Reviews

The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks

zenithharpink's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I first read this in 3rd or 4th grade, and I really enjoyed it. Having it read it again now, SEVERAL years later, I can say I remembered (vaguely) a few details and still really enjoyed this. Such a creative premise, and Omri is such a thoughtful hero. Patrick drove me a little crazy, but the characters were all lovable and the story interesting.  

I recommend to all young readers, and those looking for a super popular fantasy read. 

audgepodgeroma's review against another edition

adventurous tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

kimball_hansen's review

4.0

I've read this book a ton, don't remember how many times as a youth.

Update for November 2020: 4 stars

I forgot about all the dumb English phrases like beard, itchy beard, crumbs, etc.

I hated Patrick as a kid and I hate him much more as an adult.

kathrynkao's review

4.0

I read this book so many times when I was in elementary school that the words were incredibly familiar to me. I’m pretty sure I saw the ’95 movie, too. But the story holds up! It’s engaging and suspenseful, and luckily Omri has enough common sense to balance out Patrick’s terrible ideas. I don’t remember finding Little Bear’s demands of Omri and his complete entitlement as hilarious as I find it now, but it is pretty funny. While the stakes are high–Omri quickly grasps that adults finding out about Little Bear and the magic cupboard/key would be a disaster–the arc of the story itself is fairly small, but enjoyable and fairly practical. Being a fantasy fan doesn’t mean that you have to totally jettison any kind of logic or pragmatism, so I find the book’s focus on Omri’s logistical challenges a real strength. I remember liking the rest of the series–although I don’t think I read the last one–but I read the Wikipedia plot summaries the other day, and they really don’t sound as good as this book was. I don’t need to have a complicated backstory involving Omri’s family history to explain the magic; the simplicity of a putting something plastic into the cupboard and it becoming real is really enough.

Full review: http://mrskaoreads.com/book/the-indian-in-the-cupboard/

ameserole's review

5.0

Found this book under my sisters bed.. because she's a hoarder and shit.. so I was so freaking happy to read this book! I remember the movie (because I also own that shit too) but for some reason I have NEVER read this book! I really need to sit down and reconsider life changes.. so that I actually read a book before it becomes a movie! MAYBE ONE DAY GUYS!

The Indian in the Cupboard brought back so many childhood memories. I loved this movie. I thought it was the shit. So diving into the book was just amazing to me. I really wanted to see if I would love it more, if not equally.

Okay, kind of cool yet creepy to visualize toys coming to life. Now these toys sound awesome.. not that creepy doll that murders people. Dolls scare the shit out of me.. those moving eyes and shit. BUT these toys and like the toy story movies.. I could totally handle them alive. I'd freak out but then enjoy the hell out of it.

Now before I wrote this review.. I definitely saw people claiming there was racism in this book. I didn't see it that way at all. I loved Little Bull and I enjoyed his broken English. English is hard enough as it is for someone who doesn't speak it as a first language. Just like when you learn spanish, french, german, or whatever language you want to learn.. it's hard as fuck and people are probably judging you for speaking weird or wrong when it comes first nature to them.

Little Bull and the cowboy are just like I remember! I wish I could remember the cowboy's name right now but I honestly can't! Yes, the cowboy does use some racial slurs.. but I assumed it was out of fear. If people don't know about something they usually assume the worst of it.

Besides the little characters, I really enjoyed Omri! This book made me so happy to see all of these characters and read the story line all over again. It definitely makes me want to re-watch the movie just for fun!

Overall, really enjoyed diving back into a childhood favorite. I'm mad that it took me so freaking long to read this book. I will probably reread it over and over again!

sprucetree520's review

3.0

Started slow, the friend was so fucking annoying but then it grew on me

donnaadouglas's review

5.0

I used to listen to this on audiobook all the time when I was a kid! One of my childhood favourites!

eahaynes's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

edgiles4's review

3.0

I decided to re-read this since I enjoyed the series when I was younger. I suppose I'm just too old now to really enjoy it. Besides the obvious problems with reinforcing negative stereotypes, you don't really get to understand any of the characters any better by the end of the book.

vll295's review

3.0

I think our teacher had us read this for 7th grade. I remembered that I thought it was interesting, but I didn't love it. I have to admit I am a bit fuzzy on it though. Maybe worth a re-read.