it ended. A problem I had with it was that, as said before, I found it to be very predictable. It was inevitable that Julie and Matt would end up together (spoiler, sorry), and so I wasn't happy or unhappy. I didn't feel a real connection to the characters.
I did, however, like Dill's writing. It read like you were talking to a friend, which was a pleasingly unique aspect to the story. I hope that I can read more and see how she progresses.
June 22, 2014
Caught Between Two Curses by Margo Dill, is an interesting story about Julie Nigelson, your average 17 year old highschool student. Julie is faced with the dilemma I hope my 17 year old never faces, but one I remember too well: sex – to have or not to have?
When Julie finds her family in crisis somehow connected to the Cubs curse she is thrown into a world with even bigger questions than the sex dilemma posed originally. She’s confused to say the least and the sex issue with her boyfriend is still something she struggles with daily amongst all the other problems. I’m not a baseball fan but found the Cubs curse interesting as it was woven with the family issues Julie was facing. If you’re not a sports fan, don’t let that stop you from picking up a copy of Caught Between Two Curses.
In Caught Between Two Curses, love and sex, friends and lovers, friends and family are all met head on by the courageous and loveable Julie. Dill does a lovely job writing her characters and keeping the book moving. It’s a fast read and the pace is perfect for reading on the beach. Though some of the themes throughout the story are a bit ‘heavy’ (ie: sex), the book itself is a fun read for young adults and those young at heart! You’ll learn about the Billy Goat Curse of the Cubs baseball team and a spell threatening to ruin Julie’s family. The chapters end like a …To be continued sitcom where you can’t wait until next week’s episode to learn more. (That’s the best part about a book…you don’t have to wait!)
Caught Between Two Curses is well written and although it’s got that paranormal touch, the themes will hit home for young adults and anyone who has ever been a young adult. Dill is a great writer and as the cover suggests, Caught Between Two Curses is a fun read!
When Julie finds her family in crisis somehow connected to the Cubs curse she is thrown into a world with even bigger questions than the sex dilemma posed originally. She’s confused to say the least and the sex issue with her boyfriend is still something she struggles with daily amongst all the other problems. I’m not a baseball fan but found the Cubs curse interesting as it was woven with the family issues Julie was facing. If you’re not a sports fan, don’t let that stop you from picking up a copy of Caught Between Two Curses.
In Caught Between Two Curses, love and sex, friends and lovers, friends and family are all met head on by the courageous and loveable Julie. Dill does a lovely job writing her characters and keeping the book moving. It’s a fast read and the pace is perfect for reading on the beach. Though some of the themes throughout the story are a bit ‘heavy’ (ie: sex), the book itself is a fun read for young adults and those young at heart! You’ll learn about the Billy Goat Curse of the Cubs baseball team and a spell threatening to ruin Julie’s family. The chapters end like a …To be continued sitcom where you can’t wait until next week’s episode to learn more. (That’s the best part about a book…you don’t have to wait!)
Caught Between Two Curses is well written and although it’s got that paranormal touch, the themes will hit home for young adults and anyone who has ever been a young adult. Dill is a great writer and as the cover suggests, Caught Between Two Curses is a fun read!
March 31, 2014
Julie is a high school senior with a big problem. Well more than one. actually
Her long time boyfriend Gus is pressuring her for sex. Her best friend Matt is looking more attractive all the time.
Oh, and it turns out her whole family is cursed. And the only person who has a prayer of breaking it is Julie. If she can't figure out how to to it, her Uncle Henri is going to die. And her boyfriend? Whoever she decides she loves may be next to go.
I adored Julie's voice. I loved the curse and that fact that it is tied to a real well know curse - The Billy Goat curse wished upon the Chicago Cubs. Caught Between Two Curses is well written YA novel with a completely believable teenager. Once I started I didn't want to put it down. I can't wait for her next book.
Her long time boyfriend Gus is pressuring her for sex. Her best friend Matt is looking more attractive all the time.
Oh, and it turns out her whole family is cursed. And the only person who has a prayer of breaking it is Julie. If she can't figure out how to to it, her Uncle Henri is going to die. And her boyfriend? Whoever she decides she loves may be next to go.
I adored Julie's voice. I loved the curse and that fact that it is tied to a real well know curse - The Billy Goat curse wished upon the Chicago Cubs. Caught Between Two Curses is well written YA novel with a completely believable teenager. Once I started I didn't want to put it down. I can't wait for her next book.
May 27, 2014
A fun YA read with a nice blend of romance and magic. Main character Julie Nigelson finds out her family is cursed just as her love life with her boyfriend Gus hits the rocks. But despite her dilema she soon realizes that if she doesn't break the curse soon not only could it mean losing her beloved uncle and father figure, it could hurt any boy she cares for too. To make things even more interesting if Julie suceeds she might just break the long standing curse on the Chicago Cubs too. For anyone who likes a light romance, magic, and baseball.
April 11, 2014
Boyfriend troubles, family curses & the Chicago Cubs all play a vital role in this entertaining and fast moving plot!
January 6, 2021
This was a fun book especially if you like the Cardinals or the Cubs. Plus it is prophetic!
July 7, 2014
Margo Dill’s young adult paranormal romance novel, "Caught Between Two Curses," is a fast-paced, easy read for teens. It is especially appealing to those teens caught in their first experience with romantic love. This story has interesting characters, a double curse plot-line, and emotional depth. It has humor in the daily grind and even features the Great American Past-time: Baseball!
The main character, Julie Nigelson, is right smack dab in the middle of a family curse, and in a race against time to remove it. Her family’s curse is also somehow tied to the Chicago Cubs’ Billy Goat Curse: Tragically, this family curse has already taken the lives of three members of her family and is threatening a fourth. Plus, it will continue to affect the famiiy unless Julie can figure out the clues from the riddle in an old letter, and solve the puzzle in time to save her uncle – and her own future as well.
This story has it all: intrigue in the form of a magical curse, complex family relationships, “true love” – plus all the high school senior year angst anyone could ever want. The scenes at the high school are so realistic you wonder if Ms. Dill “snuck in” and eavesdropped to get it just right! Please grab your copy – gift one to a friend -- and enjoy!
The main character, Julie Nigelson, is right smack dab in the middle of a family curse, and in a race against time to remove it. Her family’s curse is also somehow tied to the Chicago Cubs’ Billy Goat Curse: Tragically, this family curse has already taken the lives of three members of her family and is threatening a fourth. Plus, it will continue to affect the famiiy unless Julie can figure out the clues from the riddle in an old letter, and solve the puzzle in time to save her uncle – and her own future as well.
This story has it all: intrigue in the form of a magical curse, complex family relationships, “true love” – plus all the high school senior year angst anyone could ever want. The scenes at the high school are so realistic you wonder if Ms. Dill “snuck in” and eavesdropped to get it just right! Please grab your copy – gift one to a friend -- and enjoy!
October 23, 2015
Julie Nigelson is seventeen and having boyfriend troubles. Gus wants to have sex and she isn’t ready. Unfortunately, he dumps her for someone else. Julie has had other bigger problems in her life. Her parents died when she was younger and she’s been living with her aunt Lizzi and Uncle Henri. When uncle Henri slips into a coma while watching a Cubs game, is when Julie finds out her family is cursed. According to her grandmother it has something to do with the Billy Goat Curse tied to the Chicago Cubs which has prevented them from winning.
Julie is desperately needing to rid her family of the curse but isn’t sure how. She’s also finding that not only is her family inflicted so are the boys she likes and dates. Julie attends some baseball games to see if the answer is there. When Julie discovers her grandmother was given information to break the curse and didn’t, she learns more of her families truths. Can Julie break the curse and will she have to do it alone?
Author Margo Dill has done a great job of weaving a story of family and a real curse into this fast paced read. There is plenty of suspense and mystery to hold a reader’s attention. Parents and teachers can utilize this as a read-a-loud for more engaging interaction with teens.
Julie is desperately needing to rid her family of the curse but isn’t sure how. She’s also finding that not only is her family inflicted so are the boys she likes and dates. Julie attends some baseball games to see if the answer is there. When Julie discovers her grandmother was given information to break the curse and didn’t, she learns more of her families truths. Can Julie break the curse and will she have to do it alone?
Author Margo Dill has done a great job of weaving a story of family and a real curse into this fast paced read. There is plenty of suspense and mystery to hold a reader’s attention. Parents and teachers can utilize this as a read-a-loud for more engaging interaction with teens.
January 29, 2015
This is a well-paced, engaging story about an ordinary American high school girl facing the usual pressures plus one…she has to break a family curse. Contrary to what you may be expecting, there are very few sports scenes (and no hocus-pocus). Instead, we have a young lady struggling to make the best decision she can when her head tells her one thing and her heart says another.
Margo Dill captured my attention on the very first page and kept it throughout the story. I enjoyed the way she showed the mental and emotional tug of war Julie was going through. Big decisions don’t come easily; I think it is important for young people to know that is all right to question, to falter, to be confused. That sometimes we need to be firm, and strong—and that we should make decisions in consideration of our long-term good.
Although there are some heavy topics here—sex, peer pressure, the death of one’s parents, and forgiveness—the subjects do not weigh down the story. This would be a good book for a YA reading group or for mothers and daughters to share.
Margo Dill captured my attention on the very first page and kept it throughout the story. I enjoyed the way she showed the mental and emotional tug of war Julie was going through. Big decisions don’t come easily; I think it is important for young people to know that is all right to question, to falter, to be confused. That sometimes we need to be firm, and strong—and that we should make decisions in consideration of our long-term good.
Although there are some heavy topics here—sex, peer pressure, the death of one’s parents, and forgiveness—the subjects do not weigh down the story. This would be a good book for a YA reading group or for mothers and daughters to share.
June 24, 2014
Julie has a problem. In fact, she has several problems. The book opens with her boyfriend pressuring her to have sex. But Julie has strong convictions. She is a good girl who doesn't want to rush into having sex. She also is loyal to her family and best friend, Matt.
Julie is an orphan being raised by her aunt and uncle, who is I a coma after a freak accident at Wrigley Field.
Because of an incident years ago, Julie's grandma believes the family is cursed. And it's not just her family that suffers from the curse--it's also the Chicago Cubs. Julie has to figure out how to reverse the curse to save her uncle, and maybe help the Cubbies won the World Series. (Fat chance). ;-)
Caught Between Two Curses started off edgy and ended up sweet, which is fine with me.
In Caught Between Two Curses Margo Dill has written a fun summer read that teen readers will enjoy, even if they're not Cubs fans. Go Cards!!
Julie is an orphan being raised by her aunt and uncle, who is I a coma after a freak accident at Wrigley Field.
Because of an incident years ago, Julie's grandma believes the family is cursed. And it's not just her family that suffers from the curse--it's also the Chicago Cubs. Julie has to figure out how to reverse the curse to save her uncle, and maybe help the Cubbies won the World Series. (Fat chance). ;-)
Caught Between Two Curses started off edgy and ended up sweet, which is fine with me.
In Caught Between Two Curses Margo Dill has written a fun summer read that teen readers will enjoy, even if they're not Cubs fans. Go Cards!!
August 19, 2014
I'm pretty sure this is only the second YA book I've read. The first one was, "Finding My Place," also written by Margo Dill.
As stated in other reviews, being a baseball fan is not required to enjoy this book! BUT, since I AM a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, AND the Cards & Cubs have had a great rivalry for many years, I found it particularly entertaining. The story is about much more than baseball. It's about family, boyfriends, teen years, decisions, high school, and ....oh yeah, a curse!
