The Buddha's Diamonds

by Carolyn Marsden, Th̀ây Pháp Nîẹm

After a storm engulfs his village, a Vietnamese boy has glimmers of a new calling in this. . . . middle-grade novel written with authenticity and grace.

Every day, Tinh�heads out to sea with his father to catch fish for their family and the�market. While he sometimes misses flying kites with other children on the beach, Tinh is proud to work alongside Ba. Then a fierce storm strikes, and Ba entrusts Tinh to secure the family vessel, but the boy panics and runs away. It will take courage and faith to salvage the bamboo boat, win back Ba’s confidence, and return to sea. This graceful tale narrates a young Vietnamese boy’s literal and spiritual coming-of-age.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Asia, Historical Fiction, Spirituality, Childrens, Juvenile

112 pages, Hardcover

First published February 12, 2008

About the author

Carolyn Marsden was born in Mexico City to missionary parents. She has been a writer all her life, but THE GOLD-THREADED DRESS is her first book. About THE GOLD-THREADED DRESS she says, "I wrote this story when my half-Thai daughter was being teased at school. As a parent and elementary school teacher, I watched her struggle to establish a cultural identity. I became fascinated with a conflict that is common to many children in our increasingly diverse United States." Carolyn Marsden has an MFA in Writing for Children from Vermont College. After spending the last twenty-five years in Tucson, Arizona, Carolyn Marsden now lives by the ocean with her husband and two daughters.

Reviews

[Sevan Sarkhoshian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose the book "The Buddha's Diamond" because it seemed like a book that I have never read. The book indeed was not a book that I usually read. This book talked the life style of a villager during the ancient time. The books moral is about a boy who is becoming at a age where he has to take responsibilities, and the obstacle he has to go through in order to get his father’s trust. The main character Tinh always goes with his father to the sea to catch fish for food and money. On one day an extraordinary storm hits the village and it is Tinh's job to keep the boat safe. Unfortunately, Tinh is unable to carry on the job and the question to him is, how will dad ever trust me again?
My favorite quote from the story was “the sea full of fish, the fresh winds, the breath flowing in and out of your body- all these things are beautiful diamonds in your life, shining day and night. The Buddha offers you these diamonds of true happiness...” This was my favorite quote because it made me realize that just because something doesn't cost money doesn't mean it's not valuable. The story was written in third-person point of view and it's narrated by Tinh. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone especially kids because it gives the reader a very clear vision of what an adult really is or should be.

[Chris - Quarter Press Editor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a solid little story. It has some wonderful themes, lovely similies, and the potential to be so much more. This last fact is what kept me from scoring it higher, as I felt the pace was simply too fast. I understand it's for a younger audience, and even more, that the whole of the story takes place within a few days, but because all of the pieces were there, I wanted them expanded and further developed so that I could truly feel Tinh's growth and emotional turmoil.

Still, it's a quick read for an older audience and one still worth the time--even if if leaves you with wanting more.

[Marcia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've enjoyed several books by the author, for their glimpse into other cultures. This one didn't quite make it. A young Cambodian boy learns about responsibility after the family's boat is damaged in a storm. The story just didn't get off the ground--we don't empathize with the characters and the foreign culture and introduction of Buddhism just don't grab hold. I can't imagine any child understanding or liking this story.

[Tasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had really high hopes for this book, but the message and symbolism was too heavy-handed for my liking. It was an intriguing look at another culture, but that wasn't enough to carry the book into greatness.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and straight-forward. A good beginning to learn a bit about Buddhism for young adults.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely book about a village in Vietnam, after the Vietnam war. The fishermen catch the daily food for the villagers. A bad tropical storm upsets the village, and a boy neglects his duties. He feels guilty until he figures out ways to make up for his error. The book has extra information at the end about Buddhism and about the Vietnam war.

[Alfredalmond · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marsden had to tell this short tale and I can understand why. After a devastating storm, a tale of dedication to family and religion helped them come back to enjoy living once again.

[Sean Harding · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty forgettable read, it seemed to be trying to achieve something, but whatever it was it just did not get there.

[Jaq · Rating 3 out of 5]

Suitable for the primary school readers.

[Hweeps · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel evil rating it 2 stars, but I really didn't feel anything for it. Of course, it was intended to be in the children's section so perhaps I had no business picking that small, thin book up, but I was interested (and I don't believe in reading by age). The simple writing was nice for a while until it got a little bland. The plot of a boy choosing a toy red car (remote-controlled!!) over the boat that secured the family's living, then regretting and making amends was sweet but it just doesn't click, you know? Still, I liked the way Marsden could use simple language to bring across the simple life the people had. I also liked the part at the front, in the temple. It just shouted: SERENE. And I got that the 'diamonds' were about counting blessings however simple, but the way it was brought across... I don't know. Too indiscreet, I suppose? Like, glaringly obvious: HEY KIDS, COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS!

Still, it is a sweet and short read. Would be great for parents to read aloud to their kids, I think.

[Wren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marsden writes a story based on the childhood experiences of Vietnames immigrant Thay Phap Niem (co-author). They present a sweet little tale about a boy named Tinh who is caught between childhood interests and pleasures and the adult responsibilities of helping his father fish as a source of income. One day a storm comes of greater strength than he's ever seen, and he repeatedly is faced with choices: do I respond as a child or do I respond as a man? Less than 100 pages in a book that's sized like a devotional daily reader, I see this more as a short story than even a novella (and part of the reason for 3 stars only; it doesn't have the heft even of a novella, and I felt deceived by the format), but it's worth an hour of your time.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I realize what the author was trying to do with this story, but it didn't quite do it for me. The "Buddha's diamonds" are all the positive, good things in your life. Young Tinh has to learn to count his blessings, or "diamonds", when a bad storm tears through his village in Vietnam and destroys much of the family's food supply and their boat by which they make a living. I did enjoy the description of life in a Vietnamese fishing village, which was fascinating. But I'm not sure that young readers will get the connection between the "diamonds" and what good things Tinh has left in his life. Still, a good story, and recommended.

[Mandi Ellsworth]

The children and I read this one together. It's about a little fishing town in Vietnam and a boy trying to behave like a man. It's a fascinating look at another culture and set of beliefs. The kids said it was kind of scary because of the big storm that sweeps through and decimates the village, but we persevered anyway because I wanted to see how it ended. I also thought it was important because it shows how other people live. I love the idea of all the things we take for granted in our lives like stars, breathing, ocean waves, etc. are diamonds sent for us to enjoy. It's a very short book, but it paints wonderful pictures of a culture I'd not known much about before.

[Fred Kohn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for everything on this book's exterior: it's small physical dimensions, beautiful cover (green is my favorite color), exotic, intriguing title. Of course, they say you can't judge a book by its cover, and that was true in this case. On occasion the descriptive writing about nature, especially the storm, was nice; but overall the story wasn't very interesting. I never really felt connected to the main character or any other character for that matter. Two and a half stars, with an extra half star for the glossary/pronunciation guide and author's notes on Buddhism and the Vietnam War.

[Corinne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting tale based on a true story. A young boy's encounter with Buddha during a cyclone in his village which teaches him that he can be happy no matter what the circumstances are. Gives a good portrayal of the life of a fishing village in Vietnam. I read it because of the 'conversion' experience of the boy. But I am confused about Buddhism as the villagers pray to Buddha and Bodhavista to save them from the storm. Yet in the back of the book the author says that Buddha is not a god but a person with teachings to be followed.

[Dustin Keller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite liked this little book. It was a breath of fresh air from the tumultuous drama f the heroes and heroines of contemporary kid lit that I have been reading. The inner voice, the reflective voice... Do I dare say... the 'mindful voice', of the the main character like a Buddhist kohen asking us to think beyond the story into our own lives.
This book will stay with me, in my mind, in times of trouble, to remind me that I can find the Buddha's diamonds all around me if I have the presents of mind to see them.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick novella about a young Vietnamese boy and his fisherman family dealing with a cyclone that tears up their region, a short while after the conclusion of the Vietnam War. Apparently based on a true story. I think that children as young as third grade might be able to handle it. Overall, not bad. This author seems to specialize on short stories about Asia and young characters dealing with some aspect of life. I picked this one up from a community library handout program while doing laundry and polished it off before the towels were dry.

[Melea · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely story of a boy coming to grips with his new adult responsibilities. Like many of us, he fails, but he persists in trying to prove himself to his family and to himself. His faith is an integral part of who he is. I really like that. I also was very pleased to know that the story is based upon one of the co-author's experiences.

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

My daughter picked this out for me from her school library because she thought I would enjoy it. It was a sweet little book about responsibility and growing up that takes place in Vietnam after the war. Although I enjoyed talking to her about the story, it didn't seem like a book that would grab a third grader's interest.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tinh and his family depend on the small boat he and his father take out to sea every day to catch fish. And when a massive storm comes and wreaks the boat, the family's livelihood is threatened. Coming of age story for a young Vietnamese boy.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, sweet, moving coming of age story about a 10 year old Vietnamese boy. A great introduction to the culture and spirituality of this rich culture, as well as an age appropriate peek at the horrors of war. Recommend for both girls and boys.

[Mrs. Hoisington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The center of the story is an extended metaphor about Buddha's Diamonds and what parts of life are of true value. The author shares a simple allegory about life in Vietnam--quick and easy to read. :)

[Kerith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, though very short, little story taking place some time after the Vietnam War. The dharma talk about Buddha's diamonds in the beginning is infused throughout the tale, and I found it very moving.

[zespri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in a small fishing village in Vietnam, on the eve of a devastating storm. Tinh is charged with securing the family fishing boat at the height of the storm, but fails.

A simple gentle story for Young Adults, with an uplifting message.

[Leslie Barberie Blount · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was very serious for such a short book. I guess they are trying to give the feeling of their place and time in Vietnam. I felt bad for Tinh because he feels so responsible for everything when he can't really control it. Only for serious boys and girls.

[Nessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful simple tale. A meditation in story form.

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

vietnamese boy begins to mature in aftermath of big storm. quite a bit of information (vietnamese fishing communities, poverty, land mines) and buddhist philosophy packed into very short book.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

For children around 9-11.
Taking on the subject of Buddha, what a perfect book to introduce another religion. Names were tough, but nice story.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this to my girls.

[Nora · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little disjointed and unmemorable, but it was great because it explained Buddhism from a kid's perspective. A fast read for middle schoolers, perfect with a unit on Vietnam or Buddhism.