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The Puzzle Master
Twelve-year-old Marshall Thompson’s favorite place in the world is Luke’s Junk Store. With one last trip in before school begins, he’s intent on finding the perfect thing to take on the first day back to impress his friends. But his “great find” ends up being a girl ... and a friendship begins that will change him forever.
137 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2012
6 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Heather Spiva
5 books6 followersHeather Spiva grew up in Sacramento, CA ... and still lives there today.
She writes, she sells and wears vintage clothing, she drinks coffee ... and sometimes, she does all three simultaneously. (It's usually a really good day when that happens.)
Visit her blog www.heatherspiva.com for more information about her and her writings.
She writes, she sells and wears vintage clothing, she drinks coffee ... and sometimes, she does all three simultaneously. (It's usually a really good day when that happens.)
Visit her blog www.heatherspiva.com for more information about her and her writings.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 26, 2012
I try not to get emotionally attached to books. I fail…99% of the time, but I do in fact try. Today’s book was especially difficult for me. But before I explain why, let me tell you HOW exactly it was that I came to read THIS book at THIS moment in my life.
It was a fluke.
Once I agree to review a book I put it (and all of it’s info) into a folder in my inbox titled “Reviews To Do” (Yes, I know…I’m a genius.) Anyways, every few days (or when my kindle gets a little low on books) I go to this folder and grab the first 5 books I find. I do not re-read the synopsis. I do not re-read my response to the author, or check out it’s Amazon page. In my mind…once I’ve agreed to review it, it’s fair game…I put it on my kindle and that is that. From there I just pick and choose.
This has never back-fired on me, until today.
Today I decided to read a book that had a puzzle on the front. I thought, in all of my “judge a book by it’s cover” wisdom that it would be a light interesting read. Two hours later I found myself curled up in the fetal position, (not a very pretty sight I might add) with a box of tissue cussing Heater Spiva and her evil (yet completely captivating) book.
So what is the book about?
I’ll let Heather tell ya.
“Twelve-year-old Marshall Thompson’s favorite place in the world is Luke’s Junk Store. With one last trip in before school begins, he’s intent on finding the perfect thing to take on the first day back. But his “great find” ends up being a girl — and a friendship begins that will change him forever.
Together, they share a love of puzzles and something else: sickness. With his asthma, and her in cancer recovery, they’re linked as kindred spirits. But when a life-changing event threatens their friendship, Marshall has to learn to pick up the pieces to his broken puzzle of life … and put them back together.”
Ok, so now that all of you have figured out why I was a total wreck while reading this book, we can move on and actually talk about the book. (For those of you that are clueless…go back and read my “Fate of KO” post.)
I could say a million things about the start of this book. “It was fascinating.” “I wanted to know what was so special about Luke’s that I just had to keep reading.” But all of those are pointless and completely elementary. Why? Because by the 20% mark this book is no longer about a hidden treasure or a little boy who hates his little sister. It’s about learning to appreciate life for what it is RIGHT NOW.
A VERY long time ago I read (and loved, and cried over) a book called “Bridge to Terabithia” (I’m sure most of you have heard of it…it actually won the Newbery Medal way back in 1978.) “The Puzzle Master” reminded me a lot of this book in the way the characters (to avoid reality) took flight through their imaginations and built a “life” inside the pictures of their puzzles. And…much like Bridge, this book took the most basic of human lessons, (like trust, love, responsibility and forgiveness) and told it in a truly magical (yet heart wrenching) way…through the eyes of slightly damaged, yet incredibly hopeful 12 year old boy.
The writing is simplistic, (there is absolutely no denying that) yet it’s simplicity is what makes it so beautiful. Sometime silence is stronger than dialogue and Spiva did a excellent job of showcasing that in Mash and Iris’ interactions. And though the plot was sad, it’s worth every freaking tear you’ll find racing down your cheeks by the end of it.
In short…I was completely engaged, completely engrossed, and thoroughly touched.
I LOVED this book, and think it would be a wonderful read for ALL ages!
Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember:
“There were no goodbyes, because none was needed. Iris had always said that goodbye sounded sad and stupid, so they stopped saying it. Instead, it was “see you soon,” and “talk to you later.” No bye, no goodbye. And that was it.”
It was a fluke.
Once I agree to review a book I put it (and all of it’s info) into a folder in my inbox titled “Reviews To Do” (Yes, I know…I’m a genius.) Anyways, every few days (or when my kindle gets a little low on books) I go to this folder and grab the first 5 books I find. I do not re-read the synopsis. I do not re-read my response to the author, or check out it’s Amazon page. In my mind…once I’ve agreed to review it, it’s fair game…I put it on my kindle and that is that. From there I just pick and choose.
This has never back-fired on me, until today.
Today I decided to read a book that had a puzzle on the front. I thought, in all of my “judge a book by it’s cover” wisdom that it would be a light interesting read. Two hours later I found myself curled up in the fetal position, (not a very pretty sight I might add) with a box of tissue cussing Heater Spiva and her evil (yet completely captivating) book.
So what is the book about?
I’ll let Heather tell ya.
“Twelve-year-old Marshall Thompson’s favorite place in the world is Luke’s Junk Store. With one last trip in before school begins, he’s intent on finding the perfect thing to take on the first day back. But his “great find” ends up being a girl — and a friendship begins that will change him forever.
Together, they share a love of puzzles and something else: sickness. With his asthma, and her in cancer recovery, they’re linked as kindred spirits. But when a life-changing event threatens their friendship, Marshall has to learn to pick up the pieces to his broken puzzle of life … and put them back together.”
Ok, so now that all of you have figured out why I was a total wreck while reading this book, we can move on and actually talk about the book. (For those of you that are clueless…go back and read my “Fate of KO” post.)
I could say a million things about the start of this book. “It was fascinating.” “I wanted to know what was so special about Luke’s that I just had to keep reading.” But all of those are pointless and completely elementary. Why? Because by the 20% mark this book is no longer about a hidden treasure or a little boy who hates his little sister. It’s about learning to appreciate life for what it is RIGHT NOW.
A VERY long time ago I read (and loved, and cried over) a book called “Bridge to Terabithia” (I’m sure most of you have heard of it…it actually won the Newbery Medal way back in 1978.) “The Puzzle Master” reminded me a lot of this book in the way the characters (to avoid reality) took flight through their imaginations and built a “life” inside the pictures of their puzzles. And…much like Bridge, this book took the most basic of human lessons, (like trust, love, responsibility and forgiveness) and told it in a truly magical (yet heart wrenching) way…through the eyes of slightly damaged, yet incredibly hopeful 12 year old boy.
The writing is simplistic, (there is absolutely no denying that) yet it’s simplicity is what makes it so beautiful. Sometime silence is stronger than dialogue and Spiva did a excellent job of showcasing that in Mash and Iris’ interactions. And though the plot was sad, it’s worth every freaking tear you’ll find racing down your cheeks by the end of it.
In short…I was completely engaged, completely engrossed, and thoroughly touched.
I LOVED this book, and think it would be a wonderful read for ALL ages!
Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember:
“There were no goodbyes, because none was needed. Iris had always said that goodbye sounded sad and stupid, so they stopped saying it. Instead, it was “see you soon,” and “talk to you later.” No bye, no goodbye. And that was it.”
March 5, 2012
The Puzzle Master is a great story that really took me by surprise by it's depth and realism, something I didn't really expect from a young adult book. Without giving too much away I'll just say that 12 year old Marshall begins with the concerns of an 12 year old (an annoying younger sister, trying to get in to the cool kids' club at school, etc.), but as the story unfolds he forms a profound friendship that changes his life forever. Great writing, compelling characters, and a moving story make The Puzzle Master a great read for all ages.
March 11, 2012
Engrossing story, with engaging characters. This novel could stand beside Bridge to Terebithia in a classroom -- it's that good. Well, the prose is a little less polished, and I hesitate to 5-star novels with typos and prose that could be tightened, but The Puzzle Master is such a page turner, I decided to be forgiving.
The white crane was my tip-off: normally, I would put the book down and refuse to go on if I suspect tragedy ahead. But the characters are all so well drawn, I had to keep reading. Congratulations to the author who can keep me there to the bitter end.
I read so many heartbreaking novels, it's rare for me to shed real tears, but this novel made me cry. And that is another tribute to the author.
The white crane was my tip-off: normally, I would put the book down and refuse to go on if I suspect tragedy ahead. But the characters are all so well drawn, I had to keep reading. Congratulations to the author who can keep me there to the bitter end.
I read so many heartbreaking novels, it's rare for me to shed real tears, but this novel made me cry. And that is another tribute to the author.
May 8, 2012
The Puzzle Master is exquisite. Like a puzzle itself, the story pieces together the lives of two young people who both struggle with illness and need each other, but don’t realize how much until the puzzle is complete. It is a stunning work of fiction that pulls you in and keeps you there until your heart and soul are changed.
Marshall is a pretty typical 12 year-old with a bratty little sister and an annoying older brother. His mom is always distracted and his dad is never home anymore because he’s always working. The only thing Marshall enjoys in his life is visiting Luke’s Junk Store in search of the perfect item. He doesn’t know what it is exactly, but he’s confident he’ll know it when he sees it.
Luke is an older man with a mellow demeanor and a cigarette permanently attached to his lip. Although Marshall has bad asthma, he hangs out in the junk shop as much as he can, always feeling accepted and welcomed by Luke and forever in search of the perfect item.
When Luke introduces Marshall to his niece, Iris, and gives them an enormous puzzle to tackle, Marshall’s world changes forever. Iris is a frail young girl with fair skin and dark curls that bob when she moves. She enjoys puzzles as much as Marshall and a friendship forms immediately. When Marshall finds out Iris had cancer but is in remission, his desire to protect her grows. Because of his asthma, he understands how it feels to be sick and have others treat you differently and he wants nothing but a normal life for them both.
I have only cried reading a handful of books in my life and this is one of them. Marshall and Iris’ friendship and journey is precious and authentic. I was drawn into Marshall’s world from the first page and although his story is simple, it’s meaning is powerful and important. Everyone could learn something from Marshall’s experience and take with them the value of true friendship, love, forgiveness and faith.
Marshall is a pretty typical 12 year-old with a bratty little sister and an annoying older brother. His mom is always distracted and his dad is never home anymore because he’s always working. The only thing Marshall enjoys in his life is visiting Luke’s Junk Store in search of the perfect item. He doesn’t know what it is exactly, but he’s confident he’ll know it when he sees it.
Luke is an older man with a mellow demeanor and a cigarette permanently attached to his lip. Although Marshall has bad asthma, he hangs out in the junk shop as much as he can, always feeling accepted and welcomed by Luke and forever in search of the perfect item.
When Luke introduces Marshall to his niece, Iris, and gives them an enormous puzzle to tackle, Marshall’s world changes forever. Iris is a frail young girl with fair skin and dark curls that bob when she moves. She enjoys puzzles as much as Marshall and a friendship forms immediately. When Marshall finds out Iris had cancer but is in remission, his desire to protect her grows. Because of his asthma, he understands how it feels to be sick and have others treat you differently and he wants nothing but a normal life for them both.
I have only cried reading a handful of books in my life and this is one of them. Marshall and Iris’ friendship and journey is precious and authentic. I was drawn into Marshall’s world from the first page and although his story is simple, it’s meaning is powerful and important. Everyone could learn something from Marshall’s experience and take with them the value of true friendship, love, forgiveness and faith.
May 27, 2012
Being asked to review a writer’s work is always a privilege and never more so than with Heather Spiva’s YA novel, The Puzzle Master.
What’s the secret of writing for a teenage market? Don’t lecture, don’t patronise – but top of the pile, write a book anyone would want to read.
And that’s what Heather has done.
Marshall is a young lad, growing up in Sacramento. As the middle sibling he’s frustrated by his young sister’s whining and elder brother’s arrogance.
As kids we all want to fit in at school and with our peers. But Marshall suffers from asthma and he hates how his inhaler flags up his ‘difference’. He finds solace at the local junk store, sifting through treasures looking for that special something.
And here Heather breaks out of the normal YA novel format. Marshall meets the junk shop owner’s niece. Iris is special, a fragile young girl and they immediately find they have much in common – not least the pleasure in completing puzzles.
Drawn into a world they alone create, they share an openness and honesty we all yearn for. Marshall, for his young years, is a mature soul and cares for Iris as a friend. The girl has lost her parents and battled cancer, and yet she still has a tough but sensitive spirit.
As the book drew to a close, the tears rolled down my cheeks. The ending was terribly moving and I felt honoured to have met Heather’s characters.
But this wasn't a depressing read. It was uplifting and demonstrated the strength that children have.
At the beginning I mentioned that a YA author should write a book anyone would want to read – this is it. But not only that, it’s a book everyone should read.
Five stars, without a shadow of a doubt. And my final comment – this should not be self-published. Someone out there should spot this talent and support this author.
What’s the secret of writing for a teenage market? Don’t lecture, don’t patronise – but top of the pile, write a book anyone would want to read.
And that’s what Heather has done.
Marshall is a young lad, growing up in Sacramento. As the middle sibling he’s frustrated by his young sister’s whining and elder brother’s arrogance.
As kids we all want to fit in at school and with our peers. But Marshall suffers from asthma and he hates how his inhaler flags up his ‘difference’. He finds solace at the local junk store, sifting through treasures looking for that special something.
And here Heather breaks out of the normal YA novel format. Marshall meets the junk shop owner’s niece. Iris is special, a fragile young girl and they immediately find they have much in common – not least the pleasure in completing puzzles.
Drawn into a world they alone create, they share an openness and honesty we all yearn for. Marshall, for his young years, is a mature soul and cares for Iris as a friend. The girl has lost her parents and battled cancer, and yet she still has a tough but sensitive spirit.
As the book drew to a close, the tears rolled down my cheeks. The ending was terribly moving and I felt honoured to have met Heather’s characters.
But this wasn't a depressing read. It was uplifting and demonstrated the strength that children have.
At the beginning I mentioned that a YA author should write a book anyone would want to read – this is it. But not only that, it’s a book everyone should read.
Five stars, without a shadow of a doubt. And my final comment – this should not be self-published. Someone out there should spot this talent and support this author.
August 13, 2012
Twelve-year-old Marshall has just discovered a new passion: rummaging at junk stores for that perfect treasure. And Luke’s junk store is the best, so crammed full of stuff that a person can’t begin to see everything in one visit. That’s why Marshall spends so much time there. But his mother doesn’t approve. She thinks he should spend more time at home with his older brother and little sister. Never mind that his brother is totally fixated on girls and getting a car, or that his little sister is a spoiled brat and tattletale. Marshall is a misfit in his own family.
Then one day, just before the new school year starts he meets Iris, Luke’s niece. Iris is pretty with short, dark brown ringlets framing a pale face and large, luminous eyes. But there is much more to her than her ethereal beauty. She is funny and has a wonderful imagination. Marshall introduces her to his second passion, jigsaw puzzles, and the two of them spend hours imagining that they lived wherever the puzzle takes them—to lighthouses on stormy shore, farms with loads of animals, and elsewhere. Soon he learns that they have something else in common. They both have illnesses and would prefer that other people didn’t know. But Iris’s illness is much more serious than Marshall’s as Marshall will soon find out.
The Puzzle Master is an engrossing story with two very lovable characters. It made me cry. Buckets and buckets of tears. I admit that I am an old softy, but this story ranks right up there with Where the Red Fern Grows and Sounder. What I will remember about it long into the future is the personal growth that Marshall experiences regarding friendship and relationships with peers and love of his family. For this reason, I put it on my list of favorites. I recommend it to all middle grade readers who have the fortitude to read sad stories.
Then one day, just before the new school year starts he meets Iris, Luke’s niece. Iris is pretty with short, dark brown ringlets framing a pale face and large, luminous eyes. But there is much more to her than her ethereal beauty. She is funny and has a wonderful imagination. Marshall introduces her to his second passion, jigsaw puzzles, and the two of them spend hours imagining that they lived wherever the puzzle takes them—to lighthouses on stormy shore, farms with loads of animals, and elsewhere. Soon he learns that they have something else in common. They both have illnesses and would prefer that other people didn’t know. But Iris’s illness is much more serious than Marshall’s as Marshall will soon find out.
The Puzzle Master is an engrossing story with two very lovable characters. It made me cry. Buckets and buckets of tears. I admit that I am an old softy, but this story ranks right up there with Where the Red Fern Grows and Sounder. What I will remember about it long into the future is the personal growth that Marshall experiences regarding friendship and relationships with peers and love of his family. For this reason, I put it on my list of favorites. I recommend it to all middle grade readers who have the fortitude to read sad stories.
February 21, 2012
An excellent book geared for young adults, but all will enjoy. The story of an ordinary kid, who develops an extraordinary friendship. Anyone who has been impacted/affected by cancer will love this book. Make sure you have time to read this in one sitting because you won't want to put it down!!
May 26, 2014
This story had no flaws at all. It gave you every emotion. This book completely broke my heart. But it is the best thing I have ever read.
June 6, 2013
Ummm. I not sure what the point of this book was. Boring and forgettable. Sorry :/
August 1, 2014
I wish the story was longer - I was enjoying the story of Marshall. Grab the tissues.
February 19, 2014
Tears & <3...enough said!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews