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4/5 estrellas.
El Nido, por Kenneth Oppel, nos narra la historia de Steven, un chico para quien recientemente se ha agrandado la familia con un nuevo bebé que acaba de nacer. Lastimosamente, este pequeño nació con una enfermedad congénita y hay pocas esperanzas de que viva.
Sus padres están tan ocupados cuidando de la criatura y casi todo el día fuera de casa entre el trabajo y las visitas médicas o de urgencia, que deben dejar a nuestro protagonista a cuidado de una niñera, acompañado de su hermana menor, Nicole, quien es inconsciente de todo este asunto, y vive hablando mediante un teléfono de juguete con alguien llamado “Señor Nadie” a quien solo ella puede escuchar.
Steven, como toda persona normal, debe que lidiar con esas partes tan únicas que cada uno tiene, y en su caso es inseguridad y ansiedad, en conjunto con uno que otro tic compulsivo, que termina desencadenando en terribles pesadillas.
Siendo el único de los menores capaz de apreciar la gravedad de la situación y la constante tristeza que experimentan sus padres, se siente aliviado cuando, una noche, sueña con unas avispas —a las que llama “ángeles”—, que aseguran venir a solucionar el tema del bebé.
Se guarda ese pequeño secreto para sí mismo a pesar de que los sueños son cada vez más constantes, hasta que, un día, cruzan la línea hacia la realidad.
Inquietante, oscura, profunda y conmovedora, esta novela consiguió conquistarme desde la primera página, tanto que no pude soltarla hasta acabarla. La ansiedad que me generaba cada situación fue tremenda, y el acompañamiento de las ilustraciones de Jon Klassen fue magnífico.
Tenemos un personaje muy humano en una situación familiar delicada que nos permite ver todo con sus ojos inocentes, manteniéndonos con el corazón en la garganta con cada escena de suspenso.
El realismo mágico ha sido lo mejor de todo, la manera en la que se conectaban esas escenas de fantasía con la realidad me encantó, y adoré que este middle-grade jugara con mi mente cuestionándome más de una vez en quién confiar.
Me conmovió su mensaje final y se me escapó una que otra lagrimita porque, después de todo, todos somos más que la suma de nuestras imperfecciones.
Además, no pueden perderse esta edición hermosa, la editorial hizo un gran trabajo.
Tremendamente recomendado.
Muchísimas gracias a Oceano Argentina por el ejemplar.
"Mis padres pensaban que yo era anormal, de eso estoy seguro. Decían que no, pero a uno no lo mandan a terapia cuando es normal."
El Nido, por Kenneth Oppel, nos narra la historia de Steven, un chico para quien recientemente se ha agrandado la familia con un nuevo bebé que acaba de nacer. Lastimosamente, este pequeño nació con una enfermedad congénita y hay pocas esperanzas de que viva.
Sus padres están tan ocupados cuidando de la criatura y casi todo el día fuera de casa entre el trabajo y las visitas médicas o de urgencia, que deben dejar a nuestro protagonista a cuidado de una niñera, acompañado de su hermana menor, Nicole, quien es inconsciente de todo este asunto, y vive hablando mediante un teléfono de juguete con alguien llamado “Señor Nadie” a quien solo ella puede escuchar.
Steven, como toda persona normal, debe que lidiar con esas partes tan únicas que cada uno tiene, y en su caso es inseguridad y ansiedad, en conjunto con uno que otro tic compulsivo, que termina desencadenando en terribles pesadillas.
Siendo el único de los menores capaz de apreciar la gravedad de la situación y la constante tristeza que experimentan sus padres, se siente aliviado cuando, una noche, sueña con unas avispas —a las que llama “ángeles”—, que aseguran venir a solucionar el tema del bebé.
Se guarda ese pequeño secreto para sí mismo a pesar de que los sueños son cada vez más constantes, hasta que, un día, cruzan la línea hacia la realidad.
Inquietante, oscura, profunda y conmovedora, esta novela consiguió conquistarme desde la primera página, tanto que no pude soltarla hasta acabarla. La ansiedad que me generaba cada situación fue tremenda, y el acompañamiento de las ilustraciones de Jon Klassen fue magnífico.
Tenemos un personaje muy humano en una situación familiar delicada que nos permite ver todo con sus ojos inocentes, manteniéndonos con el corazón en la garganta con cada escena de suspenso.
El realismo mágico ha sido lo mejor de todo, la manera en la que se conectaban esas escenas de fantasía con la realidad me encantó, y adoré que este middle-grade jugara con mi mente cuestionándome más de una vez en quién confiar.
