This Heyer stands out for making the well-rounded, virtuous characters so wonderfully attractive while the spoilt, self-interested fools couldn't be m...moreThis Heyer stands out for making the well-rounded, virtuous characters so wonderfully attractive while the spoilt, self-interested fools couldn't be more tedious.
The unassuming but well born Miss Ancilla Trent is governess to the spoilt and dangerously beautiful heiress Miss Tiffany Wield, and has a difficult time keeping her charge out of mischief.
When the famed sportsman Sir Waldo Hawkridge inherits a dilapidated house in their village, Tiffany sets about adding him (as well as his cousins) to her list of admirers. But Sir Waldo is perceptive, and it's not long before he's able to see past Miss Wield's dazzling beauty to notice her far more interesting governess.
Julian Twerski's honest, self-deprecating and waggish voice finds its way to your heart before he's uttered as much as a sentence. And by the time he...more Julian Twerski's honest, self-deprecating and waggish voice finds its way to your heart before he's uttered as much as a sentence. And by the time he's finished unburdening his conscience of the highs, lows and hilarities of his year, he's right up there on your favourites shelf with Spinelli (Stargirl), Palacio (Wonder) and Rebecca Stead (When You Reach Me). This sixth-grader really has a way with words.
We know from the beginning he's writing this journal for his involvement in a bullying incident, for which he and his friends were suspended. His teacher suspects that writing about it will help Julian process what happened, and hopefully learn from it. He’s not wrong.
While Julian narrates many things that occurred that year, somehow the whole book is part of his reflection on that final, regrettable event, and the part he played. He begins with a recount of a 'pigeon incident', which allows the reader to see the peer dynamics of his group of friends in action. To Goldblatt's authorial credit, we can detect Julian's change of tone even by the time he finishes the first chapter. Score one for the teacher.
One of the most impressive elements of this story is the change in the protagonist. More than witnessing the mere fact of his change, we are privileged to travel with him through the process. To read, in the first few chapters, sentences like,
"I hate Shakespeare. I know that's hard for English teachers to hear, but it's the truth."
is possibly realistic—perhaps disappointing—in a sixth-grade boy, but to read just chapters later that he goes back to his dreaded fourth grade memorisation speech “What a piece of work is man!” and concludes “That’s life in a nutshell, if you ask me”, and especially to hear the reasons why he's changed his mind, makes this an absolute gem among middle grade novels. Julian’s pejorative comments about people, too, are often reassessed by the end… this change is just one among many that take place in the process of writing the journal.
Julian's account couldn't feel more authentic. We experience his writer's block, his sixth-grader embarrassment, his playing up to his teacher, and we're even sometimes able to see through his account of events to get a better picture than he himself has put in words. Somehow Goldblatt makes the reader identify with Julian, his teacher, his parent, his friend and even his victim, all at the same time. That's just remarkable.
The second most impressive thing about this story is that Goldblatt makes deep thinking accessible to young readers. He meets us with sixth grade jokes but has us pondering the meaning of life by the end. We go from learning about how his friends got their nicknames (like Shlomo Shlomo, whose mum always calls him twice for dinner) to an hilarious account of a fire cracker incident (entitled 'Quentin's Eyebrows') which had me laughing buckets of tears, to his clever jabs at his teacher who will have to read them,
"So you guys can go back to talking about the usual stuff, like whether to erase the blackboard from top to bottom, or from side to side, or around and around in a mishmash."
to his thinking through what he's learned in class (and the times he's put his foot in it), to wondering about his bar mitzvah, to his being mad at God for the grievances of his sixth-grade life, his regret for being so and his reflections on life and suffering and mistakes and beginning again. About three quarters through he’s dazzling us with statements like
“That’s what it means to be a man. You do what you think is right, regardless of who it hurts, and whether it works out, because in the end you have to live with yourself.”
