Alexis Lampley's Blog
March 18, 2019
NEW WEBSITE!
Hi Everyone! I believe I may have mentioned this, but I can't remember. In late January, we moved this blog from here to our new website, which expanded to be more than just book reviews!www.dropandgivemenerdy.com
It's still the same content you find here, but more and better! I have other reviewers contribute from time to time (with the expectation of having more consistent contributors in the future). I feature reviews for all ages, covering board books to regular adult genre books. I also have lists, videos, subscription box unboxings, funko pop and tshirt reviews, giveaways, and more!
All the old reviews are still in the process of transferring over as I balance work and life, so for a couple more months you'll see old ones mixed in with new ones. Once I have the time to properly update all the old reviews with new photos and posts, you'll be getting fresh content much more often that you were getting it here. (In fact, you're already getting almost daily new content on our website. Sundays tend to be our day of rest, but you can generally expect new content any of the other days). I'm really excited about this change, and I hope you enjoy the new site! Once everything is officially moved over, I will shut down this blog, since it shares the same name and splits the viewership. But until then, this will be around. Thanks so much for supporting me by reading my reviews!
January 23, 2019
The Eulogist
by: Terry Gamble
(WARNING: This particular synopsis gets spoilery real quick. So I'm going to white-word the bits that spoil. Highlight if you want to read it completely).
From the author of The Water Dancer and Good Family, an exquisitely crafted novel, set in Ohio in the decades leading to the Civil War, that illuminates the immigrant experience, the injustice of slavery, and the debts human beings owe to one another, witnessed through the endeavors of one Irish-American family.
Cheated out of their family estate in Northern Ireland after the Napoleonic Wars, the Givens family arrives in America in 1819. But in coming to this new land, they have lost nearly everything. Making their way west they settle in Cincinnati, a burgeoning town on the banks of the mighty Ohio River whose rise, like the Givenses’ own, will be fashioned by the colliding forces of Jacksonian populism, religious evangelism, industrial capitalism, and the struggle for emancipation.
After losing their mother in childbirth and their father to a riverboat headed for New Orleans, James, Olivia, and Erasmus Givens must fend for themselves. Ambitious James eventually marries into a prosperous family, builds a successful business, and rises in Cincinnati society. Taken by the spirit and wanderlust, Erasmus becomes an itinerant preacher, finding passion and heartbreak as he seeks God. Independent-minded Olivia, seemingly destined for spinsterhood, enters into a surprising partnership and marriage with Silas Orpheus, a local doctor who spurns social mores.
When her husband suddenly dies from an infection, Olivia travels to his family home in Kentucky, where she meets his estranged brother and encounters the horrors of slavery firsthand. After abetting the escape of one slave, Olivia is forced to confront the status of a young woman named Tilly, another slave owned by Olivia’s brother-in-law. When her attempt to help Tilly ends in disaster, Olivia tracks down Erasmus, who has begun smuggling runaways across the river—the borderline between freedom and slavery.
As the years pass, this family of immigrants initially indifferent to slavery will actively work for its end—performing courageous, often dangerous, occasionally foolhardy acts of moral rectitude that will reverberate through their lives for generations to come. {cover copy}
I agreed to review this book as part of a TLC Book Tours review tour, but this is entirely my unbiased opinion on the book, which was gifted to me.
This book was surprising. I say that because it isn't necessarily the type of book I'd usually choose to read, and I wasn't prepared for how easily I let 200 pages slip by in an afternoon of reading. I was engrossed by the storylines and really interested in what was going to happen. I liked the main character's narration, so I enjoyed watching the story unfold from her point of view. I suppose I would consider this one a slow burn. Like I said, this isn't what I usually read, but the pace was actually a very nice change for me. It took its time, as I think most character driven stories tend to do, with staccato bursts of action or intensity at just the right moment to keep me reading on instead of putting the book down to do some adult thing I probably should have been doing (like laundry). Initially, it was the gorgeous cover that caught my interest. But I'm always trying to avoid pigeonholing myself into only reading a couple genres, so given that the cover copy was intriguing enough for me to risk branching out, I accepted the book for review. I'm glad that I did. It pulled me from my comfort zone, was enjoyable, and kept my interest throughout. There was even a tiny mystery to be worked out by the end, which I liked. I had my suspicions, of course, but it was nice to get them confirmed at the end.
