Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.49 AVERAGE
3.49 AVERAGE
I found the main experiment abhorrent, the experience of the kid painful to read, and the catch-22 of "nature vs nurture" is exposed to have been guided for ulterior motive. I read the first two "books," and simply could not take any more. It started off VERY slowly, and boy, when it finally rains with plot, the bad things occur in floods.
It's not a bad book; the language is sophisticated and of the time period, and others have clearly enjoyed the central premise and what it does to the psyche of a young boy, but I remain unsettled.
It's not a bad book; the language is sophisticated and of the time period, and others have clearly enjoyed the central premise and what it does to the psyche of a young boy, but I remain unsettled.
I'm not sure how I feel about this book. My disbelief wasn't always suspended. At times, the narrative was graphic for the sake of being graphic. M. T. Anderson does defend himself in an author's note. 1775 was a graphic time, and there were unjust and irrational notions about disease and race.
All discomfort aside, I will probably read volume 2.
All discomfort aside, I will probably read volume 2.
I like Octavian. I really do. And I'm so pleased that someone has chosen to examine this fascinating time in US history. While colonists are fighting for their liberty from England, they are simultaneously denying the humanity and rights of thousands of slaves like Octavian. This is a chapter of our history that deserves to be examined, and Anderson does it full justice. Still, it was hard to slog through. Let's face it, revolution-era English is tough, and the action really isn't there in this plot. Recommended for teens seeking a challenge.
I've never read a book quite like this one. The language takes some adjusting to, but I found that eventually, I did get into the rhythm. It reminds me somewhat of Elijah of Buxton and Stranger Things? This book would not be appealing to most of my students, but it would be a healthy challenge for those up to it.
Pretty good. Loved the authentic language and grammar. For more details, check out http://mls-librocubicularist.blogspot.com/2011/07/astonishing-life-of-octavian-nothing.html
Would never have read it in high school, but I couldn't put it down now. It was awesome and I can't wait to get my hands on book two.
Starting out this book it seemed a little weird and slow-going at first. Adjusting to the tone of the writing took a little while, but I'm glad I stuck it out, because this book ended up being a fascinating study of the black-white relationship during the Revolutionary War. As Octavian grows up and starts to notice the discrimination and racism around him, his perception of the world changes vastly. Because of his unique situation, it's especially interesting (although very sad as to how it comes about) to see how his emotions and opinions and perceptions transform over a relatively short period of time. I might have to read Volume II...
I started it. Got a few chapters in, and quit. It was strange, but not interesting enough to be a page turner. Maybe I'll finish later.
This book started of a bit slow for me, but I'm glad I persisted--the payoff was worth it. This is a fascinating exploration of colonial-era America. No spoilers, but the themes I would hope to be explored, are definitely explored, at some depth, and I'm eager to read Volume 2. I can see why this won so many awards.
I don't know what I was expecting, but this book was not it. Octavian tells the story of his life, in a semi-historical fiction story. It was an interesting perspective on the start of the Revolutionary War. And a great voice addressing the issues of freedom, slavery, etc.