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Seven #1
Between Heaven and Earth
DJ is David McLean's eldest grandson, so it stands to reason that he be the one to scatter his beloved grandfather's ashes. At least that's how DJ sees it. He's always been the best at everything--sports, school, looking after his fatherless family--so climbing Kilimanjaro is just another thing he'll accomplish almost effortlessly. Or so he thinks, until he arrives in Tanzania and everything starts to go wrong. He's detained at immigration, he gets robbed, his climbing group includes an old lady and he gets stuck with the first ever female porter. Forced to go polepole (slowly), DJ finds out the hard way that youth, fitness level and drive have nothing to do with success on the mountain--or in life.
DJ's adventures start in Jungle Land, part of The Seven Prequels and continue in Sleeper, part of The Seven Sequels.
DJ's adventures start in Jungle Land, part of The Seven Prequels and continue in Sleeper, part of The Seven Sequels.
264 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
75 people are currently reading
925 people want to read
About the author
Eric Walters
156 books907 followersEric was born in Toronto in 1957, which makes him "real old". But, as Eric says, "Just because I have to grow old doesn't mean that I have to grow up!" In his many roles as parent, teacher, social worker, youth sports coach and writer he is in constant contact with children and young adults. He draws from these experiences and feels that this helps him to capture the realistic interaction between young people—the conflicts, tensions, stresses and interests that make up their lives.
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
June 30, 2013
The main character in the book Between heaven and earth is David Juior. I decided to read this book because mum gave me a selection of books to choose from and this book stood out for me because it had an intersting title and has two climbers in the background. This book fits on to a book recommended by a member of your family on the bingo board.I think this is a good catergory to have on the bingo board because your family has a big part in what you read. A character I found intersing was Doris because she is a old lady who is wise and werid. Through the journey up the hill she makes everyone stop from going ahead. That might have been the thing that got David to the top because if David kept going fast he mightnt have enough energy for the last day. "until the ashes were sprinkled, it was like he was still here with me. But that was wrong. He will always be with me". That was my favourite Quote because it shows that family will always say with you forever and is the most imporant thing in your life. I thought more deeply about keeping my family safe and together.
March 17, 2018
This story was an incredibly quick read but no less enjoyable because of it. The premise of the series (written by 7 different authors) is that the family Grandfather, much loved, has died and left 7 'missions' to his 7 grandchildren. In the first of the series it falls to 18 year-old DJ to climb Mt Kilimanjaro and scatter his ashes at the top. DJ is likable but way overconfident which leads to many of the obstacles and tribulations in the story. It is very clearly written from experience, the descriptions of the climb and culture are so vivid you can almost taste it yourself.
I think what I loved about this most is I saw how a person who travels around the world can take their experiences and turn them into books like this, books with a bit of fiction, a lot of heart, and a way of getting others to think about getting out and doing their own adventures. In travel you learn something about yourself and I think the book shows that beautifully.
I think what I loved about this most is I saw how a person who travels around the world can take their experiences and turn them into books like this, books with a bit of fiction, a lot of heart, and a way of getting others to think about getting out and doing their own adventures. In travel you learn something about yourself and I think the book shows that beautifully.
February 7, 2017
http://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/20...
16/20 - Un joli voyage aussi bien physique que spirituel en compagnie des personnages !!
16/20 - Un joli voyage aussi bien physique que spirituel en compagnie des personnages !!
February 11, 2014
I liked this book Between Heaven and Earth because it was really exciting and it had a good adventure role to it. I thought it was exciting because D.J. had to climb a mountain for his grandfather and the sidetracks that D.J. had to go on were cool like how he went on the quest to get his stuff back. Even though the book didn't have as much adventure as talking, i though it was a pretty good book and I think it is worth reading.
September 6, 2023
Trigger warnings: death of a grandparent, blood, theft, misogyny, vomit, poop
I only picked this up because it's set in Tanzania and therefore ticked a Read Around the World box. I had no idea what to expect - it's about a teenage boy whose grandfather dies and requests that his ashes be scattered at the top of Kilimanjaro.
It was extremely fast paced, and while there's not a huge amount going on in terms of character development, the story itself was quite charming and while I resolved that I never want to climb Kilimanjaro, it was fun to go along on the adventure with DJ just the same.
