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iPooKee
*** A Teenager Embarks on a Time-Warping Odyssey to Reverse an Unspeakable Tragedy that Appeared to Usher in the Decline of a World Power ***
She is powerful, but she does not know it. She can roll time backward as far as she wants, only with the power of her thoughts. She can even bend time forward in a flash. She can halt time instantly.
She's got many other tricks up her sleeve that her Uncle Walter has taught her.
But she, PooKee, the heroine of the story, is shy. She's humble. She's brave. She fights evil characters who want to harm her. All what PooKee wants, though, is to find her missing father, whom she loves and adores.
Her challenge? Nothing less than to avert an unspeakable tragedy that struck our nation. Will she be able to use her supernatural powers to save her father? Will she be able to reverse the course of history, change the fate of her country?
Through the eyes of 10-year-old PooKee, Brook Tesla tells a touching, magical, and heartbreaking story about the aftermath of an unthinkable tragedy that shook the foundation of a great nation. The result is a heart-warming novel demonstrating the love, determination, and courage of an innocent child who shares the highs and lows of her painful struggle to survive.
--Commentary--
iPooKee is a startlingly clear mirror of our society and the country. The novel reflects the outstanding achievements of America. But it also raises concerns about what appears to be the moral, economic, and cultural decline of a world power. Are we really on the way down? Has our leadership failed us? Where are we headed? America seems to be immersed in a virtual world that dominates every aspect of our lives. Can we strike the right balance between the real and the unreal?
The book's driving themes focus on our broken system of government, growing disenchantment with the country's direction, perils to our democracy and freedom, and what appears as an accelerated decline of a world power after September 11th 2001.
She is powerful, but she does not know it. She can roll time backward as far as she wants, only with the power of her thoughts. She can even bend time forward in a flash. She can halt time instantly.
She's got many other tricks up her sleeve that her Uncle Walter has taught her.
But she, PooKee, the heroine of the story, is shy. She's humble. She's brave. She fights evil characters who want to harm her. All what PooKee wants, though, is to find her missing father, whom she loves and adores.
Her challenge? Nothing less than to avert an unspeakable tragedy that struck our nation. Will she be able to use her supernatural powers to save her father? Will she be able to reverse the course of history, change the fate of her country?
Through the eyes of 10-year-old PooKee, Brook Tesla tells a touching, magical, and heartbreaking story about the aftermath of an unthinkable tragedy that shook the foundation of a great nation. The result is a heart-warming novel demonstrating the love, determination, and courage of an innocent child who shares the highs and lows of her painful struggle to survive.
--Commentary--
iPooKee is a startlingly clear mirror of our society and the country. The novel reflects the outstanding achievements of America. But it also raises concerns about what appears to be the moral, economic, and cultural decline of a world power. Are we really on the way down? Has our leadership failed us? Where are we headed? America seems to be immersed in a virtual world that dominates every aspect of our lives. Can we strike the right balance between the real and the unreal?
The book's driving themes focus on our broken system of government, growing disenchantment with the country's direction, perils to our democracy and freedom, and what appears as an accelerated decline of a world power after September 11th 2001.
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2013
5 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
About the author
Brook Tesla
1 book32 followersI'm a contemporary novelist, photographer, illustrator, and enterprise software architect who has served the financial industry in Wall Street.
Are you imperfect, romantically irrational, ridiculously fearless, and utterly illogical? You're my ideal reader, friend, partner. I'm your fan.
Contact:
e-mail: MickeyBell2099@gmail.com
Twitter: @BrookTesla
Facebook: Brook Tesla
Are you imperfect, romantically irrational, ridiculously fearless, and utterly illogical? You're my ideal reader, friend, partner. I'm your fan.
Contact:
e-mail: MickeyBell2099@gmail.com
Twitter: @BrookTesla
Facebook: Brook Tesla
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 3, 2013
An eloquent, inspirational novel with a compelling denouement. Absolutely unforgettable; grab this book.
In this debut, Tesla has created a world in which our heroine discovers “the future holds nothing certain.” While she possesses the incredible (yet dangerous) power of time bending; PooKee, not even 10, ventures on a complex journey to find her father who disappeared on September 11. Although PooKee is warned that “we are incapable of doing what the Lord does,” she agonizes in the City of @ while trying to make sense of this surreal, illusionary place—where her reasoning is unwelcome. What does this virtual reality have to do with PooKee? She learns that there is a more complex world than the one that she is used to—there’s a grey area where “black” and “white” cannot be seen. It becomes evident that “virtualization is dehumanization” and this raises the question: do memories belong to the past or the future? As translucent blotches begin to cover PooKee’s face in the City of @, she comes to the realization that using her time bending abilities to search for something in another world and another time that cannot be explained easily is not as satisfying as she imagined it would be. While meeting unforgettable characters well over the edge of normal and becoming immersed in this virtual world; PooKee’s story is driven by a likable imperfection while her grit and hard luck becomes captivating. Although she wonders if 9/11 could be a result of America’s failures, she ultimately learns to “love [her] country for its strengths, and even more so for its vulnerabilities.” This is a complex, young adult novel that wrestles with universal dilemmas; not just 9/11 but also making sense of humanity and obsessive delusions. Although the plot—in a sense—is very scattered and there is much left to the imagination; the novel comes to a satisfying conclusion. For this protagonist—there is hope after all.
PooKee is a charming little girl with unique abilities and wisdom beyond her years. The reader will love this heroine for her strengths, and even more so for her vulnerabilities.
In this debut, Tesla has created a world in which our heroine discovers “the future holds nothing certain.” While she possesses the incredible (yet dangerous) power of time bending; PooKee, not even 10, ventures on a complex journey to find her father who disappeared on September 11. Although PooKee is warned that “we are incapable of doing what the Lord does,” she agonizes in the City of @ while trying to make sense of this surreal, illusionary place—where her reasoning is unwelcome. What does this virtual reality have to do with PooKee? She learns that there is a more complex world than the one that she is used to—there’s a grey area where “black” and “white” cannot be seen. It becomes evident that “virtualization is dehumanization” and this raises the question: do memories belong to the past or the future? As translucent blotches begin to cover PooKee’s face in the City of @, she comes to the realization that using her time bending abilities to search for something in another world and another time that cannot be explained easily is not as satisfying as she imagined it would be. While meeting unforgettable characters well over the edge of normal and becoming immersed in this virtual world; PooKee’s story is driven by a likable imperfection while her grit and hard luck becomes captivating. Although she wonders if 9/11 could be a result of America’s failures, she ultimately learns to “love [her] country for its strengths, and even more so for its vulnerabilities.” This is a complex, young adult novel that wrestles with universal dilemmas; not just 9/11 but also making sense of humanity and obsessive delusions. Although the plot—in a sense—is very scattered and there is much left to the imagination; the novel comes to a satisfying conclusion. For this protagonist—there is hope after all.
PooKee is a charming little girl with unique abilities and wisdom beyond her years. The reader will love this heroine for her strengths, and even more so for her vulnerabilities.
October 3, 2013
Excellent!!!
Well written, very funny, very powerful.
Well written, very funny, very powerful.
October 8, 2013
This is an outstanding book, reflects the culture we live in. The plot is brilliant and the characters are fascinating. Magical, part reality part virtuality. Really an inspiring story about 9/11 and the virtual world that Pookee is immersed in.
VERY Recommended.
VERY Recommended.
October 21, 2013
A great book, indeed. It's funny, very funny, and inspiring. I loved avery chapter and I could not put it down. Very imaginative. The characters are colorful and reflect our country and the culture we live in. Apparently, the author's imagination is beyond boundaries.
It's a bit like Harry Potter, but more like To Kill A Mocking Bird. Provides strong messages, social messages and moral messages.
As a person who is worried about this country, the writing is on the wall.
Well Done!
I recommend it to teens and families.
Very enjoyable read. I'm sure you'll love it.
Allan.
It's a bit like Harry Potter, but more like To Kill A Mocking Bird. Provides strong messages, social messages and moral messages.
As a person who is worried about this country, the writing is on the wall.
Well Done!
I recommend it to teens and families.
Very enjoyable read. I'm sure you'll love it.
Allan.
April 30, 2014
I wasn't sure when this arrived if it was actually my type of story, but then what is my type of story, i love to give anything a chance and im glad i gave this one a chance i really enjoyed it, i found the characters engaging and i was sad when id finished it. which is always a sign of a good read in my book :-)
January 4, 2015
I have SO delayed writing this review. I'm guessing this genre(?)/style is just not my cup of tea. The thing that bothers me the most is that I think I would like this author's writing if the story wasn't so completely — demented; crazed, maniacal, foolish, irrational, mad. Which is why I can understand the positive reviews for it on Goodreads. I believe it is actually a well written book and for anyone who likes to delve into the bizarre to ferret out the underlying meaning...it may be right for you. As I hesitate, I concede that it is not all bad so I'm going forward, although with some dismay and a touch of regret. I really did want to like it. Even though I've rated a 3 for the overall quality and for the rating process, I actually give it 2 1/2 stars for the writing and the glimpses of the sad state of our country since that terrible day.
First Impression: This book is nuts. I forced myself to continue until I couldn't anymore. I did try. I went in knowing the essence of it but still could not get there.
Captured my interest? No. One part of the story (Cleo) held my attention for a bit but was ruined on page 142.
There is a whole lot of unwritten, deeper meaning and possible interpretations in this story, and while I understood that, I did not enjoy it. In the beginning, at the cafe, I thought "what the heck?" and after awhile I found myself reluctant to pick it up - each time - until page 207, which is where I threw in the towel. I really tried, reading through all the comments in an attempt to gain another perspective, re-reading in some areas and trying to get into the big picture about what was happening. I just couldn't. My mind would not go there. I do not enjoy giving up. I did thumb through to the end, three times reading random pages to make sure it was the same all the way through. It is.
Bottom line: In the end I felt sad for that little girl. Tragic. I did read the last chapter(s) and it wasn't hard to understand what was going on, even in the bizarre setting. Just damn sad. Not sure I would care to read that had I had someone I loved in those buildings. I kinda wish I could unread that part.
Do I Recommend? No/Maybe - kinda depends on your tolerance for crazy. I do think the author can write well.
Will I be buying other books in the series or by this author? Series-No Other-maybe...probably. I'll keep my eye out for future works.
Finally: On the back cover it talks about her being a teen but she is only ten so I'm not sure what that's about. Did someone change the ages of teens and forget to tell me?
I received this book from the author after being selected in the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway. Thank you.
First Impression: This book is nuts. I forced myself to continue until I couldn't anymore. I did try. I went in knowing the essence of it but still could not get there.
Captured my interest? No. One part of the story (Cleo) held my attention for a bit but was ruined on page 142.
There is a whole lot of unwritten, deeper meaning and possible interpretations in this story, and while I understood that, I did not enjoy it. In the beginning, at the cafe, I thought "what the heck?" and after awhile I found myself reluctant to pick it up - each time - until page 207, which is where I threw in the towel. I really tried, reading through all the comments in an attempt to gain another perspective, re-reading in some areas and trying to get into the big picture about what was happening. I just couldn't. My mind would not go there. I do not enjoy giving up. I did thumb through to the end, three times reading random pages to make sure it was the same all the way through. It is.
Bottom line: In the end I felt sad for that little girl. Tragic. I did read the last chapter(s) and it wasn't hard to understand what was going on, even in the bizarre setting. Just damn sad. Not sure I would care to read that had I had someone I loved in those buildings. I kinda wish I could unread that part.
Do I Recommend? No/Maybe - kinda depends on your tolerance for crazy. I do think the author can write well.
Will I be buying other books in the series or by this author? Series-No Other-maybe...probably. I'll keep my eye out for future works.
Finally: On the back cover it talks about her being a teen but she is only ten so I'm not sure what that's about. Did someone change the ages of teens and forget to tell me?
I received this book from the author after being selected in the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway. Thank you.
February 26, 2020
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!
Wow, I would love to read "iPooKee" in a book club for discussion and debate!
Immediately after finishing it I found myself wanting to read it again. I rarely re-read books.
It's interesting how books come to you at a time when they're relevant to what's happening in your own life. "iPookee" was like that for me. So many times I felt that this book was written for me.
“iPooKee” is unlike any other I've ever read. It's sort of a cross between "Alice in Wonderland," "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," and "The Matrix." It is a book that can be enjoyed by many audiences, both young and old.
This book (to me) is:
Fantastical, Imaginative, Creative, Absurd, Virtual, Truthful, Thoughtful, Philosophical, Political, Inspirational, A Conundrum, Irrational, Illogical, Deep, Lighthearted, Funny, Sad, Uplifting, Reality, Fantasy, Mystical, Magical, Touching, Powerful, Metaphorical, Emotional, Unforgettable, About Love, Loss, Tragedy, Connection, Family, Freedom…and so much more.
Plot:
PooKee, a courageous 10-year-old girl, attempts to go back in time to find her father, who went missing on September 11th, 2001. However, in her attempt to scrunch time, she finds herself trapped in a virtual city of madness, the City of @.
There are so many metaphors and layers to this book. In fact, layers is one of the many metaphors used in "iPooKee." The imaginative sandwich PooKee must make in the City of @ coincides with the layers upon layers of floors in the World Trade Center that came crashing down on that tragic day in September…
Tesla stacks comical & absurd obstacles that PooKee must conquer in the City of @ over the real-life dramas we face in society to make a delectable literary sandwich.
