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Beany Malone #9
A Bright Star Falls
Many lives are touched by Andy's beloved sister Rosellen. Andy's bitterness and anger regarding Rosellen's illness threaten his relationships with Beany and his family. Rosellen's warm and loving influence positively affects many surly and unfriendly personalities at Harkness High. Johnny becomes infatuated with a bleached blond carhop named Garnet Storm who creates a great divide between Beany and Johnny. Will Johnny marry Garnet?
278 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1959
9 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Lenora Mattingly Weber
43 books55 followersLenora Mattingly, though born in Missouri, lived most of her life in Denver, Colorado. In 1916 she married Albert Herman Weber and was the mother of six children.
Weber's first book, Wind on the Prairie, was published in 1929. From 1930 through 1962 she wrote short stories for magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post, McCall's, and Good Housekeeping. Her last book was published posthumously in 1972.
Lenora Mattingly Weber’s favorite topics included the Denver area, horses, and teenage girls. In 1943 the first Beany Malone book, Meet the Malones, was published. Beany Malone became Weber's most well-known creation, featured in 14 books and appearing as a minor character in the Katie Rose Belford and Stacy Belford series.
Weber's first book, Wind on the Prairie, was published in 1929. From 1930 through 1962 she wrote short stories for magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post, McCall's, and Good Housekeeping. Her last book was published posthumously in 1972.
Lenora Mattingly Weber’s favorite topics included the Denver area, horses, and teenage girls. In 1943 the first Beany Malone book, Meet the Malones, was published. Beany Malone became Weber's most well-known creation, featured in 14 books and appearing as a minor character in the Katie Rose Belford and Stacy Belford series.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 14, 2021
If you like this, try STRANGER AT THE GATES by Grace Livingston Hill.
January 13, 2010
I love this Beany Malone series. In fact I am planning on ordering the whole collection to give my daughter on her 16th birthday. For lovers of local history: the Malones "lived" in the Denver of the 1940's-60's Denver. There are numerous references to real places, sometimes with a slightly altered name. In this one Adair and Martie go to the inauguration of the Air Force Academy; Beany visits her Beau at Berkeley base; in another she goes dancing at the Acacia Gardens (i.e. the old Elitch's Garden) where there is an amusement park, she shops on the Boulevard, walks to church at St. Mary's (the cathedral?), eats at a very select senator's Club across from the capitol...you revisit old time high schools, teenage hangout places, but more the more pressing issues of the times are always addressed: the uranium rush, banking scams, the dating scene, the war efforts, real (read sacrificial) love, dying, flaws of character that are "worse than death", a congenial home vs. penthouse living, substantial vs. decorative cooking...It's American history, with a large dose of Colorado history.
October 12, 2007
A beautiful, truthful, painful book. I was in high school when I read this and felt like I just couldn't bear it. Constance, I'm sad about Rosellen and Andy, but I'm saddest about Johnny.
March 28, 2025
Beany Malone is a senior in high school in this ninth volume of the series devoted to her adventures at school and with her family and friends, and is now the editor-in-chief of Hark Ye, Harkness High's school paper. Excited at all of the school events ahead of her, and looking forward to the Christmas-time return of her special beau, Andy Kern, serving in the Marines off in California, Beany little realizes what a time of trial is in store for her. Coming into conflict with her beloved older brother Johnny, when he takes up with Garnet Storm—a dishonest and manipulative girl of the absolute worst sort—and won't hear a word spoken against her, she is also disturbed by the feeling that her friend Rosellen, Andy's gentle and kindhearted younger sister, confined to her wheelchair after a childhood bout of polio, is trying to tell her something important. Distracted by all the many doings in her life, Beany is wholly unprepared when Rosellen suddenly , and is unsure how to handle Andy's storm of grief and anger. Will things ever be the same between them, and will Beany be able to reconcile with Johnny...?
