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Aldo's Fantastical Movie Palace
In the Darkness of this Theater, Anything Can Happen The family's broken-down theater has always been a safe place for Chloe. There, no one can see the scars that line her face—scars her inventor father accidentally caused, leaving even deeper wounds between them. In the darkness she meets Nick, a boy with his own hurts. While Nick isn't the most pleasant companion, a rocky friendship is formed over their love of films. Soon the two are working on a movie script about a fantastical world—one that suddenly comes alive on the screen. Chloe and Nick are transported into an adventure beyond what they ever imagined, filled with dragons, magical pools, and a sinister vapor that threatens to destroy everyone. But when tragedy strikes, Chloe must find the courage to step out of the shadows and find what she’s always longed for.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published July 10, 2012
8 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Friesen
10 books174 followersI had the perfect life.
I was the grade-school star and the teacher’s pet. The world revolved around me and I suspected it always would. If you ask most people about their life, they don’t begin with fifth grade. But that was a good year.
Illness changed that. I retreated into a shell and escaped into words. Writing a story sucked the pain out of me, at least for a while. That’s when I learned to “feel” on paper. I didn’t think I’d be an author, I didn’t think I’d be much of anything, I was simply writing to survive.
Life changed in college. Health returned, the cloud lifted, and I got my teaching license.
Being a teacher, and being with those kids healed me. Surrounded by them, I relived periods of time stolen by childhood sickness. I was in my glory. But I couldn’t escape storytelling. All those years expressing myself on paper left their mark.
While my students worked, I wrote at my desk. Jerk California, my first book, flowed out of my own “lost years,” but hope fills the pages. Writing it was a beautiful thing to experience.
I now live on a horse farm with my wife, three children, and a growing number of animals.
Our home is on a hill that overlooks a river that snakes through a beautiful valley. We tear along the stream on the 4-wheeler. My three kids race through the pasture and scale the sides of the sand pit; they search for agates and chase wild turkeys that trespass on the gravel road that connects our hill to the rest of the world. I have promised them chickens and horses, but for now they settle for bald eagle and bear. It’s a good place to play and write.
At night, I walk out and listen to the wind rattle paper-thin bark on our birch trees. I stare at stars nobody else has seen and start a bonfire so bright it chases all the stars away. Then, my clothes full of smoke and my mind filled with ideas, I come inside and write until my fingers get heavy on the keyboard.
I love it here.
I was the grade-school star and the teacher’s pet. The world revolved around me and I suspected it always would. If you ask most people about their life, they don’t begin with fifth grade. But that was a good year.
Illness changed that. I retreated into a shell and escaped into words. Writing a story sucked the pain out of me, at least for a while. That’s when I learned to “feel” on paper. I didn’t think I’d be an author, I didn’t think I’d be much of anything, I was simply writing to survive.
Life changed in college. Health returned, the cloud lifted, and I got my teaching license.
Being a teacher, and being with those kids healed me. Surrounded by them, I relived periods of time stolen by childhood sickness. I was in my glory. But I couldn’t escape storytelling. All those years expressing myself on paper left their mark.
While my students worked, I wrote at my desk. Jerk California, my first book, flowed out of my own “lost years,” but hope fills the pages. Writing it was a beautiful thing to experience.
I now live on a horse farm with my wife, three children, and a growing number of animals.
Our home is on a hill that overlooks a river that snakes through a beautiful valley. We tear along the stream on the 4-wheeler. My three kids race through the pasture and scale the sides of the sand pit; they search for agates and chase wild turkeys that trespass on the gravel road that connects our hill to the rest of the world. I have promised them chickens and horses, but for now they settle for bald eagle and bear. It’s a good place to play and write.
At night, I walk out and listen to the wind rattle paper-thin bark on our birch trees. I stare at stars nobody else has seen and start a bonfire so bright it chases all the stars away. Then, my clothes full of smoke and my mind filled with ideas, I come inside and write until my fingers get heavy on the keyboard.
I love it here.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 13, 2012
This book says it's juvenile fiction. Ignore that and read this book anyway. This isn't some shallow and/or saccharine book, it's a tightly written book suitable for everyone.
The book centers around Chloe, a girl who, due to a tragic accident, is permanently scarred. Due to her scars, she's teased. And then she meets Nick, the new boy at school, who also happens to be blind. What normally happens is that the two outcasts become friends, and then go on an adventure together where they build up their friendship and learn to accept themselves.
Well, this book is not like that.
Nick, for one thing, isn't a very pleasant character. He does undergo a character change, but it happens fairly late in the book. In fact, for the first few chapters, you don't seen any friendship developing, just a grudging tolerance of each other. In fact, if it wasn't for Nick's screenplay, Chloe and Nick wouldn't have talked as much as they did.
And when we do get into the magical world, both kids go their own way. It's clear that they have their own journey to undergo and anyway, Nick is the one who chooses to leave (due to his self-imagined superiority). Surprisingly, this works. Chloe and Nick are reunited later, but in the meantime, the reader can focus on Chloe's growth; and Chloe grows a lot.
As a main character, Chloe is wonderful. She's still hurting from the accident, and while the book is about her overcoming her hurt, it's not done in a predictable way. Chloe's journey is fascinating and endearing. I was rooting for her the whole way.
The world building is fantastic. The normal world is familiar to us, but populated with interesting characters. The magical world in this book is original, and has hidden depths to it. I would say more, but I think I gave enough of the book away.
In short, if you like fantasy, you should definitely read this book. It's suitable for all ages, but don't let it's age categorisation mislead you. It's got depths to it that didn't appear to me at first gland.
Disclaimer: I got this book free from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review.
First posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
The book centers around Chloe, a girl who, due to a tragic accident, is permanently scarred. Due to her scars, she's teased. And then she meets Nick, the new boy at school, who also happens to be blind. What normally happens is that the two outcasts become friends, and then go on an adventure together where they build up their friendship and learn to accept themselves.
Well, this book is not like that.
Nick, for one thing, isn't a very pleasant character. He does undergo a character change, but it happens fairly late in the book. In fact, for the first few chapters, you don't seen any friendship developing, just a grudging tolerance of each other. In fact, if it wasn't for Nick's screenplay, Chloe and Nick wouldn't have talked as much as they did.
And when we do get into the magical world, both kids go their own way. It's clear that they have their own journey to undergo and anyway, Nick is the one who chooses to leave (due to his self-imagined superiority). Surprisingly, this works. Chloe and Nick are reunited later, but in the meantime, the reader can focus on Chloe's growth; and Chloe grows a lot.
As a main character, Chloe is wonderful. She's still hurting from the accident, and while the book is about her overcoming her hurt, it's not done in a predictable way. Chloe's journey is fascinating and endearing. I was rooting for her the whole way.
The world building is fantastic. The normal world is familiar to us, but populated with interesting characters. The magical world in this book is original, and has hidden depths to it. I would say more, but I think I gave enough of the book away.
In short, if you like fantasy, you should definitely read this book. It's suitable for all ages, but don't let it's age categorisation mislead you. It's got depths to it that didn't appear to me at first gland.
Disclaimer: I got this book free from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review.
First posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
October 22, 2013
I love movies where characters break through to interact with their audience. When I was a kid, I loved the episode in which Daffy Duck argued with his illustrator. And movies like “The Last Action Hero” and “Purple Rose of Cairo” were some of my favorites. So when I got the email about Aldo’s, I was all over it. I already loved the concept.
This book goes deeper than just ending up in a movie that you’ve seen. With spiritual messages that resound throughout and adventures that offer real life insights into struggles we all face, it’s far more than just a simple escapist fantasy. This book had moments that left me in tears and powerful lessons that moved me in the way that they were written. I enjoyed this book immensely and appreciated the concepts that were wrapped in the character’s storylines. Chloe has to work through some serious issues in her life in order to be able to help others and Nick is faced with realities that are not small life issues.
Part of the plotline follows the movie script that Chloe and Nick created. As such, there are moments when the two plotlines come together and get muddied a little. Chloe understands the script and the film, but there are moments when it’s harder for me as the reader to separate which is which. That said though, I still really enjoyed this book. It would be a good read for a family together or something that could delight creative children who enjoy escaping into worlds of their own creation. (That’s all three of mine – isn’t it about any kid out there?!)
Received from Candice at DJC Communications
This book goes deeper than just ending up in a movie that you’ve seen. With spiritual messages that resound throughout and adventures that offer real life insights into struggles we all face, it’s far more than just a simple escapist fantasy. This book had moments that left me in tears and powerful lessons that moved me in the way that they were written. I enjoyed this book immensely and appreciated the concepts that were wrapped in the character’s storylines. Chloe has to work through some serious issues in her life in order to be able to help others and Nick is faced with realities that are not small life issues.
Part of the plotline follows the movie script that Chloe and Nick created. As such, there are moments when the two plotlines come together and get muddied a little. Chloe understands the script and the film, but there are moments when it’s harder for me as the reader to separate which is which. That said though, I still really enjoyed this book. It would be a good read for a family together or something that could delight creative children who enjoy escaping into worlds of their own creation. (That’s all three of mine – isn’t it about any kid out there?!)
Received from Candice at DJC Communications
May 24, 2019
This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.
1/7/2016-
“I'm still trying to figure out if this book was supposed to be an allergory. I was hestitate about this book because I couldn't get into one of the author's other books and because I'm wary of male authors writing a POV of a teen girl.The author didn't do too bad--I was lost many times--but I think I followed along well-enough to get the message and the very sad ending. Because of the writing style, I couldn't picture this book as a book set contemporary times. ”
*Main Content-
Chloe says "I hate you" to many people; Pain & mentions of pain (up to semi-detailed); Hurting a dragon, injured dragons, & blood (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of R-rated movies and watching them and horror movies (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of abuse (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of shooting at people; Mentions of drunks & drinking; Mentions of ooze & weird creations (up to semi-detailed); a 'blasted', an unfinished 'what the--', two 'idiot's, two 'stupid's, and six 'dumb's.
A mention of muscles (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of a "buttocks (filled) with buckshot".
1/7/2016-
“I'm still trying to figure out if this book was supposed to be an allergory. I was hestitate about this book because I couldn't get into one of the author's other books and because I'm wary of male authors writing a POV of a teen girl.The author didn't do too bad--I was lost many times--but I think I followed along well-enough to get the message and the very sad ending. Because of the writing style, I couldn't picture this book as a book set contemporary times. ”
*Main Content-
Chloe says "I hate you" to many people; Pain & mentions of pain (up to semi-detailed); Hurting a dragon, injured dragons, & blood (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of R-rated movies and watching them and horror movies (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of abuse (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of shooting at people; Mentions of drunks & drinking; Mentions of ooze & weird creations (up to semi-detailed); a 'blasted', an unfinished 'what the--', two 'idiot's, two 'stupid's, and six 'dumb's.
A mention of muscles (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of a "buttocks (filled) with buckshot".
October 18, 2013
I am a huge fan of Jonathan Friesen. Rush and Jerk, California are two of my all-time favorite YA novels.
On the other hand, I am NOT a fan of fantasy. I really wish this title would have an audiobook version, really the only way I can attempt fantasy fiction.
I absolutely loved the beginning and the end of this book, and the lessons Chloe learns.
The middle (the entire time they are in Retinya) seemed like a confusing/random/chaotic/hodgepodge that I couldn't follow at all.
Hmpf.
On the other hand, I am NOT a fan of fantasy. I really wish this title would have an audiobook version, really the only way I can attempt fantasy fiction.
I absolutely loved the beginning and the end of this book, and the lessons Chloe learns.
The middle (the entire time they are in Retinya) seemed like a confusing/random/chaotic/hodgepodge that I couldn't follow at all.
Hmpf.
August 18, 2012
I truly appreciate this complimentary copy of Aldo's Fantastical Movie Palace by Jonathan Friesen sent to me by Goodreads First Reads. I believe young people would enjoy the fantasy adventure in which Chloe finds herself. I like the way that Friesen shows that imperfections can become handicaps or not, depending on how we perceive them. Chloe learns what is truly important while Nick continues to view his blindness as insurmountable.
Read
December 2, 2021The author's writing has definitely improved since the last Martin, but I'm still conflicted about the content. Hopefully I'll get a better review up once I've gathered my thoughts.
September 7, 2012
"Aldo's Fantastical Movie Palace -- where dreams come true, and nightmares too." {quote from chapter nine}
What I Loved: Okay, so I didn't absolutely loooove this book like I thought I would, but I did like it. I did love the fact that Friesen wrote about two young characters, Chloe (called "Scarface" by her peers at school) and Nick (the blind movie script-writer boy), who were flawed / had "handicaps" that took us on a journey through a magical screenplay into the fantastical World of Retinya. In Retinya both Chloe and Nick must face their fears and their flaws head on. They ultimately learn that imperfections aren't everything and that forgetting the past is not always wise. Sometimes remembering the past is not easy, but it will lead us down the road to healing and self discovery and peace.
Honestly, the story reminded me a little of Hugo Cabret at times with its freedom to just dream out loud onto the page. So, for that, I totally give props to Mr. Friesen! He definitely created a vivid, unique world full of flawed characters that needed to face their fears to find that they were both indeed more than their flaws. And the Fantasy elements of this book were great, I must say!
I loved the pilgrimage feel of the story as well (The Pilgrim's Progress, anyone?), as Chloe and Nick struggled to stay on the right paths that would lead them to find themselves and to ultimately make it to the City of Reckoning in hopes of defeating Vaepor.
There were also moments where some of the more "side-lined" characters made me laugh immensely, like Chloe's Grandpa and brothers for instance. I really wish that the Grandpa had been a more prominently featured character throughout the entire novel. I really do.
Also, from reading the back cover blurb I assumed that Chloe and Nick would be together throughout the entire adventure through Retinya, but this wasn't so. And at first this greatly bothered me. But in a way I thought this was a pretty smart idea on Mr. Friesen's part because it made me think of Hans Christian Andersen's story The Snow Queen and of how Kay and Gerda must go on an adventure too, though they are not together for the whole adventure either...they both come out changed and "found" on the other end.
What I Didn't Like So Much: I won't spoil anything for you all, but I will say that the beginning and ending both left me cringing and upset. Now, that said, I do want to read the rest of Jonathan Friesen's books after having finished reading this one, mainly because while this book left some things to be desired in some instances, overall I really did enjoy Chloe's character, the vividry of verbage, the Fantasy World of Retinya (cool name, huh? Kind of like retina, you know?) and Mr. Friesen's storytelling abilities. So, was AFMP an instant favorite book? No, not completely. But it was good enough to warrant me desiring to have another go at reading a Jonathan Friesen novel, and I'll admit that I would like to re-read this book in the near future.
Other nit-picky notes... At times I did have trouble keeping up with who was who, as far as the newly introduced Retinyan characters were concerned, mainly because their introductions were almost too swift at times and lacked a thorough background or explanation as to who they were.
There were a few grammatical errors, and some uses of the wrong tense/spelling of a word was used once or twice.
I’m recommending this book… If you are a fan of The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick, Bridge To Terabithia by Katherine Patterson, The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen, The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan, The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne and The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis then you might just enjoy being swept away into the Fantasy World of Retinya with Chloe and Nick.
What I Loved: Okay, so I didn't absolutely loooove this book like I thought I would, but I did like it. I did love the fact that Friesen wrote about two young characters, Chloe (called "Scarface" by her peers at school) and Nick (the blind movie script-writer boy), who were flawed / had "handicaps" that took us on a journey through a magical screenplay into the fantastical World of Retinya. In Retinya both Chloe and Nick must face their fears and their flaws head on. They ultimately learn that imperfections aren't everything and that forgetting the past is not always wise. Sometimes remembering the past is not easy, but it will lead us down the road to healing and self discovery and peace.
Honestly, the story reminded me a little of Hugo Cabret at times with its freedom to just dream out loud onto the page. So, for that, I totally give props to Mr. Friesen! He definitely created a vivid, unique world full of flawed characters that needed to face their fears to find that they were both indeed more than their flaws. And the Fantasy elements of this book were great, I must say!
I loved the pilgrimage feel of the story as well (The Pilgrim's Progress, anyone?), as Chloe and Nick struggled to stay on the right paths that would lead them to find themselves and to ultimately make it to the City of Reckoning in hopes of defeating Vaepor.
There were also moments where some of the more "side-lined" characters made me laugh immensely, like Chloe's Grandpa and brothers for instance. I really wish that the Grandpa had been a more prominently featured character throughout the entire novel. I really do.
Also, from reading the back cover blurb I assumed that Chloe and Nick would be together throughout the entire adventure through Retinya, but this wasn't so. And at first this greatly bothered me. But in a way I thought this was a pretty smart idea on Mr. Friesen's part because it made me think of Hans Christian Andersen's story The Snow Queen and of how Kay and Gerda must go on an adventure too, though they are not together for the whole adventure either...they both come out changed and "found" on the other end.
What I Didn't Like So Much: I won't spoil anything for you all, but I will say that the beginning and ending both left me cringing and upset. Now, that said, I do want to read the rest of Jonathan Friesen's books after having finished reading this one, mainly because while this book left some things to be desired in some instances, overall I really did enjoy Chloe's character, the vividry of verbage, the Fantasy World of Retinya (cool name, huh? Kind of like retina, you know?) and Mr. Friesen's storytelling abilities. So, was AFMP an instant favorite book? No, not completely. But it was good enough to warrant me desiring to have another go at reading a Jonathan Friesen novel, and I'll admit that I would like to re-read this book in the near future.
Other nit-picky notes... At times I did have trouble keeping up with who was who, as far as the newly introduced Retinyan characters were concerned, mainly because their introductions were almost too swift at times and lacked a thorough background or explanation as to who they were.
There were a few grammatical errors, and some uses of the wrong tense/spelling of a word was used once or twice.
I’m recommending this book… If you are a fan of The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick, Bridge To Terabithia by Katherine Patterson, The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen, The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan, The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne and The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis then you might just enjoy being swept away into the Fantasy World of Retinya with Chloe and Nick.
August 17, 2012
Even though I'm in my twenties, I still remember what types of books I wanted to read when I was a teenager--because I still read them. This was definitely one of them. If you like Susan Cooper (best known for The Dark is Rising series), Narnia, or the Wizard of Oz, then you will probably enjoy this book. If you don't like any one of the three, then probably not so much.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This book divides its time between the "real" and fantasy worlds with a movie theatre being the gateway. The protagonist (Chloe) enters Retinya (easy to remember the name since I always was reminded of the boy Nick who is blind introducing the world: retina/Retinya) and is set on a quest to help the inhabitants remember who they are instead of choosing to forget their past. Choosing to forget/ignoring the past may indeed be easier, but it destroys who you are and makes you easy to manipulate and control. I didn't feel like this life lesson was delivered in too heavy handed of a fashion, which was nice. I was able to focus on enjoying the story and characters while saving the implications to think about later. Speaking of which, this is why learning about history, philosophy, current events, statistics, etc is so important. If you don't "remember" the past, then you don't understand the implications of what goes on around you allowing others who have that knowledge to manipulate you. But the book also talked about dealing with painful memories. It's important to accept them and how they have affected you and then move forward with your life (not just on). Chloe is the emobodiment of this idea. She must learn to accept the accident that physically and emotionally scarred her as well as how it has helped her gain a confidence that she otherwise never would have had. I love that in the end, she learned to grow from the experience rather than simply have the scar removed. A lot of books would have had her return to reality with the scar magically removed, but she came back with something better in her attitude towards the situation and her desire to rebuild her relationship with her father.
A few issues with the book. I felt like the transition to the fantasy world was jarring and amateurish. It almost seemed like an entirely new book began. It didn't seem like Chloe and Nick really ever dealt with the transition or struggled with the reality of what happened. This would make sense if they were younger children, but they were full on teenagers. Honestly, it was hard to get past it and back into the story. Fortunately (even though it was part of the problem), it was a pretty brief moment in the book. Also, I had a hard time visualizing the visages of the characters in reality. No problem in the fantasy world, but it seemed like the descriptions were lacking in reality.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and give it a solid 4 stars and recommendation both to teenage readers and adults into YA as long as it's not talking down to the reader. I've hated those books ever since I was a YA.
Disclaimer: won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This book divides its time between the "real" and fantasy worlds with a movie theatre being the gateway. The protagonist (Chloe) enters Retinya (easy to remember the name since I always was reminded of the boy Nick who is blind introducing the world: retina/Retinya) and is set on a quest to help the inhabitants remember who they are instead of choosing to forget their past. Choosing to forget/ignoring the past may indeed be easier, but it destroys who you are and makes you easy to manipulate and control. I didn't feel like this life lesson was delivered in too heavy handed of a fashion, which was nice. I was able to focus on enjoying the story and characters while saving the implications to think about later. Speaking of which, this is why learning about history, philosophy, current events, statistics, etc is so important. If you don't "remember" the past, then you don't understand the implications of what goes on around you allowing others who have that knowledge to manipulate you. But the book also talked about dealing with painful memories. It's important to accept them and how they have affected you and then move forward with your life (not just on). Chloe is the emobodiment of this idea. She must learn to accept the accident that physically and emotionally scarred her as well as how it has helped her gain a confidence that she otherwise never would have had. I love that in the end, she learned to grow from the experience rather than simply have the scar removed. A lot of books would have had her return to reality with the scar magically removed, but she came back with something better in her attitude towards the situation and her desire to rebuild her relationship with her father.
A few issues with the book. I felt like the transition to the fantasy world was jarring and amateurish. It almost seemed like an entirely new book began. It didn't seem like Chloe and Nick really ever dealt with the transition or struggled with the reality of what happened. This would make sense if they were younger children, but they were full on teenagers. Honestly, it was hard to get past it and back into the story. Fortunately (even though it was part of the problem), it was a pretty brief moment in the book. Also, I had a hard time visualizing the visages of the characters in reality. No problem in the fantasy world, but it seemed like the descriptions were lacking in reality.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and give it a solid 4 stars and recommendation both to teenage readers and adults into YA as long as it's not talking down to the reader. I've hated those books ever since I was a YA.
Disclaimer: won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway
May 21, 2013
It's very easy to get into, but there are lots of things that aren't quite right. Let's start with the characters.
Chloe started out interesting. She had the whole scarred physically and emotionally thing going for her, and she has a cool grandpa and works at an old movie theater. But let's face it, not only is she somewhat 2D, her actual personality is pretty annoying. She doesn't listen and plunges straight ahead no matter what anyone else says. She's ridiculously stubborn.
Nick is a deceptive character. You'd think he'd be a main char, but no, not really. He's only in about one third of the book, and does absolutely nothing. He starts out mean and annoying, then disappears for the middle part of the book, and comes back and... well, wasn't all that similar to the original Nick in the beginning. I'm not saying it's character growth, I'm saying his character isn't consistent at all.
Scout and Nob were okay though. Very flat, just like everyone else, but they were okay. Grandpa Salvador is easily the best, and he doesn't get to do much at all (naturally). Then there's the villain, Vaepor. He...hardly exists. There's not much going on there. He really is only in the book so there will be a villain.
The world, Retinya, is pretty cool. We just don't really get to spend much time there or see many sights in detail. All our time is spent getting through the adventure, which makes less sense the more you think about it.
I mean, they make it work. But oftentimes it's hard to tell how the characters got wherever they are, and why they're doing whatever they're doing.
But let me also say that the ending memory scenes were pretty cool. If you read the book, you'll know what I'm talking about.
So it's not a -bad- book, but it's far from -good-. It's just kind of... a book. A quick and easy read, though, so you probably won't feel like you've wasted a bunch of time reading it.
Full review: http://persyandarty.blogspot.com/2012...
Chloe started out interesting. She had the whole scarred physically and emotionally thing going for her, and she has a cool grandpa and works at an old movie theater. But let's face it, not only is she somewhat 2D, her actual personality is pretty annoying. She doesn't listen and plunges straight ahead no matter what anyone else says. She's ridiculously stubborn.
Nick is a deceptive character. You'd think he'd be a main char, but no, not really. He's only in about one third of the book, and does absolutely nothing. He starts out mean and annoying, then disappears for the middle part of the book, and comes back and... well, wasn't all that similar to the original Nick in the beginning. I'm not saying it's character growth, I'm saying his character isn't consistent at all.
Scout and Nob were okay though. Very flat, just like everyone else, but they were okay. Grandpa Salvador is easily the best, and he doesn't get to do much at all (naturally). Then there's the villain, Vaepor. He...hardly exists. There's not much going on there. He really is only in the book so there will be a villain.
The world, Retinya, is pretty cool. We just don't really get to spend much time there or see many sights in detail. All our time is spent getting through the adventure, which makes less sense the more you think about it.
I mean, they make it work. But oftentimes it's hard to tell how the characters got wherever they are, and why they're doing whatever they're doing.
But let me also say that the ending memory scenes were pretty cool. If you read the book, you'll know what I'm talking about.
So it's not a -bad- book, but it's far from -good-. It's just kind of... a book. A quick and easy read, though, so you probably won't feel like you've wasted a bunch of time reading it.
Full review: http://persyandarty.blogspot.com/2012...
August 7, 2012
In the spirit of full disclosure, I’m not fond of fantasy above the low category. This book isn’t high fantasy; part of it takes place in this world, but the majority is very much high fantasy. However, I stuck with it until the very end.
The premise is interesting: Chloe was scarred by her inventor father and Mike is blind. Chloe’s family runs a movie theater which has seen better days. The kids collaborate on a film script which gets mixed in with a movie reel Chloe is showing when Mike invites himself into the projector room. The next thing they know Chloe and Mike find themselves in the world they invented in the script.
Except it isn’t. At least it doesn’t seem to be. They are constantly surprised by the people, creatures, and settings they find. There is a plethora of all of these which results in confusion for the reader, at least for this reader. Early on, Mike goes his own way, so the book centers on Chloe, rendering Mike seemingly a surplus element.
I was never sure whether I was in The Last Picture Show (from the description of the movie theater), The Witch, the Lion, and the Wardrobe, The House of Arden, The Princess and the Goblin, The Wizard of Oz, or a half dozen other fantasy novels. The story lacked coherence and narrative focus.
The story insists that Chloe has been sent to these world for a purpose. The didacticism comes so unrelenting that it interferes with the already overloaded plot. The book is intended for YAs 10-14 years old, but I can’t imagine any keeping with it all the way through.
The premise is interesting: Chloe was scarred by her inventor father and Mike is blind. Chloe’s family runs a movie theater which has seen better days. The kids collaborate on a film script which gets mixed in with a movie reel Chloe is showing when Mike invites himself into the projector room. The next thing they know Chloe and Mike find themselves in the world they invented in the script.
Except it isn’t. At least it doesn’t seem to be. They are constantly surprised by the people, creatures, and settings they find. There is a plethora of all of these which results in confusion for the reader, at least for this reader. Early on, Mike goes his own way, so the book centers on Chloe, rendering Mike seemingly a surplus element.
I was never sure whether I was in The Last Picture Show (from the description of the movie theater), The Witch, the Lion, and the Wardrobe, The House of Arden, The Princess and the Goblin, The Wizard of Oz, or a half dozen other fantasy novels. The story lacked coherence and narrative focus.
The story insists that Chloe has been sent to these world for a purpose. The didacticism comes so unrelenting that it interferes with the already overloaded plot. The book is intended for YAs 10-14 years old, but I can’t imagine any keeping with it all the way through.
September 13, 2012
I got this book as an ARC from First Reads. I was really excited to read it because I haven't read a children's book in so long and my mind could use some easy reading. Plus, I really liked the cover.
This was a children's book about a blind boy named Nick and a girl with scars all over her face, Chloe. They form this weird bond with each other and embark on an adventure together. (Trying to write this without any spoilers).
When they start on their adventure, they get separated, and the story focuses on Chloe, her life, and her memories. I really enjoyed the characters that she meets and whats she learns on her journey.
However, this book had its flaws. At times, I found the book the be confusing, due to the lack of detail at some parts. And at certain points in the story, I wasn't sure if Nick was good or evil. Lastly, I'm not too sure how to describe it but, I feel like the story didn't flow well. One minute they were in the desert and the second the setting changed and characters popped out of no where. I guess you could say it was fast paced. I kind of got lost and towards the end I just gave up on making sense of it all. But, the ending was definitely not what I expected at all.
All in all, Aldo's Fantastical Movie Palace was an okay read, just wished it had more detail fit together better.
This was a children's book about a blind boy named Nick and a girl with scars all over her face, Chloe. They form this weird bond with each other and embark on an adventure together. (Trying to write this without any spoilers).
When they start on their adventure, they get separated, and the story focuses on Chloe, her life, and her memories. I really enjoyed the characters that she meets and whats she learns on her journey.
However, this book had its flaws. At times, I found the book the be confusing, due to the lack of detail at some parts. And at certain points in the story, I wasn't sure if Nick was good or evil. Lastly, I'm not too sure how to describe it but, I feel like the story didn't flow well. One minute they were in the desert and the second the setting changed and characters popped out of no where. I guess you could say it was fast paced. I kind of got lost and towards the end I just gave up on making sense of it all. But, the ending was definitely not what I expected at all.
All in all, Aldo's Fantastical Movie Palace was an okay read, just wished it had more detail fit together better.
September 3, 2012
I received this book from Goodreads First-Reads.
Even though this is written at a child's reading level, it was still a great book to read as an adult. The plot flowed around classic themes such as fairness, family and good vs. evil. The character development was average to good, and scenery about the same.
I enjoyed the fantasy experience as I never knew what was going to happen next. I felt as if the areas that Chloe and Nick visited in Retinya could have been developed slightly more (it left quite a lot up to your own imagination, which isn't inherently bad) but they visited so many distinct areas that such a task could possibly have led to a very long book. I feel like this book could easily have been broken up into a series (ala Narnia) without becoming weak.
The guides in the story, Blind Secholit, Nob, Scout... they made me feel like I was reading one of my childhood favorites, The Phantom Tollbooth (without the intense puns and wordplay, of course!)
Great quick read for any young adult fantasy fan!
Even though this is written at a child's reading level, it was still a great book to read as an adult. The plot flowed around classic themes such as fairness, family and good vs. evil. The character development was average to good, and scenery about the same.
I enjoyed the fantasy experience as I never knew what was going to happen next. I felt as if the areas that Chloe and Nick visited in Retinya could have been developed slightly more (it left quite a lot up to your own imagination, which isn't inherently bad) but they visited so many distinct areas that such a task could possibly have led to a very long book. I feel like this book could easily have been broken up into a series (ala Narnia) without becoming weak.
The guides in the story, Blind Secholit, Nob, Scout... they made me feel like I was reading one of my childhood favorites, The Phantom Tollbooth (without the intense puns and wordplay, of course!)
Great quick read for any young adult fantasy fan!
September 11, 2012
A fantastical and magical read! Aldo's Fantastical Movie Palace is perfect fit for those who enjoyed Narnia. Friesen takes you on a journey through Retinya, a spectacular place thought only fiction by Nick and Chloe.
I loved most of Friesen's characters, particularly Chloe, Nob, and Scout. Others may not agree with me, but I didn't really like Nick. It wasn't because of his character structure, he just wasn't all that likable to me. I pitied him greatly, at times, but he still didn't make it to my "favorites" list.
A highlight, for me, is the clear message Friesen presents in Aldo's: The past is important to who we are today. There are some situations that have left an impression on my own character and without them- who would I be?
To close, my last favorite thing to list is Friesen's humor. I loved it. I was chuckling and grinning more than once, and it made the book so much more enjoyable.
I received this book from DJC Communications in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done.
I loved most of Friesen's characters, particularly Chloe, Nob, and Scout. Others may not agree with me, but I didn't really like Nick. It wasn't because of his character structure, he just wasn't all that likable to me. I pitied him greatly, at times, but he still didn't make it to my "favorites" list.
A highlight, for me, is the clear message Friesen presents in Aldo's: The past is important to who we are today. There are some situations that have left an impression on my own character and without them- who would I be?
To close, my last favorite thing to list is Friesen's humor. I loved it. I was chuckling and grinning more than once, and it made the book so much more enjoyable.
I received this book from DJC Communications in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done.
September 19, 2012
I won this book on first reads giveaway through goodreads.
I love a good story of kids and triumph and I feel that this book gave just that. Chloe is a young girl scarred for life that meets a young blind boy named Nick. Nick came across as very self centered which I was not surprised with this character being this way because of the blindness.
I enjoyed the story because it teaches acceptance for what you have in life and not to depend on trying to find something better. I feel young teens would relate to this book and learn from it greatly.
Going on an adventure teaches these two about life and what it has in store for them as being physically challenged.
In the story they go to a magical world one goes forward while the other chooses to leave but they learn different lessons from the way I see it.
I would like to Thank you for the giveaway of this book.
I love a good story of kids and triumph and I feel that this book gave just that. Chloe is a young girl scarred for life that meets a young blind boy named Nick. Nick came across as very self centered which I was not surprised with this character being this way because of the blindness.
I enjoyed the story because it teaches acceptance for what you have in life and not to depend on trying to find something better. I feel young teens would relate to this book and learn from it greatly.
Going on an adventure teaches these two about life and what it has in store for them as being physically challenged.
In the story they go to a magical world one goes forward while the other chooses to leave but they learn different lessons from the way I see it.
I would like to Thank you for the giveaway of this book.
September 2, 2012
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Goodreads First Reads.
On one level, I liked the conceptual idea of the main story, but I am not a fantasy reader. I can deal with low-grade fantasy, but this book was way beyond my tolerance level.
With that being said, I also have surgical scars that have taken more attention over my lifetime than they need to have. I really liked that aspect of the storyline. At times, I was a confused reader wondering where I was suppose to be.
This book was ok, but just really not to my liking.
On one level, I liked the conceptual idea of the main story, but I am not a fantasy reader. I can deal with low-grade fantasy, but this book was way beyond my tolerance level.
With that being said, I also have surgical scars that have taken more attention over my lifetime than they need to have. I really liked that aspect of the storyline. At times, I was a confused reader wondering where I was suppose to be.
This book was ok, but just really not to my liking.
December 29, 2012
This book was given to me by Good reads.
I had a hard time getting into the book because I do not as a rule, like fantasies. However, I enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. Chloe goes on a journey to forgive her dad and to feel beautiful after a horrible accident. She and a blind friend write a screenplay and disappear into its plot. I cannot write more because I do not want to ruin it.
I will put this book on my shelf in my middle school classroom and recommend it to my students.
I had a hard time getting into the book because I do not as a rule, like fantasies. However, I enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. Chloe goes on a journey to forgive her dad and to feel beautiful after a horrible accident. She and a blind friend write a screenplay and disappear into its plot. I cannot write more because I do not want to ruin it.
I will put this book on my shelf in my middle school classroom and recommend it to my students.
September 22, 2012
I received a copy of "Aldo's Fanstastical Movie Palace" by Jonathan Fiesen as a free Goodreads Advance Reader's Copy. This was such an interesting young adult book. I read over half in the first sitting. Mr. Friesen has created an amazing story that holds the readers attention from the very beginning to the very end. Chloe and Nick are such realistic characters that young adult readers will instantly bond with them. Good Job!
November 28, 2012
I gave this as much time as I could, but I don't have time to waste on books that just aren't working. For me, the fantasy is labored and convoluted, the characters one dimensional (and often annoying) and I simply don't feel invested enough in any aspect of the story to want to know how it ends. Perhaps one day, in a mythical future when I am flush with free time, I'll try this again. But I'm hardly holding my breath.
August 20, 2012
Fantasy is not my bag, but I am glad I read this book. There were times in the reality scenes where it was difficult to follow. I actually had an easier time keeping up with the alternative universe scenes. Above all, I see this being a popular book for young adults; one that is full of strong, important lessons that people of all ages need to hear.
August 26, 2012
Overall impression:
Aldo’s Fantastical Movie Palace is a thoroughly enjoyable (though predictable) read with flawed characters and an intriguing fantasy world.
Read the full review on Book Revels.
Aldo’s Fantastical Movie Palace is a thoroughly enjoyable (though predictable) read with flawed characters and an intriguing fantasy world.
Read the full review on Book Revels.
September 1, 2012
We loved the book the story was told very well after i finished it my daughter read it now my son is reading it. The way the young lady was taught to look at her issues was awsome I will read again with the grandchildern.
August 11, 2013
Pretty terrible, and I tend to like almost everything. The pace was terrible, dull and plodding through most of the book, rushed through the "climax" and ending. The fantasy elements were random and not well developed, the plot was shallow, and the characters just weren't that likeable.
February 22, 2014
What are the messages of life this story brings forth. The shadows of anger hate that can divide us from those are truly important to us need to be overcome to heal. This is a wonderful adventurous fantasy! I love Chloe and how she faces the challenges in her life through the world she travels.
August 15, 2012
Review to come.
February 7, 2014
Stopped reading halfway through. Maybe it was just me + reading a kid's book but it was too all over the place, immature, and left me asking "wait, did I miss something?" far too often.
December 23, 2013
While the book has a great message, I found it confusing at times and hard to follow.
September 17, 2014
I want to escape into a movie script. This book follows a girl in her adventure to save a friend and to learn how to see the beauty behind the scars she has.
September 22, 2015
I LOVE THIS BOOK
Want to read
September 11, 2017I received a copy of this book from Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
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