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The Boy Who Lost His Face
The classic novel from Newbery Medalist and National Book Award winner Louis Sachar (Holes), with a brand-new cover! David is only trying to be cool when he helps some of the popular kids steal Old Lady Bayfield’s cane. But when the plan backfires, he’s the one the “old witch” curses. Now David can’t seem to do anything right. The cool kids taunt him and his only friends are freaks. He even walks into Spanish class with his fly unzipped! And when he finally gets up the nerve to ask out a cute girl, his pants fall down in midsentence. Is it the Bayfield curse at work? Or is David simply turning into a total loser?
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1989
316 people are currently reading
1071 people want to read
About the author
Louis Sachar
96 books4,697 followersLouis Sachar (pronounced Sacker), born March 20, 1954, is an American author of children's books.
Louis was born in East Meadow, New York, in 1954. When he was nine, he moved to Tustin, California. He went to college at the University of California at Berkeley and graduated in 1976, as an economics major. The next year, he wrote his first book, Sideways Stories from Wayside School .
He was working at a sweater warehouse during the day and wrote at night. Almost a year later, he was fired from the job. He decided to go to law school. He attended Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco.
His first book was published while he was in law school. He graduated in 1980. For the next eight years he worked part-time as a lawyer and continued to try to write children's books. Then his books started selling well enough so that he was able to quit practicing law. His wife's name is Carla. When he first met her, she was a counselor at an elementary school. She was the inspiration behind the counselor in There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom . He was married in 1985. Hisdaughter, Sherre, was born in 1987.
Louis was born in East Meadow, New York, in 1954. When he was nine, he moved to Tustin, California. He went to college at the University of California at Berkeley and graduated in 1976, as an economics major. The next year, he wrote his first book, Sideways Stories from Wayside School .
He was working at a sweater warehouse during the day and wrote at night. Almost a year later, he was fired from the job. He decided to go to law school. He attended Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco.
His first book was published while he was in law school. He graduated in 1980. For the next eight years he worked part-time as a lawyer and continued to try to write children's books. Then his books started selling well enough so that he was able to quit practicing law. His wife's name is Carla. When he first met her, she was a counselor at an elementary school. She was the inspiration behind the counselor in There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom . He was married in 1985. Hisdaughter, Sherre, was born in 1987.
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February 4, 2016
Dear Louis Sachar,
Where were you all the years that I was growing up? No, seriously! hmph!
But then, as they say, Der aaye, durust aaye! At least I'm glad to have finally discovered you! (^.^)
This is the story of David, who's trying really hard to fit into the friend circle that his best friend of many years is now a part of. David just wants to be considered "cool". And that is why he decides (against his better judgement) to partake in some moronic activities (read stealing the cane of a helpless old woman) that his stupid friends indulge in.
Once again Louis Sachar turns into a wonderful storyteller, with all this being-under-a-curse-and-witchcraft business.
Although I listened to the abridged audiobook version of the story, I thoroughly enjoyed it, esp with the accompanying soundtrack! (^.^)
Where were you all the years that I was growing up? No, seriously! hmph!
But then, as they say, Der aaye, durust aaye! At least I'm glad to have finally discovered you! (^.^)
This is the story of David, who's trying really hard to fit into the friend circle that his best friend of many years is now a part of. David just wants to be considered "cool". And that is why he decides (against his better judgement) to partake in some moronic activities (read stealing the cane of a helpless old woman) that his stupid friends indulge in.
Once again Louis Sachar turns into a wonderful storyteller, with all this being-under-a-curse-and-witchcraft business.
Although I listened to the abridged audiobook version of the story, I thoroughly enjoyed it, esp with the accompanying soundtrack! (^.^)
October 18, 2025
Berniukas be veido – gili knygos analizė vaikams
Įsivaizduokite, kad padarėte kai ką neteisingo vien tam, kad atrodytumėte „kietas“, o vėliau viskas ima slysti iš rankų. Ar tai tikras prakeiksmas, ar jūsų sąžinė krečia pokštus? Louis Sachar knygoje „Berniukas be veido“ pasakojama būtent tokia istorija – linksma, pamokanti ir kartu priverčianti susimąstyti apie draugystę, kaltę bei drąsą. Šiame pristatyme apžvelgsime knygos siužetą (su visais svarbiausiais momentais), aptarsime pagrindines temas, simbolius, panagrinėsime pagrindinio herojaus Deivido raidą, atskleisime knygos žinutę, pažvelgsime į autoriaus pavartotas literatūrines priemones ir galiausiai paaiškinsime, kodėl ši knyga puikiai tinka 11 metų vaikams.
Pagrindinė siužeto santrauka
Deividas yra paprastas berniukas, norintis pritapti prie „kietų“ bendraamžių. Vieną dieną jis, norėdamas pasirodyti šaunuolis, prisideda prie išdykusių draugų išdaigos – padeda jiems pavogti lazdą iš senos kaimynystėje gyvenančios ponios Beifild, kurią vaikai vadina ragana. Užklupta netikėtai, senolė sušunka keistą prakeikimą Deivido adresu (jis nugirsta žodžius maždaug apie tai, kad „jo antrininkas apsivems ant jo sielos“). Nuo tos akimirkos Deivido gyvenimas virsta tikru chaosu – rodos, lyg tas prakeiksmas ima veikti! Vaikinui visiškai nebesiseka: buvę „kieti“ draugai jį atstumia, klasės populiarūs mokiniai pradeda iš jo šaipytis, ir jam tenka bendrauti tik su tais, kuriuos anksčiau pats laikė autsaideriais. Lyg to būtų maža, Deividas patiria virtinę gėdingų nesėkmių: kartą ateina į pamoką atsisegęs kelnių užtrauktuką, o kitą sykį – viduryje pokalbio su patinkančia mergina vardu Torė – jam visiškai nusmunka kelnės! Deividui baisu – ar tikrai pikta ragana jį užkeikė, ir dabar jis prarado sėkmę bei, atrodo, net savo „veidą“ (garbę bei gerą vardą)?
Paliktas vienišas, Deividas ima suprasti, kas yra tikrieji draugai. Jo senas draugas Skotas nusisuka ir prilimpa prie chuliganų, todėl Deividas pradeda bičiuliautis su dviem klasės atstumtaisiais – sumaniu, bet keistu berniuku Lariu ir drąsia mergaitė Mo (Maureen). Jiedu tampa nauja Deivido kompanija, nors mokykloje visi juos vadina „nevykėlių trijule“. Torė, miela ir gera klasės mergaitė, taip pat netrukus prisijungia prie Deivido draugų rato. Ji nepasijuokia iš Deivido, net kai šis apsikvailina – pavyzdžiui, apsimeta nemačiusi, kai jam nukrinta kelnės, kad tik vaikinui nebūtų gėda. Pamažu Deividas supranta, kad Torė ir naujieji draugai jį priima tokį, koks jis yra. Jis nebėra „berniukas be veido“ tarp jų – draugai padeda jam atgauti pasitikėjimą savimi.
Tačiau Deividą vis tiek graužia kaltė dėl to, ką padarė poniai Beifild, ir baimė dėl neva užtrauktos raganos prakeikimo. Jis taip nori viską ištaisyti, kad galiausiai ryžtasi veikti. Deividas nusprendžia, jog užteks slapstytis – reikia drąsiai susigrąžinti pavogtą lazdą ir grąžinti ją teisėtai savininkei, tada galbūt prakeiksmas liausis. Jis netgi nueina pas senąją ponią ir maldaute maldauja atleidimo bei prašo nuimti prakeikimą – ši atsako, kad pirmiausia jis turi grąžinti pavogtą lazdą. Surinkęs drąsą, Deividas kartu su savo ištikimais draugais (Lariu, Mo, Tore) ir net mažuoju broliuku Rikiu nužygiuoja tiesiai pas buvusius „draugus“ – tuos pačius chuliganus – pareikalauti gražinti pagrobtą lazdą. Įvyksta dramatiškas susidūrimas su blogiukų gauja (Rodžeriu, Rendžiu, Skotu ir kitais), bet Deivido ryžtas nugalėti baimes padeda – vaikams pavyksta atsiimti ponią Beifild palaikiusį ramentą. Deividas su draugais triumfuodami parneša jį poniai. Ir štai čia paaiškėja netikėta tiesa: ponia Beifild iš tikrųjų nėra ragana – ji tėra Torės tolima giminaitė, o jokio kerų prakeiksmo apskritai niekada nebuvo! Visi keisti nutikimai, „nesėkmės“, tebuvę Deivido sąžinės pokštai – berniukas jautėsi taip blogai dėl savo poelgio, kad pats to nesuprasdamas ėmė elgtis negrabiai ir taip baudė save už padarytą skriaudą. Knygos pabaigoje dar pateikiamas nuotaikingas epilogas: prabėgus 150 metų, kažkur ateityje, kitas berniukas (vardu Vili), taip pat patiriantis patyčias, skaito apie Deividą vadovėlyje ir žavisi juo kaip didvyriu, garsiu istoriniu asmeniu. Pasirodo, Deivido drąsa ginti teisybę ir „susigrąžinti savo veidą“ tapo legenda, įkvepiančia kitus net po daug metų.
Pagrindinės temos
Šiame romane atskleidžiamos kelios svarbios temos, artimos vaikams. Keli pagrindiniai motyvai:
Draugystė. Knyga parodo, kas yra tikra draugystė. Iš pradžių Deividas draugauja su netinkamais, blogais draugais, kurie jį išduoda. Vėliau jis atranda tikrus bičiulius – Larį, Mo ir Torę – kurie palaiko jį sunkiausiais momentais. Su jais Deividas gali būti savimi, nebereikia apsimetinėti kitu, kad būtų priimtas. Tikri draugai nepasijuokia iš jo nesėkmių (Torė net apsimeta nemačiusi Deivido gėdos akimirkos) ir stovi šalia, kai reikia padėti. Draugystė padeda Deividui keistis į gerąją pusę ir įveikti sunkumus.
Kaltė ir sąžinė. Kaltės jausmas – itin stipri tema. Po neteisingo poelgio (senutės lazdelės pavogimo) Deividą ima kamuoti sąžinė, nors jis to iš pradžių ir nesupranta. Jam atrodo, kad jį persekioja prakeiksmas, tačiau iš tiesų tai jo paties vidinis balsas – sąžinės graužatis – verčia jį jaustis blogai. Knygos kulminacijoje atskleidžiama, kad jokio kerų nebuvo: visas „prakeiksmo“ nelaimes Deividas nesąmoningai sukėlė pats sau, negalėdamas ramiai gyventi su kalte. Taip pabrėžiama, jog sąžinė gali būti griežtesnė teisėja už bet kokią raganą. Ši tema moko, kad svarbu prisiimti atsakomybę už savo poelgius – kaltės jausmo neatsikratysi, kol nepasistengsi ištaisyti klaidos.
Savęs paieškos (savivoka). Deivido istorija – tai ir savęs atradimo kelias. Norėdamas būti populiarus, jis išsižada savo gerų principų ir elgiasi prieš savo prigimtį (prisideda prie patyčių). Tačiau patyręs atstūmimą ir likęs „be veido“ (be reputacijos, kaip niekas), jis pradeda geriau suprasti, kas jis iš tiesų yra ir kokie draugai jam reikalingi. Knygoje realistiškai ir su humoru parodoma, kaip vaikai atranda save ir suvokia, kas iš tiesų svarbu. Deividas pamažu supranta, kad būti savimi – daug vertingiau, nei bet kokia kaina stengtis įtikti netikriems draugams.
Pasirinkimai ir drąsa prisiimti atsakomybę. Istorijoje akcentuojama, kaip svarbu pasirinkti teisingai ir nepasiduoti blogai įtakai. Deividas padaro blogą pasirinkimą (prisideda prie skriaudėjų), bet vėliau randa savyje drąsos ištaisyti padėtį. Jis supranta, jog turime atsakyti už savo poelgius: blogi darbai turi pasekmes, tačiau niekada nevėlu pasitaisyti. Svarbu ne tai, kad suklydai, o kaip pasielgsi po klaidos. Deivido sprendimas stoti prieš skriaudėjus ir apginti senutę (grąžinant jos lazdą) parodo drąsą ir atsakomybę. Knyga skatina skaitytojus pamąstyti apie tai, kokius sprendimus jie patys priimtų atsidūrę panašioje situacijoje.
Simboliai kūrinyje
Louis Sachar kūrinio pavadinimas ir siužetas turi keletą įsimintinų simbolių ir motyvų:
„Prakeiksmas“. Prakeiksmas knygoje veikia kaip simbolis, reiškiantis kaltę, baimę ir tikėjimą atpildo principu. Nors senolės ištartas keiksmas skamba lyg tikri kerai, iš tiesų tai metafora: Deividas patiki, kad yra prakeiktas, todėl visur tikisi nelaimių. „Prakeiksmas“ atspindi jo vidinę baimę, kad blogas poelgis neliks nenubaustas. Kol Deividas neatsiprašo ir neištaiso savo kaltės, jį lydi nemalonumai – tarsi karma. Galiausiai paaiškėja, kad jokios magijos nebuvo – prakeiksmas buvo psichologinis, sukurtas paties Deivido sąžinės. Šis simbolis pamoko, jog blogi darbai patys grįžta bumerangu, net jei ne dėl stebuklų, tai dėl mūsų pačių sąžinės graužimo.
„Veidas“. Veidas knygos pavadinime – tai simbolinė sąvoka. Posakis „prarasti veidą“ reiškia netekti garbės arba reputacijos, smarkiai susigėsti. Deividas „praranda veidą“ tiek perkeltine prasme (po gėdingo poelgio jam gėda prieš save ir kitus, jis praranda pagarbą), tiek tiesiogiai mokyklos bendruomenėje (visi juokiasi iš jo nelaimių, niekas nebenori su juo draugauti). Jis tarsi netenka tapatybės – buvęs „kietuolis“ virsta pajuokos objektu, neaišku, kas jis dabar. Tačiau atgavęs pasitikėjimą savimi ir aplinkinių pagarbą (grąžinęs lazdą ir parodęs drąsą), Deividas „susigrąžina savo veidą“. Taigi veidas simbolizuoja garbę, savigarbą ir tikrąjį „aš“. Knygoje klausiama: kas mes esame be savo „veido“ (be pagarbos sau)? Ar verta išsižadėti savo veido norint įtikti kitiems?
Lazda (ramentas). Pavogta senutės lazda – kaltės simbolis ir kartu raktas į išsilaisvinimą. Lazda tampa tartum prakeiksmo talismanas: kol ji nepagražinta, tol Deividui nesiseka. Iš pradžių ši lazda jam tereiškia kvailą pokštą, tačiau vėliau ji ima slėgti jo sąžinę. Galiausiai lazda virsta drąsos simboliu – Deividas suvokia, kad privalo ją susigrąžinti, nors tai reiškia stoti prieš stipresnius skriaudėjus. Kai lazda grąžinama poniai Beifild, prakeiksmas dingsta. Lazda simbolizuoja klaidos pripažinimą ir atitaisymą. Tai pamoka, jog grąžinęs tai, ką atėmei (atsiprašęs, ištaisęs neteisybę), „nuimi prakeiksmą“ ne tik nuo kitų, bet ir nuo savo širdies.
(Knygoje galima rasti ir daugiau simbolinių detalių – pavyzdžiui, pati ponia Beifild, vadinama ragana, simbolizuoja mūsų baimes ir tai, kaip lengva apkaltinti kitą dėl savo bėdų. Taip pat minima „doppelgänger“ – vaiduokliškas antrininkas iš prakeiksmo – tai lyg tamsioji Deivido pusė, jo sąžinė. Tačiau aukščiau aptarėme svarbiausius ir vaikui suprantamiausius simbolius.)
Deivido, pagrindinio veikėjo, raida
Deividas – paprastas, šiek tiek nedrąsus berniukas, kurio gyvenimas knygos eigoje smarkiai pasikeičia. Jo vidinė raida yra pagrindinis istorijos variklis. Pažvelkime, koks Deividas buvo pradžioje ir koks tapo pabaigoje:
Pradžioje: Deividui labai rūpi priklausyti „kietų“ vaikų grupei. Jis jaučiasi nesaugus dėl savo statuso, todėl pasiduoda bendraamžių spaudimui. Norėdamas įtikti Skotui ir jo naujiesiems chuliganiškiems draugams, Deividas daro tai, kas jam nebūdinga ir net neteisinga – dalyvauja skriaudžiant nekaltą senutę. Nors širdyje Deividas nėra blogas vaikas, jo noras būti populiariam nustelbia sąžinę. Jis dar neatskiria tikros draugystės nuo apsimetinėjimo ir nėra tvirtai apsisprendęs, kokių vertybių laikytis.
Posūkis (konfliktas): Po nevykusio pokšto Deividas patiria šoką – jį ištinka virtinė nesėkmių, o buvę draugai jį palieka. Šis laikotarpis labai sunkus: Deividas netenka pasitikėjimo savimi, jaučiasi kaltas ir vienišas. Tačiau būtent tada ima ryškėti jo gerosios savybės. Pamažu Deividas atidžiau pažvelgia į save: ar jam iš tiesų patiko tyčiotis iš silpnesnio? Argi populiarumas svarbesnis už gerumą? Kartu likimas (arba jo paties sąžinė) suteikia jam naujų draugų – Lario ir Mo – ir parodo, kad draugystė gali būti kitokia, grįsta tarpusavio pagarba. Deividas mokosi užjausti (dabar jis pats patiria patyčias, todėl supranta, kaip skaudino tą senutę). Jis taip pat išgyvena pirmąją simpatiją – jam patinka Torė, ir šis šiltas jausmas skatina jį elgtis kilniau, stengtis būti geresniu žmogumi. Šiuo istorijos etapu Deividas laviruoja tarp baimės (dėl prakeiksmo, dėl patyčių) ir noro pasitaisyti.
Pabaigoje: Deividas brandžiai prisiima atsakomybę už savo klaidą. Jis subręsta tiek, kad ryžtasi atvirai susidurti su tais pačiais kietuoliais, kuriems bandė įtikti. Tai milžiniškas pokytis – nuo bailaus sekėjo jis tampa drąsiu lyderiu, kovojančiu už teisybę. Grąžindamas lazdą ir atsiprašydamas ponios Beifild, Deividas tarsi nuplauna savo kaltę. Jo pastangos įveikia ir patyčias: skriaudikai pamato, kad Deividas nebėra lengvas taikinys. Istorijos pabaigoje Deividas jaučiasi susigrąžinęs „veidą“ – jis atgauna kitų pagarbą ir pats save ima gerbti. Be to, jis išmoksta svarbias pamokas: kas yra tikri draugai, kodėl verta būti savimi, ir kad drąsa daryti, kas teisinga, yra daug vertingesnė savybė nei bet koks populiarumas. Iš nedrąsaus, savimi abejojančio berniuko Deividas virsta pasitikinčiu, doru jaunuoliu, kuris nebebijo ginti tiesos net jei teks stoti prieš daugumą. Ši raida daro jį puikiu pavyzdžiu skaitytojams.
(Trumpai tariant, Deividas per knygą stipriai auga: iš pradžių jis „praranda veidą“ – ir tiesiogine, ir perkeltine prasme, bet galiausiai susigrąžina jį su kaupu. Tai istorija apie vaiko klaidą ir atsitiesimą.)
Knygos žinutė ir moralas
Ką mums nori pasakyti autorius šia istorija? „Berniukas be veido“ perteikia kelias labai svarbias žinutes:
Pirmiausia, knyga moko, kaip svarbu būti savimi ir daryti tai, kas teisinga, net jei patiri spaudimą elgtis blogai. Deivido patirtis rodo, kad pataikavimas blogiems draugams atneša trumpalaikę naudą (trupinėlį populiarumo), bet ilgainiui priveda prie didelių nemalonumų. Sąžiningumas ir gerumas pasirodo esą svarbesni už patyčių „kietumą“.
Antra, pasakojimas atskleidžia, kad kiekvienas poelgis turi pasekmes. Jeigu pasielgi neteisingai, anksčiau ar vėliau turėsi su tuo susidurti. Tai tarsi maža gyvenimo pamoka apie sąžinę: Deivido istorija parodo, kad bausmė nebūtinai ateina iš išorės – kartais mes patys save baudžiame iš vidaus. Kaltė gali apkartinti gyvenimą, jei jos nepaisome. Taigi moralas būtų: kai suklysti, turi atsiprašyti ir pasitaisyti, kitaip kaltė slėgs tave toliau. Knygoje pabrėžiama, jog svarbu prisiimti atsakomybę už savo klaidas.
Trečia, istorija apie Deividą drąsina vaikus: net jei padarei klaidą ar tapai apsijuokęs, niekada nevėlu visko ištaisyti. Reikia drąsos pripažinti kaltę ir pasikeisti, bet tai įmanoma. Deividas rado jėgų pasielgti teisingai, ir dėl to galiausiai viskas pakrypo į gera. Ši knyga perduoda vilties žinutę: kiekvienas gali tapti geresnis ir susigrąžinti kitų (ir savo paties) pagarbą, jei tik to nuoširdžiai sieks.
Galiausiai, pagrindinė knygos pamoka galėtų skambėti taip: būk savimi, elkis su kitais taip, kaip norėtum, kad elgtųsi su tavimi, ir nebijok stoti už gėrį – net jei iš pradžių atrodys, kad dėl to viską prarandi. Tikrasis „veidas“ – tai sąžiningumas, draugiškumas ir drąsa būti teisingam. Tos vertybės visada atsiperka.
Literatūrinės priemonės
Louis Sachar stilius šioje knygoje yra lengvas, humoristinis, bet kartu prasmingas. Autorius naudoja įvairias literatūrines priemones, kad sudomintų skaitytoją (ypač jauną):
Humoras. „Berniukas be veido“ priskiriamas prie linksmų, nuotaikingų pasakojimų – jame daug juokingų situacijų, kurios priverčia nusišypsoti net kalbant apie rimtus dalykus. Pavyzdžiui, Deivido nesėkmės (kritimas nuo kėdės klasėje, nuogos bobutės kelnaitės epizodas, nusmukusios kelnės prieš patinkančią mergaitę) aprašomos komiškai. Šie epizodai tarsi palengvina rimtą istorijos potekstę – skaitytojai juokiasi iš netikėtų Deivido nuotykių, bet kartu supranta, kaip jam nesmagu. Humoras padeda vaikams lengviau priimti pamoką, nes knyga nėra moralizuojanti, ji linksma ir įtraukianti.
Ironija. Kūrinyje gausu ironiškų sutapimų. Didžiausia ironija – tai, kad viskas, ką Deividas padarė blogo senutei, vėliau atsitinka jam pačiam. Jis tyčia išvertė poniai Beifild limonadą ant galvos (ši scena labai nepatogi, bet tuo pat metu šiek tiek juokinga), o netrukus per gimtadienio šventę limonadas apliejamas jam pačiam. Jis pavogė senolei lazdą, o vėliau pats pargriuvo ir susižeidė – būtų pravertęs ramentas! Ironija sustiprina pagrindinę mintį apie karmos principą: blogas elgesys sugrįžta bumerangu. Taip pat ironija pastebima ir Deivido santykiuose – jis bandė draugauti su „kiečiausiais“ vaikinais ir liko vienas, o susidraugavęs su tais, kuriuos visi laikė nevykėliais, atrado tikrą draugystę. Ironiška, ar ne? Tokie siužeto vingiai skatina skaitytoją pagalvoti ir pasimokyti iš personažo klaidų.
Pasikartojimas (motyvų kartojimas). Autorius meistriškai naudoja pasikartojimą, kad sukurtų magiškumo įspūdį ir išlaikytų įtampą. Pagrindinis pasikartojantis motyvas – „kaip šauksi, taip atsilieps“: tai, ką Deividas padaro pradžioje (skriaudžia senutę), atsikartoja vėliau jo gyvenime (Deividas pats patiria analogiškas skriaudas). Knygoje ne kartą kartojasi keisti ženklai, primenantys prakeiksmą – tarsi įspėjimas Deividui. Pavyzdžiui, prakeikimo frazė su „antrininku“ pakartotinai iškyla Deivido mintyse, kaskart kai nutinka kas nors blogo. Taip pat keletas scenų tyčia „rimuojasi“: senutė parkrinta ir parodo apatinius – vėliau klasėje nuo kėdės verčiasi pats Deividas; senutę aplieja limonadu – vėliau limonadas aplieja Deividą. Šie deja vu momentai sustiprina įtarimą, kad veikia prakeiksmas, ir palaiko skaitytojo smalsumą („kas bus toliau?“). Vaikas skaitydamas pastebi šiuos pasikartojimus ir jam tampa aiški pamoka apie priežastį ir pasekmę.
Be šių priemonių, knygoje taip pat pastebimas įtampos kūrimas (autorius ilgai neatskleidžia, ar prakeiksmas tikras, todėl skaitytojas spėlioja iki pat kulminacijos) bei nuoširdi berniukiška perspektyva (istorija pasakojama paprastai, iš vaiko žvilgsnio, todėl lengva su ja susitapatinti). Sachar rašo realistiškai, bet su fantastikos prieskoniu, kad istorija būtų ir pamokanti, ir smagi. Visa tai daro knygą itin patrauklią jaunam skaitytojui.
„Berniukas be veido“ – puikus pasirinkimas 11-14 metų vaikų auditorijai. Štai kelios priežastys, kodėl ši knyga verta pristatyti tokio amžiaus skaitytojams:
Įdomus ir artimas siužetas. Knygoje vaizduojami penktokai-šeštokai, tad vienuolikmečiai lengvai atpažins save Deivido ir jo draugų vietoje. Istorija paliečia aktualias temas – norą pritapti, draugų įtaką, patyčias, pirmą simpatiją, bausmę už melą. Visa tai – realūs dalykai, su kuriais vaikai susiduria mokykloje. Todėl siužetas jiems suprantamas ir įdomus. Kartu įpinamas paslaptingas prakeiksmo elementas, kuris intriguoja ir skatina skaityti toliau (“ar jis tikrai užkeiktas?!”).
Humoras ir nuotykiai. Nors nagrinėjamos rimtos temos, knyga parašyta linksmai ir nuotaikingai. Vaikai juoksis iš Deivido nuotykių ir juokingų nesėkmių, o juokas – geriausias būdas sudominti jauną skaitytoją. Tuo pačiu knygoje netrūksta veiksmo: yra ir dramatiškų akistatų (su chuliganais), ir emocingų momentų. Tai išlaiko dėmesį nuo pradžios iki galo.
Pamokanti, bet nemoralizuojanti. Ši istorija turi aiškią pamoką, tačiau ją perteikia įtaigiai per veiksmą, o ne sausais pamokslais. Vaikai patys daro išvadas stebėdami Deivido elgesį ir pasekmes. Knyga skatina diskusijas: perskaitę vaikai gali aptarti, ką Deividas padarė blogai, kaip jautėsi būdamas atstumtas, ką jis išmoko. Tai ugdo jų empatiją ir moralinį supratimą. Kaip minėta kitų skaitytojų, kūrinys priskiriamas net prie psichologinių – jis parodo, kaip vaikas save baudžia už klaidas.
Prieinamas stilius. Louis Sachar rašo paprastai, vaikams suprantama kalba, dialogai gyvi ir natūralūs. Vertimas į lietuvių kalbą taip pat aiškus (vertė Virgilijus Čepliejus). Knygoje nėra labai sudėtingų žodžių ar ilgų nuobodžių aprašymų – veiksmas juda greitai. Tai svarbu, kad vaikas nepasimestų tekste ir neprarastų susidomėjimo. Be to, knyga nėra labai ilga (~200 psl.), tad įveikiama per protingą laiką, o skyreliai trumpi.
Apibendrinant, „Berniukas be veido“ yra ne tik smagus pasakojimas, bet ir vertinga pamoka jauniems skaitytojams. Knyga parodo, kad drąsa ir sąžinė galiausiai nugali patyčias ir baimes. Ji skatina vaikus pagalvoti apie savo elgesį ir draugus: ar jie nesivaiko netikro „kietumo“? ar gerbia kitus? Perskaitę šią knygą, 11-mečiai gali pasimokyti, jog kiekvienas veiksmas turi atoveiksmį, kad tikra draugystė svarbiau už populiarumą ir kad klaidas galima ištaisyti, jei pasiryžti tai padaryti. Dėl įtraukiančio siužeto, nuotaikingo stiliaus ir prasmingos žinutės ši knyga tikrai paliks įspūdį ir bus puikiai suprasta vaikų auditorijos. Galų gale, Deivido nuotykiai privers ir nusikvatoti, ir susimąstyti, o tai – geriausia, ko galime tikėtis iš pristatomos knygos!
Įsivaizduokite, kad padarėte kai ką neteisingo vien tam, kad atrodytumėte „kietas“, o vėliau viskas ima slysti iš rankų. Ar tai tikras prakeiksmas, ar jūsų sąžinė krečia pokštus? Louis Sachar knygoje „Berniukas be veido“ pasakojama būtent tokia istorija – linksma, pamokanti ir kartu priverčianti susimąstyti apie draugystę, kaltę bei drąsą. Šiame pristatyme apžvelgsime knygos siužetą (su visais svarbiausiais momentais), aptarsime pagrindines temas, simbolius, panagrinėsime pagrindinio herojaus Deivido raidą, atskleisime knygos žinutę, pažvelgsime į autoriaus pavartotas literatūrines priemones ir galiausiai paaiškinsime, kodėl ši knyga puikiai tinka 11 metų vaikams.
Pagrindinė siužeto santrauka
Deividas yra paprastas berniukas, norintis pritapti prie „kietų“ bendraamžių. Vieną dieną jis, norėdamas pasirodyti šaunuolis, prisideda prie išdykusių draugų išdaigos – padeda jiems pavogti lazdą iš senos kaimynystėje gyvenančios ponios Beifild, kurią vaikai vadina ragana. Užklupta netikėtai, senolė sušunka keistą prakeikimą Deivido adresu (jis nugirsta žodžius maždaug apie tai, kad „jo antrininkas apsivems ant jo sielos“). Nuo tos akimirkos Deivido gyvenimas virsta tikru chaosu – rodos, lyg tas prakeiksmas ima veikti! Vaikinui visiškai nebesiseka: buvę „kieti“ draugai jį atstumia, klasės populiarūs mokiniai pradeda iš jo šaipytis, ir jam tenka bendrauti tik su tais, kuriuos anksčiau pats laikė autsaideriais. Lyg to būtų maža, Deividas patiria virtinę gėdingų nesėkmių: kartą ateina į pamoką atsisegęs kelnių užtrauktuką, o kitą sykį – viduryje pokalbio su patinkančia mergina vardu Torė – jam visiškai nusmunka kelnės! Deividui baisu – ar tikrai pikta ragana jį užkeikė, ir dabar jis prarado sėkmę bei, atrodo, net savo „veidą“ (garbę bei gerą vardą)?
Paliktas vienišas, Deividas ima suprasti, kas yra tikrieji draugai. Jo senas draugas Skotas nusisuka ir prilimpa prie chuliganų, todėl Deividas pradeda bičiuliautis su dviem klasės atstumtaisiais – sumaniu, bet keistu berniuku Lariu ir drąsia mergaitė Mo (Maureen). Jiedu tampa nauja Deivido kompanija, nors mokykloje visi juos vadina „nevykėlių trijule“. Torė, miela ir gera klasės mergaitė, taip pat netrukus prisijungia prie Deivido draugų rato. Ji nepasijuokia iš Deivido, net kai šis apsikvailina – pavyzdžiui, apsimeta nemačiusi, kai jam nukrinta kelnės, kad tik vaikinui nebūtų gėda. Pamažu Deividas supranta, kad Torė ir naujieji draugai jį priima tokį, koks jis yra. Jis nebėra „berniukas be veido“ tarp jų – draugai padeda jam atgauti pasitikėjimą savimi.
Tačiau Deividą vis tiek graužia kaltė dėl to, ką padarė poniai Beifild, ir baimė dėl neva užtrauktos raganos prakeikimo. Jis taip nori viską ištaisyti, kad galiausiai ryžtasi veikti. Deividas nusprendžia, jog užteks slapstytis – reikia drąsiai susigrąžinti pavogtą lazdą ir grąžinti ją teisėtai savininkei, tada galbūt prakeiksmas liausis. Jis netgi nueina pas senąją ponią ir maldaute maldauja atleidimo bei prašo nuimti prakeikimą – ši atsako, kad pirmiausia jis turi grąžinti pavogtą lazdą. Surinkęs drąsą, Deividas kartu su savo ištikimais draugais (Lariu, Mo, Tore) ir net mažuoju broliuku Rikiu nužygiuoja tiesiai pas buvusius „draugus“ – tuos pačius chuliganus – pareikalauti gražinti pagrobtą lazdą. Įvyksta dramatiškas susidūrimas su blogiukų gauja (Rodžeriu, Rendžiu, Skotu ir kitais), bet Deivido ryžtas nugalėti baimes padeda – vaikams pavyksta atsiimti ponią Beifild palaikiusį ramentą. Deividas su draugais triumfuodami parneša jį poniai. Ir štai čia paaiškėja netikėta tiesa: ponia Beifild iš tikrųjų nėra ragana – ji tėra Torės tolima giminaitė, o jokio kerų prakeiksmo apskritai niekada nebuvo! Visi keisti nutikimai, „nesėkmės“, tebuvę Deivido sąžinės pokštai – berniukas jautėsi taip blogai dėl savo poelgio, kad pats to nesuprasdamas ėmė elgtis negrabiai ir taip baudė save už padarytą skriaudą. Knygos pabaigoje dar pateikiamas nuotaikingas epilogas: prabėgus 150 metų, kažkur ateityje, kitas berniukas (vardu Vili), taip pat patiriantis patyčias, skaito apie Deividą vadovėlyje ir žavisi juo kaip didvyriu, garsiu istoriniu asmeniu. Pasirodo, Deivido drąsa ginti teisybę ir „susigrąžinti savo veidą“ tapo legenda, įkvepiančia kitus net po daug metų.
Pagrindinės temos
Šiame romane atskleidžiamos kelios svarbios temos, artimos vaikams. Keli pagrindiniai motyvai:
Draugystė. Knyga parodo, kas yra tikra draugystė. Iš pradžių Deividas draugauja su netinkamais, blogais draugais, kurie jį išduoda. Vėliau jis atranda tikrus bičiulius – Larį, Mo ir Torę – kurie palaiko jį sunkiausiais momentais. Su jais Deividas gali būti savimi, nebereikia apsimetinėti kitu, kad būtų priimtas. Tikri draugai nepasijuokia iš jo nesėkmių (Torė net apsimeta nemačiusi Deivido gėdos akimirkos) ir stovi šalia, kai reikia padėti. Draugystė padeda Deividui keistis į gerąją pusę ir įveikti sunkumus.
Kaltė ir sąžinė. Kaltės jausmas – itin stipri tema. Po neteisingo poelgio (senutės lazdelės pavogimo) Deividą ima kamuoti sąžinė, nors jis to iš pradžių ir nesupranta. Jam atrodo, kad jį persekioja prakeiksmas, tačiau iš tiesų tai jo paties vidinis balsas – sąžinės graužatis – verčia jį jaustis blogai. Knygos kulminacijoje atskleidžiama, kad jokio kerų nebuvo: visas „prakeiksmo“ nelaimes Deividas nesąmoningai sukėlė pats sau, negalėdamas ramiai gyventi su kalte. Taip pabrėžiama, jog sąžinė gali būti griežtesnė teisėja už bet kokią raganą. Ši tema moko, kad svarbu prisiimti atsakomybę už savo poelgius – kaltės jausmo neatsikratysi, kol nepasistengsi ištaisyti klaidos.
Savęs paieškos (savivoka). Deivido istorija – tai ir savęs atradimo kelias. Norėdamas būti populiarus, jis išsižada savo gerų principų ir elgiasi prieš savo prigimtį (prisideda prie patyčių). Tačiau patyręs atstūmimą ir likęs „be veido“ (be reputacijos, kaip niekas), jis pradeda geriau suprasti, kas jis iš tiesų yra ir kokie draugai jam reikalingi. Knygoje realistiškai ir su humoru parodoma, kaip vaikai atranda save ir suvokia, kas iš tiesų svarbu. Deividas pamažu supranta, kad būti savimi – daug vertingiau, nei bet kokia kaina stengtis įtikti netikriems draugams.
Pasirinkimai ir drąsa prisiimti atsakomybę. Istorijoje akcentuojama, kaip svarbu pasirinkti teisingai ir nepasiduoti blogai įtakai. Deividas padaro blogą pasirinkimą (prisideda prie skriaudėjų), bet vėliau randa savyje drąsos ištaisyti padėtį. Jis supranta, jog turime atsakyti už savo poelgius: blogi darbai turi pasekmes, tačiau niekada nevėlu pasitaisyti. Svarbu ne tai, kad suklydai, o kaip pasielgsi po klaidos. Deivido sprendimas stoti prieš skriaudėjus ir apginti senutę (grąžinant jos lazdą) parodo drąsą ir atsakomybę. Knyga skatina skaitytojus pamąstyti apie tai, kokius sprendimus jie patys priimtų atsidūrę panašioje situacijoje.
Simboliai kūrinyje
Louis Sachar kūrinio pavadinimas ir siužetas turi keletą įsimintinų simbolių ir motyvų:
„Prakeiksmas“. Prakeiksmas knygoje veikia kaip simbolis, reiškiantis kaltę, baimę ir tikėjimą atpildo principu. Nors senolės ištartas keiksmas skamba lyg tikri kerai, iš tiesų tai metafora: Deividas patiki, kad yra prakeiktas, todėl visur tikisi nelaimių. „Prakeiksmas“ atspindi jo vidinę baimę, kad blogas poelgis neliks nenubaustas. Kol Deividas neatsiprašo ir neištaiso savo kaltės, jį lydi nemalonumai – tarsi karma. Galiausiai paaiškėja, kad jokios magijos nebuvo – prakeiksmas buvo psichologinis, sukurtas paties Deivido sąžinės. Šis simbolis pamoko, jog blogi darbai patys grįžta bumerangu, net jei ne dėl stebuklų, tai dėl mūsų pačių sąžinės graužimo.
„Veidas“. Veidas knygos pavadinime – tai simbolinė sąvoka. Posakis „prarasti veidą“ reiškia netekti garbės arba reputacijos, smarkiai susigėsti. Deividas „praranda veidą“ tiek perkeltine prasme (po gėdingo poelgio jam gėda prieš save ir kitus, jis praranda pagarbą), tiek tiesiogiai mokyklos bendruomenėje (visi juokiasi iš jo nelaimių, niekas nebenori su juo draugauti). Jis tarsi netenka tapatybės – buvęs „kietuolis“ virsta pajuokos objektu, neaišku, kas jis dabar. Tačiau atgavęs pasitikėjimą savimi ir aplinkinių pagarbą (grąžinęs lazdą ir parodęs drąsą), Deividas „susigrąžina savo veidą“. Taigi veidas simbolizuoja garbę, savigarbą ir tikrąjį „aš“. Knygoje klausiama: kas mes esame be savo „veido“ (be pagarbos sau)? Ar verta išsižadėti savo veido norint įtikti kitiems?
Lazda (ramentas). Pavogta senutės lazda – kaltės simbolis ir kartu raktas į išsilaisvinimą. Lazda tampa tartum prakeiksmo talismanas: kol ji nepagražinta, tol Deividui nesiseka. Iš pradžių ši lazda jam tereiškia kvailą pokštą, tačiau vėliau ji ima slėgti jo sąžinę. Galiausiai lazda virsta drąsos simboliu – Deividas suvokia, kad privalo ją susigrąžinti, nors tai reiškia stoti prieš stipresnius skriaudėjus. Kai lazda grąžinama poniai Beifild, prakeiksmas dingsta. Lazda simbolizuoja klaidos pripažinimą ir atitaisymą. Tai pamoka, jog grąžinęs tai, ką atėmei (atsiprašęs, ištaisęs neteisybę), „nuimi prakeiksmą“ ne tik nuo kitų, bet ir nuo savo širdies.
(Knygoje galima rasti ir daugiau simbolinių detalių – pavyzdžiui, pati ponia Beifild, vadinama ragana, simbolizuoja mūsų baimes ir tai, kaip lengva apkaltinti kitą dėl savo bėdų. Taip pat minima „doppelgänger“ – vaiduokliškas antrininkas iš prakeiksmo – tai lyg tamsioji Deivido pusė, jo sąžinė. Tačiau aukščiau aptarėme svarbiausius ir vaikui suprantamiausius simbolius.)
Deivido, pagrindinio veikėjo, raida
Deividas – paprastas, šiek tiek nedrąsus berniukas, kurio gyvenimas knygos eigoje smarkiai pasikeičia. Jo vidinė raida yra pagrindinis istorijos variklis. Pažvelkime, koks Deividas buvo pradžioje ir koks tapo pabaigoje:
Pradžioje: Deividui labai rūpi priklausyti „kietų“ vaikų grupei. Jis jaučiasi nesaugus dėl savo statuso, todėl pasiduoda bendraamžių spaudimui. Norėdamas įtikti Skotui ir jo naujiesiems chuliganiškiems draugams, Deividas daro tai, kas jam nebūdinga ir net neteisinga – dalyvauja skriaudžiant nekaltą senutę. Nors širdyje Deividas nėra blogas vaikas, jo noras būti populiariam nustelbia sąžinę. Jis dar neatskiria tikros draugystės nuo apsimetinėjimo ir nėra tvirtai apsisprendęs, kokių vertybių laikytis.
Posūkis (konfliktas): Po nevykusio pokšto Deividas patiria šoką – jį ištinka virtinė nesėkmių, o buvę draugai jį palieka. Šis laikotarpis labai sunkus: Deividas netenka pasitikėjimo savimi, jaučiasi kaltas ir vienišas. Tačiau būtent tada ima ryškėti jo gerosios savybės. Pamažu Deividas atidžiau pažvelgia į save: ar jam iš tiesų patiko tyčiotis iš silpnesnio? Argi populiarumas svarbesnis už gerumą? Kartu likimas (arba jo paties sąžinė) suteikia jam naujų draugų – Lario ir Mo – ir parodo, kad draugystė gali būti kitokia, grįsta tarpusavio pagarba. Deividas mokosi užjausti (dabar jis pats patiria patyčias, todėl supranta, kaip skaudino tą senutę). Jis taip pat išgyvena pirmąją simpatiją – jam patinka Torė, ir šis šiltas jausmas skatina jį elgtis kilniau, stengtis būti geresniu žmogumi. Šiuo istorijos etapu Deividas laviruoja tarp baimės (dėl prakeiksmo, dėl patyčių) ir noro pasitaisyti.
Pabaigoje: Deividas brandžiai prisiima atsakomybę už savo klaidą. Jis subręsta tiek, kad ryžtasi atvirai susidurti su tais pačiais kietuoliais, kuriems bandė įtikti. Tai milžiniškas pokytis – nuo bailaus sekėjo jis tampa drąsiu lyderiu, kovojančiu už teisybę. Grąžindamas lazdą ir atsiprašydamas ponios Beifild, Deividas tarsi nuplauna savo kaltę. Jo pastangos įveikia ir patyčias: skriaudikai pamato, kad Deividas nebėra lengvas taikinys. Istorijos pabaigoje Deividas jaučiasi susigrąžinęs „veidą“ – jis atgauna kitų pagarbą ir pats save ima gerbti. Be to, jis išmoksta svarbias pamokas: kas yra tikri draugai, kodėl verta būti savimi, ir kad drąsa daryti, kas teisinga, yra daug vertingesnė savybė nei bet koks populiarumas. Iš nedrąsaus, savimi abejojančio berniuko Deividas virsta pasitikinčiu, doru jaunuoliu, kuris nebebijo ginti tiesos net jei teks stoti prieš daugumą. Ši raida daro jį puikiu pavyzdžiu skaitytojams.
(Trumpai tariant, Deividas per knygą stipriai auga: iš pradžių jis „praranda veidą“ – ir tiesiogine, ir perkeltine prasme, bet galiausiai susigrąžina jį su kaupu. Tai istorija apie vaiko klaidą ir atsitiesimą.)
Knygos žinutė ir moralas
Ką mums nori pasakyti autorius šia istorija? „Berniukas be veido“ perteikia kelias labai svarbias žinutes:
Pirmiausia, knyga moko, kaip svarbu būti savimi ir daryti tai, kas teisinga, net jei patiri spaudimą elgtis blogai. Deivido patirtis rodo, kad pataikavimas blogiems draugams atneša trumpalaikę naudą (trupinėlį populiarumo), bet ilgainiui priveda prie didelių nemalonumų. Sąžiningumas ir gerumas pasirodo esą svarbesni už patyčių „kietumą“.
Antra, pasakojimas atskleidžia, kad kiekvienas poelgis turi pasekmes. Jeigu pasielgi neteisingai, anksčiau ar vėliau turėsi su tuo susidurti. Tai tarsi maža gyvenimo pamoka apie sąžinę: Deivido istorija parodo, kad bausmė nebūtinai ateina iš išorės – kartais mes patys save baudžiame iš vidaus. Kaltė gali apkartinti gyvenimą, jei jos nepaisome. Taigi moralas būtų: kai suklysti, turi atsiprašyti ir pasitaisyti, kitaip kaltė slėgs tave toliau. Knygoje pabrėžiama, jog svarbu prisiimti atsakomybę už savo klaidas.
Trečia, istorija apie Deividą drąsina vaikus: net jei padarei klaidą ar tapai apsijuokęs, niekada nevėlu visko ištaisyti. Reikia drąsos pripažinti kaltę ir pasikeisti, bet tai įmanoma. Deividas rado jėgų pasielgti teisingai, ir dėl to galiausiai viskas pakrypo į gera. Ši knyga perduoda vilties žinutę: kiekvienas gali tapti geresnis ir susigrąžinti kitų (ir savo paties) pagarbą, jei tik to nuoširdžiai sieks.
Galiausiai, pagrindinė knygos pamoka galėtų skambėti taip: būk savimi, elkis su kitais taip, kaip norėtum, kad elgtųsi su tavimi, ir nebijok stoti už gėrį – net jei iš pradžių atrodys, kad dėl to viską prarandi. Tikrasis „veidas“ – tai sąžiningumas, draugiškumas ir drąsa būti teisingam. Tos vertybės visada atsiperka.
Literatūrinės priemonės
Louis Sachar stilius šioje knygoje yra lengvas, humoristinis, bet kartu prasmingas. Autorius naudoja įvairias literatūrines priemones, kad sudomintų skaitytoją (ypač jauną):
Humoras. „Berniukas be veido“ priskiriamas prie linksmų, nuotaikingų pasakojimų – jame daug juokingų situacijų, kurios priverčia nusišypsoti net kalbant apie rimtus dalykus. Pavyzdžiui, Deivido nesėkmės (kritimas nuo kėdės klasėje, nuogos bobutės kelnaitės epizodas, nusmukusios kelnės prieš patinkančią mergaitę) aprašomos komiškai. Šie epizodai tarsi palengvina rimtą istorijos potekstę – skaitytojai juokiasi iš netikėtų Deivido nuotykių, bet kartu supranta, kaip jam nesmagu. Humoras padeda vaikams lengviau priimti pamoką, nes knyga nėra moralizuojanti, ji linksma ir įtraukianti.
Ironija. Kūrinyje gausu ironiškų sutapimų. Didžiausia ironija – tai, kad viskas, ką Deividas padarė blogo senutei, vėliau atsitinka jam pačiam. Jis tyčia išvertė poniai Beifild limonadą ant galvos (ši scena labai nepatogi, bet tuo pat metu šiek tiek juokinga), o netrukus per gimtadienio šventę limonadas apliejamas jam pačiam. Jis pavogė senolei lazdą, o vėliau pats pargriuvo ir susižeidė – būtų pravertęs ramentas! Ironija sustiprina pagrindinę mintį apie karmos principą: blogas elgesys sugrįžta bumerangu. Taip pat ironija pastebima ir Deivido santykiuose – jis bandė draugauti su „kiečiausiais“ vaikinais ir liko vienas, o susidraugavęs su tais, kuriuos visi laikė nevykėliais, atrado tikrą draugystę. Ironiška, ar ne? Tokie siužeto vingiai skatina skaitytoją pagalvoti ir pasimokyti iš personažo klaidų.
Pasikartojimas (motyvų kartojimas). Autorius meistriškai naudoja pasikartojimą, kad sukurtų magiškumo įspūdį ir išlaikytų įtampą. Pagrindinis pasikartojantis motyvas – „kaip šauksi, taip atsilieps“: tai, ką Deividas padaro pradžioje (skriaudžia senutę), atsikartoja vėliau jo gyvenime (Deividas pats patiria analogiškas skriaudas). Knygoje ne kartą kartojasi keisti ženklai, primenantys prakeiksmą – tarsi įspėjimas Deividui. Pavyzdžiui, prakeikimo frazė su „antrininku“ pakartotinai iškyla Deivido mintyse, kaskart kai nutinka kas nors blogo. Taip pat keletas scenų tyčia „rimuojasi“: senutė parkrinta ir parodo apatinius – vėliau klasėje nuo kėdės verčiasi pats Deividas; senutę aplieja limonadu – vėliau limonadas aplieja Deividą. Šie deja vu momentai sustiprina įtarimą, kad veikia prakeiksmas, ir palaiko skaitytojo smalsumą („kas bus toliau?“). Vaikas skaitydamas pastebi šiuos pasikartojimus ir jam tampa aiški pamoka apie priežastį ir pasekmę.
Be šių priemonių, knygoje taip pat pastebimas įtampos kūrimas (autorius ilgai neatskleidžia, ar prakeiksmas tikras, todėl skaitytojas spėlioja iki pat kulminacijos) bei nuoširdi berniukiška perspektyva (istorija pasakojama paprastai, iš vaiko žvilgsnio, todėl lengva su ja susitapatinti). Sachar rašo realistiškai, bet su fantastikos prieskoniu, kad istorija būtų ir pamokanti, ir smagi. Visa tai daro knygą itin patrauklią jaunam skaitytojui.
„Berniukas be veido“ – puikus pasirinkimas 11-14 metų vaikų auditorijai. Štai kelios priežastys, kodėl ši knyga verta pristatyti tokio amžiaus skaitytojams:
Įdomus ir artimas siužetas. Knygoje vaizduojami penktokai-šeštokai, tad vienuolikmečiai lengvai atpažins save Deivido ir jo draugų vietoje. Istorija paliečia aktualias temas – norą pritapti, draugų įtaką, patyčias, pirmą simpatiją, bausmę už melą. Visa tai – realūs dalykai, su kuriais vaikai susiduria mokykloje. Todėl siužetas jiems suprantamas ir įdomus. Kartu įpinamas paslaptingas prakeiksmo elementas, kuris intriguoja ir skatina skaityti toliau (“ar jis tikrai užkeiktas?!”).
Humoras ir nuotykiai. Nors nagrinėjamos rimtos temos, knyga parašyta linksmai ir nuotaikingai. Vaikai juoksis iš Deivido nuotykių ir juokingų nesėkmių, o juokas – geriausias būdas sudominti jauną skaitytoją. Tuo pačiu knygoje netrūksta veiksmo: yra ir dramatiškų akistatų (su chuliganais), ir emocingų momentų. Tai išlaiko dėmesį nuo pradžios iki galo.
Pamokanti, bet nemoralizuojanti. Ši istorija turi aiškią pamoką, tačiau ją perteikia įtaigiai per veiksmą, o ne sausais pamokslais. Vaikai patys daro išvadas stebėdami Deivido elgesį ir pasekmes. Knyga skatina diskusijas: perskaitę vaikai gali aptarti, ką Deividas padarė blogai, kaip jautėsi būdamas atstumtas, ką jis išmoko. Tai ugdo jų empatiją ir moralinį supratimą. Kaip minėta kitų skaitytojų, kūrinys priskiriamas net prie psichologinių – jis parodo, kaip vaikas save baudžia už klaidas.
Prieinamas stilius. Louis Sachar rašo paprastai, vaikams suprantama kalba, dialogai gyvi ir natūralūs. Vertimas į lietuvių kalbą taip pat aiškus (vertė Virgilijus Čepliejus). Knygoje nėra labai sudėtingų žodžių ar ilgų nuobodžių aprašymų – veiksmas juda greitai. Tai svarbu, kad vaikas nepasimestų tekste ir neprarastų susidomėjimo. Be to, knyga nėra labai ilga (~200 psl.), tad įveikiama per protingą laiką, o skyreliai trumpi.
Apibendrinant, „Berniukas be veido“ yra ne tik smagus pasakojimas, bet ir vertinga pamoka jauniems skaitytojams. Knyga parodo, kad drąsa ir sąžinė galiausiai nugali patyčias ir baimes. Ji skatina vaikus pagalvoti apie savo elgesį ir draugus: ar jie nesivaiko netikro „kietumo“? ar gerbia kitus? Perskaitę šią knygą, 11-mečiai gali pasimokyti, jog kiekvienas veiksmas turi atoveiksmį, kad tikra draugystė svarbiau už populiarumą ir kad klaidas galima ištaisyti, jei pasiryžti tai padaryti. Dėl įtraukiančio siužeto, nuotaikingo stiliaus ir prasmingos žinutės ši knyga tikrai paliks įspūdį ir bus puikiai suprasta vaikų auditorijos. Galų gale, Deivido nuotykiai privers ir nusikvatoti, ir susimąstyti, o tai – geriausia, ko galime tikėtis iš pristatomos knygos!
September 30, 2015
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
The Boy Who Lost His Face by Louis Sachar
Publisher: Yearling
Publication Date: April 15, 1997
Rating: 4 stars
Source: Copy sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
David is only trying to be cool when he helps some of the popular kids steal Old Lady Bayfield’s cane. But when the plan backfires, he’s the one the “old witch” curses. Now David can’t seem to do anything right. The cool kids taunt him and his only friends are freaks. He even walks into Spanish class with his fly unzipped! And when he finally gets up the nerve to ask out a cute girl, his pants fall down in midsentence. Is it the Bayfield curse at work? Or is David simply turning into a total loser?
What I Liked:
This review is going to be very abridged! Like a mini-review. David is a young boy in middle school, who is friends with Scott. Except Scott wants to hang out with the cool kids (Randy and Roger), and David isn't quite cool enough to hang out with them. The boys decide to steal an old lady's cane from her, and the old lady places a curse on David! Suddenly everything is going wrong - David breaks his parents' bedroom window, his fly is never zipped, his pants fall down, he spills flour everywhere. Meanwhile, his "friends" make fun of him and completely push him out of their circles, and David makes two new friends. But will the curse ever be lifted?
This is Middle Grade, if you couldn't tell or didn't know! I haven't read a Middle Grade book in a long time, but I've enjoyed them in the past. I read Holes at least ten years ago, and loved it! This book was great as well.
I loved that the author hit so many issues that a kid in middle school would experience: fitting in, liking a girl, being awkward, dealing with younger siblings, growing up, learning good things and bad things. So many great topics Sachar hit in this book, which is pretty great. It takes me back to when I was in middle school!
I was surprised to see that this was on the banned list, but as I was reading, I had to constantly remind myself that this book is Middle Grade! Not Young Adult or New Adult or Adult. See my discussion of why this book was banned at the bottom of this post!
Overall, I liked following David's story. It was cute, funny, and all too real. I know I haven't said much specifically about the characters or plot, but just know that this is definitely a great book to give new teens!
What I Did Not Like:
This book was adorable! I don't think I have any dislikes at the moment.
Would I Recommend It:
For new teens, I'd recommend this book! It's very real, yet very humorous. It's also short, less than 200 pages! It was banned (for reasons we shall ignore), but it's definitely something younger teens will enjoy and relate to!
Rating:
4 stars. Louis Sachar is such a well-known and talented children's author, so it doesn't surprise me that I liked this book! I wish I had read it as a kid, it was published a few years after I was born! I did read Holes as a kid, and I liked that book a lot.
The Boy Who Lost His Face by Louis Sachar
Publisher: Yearling
Publication Date: April 15, 1997
Rating: 4 stars
Source: Copy sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
David is only trying to be cool when he helps some of the popular kids steal Old Lady Bayfield’s cane. But when the plan backfires, he’s the one the “old witch” curses. Now David can’t seem to do anything right. The cool kids taunt him and his only friends are freaks. He even walks into Spanish class with his fly unzipped! And when he finally gets up the nerve to ask out a cute girl, his pants fall down in midsentence. Is it the Bayfield curse at work? Or is David simply turning into a total loser?
What I Liked:
This review is going to be very abridged! Like a mini-review. David is a young boy in middle school, who is friends with Scott. Except Scott wants to hang out with the cool kids (Randy and Roger), and David isn't quite cool enough to hang out with them. The boys decide to steal an old lady's cane from her, and the old lady places a curse on David! Suddenly everything is going wrong - David breaks his parents' bedroom window, his fly is never zipped, his pants fall down, he spills flour everywhere. Meanwhile, his "friends" make fun of him and completely push him out of their circles, and David makes two new friends. But will the curse ever be lifted?
This is Middle Grade, if you couldn't tell or didn't know! I haven't read a Middle Grade book in a long time, but I've enjoyed them in the past. I read Holes at least ten years ago, and loved it! This book was great as well.
I loved that the author hit so many issues that a kid in middle school would experience: fitting in, liking a girl, being awkward, dealing with younger siblings, growing up, learning good things and bad things. So many great topics Sachar hit in this book, which is pretty great. It takes me back to when I was in middle school!
I was surprised to see that this was on the banned list, but as I was reading, I had to constantly remind myself that this book is Middle Grade! Not Young Adult or New Adult or Adult. See my discussion of why this book was banned at the bottom of this post!
Overall, I liked following David's story. It was cute, funny, and all too real. I know I haven't said much specifically about the characters or plot, but just know that this is definitely a great book to give new teens!
What I Did Not Like:
This book was adorable! I don't think I have any dislikes at the moment.
Would I Recommend It:
For new teens, I'd recommend this book! It's very real, yet very humorous. It's also short, less than 200 pages! It was banned (for reasons we shall ignore), but it's definitely something younger teens will enjoy and relate to!
Rating:
4 stars. Louis Sachar is such a well-known and talented children's author, so it doesn't surprise me that I liked this book! I wish I had read it as a kid, it was published a few years after I was born! I did read Holes as a kid, and I liked that book a lot.
November 13, 2018
Before reading this book, I decided to conduct some research. Some reasons I saw that this book was banned was because characters used profanity, obscene gestures, and the fact that it revolves around witch craft. Although this is a banned book I found many great reviews on the book some stating that this is a great example of a realistic fiction novel. I have found so many reviews that are recommending the book. I also saw that many people had the same first as impression as me, that there was a boy who literally lost his face. However, this was not the case in this story.
I decided to keep a list of the parts I thought were challenged in this book because there was too many to simply remember. When I first started reading the book I was shocked. The book started out with a group of boys basically attacking an old lady. I think this violence is a reason the book is challenged. Also, David sticks up his middle finger quite often. There is a whole section of him just getting in trouble for sticking it up and he goes on to explain it to his father. Also, there was a lot of bullying in this book. The author portrayed the “cool kids” as bullies and I do not like this message to children. Another reason I feel this book is challenged was because the “cool kids” would smoke cigarettes. I think this sends out a bad message because it acts like smoking is cool and to be cool you should smoke. Not only that, but these are children who are smoking, children should not be encouraged to smoke. Another challenging part of this novel was that women were sexualized. I think this is not age appreciate for children in elementary to middle school. Overall there were many challenged aspects of this book.
Personally, I would never read this book to a classroom. This book is too mature for elementary and middle school. I think a high schooler could read this independently but, this book should never be shared to a class. I do not think this was a bad book overall but, the usage of this book to students should be limited. There is too much violence and profanity to be able to share it. Sometimes teachers read books with minimal profanity and they just skip over the cuss word but, there is no way to do that for this book. I would not even recommend a high school teacher to read this book aloud in class. I think this is because it sends out the wrong messages about women, violence, and “being cool”. Overall, I would recommend this book to our class because it was a good read. Although it was a chapter book and many people want to go straight for those children’s books, this one is worth it.
I decided to keep a list of the parts I thought were challenged in this book because there was too many to simply remember. When I first started reading the book I was shocked. The book started out with a group of boys basically attacking an old lady. I think this violence is a reason the book is challenged. Also, David sticks up his middle finger quite often. There is a whole section of him just getting in trouble for sticking it up and he goes on to explain it to his father. Also, there was a lot of bullying in this book. The author portrayed the “cool kids” as bullies and I do not like this message to children. Another reason I feel this book is challenged was because the “cool kids” would smoke cigarettes. I think this sends out a bad message because it acts like smoking is cool and to be cool you should smoke. Not only that, but these are children who are smoking, children should not be encouraged to smoke. Another challenging part of this novel was that women were sexualized. I think this is not age appreciate for children in elementary to middle school. Overall there were many challenged aspects of this book.
Personally, I would never read this book to a classroom. This book is too mature for elementary and middle school. I think a high schooler could read this independently but, this book should never be shared to a class. I do not think this was a bad book overall but, the usage of this book to students should be limited. There is too much violence and profanity to be able to share it. Sometimes teachers read books with minimal profanity and they just skip over the cuss word but, there is no way to do that for this book. I would not even recommend a high school teacher to read this book aloud in class. I think this is because it sends out the wrong messages about women, violence, and “being cool”. Overall, I would recommend this book to our class because it was a good read. Although it was a chapter book and many people want to go straight for those children’s books, this one is worth it.
January 8, 2011
This book is a fantastic depiction of the ridiculous nature of junior high. What do you do when your friends start acting weird? How do you respond when people are mean just to get a reaction from you? How far would you go to be cool? Would you ignore your old friends? Reject your family? Would you help beat up an old lady and steal her cane? If you did all that, would it make you cool, or might there be dire consequences for you?
I understand why it appears on challenged book lists -- it has disrespect for elders, curses (arcane) and cursing (profane!). On the plus side, it depicts subtle bullying realistically, and characters who respond effectively to it. It also describes good friendships, and how they develop in (what seem like) unlikely ways. As in Louis Sachar's Holes and The Cardturner, the themes of friendship with those rejected by others and of the eventual triumph of quietly choosing the good play a prominent role and provide valuable role models for both young and adult readers.
I understand why it appears on challenged book lists -- it has disrespect for elders, curses (arcane) and cursing (profane!). On the plus side, it depicts subtle bullying realistically, and characters who respond effectively to it. It also describes good friendships, and how they develop in (what seem like) unlikely ways. As in Louis Sachar's Holes and The Cardturner, the themes of friendship with those rejected by others and of the eventual triumph of quietly choosing the good play a prominent role and provide valuable role models for both young and adult readers.
October 8, 2014
I saw this book,The Boy Who Lost His Face by Louis Sachar,in the classroom libary and also in several other places but I never really paid attention to it. I also read another book by the same author and the book was quite interesting,so I decided to give this book a try. The other book I read was Holes by Louis Sachar.
One thing in this book that impressed me was the plot line of this story. The story starts off with kids attacking the old lady, Mrs. Bayfield, who they thought was a witch and could put curses on them. David, who was also there when the others attacked the poor old lady was "cursed" by the old lady right before they ran away. Horrible things started happening to David. In the end, it all ended up as David realizing how guilty he felt about what he had done to Mrs. Bayfield and apologized to her, even though all he did was watch her get attacked by the other kids and flipped his middle finger at her. Mrs.Bayfield at last told him that the curse was just made up. Then years later, David, who was "cursed", was admired by a kid ,who was also bullied, because he thought that David was probably a "hero". It stood out to me because it seemed really realistic in the world I live in right now. Someone who I thought probably had the best life ever and was admired by everyone today, might be someone who actually suffered for most of their life.
I actually found this book significant to our contemporary society. I believe that because I think in our current society, not many are like David, who feels guilty about doing something and punishes himself like what Mrs. Bayfield said, "You're a caring, thoughtful, considerate human being. Maybe that is a curse in this cold world we live in." in page 191.
One thing in this book that impressed me was the plot line of this story. The story starts off with kids attacking the old lady, Mrs. Bayfield, who they thought was a witch and could put curses on them. David, who was also there when the others attacked the poor old lady was "cursed" by the old lady right before they ran away. Horrible things started happening to David. In the end, it all ended up as David realizing how guilty he felt about what he had done to Mrs. Bayfield and apologized to her, even though all he did was watch her get attacked by the other kids and flipped his middle finger at her. Mrs.Bayfield at last told him that the curse was just made up. Then years later, David, who was "cursed", was admired by a kid ,who was also bullied, because he thought that David was probably a "hero". It stood out to me because it seemed really realistic in the world I live in right now. Someone who I thought probably had the best life ever and was admired by everyone today, might be someone who actually suffered for most of their life.
I actually found this book significant to our contemporary society. I believe that because I think in our current society, not many are like David, who feels guilty about doing something and punishes himself like what Mrs. Bayfield said, "You're a caring, thoughtful, considerate human being. Maybe that is a curse in this cold world we live in." in page 191.
October 29, 2021
This is a young adult book that follows David, a juvenile, as he moves mountains to gain recognition among his peers.
As David begins to lose his friend, Scott, to a group of “cool” but bothersome boys, he helps them to pick on an aged woman (one the boys refer to as “a witch”), pilfering her cane.
As the boys all make their getaway, David makes a rather lewd sign at the elderly woman, who puts a curse on them. David begins suffering from a variety of minor but troubling problems, such as having his pants fall down as he talks to a girl he likes and falling out of his chair in class.
Ironically, the boys that David had worked to befriend now turn on him, ridiculing him when these events occur. David is stuck befriending only unpopular misfits.
As the pressure increases and even David’s younger brother begins to be picked on, David decides that he must go to the old woman and ask her to lift the curse. The old woman says that she will do so only if David returns her cane.
Is David able to return the cane? Does it purge him of the guilt? What was the curse really?
Read this wonderful book to get the answers.
As David begins to lose his friend, Scott, to a group of “cool” but bothersome boys, he helps them to pick on an aged woman (one the boys refer to as “a witch”), pilfering her cane.
As the boys all make their getaway, David makes a rather lewd sign at the elderly woman, who puts a curse on them. David begins suffering from a variety of minor but troubling problems, such as having his pants fall down as he talks to a girl he likes and falling out of his chair in class.
Ironically, the boys that David had worked to befriend now turn on him, ridiculing him when these events occur. David is stuck befriending only unpopular misfits.
As the pressure increases and even David’s younger brother begins to be picked on, David decides that he must go to the old woman and ask her to lift the curse. The old woman says that she will do so only if David returns her cane.
Is David able to return the cane? Does it purge him of the guilt? What was the curse really?
Read this wonderful book to get the answers.
January 22, 2018
This was a nice book. I wish I read it years ago.
The main character is a bit of a social outcast, and his pivotal moment comes when he realises that the cool kids he was 'friends' with don't actually like him. He is forced to find some new friends.
It's funny and nice and generally really enjoyable to read, in a classic Sachar style.
I find the main character very relatable, and the way he sees the world and the way he responds to things is similar to me. If I had read this when I was 11 I might have been much happier for the first few years out of primary school.
Also this book has much opportunity for schadenfreude which is fantastic.
The main character is a bit of a social outcast, and his pivotal moment comes when he realises that the cool kids he was 'friends' with don't actually like him. He is forced to find some new friends.
It's funny and nice and generally really enjoyable to read, in a classic Sachar style.
I find the main character very relatable, and the way he sees the world and the way he responds to things is similar to me. If I had read this when I was 11 I might have been much happier for the first few years out of primary school.
Also this book has much opportunity for schadenfreude which is fantastic.
September 13, 2018
The Boy Who Lost His Face may not be appropriate for pre-teens to read, since there are instances where profanity and use of graphic material may be located within the book itself. I would not recommend this book to children who like Louis Sachar as an author. Should they read this book, they will need to beware. However, this book may be too inappropriate for a school book report.
April 25, 2016
A quick easy read. Some surprising swearing thrown in. Definitely targeting 11-14 year olds. This book doesn't hold a candle to Holes. However, it is a breezy read that kids might identify with. I wouldn't exactly recommend it, but you could do worse.
December 26, 2013
شاید همین طوری کتاب بدی نبود. اما برای نویسندهای که آخرین گودال رو نوشته بود٬ کتاب خوبیم نبود خب.
Read
April 26, 2021Lost his face. Perhaps a metaphor? Perhaps he was so embarrassed he couldn't even show his face. Typical teenage boys, stealing for money. But they just had to run into the wrong person at the wrong time. But he had also run into the right person at the right time. Honestly, I never thought those kids would go so far as to beat the living daylights out of him. But why, just why did they think stealing from a frail old grandmother was a good idea? Maybe, just maybe she could've been an old ninja that could've beaten their... butts? (HA, I didn't say the A word!) But in all of these stories, why are their parents so absent in their lives? Their parents should be correcting their mistakes. Those kids who went around stealing valuable items. Maybe it wasn't their fault. Maybe they just needed something to do when their parents weren't around. Distracting themselves from the absence of their guardians.
October 14, 2019
I really liked this book because i thought it was funny as the main character did lots of strange and clumsy thing, i recommend this book to around the ages of 10-14 years old, however i thought that the book could of had a better and more interesting ending as i thought it was too predictable and boring.
April 1, 2017
Amazing
An amazing boom with a good hearted twist which really puts you on edge I would recommend this to any high school child it will really make you think about being "cool"
An amazing boom with a good hearted twist which really puts you on edge I would recommend this to any high school child it will really make you think about being "cool"
September 26, 2018
Loved it!
January 29, 2020
Big drop half way through the novel, but really exciting and fun ending. Not as good as "Holes", but then what is?
December 28, 2018
This is an amazing fantasy story. This story would definitely help to increase the confidence level of the child who were in David's age. It allows to overcome our fear and see the world in different way too!!!
March 20, 2011
The best attribute of Louis Sachar's writing style, as I see it, is the easy fluidity with which he creates. To read his stories, one might think that writing is a snap, and that anyone could do it just as well as he; however, I'm sure that a great deal of energy and care must go into the molding of every paragraph that he produces. The kind of realistic narrative voice that Louis Sachar achieves again and again is an example of high art.
What is the nature of a curse, and how does it tie in with the quintessence of personal guilt? That is the pressing question batted around between the covers of The Boy Who Lost His Face. When David goes along with a couple of kids with whom he wants to become friends as they pull a mean trick on an elderly woman and steal her walking cane, David knows that he has done wrong, even though he wasn't really an active participant in the malicious mischief. The curse that the woman, named Mrs. Bayfield, calls out after David as he dashes off only strengthens the feelings of guilt that continue to peck at him. Before long, strange things begin happening to David, things that seem to mirror the specific torments that his "friends" had inflicted upon the poor old woman, and David can't help but think about the curse that was spoken by Mrs. Bayfield as he departed her house. Could his string of bad luck really be connected to the wrongs that he committed against the old woman? Does a logic-minded boy like David really believe in the idea of hexes and curses, and think that Mrs. Bayfield could actually be a witch who is now helping herself to a serving of revenge at David's expense?
As David tries to figure out what's really going on he continues to struggle with the guilt of his actions, even though most of what happened to Mrs. Bayfield was not directly done by him. Louis Sachar shows us the inner workings of a kid in moral conflict, not truly sure how much blame he deserves to shoulder, but knowing deep down that he is not blameless for the actions of others that he condoned simply by his inactive presence. It's these issues of guilt that David wrestles with the most, leading him to realize that what he should really do is go back to Mrs. Bayfield's house and offer a sincere apology for his part in what was done to her. For the same reason behind his spectatorial indifference when his "friends" committed their unkindness in the first place, though, David knows that he won't go back and speak to Mrs. Bayfield. He lacks the courage of such proactive intervention, which has really been his biggest problem all along. He's not a bad person; he's just trapped within the confines of his own fears.
As David comes closer and closer to finding out the full truth behind Mrs. Bayfield and the curse that it becomes more and more apparent she must have put on him, the particulars of his situation all seem to rise together to present a challenge: he must stand up to defend his integrity and the honor of his friends and family, or be destined to forever take the coward's way out, and "lose face" in every tough situation that confronts him for the rest of his life. It takes just such as in-your-face challenge as this to reveal to David, ultimately, what his true colors can be if he were to ever step up and take a solid stand.
Always compelling, the characters that Louis Sachar has created in The Boy Who Lost His Face bring challenges to the forefront that everyone who reads the book has faced, and will face, many times in their lives. The question of whether or not David will stand up to the bullying and manipulation of others is answered in these one hundred ninety-nine pages, but what will we do when faced with our own guilt, or with a wrong that it is in our power to right? The answer to these questions belongs individually to each and every reader, and the choice of how we respond is always ours to make.
The Boy Who Lost His Face is a good, solid story, fast-moving and with some moments of warmth as well as humor. I would give it two and a half stars.
What is the nature of a curse, and how does it tie in with the quintessence of personal guilt? That is the pressing question batted around between the covers of The Boy Who Lost His Face. When David goes along with a couple of kids with whom he wants to become friends as they pull a mean trick on an elderly woman and steal her walking cane, David knows that he has done wrong, even though he wasn't really an active participant in the malicious mischief. The curse that the woman, named Mrs. Bayfield, calls out after David as he dashes off only strengthens the feelings of guilt that continue to peck at him. Before long, strange things begin happening to David, things that seem to mirror the specific torments that his "friends" had inflicted upon the poor old woman, and David can't help but think about the curse that was spoken by Mrs. Bayfield as he departed her house. Could his string of bad luck really be connected to the wrongs that he committed against the old woman? Does a logic-minded boy like David really believe in the idea of hexes and curses, and think that Mrs. Bayfield could actually be a witch who is now helping herself to a serving of revenge at David's expense?
As David tries to figure out what's really going on he continues to struggle with the guilt of his actions, even though most of what happened to Mrs. Bayfield was not directly done by him. Louis Sachar shows us the inner workings of a kid in moral conflict, not truly sure how much blame he deserves to shoulder, but knowing deep down that he is not blameless for the actions of others that he condoned simply by his inactive presence. It's these issues of guilt that David wrestles with the most, leading him to realize that what he should really do is go back to Mrs. Bayfield's house and offer a sincere apology for his part in what was done to her. For the same reason behind his spectatorial indifference when his "friends" committed their unkindness in the first place, though, David knows that he won't go back and speak to Mrs. Bayfield. He lacks the courage of such proactive intervention, which has really been his biggest problem all along. He's not a bad person; he's just trapped within the confines of his own fears.
As David comes closer and closer to finding out the full truth behind Mrs. Bayfield and the curse that it becomes more and more apparent she must have put on him, the particulars of his situation all seem to rise together to present a challenge: he must stand up to defend his integrity and the honor of his friends and family, or be destined to forever take the coward's way out, and "lose face" in every tough situation that confronts him for the rest of his life. It takes just such as in-your-face challenge as this to reveal to David, ultimately, what his true colors can be if he were to ever step up and take a solid stand.
Always compelling, the characters that Louis Sachar has created in The Boy Who Lost His Face bring challenges to the forefront that everyone who reads the book has faced, and will face, many times in their lives. The question of whether or not David will stand up to the bullying and manipulation of others is answered in these one hundred ninety-nine pages, but what will we do when faced with our own guilt, or with a wrong that it is in our power to right? The answer to these questions belongs individually to each and every reader, and the choice of how we respond is always ours to make.
The Boy Who Lost His Face is a good, solid story, fast-moving and with some moments of warmth as well as humor. I would give it two and a half stars.
January 6, 2014
1)Publisher: YEARLING HUMOR
Series:?
Level: 4.5
2)Time: 9/27=30min, 10/2=25min, 10/4=10min
(I also read "One and Only Ivan" 9/26=18min)
3)7word summary: Boys, Woman, Steal, Cane, Witch, Worried, Curse
4)Discussion Question
David who is a main character and his FRIRENDS plot to stael woman's cane. If you were David, what would you do?
-If I were David, I would stop my friends from doing bad. However, If I thought that I am left out of the group of my friend,I don't know what should I do.
5)Comment
I have read "Holes" that is written by same writer. That book was really good, so that is one of my favorite books. I am interested in his works, so I try to read this book. Of course, I like this book. There are a lot of colloquial expressions. That is good for me to study English.
1)Ditto
2)Time : 10/8=35min, 10/10=43min, 10/11=10min
3)7 word summary : Curse, Tease, Finger, Mother, Anger, Change, Meaning
4)Discussion Question
David has a series of misfortunes.
How about you? Have you ever had a succession of misfortunes?
- Yes. One day, I had a part time job which taeaching English at clam school. I wore suit and I went to the nearest station by bicycle. And I took a train and a bus to went to my workplace. However, my student was absent so I had to go home. That was a misfortune. But when I went home by bicycle, I was caught in the rain. The rain soaked me to the skin. That was one more misfortune.
5)Comment
In this story, there are a lot of characters. I like reading this book, however I sometimes confused.
1)Ditto
2)Time: 11/5=30min, 11/7=13min, 11/10=20min, 11/11=12min
3)7word summary: Tease, Zip, Break, Love, Insult, Friends, Cursed
4)Discussion Question
Mo wants to have a dog, however her parents don't let her. So she makes a dog house and try to see it her parents. She thinks they will let her to get a dog.
So , when you beg your parents for something, how do you persuade them?
-I will try to curry parents favor. And I will help housework positively or I will set condition.
5)At first, I confued because there are many characters, however, now I could understand and enjoy this book. In this book, there were many words that I did't know the meaning. I could learn new woeds, but they were not so good words, such as pissant and puke.
1)Ditto
2)Time: 11/14=30min, 11/17=43min
3)7 word summary: Confide, Lose, Face, Date, Remove, Lemonade, Curse
4)Discussion Question
David thought that he was cursed. He poured a picher of lemonade on his head to remove his curse.
So, If you thought that you were cursed, what would you do to remove your curse?
-If I were cursed, I would never do stupid things like David. But I would go to a shrine and remove my curse by the priest. May be taht is only to ease my mind.
5)Comment
This chapter that I read was really funny. I liked very much. I thought David was changed after he had two friends. At the first time, I thought he was not cool. However, I think he is cool now. I like his character.
1)Ditto
2)Time: 1/3=10min, 1/4=15min, 1/5=20min, 1/6=32min
3)7word summary: Visit, Apologize, Recover, Reconciliation, Aunt, Misunderstand
4)Discussion question
David thought an old woman was a witch, but she is not a witch. So, have you ever judged a person by his or her appearance or rumor?
-Yes, actually, I sometimes judgeed a person by his or her appearance. I think that this is one of my bad point. For example, when I was a high school student, I did't like a teacher of Japanese classic. Because, she looks so strict teacher. However, when I talked with her about except studying, I enjoyed talking. After this experience, I liked her class.
5)Comment
I finished reading this book! This book is also very interesting story. At first, I impatiented with David. He was so delicated. However, before I knew it, I supported him. I thought David became so cool.
Series:?
Level: 4.5
2)Time: 9/27=30min, 10/2=25min, 10/4=10min
(I also read "One and Only Ivan" 9/26=18min)
3)7word summary: Boys, Woman, Steal, Cane, Witch, Worried, Curse
4)Discussion Question
David who is a main character and his FRIRENDS plot to stael woman's cane. If you were David, what would you do?
-If I were David, I would stop my friends from doing bad. However, If I thought that I am left out of the group of my friend,I don't know what should I do.
5)Comment
I have read "Holes" that is written by same writer. That book was really good, so that is one of my favorite books. I am interested in his works, so I try to read this book. Of course, I like this book. There are a lot of colloquial expressions. That is good for me to study English.
1)Ditto
2)Time : 10/8=35min, 10/10=43min, 10/11=10min
3)7 word summary : Curse, Tease, Finger, Mother, Anger, Change, Meaning
4)Discussion Question
David has a series of misfortunes.
How about you? Have you ever had a succession of misfortunes?
- Yes. One day, I had a part time job which taeaching English at clam school. I wore suit and I went to the nearest station by bicycle. And I took a train and a bus to went to my workplace. However, my student was absent so I had to go home. That was a misfortune. But when I went home by bicycle, I was caught in the rain. The rain soaked me to the skin. That was one more misfortune.
5)Comment
In this story, there are a lot of characters. I like reading this book, however I sometimes confused.
1)Ditto
2)Time: 11/5=30min, 11/7=13min, 11/10=20min, 11/11=12min
3)7word summary: Tease, Zip, Break, Love, Insult, Friends, Cursed
4)Discussion Question
Mo wants to have a dog, however her parents don't let her. So she makes a dog house and try to see it her parents. She thinks they will let her to get a dog.
So , when you beg your parents for something, how do you persuade them?
-I will try to curry parents favor. And I will help housework positively or I will set condition.
5)At first, I confued because there are many characters, however, now I could understand and enjoy this book. In this book, there were many words that I did't know the meaning. I could learn new woeds, but they were not so good words, such as pissant and puke.
1)Ditto
2)Time: 11/14=30min, 11/17=43min
3)7 word summary: Confide, Lose, Face, Date, Remove, Lemonade, Curse
4)Discussion Question
David thought that he was cursed. He poured a picher of lemonade on his head to remove his curse.
So, If you thought that you were cursed, what would you do to remove your curse?
-If I were cursed, I would never do stupid things like David. But I would go to a shrine and remove my curse by the priest. May be taht is only to ease my mind.
5)Comment
This chapter that I read was really funny. I liked very much. I thought David was changed after he had two friends. At the first time, I thought he was not cool. However, I think he is cool now. I like his character.
1)Ditto
2)Time: 1/3=10min, 1/4=15min, 1/5=20min, 1/6=32min
3)7word summary: Visit, Apologize, Recover, Reconciliation, Aunt, Misunderstand
4)Discussion question
David thought an old woman was a witch, but she is not a witch. So, have you ever judged a person by his or her appearance or rumor?
-Yes, actually, I sometimes judgeed a person by his or her appearance. I think that this is one of my bad point. For example, when I was a high school student, I did't like a teacher of Japanese classic. Because, she looks so strict teacher. However, when I talked with her about except studying, I enjoyed talking. After this experience, I liked her class.
5)Comment
I finished reading this book! This book is also very interesting story. At first, I impatiented with David. He was so delicated. However, before I knew it, I supported him. I thought David became so cool.
Read
January 16, 2009The Boy Who Lost His Face by Louis Sachar
This is one of those books I am just surprised to come across on a challenged list. Not that I can't find something in it worth challenging, I suppose that I could (and in a minute, I will). But it's just such an *unimportant* book compared to the books that are generally challenged. This is the story of David, who wants to be popular, and therefore goes along with the crowd and does something not very nice. He realizes that he shouldn't have done this, and that doing it didn't help his popularity anyway. He lets go of his former best friend and makes new friends with other social outcasts. Meanwhile, he is crushing on a very crushworthy girl, who ends up liking him back. In a not so surpising twist, she is connected to the initial event in the book, and all is made well again.
What I did like about this book? The parents. And it was mildly funny in some parts. What I didn't like? It was a book with a thinly disguised and not too deep moral. What I was indifferent about? More or less everything else.
Why challenged? My guess? The initial incident is pretty darn disrepectful to elders. Curses are discussed. Characters lie. The middle finger is used. There is a discussion of a photo of a naked young girl, and, although the discussion is more about social inequity than about sex, the discussion probably made some people mad, too. (Quote: How could someone still be happy living in all that poverty?)
Research Says:The Boy Who Lost His Face was challenged in 1993 in the Jackson Township Elementary School in Clay City, Indiana due to "unsuitable words," and was also challenged at the Golden View Elementary School in San Ramon, California that same year because of its "profanity, frequent use of obscene gestures, and other inappropriate subject matter." In fact, the book was removed from Cuyler Elementary School in Red Creek, New York in 1993 because "the age level and use of some swear words may make it inappropriate to younger children."
This is one of those books I am just surprised to come across on a challenged list. Not that I can't find something in it worth challenging, I suppose that I could (and in a minute, I will). But it's just such an *unimportant* book compared to the books that are generally challenged. This is the story of David, who wants to be popular, and therefore goes along with the crowd and does something not very nice. He realizes that he shouldn't have done this, and that doing it didn't help his popularity anyway. He lets go of his former best friend and makes new friends with other social outcasts. Meanwhile, he is crushing on a very crushworthy girl, who ends up liking him back. In a not so surpising twist, she is connected to the initial event in the book, and all is made well again.
What I did like about this book? The parents. And it was mildly funny in some parts. What I didn't like? It was a book with a thinly disguised and not too deep moral. What I was indifferent about? More or less everything else.
Why challenged? My guess? The initial incident is pretty darn disrepectful to elders. Curses are discussed. Characters lie. The middle finger is used. There is a discussion of a photo of a naked young girl, and, although the discussion is more about social inequity than about sex, the discussion probably made some people mad, too. (Quote: How could someone still be happy living in all that poverty?)
Research Says:The Boy Who Lost His Face was challenged in 1993 in the Jackson Township Elementary School in Clay City, Indiana due to "unsuitable words," and was also challenged at the Golden View Elementary School in San Ramon, California that same year because of its "profanity, frequent use of obscene gestures, and other inappropriate subject matter." In fact, the book was removed from Cuyler Elementary School in Red Creek, New York in 1993 because "the age level and use of some swear words may make it inappropriate to younger children."
March 10, 2009
David helps some boys from his school steeal a cane from Mrs. Bayfield, and old woman who the boys say is a witch. David doesn't feel comfortable stealing from an old woman, he just wants to be "cool". David has always been teased and he never stands up for himself. The boys steal the cane and Mrs. Bayfield shouts some gibberish at David which he believes is a curse. Soon after David starts to have a lot of bad luck, from dropping viles in science class to his pants falling down in front of the girl he likes when he finally gets the courage to talk to her. He starts to "lose face". His only explanation for this series of unfortunate events is the curse. His solution: Get the cane back and returning it to Mrs. Bayfield. David realizes that he must start standing up for himself. He asks for the cane back from the boys but they refuse. He ends up fighting the boys for the cane and getting it to Mrs. Bayfield who turns out not to be a witch at all.In the end, he befriends Mrs. Bayfield and becomes more confident in himself.
Passage:"I have no face, he thought.He had thought about what Larry had said about losing face. If I had a face, I would just go up to Tori Williams and talk to her and tell her how I feel. If I had a face, I wouldn't let roger and his friendspush me around. I would have never gone with them to steal Mrs. Bayfield's cane. I would have stood up for her and told them to leave her alone. I would have told her I was sorry instead of giving her the finger. I have a finger, but I don't have a face."
In this passage, Luis Sachar enters the characters mind and reveals to the reader david's personality before he gained confidence.
I would reccomend this book to anyone who likes stories where the protaganist looks inside themself to beat the odds.
Passage:"I have no face, he thought.He had thought about what Larry had said about losing face. If I had a face, I would just go up to Tori Williams and talk to her and tell her how I feel. If I had a face, I wouldn't let roger and his friendspush me around. I would have never gone with them to steal Mrs. Bayfield's cane. I would have stood up for her and told them to leave her alone. I would have told her I was sorry instead of giving her the finger. I have a finger, but I don't have a face."
In this passage, Luis Sachar enters the characters mind and reveals to the reader david's personality before he gained confidence.
I would reccomend this book to anyone who likes stories where the protaganist looks inside themself to beat the odds.
Read
May 23, 2011The Boy Who Lost His Face,
By Louis Sachar,
Genre: Fantasy.
I would rate this book with five stars because I really enjoyed it. In fact I was planning on reading for five minutes one night but I got so into the book I finished it! From the minute I picked up this book I loved it, I would read it over and over again. This book started of well and also ended well, I really liked it.
David and his friends stole an old ladies cane, they beat her and left her there. David heard that a curse was put on him. He worried and worried for he didn’t know what was to happen. Days after days the curse struck him. He fell down from his chair, he dropped a beaker in science and then his pants fell down when he was about to ask his love out. He went back to the lady who had cursed him but she wanted her cane back. He told his old friend he wanted the cane but he beat him up. When the girl who David liked (Tori) heard she went and got the cane back. Then they went to the house of the lady and she told him to drink some sort of juice. The Lady took Tori, his new girlfriend and made her face into a mask. But then she started laughing and David found out. It was all a joke and Tori was the Lady’s niece. They have played a practical joke on him…
Years later David’s face was a sculpture in the museum, for all to see!
This is a book for all ages, I enjoyed it and I am sure many would. It is a book that anyone who could understand would like. The ages from 8 all the way to 60 would enjoy it and I recommend many to read it. It truly is a magnificent creation!
By Louis Sachar,
Genre: Fantasy.
I would rate this book with five stars because I really enjoyed it. In fact I was planning on reading for five minutes one night but I got so into the book I finished it! From the minute I picked up this book I loved it, I would read it over and over again. This book started of well and also ended well, I really liked it.
David and his friends stole an old ladies cane, they beat her and left her there. David heard that a curse was put on him. He worried and worried for he didn’t know what was to happen. Days after days the curse struck him. He fell down from his chair, he dropped a beaker in science and then his pants fell down when he was about to ask his love out. He went back to the lady who had cursed him but she wanted her cane back. He told his old friend he wanted the cane but he beat him up. When the girl who David liked (Tori) heard she went and got the cane back. Then they went to the house of the lady and she told him to drink some sort of juice. The Lady took Tori, his new girlfriend and made her face into a mask. But then she started laughing and David found out. It was all a joke and Tori was the Lady’s niece. They have played a practical joke on him…
Years later David’s face was a sculpture in the museum, for all to see!
This is a book for all ages, I enjoyed it and I am sure many would. It is a book that anyone who could understand would like. The ages from 8 all the way to 60 would enjoy it and I recommend many to read it. It truly is a magnificent creation!
September 20, 2016
The boy who lost his face- Louis Sachar
I read this book because it was by Louis Sachar and he wrote holes. I also read it because a few of my cousins requested it.
Tori Williams- tori is a lovely girl that is cute. She is the crush of David. He then has the courage to ask her but his pants fall down. Although it was humiliating, Tori still likes him for who is. She is my favourite character because she is a dynamic and strange character in the book.
This book is about a boy named David who is trying to fit in the popular group. He steals Mrs. Bayfields cane, to prove he is good enough for them, but then is soon cursed. David has the courage to go ask this cute girl, Tori for her number but, he is then humiliated in front of everyone because his pants fall down . He realizes that the turning into a loser and his brother has no respect for him. He finds out that Mrs. Bayfield is Tori’s grandmother and returns it back to her. After that he finds out he wasn’t cursed and that Tori likes him.
Quote: “How could someone still be happy living in all that poverty.”
This quote makes me feel grateful for what i have. It's sad how a girl like me, that holds the same values, dreams and love for her family is living in poverty. This helps me understand that through life you can put the bad behind you and turn it into a smile.
I read this book because it was by Louis Sachar and he wrote holes. I also read it because a few of my cousins requested it.
Tori Williams- tori is a lovely girl that is cute. She is the crush of David. He then has the courage to ask her but his pants fall down. Although it was humiliating, Tori still likes him for who is. She is my favourite character because she is a dynamic and strange character in the book.
This book is about a boy named David who is trying to fit in the popular group. He steals Mrs. Bayfields cane, to prove he is good enough for them, but then is soon cursed. David has the courage to go ask this cute girl, Tori for her number but, he is then humiliated in front of everyone because his pants fall down . He realizes that the turning into a loser and his brother has no respect for him. He finds out that Mrs. Bayfield is Tori’s grandmother and returns it back to her. After that he finds out he wasn’t cursed and that Tori likes him.
Quote: “How could someone still be happy living in all that poverty.”
This quote makes me feel grateful for what i have. It's sad how a girl like me, that holds the same values, dreams and love for her family is living in poverty. This helps me understand that through life you can put the bad behind you and turn it into a smile.
August 5, 2012
I've read a lot of Louis Sachar, but I'd never heard of this book. Too bad, because it's not awful. Not "Holes" by a long shot, but not bad either. Quick summary: David succumbs to peer pressure when he breaks an old lady's window, turns her chair over, pours lemonade on her head, breaks her pitcher and steals her cane. Then bad stuff that mirrors the attack starts happening to him.
Sachar does a tremendous job portraying David's initial guilt. The story is predictable, but that's not a bad thing. My favorite part was where David and his father explore the concept of social constructs (in regards to flipping someone off)--it's only offensive because the receiving party knows it's offensive, and someone originally had to devise the symbol and its meaning, then explain it. (they also acknowledge that it's bad even if the receiving party doesn't know what it means, just because the offending party DOES and is trying to be hurtful.) Still, it's a fun discussion about the origin of social norms.
Plenty of cussing (I was surprised, actually, since the book reads pretty young) and some mention of menstruation and naked girls. Checked out as an ebook from salt lake county library system.
Sachar does a tremendous job portraying David's initial guilt. The story is predictable, but that's not a bad thing. My favorite part was where David and his father explore the concept of social constructs (in regards to flipping someone off)--it's only offensive because the receiving party knows it's offensive, and someone originally had to devise the symbol and its meaning, then explain it. (they also acknowledge that it's bad even if the receiving party doesn't know what it means, just because the offending party DOES and is trying to be hurtful.) Still, it's a fun discussion about the origin of social norms.
Plenty of cussing (I was surprised, actually, since the book reads pretty young) and some mention of menstruation and naked girls. Checked out as an ebook from salt lake county library system.
January 23, 2014
This book was exceptionally good. It brought back a lot of memories and emotions from my own high school experience. The main character did a few things that didn't make a lot of sense, but they were only minor glitches in the overall greatness of the story. There was some cursing in this book, which was a little shocking at first, but it wasn't used inappropriately. I try to hold my tongue these days, but I had a pretty foul mouth when I was in high school. So comparatively, the cursing in this book is very mild. My favorite thing about the story was how things didn't work out like you would hope, but they worked out in a more realistic way even if it wasn't perfect.
I wish Louis Sachar wrote more. He hasn't written much in the last decade. Maybe he ran out of ideas or some bad criticism broke his heart. I wish I had read his books sooner, but then I guess I wouldn't be enjoying them right now.
I wish Louis Sachar wrote more. He hasn't written much in the last decade. Maybe he ran out of ideas or some bad criticism broke his heart. I wish I had read his books sooner, but then I guess I wouldn't be enjoying them right now.
July 28, 2015
David is worried. He’s also feeling a bit mean, because while he was trying to be cool with three other boys, he watched them tip an old lady out of her chair, pour lemonade on her face and then steal her carved walking stick. Because all he did was watch, he flipped her the bird as they escaped
His mind is racing afterwards, wondering why he did it? Maybe she wouldn’t even know what it meant? And what mumbo jumbo was she saying as they left?
Things aren’t improving for David. Scott (ex best friend) now ignores him, choosing to hang out with Randy and Roger. He broke a window playing catch with Ricky, and fell off his chair (like Mrs Bayfield). He walked into class with his fly down. He’d seen Mrs Bayfield’s underwear when she fell off her chair. Everything that happened to her is happening to him! Maybe she cursed him?
This was a story about making new friends, being brave enough to ask out a girl and how powerful the subconscious can be.
His mind is racing afterwards, wondering why he did it? Maybe she wouldn’t even know what it meant? And what mumbo jumbo was she saying as they left?
Things aren’t improving for David. Scott (ex best friend) now ignores him, choosing to hang out with Randy and Roger. He broke a window playing catch with Ricky, and fell off his chair (like Mrs Bayfield). He walked into class with his fly down. He’d seen Mrs Bayfield’s underwear when she fell off her chair. Everything that happened to her is happening to him! Maybe she cursed him?
This was a story about making new friends, being brave enough to ask out a girl and how powerful the subconscious can be.
October 12, 2008
To begin with, this is my first book by Louis Sachar but I am happy to say it won't be the last. Although this book does include some minor cussing, in relation to the subject, it wouldn't be realistic if it didn't. I remember Middle School and there was lots of interesting language being used by kids trying to be cool so this book is authentic about that. David is struggling to learn the new cliques that has arisen with all his peers entering the new world of middle school. Besides learning his new role at school, David finds himself fending off a curse a old lady put on him when he was involved in a bad planned prank on the local crazy lady. The author gets us inside David's head so we can feel his pain, elation, and confusion in his new world. A great read for anybody who wants to remember those terrifying years of junior high.
August 16, 2009
I loved this book! I wasn't expecting it to be nearly as engaging as it was. It's the ideal book for middle school boys and girls but especially those hard-to-reach boys. I loved that the book touched on so many issues that we don't normally talk about but should (ex: swearing, the middle finger, the word "nipple," etc.) as well as the classic coming-of-age issues like dealing with bullies, getting girls to like you, finding true friends, and so much more. The plot is very engaging and relevant today (for city and suburban kids), even though the book was published 20 years ago! There's a lot going on in this story but it's easy to keep track of, it keeps you on your toes (and turning pages), and you can really empathize with the characters. Awesome book!
November 28, 2013
Full review at http://thebookshelfgargoyle.wordpress...
Another good read from Sachar, full of all the angst of early puberty and the wilds of middle school. There's a fair bit of humour and the main characters are likeable and ordinary.
Another good read from Sachar, full of all the angst of early puberty and the wilds of middle school. There's a fair bit of humour and the main characters are likeable and ordinary.
October 7, 2013
One amazing book! Amazing story line. Laugh out loud book! If I had the choice, I'd read it again! Amazing ending!
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