Originally published in 1959, and then reprinted in 2008 by Image Cascade Publishing, A Bright Star Falls was an immensely engrossing, entertaining and ultimately heartbreaking book. It is certainly now one of my favorites of author Lenora Mattingly Weber's fourteen-volume Beany Malone series, beautifully capturing the heartbreak of loss—the confusion, regret and rage it creates in those left behind, when a loved one dies. I thought the author's depiction of Beany's changing perception of Rosellen—her belief that she is almost ready to walk again, her knowledge that something is troubling her friend, and the bitterness of her realization of what that was, once it was too late—was sensitively done, as was her depiction of Andy's first enraged rejection of everything having to do with the loss of his sister. The well-meaning relatives, the priest's message in his eulogy, Beany's own attempts to prevent him from going off the rails—everything only make him angrier, something I think rings very true, in the initial stages of grief. I also thought her depiction of the relationship between Johnny and Garnet was interesting, particularly the way in which any opposition on the part of Johnny's friends and family only caused him to dig in his heels. The eventual conclusion of that storyline, and the final confrontation between Johnny and Garnet, was very satisfying to witness, for Beany and for the reader! This is one I would recommend to readers who have enjoyed previous entries in the series, although they should be prepared for some very sad passages.
Originally published in 1959, and then reprinted in 2008 by Image Cascade Publishing, A Bright Star Falls was an immensely engrossing, entertaining and ultimately heartbreaking book. It is certainly now one of my favorites of author Lenora Mattingly Weber's fourteen-volume Beany Malone series, beautifully capturing the heartbreak of loss—the confusion, regret and rage it creates in those left behind, when a loved one dies. I thought the author's depiction of Beany's changing perception of Rosellen—her belief that she is almost ready to walk again, her knowledge that something is troubling her friend, and the bitterness of her realization of what that was, once it was too late—was sensitively done, as was her depiction of Andy's first enraged rejection of everything having to do with the loss of his sister. The well-meaning relatives, the priest's message in his eulogy, Beany's own attempts to prevent him from going off the rails—everything only make him angrier, something I think rings very true, in the initial stages of grief. I also thought her depiction of the relationship between Johnny and Garnet was interesting, particularly the way in which any opposition on the part of Johnny's friends and family only caused him to dig in his heels. The eventual conclusion of that storyline, and the final confrontation between Johnny and Garnet, was very satisfying to witness, for Beany and for the reader! This is one I would recommend to readers who have enjoyed previous entries in the series, although they should be prepared for some very sad passages.
May 16, 2008
One of my favorites of the Beany books. Rosellen (who coincidentally has the same name as my sister-in-law, the only real person I've ever met with that name)develops into a very real character and her story is genuinely touching and tragic.I I liked the way Weber showed several of the characters responding to her personality and making changes in their own lives because of it.
Andy's reaction to events is realistic and Beany's rather clueless response is very typically Beany. The Johnny/Garnet story is indeed almost painful to read about, but I loved the denouement in the coffee shop.
Andy's reaction to events is realistic and Beany's rather clueless response is very typically Beany. The Johnny/Garnet story is indeed almost painful to read about, but I loved the denouement in the coffee shop.
October 12, 2007
I've always loved this author's talent for coming up with great titles. This is her best.
A Bright Star Falls is powerful book that deals with tragic circumstances in unsentimental ways. Personally, it's my favorite book in the Beany Malone series.
I do think Johnny acts like a royal ass in this book, and can't help but wonder at what the Malone family would have thought if Beany had behaved in this fashion.
A Bright Star Falls is powerful book that deals with tragic circumstances in unsentimental ways. Personally, it's my favorite book in the Beany Malone series.
I do think Johnny acts like a royal ass in this book, and can't help but wonder at what the Malone family would have thought if Beany had behaved in this fashion.
August 28, 2011
This book deals with more serious subject matter than previous ‘Beany’ offerings. Perhaps the heavier plot and more grown-up characters are what made it difficult for me to put down. It is sad, though, and at times downright depressing! Rosellen’s death definitely found me teary-eyed (even though a few books back I remember thinking that it seemed like her death was being foreshadowed). I found it interesting that Garnet Storm was introduced as one of the few (perhaps even the first?) character in the series with basically no redeeming qualities. As much as I disliked her, I couldn’t help feeling a little sorry for her, and I think it was slightly mean of the other Malones to automatically cold-shoulder her. I like Miggs, but I kind of miss Kay. As usual, Dulcie continues to liven up the narrative. The ending change-of-heart was a bit sudden, but I can’t say that I really would have the book end any other way. I think it’s becoming clear, though, that Andy isn’t really the one for Beany.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2007
I believe the first time I ever cried over a book was when one of the main characters died in this one (see, I'm avoiding spoilers).
February 22, 2008
My favorite of the Beany books!
July 26, 2013
This was a tough one to read (re-read). I didn't really remember it from the first time I read the series as a teen - maybe I missed it. But it was well done and respectful of the characters.
March 11, 2022
In some ways, the Beany books seem dated and indeed, they are reflective of their time period. However, I find myself reading them when I just want to temporarily escape today’s life. The kids in the Malone family seem much more self sufficient than today’s high school students. Ms. Weber always managed to write at least one heart warming scene which never does get old. In A Bright Star Falls, our heart warmer is Rosellen. After her bout with polio as a young girl, she knew that the rest of her life would be neither long or active. Rosellen had the wisdom to wring every bit of living out of the time she had left. In doing so, she changed Beany, Miggs, Dulcie and others and all for the better. Bravo Rosellen - you are one of my personal heroines!
July 20, 2007
Kleenex, more Kleenex! Although I don't know if I am sadder about Rosellen or Andy!
December 20, 2022
This emotionally hard-hitting book covers a lot of important themes, and as I read it, I kept thinking, "This is exactly what I want from slice-of-life books. This is the kind of realism that I want." When I was in middle school or younger, I would have resented this book's stressful and tragic turns, but it rings so true. It's realistic and honest and unsentimental, and it's difficult to find books about illness, disability, and death that can manage that.
It's not much of a spoiler that Rosellen dies. It's been foreshadowed repeatedly in previous books, and despite Beany's obliviousness here, it's obvious that Rosellen is struggling and is trying to be optimistic for everyone else while dealing with her failing health. The book portrays this in such an honest, realistic way, and the fallout in Andy's life after she dies is both frightening and completely convincing. His anger over people's platitudes and his conflict with Beany are so realistic, and it was agony to have to put the book down in the midst of this to go to bed before an early morning.
This book deals with multiple heavy themes, including harrassment that Beany experiences from a stranger at a truck stop when she's chasing Andy down. The conflict that they experience also creates a clear turning point in his life and their relationship, which has been so lighthearted and fun up to this point. The clashes in their personalities and way of handling things are further revealed in this crisis, and I have to admit that as horribly as Andy acted, I would side more with him, just because her Enneagram Two energy was so misplaced and hurtful here.
The story is very intense, and the subplot isn't any lighter, since it involves Johnny getting into a relationship with an abusive girl who manipulates him, divides him against his family, and takes advantage of him emotionally and financially. Again, it's rough, and I would have hated reading this when I was younger than the target audience, but it's so realistic and true, and I appreciate the author's realistic representation of abuse dynamics when women are the aggressors.
Even though this book is a tough read, I'm in awe of how well the author represented brutal realities of life without sugar-coating them or getting sentimental. This book isn't the kind of gloomy Problem Novel that was about to take center stage in the sixties, but it's also not the kind of relentlessly wholesome, positive Family Values Novel that was common in earlier eras. Instead, it blends the best, truest, and most honest parts of both genres, representing life as it really is.
It's not much of a spoiler that Rosellen dies. It's been foreshadowed repeatedly in previous books, and despite Beany's obliviousness here, it's obvious that Rosellen is struggling and is trying to be optimistic for everyone else while dealing with her failing health. The book portrays this in such an honest, realistic way, and the fallout in Andy's life after she dies is both frightening and completely convincing. His anger over people's platitudes and his conflict with Beany are so realistic, and it was agony to have to put the book down in the midst of this to go to bed before an early morning.
This book deals with multiple heavy themes, including harrassment that Beany experiences from a stranger at a truck stop when she's chasing Andy down. The conflict that they experience also creates a clear turning point in his life and their relationship, which has been so lighthearted and fun up to this point. The clashes in their personalities and way of handling things are further revealed in this crisis, and I have to admit that as horribly as Andy acted, I would side more with him, just because her Enneagram Two energy was so misplaced and hurtful here.
The story is very intense, and the subplot isn't any lighter, since it involves Johnny getting into a relationship with an abusive girl who manipulates him, divides him against his family, and takes advantage of him emotionally and financially. Again, it's rough, and I would have hated reading this when I was younger than the target audience, but it's so realistic and true, and I appreciate the author's realistic representation of abuse dynamics when women are the aggressors.
Even though this book is a tough read, I'm in awe of how well the author represented brutal realities of life without sugar-coating them or getting sentimental. This book isn't the kind of gloomy Problem Novel that was about to take center stage in the sixties, but it's also not the kind of relentlessly wholesome, positive Family Values Novel that was common in earlier eras. Instead, it blends the best, truest, and most honest parts of both genres, representing life as it really is.
August 1, 2022
What a poignant, beautiful story. Our heroine Beany is not the only one who matures by the end of the book. Her close crowd is all affected by the fall of the bright star. My one quibble is how LMW used the same plot for Johnny as she would use later for Ben in one of the Katie Rose books. The whole thing seemed so un-Johnny as to be unbelievable.
November 29, 2022
I was not looking forward to reading this Beany book, because I remembered it being very sad.
There are some very adult themes about grief and the anger that can come with grief in this book. Honestly, just have your hankies nearby for this book.
You will also want to slap Johnny Malone silly. Also yet again, another instance of keeping secrets for someone when you should just tell an adult.
There are some very adult themes about grief and the anger that can come with grief in this book. Honestly, just have your hankies nearby for this book.
You will also want to slap Johnny Malone silly. Also yet again, another instance of keeping secrets for someone when you should just tell an adult.
May 2, 2024
This was a tough one to read between the death of a beloved character and Johnny’s obsession with cheap hustler Garnet Storm (that name, tho!) And, thank cats, it seems like Beany is *finally* starting to grow up.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
October 27, 2021
I totally forgot just how heartbreakingly sad this book is.
Made me bawl my eyes out.
*Sniff*
Highly recommend, but have Kleenex on standby.
Made me bawl my eyes out.
*Sniff*
Highly recommend, but have Kleenex on standby.
January 31, 2023
The best Weber’s written
January 28, 2024
Beany loses a dear friend and Johnny loses his mind.
January 21, 2025
Sad, but handled with grace.
I love how these older books took real issues and made it something even modern teens or adults could relate to. What a good story.
I love how these older books took real issues and made it something even modern teens or adults could relate to. What a good story.
August 1, 2020
Beany is back with family, friends, and troubles. Being the new editor of her high school paper she is in charge of making it an activity for every student. Miggs (we met last book) isn't getting along with the Harknessites, Johnny is putting his interests (and money) elsewhere, Andy is coming home for Christmas, and Rosellen maybe be walking! The biggest issue with this book (for me that is and the reason for 4 stars instead of 5) is Johnny and Garnet Storm. Honestly, I'm pretty sure is possessed or something. He isn't Johnny in this book, not to give his sisters the benefit of a doubt or his father and stepmother.
February 22, 2021
Continuing my re-read of the "Beany" books. This is one of my favorites. I still get mad at Johnny being taken in by the hussy, Garnet. I love the Clothesbasket Upset. And the death of a beloved character brings a maturity to Beany and her gang.
January 20, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews