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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
i read this when i was like 11 and felt pretty smart reading it sooooo i enjoyed it.
this rating is from like forever ago btw not now
this rating is from like forever ago btw not now
Ahoy there me mateys! This read is long overdue. Having loved other books by this author, I always wanted to read this book but never did. Then I read a post by me matey Jackie @ deathbysundoku back in October 2017. She be on the Great Newbery quest wherein she be reading all Newbery medal winners by January 2022 when the 100th Newbery Award happens! Worthy goal indeed. I meself had embarked on this journey many years ago before adverse winds and scads of other adventures sent me off course. So Jackie’s posts have rekindled me interest in finishing them all and so periodically I pick another one up.
I have to say that this one was not the best book in me view. This be a young adult historical fiction. The story follows eighteen year old Daniel bar Jamin of Israel. Daniel wants revenge on the Romans due to the death of his father. But he is torn between duty to his family and duty to the band of outlaws determined to wrest Israel from Rome’s control.
While I enjoy the characterization of Daniel and sympathized with him, it was the pacing of the plot that made this less than fun. This story takes place over many years and the action is slow. Most of the story involves Daniel’s inner struggles. I think the problem was that I, the reader, could see the path he should take and then had to hear all the silly reasons why he didn’t. I still thought Daniel was wonderful and was rooting for him.
It was also weird to read of Jesus as a side character who has conversations with Daniel and then saves the day. I didn’t mind the religion in the book outside of that quirk. I always enjoy readin’ about different perspectives and the book’s time frame with all the changes and upheaval in religion is fascinating. I do think this be the book’s strength.
I can see why it also won an award Hate not love be the message of the day. While I think that be a worthy sentiment, I just didn’t love the execution of it. I consider it just okay. No regrets about readin’ it though. I now want to reread the sign of the beaver. Arrrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
I have to say that this one was not the best book in me view. This be a young adult historical fiction. The story follows eighteen year old Daniel bar Jamin of Israel. Daniel wants revenge on the Romans due to the death of his father. But he is torn between duty to his family and duty to the band of outlaws determined to wrest Israel from Rome’s control.
While I enjoy the characterization of Daniel and sympathized with him, it was the pacing of the plot that made this less than fun. This story takes place over many years and the action is slow. Most of the story involves Daniel’s inner struggles. I think the problem was that I, the reader, could see the path he should take and then had to hear all the silly reasons why he didn’t. I still thought Daniel was wonderful and was rooting for him.
It was also weird to read of Jesus as a side character who has conversations with Daniel and then saves the day. I didn’t mind the religion in the book outside of that quirk. I always enjoy readin’ about different perspectives and the book’s time frame with all the changes and upheaval in religion is fascinating. I do think this be the book’s strength.
I can see why it also won an award Hate not love be the message of the day. While I think that be a worthy sentiment, I just didn’t love the execution of it. I consider it just okay. No regrets about readin’ it though. I now want to reread the sign of the beaver. Arrrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
I read this as part of a children's lit course.
Daniel is a Jewish young man filled with hate toward the Romans during the time of Christ. Although he is drawn to Christ time and again, he is also confused by Jesus's lack of action. In caring for his sister can he let go of his anger?
This helped me understand people of this time period and especially those who wanted a deliverer from the Roman Empire.
Daniel is a Jewish young man filled with hate toward the Romans during the time of Christ. Although he is drawn to Christ time and again, he is also confused by Jesus's lack of action. In caring for his sister can he let go of his anger?
This helped me understand people of this time period and especially those who wanted a deliverer from the Roman Empire.
One of my favorite books of all time - one I think about often.
Own.
I'm one of those big dummies who doesn't pre-read very often. In this case, not only did I not pre-read, I also didn't really read any reviews. It worked out pretty well for me this time, even though I would not have read this to my 7, 6, and 4 year olds had I done so.
We all enjoyed the story of love and redemption. This week, we got going after a bit and pushed our way to the end. The writing is lovely (as you'd imagine from Speare).
The only reason I gave it four is because Jesus is a character in the story. Most of the time, it is pretty much direct quotations from the Bible. Especially toward the end, though, Jesus talks and moves the plot forward. I, personally, have issues with novelizations of Bible stories or people ... especially the Lord.
There were also some themes regarding men-women relationships that surprised me. I was able to edit to de-emphasize them a bit with my small children, which I wouldn't have done so if they were a bit older.
Overall, though, we absolutely loved the story, the characters, the discussions it invoked.
I'm one of those big dummies who doesn't pre-read very often. In this case, not only did I not pre-read, I also didn't really read any reviews. It worked out pretty well for me this time, even though I would not have read this to my 7, 6, and 4 year olds had I done so.
We all enjoyed the story of love and redemption. This week, we got going after a bit and pushed our way to the end. The writing is lovely (as you'd imagine from Speare).
The only reason I gave it four is because Jesus is a character in the story. Most of the time, it is pretty much direct quotations from the Bible. Especially toward the end, though, Jesus talks and moves the plot forward. I, personally, have issues with novelizations of Bible stories or people ... especially the Lord.
There were also some themes regarding men-women relationships that surprised me. I was able to edit to de-emphasize them a bit with my small children, which I wouldn't have done so if they were a bit older.
Overall, though, we absolutely loved the story, the characters, the discussions it invoked.
How did I make it this long without having read The Bronze Bow? A vivid and powerful story set in Galilee during Jesus' ministry, it's worth a read once in your life.
Just couldn't get through this. I'll try again with the kids this summer.
More political than I remembered from my childhood, but still a solid five stars. Both the story and the writing are first rate.