I only picked this up because it's set in Tanzania and therefore ticked a Read Around the World box. I had no idea what to expect - it's about a teenage boy whose grandfather dies and requests that his ashes be scattered at the top of Kilimanjaro.
It was extremely fast paced, and while there's not a huge amount going on in terms of character development, the story itself was quite charming and while I resolved that I never want to climb Kilimanjaro, it was fun to go along on the adventure with DJ just the same.
November 2, 2024
I don't quite know what I was expecting, but it wasn't quite this. When I borrowed this book, I was looking for a short audiobook by an author I knew I loved as a kid. Based on this expectation, the book met it. It was an easy read and short audiobook, but I was disappointed in Walters' storyline.
The main character is not really likeable, and his inner journey kind of sucked. There wasn't much description for the Kilamanjaro journey other than the main character found it difficult. It wasn't my cup of tea, but it wasn't a horrible book.
The main character is not really likeable, and his inner journey kind of sucked. There wasn't much description for the Kilamanjaro journey other than the main character found it difficult. It wasn't my cup of tea, but it wasn't a horrible book.
March 19, 2018
I loved this story! It is just what a needed to read and I will be sharing this with my daughter as well. The theme, that making mistakes is okay, even good, and that needing others and letting others help you, shows true strength, resonates with me. This is a story that will stick with me and I will definitely be looking for other books in the Seven series.
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December 20, 2019incredible and exciting book, about a young man named dj, his grandfather put him on a mission to get to the one spot between heaven and earth.
April 20, 2021
The premise is a good one. As a result of a grandfather's will, seven grandchildren are each assigned a task to complete. In this first one in the series, DJ is to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. He begins as a rather callow young man and ultimately achieves a level of maturity and compassion. As an adventure story for young readers, it works. What it lacks in depth, it offers in lessons about pushing one's limits. DJ puts his climbing companions at risk in his determination to reach the summit so I couldn't really pat him on the back at the end.
January 4, 2013
Orca Book introduces a new series called Seven the Series. Between Heaven and Earth is the first installment in this series. Similar to the 39 Clues series, each installment features a different author and a different adventure. When David Junior’s (DJ’s) grandfather dies he leaves to each grandchild a complete adventure/quest. DJ’s quest is to scale Mount Kilimanjaro and spread his grandfather’s ashes off the summit. Obviously, this is no easy task and the athletic, though arrogant, DJ has many physical and mental obstacles to overcome along the way.
This series is aimed at reluctant middle grade(5-8) readers . Male readers will appreciate the action and the small inclusions of boy humor. The action is fast-paced enough to engage reluctant readers. The characters are not especially well developed and the dialogue is cliché ridden, but this type of series will attract a readership. Fans of The Maze of Bones series will enjoy this slightly grown-up version of a quest story.
Between Heaven and Earth
This series is aimed at reluctant middle grade(5-8) readers . Male readers will appreciate the action and the small inclusions of boy humor. The action is fast-paced enough to engage reluctant readers. The characters are not especially well developed and the dialogue is cliché ridden, but this type of series will attract a readership. Fans of The Maze of Bones series will enjoy this slightly grown-up version of a quest story.
Between Heaven and Earth
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2020
2020: Rereading this book had been an absolute pleasure. I remembered the main events, but it was really the small details that made this book so unique.
2016: I first heard about the Seven Series after I invited one of its authors (Sigmund Brouwer) to speak to the school I am currently teaching at.
The premise is quite interesting...a grandfather dies, and in his will he gives a letter describing a task for each of his seven grandsons to complete. Seven authors each write one of the grandsons stories.
In this book, Between Heaven and Earth, the story focuses on the oldest grandson, 17 year old DJ. The grandfather has asked DJ to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and spread the grandfather's ashes at the summit.
When DJ first starts out, his goal is to get up and back down the mountain as quickly as possible. However, he quickly learns that he must slow down in order to get ahead. Various obstacles lie in his way of succeeding.
This was a very quick and enjoyable read. Through DJ's adventure, we learn more about him as well as his grandfather. I am very interested to see how the other 6 stories give more glimpses into the grandfather's life. Well done!!
2016: I first heard about the Seven Series after I invited one of its authors (Sigmund Brouwer) to speak to the school I am currently teaching at.
The premise is quite interesting...a grandfather dies, and in his will he gives a letter describing a task for each of his seven grandsons to complete. Seven authors each write one of the grandsons stories.
