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3.41 AVERAGE
3.41 AVERAGE
I have always enjoyed Konigsburg's books. This one was no exception. The art and history intrigued me and made me want to find out more. I had not heard of the Munich Degenerate exhibit.
This book was a Junior Library Guild selection so was sent to our elementary library, but as I read it I wondered how many under 12 students would actually enjoy it though. It seems to be written for young adults or actually adults.
This book was a Junior Library Guild selection so was sent to our elementary library, but as I read it I wondered how many under 12 students would actually enjoy it though. It seems to be written for young adults or actually adults.
Amedeo wants to discover something. Other children across the world have gone down in history because they have discovered something, and Amedeo wants to join those ranks. After moving to a Florida town, and meeting his ex-opera singing neighbor, who is selling her estate and moving into a retirement community, Amedeo thinks he has found his chance. Issues of banned art during WWII come into play. Will Amedeo find what he is looking for?
This book was both interesting and outdated. I don't entirely know if children these days will connect to the stories, especially because I feel that the characters could be better developed. I found the historical plot points interesting. The book focused on issues that arose out of this time period that are less talked about.
This book was both interesting and outdated. I don't entirely know if children these days will connect to the stories, especially because I feel that the characters could be better developed. I found the historical plot points interesting. The book focused on issues that arose out of this time period that are less talked about.
My reactions are mixed. Positive: some vivid and memorable characters, an interesting friendship between the two boys, and most of all, the fascinating and powerful memories that are so central to the book. Negative: often the style felt awkward, and in some ways the coincidence that is the center of the story felt forced. I haven't read anything by E.L. Konigsburg in a long time - probably not since my early teens. Perhaps if I were more familiar with her works, the style wouldn't have been a stumbling block. Still, the glimpses of life in Holland during WWII - for Jews, gay men, and their families - and the lasting consequences - these scenes may make the book worth reading.
funny
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
This was another great book by E. L. Konigsburg. I read her Mixed up Files... when I was a kid and loved it! I picked this one up on a whim. This is another I "read" on cd. The narrator, Edward Herrmann, does a wonderful job with the voices. Changing them enough so you can recognize who's who with out him sounding to "drag-ish" with the many female characters in the book. I highly recommend this to MS kids or maybe a younger ninth-grader.
I think Konigsburg's writing process must include looking up archaic words that no one uses and building a story around them.
Konigsburg is a charming writer of charming, if precocious, books. This is no exception. The characters are compelling, if a bit odd; the story interesting, if a bit surreal. A lovely book that had me smiling all the way through.
I am apparently on a World War II streak this year. Since I don't like war or books about war, this is somewhat surprising. This book was about an estate sale and antiques and a lost piece of art that was found again. Included in the history of the characters and the art was information about Hitler and his "Degenerate Art" exhibit. Normally, I would find this boring but in the context of the story it was really interesting.
This book was interesting, and I enjoyed it (especially the narration by Edward Hermann), but this book is not great for kids, either aesthetically or substantively. My kids grew bored listening to it, and as I continued reading it I was glad that I didn't have to explain about Hitler executing homosexuals. I did have to explain what a "bitch" was. Good times. Koningsburg is a great writer, but a little too far out metaphysically for kids to enjoy.