Given it's particular point in time, there is of course a lot to do with slavery. I think this book did a good job of showing, in many circumstances, systemic racism in action. There were points in which the narrator was fully aware of her privilege and the fact that she could distance herself from what was going on for a myriad of reasons, but she acknowledged it, which I thought was important. This, of course, was back in the time of slavery, so it is different from now in some aspects, but I think a lot of her behavior and thoughts and privilege still holds true for today. I believe the book also addressed some of these same problems that face women, especially the women of color, really bringing to the forefront how awful it was for women back then.
Anything untethered washes down this river. {first line}
"Her voice was honeyed and vaguely southern but so lightly touched as to avoid the twang that demands twenty minutes to utter a sentence."
"If there is a God--and like you, I wonder--would He not want us to turn our efforts toward saving each other rather than madly fretting if we ourselves are saved?"
"Bury us deeply. Bury us well."
• well • {last word}
Buy the book here!
(WARNING: This particular synopsis gets spoilery real quick. So I'm going to white-word the bits that spoil. Highlight if you want to read it completely).From the author of The Water Dancer and Good Family, an exquisitely crafted novel, set in Ohio in the decades leading to the Civil War, that illuminates the immigrant experience, the injustice of slavery, and the debts human beings owe to one another, witnessed through the endeavors of one Irish-American family.
Cheated out of their family estate in Northern Ireland after the Napoleonic Wars, the Givens family arrives in America in 1819. But in coming to this new land, they have lost nearly everything. Making their way west they settle in Cincinnati, a burgeoning town on the banks of the mighty Ohio River whose rise, like the Givenses’ own, will be fashioned by the colliding forces of Jacksonian populism, religious evangelism, industrial capitalism, and the struggle for emancipation.
After losing their mother in childbirth and their father to a riverboat headed for New Orleans, James, Olivia, and Erasmus Givens must fend for themselves. Ambitious James eventually marries into a prosperous family, builds a successful business, and rises in Cincinnati society. Taken by the spirit and wanderlust, Erasmus becomes an itinerant preacher, finding passion and heartbreak as he seeks God. Independent-minded Olivia, seemingly destined for spinsterhood, enters into a surprising partnership and marriage with Silas Orpheus, a local doctor who spurns social mores.
When her husband suddenly dies from an infection, Olivia travels to his family home in Kentucky, where she meets his estranged brother and encounters the horrors of slavery firsthand. After abetting the escape of one slave, Olivia is forced to confront the status of a young woman named Tilly, another slave owned by Olivia’s brother-in-law. When her attempt to help Tilly ends in disaster, Olivia tracks down Erasmus, who has begun smuggling runaways across the river—the borderline between freedom and slavery.
As the years pass, this family of immigrants initially indifferent to slavery will actively work for its end—performing courageous, often dangerous, occasionally foolhardy acts of moral rectitude that will reverberate through their lives for generations to come. {cover copy}
I agreed to review this book as part of a TLC Book Tours review tour, but this is entirely my unbiased opinion on the book, which was gifted to me.
This book was surprising. I say that because it isn't necessarily the type of book I'd usually choose to read, and I wasn't prepared for how easily I let 200 pages slip by in an afternoon of reading. I was engrossed by the storylines and really interested in what was going to happen. I liked the main character's narration, so I enjoyed watching the story unfold from her point of view. I suppose I would consider this one a slow burn. Like I said, this isn't what I usually read, but the pace was actually a very nice change for me. It took its time, as I think most character driven stories tend to do, with staccato bursts of action or intensity at just the right moment to keep me reading on instead of putting the book down to do some adult thing I probably should have been doing (like laundry). Initially, it was the gorgeous cover that caught my interest. But I'm always trying to avoid pigeonholing myself into only reading a couple genres, so given that the cover copy was intriguing enough for me to risk branching out, I accepted the book for review. I'm glad that I did. It pulled me from my comfort zone, was enjoyable, and kept my interest throughout. There was even a tiny mystery to be worked out by the end, which I liked. I had my suspicions, of course, but it was nice to get them confirmed at the end.