Each layer, each character, each event stands for something more than what appears to be on the surface. Just as PooKee explores the virtual world in the City of @, the reader explores what it means to live, to love, and to be free.
About the reviewer:
Isabella Tugman is an actor/singer/producer in Los Angeles, California.
www.IsabellaTugman.com
twitter: @izzytug
Wow, I would love to read "iPooKee" in a book club for discussion and debate!
Immediately after finishing it I found myself wanting to read it again. I rarely re-read books.
It's interesting how books come to you at a time when they're relevant to what's happening in your own life. "iPookee" was like that for me. So many times I felt that this book was written for me.
“iPooKee” is unlike any other I've ever read. It's sort of a cross between "Alice in Wonderland," "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," and "The Matrix." It is a book that can be enjoyed by many audiences, both young and old.
This book (to me) is:
Fantastical, Imaginative, Creative, Absurd, Virtual, Truthful, Thoughtful, Philosophical, Political, Inspirational, A Conundrum, Irrational, Illogical, Deep, Lighthearted, Funny, Sad, Uplifting, Reality, Fantasy, Mystical, Magical, Touching, Powerful, Metaphorical, Emotional, Unforgettable, About Love, Loss, Tragedy, Connection, Family, Freedom…and so much more.
Plot:
PooKee, a courageous 10-year-old girl, attempts to go back in time to find her father, who went missing on September 11th, 2001. However, in her attempt to scrunch time, she finds herself trapped in a virtual city of madness, the City of @.
There are so many metaphors and layers to this book. In fact, layers is one of the many metaphors used in "iPooKee." The imaginative sandwich PooKee must make in the City of @ coincides with the layers upon layers of floors in the World Trade Center that came crashing down on that tragic day in September…
Tesla stacks comical & absurd obstacles that PooKee must conquer in the City of @ over the real-life dramas we face in society to make a delectable literary sandwich.
Each layer, each character, each event stands for something more than what appears to be on the surface. Just as PooKee explores the virtual world in the City of @, the reader explores what it means to live, to love, and to be free.
About the reviewer:
Isabella Tugman is an actor/singer/producer in Los Angeles, California.
www.IsabellaTugman.com
twitter: @izzytug
Read
October 28, 2014**Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.**
iPookee is definitely a fantasy novel, but there's also a very real-world, practical element to almost all of it. I believe the book is a giant metaphor with lots of little metaphors woven throughout its pages. Some of the meanings are pretty obvious and others, not quite so much.
In the opening, our young heroine PooKee is meeting her uncle Walter at the Techno Geek Cafe because Uncle Walter has some unusual lessons to teach his niece, just one of which is how to bend time. These lessons will be critical for her journey to the City of @ to find her Rhubarb Pie (not a dessert).
Pink alligators, cars with square wheels, colorful new friends in all shapes and sizes--as well as terrifying foes--and even more oddities make up an entirely different way of life in a foreign world that young PooKee encounters when she journeys to the City of @.
Possible distractions including a war abound in @, but PooKee manages to keep her focus on finding Rhubarb Pie. The closer she gets to the answers she seeks, the more apparent it becomes what has happened. The answers exist for PooKee to find, but they're a lot closer to home than she expected.
I don't usually enjoy reading fantasy, but the meaning behind this cautionary tale gave it purpose, and its ending gave me a sense of closure. If you do like the fantasy genre, or if you find the premise intriguing, I recommend giving iPooKee a shot.
iPookee is definitely a fantasy novel, but there's also a very real-world, practical element to almost all of it. I believe the book is a giant metaphor with lots of little metaphors woven throughout its pages. Some of the meanings are pretty obvious and others, not quite so much.
In the opening, our young heroine PooKee is meeting her uncle Walter at the Techno Geek Cafe because Uncle Walter has some unusual lessons to teach his niece, just one of which is how to bend time. These lessons will be critical for her journey to the City of @ to find her Rhubarb Pie (not a dessert).
Pink alligators, cars with square wheels, colorful new friends in all shapes and sizes--as well as terrifying foes--and even more oddities make up an entirely different way of life in a foreign world that young PooKee encounters when she journeys to the City of @.
Possible distractions including a war abound in @, but PooKee manages to keep her focus on finding Rhubarb Pie. The closer she gets to the answers she seeks, the more apparent it becomes what has happened. The answers exist for PooKee to find, but they're a lot closer to home than she expected.