There are a few things to be aware of for young readers, not least of which is the bullying incident recounted at the end (wait for it, don’t jump ahead!). There’s also a brief romance which doesn’t get beyond the first date to an amusement park, a barbeque at a friend’s house where her supposedly attractive mother is noted lounging by the pool in a bikini (the girl even asks whether the boys think her mum ‘has a good body’), and various occupational health and safety breaches which reflect the book’s setting in the 1960s (one boy landing split-legged on a railing while trying to walk across it, race-running alongside cars, using dangerous fire crackers, etc). But the impressive thing is that all these things are brought into context by Julian’s seemingly unintentional assessment of whether they were right or wrong, and he’s just about always spot-on. For readers with a minimum level of reading maturity, accompanying Julian on his journey to discover these things for what they are could be invaluable.
To sum up, there’s so much in this book it’s impossible to do it justice.
Funny, endearing, character building; it will be mighty hard to top this for the year. Reviewed for www.GoodReadingGuide.com(less)
A brilliant, brilliant audio presentation which every person needs to hear. Please, listen to this, take your time, consider the questions, even argue...moreA brilliant, brilliant audio presentation which every person needs to hear. Please, listen to this, take your time, consider the questions, even argue if you like, but don't ignore this.
The other day I was at a book presentation and overheard a lady saying to some others 'I don't have time for philosophy, it's too hard keeping up with real life, let alone philosophy!' I nearly cried.
The things Professor Kreeft discusses in this course concern the very foundations of our society, law, culture and education system, our understanding of humanity and everything important to it.
But as a culture, often we don't have time to think deeply, to self-question, or even to consider history except to assert how far we've moved beyond it. This unquestioning (even if unexpressed) faith in progressivism—that we get better and smarter as the years go by, that we know better now than we did then—is perhaps one of the biggest fallacies—blindness’s—of our age.
Kreeft discusses the central, monumental ideas of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Descartes, Machiavelli, Kant, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau and more, clarifying their claims and setting them against each other, shedding light on some of the assumptions we see every day in news pieces and encounter whenever we go near a university.
Why do we believe the things we do? Are they really true? How do we know?
This course is a challenge, a call to think, to cast aside indifference and comfort, to step outside of the cave and seek something more than shadows on the wall. I beg you to try it.(less)
5 stars; not because Storming the Castle is the same as Hero's Guide #1, but because it sequels it so well. The first book in a series is a surprise,...more 5 stars; not because Storming the Castle is the same as Hero's Guide #1, but because it sequels it so well. The first book in a series is a surprise, full of fun and games as the characters make a show of themselves for new readers. But a sequel is an opportunity to really get to know the characters, rubbing shoulders with them long enough to see if their traits and actions ring true with the initial impression, down to the last detail.
Storming the Castle is an excellent sequel which allows each of the characters to continue being themselves. There are even some surprising developments which broaden the possibilities for future stories.
Liam falls naturally into the role of leader, but still struggles with self doubt after his discovery in the last book that his father had orchestrated the 'heroic fight' which he won acclaim for at the age of three. This has an impact on the way he treats others, particularly Frederick, because now he's desperate to hold on to a role that he no longer feels he's earned. On the other hand, it's sweet to see how he tries to protect his little sister, and how well he eventually takes correction. He offers a surprisingly poignant character study for such an entertaining middle school novel.
Frederick surprises himself by aching for adventure, and discovers abilities he didn't know he had. It has clearly helped him to be around the other 'heroes', for he no longer dreams that comfort is the way to happiness. He remains sensitive, especially to bullying, but he is also able to stand up for himself when necessary. And his tendency to respond to disappointment with self-pity has given way to seeking alternative solutions. A noble, sensible hero who's come a long way.
Still sitting in the shadow of his 16 heroic brothers, Gustav continues to try to prove his strength and bravery. But—also true to form—his blustering attempts provide generous entertainment for the reader. And the fact that he always means well makes us love him none the less. I did wonder, when all of the others settle down, who will there be for Gustav? And then a surprising possibility occurred to me... you'll have to discover who!
Dunkin is random and lovable as ever, but consistent with his lucky streak (and because he always wants what is best) he manages to be in the right place at the right time to save the day... and somehow it is all oddly plausible. It was nice to see more of Snow in this episode, and to witness more clearly just how well the two complement one another. To me they exemplify the phrase 'love and freedom'; they love each other deeply, but leave each other free to do what they will, accepting the superficial foibles in the other that outsiders find odd because they are secure in the knowledge that each of them acts with a good and selfless intention. They show that even if one's limitations seem to get in the way, good will always come from acting on upright motives. And ultimately, they just make you smile.
Ella continues with her 'just get in and do it' heroics and lives up to her reputation for being 'smart and tough'. But what impressed me was how she stood up for Frederick and wasn't shy of telling Liam to take a good, hard look at his own attitude. Being able to correct others—not out of spite or retaliation, but out of justice and concern for them—takes real strength of character, and this girl has it.
Lila is quick and perceptive and more than a match for those she meets. But she too has to face her fears, and she sets a shining example of youthful daring combined with a simplicity of character that enables her to learn quickly from mistakes.
Rapunzel puts her fears aside and goes wherever she's needed, and though we don't see a great deal of her, her caring way is no longer a caricature but an admirable, heroic, selfless way of life.
Briar, on the other hand, reaps the reward of selfishness. But she is not too dull, and nor is it too late, to realise the bitter tinge to the kind of happiness she pursues. There may just be hope for her yet.
And between them all the relationships continue to sort themselves out, with everyone who is not yet (validly) married learning to understand that love is not about first enamoured glances and happily-ever-afters, but about real relationships that shouldn't try to change the other person but accept them as they are, learning to forge a healthy complementarity. Things are still far from resolved, but this development in their journey offers much wisdom.
It's a thoroughly enjoyable story, even if the laughter of the first story is toned down to (frequent) chuckles in the second. What can be seen is that the first book's comedy was centred around some very worthy characters, and it is they, not just the laughter, that readers will come back for.
The only down-side is that—as with the first book—the ending only increases one's impatience to find out what happens next... How to get my hands on an advanced copy of the third book...?
Writing from big sister perspective, Newt Newman is the kind of kid you want to bear-hug, really, really tight, even though he'd probably run a mile...more Writing from big sister perspective, Newt Newman is the kind of kid you want to bear-hug, really, really tight, even though he'd probably run a mile to prevent it.
Newt is the oft-forgotten little brother of a big football hero; most people don't even know he exists. Everyone's too busy to notice Newt, even though he's a generous, selfless, unassuming hero of a kid.
Newt's main attraction is that he never feels sorry for himself, never blames or resents other people, even when they've clearly neglected him. He just goes about living and giving as usual.
This book is like Jerry Spinelli wound up to the next level - it has you cheering throughout and (if you're anything like me) holding back tears at the end. Some of Newt's accomplishments are perhaps a little far-fetched, but as long as kids are mature enough not to copycat stopping highway traffic to save a dog, they'll appreciate the exaggerations as part of the fun.
Young readers are in for a highly entertaining story about one special, ordinary, hero of a kid. www.GoodReadingGuide.com(less)
Loved it, loved it, loved it!!! (As may anyone who loved Crown Duel, as it is the story of some things that happened afterwards.) The only downer is th...moreLoved it, loved it, loved it!!! (As may anyone who loved Crown Duel, as it is the story of some things that happened afterwards.) The only downer is that there are but three short stories, which leave us wanting to know what happens next!?!?! Please, please, please may we have some more?!(less)
A beautiful book with a powerful ending, I think it is my favourite Mitch Albom yet.
“It is never too late or too soon. It is when it is supposed to b...more A beautiful book with a powerful ending, I think it is my favourite Mitch Albom yet.
“It is never too late or too soon. It is when it is supposed to be.” Albom’s recent novel introduces three characters who have lost sight of the meaning of time and are consumed by a desire to measure it, to speed it up or to slow it down. A deceptively easy and enjoyable read, it nevertheless raises questions about how we value—or perhaps waste—time.(less)
An outstanding sequel to Princess Academy which takes Miri’s exploration of the meaning of life, education, friendship and love to the next level.
Mir...more An outstanding sequel to Princess Academy which takes Miri’s exploration of the meaning of life, education, friendship and love to the next level.
Miri leaves Mount Eskel and heads to the capital city to help her friend, the future princess Britta, prepare for her wedding. While there she has the opportunity to further her education at Queen's Castle University where she studies history and literature, rhetoric and philosophy, politics and even ethics.
The value of books and education features strongly in this book, as it did in Princess Academy; Miri says, "the weight of all she did not know felt like a boulder on her back." (109)
But Miri also tries to apply the theory she learns to the decisions she must make, and this gives rise to several important considerations which run like themes throughout the story.
First there is the need to read and learn from history: to see what has worked and why. History showed that a spur of the moment revolution did not succeed; while it offered a temporary feeling of strength in the power to reject the oppressing authority, it amounted to nothing the following day. Then she considers the ethics of revolution by force: it can be just when the demands on a people are unjust, but one must also recognise the danger of a fiery crowd and the ineffectiveness of revolt once it loses control. It takes a long personal struggle for Miri to recognise that in revolution, the best solutions do not come through force.
She returns again and again to one particular ethical question which was presented as an example at the university: If a building were burning and you had to choose between saving a convicted murderer or a beautiful painting, which would you save? Though it seems to be a decision about the value of a person—even a bad one—or a thing, Miri uses it to consider a different problem, relating it to her own dilemma about wanting to help her people through the revolution against the political injustice of the monarchy, but not wanting to hurt her friend who is soon to marry into the royal family. She wants to help both, and asks why, or perhaps whether, that is impossible.
Miri also experiences the complexity of truth. She learns the harm of broadcasting personal thoughts to the world, especially when they are taken out of context. She experiences difference between fighting political injustice in theory and seeing that fight focused on a particular person, especially when that person is her friend.
She learns that making ethical choices is not something that is always clear cut, but that ethics happens in the heart and in the head, and that one must study in order to make a good choice. Having studied, sought advice, and acted to the best of one’s ability, she learns that it is better to make a choice that turns out to be wrong than to make no choice at all. She sums this up – rather simply – when she states “Truth is when your gut and your mind agree.” (214)
On love and friendship, Miri learns that for love to be real it involves self-sacrifice, gratitude, negotiation and deep friendship. The relationships she develops in this book are deeper than in the first, but somehow they maintain a refreshing simplicity while still helping Miri to grow in wisdom.
The linder stone that connects some people’s consciousness with another’s is said to allow them to sense what the other person is feeling. This becomes a poignant symbol of the sensitivity to detect truth, justice, goodness and love in one’s relations with other people. Miri’s role is effectively to help people in authority to re-awaken their ability to determine what is right, learning to listen and detect, to reflect and then act upon it.
If only Hale’s adult books could feature such wonderful characters and explore such great themes. www.GoodReadingGuide.com(less)
Seraphina is first and foremost a beautiful character story. It is also very original fantasy, and though it takes some time to situate the reader in...more Seraphina is first and foremost a beautiful character story. It is also very original fantasy, and though it takes some time to situate the reader in its world, it builds to an exciting climax. In the kingdom of Goredd, dragons and humans had been enemies for many years. But not long ago the dragons discovered how to take human forms, and their leader made a treaty with the human king to ensure peace. Now humans and dragons live side by side, though strict social rules prohibit their becoming too close.
In this highly original setting, we come to know two superb main characters, as well as a host of interesting secondary ones. Seraphina is a teenage girl who has grown up under the protection of her father and the guidance of a dragon tutor; her mother died while giving birth. Before this story begins she learns a terrible secret about her parentage, and this story is in part her journey toward self-acceptance. Prince Lucian is cousin to the Crown Princess of Goredd, and in spite of his illegitimacy it is expected that he will marry his cousin and assist in ruling the kingdom. When he is intrigued by Seraphina's outstanding musical ability, Seraphina must do everything she can to keep him from learning her secret.
The narrative is beautifully though simply told. Stylistically it could appeal to both adults and younger teens, however some innuendo and coarse language as well as blunt discussion of the shame of bastardy render it less appropriate for younger readers. Hartman has also invented a semi-religion where newborn babies are each dedicated to a particular 'saint' in order to win their intercessory blessing and inherit their special gift. This somewhat incomplete picture of 'saintly intercession' could confuse readers who are less well formed on the topic. Broader theological questions are also occasionally introduced, such as whether the possibility of eternal damnation is preferable to having no soul (and hence no freedom). Though this question is not answered directly, it could be said that the good characters demonstrate their belief in the value of the soul by putting their freedom to good effect in learning to combine duty with love.
This latter point is one of the greater developments in the main characters. Seraphina first interprets some others' actions as entirely selfish, because of the impact of these actions on herself. Later, once she is able to remove herself from the centre of the issue, she comes to understand others' goodness and can interpret their actions more objectively, judging them even as heroic and recognising the genuine love that drove them.
For herself she learns to acknowledge her heart, but realises that the needs of others must prevent her following her wishes straight away. She knows she could persuade another to forsake his duty, but that in doing so she would break a part of him - a part that she loved - that could not be fixed. Instead she shows how much nobler it is to make the right and more difficult choice, and live in hope.
As a romance this story is perfect, the kind that makes the soul sing. Without giving away who says what to whom, this is my favourite quote "I glimpsed the very heart of you, clear as sunlight, and it was something extraordinary."
This humble picture book made me cry, and not just a few tears. It's a new, poignant story about the donkey who carried Jesus on Palm Sunday, and it'...more This humble picture book made me cry, and not just a few tears. It's a new, poignant story about the donkey who carried Jesus on Palm Sunday, and it's destined to become a classic like The Tale of Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale and The Fourth Wise Man. Perfect for Easter or any time of year. www.GoodReadingGuide.com(less)
The picture book of all picture books, this one's gone straight to the favourites shelf! Its words and pictures tell how books transform lives, lifti...more The picture book of all picture books, this one's gone straight to the favourites shelf! Its words and pictures tell how books transform lives, lifting people up from where they are and helping them become everything they could be.
Every family should have a copy of this delightful book in their home to introduce children to the joy of reading. www.GoodReadingGuide.com
I was tricked. So many things conspired to set me against this book that it sat untouched on my review shelf for a whole year. The robotic skeleton of...moreI was tricked. So many things conspired to set me against this book that it sat untouched on my review shelf for a whole year. The robotic skeleton of the foot on the cover. The Twilight colours and typeface and style of the cover. The fact that it was yet another Cinderella retelling... and one that involved androids and cyborgs. Definitely not my cup of tea.
But what I found instead was an entertaining escape into a believable future world with amiable characters who are in for a real adventure. While coherent, the world-building and character development are not complex or deep, but in a book that doesn't claim to be more than just good fun they don't need to be. The romance, like the characters themselves, is endearing in its simplicity, with plenty of charm but none of the breathless melodrama that seems to plague other teen novels.
For those keen to look for noble themes there's a humble struggle to accept disability in oneself and in others; a struggle to bear injustice when done to oneself but not done when done to another; and a struggle to attain the greatest good for the people even if it involves self-sacrifice.
For reluctant readers and anyone looking for an absorbing book to enjoy from beginning to unresolved end, pick this up only when you're prepared to drop everything else until you finish it. (And when you have a copy of the sequel at hand for when you do.) Reviewed for www.GoodReadingGuide.com(less)
A Sherlock Holmes inspiration that's impossible to put down. As I became intrigued by the developing mystery I just hoped that the story would be wor...more A Sherlock Holmes inspiration that's impossible to put down. As I became intrigued by the developing mystery I just hoped that the story would be worthwhile, but soon I was so captivated by the two main characters that even if the story was average I knew I'd need to spend more time with them.
The story was good, though not quite superb (and with such great characters, it really could have been!). The problem wasn't the scandals from the past, they were handled much like they are in the classics - talked about but not lived through in detail. Pre-marital and extra-marital affairs form the substance of most of the mysteries, but (as in Bleak House, for example) these were carried out by peripheral characters, and the younger ones at the centre of this story held honour in higher esteem.
It was more that the narrative felt uneven, sometimes credible and other times forced, often leaving you to wonder how Dora would have known something, or lumping you with a heavy dose of investigatory recapitulation that dulled the fun. The setting was sometimes true to Victorian England but other times false, particularly when Dora spoke and thought in the voice of a modern teenager for whom Victorian manners seemed ludicrous.
The main story developed credibly, but there were quite a few sidelines left hanging: James and Agatha? James' connection with the secret letters? The pregnant and unmarried side character who considers having an abortion? Lady Rose's relationship with her family?
But as I said, the two main characters were my favourite part of the book. Dora and Peter are two of the most interesting, likeable characters in young adult fiction in a long time. I loved their intelligence, their youthfulness, their triumphs and embarrassments, and even the sad secrets of their pasts borne with sorrowful dignity. Mostly though, I loved their interactions which were the basis of their natural and refreshingly fun friendship, and happily the novel finishes with the excitement of future possibilities. www.GoodReadingGuide.com(less)
This is the funniest, cleverest, most entertaining story I've read in ages. Keep the tissues handy, because it will have you crying with laughter.
If...more This is the funniest, cleverest, most entertaining story I've read in ages. Keep the tissues handy, because it will have you crying with laughter.
If you ever wondered what became of those Princes Charming from Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty (and especially if you didn't... they didn't even have names, after all...) this book will blow the socks off all speculations and surmises.
It's about four hard-done-by anti-heroes, and after 400 pages of their antics and adventures, the last thing you'll want to do is say good-bye.
In a nutshell, this book: - has crying-laughter humour; - has drastically unique characters who develop individually and together; - has sensational plot twists; - has mentally stimulating dialogue; - is a word-crafter's paradise; - is a magical combination of wit and wisdom; - is perfect to read aloud; - is best taken in large doses; - is the perfect remedy for a hot day, a cold day, a boring day or a lazy day; and - is so good it's topping my favourites for the year.
I just love Spinelli. Even though he tells a similar story with new names and faces, it's the kind of story you can never hear enough of, because eve...more I just love Spinelli. Even though he tells a similar story with new names and faces, it's the kind of story you can never hear enough of, because every time you read it, you become just a little bit better.
The story reminded me of Crash, except that the duel narrators opens this one up to girls as well. Jake and Lily are twins who've always had a special connection, but as they get older Jake starts to pull away. As Lily gets closer to her long lost Poppy and struggles to cope with losing her best friend, Jake starts to hang out with the Death Ray boys who entertain themselves by pestering 'goobers', people who are just too much of everything and don't even know it.
It's a fun read with short chapters, but most importantly, kids won't be able to help being impressed as they read it. The twins find out for themselves the true definition of 'having a life' - pursuing interests and friends without being overly dependent on someone else, of courage and true bravery - standing up to bullying as opposed to dishing it out, of friendship - winning the respect and companionship of others rather than blindly following the lead of the kingpin, and finally, what it means to be a twin.
Spinelli should be compulsory reading for every middle school child. (...and maybe parent and teacher too)(less)
Impressive. Flanagan has a talent for turning sequels into great stories in their own right, and The Invaders doesn't disappoint. In fact, the charac...more Impressive. Flanagan has a talent for turning sequels into great stories in their own right, and The Invaders doesn't disappoint. In fact, the character development, friendships, battle strategies and action scenes are almost better than the first book in this series.
Though written in the third person, the story has the tone of an older person laughingly retelling the adventures of young friends, perhaps someone like Thorn, appreciating their bravery and daring, and not esteeming them less for their weaknesses and youthful mistakes. There's so much wisdom in the detail, such as that time at the beginning when the boys are restless waiting for their adventure to begin and Thorn advises a strict routine of exercise and hard work, followed by a good night's sleep and more exercise. The result is an immediate improvement in the atmosphere, with boredom relieved and a sense of purpose regained.
Individual characters too take giant steps. Stig has come a long way in not letting his temper get the better of him, now able to stare down an opponent without hitting him at first provocation. Hal has learned the painful consequences of a commander's choices for his men, realising that he cannot always protect those following his orders from being harmed. Thorn has exposed the hurts and failings of his past in order to begin again anew, and even Ulf and Wulf have transformed their twins' bickering into an acutely synchronised readiness for Hal's command.
In fact, all of the Brotherband boys' flawed nobility is contrasted strongly with Barat's self-centred bravado and the pirates' cowardly bullying. Hal's boys each have their own temperament and skills, and each follow their own path towards heroism.
An evenly paced action-character story for boys, but all readers of character driven action adventure will find it an enjoyable read. www.GoodReadingGuide.com(less)
This book is still a beautiful ache in my heart long after I finished it. I don't know why it never came up in lists of recommended modern classics....more This book is still a beautiful ache in my heart long after I finished it. I don't know why it never came up in lists of recommended modern classics. It is not a feel good romance, but a beautiful story of courage, friendship and love, and of a young girl learning to filter out the unkindness and prejudice directed towards her to discover the truth and goodness of love.
Adolescents who are used to a diet of feel-good will need to be prepared for some heart stretching, but in the long-run, and with a little talking through, reading this book will help them to be better prepared to face the joys and challenges of life with courage and love. www.GoodReadingGuide.com(less)
Perhaps even more enjoyable than the Mysterious Benedict Society; I really liked the young Nicholas Benedict and his adventures at a new orphanage. I...more Perhaps even more enjoyable than the Mysterious Benedict Society; I really liked the young Nicholas Benedict and his adventures at a new orphanage. It almost felt like I was back at Hogwarts. There's something captivating about following a new kid at a big, old fashioned school that is part fascinating and part scary, part welcoming and part awe-inspiring. Add to that some down-to-earth friends, some plotting enemies, some ambiguous teachers and some mysterious predecessors (who've planted a treasure) and I'm under the spell.
I really do like Nicholas. In this book he goes from being a good person to becoming an even better person (I cried by the end). I found it impressive that this change was inspired by seeing the striking goodness of a particular adult, and to me this seemed novel for a children's book.
Nicholas also makes 'super intelligence' look like so much fun. You can't help but want to imitate him with his extraordinary memory, his astuteness in observing things and tuning in to detail, and his capacity for detecting what other people need.
There is some realistic friendship development, particularly with one boy who sometimes lacks the courage to stand up for his friend for fear of drawing the attention of the baddies to himself. But once he faces his weakness he is able to overcome it, and the friendship becomes deeper than before.
And the story conveys a profound appreciation for the treasure of books, especially with Nicholas' talent for reading a large one in 10 mins and memorising the entire thing! Don't I wish... www.GoodReadingGuide.com(less)
I can't believe I hadn't rated this before! It is a beautiful book, making you laugh and cry and sing and smile - the movie was magical but the book t...moreI can't believe I hadn't rated this before! It is a beautiful book, making you laugh and cry and sing and smile - the movie was magical but the book that inspired it is even better. It's one that everyone can enjoy.(less)
I'm not kidding when I say every single person from 10 years to adults should read this book. The blurb made it sound special, but how special I had...more I'm not kidding when I say every single person from 10 years to adults should read this book. The blurb made it sound special, but how special I had no idea. I can tell you now it is one of the most special stories I have ever read.
August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a genetic defect that changed his face. He and his family are perfectly aware of the attention he attracts, and the decision to send him to 'outside school' for the first time in Grade 5 was not taken lightly. This is the story of Auggie's life through middle school, and it is an unbelievably inspiring, life-changing journey.
The narrative is told from different points of view, which makes the story more real for all kinds of readers. Not everyone sees Auggie in the same light, and each has their own way of coming to understand and love him. Via has been through a lot as August's elder sister, and though she's one of the most generous, loving sisters ever, the pressures of high school are taking their toll. But for her brief moments of weakness she more than makes up with a determination to start over that makes this story inspiring and relevant for every teen. Justin, Via's new boyfriend, is an easy-going, down to earth character, yet somehow his simplicity allows him to perceive things at a deeper level than most. I love his thoughts about whether 'the universe' was really unkind to Auggie Pullman, and his conclusion is perfect. That page titled 'The Universe' would make a profound stimulant for discussion. Summer is one of those extraordinary kids who observe with their heart and are not afraid to act. Jack is every kid who has cause to regret a friendship bungle, and who, in the process, learns so much about the kind of person he wants to be. Miranda, Via's old friend, perhaps has it hardest of them all, and her difficulties seem set to ruin her life. Yet she is one of the few who have always seen Auggie as the wonder he truly is, and because of him she finds her way home.
Others' points of view are interspersed with Auggie's own, and it's beautiful to see his character grow: what a transformation from the beginning to the end; what a lot he has to go through. Initially he shows us an excusable frustration with his condition and people's reaction to it, and his middle childhood growing pains are so much more acute than those of others. Like Via says, "My worst day, worst fall, worst headache, worst bruise, worst cramp, worst mean thing anyone could say has always been nothing compared to what August has gone through." But more than this, we see the strength of his loving family which nurtures in him the qualities that make him so special: courage, kindness, friendship, character, helping him become someone truly great, someone "whose strength carries up the most hearts by the attraction of his own." Those last few chapters which include Mr Tushman's speech would make another inspiring discussion.
Somehow the genuineness of Auggie's situation naturalises all the advice the reader is given. There are references to all of my favourite books: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, my favourite line from Shakespeare's Hamlet, and one of the most profound quotes from Lewis' The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and all the quotes are meaningfully connected with the characters. I won't spoil the power they have in the story by relaying them here, you just have to read it. And then there are Mr Browne's 'precepts' which are a kind of motto for his class to follow each month, another great idea that is subtle but so effective, you'll want to memorise the full list at the end.
After reading the book I wanted to find out more about the author. Who is the person who can write something like this? What I learned from her blog only made me love the book more. Her last note of thanks went to "the little girl in front of the ice cream shop and all the other "Auggies," whose stories have inspired me to write this book." She said that there were passages where she cried while writing it, and gives a moving account of reading it to her own son. This is a person I would like to know. www.GoodReadingGuide.com(less)
I LOVE this story in pictures without words, it makes me joyfully teary every time... it's a present-day Christmas story about the message of Christma...moreI LOVE this story in pictures without words, it makes me joyfully teary every time... it's a present-day Christmas story about the message of Christmas.(less)
Read this book! It's a clear and concise handbook on the philosophy of the human person which should be compulsory reading for every person entering...more Read this book! It's a clear and concise handbook on the philosophy of the human person which should be compulsory reading for every person entering adulthood to help them evaluate the choices and opinions they will face through life. Certainly every journalist, scientist, medical professional, political leader, educator and voter should read it to gain an objective perspective on the views of the human person commonly advocated today.
Spitzer summarises the key principles which guide how a human person should be treated. He gives examples of social, political and legal events which relate to each principle and shows how it has or has not been applied, as well as the consequences.
The principles are explained with such natural clarity that it would be difficult to regard them as anything but basic common sense.
The final chapter on identity and culture and the definition of human happiness gives the previous philosophical arguments a higher and more personal significance for each and every person.
At only 150 pages this book will require little time but will have a profoundly positive impact on all who read it. www.GoodReadingGuide.com(less)
I really enjoyed this more than I expected, it reminded me of Gaskell's North and South - at least in its setting in a country town facing unrest caus...moreI really enjoyed this more than I expected, it reminded me of Gaskell's North and South - at least in its setting in a country town facing unrest caused by industrialisation.
The first few chapters which introduce the setting, the characters and their concerns make the novel appear to be quite technical, but following this the characters and their relationships within society move to the forefront.
I loved how each character was so distinct, the steady Caroline, the vivacious Shirley, the two French brothers who were so different and yet understood themselves and each other so well... even Mrs Pryor and Caroline's Uncle seemed like people I know.
I think readers who appreciate Austen, the more famous Bronte novels and Gaskell (Regency character studies with a little romance) will not be dissappointed with this less well known but insightful and enjoyable narrative - just get past the first few technical chapters and you'll find yourself surrounded by interesting characters that you won't want to leave.(less)
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