kristensreadingnook's review
5.0
This is an excellent story of 3 seemingly disparate children’s lives all touched by the same harmonica. Each child’s story is told in its own part of the book and each ends with a cliffhanger that is brought together in the final part of the book.
It is a must to listen to on audio. The songs mentioned in the book are played in the background (and sometimes in the foreground) of the audiobook.
Echo touches on various types of discrimination in a gentle way that is completely appropriate for middle grade readers....respecting the reader and allowing them to make their own decisions about how to treat others.
I highly recommend this book!
It is a must to listen to on audio. The songs mentioned in the book are played in the background (and sometimes in the foreground) of the audiobook.
Echo touches on various types of discrimination in a gentle way that is completely appropriate for middle grade readers....respecting the reader and allowing them to make their own decisions about how to treat others.
I highly recommend this book!
hazeyjane_2's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
poorashleu's review
4.0
I struggled with this book in the sense it was a hard read and I was not here for a hard read. And then I got through it and I loved it. It's a hard read on purpose and then you get to part four and your heart just sings with love of this book.
tjwallace04's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
“Your fate is not yet sealed.
Even in the darkest night, a star will shine,
A bell will chime, a path will be revealed.”
I really enjoyed "Echo," a creative and beautifully-written middle grade historical fiction that has just a hint of fantasy winding through it. When I downloaded it, I didn't realize that it is essentially a WWII book. I overindulged on WWII historical fiction several years ago, and I have not quite recovered enough to seek them out. But "Echo" is so innovative and examines aspects of that time period from such unique angles (Germany right when the Nazis were gaining power, the American homefront) that I was happy to be back.
Premise: When Otto gets lost in the woods, he never expects to land in the middle of a fairytale. But he is certain that he has been saved by three princesses who are cursed by a witch to stay in the woods until Otto's magic harmonica has helped save a life. Fifty years later, we meet Freidrich in Germany (1933), Mike in Pennsylvania (1937), and Ivy in California (1942), and the magic harmonica finds each of them when they need it the most. But will the harmonica ever save a life and break the magic spell?
I enjoyed each section of the book, from the fairytale framework to the three main stories featuring Freidrich, Mike, and Ivy. Usually in books with multiple storylines, I have a favorite, but I was genuinely engaged by each. You will find some of the traditional themes of middle grade fiction: overcoming a physical difference, life as an orphan, dealing with discrimination, but they are handled deftly and thoughtfully, and it didn't feel tired to me. I will say that the incredibly loving and supportive sibling relationships felt a little unrealistic (she says, as she listens to her children bicker and call each other names).
But the main thing I want to share about this book is that you should LISTEN TO IT. The audiobook is amazing, with a full cast and featuring beautiful instrumental accompaniment. Music is such an important part of the story, and it was amazing to actually hear the different songs played, particularly on an unusual instrument like the harmonica. I wouldn't have wanted to miss that!
I recommend this book to basically anyone who likes middle grade, historical fiction, WWII fiction, or music! If you like any combo of those, even better.
Even in the darkest night, a star will shine,
A bell will chime, a path will be revealed.”
I really enjoyed "Echo," a creative and beautifully-written middle grade historical fiction that has just a hint of fantasy winding through it. When I downloaded it, I didn't realize that it is essentially a WWII book. I overindulged on WWII historical fiction several years ago, and I have not quite recovered enough to seek them out. But "Echo" is so innovative and examines aspects of that time period from such unique angles (Germany right when the Nazis were gaining power, the American homefront) that I was happy to be back.
Premise: When Otto gets lost in the woods, he never expects to land in the middle of a fairytale. But he is certain that he has been saved by three princesses who are cursed by a witch to stay in the woods until Otto's magic harmonica has helped save a life. Fifty years later, we meet Freidrich in Germany (1933), Mike in Pennsylvania (1937), and Ivy in California (1942), and the magic harmonica finds each of them when they need it the most. But will the harmonica ever save a life and break the magic spell?
