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eva_gavilli's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Molto carino, adatto sia per bambini che adolescenti, è il secondo di una serie di libri di fantascienza scritti da Isaac Asimov in collaborazione con sua moglie Janet. Da piccola avevo letto il primo ed il terzo libro, che mi erano piasìciuti molto, non riuscendo mai a trovare il secondo ed il quarto...missione compiuta da adulta, l'ho letto molto volentieri e presto leggerò anche l'ultimo. Non sono certo dei capolavori, ma si leggono bene, la trama è intelligente e divertente.
***
Very cute, suitable for both children and teenagers, it is the second in a series of science fiction books written by Isaac Asimov in collaboration with his wife Janet. As a child I had read the first and third novels, which I liked a lot, never being able to find the second and fourth ... mission accomplished as an adult, I read it very willingly and soon I will also read the last one. Sure they are not masterpieces, but they are nice, the plot is clever and fun.
***
Very cute, suitable for both children and teenagers, it is the second in a series of science fiction books written by Isaac Asimov in collaboration with his wife Janet. As a child I had read the first and third novels, which I liked a lot, never being able to find the second and fourth ... mission accomplished as an adult, I read it very willingly and soon I will also read the last one. Sure they are not masterpieces, but they are nice, the plot is clever and fun.
adelaidemetzger_robotprophet's review against another edition
4.0
I loved Norby in the first book because it was the first time anyone had made a robot so confusedly cute and lovable and who better to do it than Isaac Asimov himself? But there was something missing from the first one that kept me from grabbing the next installment and that was heart.
Yes, it was adorable how mixed up Norby was and how flustered he could get, but there was no emotional connection between him and Jeff. In fact, Jeff would verbally abuse Norby from time to time and the two would get into arguments. I know it was supposed to make it funny, but I couldn’t help but think of Norby’s feelings (no wonder the poor, little guy would hide in his barrel and not want to come out. In Jeff‘s defense, Norby was the first emotional robot he ever met, so he was used to projecting negativity toward a machine that couldn’t do what he wanted). I thought that that was going to be the formula for each book with it being a middle-grade series, but I was gratefully wronged half way through Norby’s Other Secret. Jeff treats Norby like he was in the first book until an unexpected incident brings up the opportunity for Norby to leave Jeff at his own will. No spoilers. Jeff realizes that he might lose Norby forever and also realizes how much he actually cares about the ‘bot. Norby realizes that he’s actually wanted by a certain someone else and leaves us with Jeff’s anticipation and sadness as we’re unsure of his final decision.
From Jeff’s point of view, their friendship is special and this brings up richer emotions and touching moments between the two. This gives us the message of what it’s like to lose a friend and that’s something both children and adults can relate to. Because emotions have come into play, the Asimovs produced a character called Mentor First that reminded me of some of Isaac Asimov’s earlier robot characters. Mentor First suffers from borderline insanity as well as depression from living too long with disappointment (for this reason we pity him) but at the same time is quick to reject trust and occasionally responds with animalistc reactions based on his emotional state; no, he’s not like Marvin from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and he’s not here for comic relief like Ben from Disney’s Treasure Planet--Norby‘s here for that. I was right on with this idea because it was a somewhat bold move to bring such a sad and complex character into this book directed toward younger kids. It’s things like this that spark kids interest and a lot of people forget that.
I really enjoyed this second book and am actually looking forward to the next adventure.
Yes, it was adorable how mixed up Norby was and how flustered he could get, but there was no emotional connection between him and Jeff. In fact, Jeff would verbally abuse Norby from time to time and the two would get into arguments. I know it was supposed to make it funny, but I couldn’t help but think of Norby’s feelings (no wonder the poor, little guy would hide in his barrel and not want to come out. In Jeff‘s defense, Norby was the first emotional robot he ever met, so he was used to projecting negativity toward a machine that couldn’t do what he wanted). I thought that that was going to be the formula for each book with it being a middle-grade series, but I was gratefully wronged half way through Norby’s Other Secret. Jeff treats Norby like he was in the first book until an unexpected incident brings up the opportunity for Norby to leave Jeff at his own will. No spoilers. Jeff realizes that he might lose Norby forever and also realizes how much he actually cares about the ‘bot. Norby realizes that he’s actually wanted by a certain someone else and leaves us with Jeff’s anticipation and sadness as we’re unsure of his final decision.
From Jeff’s point of view, their friendship is special and this brings up richer emotions and touching moments between the two. This gives us the message of what it’s like to lose a friend and that’s something both children and adults can relate to. Because emotions have come into play, the Asimovs produced a character called Mentor First that reminded me of some of Isaac Asimov’s earlier robot characters. Mentor First suffers from borderline insanity as well as depression from living too long with disappointment (for this reason we pity him) but at the same time is quick to reject trust and occasionally responds with animalistc reactions based on his emotional state; no, he’s not like Marvin from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and he’s not here for comic relief like Ben from Disney’s Treasure Planet--Norby‘s here for that. I was right on with this idea because it was a somewhat bold move to bring such a sad and complex character into this book directed toward younger kids. It’s things like this that spark kids interest and a lot of people forget that.
I really enjoyed this second book and am actually looking forward to the next adventure.
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