Counting Thyme Book Summary - Counting Thyme Book explained in key points

Counting Thyme summary

Melanie Conklin

Brief summary

Counting Thyme by Melanie Conklin is a heartwarming story about a young girl named Thyme who moves to New York City for her brother's cancer treatment. It explores themes of family, friendship, and finding a sense of home.

Give Feedback
Topics
Table of Contents

    Counting Thyme
    Summary of key ideas

    Family and Change

    In Counting Thyme by Melanie Conklin, we meet eleven-year-old Thyme Owens, who is forced to move from San Diego to New York City with her family after her younger brother, Val, is accepted into a clinical trial for a new cancer treatment. Thyme is devastated by the move, leaving behind her best friend and everything familiar, but she is determined to make the best of the situation for Val's sake.

    Thyme's parents are consumed by Val's illness, and the family dynamic shifts as they all adjust to the new reality. Thyme feels isolated and struggles to adapt to her new school and make friends. She also grapples with guilt for feeling resentful about the move while Val is battling cancer.

    Thyme's Journey

    As the story unfolds, Thyme becomes involved in her brother's treatment, helping him cope with the side effects and maintain a positive outlook. She also finds solace in her love for cooking, which she shares with a grumpy neighbor, Mr. Lipinsky, and his pet bird, Swooper. Through these experiences, Thyme begins to find her place in the new city and form connections.

    Thyme also befriends a boy named Cedric, who has his own struggles, and together, they embark on a mission to create a math club to help Cedric improve his grades. Despite her initial resistance to change, Thyme starts to embrace her new life in the city and forge meaningful relationships.

    The Weight of Responsibility

    Throughout Counting Thyme, we see Thyme shouldering a lot of responsibility, not just for her own well-being, but also for her brother's. She struggles with feelings of helplessness and fear for Val's life, while also trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for him. Thyme's character development is marked by her growing maturity and resilience in the face of adversity.

    The clinical trial takes a toll on Val's health, and Thyme's family is confronted with the harsh reality of his condition. Thyme grapples with the possibility of losing her brother and the impact it would have on their family. She also confronts her own fears and learns to lean on others for support.

    Hope and Healing

    In the end, Counting Thyme is a story of hope and healing. Despite the challenges, Thyme finds strength in her family, friends, and her own resilience. She learns to appreciate the moments of joy and connection, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

    The novel concludes with a sense of cautious optimism as Val's health stabilizes, and the Owens family begins to settle into their new life. Thyme's journey is one of acceptance and adaptation, showing that even in the face of the toughest challenges, we can find ways to count our blessings and move forward.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is Counting Thyme about?

    Counting Thyme is a heartfelt novel by Melanie Conklin that follows eleven-year-old Thyme as she navigates a new life in New York City to support her younger brother's cancer treatment. Filled with themes of family, friendship, and the power of hope, this book offers a poignant exploration of the challenges and silver linings that come with unexpected change.

    Counting Thyme Review

    Counting Thyme (2016) follows the journey of a young girl and her family as they move for her little brother's cancer treatment. Here's why this book is worth your time:
    • With heartfelt exploration of family dynamics and sacrifice, it offers a poignant and emotional narrative that resonates with readers.
    • The realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by families dealing with illness adds depth and authenticity to the story, keeping readers engaged.
    • Through its touching storytelling and relatable characters, the book manages to deliver a powerful and moving experience that is far from boring.

    Who should read Counting Thyme?

    • Readers who enjoy middle-grade fiction with themes of family, friendship, and resilience

    • Children and young adults who have experienced or know someone dealing with a serious illness

    • Parents, educators, and caregivers looking for a book that addresses complex emotions and challenges in a relatable way

    About the Author

    Melanie Conklin is a talented author known for her captivating storytelling. Her book, "Counting Thyme," has received critical acclaim for its heartfelt exploration of family, friendship, and the challenges of dealing with a sibling's illness. Conklin's writing resonates with readers of all ages, and her ability to create authentic characters and emotional depth has established her as a beloved voice in children's literature. Through her work, she continues to inspire and connect with audiences around the world.

    Categories with Counting Thyme

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    36 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Get started

    Counting Thyme FAQs 

    What is the main message of Counting Thyme?

    The main message of Counting Thyme emphasizes the importance of family, resilience, and finding hope in difficult situations.

    How long does it take to read Counting Thyme?

    Reading Counting Thyme typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in about 15 minutes.

    Is Counting Thyme a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Counting Thyme is a heartwarming and insightful story that explores themes of growth and belonging, making it a worthwhile read.

    Who is the author of Counting Thyme?

    The author of Counting Thyme is Melanie Conklin.

    What to read after Counting Thyme?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Counting Thyme, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
    • Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
    • Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes
    • The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
    • Savor by Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian Cheung
    • Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman
    • Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price
    • Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss
    • Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink
    • The Twenty-four Hour Mind by Rosalind D. Cartwright