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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
This book is the story of the life of the legendary samurai, Minamoto Yoshitsune. Yoshitune's story unfolds in the twelfth century as he runs away from his exile at a monastery at age 15 and begins training as a samurai. It follows his path to becoming a fearless warrior through battles, deception and death.
There are no happy endings in this book as it is filled with as many lies deception and death as a George R.R. Martin book but I found the lessons on the samurai culture fascinating. This book read less like a biography and more like a novel, at times taking a slightly snarky tone that for me offered a bit of comic relief. One such quip describing an an attempt by Yoshitsune's brother, Yoritomo, to have him killed, " When your half brother sends assassins to kill you, it's a strong hint that your relationship is beyond repair."
While this book is not my usual fare, I enjoyed it very much and learned a lot reading it.
There are no happy endings in this book as it is filled with as many lies deception and death as a George R.R. Martin book but I found the lessons on the samurai culture fascinating. This book read less like a biography and more like a novel, at times taking a slightly snarky tone that for me offered a bit of comic relief. One such quip describing an an attempt by Yoshitsune's brother, Yoritomo, to have him killed, " When your half brother sends assassins to kill you, it's a strong hint that your relationship is beyond repair."
While this book is not my usual fare, I enjoyed it very much and learned a lot reading it.
Aimed at students who are interested in action this story of Yoshitsune, a samurai of mythical proportions, the author works hard to make it relate to contemporary students. The scope and breath of the story that spans 30 years in the twelfth century is sweeping and provides the reader with an understanding of the epic nature of the Japanese culture and its samurai class.
Initially I thought this was a graphic novel, for some reason. It is not, although the illustrations are spectacular. Great, fast paced and fascinating biography of Minamoto Yoshitsune. I like the somewhat lighthearted tone, the slightly snarky asides, and the well written biographical aspects. Given that I find medieval Japan to be an utterly foreign landscape, it was an excellent primer. It also feels like a story that is all horrific violence for the sake of honor and pride -- the more we change, the more remains the same.
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
Great writing, plenty of action, really fascinating history. A good choice for fans of Steve Sheinkin, I think.
This was my second time reading this, with the second reading being an audiobook, which was amazingly well done, especially for a non-fiction book.
Samurai Rising is not a dry history book, but rather a riveting read that attempts to place readers squarely within the shoes of Minamoto Yoshitsune. While this at times leads to some stretches of known historical facts, to lead to some interesting speculation, it created a fascinating read, that does an exemplary job of writing engaging history.
While this was written primarily for teens, I think anyone interested in Japanese history would really enjoy reading this. As a avid fan of the Shogun Total War series, this book had me contemplating starting a new Grand Campaign to create my own conquest of Japan!
Samurai Rising is not a dry history book, but rather a riveting read that attempts to place readers squarely within the shoes of Minamoto Yoshitsune. While this at times leads to some stretches of known historical facts, to lead to some interesting speculation, it created a fascinating read, that does an exemplary job of writing engaging history.
While this was written primarily for teens, I think anyone interested in Japanese history would really enjoy reading this. As a avid fan of the Shogun Total War series, this book had me contemplating starting a new Grand Campaign to create my own conquest of Japan!
I love an opportunity to learn something new. Pamela S. Turner did amazing work on the research. The first few pages are dedicated to who each individual in the narrative was, what roles they played, and how to pronounce their names. Then there were maps. It reads like fiction but she never strays from the facts. When Pamela S. Turner gives her opinion she tells you it's her opinion. At the end is even further information!
Fascinating narrative nonfiction! I dreaded reading this required book, totally turned off by the subject matter, the cover, and, especially, the complicated "Characters and Places" page that greeted me at the start. I almost cheated on this book--would my students REALLY know if I skipped it? I'm glad I am honest and have integrity--this book was by far the best nonfiction I've read in at least 10 years. Totally accessible, intriguing, beautifully written with a good amount of sass. More Pamela Turner, please.
If you want to know what was so awesome about this and why you need to recommend this to middle school students looking for a nonfiction title (usually begrudgingly), here it is. Turner provides a narrative about this civil war in Japan in the 1100's with just the right amount of graphic illustrations (only at just the right times to illustrate a concept such as the route two troops are taking, how the tide worked in a particular battle, etc.), the the right balance of cultural background/explanation of context/action/gore/humor, and just the right amount of higher level vocabulary juxtaposed with comparisons and phrases that will totally work for modern tweens. And I learned SO MUCH about things I never thought to care about!
Just look at this paragraph in which Turner explains class contrast in Kyoto:
"Post-famine, post-war Kyoto was full of beggars, ruined houses, and filthy ditches. Yet behind the tile-roofed walls of their compounds, the famillies of the elite enjoyed graceful mansions set in idyllic gardens filled with artifical streams and lakes, horse-racing tracks, dance stages, and fishing pavilions. Within this rarified world, a nobleman or nobelwoman's reputation hinged on his or her ability to compose soulful poetry inked with an elegant hand. Even casual notes betweeen friends were written in poetic style. Attention was lavished on the shade and scent of the paper, the fresh flower tied to the note, and the dress of the servant who delivered it. In this refined society, the poet's status was further enhanced if each of these elements subtly expressed a poignant appreciation of the passing of time and a deep sensitivity to nature.
In Yoshitsune's world, status involved severed heads" (78-79). I love this writer.
I paused at times and read lines aloud. I smiled, gasped, chuckled. I love how she used the words puking, wildly sexy, superstar warrior, and compared elements of ancient society to today's t.v. commercials, social media, and other relatable phenomena.
A few human truths I take away from this fascinating history is that "Trash talk, it seems, is not a modern invention," and "When pride arrives, logic takes a hike." :)
I recommend this to adults, teens, and especially middle school students who are decent readers and have a 7th grade vocabulary (according to Oxford Sadlier). Three of my book club students (two boys, one girl) loved it and are the ones who forced me to read it. Bless them.
If you want to know what was so awesome about this and why you need to recommend this to middle school students looking for a nonfiction title (usually begrudgingly), here it is. Turner provides a narrative about this civil war in Japan in the 1100's with just the right amount of graphic illustrations (only at just the right times to illustrate a concept such as the route two troops are taking, how the tide worked in a particular battle, etc.), the the right balance of cultural background/explanation of context/action/gore/humor, and just the right amount of higher level vocabulary juxtaposed with comparisons and phrases that will totally work for modern tweens. And I learned SO MUCH about things I never thought to care about!
Just look at this paragraph in which Turner explains class contrast in Kyoto:
"Post-famine, post-war Kyoto was full of beggars, ruined houses, and filthy ditches. Yet behind the tile-roofed walls of their compounds, the famillies of the elite enjoyed graceful mansions set in idyllic gardens filled with artifical streams and lakes, horse-racing tracks, dance stages, and fishing pavilions. Within this rarified world, a nobleman or nobelwoman's reputation hinged on his or her ability to compose soulful poetry inked with an elegant hand. Even casual notes betweeen friends were written in poetic style. Attention was lavished on the shade and scent of the paper, the fresh flower tied to the note, and the dress of the servant who delivered it. In this refined society, the poet's status was further enhanced if each of these elements subtly expressed a poignant appreciation of the passing of time and a deep sensitivity to nature.
In Yoshitsune's world, status involved severed heads" (78-79). I love this writer.
I paused at times and read lines aloud. I smiled, gasped, chuckled. I love how she used the words puking, wildly sexy, superstar warrior, and compared elements of ancient society to today's t.v. commercials, social media, and other relatable phenomena.
A few human truths I take away from this fascinating history is that "Trash talk, it seems, is not a modern invention," and "When pride arrives, logic takes a hike." :)
I recommend this to adults, teens, and especially middle school students who are decent readers and have a 7th grade vocabulary (according to Oxford Sadlier). Three of my book club students (two boys, one girl) loved it and are the ones who forced me to read it. Bless them.
Great for middle grades through junior high. Written in the same tone as a Steve Sheinkin book using modern language and comparisons. Lots of support information such as cast of characters, timelines, maps charts, etc. and an authors note about the information gathering process.