In this book, Between Heaven and Earth, the story focuses on the oldest grandson, 17 year old DJ. The grandfather has asked DJ to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and spread the grandfather's ashes at the summit.
When DJ first starts out, his goal is to get up and back down the mountain as quickly as possible. However, he quickly learns that he must slow down in order to get ahead. Various obstacles lie in his way of succeeding.
This was a very quick and enjoyable read. Through DJ's adventure, we learn more about him as well as his grandfather. I am very interested to see how the other 6 stories give more glimpses into the grandfather's life. Well done!!
March 6, 2013
Between Heaven and Earth is part of a series of books written by different authors. The idea behind the series is that there are 7 boys whose Grandfather, in his will, has given them each a specific quest to fulfill. In this book the protagonist, DJ, is challenged to climb Mt. Kilamanjaro in Africa. The Grandfather's will allots funds for DJ to get to Africa, make the climb and scatter some of his Grandfather's ashes at the top of the mountain. During the trip and the climb DJ learns a great deal about himself and his grandfather. Between Heaven and Earth was a very entertaining read that I can see many middle grade and middle school readers enjoying.
I am not sure how much of the series I will add to my 4th grade classroom library because some of the story arcs from the other books seem more mature in nature.
I am not sure how much of the series I will add to my 4th grade classroom library because some of the story arcs from the other books seem more mature in nature.
January 4, 2016
Very fast read. This a story about DJ. His grandfather before dying left 7 letters for his 7 grandchildren. Each letter had a task for them to fulfill. DJ is the 7th grandson whose task was to go to climb Kilimanjaro and shatter his grandfathers ashes. Entire journey from Toronto to Tanzania is great.
Along with DJ, even we get to learn some Swahili words. New Language. Learning is everywhere.
There are 7 books in this series written by 7 different authors describing 7 grandsons 7 tasks.
DJ was the 7th and eldest grandson. One book down.
Happy Reading !!
Along with DJ, even we get to learn some Swahili words. New Language. Learning is everywhere.
There are 7 books in this series written by 7 different authors describing 7 grandsons 7 tasks.
DJ was the 7th and eldest grandson. One book down.
Happy Reading !!
January 21, 2014
I found this book to be pretty good, it was a good aadventure story but it was not very intoresting the main charicter climbs a mountain with a girl named sarah, i found it more people just talking and not a lot of exciting things happening some parts were good but not alot, it was easy to know what was going to happen at the end it was an ok book
February 11, 2013
I had such high expectations for this series, so I really hope the next (and others) are much better. Granted the problem I had was the main character, a teenage know-it-all who had a sweet side, so as long as the other cousins are not of the same caliber it can only be better....
November 3, 2013
This is a 2014 Forest of Reading - Red Maple nominee. I absolutely loved this book. It was well written. Interesting. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
October 29, 2017
Seven Assignments for Seven Grandsons. In “Between Heaven and Earth” the eldest of the seven (DJ) David Junior is given a mission by his grandfather to take his ashes to the summit of Kilimanjaro. An accomplished athlete, clever and responsible looking after his fatherless family, DJ is certain he can accomplish this task with little effort and be back home in three days. But when he arrives in Tanzania trouble stalks him with immigration, a theft and the intimidating daughter of the tour group’s leader who’s determined to be the first female porter. But the worst is yet to come when he’s forced to go polepole (slowly) on the trail, faces mountain sickness and is partnered with an older woman. But climbing the mountain brings DJ new revelations and friendships that are more valuable than being first to the summit.
Well-written and intriguing, intensity and suspense is built quickly with details about the mountain, warnings that 8 out of 10 survive the climb, that 10 people die yearly and that at higher heights climbers get mountain sickness, some extreme and requiring medical treatment. Tension is never far; with porters who refuse to acknowledge DJ and fourteen-year-old Sarah; an overly protective and authoritative father and tour guide; and three Finns who refuse to follow wise advice.
Eric Walters sparks an emotional charge in the plot with characters like DJ, the positive, self-assured seventeen- year-old who likes to be in control especially when it comes to his family and cousins. On the mountain he learns to depend on others and that failure is good for the soul and makes you human. Sarah Odogo can be opinionated, bossy and annoying although smart and determined in her effort to prove herself as the first female porter to reach the summit while sixty-seven -year-old Doris is the rock of the climbing group, offering wise counsel and accepting help when needed to make her dream a reality.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Between Heaven and Earth” the first of seven books written by various authors in a series that’s well worth reading especially by the young
Well-written and intriguing, intensity and suspense is built quickly with details about the mountain, warnings that 8 out of 10 survive the climb, that 10 people die yearly and that at higher heights climbers get mountain sickness, some extreme and requiring medical treatment. Tension is never far; with porters who refuse to acknowledge DJ and fourteen-year-old Sarah; an overly protective and authoritative father and tour guide; and three Finns who refuse to follow wise advice.
Eric Walters sparks an emotional charge in the plot with characters like DJ, the positive, self-assured seventeen- year-old who likes to be in control especially when it comes to his family and cousins. On the mountain he learns to depend on others and that failure is good for the soul and makes you human. Sarah Odogo can be opinionated, bossy and annoying although smart and determined in her effort to prove herself as the first female porter to reach the summit while sixty-seven -year-old Doris is the rock of the climbing group, offering wise counsel and accepting help when needed to make her dream a reality.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Between Heaven and Earth” the first of seven books written by various authors in a series that’s well worth reading especially by the young
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October 21, 2019Between Heaven And Earth by Eric Walters is about a kid named Dj Mclean. Dj was just your normal 15-year-old boy who plays sports and likes hanging with his friends. DJ was just doing his everyday actives when the unthinkable happened. DJ’s grandfather passed and it left his whole family stunned. I think the plot of the story is that was his grandfather passed away he left his will which was that all his grandchildren have a task to complete.
I think the lesson the author is trying to teach us is that no matter how are things get don't give up and keep on trying. I think this is a very good book since it doesn't just teach one lesson it teaches multiple. Not to underestimate people if there to old or if they aren't in the best shape. The book said, “ Most of the young and fit people fail since they don’t take their time and try going fast.” The book also teaches that what's the point of succeeding when others will fail. Since DJ porter isn’t the strongest so he helped her so the whole group would succeed. I think this is a really good book since it teaches many life lessons. In a couple captures they just talk about how one of DJ’s porter Sara never climbed the mountain even without carrying the whole group's stuff. The only way DJ and the rest of the group was able to climb the mountain because the DJ took the heavy stuff Sara was carrying. DJ helped others before thinking about himself that is a really good lesson in my opinion. The interesting thing about the book is that there is 6 other books that all connected, since there is 6 other grandchildren.
I would recommend this book for people 13 and up, I don’t think it matters how old you are it’s good for everyone. Because I think it teaches many valuable lessons. I strongly believe that you would enjoy this book, when you read this book you’ll love it so much that you’ll wanna read the other 6!
J.S
I think the lesson the author is trying to teach us is that no matter how are things get don't give up and keep on trying. I think this is a very good book since it doesn't just teach one lesson it teaches multiple. Not to underestimate people if there to old or if they aren't in the best shape. The book said, “ Most of the young and fit people fail since they don’t take their time and try going fast.” The book also teaches that what's the point of succeeding when others will fail. Since DJ porter isn’t the strongest so he helped her so the whole group would succeed. I think this is a really good book since it teaches many life lessons. In a couple captures they just talk about how one of DJ’s porter Sara never climbed the mountain even without carrying the whole group's stuff. The only way DJ and the rest of the group was able to climb the mountain because the DJ took the heavy stuff Sara was carrying. DJ helped others before thinking about himself that is a really good lesson in my opinion. The interesting thing about the book is that there is 6 other books that all connected, since there is 6 other grandchildren.
I would recommend this book for people 13 and up, I don’t think it matters how old you are it’s good for everyone. Because I think it teaches many valuable lessons. I strongly believe that you would enjoy this book, when you read this book you’ll love it so much that you’ll wanna read the other 6!
J.S
May 10, 2023
I am disappointed in this book, both because I did not really enjoy it and more so because I am a fan of Eric Walters' work. I know that he can do so much better than this novel.
For me, the biggest problem with the book was the protagonist, DJ. DJ is a privileged, entitled, shallow, bossy, arrogant, over-bearing, know-it-all, sexist, ageist, annoying, insufferable boor and also bore. Worse, DJ is the narrator, so there is no escaping his unendingly tiresome presence in this book. At first, I was hoping that this would be one of those 'started as a jerk but the journey led him to see the light' type of books. But no. i) DJ, from the start, is framed as the grandson that all the other grandsons, and really everyone in his sphere (and with his ego likely beyond from his perspective) are meant to look up to because he is so - ahem - 'wonderful'. So, he is not framed as a butthole needing to see the light, but as the guiding beacon for others to follow (UGH!). ii) he remains a butthole for pretty much the entire book. Yes, he is a bit nicer at the end, but it is self-serving and I also don't believe it's a lasting change. DJ is much too shallow for that.
After that, the book falls flat, and is pretty shallow. The other characters are flat, and Walters is more invested in detailing DJ's bowel movements (yes really, often and in detail) than in developing either plot or characters.
I am super disappointed in this book. I will read other by this author, because I know he can do better. I might try others from this series (Seven NOT DJ), because those are different authors, and who know? Maybe some of the 'lesser' cousins will be more interesting. Certainly the couldn't be more unbearable.
For me, the biggest problem with the book was the protagonist, DJ. DJ is a privileged, entitled, shallow, bossy, arrogant, over-bearing, know-it-all, sexist, ageist, annoying, insufferable boor and also bore. Worse, DJ is the narrator, so there is no escaping his unendingly tiresome presence in this book. At first, I was hoping that this would be one of those 'started as a jerk but the journey led him to see the light' type of books. But no. i) DJ, from the start, is framed as the grandson that all the other grandsons, and really everyone in his sphere (and with his ego likely beyond from his perspective) are meant to look up to because he is so - ahem - 'wonderful'. So, he is not framed as a butthole needing to see the light, but as the guiding beacon for others to follow (UGH!). ii) he remains a butthole for pretty much the entire book. Yes, he is a bit nicer at the end, but it is self-serving and I also don't believe it's a lasting change. DJ is much too shallow for that.
After that, the book falls flat, and is pretty shallow. The other characters are flat, and Walters is more invested in detailing DJ's bowel movements (yes really, often and in detail) than in developing either plot or characters.
I am super disappointed in this book. I will read other by this author, because I know he can do better. I might try others from this series (Seven NOT DJ), because those are different authors, and who know? Maybe some of the 'lesser' cousins will be more interesting. Certainly the couldn't be more unbearable.
September 1, 2019
In Between Heaven and Earth , seventeen-year-old David Junior (or "DJ") has been tasked with releasing his grandfather's ashes from the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. As one might expect, DJ encounters a variety of setbacks and obstacles, including his own cultural ignorance and character flaws. While reading Between Heaven and Earth, I couldn't help but feel my typical irritation with Eric Walters. I haven't read all of Walters' books, but the ones I have read feel like after-school specials, with children enduring difficult circumstances that elicit a valuable, character-building lesson at the end. Between Heaven and Earth is no different. If morality tales are your thing, then you'll enjoy Walters; I prefer a captivating story where I'm not distracted by ponderings of what the moral-of-the-story is going to be. That said, I appreciate Walters' attention to detail and research, and I learned some things about Mount Kilimanjaro and its climb.
This is the first in a series called "Seven", and what a fantastic concept for a series it is! Seven books about seven grandsons performing seven challenges bequeathed to them by the last will and testament of their beloved grandfather, written by seven different Canadian authors. I'm not sure I'll ever read all seven, but I appreciate how the publishing company is exposing young readers to new Canadian talent. However, I can't help but wonder why the publishing company decided that all the grandchildren (and six of the seven authors) needed to be male. Girls rock, dontchaknow?
This is the first in a series called "Seven", and what a fantastic concept for a series it is! Seven books about seven grandsons performing seven challenges bequeathed to them by the last will and testament of their beloved grandfather, written by seven different Canadian authors. I'm not sure I'll ever read all seven, but I appreciate how the publishing company is exposing young readers to new Canadian talent. However, I can't help but wonder why the publishing company decided that all the grandchildren (and six of the seven authors) needed to be male. Girls rock, dontchaknow?
September 19, 2017
The book Between Heaven And Earth has many series by different authors. The books go together because in the books there is one family member that has to travel to a place and spread their grandpa's ashes. Before he passed away he left letters for each kid and each book talks about one of the kids adventures and the book I read was about a boy named Dj he had a twin brother as well but Dj went on his own mission to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, and when we gets to the top he has to throw his grandfather ashes that were hidden in is grandpa's cane. Dj thought that it would be easy to climb Mount Kilimanjaro but when he started climbing he found it difficult. That also shows that he never gave up and this mission meant a lot to him. Dj did have some struggles during the mission but it was a great adventure for him. He also made new friends while climbing the mountain and they all did it together.My opinion on this book is that it was really good because this book had many meaningful parts for example when Dj was climbing the mountain it was really hard but he didn't give up that shows the readers that they should not give up on anything. Therefore would read the other books to see if the other kids completed their mission.
December 28, 2024
I think I was expecting more from this book, a little disappointing, for sure. The storyline seemed so completely unrealistic from the start - sending a teenager to climb Mount Killimanjaro to honor his Grandfather's last wish - having no training, no information about anything, no travel experience, alone - off you go!
But putting all that aside, I kept an open mind to the possible adventure that lay ahead for the main character, D.J. Only it really wasn't much of an adventure, no real physical action other than slowly climbing a mountain (along with hundreds of other climbers) and there was a bit too much discussion about toilet issues. (Granted I'm sure that that is a real issue for climbers)
We learn some things about D.J.'s personality along the way but only snippets of character development for the rest of the characters that are involved in this mountain climbing challenge. The older woman, Doris, was a more interesting character, to me, than D.J.
There was some emotion regarding D.J. and his memories of his grandpa but it came across as somewhat contrived. The storyline touched on the dangers of travel in a foreign country. It also highlighted some cultural discriminatory issues and there was also a focus on humility and the acceptance of cultural norms that are different from one's own. Those kind of societal issues were interesting but really each of those themes could be a book all their own.
This is Book 1 in a series of 7 books , only the other books highlight a different grandson of the family who is carrying out another last wish for his grandfather. I am not sure I will read the others.
But putting all that aside, I kept an open mind to the possible adventure that lay ahead for the main character, D.J. Only it really wasn't much of an adventure, no real physical action other than slowly climbing a mountain (along with hundreds of other climbers) and there was a bit too much discussion about toilet issues. (Granted I'm sure that that is a real issue for climbers)
We learn some things about D.J.'s personality along the way but only snippets of character development for the rest of the characters that are involved in this mountain climbing challenge. The older woman, Doris, was a more interesting character, to me, than D.J.
There was some emotion regarding D.J. and his memories of his grandpa but it came across as somewhat contrived. The storyline touched on the dangers of travel in a foreign country. It also highlighted some cultural discriminatory issues and there was also a focus on humility and the acceptance of cultural norms that are different from one's own. Those kind of societal issues were interesting but really each of those themes could be a book all their own.
This is Book 1 in a series of 7 books , only the other books highlight a different grandson of the family who is carrying out another last wish for his grandfather. I am not sure I will read the others.
July 14, 2022
Between Heaven and Earth chronicles DJ's travel to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, his grandfather's last request. There are seven grandsons and each one has a task presented to them at the reading of their grandfather's will. This book is the first in the seven series following the oldest grandson. DJ can do no wrong, he's led a charmed life without ever making mistakes or failing at anything. But can he climb this mountain. His ego has him thinking it will be a breeze like everything else in his life has been. But he soon discovers that this might not be what he expected. He has to reach the top to scatter his grandfather's ashes from the summit, so he's determined. He's in great condition and he's climbing with a 60 year old woman and a 13 year old girl....of course he can make but will they slow him down? DJ learns very valuable lessons as he undertakes this difficult climb. At the same time his twin brother and cousins are completing their tasks all around the world....the source of the other books in the series. That's a very cool concept and I can't wait to read the rest of these books.
October 4, 2024
I loved this story. It brought back memories of my own ascent on Mount Kilimanjaro.
DJ is his grandfather's oldest grandson and it falls to him to fulfill his wish of having his ashes scattered on top of Kilimanjaro. DJ thinks this will be a piece of cake which he will do in two days then return home. He is in for a huge surprise when he arrives! Not only is all his luggage stolen outside the airport when he arrives, he learns from his guide that it takes 5 days to climb the mountain. DJ has a very arrogant attitude, especially toward his Chagga guide, but he quickly learns he cannot manipulate anything about this trip to do as he wants. After a while he realizes that the guide and porters know what they are doing and he needs to follow their advice if he is going to make it to the top.
The story was somewhat different to my own experience. There were no cliffs on the route we took, we slept in huts, and the food was very good considering where we were. The quality of food probably depends on which tour operator you choose.
This was a wonderful read for me. The writer is very talented and I am enjoying reading several of his fine books.
DJ is his grandfather's oldest grandson and it falls to him to fulfill his wish of having his ashes scattered on top of Kilimanjaro. DJ thinks this will be a piece of cake which he will do in two days then return home. He is in for a huge surprise when he arrives! Not only is all his luggage stolen outside the airport when he arrives, he learns from his guide that it takes 5 days to climb the mountain. DJ has a very arrogant attitude, especially toward his Chagga guide, but he quickly learns he cannot manipulate anything about this trip to do as he wants. After a while he realizes that the guide and porters know what they are doing and he needs to follow their advice if he is going to make it to the top.
The story was somewhat different to my own experience. There were no cliffs on the route we took, we slept in huts, and the food was very good considering where we were. The quality of food probably depends on which tour operator you choose.
This was a wonderful read for me. The writer is very talented and I am enjoying reading several of his fine books.
January 7, 2019
Eric Walters "Between Heaven and Earth" is jammed packed with a lot of surprises starting off in they very beginning where he first found out that him and all his cousins have a mission from his grandfather. Dj's mission was to climb to the top of mt. Kilimanjaro but he is faced with challenges he has never been faced with and things that seemed like he shouldn't be doing it. When he first arrives he gets his luggage stolen but fights through it and when the pack leader to climb the mountain with them told him he couldn't go any father he pushed through and tries the rest with the guides daughter. read the book to find out if he makes it to the top to fofil his grandfathers wish.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers because they are able to enjoy the book at there speed in a way. overall the book is great.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers because they are able to enjoy the book at there speed in a way. overall the book is great.
May 13, 2021
3.5 stars, rounded down. A good adventure story in the Seven series, with each book written by a different Canadian YA author.
DJ is the eldest grandson to the recently deceased David. Like the other grandsons, DJ is given a task at the reading of his grandfather's will. His task is to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. DJ is used to succeeding at everything he does, so when he arrives in Tanzania he is narrowminded and arrogant, expecting to climb the mountain in a matter of a couple of days. He does not realizes how the journey will affect him.
It was difficult to root for DJ at first; he was arrogant and generally unlikeable, but I'm glad I stuck with it. While short and somewhat predictable, this was a good adventure novel. I will surely read another in the series.
DJ is the eldest grandson to the recently deceased David. Like the other grandsons, DJ is given a task at the reading of his grandfather's will. His task is to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. DJ is used to succeeding at everything he does, so when he arrives in Tanzania he is narrowminded and arrogant, expecting to climb the mountain in a matter of a couple of days. He does not realizes how the journey will affect him.
It was difficult to root for DJ at first; he was arrogant and generally unlikeable, but I'm glad I stuck with it. While short and somewhat predictable, this was a good adventure novel. I will surely read another in the series.
May 16, 2017
I like the plot of this book a lot, in fact, I like this whole "Author Book Collaboration" thing going on with this series. I really liked the first book , DJ was given the task to spread out his grandfathers ashes at the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro (Of course being the oldest of the "6" cousins). DJ as gone through many ups and downs during the task. Ranging from meeting a pretty hot girl to getting his stuff stolen. At the end of the day, DJ successfully completed the ultimate task of spreading his grandfather's ashes at the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
December 25, 2020
Good, quick read. Good for reluctant readers. The first in a series of 7. All male, teen protagonists on a quest set out by their grandfather. This is the first in the series that I have read. Set in Africa, on Kilimanjaro. Well researched! You can tell Walters did the climb before writing the book.
July 26, 2021
A young friend of mine recommended this book to me. I thought this wasn't my kind of book but I would read it because he has read all my recommendations. I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed it. This author is a story teller. I enjoyed all the characters, the settings and the lessons learned. A very good read!
February 22, 2019
An interesting YA novel about a teenager who is sent to complete his recently deceased grandfather's quest to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and, along the way, find out about his grandfather's past and his own strengths and weaknesses. An entertaining blend of adventure and travelogue.
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