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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
This book is a good look into the mind of someone who is sick and has reached the point where dying is more of a certainty than a possibility, where being made comfortable is closer to the goal than being healthy again is. Mark is given terrible news about his health and, rather than sit around and watch all his dreams die with him, he sets out to accomplish them.
The events of the book happen over the course of about three days and take place from two perspectives - Mark's and Jessie's. Mark is the main story, showing him running away from home and his journey to Mount Rainier and everything that happens along the way. Jessie's portion of the story is to show what's happening at home with Mark's parents and school and 'normal life' in the face of Mark's disappearance.
A minor peeve of mine was that I had no idea what kind of dog Mark owned. When the book first introduced Beau, I thought he was a medium to large sized dog, like one that reaches a person's waist. Then Mark makes Beau get into a duffle bag and carries him and suddenly everything I thought I knew about this dog shattered. To the end of the book, I don't know what kind of dog he is. I know his fur coloring and that he has two different colored eyes and that he can apparently fit in a duffle bag, but that's it.
I liked the book well enough. The writing was very simple and straight-forward, as fits a book meant for younger readers. There were no huge plot twists. It even made me cry twice - both times in reference to Beau. The very last thing that happens in the book left a sour aftertaste, though. So I got through this whole book and then the final page dulled my enjoyment and disappointed me. And I can't really explain why because when I do it sounds silly. I had enjoyed the format of the book until the last moment and that's all I can say without spoilers.
The events of the book happen over the course of about three days and take place from two perspectives - Mark's and Jessie's. Mark is the main story, showing him running away from home and his journey to Mount Rainier and everything that happens along the way. Jessie's portion of the story is to show what's happening at home with Mark's parents and school and 'normal life' in the face of Mark's disappearance.
A minor peeve of mine was that I had no idea what kind of dog Mark owned. When the book first introduced Beau, I thought he was a medium to large sized dog, like one that reaches a person's waist. Then Mark makes Beau get into a duffle bag and carries him and suddenly everything I thought I knew about this dog shattered. To the end of the book, I don't know what kind of dog he is. I know his fur coloring and that he has two different colored eyes and that he can apparently fit in a duffle bag, but that's it.
I liked the book well enough. The writing was very simple and straight-forward, as fits a book meant for younger readers. There were no huge plot twists. It even made me cry twice - both times in reference to Beau. The very last thing that happens in the book left a sour aftertaste, though. So I got through this whole book and then the final page dulled my enjoyment and disappointed me. And I can't really explain why because when I do it sounds silly. I had enjoyed the format of the book until the last moment and that's all I can say without spoilers.
Que livro lindo. De coração. Eu nem sei dizer que aspectos da história mais me encantaram. A mais pura verdade é a prova de que a simplicidade faz diferença - e de que somos todos capazes, ainda que confrontados pelos obstáculos do mundo. Um livro rápido, singelo e maravilhoso.
This is a wonderful book about a young boy and a dog. It may sound simple but it is far from simple. It is a powerful and difficult tale about a young boy dealing with cancer and a thirst to do something in which he has control. Mark, the main character, is filled with pain, rage, fear, and sadness. He is a complex character that is made whole by the love of his ever-faithful dog, Beau. This is a story that had me yelling at the main character, hurting for him, and ultimately celebrating his courage. A great book for any library but suited best for 4th grade and up.
So wonderful. Must read. I want to know what kids think because my opinion is so skewed by my mom grown-up lens.
There is a lot going on in this powerful story about a boy with cancer who is angry about the cards he has been dealt. The action, the emotion, the suspense - it is ALL THERE. I hesitate to compare this book to any other, but I do think it would have great appeal for fans of Hatchet or for any middle grade reader who enjoys realistic fiction. I will be ordering this for our library.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Violence
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Animal death
I'd heard great things about this book, and was hoping it would be a 5 for me. The reader can get very involved in Mark's character, with even the chapter numbers with miles to go adding to the suspense. I wish it had been a little less repetitive. It was cold, he was wet, the dog was loyal. (I don't want to sound callous; it just made me wonder how much a boy weakened by cancer could really endure.) I felt sorry for the dog, and for Jessie, who didn't know if she should tell or not. There are a few twists as Mark meets people along the way, some unanswered questions, and much to discuss.
This is my 10-year-old son's first crack at a book review. We both read this book and were surprised at how much we disliked it, given its popularity. I have no quibble with the premise like other reviewers do... I'm not afraid of my students suddenly deciding to run into the mountains to die if they get a cancer diagnosis just because one time they read a book about a kid who did that. But I found it too didactic and overblown. A little too preachy for a young adult book. My son had even stronger feelings. Here's his take on it:
5 reasons why I hate this book
1: The author spends 174 pages making him get to the mountain, and then he only makes it 6 whole miles from top!!!!!
2:Soooooooo saaaaaaappy!!!!!!
3:Why can't he at least bring food for his dog?! When you're bringing a dog on a suicide mission, at least feed it!
4: He says "its the truth" way too much. I know it's called the honest truth, but you don't need to say it 50 times!
5: When you're trying to save your dog, you don't say "I can do it, Beau! I can hold on! I'm not giving up! I'm strong enough!"
This book is terrible and I recommend never reading it.
5 reasons why I hate this book
1: The author spends 174 pages making him get to the mountain, and then he only makes it 6 whole miles from top!!!!!
2:Soooooooo saaaaaaappy!!!!!!
3:Why can't he at least bring food for his dog?! When you're bringing a dog on a suicide mission, at least feed it!
4: He says "its the truth" way too much. I know it's called the honest truth, but you don't need to say it 50 times!
5: When you're trying to save your dog, you don't say "I can do it, Beau! I can hold on! I'm not giving up! I'm strong enough!"
This book is terrible and I recommend never reading it.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An adorable, meaningful, and timeless story. I'm only 15, so I'm still able to appreciate the books deemed "childrens/middle school". I'm hoping I'll be able to appreciate them even when I'm 35.