Given it's particular point in time, there is of course a lot to do with slavery. I think this book did a good job of showing, in many circumstances, systemic racism in action. There were points in which the narrator was fully aware of her privilege and the fact that she could distance herself from what was going on for a myriad of reasons, but she acknowledged it, which I thought was important. This, of course, was back in the time of slavery, so it is different from now in some aspects, but I think a lot of her behavior and thoughts and privilege still holds true for today. I believe the book also addressed some of these same problems that face women, especially the women of color, really bringing to the forefront how awful it was for women back then.
Anything untethered washes down this river. {first line}
"Her voice was honeyed and vaguely southern but so lightly touched as to avoid the twang that demands twenty minutes to utter a sentence."
"If there is a God--and like you, I wonder--would He not want us to turn our efforts toward saving each other rather than madly fretting if we ourselves are saved?"
"Bury us deeply. Bury us well."
• well • {last word}
Buy the book here!
January 21, 2019
Maddie Moo Book Review: The Questioneers Collection
Written by: Andrea Beaty
Illustrated by: David Roberts
I have been wanting these books for Madeline for quite a long time. I finally found them in a box set, and pulled the trigger on them with the help of gift cards for Christmas! I'm not even mad about spending my gift money on her because these books turned out to totally live up to the hype!
I had never actually picked them up and read through them, soI was pleasantly surprised by the story as well as the writing. I am a big fan of a well written rhyming book, and these have amazing rhythm! So they are really fun to read.
But what I love most about these stories is how well they show off different talents or skills in the STEM area without seeming boring or overly technical. It is really well done and makes it so entertaining to learn and see the kids just going full on toward their passions. I think that's a great thing for kids to see.
It's very hard for me to pick a favorite in this series. I enjoy each of them equally. If I was forced to choose, I think Ada Twist would win for writing. But i'm very partial to the architecture aspect of Iggy. And I love the message for Rosie the best. So they all have something that really stands out for me.
As a bonus, Madeline is here with me today while I type this review. Here is what she has to say about this series:
"I like these books THIS BIG!" *stretches arms all the way out to her sides*
Ada Twist: "I like her drawing everything on the hall room. I love her that she climbs up the clock. It's pretty silly, huh? I learned about drawing on the walls."
Rosie Revere: "I love that girl putting the boy in the cage with snakes all over him! And I also like her building a helicopter with cheese flying around it and I love it crashed! I learned about putting somebody in a cage."
Iggy Peck: "I like that he built castles at school. That's it. The castle. And the bridge."
These books are a big win for this family, because even my husband loves them. These are definitely worth adding to your bookshelves.
Illustrated by: David Roberts
I have been wanting these books for Madeline for quite a long time. I finally found them in a box set, and pulled the trigger on them with the help of gift cards for Christmas! I'm not even mad about spending my gift money on her because these books turned out to totally live up to the hype!I had never actually picked them up and read through them, soI was pleasantly surprised by the story as well as the writing. I am a big fan of a well written rhyming book, and these have amazing rhythm! So they are really fun to read.
But what I love most about these stories is how well they show off different talents or skills in the STEM area without seeming boring or overly technical. It is really well done and makes it so entertaining to learn and see the kids just going full on toward their passions. I think that's a great thing for kids to see.
It's very hard for me to pick a favorite in this series. I enjoy each of them equally. If I was forced to choose, I think Ada Twist would win for writing. But i'm very partial to the architecture aspect of Iggy. And I love the message for Rosie the best. So they all have something that really stands out for me.
As a bonus, Madeline is here with me today while I type this review. Here is what she has to say about this series:
"I like these books THIS BIG!" *stretches arms all the way out to her sides*
Ada Twist: "I like her drawing everything on the hall room. I love her that she climbs up the clock. It's pretty silly, huh? I learned about drawing on the walls."
Rosie Revere: "I love that girl putting the boy in the cage with snakes all over him! And I also like her building a helicopter with cheese flying around it and I love it crashed! I learned about putting somebody in a cage."
Iggy Peck: "I like that he built castles at school. That's it. The castle. And the bridge."
These books are a big win for this family, because even my husband loves them. These are definitely worth adding to your bookshelves.
January 14, 2019
Maddie Moo Kids Book Review: That's NOT how you do it!
Written by: Ariane Hofmann-Maniyar
We were sent this book in exchange for an honest review. (Actually we were just sent this book to feature on my IG but I like to review them, too, when I can).
This book is absolutely adorable and 100% needed in our house these days. In fact, the words "That's not how you do it" have just recently been uttered by this child, so the timing for this book to be on our shelf is pretty much perfect.
I love this story because it works on so many levels. It is such a great demonstration of acceptance of others, of how we get stuck in our ways and that it isn't good to do so if you want to learn about the world. But it's also just a great teaching tool for kids who think they have the world figured out at three years old.
The story is about a cat who has most definitely figured out everything. She's the best at this and an expert at that. And then a panda moves into town and does all the things she does so well completely differently. Not necessarily wrong. In fact, some could say better in certain ways. But she holds her tongue. For a while. Until he does just too many things differently and then she can't stand it anymore. She has to tell him. "That's not how you do it!" But then he surprises her and... well... you'll just have to read it to find out!
We really like this book. It's such a good one and we highly recommend it!
We were sent this book in exchange for an honest review. (Actually we were just sent this book to feature on my IG but I like to review them, too, when I can).This book is absolutely adorable and 100% needed in our house these days. In fact, the words "That's not how you do it" have just recently been uttered by this child, so the timing for this book to be on our shelf is pretty much perfect.
I love this story because it works on so many levels. It is such a great demonstration of acceptance of others, of how we get stuck in our ways and that it isn't good to do so if you want to learn about the world. But it's also just a great teaching tool for kids who think they have the world figured out at three years old.
The story is about a cat who has most definitely figured out everything. She's the best at this and an expert at that. And then a panda moves into town and does all the things she does so well completely differently. Not necessarily wrong. In fact, some could say better in certain ways. But she holds her tongue. For a while. Until he does just too many things differently and then she can't stand it anymore. She has to tell him. "That's not how you do it!" But then he surprises her and... well... you'll just have to read it to find out!
We really like this book. It's such a good one and we highly recommend it!
January 7, 2019
Maddie Moo Kids Book Review: Parade of Elephants
Written by: Kevin Henkes
She picked a scab on her chin from a previous bump,
in case you're wondering why there's a bandaid on her face.We were sent this book in exchange for an honest review. (Actually we were just sent this book to feature on my IG but I like to review them, too, when I can)
This book is adorable and simple but also a really clever way of teaching (or reinforcing to) children basic concepts like over and under and counting to five and things of that nature. The entire color palette of the book is the pastel colors of the cover, and the line work is simple and bold.
Part of me thinks this one would actually do better as a board book, as Madeline seemed a little old for it. However, I've been reading to her since she was itty bitty and she may be above the curve in what interests her.
That said, we read it together with her little sister, and I thought it was actually a perfect book for sharing between them, as Madeline was able to sort of read along or interact with the book as though she was helping me read it to her sister. In that regard, I found this to be a perfect book that I will definitely be reading many times during our sister reads when we are all together, since it engaged them both (insomuch as books can engage a 5 month old). It may not be one we go to often in our bed-time reading, at least not until I can put both girls to bed in the same bed.
But overall, I think this is a great transition book from board to picture. It's not a complicated plot, it has a very board book type of vibe in subject and look, but it introduces the thin pages. Perfect for littles!
She picked a scab on her chin from a previous bump,in case you're wondering why there's a bandaid on her face.We were sent this book in exchange for an honest review. (Actually we were just sent this book to feature on my IG but I like to review them, too, when I can)
This book is adorable and simple but also a really clever way of teaching (or reinforcing to) children basic concepts like over and under and counting to five and things of that nature. The entire color palette of the book is the pastel colors of the cover, and the line work is simple and bold.
Part of me thinks this one would actually do better as a board book, as Madeline seemed a little old for it. However, I've been reading to her since she was itty bitty and she may be above the curve in what interests her.
That said, we read it together with her little sister, and I thought it was actually a perfect book for sharing between them, as Madeline was able to sort of read along or interact with the book as though she was helping me read it to her sister. In that regard, I found this to be a perfect book that I will definitely be reading many times during our sister reads when we are all together, since it engaged them both (insomuch as books can engage a 5 month old). It may not be one we go to often in our bed-time reading, at least not until I can put both girls to bed in the same bed.
But overall, I think this is a great transition book from board to picture. It's not a complicated plot, it has a very board book type of vibe in subject and look, but it introduces the thin pages. Perfect for littles!
December 24, 2018
Maddie Moo Kids Book Review: Never Ever
Written by: Jo Empson
Going through some three year old emotions
on this particular morning. I asked her to smile and
this is what I got lolWe were sent this book in exchange for an honest review. (Actually we were just sent this book to feature on my IG but I like to review them, too, when I can)
This book is perfectly adorable and so much fun! It starts with a girl who says that nothing exciting ever happens to her. Never ever. She continues to reiterate this throughout the entire book, while exciting things keep happening all around her! But she is so stubborn that she doesn't even notice. She just continues to insist that her life is boring and nothing ever happens to her.
She even insists this when she really can't deny that something crazy has happened to her. She's willfully ignoring her surroundings at this point, which is of course really funny! And then there's an extra little surprise at the end of the book that has to do with a fold out page, which adds just that much more fun to the story.
Overall, we really like this one! This is a story that does not match its pictures to its text, so make sure your child gets it at the start. I let mine point out what is going on so that it's even more obvious that it isn't going the way the character says it is. This one is sure to get some giggles!
Going through some three year old emotionson this particular morning. I asked her to smile and
this is what I got lolWe were sent this book in exchange for an honest review. (Actually we were just sent this book to feature on my IG but I like to review them, too, when I can)
This book is perfectly adorable and so much fun! It starts with a girl who says that nothing exciting ever happens to her. Never ever. She continues to reiterate this throughout the entire book, while exciting things keep happening all around her! But she is so stubborn that she doesn't even notice. She just continues to insist that her life is boring and nothing ever happens to her.
She even insists this when she really can't deny that something crazy has happened to her. She's willfully ignoring her surroundings at this point, which is of course really funny! And then there's an extra little surprise at the end of the book that has to do with a fold out page, which adds just that much more fun to the story.
Overall, we really like this one! This is a story that does not match its pictures to its text, so make sure your child gets it at the start. I let mine point out what is going on so that it's even more obvious that it isn't going the way the character says it is. This one is sure to get some giggles!
December 17, 2018
Maddie Moo Kids Book Review: Harold Finds a Voice
Written by: Courtney Dicmas
We were sent this book in exchange for an honest review. (Actually we were just sent this book to feature on my IG but I like to review them, too, when I can)
First off, I love all things bird, so this one was in my "I like this book" column the moment I saw the cover. And it totally stayed there after reading the book! As people who own birds, we have a real connection with this story.
Harold is adorable. He is a parrot, so he's great at mimicking sounds. But he wants to find his own voice. The fun thing about this is that this is pretty true to birds. Each of our birds has a unique sound or song that is their own. So the fact that Harold is searching for his own sound is totally adorable. Sorry, I'm saying adorable a lot.
My favorite thing about this story, though, is that when Harold finally does find his own voice, he hates it at first. Only after he hears other parrots who make similar sounds does he think that his isn't so bad. I love the sense of community and "finding your people" that this brings about. It's perfect for a kid who maybe doesn't feel like they fit in. The message is that there are others out there like you, don't get discouraged by your own "sound" because you aren't alone. Just be loud and proud and others like you will find their way to you!
We totally love this one. (It's also super fun to read because you have to make LOTS of silly noises, so of course Madeline loves that as well). I'm so glad we have this one on our bookshelf.
We were sent this book in exchange for an honest review. (Actually we were just sent this book to feature on my IG but I like to review them, too, when I can)First off, I love all things bird, so this one was in my "I like this book" column the moment I saw the cover. And it totally stayed there after reading the book! As people who own birds, we have a real connection with this story.
Harold is adorable. He is a parrot, so he's great at mimicking sounds. But he wants to find his own voice. The fun thing about this is that this is pretty true to birds. Each of our birds has a unique sound or song that is their own. So the fact that Harold is searching for his own sound is totally adorable. Sorry, I'm saying adorable a lot.
My favorite thing about this story, though, is that when Harold finally does find his own voice, he hates it at first. Only after he hears other parrots who make similar sounds does he think that his isn't so bad. I love the sense of community and "finding your people" that this brings about. It's perfect for a kid who maybe doesn't feel like they fit in. The message is that there are others out there like you, don't get discouraged by your own "sound" because you aren't alone. Just be loud and proud and others like you will find their way to you!
We totally love this one. (It's also super fun to read because you have to make LOTS of silly noises, so of course Madeline loves that as well). I'm so glad we have this one on our bookshelf.
December 10, 2018
Maddie Moo Book Review: Sophie Johnson, Unicorn Expert
Written by: Morag Hood
Illustrated by: Ella Okstad
We were sent this book in exchange for an honest review. (Actually we were just sent this book to feature on my IG but I like to review them, too, when I can)
Okay, so I simultaneously love these types of books and also kindof get bummed about these books because at this point in her life, if I don't point it out, the cleverness of this type of book goes sailing right on over her head lol
So, yes, I', saying this book is clever. It really is. It's about this girl who has a bunch of unicorns (only its just her dolls and her pets that are dressed up as unicorns) and she is going on and on about training them and caring for them. Meanwhile, a real unicorn shows up and participates with the fake ones in all the activities, but she never even notices him.
It's really cute, and Madeline loves it, as long as I explain it as we go. Now that I've explained it a couple times, she can point him out and explain to me what is happening in the picture, so she's learning, but it's one of those that definitely can't just be read through on the first go and she's going to get the context.
Illustrated by: Ella Okstad
We were sent this book in exchange for an honest review. (Actually we were just sent this book to feature on my IG but I like to review them, too, when I can)Okay, so I simultaneously love these types of books and also kindof get bummed about these books because at this point in her life, if I don't point it out, the cleverness of this type of book goes sailing right on over her head lol
So, yes, I', saying this book is clever. It really is. It's about this girl who has a bunch of unicorns (only its just her dolls and her pets that are dressed up as unicorns) and she is going on and on about training them and caring for them. Meanwhile, a real unicorn shows up and participates with the fake ones in all the activities, but she never even notices him.
It's really cute, and Madeline loves it, as long as I explain it as we go. Now that I've explained it a couple times, she can point him out and explain to me what is happening in the picture, so she's learning, but it's one of those that definitely can't just be read through on the first go and she's going to get the context.
December 8, 2018
James and the Giant Peach
by: Roald Dahl
A little magic can take you a long way...
When James accidentally drops some magic crystals by the old peach tree, strange things start happening. The peach at the very tip of the tree starts growing , and growing, and growing... until it's as big as a house! When James crawls inside, he meets a houseful of oversized friends--Grasshopper, Centipede, Earthworm, and more. With a snip of the stem, the peach starts rolling away, and the adventure begins! {cover copy}
This was another case of having seen the movie before reading the book, and I was surprised how closely the movie actually stayed to the source material. That said, I really enjoyed this one. It borders a little on the Tim Burton-y side of things that I am maybe not as into as some of the other Dahl stories, but I still enjoyed it. It's very fantastical, which makes it quite fun!
Here is James Henry Trotter when he was about four years old. {first line}
"There are a whole lot of things in this world of ours that you haven't started wondering about yet."
• reading • {last word}
A little magic can take you a long way...When James accidentally drops some magic crystals by the old peach tree, strange things start happening. The peach at the very tip of the tree starts growing , and growing, and growing... until it's as big as a house! When James crawls inside, he meets a houseful of oversized friends--Grasshopper, Centipede, Earthworm, and more. With a snip of the stem, the peach starts rolling away, and the adventure begins! {cover copy}
This was another case of having seen the movie before reading the book, and I was surprised how closely the movie actually stayed to the source material. That said, I really enjoyed this one. It borders a little on the Tim Burton-y side of things that I am maybe not as into as some of the other Dahl stories, but I still enjoyed it. It's very fantastical, which makes it quite fun!
Here is James Henry Trotter when he was about four years old. {first line}
"There are a whole lot of things in this world of ours that you haven't started wondering about yet."
• reading • {last word}
December 6, 2018
Hatchet
by: Gary Paulsen
Brian is on his way to Canada to visit his estranged father when the pilot of his small prop plane suffers a heart attack. Brian is forced to crash-land the plane in a lake--and finds himself stranded in the remote Canadian wilderness with only his clothing and the hatchet his mother gave him as a present before his departure.
Brian had been distraught over his parents' impending divorce and the secret he carries about his mother, but now he is truly desolate and alone. Exhausted, terrified, and hungry, Brian struggles to find food and make a shelter for himself. He has no special knowledge of the woods, and he must find a new kind of awareness and patience as he meets each day's challenges. Is the water safe to drink? Are the berries he finds poisonous?
Slowly, Brian learns to turn adversity to his advantage--an invading porcupine unexpectedly shows him how to make fire, a devastating tornado shows him how to retrieve supplies from the submerged airplane. Most of all, Brian leaves behind the self-pity he has felt about his predicament as he summons the courage to stay alive. {Goodreads copy}
This was a re-read for me. I hadn't read it since school, and my husband and I were reminiscing about our favorite books we read as kids and both of us mentioned this one. So I got myself the 50th anniversary edition and sat down to dive in once again. I enjoyed it as much as I remember from the first time, which was nice. I like survival stories. I feel like they are useful in case I ever get in that type of situation, while also cementing in my head the fact that I would likely not be that resourceful and probably die HAHA (but seriously. I'm sure I'd forget all the really important things needed to survive). Clearly this book was one that resonated with me and my husband, since we both fondly remember it from our childhood. I'm glad I got to re-read it and experience it as an adult as well.
Brian Robeson stared out the window of the small plane at the endless green northern wilderness below. {first line}
"You are your most valuable asset."
"I am full of tough hope."
"...so much of living was patience and thinking."
"Read like a wolf eats. Read all the time. Read everything. Read every day. Read what they tell you to read and read what they tell you not to read. Just read."
• secret • {last word}
Brian is on his way to Canada to visit his estranged father when the pilot of his small prop plane suffers a heart attack. Brian is forced to crash-land the plane in a lake--and finds himself stranded in the remote Canadian wilderness with only his clothing and the hatchet his mother gave him as a present before his departure. Brian had been distraught over his parents' impending divorce and the secret he carries about his mother, but now he is truly desolate and alone. Exhausted, terrified, and hungry, Brian struggles to find food and make a shelter for himself. He has no special knowledge of the woods, and he must find a new kind of awareness and patience as he meets each day's challenges. Is the water safe to drink? Are the berries he finds poisonous?
Slowly, Brian learns to turn adversity to his advantage--an invading porcupine unexpectedly shows him how to make fire, a devastating tornado shows him how to retrieve supplies from the submerged airplane. Most of all, Brian leaves behind the self-pity he has felt about his predicament as he summons the courage to stay alive. {Goodreads copy}
This was a re-read for me. I hadn't read it since school, and my husband and I were reminiscing about our favorite books we read as kids and both of us mentioned this one. So I got myself the 50th anniversary edition and sat down to dive in once again. I enjoyed it as much as I remember from the first time, which was nice. I like survival stories. I feel like they are useful in case I ever get in that type of situation, while also cementing in my head the fact that I would likely not be that resourceful and probably die HAHA (but seriously. I'm sure I'd forget all the really important things needed to survive). Clearly this book was one that resonated with me and my husband, since we both fondly remember it from our childhood. I'm glad I got to re-read it and experience it as an adult as well.
Brian Robeson stared out the window of the small plane at the endless green northern wilderness below. {first line}
"You are your most valuable asset."
"I am full of tough hope."
"...so much of living was patience and thinking."
"Read like a wolf eats. Read all the time. Read everything. Read every day. Read what they tell you to read and read what they tell you not to read. Just read."
• secret • {last word}