I don't usually enjoy reading fantasy, but the meaning behind this cautionary tale gave it purpose, and its ending gave me a sense of closure. If you do like the fantasy genre, or if you find the premise intriguing, I recommend giving iPooKee a shot.
November 30, 2013
Hello from Miami,
Without a doubt, this is my book of the year. I love PooKee and the funny characters. Without a doubt the city of @ is the most eerie place on earth. Cars are mounted on square wheels, people are shot from cannons, pink alligators are used as weapons, and dwellers of the city turn invisible as time goes by. In some scenes you find brains growing on trees and chocolates come out from computers.
The plot is fragmented into two parallel stories that meet each other in the end. PooKee, a teenager spends her time in the city of @, looking for her father in the virtual world. The other story is where Larry Quacks plots his mean plans.
PooKee wakes up everyday morning in a different place in the city of @. She finds herself, joining a cooking school, she is in the presentation layer building, she is in the message hub building, and she is in the database layer building. The journey ends up when she battles Larry.
Crazy cast, crazy story, funny storyline, very unique. In the end you cry, and cry, and cry. Get ready, sweet and spicy and ... Well, I'm not going to tell you.
Without a doubt, this is my book of the year. I love PooKee and the funny characters. Without a doubt the city of @ is the most eerie place on earth. Cars are mounted on square wheels, people are shot from cannons, pink alligators are used as weapons, and dwellers of the city turn invisible as time goes by. In some scenes you find brains growing on trees and chocolates come out from computers.
The plot is fragmented into two parallel stories that meet each other in the end. PooKee, a teenager spends her time in the city of @, looking for her father in the virtual world. The other story is where Larry Quacks plots his mean plans.
PooKee wakes up everyday morning in a different place in the city of @. She finds herself, joining a cooking school, she is in the presentation layer building, she is in the message hub building, and she is in the database layer building. The journey ends up when she battles Larry.
Crazy cast, crazy story, funny storyline, very unique. In the end you cry, and cry, and cry. Get ready, sweet and spicy and ... Well, I'm not going to tell you.
January 28, 2014
A wild roller coaster of a book full, fantasy adventure and shows the strength of a teen for a parent. Pookee loses here father in the 911 tragedy and sets out to look for him finds herself in the city of @ many strange characters and surroundings. This isn't my usual type of read but I think for anyone who loves fantasy and rich meaning this is a must. As even I break away once in a great while from my usual reads to read an exceptional book of fantasy. There are some powerful messages here about freedom and family and I think that the teenagers, and young adults especially will fall in love with this. I would love to see this as a movie with all the "depth" to the story. This book has a lot to offer and I believe that it is one that will be read over and over.
October 26, 2013
very modern book with unexpected developments. there are a couple of threads that run in parallel and meet in the end. be prepared for the sad scenes, as they are related to september 11. but in general the book is funny and entertaining as the characters are believable. definitely in my top tier book list. the symbolism is overwhelming and the storyline could be understood in different ways. pretty gutsy plot as the author does not take prisoners: unti-establishment, represents our sinking culture in a very unflattering way, as if we look in the mirror and see our country and what have become of it.
November 9, 2013
This book knocked me out because it takes a horrific event (the bombing of the World Trade Center) and brings it to life through the eyes of a 10-year-old girl whose father disappeared that day. The heroine, Pookee, goes on an out-of-this-world adventure in an effort to find her missing father. In the process, she learns a lot about herself. She's a great role model for girls of all ages.
October 28, 2013
I laughed out loud. A wonderful romp through the edges of reality and cyberspace. The book is touching, farcical and a fun read while exploring the pain of a sudden loss associated with the events of 9/11.
November 9, 2013
Now, reading it for the second time. Creative and contemporary. The story is entertaining, fun read, but the conclusion is sad. Crazy characters and sarcastic/funny discussions about freedom, democracy, and equality.
Read it slow, enjoy it like good food.
Read it slow, enjoy it like good food.
December 17, 2013
I think that every young/adult should be reading ipooKee. This is an emerging topic that generations should read. The story is special and highlights the faults of the American system of governance via the eye of a child. Supper.
July 11, 2014
I definitely liked this book with its relate-able characters! Totally recommend it to those looking forward to an adventurous ride with a brave heroine! I'm glad to have received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads!
February 25, 2014
You don't stop crying when you read this book. I'm deeply touched. I loved every single page, paragraph, line. Recommended to all ages, not only to children.
February 19, 2018
Tesla takes us on an abstract journey through a world of time travel and fantasy in this tragic story of 911. Symbolic and at times humorous we are given a perspective not seen before. Take your time with this one and enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews