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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
I hated this book with a burning passion that could boil a glacier.
First of all, if you even enjoyed this book the tiniest bit, do not read this review, you’ve been warned.
Anyways, this book is the most miserable thing I’ve ever experienced. Not only did I have to suffer through page after page of mindlessness, but I also had to take tests, quizzes, and answer comprehension questions about the very book that I wished to light on fire and ban the human race from setting their eyes on, let alone read. In fact, I despise this book so much that I buried it multiple times at the beach until it eventually just washed out to the ocean. If you somehow enjoyed this book, you are not human. Because if you’ve read this book, you know that you cannot resist the urge to throw it out a helicopter into a pit 3 miles deep, pour gas all over it, and light it on fire. The only good thing this book did for me was teaching me how to persevere through trials. This book was definitely a trial... If you hated this book as much as I did, I am sure this review brings you joy !
First of all, if you even enjoyed this book the tiniest bit, do not read this review, you’ve been warned.
Anyways, this book is the most miserable thing I’ve ever experienced. Not only did I have to suffer through page after page of mindlessness, but I also had to take tests, quizzes, and answer comprehension questions about the very book that I wished to light on fire and ban the human race from setting their eyes on, let alone read. In fact, I despise this book so much that I buried it multiple times at the beach until it eventually just washed out to the ocean. If you somehow enjoyed this book, you are not human. Because if you’ve read this book, you know that you cannot resist the urge to throw it out a helicopter into a pit 3 miles deep, pour gas all over it, and light it on fire. The only good thing this book did for me was teaching me how to persevere through trials. This book was definitely a trial... If you hated this book as much as I did, I am sure this review brings you joy !
I just couldn't get into this book. I don't know if it was the whole "let's follow Jesus!" thing or the fact that nothing seemed to happen except the protagonist whining about his life and his sister mooning over...oh. I can't give it away. But it was boring (and predictable) nonetheless. The other books the year it won the Newbery must have been pretty bad for this to win out over them.
2/5 on here, 3/10 for myself
2/5 on here, 3/10 for myself
It was hard to read for me. I am usually a quick reader, but this book took forever to finish.
A fascinating perspective on the early ministry of Jesus from the perspective of the young zealot Daniel. After years of devoting his life to seeking vengeance on the Romans for the death of his parents, he eventually (if begrudgingly) finds the words of the new teacher Jesus more powerful than the hate he has built his life around.
The person of Jesus as described in the story seems a little too human, a little too weak; and the Disciples (though not named as such) may be a little too protective of their charge. The conversations with Simon and Jesus, however, feel plausible and true (which had me worried).
"Can you repay love with vengeance?"
The person of Jesus as described in the story seems a little too human, a little too weak; and the Disciples (though not named as such) may be a little too protective of their charge. The conversations with Simon and Jesus, however, feel plausible and true (which had me worried).
"Can you repay love with vengeance?"
This was one of those Newbery's that entered the house a lot when I was a child and I never managed to force myself to finish it.
Reading it now, I can see both why that was the case and why this book has such a good reputation. It is slow going, but worth the effort. There is more emotional telling in the beginning half or so than I would like, but the latter half really showcases the consequences of Daniel's emotional choices in a way that I don't think I've seen before. There is also inclusion of a serious mental illness and/or demonic possession (Daniel thinks it's the latter, it seems to be described as the former; whichever it is, it is debilitating) due to trauma that is treated with dignity and kindness. The loyalty of the characters who interact with this character, even when they don't understand and even when they get it wrong, is really cool. Altogether the book is honest and gentle.
I'm not sure how I feel about the way Jesus is included (it's not disrespectful at all, I'm just uncertain), but the themes are handled quite well and some of the characters are really well-drawn.
Not a perfect book, but a good one.
Reading it now, I can see both why that was the case and why this book has such a good reputation. It is slow going, but worth the effort. There is more emotional telling in the beginning half or so than I would like, but the latter half really showcases the consequences of Daniel's emotional choices in a way that I don't think I've seen before. There is also inclusion of a serious mental illness and/or demonic possession (Daniel thinks it's the latter, it seems to be described as the former; whichever it is, it is debilitating) due to trauma that is treated with dignity and kindness. The loyalty of the characters who interact with this character, even when they don't understand and even when they get it wrong, is really cool. Altogether the book is honest and gentle.
I'm not sure how I feel about the way Jesus is included (it's not disrespectful at all, I'm just uncertain), but the themes are handled quite well and some of the characters are really well-drawn.
Not a perfect book, but a good one.
One of my favorite books, along with Speare's Witch of Blackbird pond. Daniel is a Jew at the time of Christ, and his father was crucified by Romans. His anger at the Romans consumes him, and he runs away to the hills to join a band of brigands who intend to fight the Romans...someday. Daniel becomes frustrated by their apathy, and seeks out Jesus, who he has heard has come to defend his people against Roman rule. When he hears Christ, he's confused and disappointed again by his lack of action against the Romans. He tries to find his own means of rebellion, and eventually learns more about Christ's message of love and forgiveness. This book illustrates what life was like at the time of Christ, and how hard it was for many to accept Him. Wonderful!
*rtc - I even wrote it up, I just have to transfer it from one computer to the other, so it might take some time*
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I'd heard of this book, but never knew what it was about. I liked reading more about Galilee in Jesus's time, but Daniel was a very unlikeable character for most of the book. Also the story was kind of slow until the end when everything wrapped up too quickly.