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engpunk77 's review for:
Samurai Rising: The Epic Life of Minamoto Yoshitsune
by Pamela S. Turner
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.