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بلندی های نیناک
اهالی روستای اینستپ، هر سال نمایشگاهی پاییزه برگزار می کنند که مردم نواحی و دور و نزدیک را به آن جا می کشاند و به روستای فقیر و دورافتاده ی آن ها شهرت و اعتبار می بخشد. علت رونق نمایشگاه، صدای مخوفی است که هنگام از بلندی نیناک، کوهی در نزدیکی روستا، شنیده می شود. اهالی روستا و زائران نمایشگاه، این صدا را به موجودی خدای گونه نسبت می دهند که در آن کوه مسکن دارد. اگان، پسرک نوجوان، تصمیم می گیرد که به بلندی نیناک برود و راز این صدای مخوف را کشف کند.
88 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1970
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1213 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Babbitt
74 books1,360 followersNatalie Zane Babbitt was an American writer and illustrator of children's books. Her 1975 novel, Tuck Everlasting, was adapted into two feature films and a Broadway musical. She received the Newbery Honor and Christopher Award, and was the U.S. nominee for the biennial international Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1982.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
June 24, 2012
Another on the possible read-aloud list that probably won't make the cut for various reasons.
1) I LOVE the name of the mountain, which is the name of the book, it is pretty creative. Local people are frightened of it, so they call it "Knee-knock Rise." The small town at the base is called, also creatively, Instep.
2)I'm just not sure what Babbitt was getting at here. As much as I really don't like to put words into someone else's mouth, I feel there could be several interpretations, which I will share with you. The book explores the timeless theme of belief...and why people believe. I could very possibly be over thinking this, but here are a few ways one might consider the purport of this book.
a) People who believe in God are fools, but they're mostly happy fools. He's not really there, but it gives them pleasure and purpose to believe He is. Conversely, the wise do not believe in Him, but maybe they're not so happy? Religion is the fool's opiate?
OR
b) People are super gullible. Their need for something to believe in is so important that they will not believe anyone who tries to "cure" them of their wrong beliefs. It suits some people's purpose to believe the universe revolves around our planet.
OR
c) People as a mass blindly follow tradition/custom. If it's been done forever, it should keep on being done forever. Even if at least some of them "find out" that there's no meaning in the said tradition/custom, they should keep their mouths shut, nobody cares. For the sake of the economy, or the national morale, or whatever, just keep on doing what's been done. Status quo.
I don't particularly like any of those interpretations. In all of them, the message is that "people" are pretty stupid.
All in all, there was some nice imagery, some nice writing, but it left me feeling unsatisfied. Of course a "believer" who thinks he has, in a sense, unmasked the wizard and found only a grumpy, little man, would naturally feel unsatisfied if they had been a sincere adherent up until that point. I can imagine the confusion and even possible consternation.
I am quite possibly wrong on all counts here, I accept that possibility. It was thought-provoking at any rate.
1) I LOVE the name of the mountain, which is the name of the book, it is pretty creative. Local people are frightened of it, so they call it "Knee-knock Rise." The small town at the base is called, also creatively, Instep.
2)I'm just not sure what Babbitt was getting at here. As much as I really don't like to put words into someone else's mouth, I feel there could be several interpretations, which I will share with you. The book explores the timeless theme of belief...and why people believe. I could very possibly be over thinking this, but here are a few ways one might consider the purport of this book.
a) People who believe in God are fools, but they're mostly happy fools. He's not really there, but it gives them pleasure and purpose to believe He is. Conversely, the wise do not believe in Him, but maybe they're not so happy? Religion is the fool's opiate?
OR
b) People are super gullible. Their need for something to believe in is so important that they will not believe anyone who tries to "cure" them of their wrong beliefs. It suits some people's purpose to believe the universe revolves around our planet.
OR
c) People as a mass blindly follow tradition/custom. If it's been done forever, it should keep on being done forever. Even if at least some of them "find out" that there's no meaning in the said tradition/custom, they should keep their mouths shut, nobody cares. For the sake of the economy, or the national morale, or whatever, just keep on doing what's been done. Status quo.
I don't particularly like any of those interpretations. In all of them, the message is that "people" are pretty stupid.
All in all, there was some nice imagery, some nice writing, but it left me feeling unsatisfied. Of course a "believer" who thinks he has, in a sense, unmasked the wizard and found only a grumpy, little man, would naturally feel unsatisfied if they had been a sincere adherent up until that point. I can imagine the confusion and even possible consternation.
I am quite possibly wrong on all counts here, I accept that possibility. It was thought-provoking at any rate.
April 21, 2008
Like Tuck Everlasting, this is a thought provoking book. I didn't like it as much as Tuck, but I did enjoy it. I think the whole message of the book can be found in the poem written by Uncle Ott:
I visited a certain king
Who had a certain fool.
The king was gray with wisdom got
From forty years of schol.
The fool was pink with nonsense
And could barely write his name
But he knew a lot of little songs
And sang them just the same.
The fool was gay. The king was not.
Now tell me if you can:
Which was perhaps the greater fool
And which the wiser man?
The whole point of the book is to make you think; is it better to be the king or the fool?
I visited a certain king
Who had a certain fool.
The king was gray with wisdom got
From forty years of schol.
The fool was pink with nonsense
And could barely write his name
But he knew a lot of little songs
And sang them just the same.
The fool was gay. The king was not.
Now tell me if you can:
Which was perhaps the greater fool
And which the wiser man?
The whole point of the book is to make you think; is it better to be the king or the fool?
April 26, 2017
This is my favorite of all Babbitt's books. Her style of writing here reminds me of Hermann Hesse, sort of mystical and dreamy. Highly recommended!
December 2, 2012
Rereading Tuck Everlasting made me want to read all of Natalie Babbitt's books for young readers. The Megrimum is a bellowing creature that lives on top of the rise. No one knows what it is, but they all live in its shadow. When Egan arrives to stay with his mother's family in the village of Instep, he gets caught up in the legend and decides to climb the rise and become a hero--with surprising results. The book is a parable. It asks the question: who is the wise man and who is the fool? Parents do not fear: it is not necessarily about the non/existence of God or nihilism. Kids may understand this tale of the need for monsters better than adults.
January 26, 2024
"Sheep and bread and the flat fields, that's what the days are. Except for this day. But it's enough, just having this day. It's the knowing there's something different, something special up there waiting. It's the knowing you could choose to change your days -- climb up there and throw yourself right down the throat of the only and last and greatest terrible secret in the world. Except you don't climb up. A secret like that -- well, it's worth the keeping. And anyway, you'd never come down again, ever."
August 20, 2025
This is a different sort of novel, diverging from the typical Newbery Honor book of its era.
Kneeknock Rise is a short book but the characters are molded well and believable. The narrative kept me in suspense about what might be lurking at the top of the Rise. I'm interested in reading more of Natalie Babbitt's stories.
Kneeknock Rise is a short book but the characters are molded well and believable. The narrative kept me in suspense about what might be lurking at the top of the Rise. I'm interested in reading more of Natalie Babbitt's stories.
June 20, 2020
پرسیدم:آن سوی تپه چیست؟
گفتند: خاموش! کسی نمی داند.
با خود گُفتم:خواهم رفت و پرده از این راز بر خواهم گرفت.
«جویندهٔ حقیقت باش هرچند تورا دیوانه دانسته و حقیقت را چون از زبان توست انکار کنند-تو برای خود ثابت کُن مگریمامی وجود ندارد که از قولِ آت :بهتر است آدم عاقل باشد و در نتیجه جدی و عملگرا ؟ یا بهتر است ابله باشد تا از زندگی لذت ببرد؟! »
گفتند: خاموش! کسی نمی داند.
با خود گُفتم:خواهم رفت و پرده از این راز بر خواهم گرفت.
«جویندهٔ حقیقت باش هرچند تورا دیوانه دانسته و حقیقت را چون از زبان توست انکار کنند-تو برای خود ثابت کُن مگریمامی وجود ندارد که از قولِ آت :بهتر است آدم عاقل باشد و در نتیجه جدی و عملگرا ؟ یا بهتر است ابله باشد تا از زندگی لذت ببرد؟! »
August 24, 2016
Very fast read, obviously, because it's a 120 page childrens book. I needed a break from the heavy-handed sci-fi that I was reading. I picked this up because I loved "Tuck Everlasting" and this was by the same author.
I don't know about anyone else, but this book felt like a God allegory. A small village has a local legend of a mythical beast that lives at the top of a cliff on their mountain, which howls loudly during heavy rain/lighting storms. Everyone is scared of it (but also kind of fond of it), yet it also makes the village famous, as people from miles around to hear the beast howl. And, of course, no one wants to climb to the top of the mountain to actually SEE if there is a monster. They just KNOW it's there.
Enter our protagonist, a young boy who (duh) climbs the cliff during a storm, and discovers a scientific explanation for the howling sound. He comes back down, and tries to tell that villagers that the beast isn't real...and they refuse to hear. They refuse to listen to the scientific explanation for the beastly noise, and instead tell him to be quiet. They have faith that the monster is real, and in the end the boy decides to stop pushing the issue because everyone seems happy to keep believing in the monster.
The blurb on the back of the cover makes it sound like the moral of the story is that not everything needs to be explained scientifically, and that doing so ruins the "magic" in the world. Meanwhile, as an atheist, what I took from this book is that hopefully young people will read this and go, "Huh, some people can be really stubborn in their beliefs, even in the face of simple explanations. I wonder what ELSE people believe in despite contrary evidence?"
I don't know about anyone else, but this book felt like a God allegory. A small village has a local legend of a mythical beast that lives at the top of a cliff on their mountain, which howls loudly during heavy rain/lighting storms. Everyone is scared of it (but also kind of fond of it), yet it also makes the village famous, as people from miles around to hear the beast howl. And, of course, no one wants to climb to the top of the mountain to actually SEE if there is a monster. They just KNOW it's there.
Enter our protagonist, a young boy who (duh) climbs the cliff during a storm, and discovers a scientific explanation for the howling sound. He comes back down, and tries to tell that villagers that the beast isn't real...and they refuse to hear. They refuse to listen to the scientific explanation for the beastly noise, and instead tell him to be quiet. They have faith that the monster is real, and in the end the boy decides to stop pushing the issue because everyone seems happy to keep believing in the monster.
The blurb on the back of the cover makes it sound like the moral of the story is that not everything needs to be explained scientifically, and that doing so ruins the "magic" in the world. Meanwhile, as an atheist, what I took from this book is that hopefully young people will read this and go, "Huh, some people can be really stubborn in their beliefs, even in the face of simple explanations. I wonder what ELSE people believe in despite contrary evidence?"
December 11, 2008
This is a quick read "fable-like" book. Interesting theme,
my favorite quote,
"Is it better to be wise if it makes you solemn and practical, or is it better to be foolish so you can go on enjoying tourself?"
Something to think about.
my favorite quote,
"Is it better to be wise if it makes you solemn and practical, or is it better to be foolish so you can go on enjoying tourself?"
Something to think about.
June 23, 2024
I had a smile on my face the entire time I read this one
December 5, 2024
A simple but surprisingly deep story or rather, parable of sorts, that entrenches itself in folktown lore and asks the question what the difference is between truth and myth.
I love Babbitt's simplistic style and storytelling that leaves a bit to ponder on without coming across as overly pretentious.
Many say this story is in some ways a commentary on the state of faith and religion where many can't seem to justify it or make factual claims based on it but choose to believe it foolishly, anyway.
I would add that those themes of this book don't need to be taken as an attack on our faith but rather a challenge to make sure we know why we believe what we believe.
Knowing that is what sets apart those who claim to have "religion" but they lack faith or depth in what they believe.
Religion is based soley on tangibility while faith can be both believed intangibly and based on truth.
That is what actually separates myth from fact and lies from truth (2 Corinthians 4:13).
