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35th out of 200 books
—
84 voters
Too Far
by
Rich Shapero (Goodreads Author)
Rich Shapero’s Too Far follows a pair of ultra-imaginative six-year-olds, Robbie and Fristeen, through a transformative summer spent exploring the woods behind their remote Alaskan homes. As their family lives become increasingly unstable, the children travel deeper and farther into their private world. The forest—and the gods who inhabit it—becomes their refuge until, at...more
Paperback, 244 pages
Published
2010
by Outside Reading
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My daughter came home for a college break with this novel, which she was given for free on campus. She passed it on to me, saying it was a “gorgeous read,” and that she had hoped to write a review but didn't have the time. Which is where Mom comes in …
Just finished it, and, well -- like daughter like mother! What an entrancing book. It’s the kind that seems simple, like it’s written for children, but its simplicity is a deception; beneath the storybook facade is something deeper, wiser … the stu...more
Just finished it, and, well -- like daughter like mother! What an entrancing book. It’s the kind that seems simple, like it’s written for children, but its simplicity is a deception; beneath the storybook facade is something deeper, wiser … the stu...more
My son gave me this book they were giving them away on his university campus as a promo . I must say it was a fascinating read.On the outskirts of Fairbanks Robbie a six year old boy meet a mesmerizing girl his own age. Together they explore the the mysterious woodland surrending their homes. The world they discover is built from their own fantasies, and inhabited by creatures born from their dreams. But while Robbie and Fristeen grow inseparable, Robbies parents are drifting apart,and Fristeens...more
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This book is a long way from my usual fayre being more fairy-tale than a real story, the story line is a bit thin to put it mildly, but that said I found it rather pleasurable escapism just like that for the two children.
The story for what it is is about two 6 year-old children escaping the crumbling relationships of their parents into their imaginations and the wild Alaskan landscape around their homes. At times you can see the author's musical background in his descriptions which are almost ly...more
The story for what it is is about two 6 year-old children escaping the crumbling relationships of their parents into their imaginations and the wild Alaskan landscape around their homes. At times you can see the author's musical background in his descriptions which are almost ly...more
So my buddy tells me about this iPad app that’s a novel combined with music and art, and sucker that I am for all three “arts,” I downloaded it. First bonus: It’s new, and I think they’re testing it out, so it’s free, at least for now. Free = nothing to lose.
Turns out an order of magnitude above that: “Too Far” App = everything to gain. Sweet, on various levels.
(Warning: This review is way longer than my other ones, given that this whole iPad app multimedia concept has me kind of ganked.)
I'll s...more
Turns out an order of magnitude above that: “Too Far” App = everything to gain. Sweet, on various levels.
(Warning: This review is way longer than my other ones, given that this whole iPad app multimedia concept has me kind of ganked.)
I'll s...more
My boyfriend came home and then as an after thought (being that I am a reading junkie) remembered he received a book today. I was interested, "School book?" I asked, to which he replied "No some guy with a box full of them was just giving them away". With that he just laid it down and started talking about other things... but I immediately snatched it up for examination and off I went.
I just finished the book a few minutes ago and I'm I'mpressed. So impressed that I'm thinking of trying to writ...more
I just finished the book a few minutes ago and I'm I'mpressed. So impressed that I'm thinking of trying to writ...more
5 likes · like · see review
I just adored this little book. It's (bitter)sweet and heart-rending and one of the truest depictions of childhood friendship I've ever read. The writer, Rich Shapero, has an amazing eye for detail and finely observes the conjoined spirits of these remarkable six-year-olds. The book came banded with a beautifully designed CD of delightful music and colorful artwork. Someone was handing out the package on campus and told me there's also an app for it. Since I read almost everything on my iPad the...more
Worded awkwardly at times, but filled with infectious imagination and unexpected gravity.
I was all too impressed by this novel and by Rich Shapero's unique style and beautiful prose. I could not believe that people were handing these out for free, especially in the sheer numbers that they seem to have been given.