Me conmovió su mensaje final y se me escapó una que otra lagrimita porque, después de todo, todos somos más que la suma de nuestras imperfecciones.
"Tal vez pasamos demasiado tiempo pretendiendo ser algo que no somos."
Además, no pueden perderse esta edición hermosa, la editorial hizo un gran trabajo.
Tremendamente recomendado.
Muchísimas gracias a Oceano Argentina por el ejemplar.
Such a creepy read. Talking wasps and budding heroes. I was excited to see the conclusion. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time!
I was pleasantly surprised by this one.
Wanting more short "horror" reads for October, I grabbed this because the cover looked interesting and it had a horror tag. The story is a strange and macabre one, and that's what I liked most about it. I give it more of a 4.5 than 5 because what I deem the actual horrifying moments didn't kick in until the near end of the book, it was just a bit creepy here and there. That said, it was one of the most "original" horror stories I've come across in quite some time, and for a children's book to actually freak out an adult while reading it often isn't an easy feat. Being able to invest in Steven and his family's struggles probably helped, oh and the fact that after reading some chapters I went outside and was "accosted" by a bee seemingly out of no where (no worries neither of us were harmed :P).
It's also nice to read stories that shed some light on mental illness in a way that doesn't feel like it's being stigmatized (especially to someone withmental illness(es)). So kudos, to Oppel. He also did a good job at highlighting certain thought processes and the rational fears of someone who's diagnosed. Weaving these aspects of life into stories for younger audiences may not only help them feel less "odd/weird," but able to better communicate to parents/family what they're experiencing and can get help sooner if needed or be more understanding to peers who are seen as "abnormal." Yay empathy!
In terms of content, I would say (for me) this is not as bleak, upsetting or as sad as A Monster Calls, (sorry only other children's horror I could think of) but shares a similar sombre tone because it too is dealing with illness in the family, but The Nest is a scarier and, in some aspects, better told story. Though there isn't much humor in it, but that helped the creep factor build up. Oh and the illustrations were fitting, enjoyable, never distracted or disrupted the flow of the story and I liked the concept for chapter breaks.
So yeah, good book!
Wanting more short "horror" reads for October, I grabbed this because the cover looked interesting and it had a horror tag. The story is a strange and macabre one, and that's what I liked most about it. I give it more of a 4.5 than 5 because what I deem the actual horrifying moments didn't kick in until the near end of the book, it was just a bit creepy here and there. That said, it was one of the most "original" horror stories I've come across in quite some time, and for a children's book to actually freak out an adult while reading it often isn't an easy feat. Being able to invest in Steven and his family's struggles probably helped, oh and the fact that after reading some chapters I went outside and was "accosted" by a bee seemingly out of no where (no worries neither of us were harmed :P).
It's also nice to read stories that shed some light on mental illness in a way that doesn't feel like it's being stigmatized (especially to someone withmental illness(es)). So kudos, to Oppel. He also did a good job at highlighting certain thought processes and the rational fears of someone who's diagnosed. Weaving these aspects of life into stories for younger audiences may not only help them feel less "odd/weird," but able to better communicate to parents/family what they're experiencing and can get help sooner if needed or be more understanding to peers who are seen as "abnormal." Yay empathy!
In terms of content, I would say (for me) this is not as bleak, upsetting or as sad as A Monster Calls, (sorry only other children's horror I could think of) but shares a similar sombre tone because it too is dealing with illness in the family, but The Nest is a scarier and, in some aspects, better told story. Though there isn't much humor in it, but that helped the creep factor build up. Oh and the illustrations were fitting, enjoyable, never distracted or disrupted the flow of the story and I liked the concept for chapter breaks.
So yeah, good book!
So Delightfully creepy! I LOVED it! One of those reality-bending eek-fests akin to Neil Gaiman's Coraline. Do yourself a favour, read it and get spooked!
Holy Creep City. That was intense!It is recommended for readers 10 and up but it was a heart-pounding-horror type read for me at 39!
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A creepy middle-grade book that deals with anxiety, OCD, family tensions and illness through the lens of insect-based horror. It was quite a slow burn and it took me a long time to really connect with the main character. But the final few chapters really ramp up the pace and it soon becomes quite intense, emotive and horrifying. I bought this mainly for Jon Klassen’s illustrations, which absolutely do not disappoint: they add a darkness and an ambiguity that is perfectly matched to the text. I also adore how the chapters are not numbered with numerals but with illustrated wasps.
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
If I read this book as a child, I would have had nightmares for years.