I love Babbitt's simplistic style and storytelling that leaves a bit to ponder on without coming across as overly pretentious.
Many say this story is in some ways a commentary on the state of faith and religion where many can't seem to justify it or make factual claims based on it but choose to believe it foolishly, anyway.
I would add that those themes of this book don't need to be taken as an attack on our faith but rather a challenge to make sure we know why we believe what we believe.
Knowing that is what sets apart those who claim to have "religion" but they lack faith or depth in what they believe.
Religion is based soley on tangibility while faith can be both believed intangibly and based on truth.
That is what actually separates myth from fact and lies from truth (2 Corinthians 4:13).
February 11, 2020
A Megrimum, a howling, vicious monster is said to live at the top of Kneeknock Rise. None who try to search him out in the misty heights are ever seen again. The village below lives in fear of this menacing beast that makes his presence audibly known when rainstorms come through. Every year this little village holds a great Fair for all of the surrounding villages to attend and get a taste of the Megrimum's mysterious howling. A young boy named Egan is on his way to his first experience of the Fair and will be staying with his uncle, aunt, and cousin. Egan is very curious about the Megrimum and starts to wonder if he might be able to climb to the top of Kneeknock Rise and slay the great monster, becoming a hero in the process. The story climaxes with Egan's climb, accompanied by old Annabelle the dog. Egan discovers that all is not as it seems and that sometimes the mystery is more exciting than the truth.
Thoughts:
This book explores human belief and the main point seems to be that humans will persist in what they want to believe, no matter the facts to the contrary. And it might just be better to allow others to continue in their false beliefs if it gives them pleasure. While I agree that human nature is prone to believing what it wants to, I think this book might veer into the dangerous territory of portraying all belief in the supernatural or non-material as misguided and good only for human comfort or pleasure. In my opinion, that is dangerous, and, in fact, false.
Natalie Babbitt doesn't disappoint with her clean, crisp writing and her ability to evoke a sense of place and time. She is a master at making you feel what the characters feel by letting you see things through their eyes (rather than clobbering you with descriptions of the character's feelings). While its conclusions may be a bit off, it is definitely thought-provoking and memorable.
Potentially Objectionable Content:
There really isn't much to object to - the Megrimum is a vaguely described monster who is thought to kill or eat people if they get too close. The village lives in fear of it and has some superstitious practices to supposedly ward him off. I won't give anything away, but let's just say that nothing is as it appears at first.
Thoughts:
This book explores human belief and the main point seems to be that humans will persist in what they want to believe, no matter the facts to the contrary. And it might just be better to allow others to continue in their false beliefs if it gives them pleasure. While I agree that human nature is prone to believing what it wants to, I think this book might veer into the dangerous territory of portraying all belief in the supernatural or non-material as misguided and good only for human comfort or pleasure. In my opinion, that is dangerous, and, in fact, false.
Natalie Babbitt doesn't disappoint with her clean, crisp writing and her ability to evoke a sense of place and time. She is a master at making you feel what the characters feel by letting you see things through their eyes (rather than clobbering you with descriptions of the character's feelings). While its conclusions may be a bit off, it is definitely thought-provoking and memorable.
Potentially Objectionable Content:
There really isn't much to object to - the Megrimum is a vaguely described monster who is thought to kill or eat people if they get too close. The village lives in fear of it and has some superstitious practices to supposedly ward him off. I won't give anything away, but let's just say that nothing is as it appears at first.
February 14, 2020
I picked this up for a quarter at the library sale and I am glad to have read it but I don't think it needs to stay on my shelves. I liked it better than her Tuck Everlasting (please don't stone me). It made me stop and think of the need for mystery in our lives. I do see where it might be a book making fun of those who have a belief in God but I chose to see it more as a plea to keep the mystery in life. Science may be able to answer something that seems mysterious but we don't always want that answer. Sometimes the mystery is the most important thing.
March 24, 2018
I apparently adore everything Natalie Babbitt wrote. Read this aloud to Fox at age 8 and we both loved it. Such good books for kids, with a lyrical quality and depth that adults will also fall in love with.
December 16, 2025
People like to be ignorant and to have a common enemy rather than hear facts. An important message for kids and adults!
March 9, 2025
I have been searching for this book for YEARS. I could not remember what it was for the life of me. I remembered reading it for school and being absolutely riveted. I couldn’t wait to find out what was at the top of Kneeknock Rise. The Megrimum frightened and entranced me. We were not supposed to read ahead, but I couldn’t help myself!! I think this book is what started my love of mystery and horror (to a certain extent. I would not classify it as horror)
Upon rereading it, I see why it was awarded the Newbery Honor. The writing was lyrical almost. There were so many beautiful descriptions and turns of phrase. I actually stumbled over some of it as I was reading and couldn’t believe fifth grade me was totally capable of reading such complex sentence structures and flowery descriptions. I’m sure it was lost on me at the time, but as an adult I really appreciated it.
***Spoilers ahead***
Another interesting element to consider this time around was the author’s commentary on invented religion and traditions that have no real significance or impact except on the human mind. Rituals that bring peace and comfort to people despite the fact that there was no monster to begin with.
On top of all that, the “monster” actually turns out to be the answer to what ailed Uncle Ott and could therefore be considered the savior of the tale. The hot spring that is responsible for the hissing, moaning sound that the villagers attribute to the made up Megrimum could actually be a metaphor for the spring of eternal life which in itself is a metaphor for Jesus. So what these townspeople fear and vilify is actually life saving ti Uncle Ott who dared to explore and challenge the belief.
When Egan leaves the mountain top and attempts to explain that there never was a Megrimum, he is met with disapproval and shushing from his uncle and extreme mental gymnastics from his cousin to make the legend of the Megrimum still apply even though there was no proof and were 2 testimonies.
I think religion is a complex mceeratter that is difficult to discuss. I think that we are waaaaay too involved in tradition instead of putting stock in people’s real life experiences. What Megrimums are you carrying around that ultimately do nothing positive for us?
Upon rereading it, I see why it was awarded the Newbery Honor. The writing was lyrical almost. There were so many beautiful descriptions and turns of phrase. I actually stumbled over some of it as I was reading and couldn’t believe fifth grade me was totally capable of reading such complex sentence structures and flowery descriptions. I’m sure it was lost on me at the time, but as an adult I really appreciated it.
***Spoilers ahead***
Another interesting element to consider this time around was the author’s commentary on invented religion and traditions that have no real significance or impact except on the human mind. Rituals that bring peace and comfort to people despite the fact that there was no monster to begin with.
On top of all that, the “monster” actually turns out to be the answer to what ailed Uncle Ott and could therefore be considered the savior of the tale. The hot spring that is responsible for the hissing, moaning sound that the villagers attribute to the made up Megrimum could actually be a metaphor for the spring of eternal life which in itself is a metaphor for Jesus. So what these townspeople fear and vilify is actually life saving ti Uncle Ott who dared to explore and challenge the belief.
When Egan leaves the mountain top and attempts to explain that there never was a Megrimum, he is met with disapproval and shushing from his uncle and extreme mental gymnastics from his cousin to make the legend of the Megrimum still apply even though there was no proof and were 2 testimonies.
I think religion is a complex mceeratter that is difficult to discuss. I think that we are waaaaay too involved in tradition instead of putting stock in people’s real life experiences. What Megrimums are you carrying around that ultimately do nothing positive for us?
August 31, 2025
This was written as a fable about a mysterious creature, a Megrimum, who lived atop a cliff overlooking the village of Instep. The cliff is suitably called Knee-Knock Rise. Whenever there is a thunderstorm, something or someone would moan incessantly from the top. the The proud, fearful and superstitious villagers refuse to climb up to find out the truth.
Every year the villagers invite outsiders to a fair when all hope that a thunderstorm will occur. One such visitor is Egen.
The villagers lived up to a poem written by a missing person who was believed to have reached the summit and been eaten by the Megrimum. A poem which encouraged a wise king to keep his wisdom to himself rather than take away a fool’s merriment.
This tale gave me a startle at the beginning which promised excitement and mystery but I was disappointed. Perhaps this was how the hero might’ve felt.
Every year the villagers invite outsiders to a fair when all hope that a thunderstorm will occur. One such visitor is Egen.
The villagers lived up to a poem written by a missing person who was believed to have reached the summit and been eaten by the Megrimum. A poem which encouraged a wise king to keep his wisdom to himself rather than take away a fool’s merriment.
This tale gave me a startle at the beginning which promised excitement and mystery but I was disappointed. Perhaps this was how the hero might’ve felt.
August 9, 2021
Fable read because A. I like Babbitt and B. I'm host of a Newbery Club here on GR.
It's always nice when something that not historical fiction and/or gritty gets recognized by the committee. This is short & entertaining, even a bit exciting in bits.
Note that Babbitt illustrates, too. Very appealing.
My favorite Babbitt books are, I think, The Devil's Storybooks. This just doesn't quite seem fresh & clever enough, in my own personal opinion.
It's always nice when something that not historical fiction and/or gritty gets recognized by the committee. This is short & entertaining, even a bit exciting in bits.
Note that Babbitt illustrates, too. Very appealing.
My favorite Babbitt books are, I think, The Devil's Storybooks. This just doesn't quite seem fresh & clever enough, in my own personal opinion.
August 8, 2022
rather dull
May 29, 2017
I love how Natalie Babbitt does not overuse words. She knows exactly what words to use to paint a realistic image in your mind and to tell a fantastic story. This story is simple and to the point, it does not drag on unnecessarily. I can see children as well as adults enjoying this story. I highly recommend this book.
July 28, 2024
"I visited a certain king Who had a certain fool. The king was gray with wisdom got / From forty years of school. The fool was pink with nonsense / And could barely write his name / But he knew a lot of little songs / And sang them just the same. The fool was gay. The King was not. Now tell me if you can:
Which was perhaps the greater fool / And which the wiser man?" (Uncle Ott Writing, Pg. 48)
People realize this is a children's book, correct? Within that guidelines I thought this was very good with deeper themes than most adjacent books.
Which was perhaps the greater fool / And which the wiser man?" (Uncle Ott Writing, Pg. 48)
People realize this is a children's book, correct? Within that guidelines I thought this was very good with deeper themes than most adjacent books.
September 14, 2019
A great read-aloud for 4th graders. They were entranced by visions of the Megrimum and then puzzled by the conundrum of whether or not this monster existed. It's a fabulous metaphor for how humans approach mystery. The depth of the question may be lost on 9- and 10-year-olds, but it's likely to resurface as they mature and develop a capacity to reflect on stories, belief, and scientifically-verified facts.
September 9, 2023
Odd and interesting little fairy tale with the theme of the nature of belief and faith. Lovely little illustrations of Sweetheart the “loveliest cat in the whole world” who just happens to enjoy scratching people and breaking things, and sweet, old, Annabelle the dog who is missing her person.
April 7, 2008
I thought I was going to love this book. Halfway through, I was sure I was going to love it. It ended up leaving me with a lot of thoughts, but mixed feelings. The fact that this brief children's book left me thinking quite deeply is a sign of how good the book was, but still. I think I wanted something different out of it in the end.
One of the blurbs on the back of the book describes it as a "new folktale," and that's probably an apt description. The story tells the tale of a boy named Egan as he visits the town of Instep. Instep is situated at the base of Kneeknock Rise--a mountain that is continually shrouded in mist, home to the Megrimum, a fearsome creature that moans frightfully during rainstorms. The town's inhabitants have all kinds of superstitions about how to protect themselves from the Megrimum, and as Kneeknock Rise is the most exciting thing for miles around, there's a certain level of pride mixed in with their fear of the beast on the mountain. Kneeknock Rise acts as somewhat of a tourist attraction each year when Instep puts on a fair and travelers arrive hoping to hear the Megrimum. The reader is introduced to the monster and the legends surrounding it through the eyes of an outsider, as Egan tries to figure out exactly what it is that lurks at the top of Kneeknock Rise.
The book ultimately explores the nature of mystery and belief. Why do we believe? Is it because we need to believe in something, regardless of logic and fact and reason? Or is there something more to it than that?
One of the visitors to Instep describes what draws him to the town and away from his everyday life:
"It's the knowing there's something different, something special up there waiting. It's the knowing you could choose to change your days--climb up there and throw yourself right down the throat of the only and last and greatest terrible secret in the world. Except you don't climb up."
I loved that description--the desire for the mystery and the wonder of something utterly unknown. The fear of it, and yet the desire to keep it close, just in case. Because: you could. Or you might. One day.
One of the blurbs on the back of the book describes it as a "new folktale," and that's probably an apt description. The story tells the tale of a boy named Egan as he visits the town of Instep. Instep is situated at the base of Kneeknock Rise--a mountain that is continually shrouded in mist, home to the Megrimum, a fearsome creature that moans frightfully during rainstorms. The town's inhabitants have all kinds of superstitions about how to protect themselves from the Megrimum, and as Kneeknock Rise is the most exciting thing for miles around, there's a certain level of pride mixed in with their fear of the beast on the mountain. Kneeknock Rise acts as somewhat of a tourist attraction each year when Instep puts on a fair and travelers arrive hoping to hear the Megrimum. The reader is introduced to the monster and the legends surrounding it through the eyes of an outsider, as Egan tries to figure out exactly what it is that lurks at the top of Kneeknock Rise.
The book ultimately explores the nature of mystery and belief. Why do we believe? Is it because we need to believe in something, regardless of logic and fact and reason? Or is there something more to it than that?
One of the visitors to Instep describes what draws him to the town and away from his everyday life:
"It's the knowing there's something different, something special up there waiting. It's the knowing you could choose to change your days--climb up there and throw yourself right down the throat of the only and last and greatest terrible secret in the world. Except you don't climb up."
I loved that description--the desire for the mystery and the wonder of something utterly unknown. The fear of it, and yet the desire to keep it close, just in case. Because: you could. Or you might. One day.
May 24, 2013
DELICIOUS FANTASY OF GROUP TERROR
Young Egan is traveling by chandler's cart to the distant village of Instep, to enjoy their annual fair, where he will
stay with relatives. (The setting is deliberately vague as to country and date.) But the guests and tourists expect much more than a delightful day in the country with special foods, games and craft booths. They want mist, rain and a big storm as a lugubrious prelude to the audible terror who dwells at the top of a mound called Kneeknock Rise. (We assume that the people are so traumatized by the wizard that their knees knock together in fear.)
It's not just the knees of children that knock on stormy nights, either, for the adults themselves place various charms to ward off the malevolent skulker who might come too close to their comfy homes. Obviously no child or adult has ever dared to confront the monster in his lair; both men and dogs have disappeared forever as a result of their temerity in approaching the sacred mound in the Mammoth Mountains.
Taunted by his snobby cousin, Ada, Egan determines to prove himself brave--albeit foolhardy. He boldly marches up the hill during a storm, to call the monster out and settle this business once and for all. Then would the Insteppers be relieved--released from their probably false bondage of fear! And wouldn't his Uncles and Aunt be proud of him? Why, he could actually save the entire village--with any luck! Little did the naive boy realize that not everyone would appreciate his courage, for legends and superstitious values may have their place in society. Besides, what if the monster slays Him, instead of the other way around? An old dog offers poor protection for the big showdown. Is it better to be a wise fool or a foolish wise man? This is a quick, fun read for kids 10-15.
(April 5, 2013. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
Young Egan is traveling by chandler's cart to the distant village of Instep, to enjoy their annual fair, where he will
stay with relatives. (The setting is deliberately vague as to country and date.) But the guests and tourists expect much more than a delightful day in the country with special foods, games and craft booths. They want mist, rain and a big storm as a lugubrious prelude to the audible terror who dwells at the top of a mound called Kneeknock Rise. (We assume that the people are so traumatized by the wizard that their knees knock together in fear.)