Margo's writing drew me right into the story and I enjoyed it very much!
As stated in other reviews, being a baseball fan is not required to enjoy this book! BUT, since I AM a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, AND the Cards & Cubs have had a great rivalry for many years, I found it particularly entertaining. The story is about much more than baseball. It's about family, boyfriends, teen years, decisions, high school, and ....oh yeah, a curse!
Margo's writing drew me right into the story and I enjoyed it very much!
June 6, 2014
Caught Between Two Curses is a cute, fun read for the YA reading group. The main character is challenged with the issues of having a boyfriend and him wanting her to go further then she wants to go. I liked how the story shows the difference from a player type boyfriend and a young man who truly cares for the character. A good read for young girls. A fun twist is a family curse. I had never heard of the Billy the Goat curse associated with The Cubs, that was a fun, new to me, part of this book.
September 16, 2014
Magic with a touch of history
Seventeen-year-old Julie Nigelson finds it hard to believe her family is cursed. Even stranger, the only clues to breaking the spell point toward the legendary Billy Goat Curse, which fans believe has prevented the Cubs from winning the World Series for decades. Author Margo Dill uses this “real” baseball curse (Google it!) to weave a fun story about Julie’s attempts to save her uncle--the curse’s next target and a rabid Cubs fan--while sorting out her own love life. Recommended for teens, baseball fans, and people who like goats. Just kidding about the goats.
Seventeen-year-old Julie Nigelson finds it hard to believe her family is cursed. Even stranger, the only clues to breaking the spell point toward the legendary Billy Goat Curse, which fans believe has prevented the Cubs from winning the World Series for decades. Author Margo Dill uses this “real” baseball curse (Google it!) to weave a fun story about Julie’s attempts to save her uncle--the curse’s next target and a rabid Cubs fan--while sorting out her own love life. Recommended for teens, baseball fans, and people who like goats. Just kidding about the goats.
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September 22, 2015Graded By: Brian
Cover Story: Giant Goofy Teen Faces
Drinking Buddy: Getcher Ice Cold Beer!
Testosterone Level: Did I Mention This Was About the Cubs?
Talky Talk: Dozens of People are Waiting to See the Game
Bonus Factors: Adult Illiteracy, Curse of the Billy Goat
Bromance Status: Loveable Loser
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Giant Goofy Teen Faces
Drinking Buddy: Getcher Ice Cold Beer!
Testosterone Level: Did I Mention This Was About the Cubs?
Talky Talk: Dozens of People are Waiting to See the Game
Bonus Factors: Adult Illiteracy, Curse of the Billy Goat
Bromance Status: Loveable Loser
Read the full book report here.
August 6, 2014
Julie has a problem or rather a bunch of problems - normal teen stuff, boy trouble, etc. But then when her uncle ends up in hospital in a coma after eating a bratwurst at a Cubs game she discovers a much bigger problem. Apparently her family is cursed and she has to break the curse!
An entertaining, fast paced, and well written book that will appeal to slightly younger teens.
An entertaining, fast paced, and well written book that will appeal to slightly younger teens.
July 21, 2016
Author Margo Dill hits it out of the park with her YA novel, Caught Between Two Curses, a story that is sure to entice readers with its blend of mystery, romance, and humor. Main character Julie is a strong protagonist and good role model for teenagers grappling with tough choices. And the book's ending is an added bonus for long-suffering Cubs fans. Thoroughly enjoyed this!
February 4, 2015
Fun adolescent romance with baseball too
Julie, the main character is so fun and earnest and charming, the mystery of the curses is really just an excuse to spend time with her. We get to see her deal with real and supernatural struggles with the kindness and good nature that we all wish we were capable of.
Julie, the main character is so fun and earnest and charming, the mystery of the curses is really just an excuse to spend time with her. We get to see her deal with real and supernatural struggles with the kindness and good nature that we all wish we were capable of.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews