Scan barcode
A review by mudder17
Pony by R.J. Palacio
5.0
Oh man, it's been a couple of years since I've read Wonder, which I like to revisit every once in a while. I wasn't sure what to expect, because how do you live up to a book like Wonder? The answer is you don't--you write a different kind of novel. That is not to say that kindness is not an addressed theme in this book. How you treat people is definitely important. But this story was realistic fiction set in a historical setting (but fictional time and place) with supernatural realism. Because our protagonist sees and interacts with ghosts, while others just think he is touched in the head. And yet, the reality is that there may be some people (and young children) who may be able to see ghosts.
This was set around the time of the Civil War, but as I said, it took place in a fictional town and a fictional forest. Silas Bird lives with his father on the outskirts of town and besides the fact that his best friend Mittenwool is a ghost that only he can see, hear, and touch, he is also considered odd by the other kids because of his prodigious vocabulary and his knowledge of so many things, a product of his father's homeschooling. His father is known for making boots and taking amazing photographs, and for all his life, he has been a tinkerer and scientist, his accomplishments in photography a product of playing around with materials and chemicals. His mother died during childbirth so it's always just been the two of them. Until one day some bad men arrive and force his father to leave with them at gunpoint. This is the point when everything changes.
This was a story narrated by Silas as a young adult but told mostly from his 12-year-old self. In some ways, it was a slow build and reminded me a little bit of Little House on the Prairie in terms of the style. But it felt right for this story and I couldn't help but be drawn into Silas' journey. The author obviously did a ton of research, and her author's note at the end is definitely worth reading. She incorporated much of the history of photography, American spiritualism, our country's treatment of indigenous peoples (as well as other marginalized groups), the Civil War, counterfeiting, and even the photographic effects of lightning on a person. In fact, it's apparent she incorporated many of her passions in this book, including her love for old musical instruments. With so many things included in this book, it would seem like it might get out of hand, but I never felt that way. She constructed the story very skillfully and while Silas' story of how he ventures out to rescue his dad drives the entire thing, I loved how she was able to include so much in the tale. In her author's notes, she includes many recommendations for further reading, which I think is particularly awesome since this story targets middle school students.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. However, I am already planning on getting the audiobook so I can revisit Silas Bird, Pony, and Mittenwool.
This was set around the time of the Civil War, but as I said, it took place in a fictional town and a fictional forest. Silas Bird lives with his father on the outskirts of town and besides the fact that his best friend Mittenwool is a ghost that only he can see, hear, and touch, he is also considered odd by the other kids because of his prodigious vocabulary and his knowledge of so many things, a product of his father's homeschooling. His father is known for making boots and taking amazing photographs, and for all his life, he has been a tinkerer and scientist, his accomplishments in photography a product of playing around with materials and chemicals. His mother died during childbirth so it's always just been the two of them. Until one day some bad men arrive and force his father to leave with them at gunpoint. This is the point when everything changes.
This was a story narrated by Silas as a young adult but told mostly from his 12-year-old self. In some ways, it was a slow build and reminded me a little bit of Little House on the Prairie in terms of the style. But it felt right for this story and I couldn't help but be drawn into Silas' journey. The author obviously did a ton of research, and her author's note at the end is definitely worth reading. She incorporated much of the history of photography, American spiritualism, our country's treatment of indigenous peoples (as well as other marginalized groups), the Civil War, counterfeiting, and even the photographic effects of lightning on a person. In fact, it's apparent she incorporated many of her passions in this book, including her love for old musical instruments. With so many things included in this book, it would seem like it might get out of hand, but I never felt that way. She constructed the story very skillfully and while Silas' story of how he ventures out to rescue his dad drives the entire thing, I loved how she was able to include so much in the tale. In her author's notes, she includes many recommendations for further reading, which I think is particularly awesome since this story targets middle school students.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. However, I am already planning on getting the audiobook so I can revisit Silas Bird, Pony, and Mittenwool.