It's not just the knees of children that knock on stormy nights, either, for the adults themselves place various charms to ward off the malevolent skulker who might come too close to their comfy homes. Obviously no child or adult has ever dared to confront the monster in his lair; both men and dogs have disappeared forever as a result of their temerity in approaching the sacred mound in the Mammoth Mountains.
Taunted by his snobby cousin, Ada, Egan determines to prove himself brave--albeit foolhardy. He boldly marches up the hill during a storm, to call the monster out and settle this business once and for all. Then would the Insteppers be relieved--released from their probably false bondage of fear! And wouldn't his Uncles and Aunt be proud of him? Why, he could actually save the entire village--with any luck! Little did the naive boy realize that not everyone would appreciate his courage, for legends and superstitious values may have their place in society. Besides, what if the monster slays Him, instead of the other way around? An old dog offers poor protection for the big showdown. Is it better to be a wise fool or a foolish wise man? This is a quick, fun read for kids 10-15.
(April 5, 2013. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
June 4, 2017
1971 Newbery Honor Book
This is a fairly short story about a boy named Egan who travels to a town named Instep to go to the local fair. The town is in the shadow of Kneeknock Rise, part of the mountain where a terrible monster named the Megrimum dwells. The villagers will not travel there and live in fear of its wrath.
Natalie Babbitt is generally noted for her book Tuck Everlasting even though this book is the one which won the Newbery honor. I see a lot of parallels between this book and Tuck, where the story is almost realistic fiction but just skirts the realm of fantasy. There's also some thematic similarities, especially in exploring the unknown.
This is a fairly short story about a boy named Egan who travels to a town named Instep to go to the local fair. The town is in the shadow of Kneeknock Rise, part of the mountain where a terrible monster named the Megrimum dwells. The villagers will not travel there and live in fear of its wrath.
Natalie Babbitt is generally noted for her book Tuck Everlasting even though this book is the one which won the Newbery honor. I see a lot of parallels between this book and Tuck, where the story is almost realistic fiction but just skirts the realm of fantasy. There's also some thematic similarities, especially in exploring the unknown.
July 13, 2011
Short read. Ehh, I wasn't too impressed. A mssage is woven throughout the story that suggests people need something to believe in-even if it isn't true. The believing in something is great but it made me pause when the premise of the book was built on a legend/ghost story that proved to be false. Not to spoil it, but this "lie" helped keep a small village hopes and economy afloat. I don't know , this kind of bothered me. I would have liked it to have stronger characterizations/deeper plot lines and a much clearer (truthful?) message for especially children to understand.
February 2, 2018
Egan travels to a nearby town to stay with his aunt and her family during the local annual fair. This fair isn't the usual thing, though - it's held in honor of and to celebrate the monster who lives on top of Kneeknock Rise.
This is a fabulous story about the difference between fact and truth, about people's willingness to believe even when evidence to the contrary is right before them, and about the strange power of myth. I loved it, of course. Babbitt can weave a special kind of magic into her tales.
This is a fabulous story about the difference between fact and truth, about people's willingness to believe even when evidence to the contrary is right before them, and about the strange power of myth. I loved it, of course. Babbitt can weave a special kind of magic into her tales.
July 24, 2009
Egan goes to visit relatives and attend a local festival, but when he arrives, he learns about a dangerous monster that lives on a nearby rise. Goaded on by his cousin, Egan decides to show his bravery by climbing the rise during a storm. He learns the truth about the monster and tries to share it with the villagers. All refuse to deny the veracity of the monster, clinging to the legend despite the evidence of several eyes. Newbery Honor.
March 20, 2010
I LOVED THIS BOOK. i loved uncle Ott's poems. I think unce Ott was my favorite character because he very wise. He was just so simple. I didn't understand at first, I ended up reading the book twice before really understand the message in this book (there are a few) but the one that really stuck with me is that simple can be rather good. Sometimes things don't have to be exaggerated to make it sound good. Simplicity is a really natural, good thing.
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