I enjoyed each section of the book, from the fairytale framework to the three main stories featuring Freidrich, Mike, and Ivy. Usually in books with multiple storylines, I have a favorite, but I was genuinely engaged by each. You will find some of the traditional themes of middle grade fiction: overcoming a physical difference, life as an orphan, dealing with discrimination, but they are handled deftly and thoughtfully, and it didn't feel tired to me. I will say that the incredibly loving and supportive sibling relationships felt a little unrealistic (she says, as she listens to her children bicker and call each other names).
But the main thing I want to share about this book is that you should LISTEN TO IT. The audiobook is amazing, with a full cast and featuring beautiful instrumental accompaniment. Music is such an important part of the story, and it was amazing to actually hear the different songs played, particularly on an unusual instrument like the harmonica. I wouldn't have wanted to miss that!
I recommend this book to basically anyone who likes middle grade, historical fiction, WWII fiction, or music! If you like any combo of those, even better.
notesonbookmarks's review
5.0
Gorgeous story. Just as a note for the crybabies out there: I was not left sobbing on the floor though many others are. Didn't stop me from loving it.
nathe7285's review against another edition
5.0
Nunca había puesto 5 estrellas sin siquiera dudarlo...
Este libro nos trae tres hermosas historias de superación, valentía y esperanza.
Logras conectar con cada uno de los protagonistas al punto de que sufres con su sufrimiento y ríes con sus buenos momentos.
Estoy totalmente enamorado de la forma en la que la música participa dentro de estas historias. Lo llena todo, te hace sentir emociones que no sabias que tenías.
Toca temas como la guerra, el racismo y las clases sociales de una forma tan bien hecha que logra atraparte desde la primer página.
La cuarta parte de este libro es como bien dice en la sinopsis un "Crescendo" en el que todo lo que quedó pendiente en las diferentes historias se resuelve.
No pude evitar llorar con el final. Ver como todo se conecta, como el destino de todos estaba unido por la armónica... fue hermoso.
Mi mejor lectura del año hasta ahora!!
Recomendada para todos!!
Este libro nos trae tres hermosas historias de superación, valentía y esperanza.
Logras conectar con cada uno de los protagonistas al punto de que sufres con su sufrimiento y ríes con sus buenos momentos.
Estoy totalmente enamorado de la forma en la que la música participa dentro de estas historias. Lo llena todo, te hace sentir emociones que no sabias que tenías.
Toca temas como la guerra, el racismo y las clases sociales de una forma tan bien hecha que logra atraparte desde la primer página.
La cuarta parte de este libro es como bien dice en la sinopsis un "Crescendo" en el que todo lo que quedó pendiente en las diferentes historias se resuelve.
No pude evitar llorar con el final. Ver como todo se conecta, como el destino de todos estaba unido por la armónica... fue hermoso.
Mi mejor lectura del año hasta ahora!!
Recomendada para todos!!
arirose's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I was surprised to have liked this and read it so quickly. I wasn't sure I would be in the right mindset to read a book set in WW2 given what's going on now, but it wasn't too heavy. That's not to say this read was puppies and rainbows, oh no. But there was a lot of hope woven into each page.
The ending of each part (doing my best to be as vague as possible cuz this is what made this book, for me) was so deliciously infuriating! But the final part made up for it for sure. It was like a warm hug after so much stress!
The ending of each part (doing my best to be as vague as possible cuz this is what made this book, for me) was so deliciously infuriating! But the final part made up for it for sure. It was like a warm hug after so much stress!
laura_berger's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Racial slurs, Grief, War, Xenophobia, and Antisemitism
Minor: Forced institutionalization, Injury/Injury detail, and Death
suvata's review against another edition
5.0
This was an enchanted tale, absolutely magical! The only problem I have with this book is the way it was classified. Because it is supposed to be a "middle grade" or "young adult" book I'm afraid many adults won't even pick it up. There in lies the tragedy.
Reading again for #MMD Book Club November 2018 flight pick
Reading again for #MMD Book Club November 2018 flight pick