I appreciate the arguments made against the realism of the children's behaviour, as well as the arguments regarding the sexually shocking content of the novel and would therefore like to assert for all future readers that reading the synopses inside of book covers, while it...more
I appreciate the arguments made against the realism of the children's behaviour, as well as the arguments regarding the sexually shocking content of the novel and would therefore like to assert for all future readers that reading the synopses inside of book covers, while it...more
A tale of lost innocence, written much how you would a film.
I found it difficult at first to get into the book, as the writing style doesn't follow what I would call "traditional" verse.
Still, I could put the book down after the first chapter or so, and it was an interesting perspective on the ways that young people understand and react to tragedy in their lives.
I enjoyed the book, and would read it again. It gave me something to think about.
I found it difficult at first to get into the book, as the writing style doesn't follow what I would call "traditional" verse.
Still, I could put the book down after the first chapter or so, and it was an interesting perspective on the ways that young people understand and react to tragedy in their lives.
I enjoyed the book, and would read it again. It gave me something to think about.
Kids with vivid imaginations or was it real? A compelling read.
NOTE: I did not have the accompanying music/art; I am reviewing the book on solely its own merits.
So I picked this book up as part of my bi-annual shopping spree at Half Price Books, mostly for the flashy cover and promise of trippy, dream-like imagery. Plus, it featured kids and their imaginations. Double win, I thought.
While I don't regret reading this book, I'm still at war with myself as to whether or not I actually liked it much. The main characters Robbie and Fristeen (6 and 8, I believe?)...more
So I picked this book up as part of my bi-annual shopping spree at Half Price Books, mostly for the flashy cover and promise of trippy, dream-like imagery. Plus, it featured kids and their imaginations. Double win, I thought.
While I don't regret reading this book, I'm still at war with myself as to whether or not I actually liked it much. The main characters Robbie and Fristeen (6 and 8, I believe?)...more
Like many other reviewers I was handed this book for free during the Edinburgh Book Festival last week.
I had a vague recollection of seeing a précis of the book some-place so I was eager to read it.
It is a slightly whimsical book. The descriptions of the countryside through which the children wander are vivid; although the language employed doesn't really resonate as being that of six year olds.
It is more of a fairy-tale than a story - the actual storyline has very little substance, and is give...more
I had a vague recollection of seeing a précis of the book some-place so I was eager to read it.
It is a slightly whimsical book. The descriptions of the countryside through which the children wander are vivid; although the language employed doesn't really resonate as being that of six year olds.
It is more of a fairy-tale than a story - the actual storyline has very little substance, and is give...more
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This is the story of two young children, Robbie and Fristeen. Robbie's parents have moved to Alaska for his father to do graduate study work. His mother is controlling and worries about his safety. His father encourages his sense of adventure and first moves to independence. His parent's marriage is breaking down and Robbie feels that he is to blame for some of the outbursts.
Fristeen's mother is more interested in her next fix than she is in her...more
This is the story of two young children, Robbie and Fristeen. Robbie's parents have moved to Alaska for his father to do graduate study work. His mother is controlling and worries about his safety. His father encourages his sense of adventure and first moves to independence. His parent's marriage is breaking down and Robbie feels that he is to blame for some of the outbursts.
Fristeen's mother is more interested in her next fix than she is in her...more
***Disclosure - I received a copy from a Goodreads giveaway.***
This book is very interesting and has many layers.
It's the juxtaposition of imagination and depressing reality, all told from a child's point of view.
The main character is a six-year-old boy named Robbie who befriends and falls in love with a girl named Fristeen. They both go on adventures in the surrounding woods and land of their two houses. They name landmarks and meet magical beings.
And then they have to come home and experience...more
This book is very interesting and has many layers.
It's the juxtaposition of imagination and depressing reality, all told from a child's point of view.
The main character is a six-year-old boy named Robbie who befriends and falls in love with a girl named Fristeen. They both go on adventures in the surrounding woods and land of their two houses. They name landmarks and meet magical beings.
And then they have to come home and experience...more
Too Far is the sort of book you just have to give yourself over to. You can’t over-think it or analyze the style too much or you’ll miss the beauty. And the magic.
The book came with a CD of trippy music by Shapero and this amazing vocalist, Maria Taylor. Listening to the tracks while reading the novel really contributes to the overall feel of the story. There’s an iPad app available, too, but I don’t have an iPad. Yet.
I read Too Far twice. The first time I read it the dialogue tags and some of...more
The book came with a CD of trippy music by Shapero and this amazing vocalist, Maria Taylor. Listening to the tracks while reading the novel really contributes to the overall feel of the story. There’s an iPad app available, too, but I don’t have an iPad. Yet.
I read Too Far twice. The first time I read it the dialogue tags and some of...more
Jun 01, 2012
Sabore
marked it as to-read
I agree a bit with other reviewers. The thoughts and words from these SIX year olds are a little beyond their years. Yes they could be very smart but I mean, come on...And also I agree the sexual content, though I am fine with it in any novel, it's extremely unrealistic and almost awkward because of their age. It had me sometimes literally going "Woah Woah Woah, wait a minute, rewind, I definitley read that wrong." and after having proved my brain wasn't screwing with me, well, it was hard to fa...more
This book was droped off in my mailbox wiht an anonymous "Emi" written on it, signifying it was for me. It came with a cd called "Dawn Remembers." I was judgmental towards the music at first, but now it makes sense as poetry accompanying the book.
This book flipped a switch in my world. Now the veil is thinning so rapidly i'm not sure if i'm going to be safe. But it is apparantly going to be ok. just a little bit scary.
Shivers.
I have courage now though :) Just like the little boy in the book wh...more
This book flipped a switch in my world. Now the veil is thinning so rapidly i'm not sure if i'm going to be safe. But it is apparantly going to be ok. just a little bit scary.
Shivers.
I have courage now though :) Just like the little boy in the book wh...more
*Bridge To Terabithia on drugs*
I (like many others, it seems) got this book for free on campus at my university. It had a CD strapped to it which I have yet to listen to, but which apparently is supposed to match certain scenes of the book...
To me, the whole thing seemed like a rather twisted, drug-addled adaptation of Bridge To Terabithia. While it was somewhat interesting in terms of emotion, childlike wonder, and imagery, it was also hard to follow at times and seemed to have much more fluff...more
I (like many others, it seems) got this book for free on campus at my university. It had a CD strapped to it which I have yet to listen to, but which apparently is supposed to match certain scenes of the book...
To me, the whole thing seemed like a rather twisted, drug-addled adaptation of Bridge To Terabithia. While it was somewhat interesting in terms of emotion, childlike wonder, and imagery, it was also hard to follow at times and seemed to have much more fluff...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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I received this on goodreads give away. Also did receive a CD of music with it which was nice. Found the cover quite colorful and like it. Very eye catching for sure.
I was amazed with the author and the book. He does have his own style of writing which was easy to read.
I have to admit I had some trouble with the sex amongst these two young children. If you can get by it the story is a good one.
We follow these two young children ages 6 and 8 yrs old on an adventure through the woods behind their...more
I was amazed with the author and the book. He does have his own style of writing which was easy to read.
I have to admit I had some trouble with the sex amongst these two young children. If you can get by it the story is a good one.
We follow these two young children ages 6 and 8 yrs old on an adventure through the woods behind their...more
Rich Shapero paints a world like I have never read before. I feel like I have jumped straight into someone's imagination, and, frankly, that is basically what he is trying to do. This book is different than anything I have read before, but that doesn't necessarily mean I liked it 100%
Balance between imagination and reality isn't maintained and the jumps back and forth can sometimes be confusing. A lot of the focus was on the imagination of Robbie and Fristeen, and it should be, but you should al...more
Balance between imagination and reality isn't maintained and the jumps back and forth can sometimes be confusing. A lot of the focus was on the imagination of Robbie and Fristeen, and it should be, but you should al...more
Mar 20, 2013
Megan (trixieKitten)
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
grown-ups who used to be kids
“You’re like all the other babes in these woods… For a summer, your leaves flutter with another’s. You imagine you’re kin to the stars. But the same sap that inflames you, freezes and splits you. And the older you grow, the deader at heart.”
Poetically written, fable-style, “Too Far” tells the story of two children exploring the wooded world of their Fairbanks, Alaska backyard. Or does it?! Half the time I thought I was reading someone’s shroom trip and the book would end with a confused 22-year...more
Poetically written, fable-style, “Too Far” tells the story of two children exploring the wooded world of their Fairbanks, Alaska backyard. Or does it?! Half the time I thought I was reading someone’s shroom trip and the book would end with a confused 22-year...more
“How far will they go?” This is the question that kept running through my mind during reading the book “Too Far” by Rich Shapero. Two neighbor children escape their increasingly unstable home lives into a rich fantasy world set in the wilderness around their homes. I found myself holding my breath hoping that these children would find their happy ending. I will not give that ending away but will say that the climax will have you holding your breath not knowing what ending to hope for.
I received...more
I received...more
Oct 25, 2012
Zoe
marked it as to-read
Don't you hate when you type something out and the joyous internet deletes EVERYTHING ? What makes it worse is it was wonderfully written and you had the fullest of intentions to keep it ... Ever happen to you ; Essay, Email, GoodReads post or review ? Yep. I just noticed it did.
Rewrite (not as good , never will be):
I had recived Too Far by Rich Shapero while waiting for the metro after school. These people had boxes full of them and I walked by them to glance at the book and they just of...more
Rewrite (not as good , never will be):
I had recived Too Far by Rich Shapero while waiting for the metro after school. These people had boxes full of them and I walked by them to glance at the book and they just of...more
I received this book from some people who were handing it out on campus. It sat on my shelf for a good year before I got around to picking it up. Having done so, I regret that I even brought it home.
I am keeping it as an example of truly terrible writing.
It's a great example of how overusing metaphors can make your writing confusing. I was shocked to discover that the author has a degree in literature, as I could find at least five things my first-year creative writing teacher instructed us not...more
I am keeping it as an example of truly terrible writing.
It's a great example of how overusing metaphors can make your writing confusing. I was shocked to discover that the author has a degree in literature, as I could find at least five things my first-year creative writing teacher instructed us not...more
This book started out as an interesting story with an intriguing fantasy story about two children exploring nature. At first, the fantastic world of the children and their imagination blended nicely with the real parts of the story, but as the book wore on, the story got stranger and stranger. On top of this, the scary yet strong imaginative land into which the children escaped soon became the only uplifting part of the story as the interludes of home life and reality became more depressing.
Thou...more
Thou...more
After reading the reviews for this book I was really excited to get my copy, and when it arrived with it's colourful, shiny cover I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into it. People have really sung the praises of this book and I certainly was not disappointed. Also, I loved that it can be downloaded for free and that there is even accompanying music, I've not had a chance to use the app yet but am looking forward to that too.
The book was a lovely, easy read. The pages and chapters flowed delicious...more
Too Far by Rich Shapero was strange..About two six-year olds that go out into the forest and create their own world. Sounds a bit like Terabithia, except Shapero has the six-year olds marry each other, fly on a moose head, and other…stuff. What I will credit Shapero with is imaginative writings. There are some creative parts that are just too cool. Bad writing, some quotation marks missing (almost all over the place), it’s a book you could add at the bottom of your reading list.
p/s: I was one of...more
p/s: I was one of...more
The imagination to the children was beautiful, but the sexual tension between the two six year olds made me a bit uncomfortable
One idiosyncratic piece of literature, this one. It has apparently been handed out for free on college campuses, like this decade's answer to that ubiquitous "Jesus" video from 1999/2000. Like that particular bit of VHS, this has been turning up at thrift stores and yard sales, which is where I scored mine (50 cents!). The book itself is an offbeat mixture of fantasy and domestic drama, told from the point of view of two kids. Shapero nails the ways in which kids relate to and name things (e.g....more
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Rich Shapero is a writer and musician whose multimedia storytelling projects pioneer unseen worlds. At the heart of his stories are vast wildernesses, populated by mercurial private gods who promise deliverance to truer, more profound states of being. But transcendence demands sacrifice, and the paths of his protagonists are fraught with danger, dread and violence. Combining lucid prose with entra...more
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