Book Description
Award-winning writer Kim EdwardsÂ's The Memory KeeperÂ's Daughter is a brilliantly crafted family drama that explores every motherÂ's silent fear: what would happen if you lost your child and she grew up without you?
On a winter night in 1964, Dr. David Henry is forced by a blizzard to deliver his own twins. His son, born first, is perfectly healthy. Yet when his daughter is born, he sees immediately that she has DownÂ's syndrome. Rationalizing it as a need to protect Norah, his wife, he makes a split second decision that will alter all of their lives forever. He asks his nurse to take the baby away to an institution and never to reveal the secret. But Caroline, the nurse, cannot leave the infant. Instead, she disappears into another city to raise the child herself. So begins this beautifully told story that unfolds over a quarter of a century in which these two families, ignorant of each other, are yet bound by David HenryÂ's fateful decision that long-ago winter night.
A rich and deeply moving page-turner, The Memory KeeperÂ's Daughter captures the way life takes unexpected turns and how the mysterious ties that hold a family together help us survive the heartache that occurs when long-buried secrets burst into the open. It is an astonishing tale of redemptive love.
Customer Reviews:
Some like it, some hate it... I'm one of the likers.......2007-10-16
I finished 'The Memory Keeper's Daughter last night' - I am emotionally drained! Such a good read! Many here have commented they found it repetitive and trite. I found that what some claim to be repetitive-ness was actually necessary, to help you realize how constant this 'loss' and 'gain' of a single life impacted so many other people's lives, whether the characters themselves realize it at the time or not.
Also I enjoyed the fact that the ending wasn't a typical 'all loose ends are tied' sort. A major character dies, new and old relationships are changed. While it's not a "happily ever after" ending, it does end on a note of hope and what the future can hold in store for the characters.
This story isn't simply about what happens when you skip a stone across the glass-like surface of a lake. It's about how each individual skip shatters the surface and alters it, blurrs it again and changes it again as the stone moves away from its original introduction to the water.
The story was so quietly poignant and touching - the changing societal and cultural mores of the times is addressed in an almost shockingly flippant matter-of-fact tone - which I think works to slap the reader even more awake as to how just one decision made in one moment begins a series of impacts in numerous lives, for better AND for worse.
While most readers are probably already aware of several of the societal changes in the novel because the changes came before or during our own coming of age, but it was almost painful to me at times to read about what was considered "acceptable" at that time. I stopped counting how many times I got teary-eyed during the passages involving a parent and their well-intentioned deceits to protect their family. I almost dropped the book when a nurse asked Caroline if she was "sure" that she wanted a doctor to address Phoebe's near-fatal bee-sting!
And David's actions are so wrong and yet so right, due to his own past - I love it when it's not 100% simple to empathize with the main character of a book.
This novel also brought some things I discussed at a recent dinner with my girlfriends into focus as well as making me realize why our parents and the older generations do what they do and why - so much of it goes back to what was acceptable and "proper" back in the "old days" when they were our age or younger - it's very hard to change or go against decades of particular thinking that was reinforced by everyone around you.
It's no wonder that divorce, drug/alcohol/physical abuse, therapy/counseling and birth defects *were* treated as such "scandalous" stigmas - thank God that's mostly past-tense this days!
Could've used a little editing.......2007-10-14
The Memory Keeper's Daughter is based on a reasonable premise: the loss of a child and a husband's lie result in lifelong anger and damage to the marriage. This story could have been a good one if it had been tightened up. A Lot. About two thirds of the way through the book, David takes off to his abandoned childhood home, befriends and supports a pregnant teenager, and gives up his life's passion (photography). This is where the story falls apart and the characters become flat. They start to say inane things in order to move the plot along so the book can come to an end. It seems as if Edwards' editor must have gone on vacation and left the author to throw in every humdrum event she could think of.
contrived.......2007-10-13
The real question is: so many people recommended this book -- did I miss something? The plot is contrived; the characters are made from cardboard; and it reads like a 2nd rate romance novel.
New characters and plot elements are introduced with the finesse of a child forcing puzzle pieces together that don't quite fit; the author used a hammer to knock them in place.
Your time is valuable; skip this book.
Compelling book.......2007-10-11
I really enjoyed this book, though I found it hard to truly "like" all the characters. Still, it's an interesting story and keeps you turning the pages.
Really wanted to love this book but didn't even like it..........2007-10-09
I really wanted to love this book....after all, its a National Bestseller, on multiple critic's "must-read" list, on my Amazon recommendations list every time I check, and I have had more than a few people recommend it to me. Also, after reading the first thirty pages or so, I was riveted - such a unique and interesting plot....I though the rest of the book would be sensational. However, not only was I wrong and beyond disappointed, but I just can't understand the hype surrounding this book!
Once the plot is set-up within the first thirty pages or so, the book utterly failed to deliver and just tanked. The writing is boring, trite and the entire middle of the book is way too repetitive. Each paragraph I read felt like I had read it before...saying the same thing ten different times/ways does not make a book interesting. In fact, I had a hard time forcing myself to keep reading, but kept thinking about the fact that so many people liked this book so figured maybe the ending would somehow redeem it. It didn't. The book went downhill fast and never recovered, not even at the end. I DO NOT recommend this book at all!
Book Description
With Victoria's Secret now targeting 18-24 year-olds with the PINK line, and Abercrombie & Fitch successfully selling clothing through a catalog available only to those 18 and over, the need for a clear voice on modesty has never been greater. In this reformatted edition of Dannah Gresh's bestselling book on modesty, teen and twenty-something young women are given actual pictures and examples of modern clothing-a modesty fashion show, of sorts. Dannah's approach to explaining the critical nature of modest is both cool and relevantThe photos will also show the girls how to take the 'Truth or Bare Fashion Tests.' In essence, this will provide concrete, 'how-to' modest dressing skills.Brand new products to this line are the Secret Keeper Devos and Power Pak!
Customer Reviews:
Great food for talk.......2007-10-02
When I received a review copy of this from the publisher, I showed it to my wife and said, "Look at this--it's a book about modesty". Our daughter, then just 14 years old, grabbed it out of my hand, said "I want to read it", sat down on the floor of our kitchen, read it straight through, emailed two or three of her best friends, and let each of them read it. This sparked a year-long on-and-off conversation about relationships, attractiveness, modesty, desire, and how guys and girls think. Now that these girls are in college, we continue to have good conversations about these vital issues of life. I highly recommend this to any parents of young girls (11-14 years old), and recommend that you read it, too.
Must Have and Then Share for Teen Girls.......2007-08-05
Though many Christian dating/love related books mention modesty, none really clarify it and what it's about. This book is the much needed voice to change all that.
I think the biggest problem with modesty in a lot of Christian girls is simply unawareness of the problem. This book does an excellent job of teaching girls to protect their beauty, help their brothers in Christ not to sin, and overall giving insight into purity and saving yourself for your spouse.
Dannah is very understanding of - but it's fashion! and comes up with lots of hip and fun alternatives, but yet she's encouraging of simple jeans and tees too.
I read in another review the comment of 'the picture on the back of the book is not modest by God's standards'. Though I will not say that is untrue, none of the photos in this book are eye-catchingly unmodest and I would guess this is more of a guy needing to watch issue than the girl in the picture being so immodest.
Eye-opening, and excellent and easy to read book! You will return many times.
AWESOME!.......2007-07-03
This book is so awesome! I would give it 10 stars if I could! It has taught me lots of things about modesty. Now I have a whole new perspective on how I dress, and what it does in guys minds. This book has changed my life, and the way I dress.
good little book.......2007-05-13
small book, important message! you can read this book in like an hour, its only 90 pages long. This book is clear on how exactly to be modest and demand other's respect by respecting yourself. It talks about how modesty is not just what you wear, but how you act. You should definately buy this book.
right on.......2006-12-20
She is direct, reasonable, mature, and friendly. It is a smart girl's guide to thinking through the decisions many girls allow the crowd to make for them.
Book Description
Before they hit the beach and flock to pool parties, teach your daughters about modesty, purity, and sexuality. The proven message of purity in Secret Keeper is now available for younger girls.The world seeks to empower women, but one of the greatest powers you can teach your daughter is the power of modesty. For girls 8-12 (and their mothers or small group leaders), Dannah Gresh brings the message of purity in a biblical, engaging and bonding way - CDs, diaries with stickers, and talking points! Pop the CD into the car system to hear greetings from Dannah Gresh and contemporary artist Rebecca St. James, and take off on a new adventure together. Moms will learn the key risk factors for girls, while Dannah's fun approach will appeal to young girls looking for a positive adult role model. Each chapter in the mom's book suggests a creative date where you treat yourselves to things like a facial, manicure, new outfit, tea party ... both mom and daughter will learn valuable lessons corresponding to each date.
Customer Reviews:
WOW!.......2006-10-07
What a neat book and kit to use with your daughter! One thing the description doesn't say very well is the kit includes a mom guide, a secret keeper girl diary and cd and stickers. When you select it above it also suggests you should buy the diary. (I ended up with an extra diary to return...bummer)
Cool book. - The cd is a neat addition to the date night.
Also Great As A Girls' Small Group.......2005-04-22
My daughter (10) and I invited three of her friends and their moms to join us as we journey through this book and its companion, Secret Keeper: The Delicate Power of Modesty. As a small group, we are having so much fun and learning so much about each other. We meet one week and discuss the concepts from the books and plan our date and then we have our date on another night. We are planning this as a year-long journey, so there is no rush.
If you are interested in using this in a small group environment, I would recommend limiting the numbers to 3 or 4 additional girls and their respective moms. Our girls all know each other, but coincidentally they do not attend the same school, church or social events. Therefore, they have expressed how "safe" they feel sharing their feelings and concerns and knowing that it's not going to get spread around. The moms have to feel safe too, as you never know what your daughter might share out of the blue. The more you can work together with the other mothers, the better the conversation can flow. Keep asking questions and truly listen. In a safe, honest environment, you'll be amazed what you will learn and how open your daughters are to the message of modesty and learning who they really are - not who the world says they ought to be. Enjoy the journey with your daughter.
Diary and Book of Beauty.......2004-07-21
Dannah Gresh has created a set of books that are completed with a CD by Rebecca St. James. This is a book set for 8-12 year old girls who are interested in inner and outer beauty. There are eight fun ideas for things like tea, parties, facials and shopping trips. The Diary has lined pages and "devotional-style" paragraphs for contemplation.
The Secret Keeper Girl book seems to be a "planning book" for moms and also includes information on fashion, like information on false advertising and the example of Kate Winslet's picture on GQ.
I remember my mother sending me to a class that talked about the subjects in this book, but I can tell you, this book is way more fun! You give your daughter the Diary book and she can listen to the CD.
Also included:
Recipes for facials
Affirmations of Beauty
Fashion Tips
~TheRebeccaReview.com
Customer Reviews:
Lovely storytelling.......2007-05-04
These are stories from the various First Nations. They are well told. Get this for your kids. In an age of instant media, the storyteller's art is one that is timeless, connecting us to our oral past. Make sure that it connects to our future, too.
how thunder and earthquake made ocean.......2003-10-03
I thinck this book was a litte shourt and I most whated to read it and it was very good but there needs to be more but it was good about the the village and tunder and earthquake so was ok right on the good marck so that's why I ratind it with 3 stars.
How Thunder And Earthquake Made Ocean.......2003-09-30
The reason I gave it 4 stars is that I liked the drawing
and illustration on the pictures.Also I thought it was
really creative how they traveled all around the world
to make an ocean.I really was into the book when I
was reading it.I learned from that book that you should
always try to help someone that really needs help.I also thought that it was pretty cool how Earthquake and
Thunder made ocean.If you have any qestions about
the book well don't ask me go ahead and read it your
self.
Environmentally Aware!.......2002-06-20
This book is a fascinating way to help children connect with the natural world while teaching important environmental concepts. It comes with a guide to use the book effectively, and is divided into sections of special topics. Each section contains a Native American story, discussion ideas, interesting questions, and related indoor and outdoor activities. These activities can be accomplished without expensive materials, often in or near the home or school. Oh, by the way, adults will learn from this book also!
Great for Homeschoolers.......2002-01-12
I am a homeschooling mom and I bought this book to use with my kindergartener. This is an amazing book that combines social studies and science wonderfully. It contains alot about american indian beliefs and practices, distinguishing between the many tribal groups and traditions instead of lumping them all into one large culture. It uses indian legends as a jumping off point to study the environment, how it affects us and how we affect it.
Average customer rating:
- Beautiful
- Have a Heart
- are you KIDDING me?!!
- Great book for any age read aloud!
- Thought provoking
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Faithful Elephants: A True Story of Animals, People, and War
Yukio Tsuchiya
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
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ASIN: 0395861373 |
Book Description
A zookeeper recounts the story of John, Tonky, and Wanly, three performing elephants at the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, whose turn it is to die, and of their keepers, who weep and pray that World War II will end so their beloved elephants might be saved.
Customer Reviews:
Beautiful.......2007-03-11
I just attended a Peace Prize Forum in Sioux Falls, SD, and this book was part of a curriculum for teaching children about peace and war. I think it is one of the most powerful books I have ever read.
This is a tender book about how war affects life, in a way accessible for children, and equally vivid and profound for adults.
The illustrations are also beautiful.
Have a Heart.......2007-02-08
This is a response to Tamara Lakeman's review:
It's a shame that there are people who feel that it is necessary to censor literature which brings awareness to all aspects of war, including death, compassion, and despair. Yes the elephants died as a result of being starved to death. However, the trainers were put in a position of having to carry out an order that forever scared them thus leading them to cry out in despair of what the war had done to them, and their beloved animals.
Would the reviewer feel the same if the story was about three American soldiers who were forced to let their Japanese friends starve to death in a cell because of being on opposing sides?
Oh, let's just sweep everything about death and dying under the rug. Let's cover our children's ears so that they may be ignorant and pretend that nothing bad ever happens including the millions of animals that are euthanized yearly because of irresponsible humans!
The story calls for awareness. It's making people aware of the terrible things that happen in our world. Every once in a while we all need a little wake up call. Maybe we can help in preventing these things from happening again in the future instead of retaining an egocentric, self centered, it's all about me lifestyle.
This reviewer forgets to mention that every August 15th, "Faithful Elephants" is read over the radio in Japan in hopes of bringing awareness of the effects of war. Does the reviewer know that zoos in Iraq were abandoned during this war? Many of those animals starved to death as well. Remember... History repeats itself.
I agree that reading the book as a bedtime story would be obviously inappropriate (as with any war story), however I do feel it will bring out the compassionate side of anyone who has a heart not just reserved for his or her own corner of the world.
The only reason why I will not read this book to my students in the classroom is that I would end up crying: I will however read it to my own children. Maybe one day I will go to Ueno Zoo in Tokyo Japan and a paper crane on the three elephants' memorial.
are you KIDDING me?!!.......2006-12-04
I found this book under the 'War and Peace' section of my local bookstore. I read it just out of curiosity... and WOW... Talk about a book that probably should NEVER EVER find it's way into a child's hands. I realize that it's intention is to talk about the cruelty and savagry of war, but I still think the subject matter is highly, HIGHLY uncalled for.
Basically, here's the story. During WW2 the officials of a Tokyo zoo decide that they need to kill all the zoo animals for fear the if they do not, the zoo will eventually be bombed and the animals will run wild. Clearly the only solution is to kill them (*scoff*). Anyway, so they officials go about poisoning all the animals, however every method they try does not work with the elephants. And so, naturally, they decide that the only way to kill these elephants is to starve them to death (forget a quick bullet to the head, no, only starving them will work.. AGH!)... So the book spends a good 5-6 pages following these poor elephants over a 2 week period as they slowly starve to death.
In the end, all the elephants lay dead in the cages, with limp trunks hanging between the bars. Nice. Fantastic bedtime story for children of all ages...
.... NOT!
Absolutely horrific!! Why not just take your children to the SPCA and make them watch animals be euthanized? There are things that children just do not need to have thrown in their faces, and this is one of them. Wait until they are in their teens are are able to really grasp the concept of war and death. This book is EXTREMELY emotionally disturbing and I can see it causing a great deal of harm to a senstive child.
Steer clear!
Great book for any age read aloud!.......2006-08-28
My students love hearing this book. It is different to see a picture that is a happy/sappy tale. They really get into this book asking a ton of questions throughout the story. It is a great book to use in the classroom as it ties in with many subjects!
Thought provoking.......2006-08-28
I teach Grade 5 children and the unit of work we were studying was "World Peace". We had read "Sadako" and talked a lot about WWII - then this book was recommended to me. My students sat enthralled as I read it.(I had forewarned them that it was very sad) It produced lots of great discussion and helped re-inforce the impact that war has on people and societies. An excellent book for older students.
Customer Reviews:
I know Wayne.......2007-10-14
I have not read this book but I just have a comment. The main character, Wayne, is a real person! He currently works at Splash Mountian in Walt Disney World and has signed some of these books in the past. He is always happy to give autographs, if you can find him at a time when he is not busy.
P.S. His nickname around Frontierland is "Pops".
Great book.......2007-08-04
I didn't think I would like thisbook but it turns out to be a great book.
Extended Commercial.......2007-06-22
"The Kingdom Keepers" has an interesting premise, and I give it three stars for being a mildly entertaining read. Unlike other reviewers, I found the focus on the geographical and architectural details of the parks interesting. The book's biggest shortcoming is its narrative choppiness, and it all too often comes across as little more than an extended commercial for Walt Disney World.
Very poorly written.......2007-06-20
This novel has some great, original ideas, but is very poorly written. The story jumps from action to action in a very wooden manner, without fully describing the characters or their emotions. The main character, Finn, is developed somewhat, but the other characters are almost interchangable without solid personalities of their own. The surprise twists do not come as a surprise. There are big holes in the plot. At one point, Finn trusts a character who he knows helped kidnap his friend. In another scene, he holds a powerful weapon in his hand, but doesn't use it against the enemy. The novel is riddled with poorly written sentences. It feels very quickly written, without enough editing. Which is a shame, because the ideas in it are very clever and original. It's too bad it wasn't more thoughtfully written to fully engage the reader's senses and emotions. It has all the heart and depth of a video game. Lots of flashy ideas, but no substance.
Every mouse-lovers dream!.......2007-06-14
I'm not going to go into a long-winded description of the book; there are plenty here. All I've got to say is that this book puts into print what all the Disney Theme Park fans have fantasized about since they were 4 feet tall and still loved to ride Dumbo. The park coming to life with you as the only occupant!
Although the writing is geared towards a more juvenile audience, it is a fun read for any age who still believes in the magic of the Magic Kingdom. It would be really cool to see a line of sequels about other attractions. Let's hope.....
Customer Reviews:
Great book demonstrating heroines.......2007-05-25
Found this book recommended in
Great Books for Girls: More Than 600 Books to Inspire Today's Girls and Tomorrow's Women
This story is about a real girl who rises to meet a challenge that would frighten any adult. My kindergartner now holds this book near/dear as she sees it as a model of courage/bravery to aspire to. Even more exciting is that this story is based upon a real event in a real girl's life.
Great Learning Tool.......2007-03-25
This book gives you an idea of what it was like to operate a lighthouse in the mid 1800's. Sure doesn't sound fun. In that sense the book is very educational, and it give hero status to a deserving individual that most people have never heard of. The only real flaw it has is in the format of its printing. I can't tell where one paragraph starts and another ends, so if I were trying to narrate this thing I would have a hard time knowing where to stop and start as far as the vocal intonation goes. I also think the introduction gives away the whole story on the first page, so it should really be put at the end of the book.
A Great Example of Children's Historical Fiction.......2002-07-22
Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie is a well-written piece of historical fiction based on Abbie Burgess' own accounts and other historical sources. This information is provided in the note by the authors at the beginning of the book. All incidences appear to be very representative of the life of the time depicted. Abbie's character is developed well. The reader is able to see that Abbie is a strong young girl who does not want to let her family, especially her father, down. She faces the conflict of person vs. self and also person vs. nature is evident in the book. The theme evident in the book is bravery and strength. Abbie had to be brave to keep the lights lit. She needed the strength to overcome her fears and to live up to her father's expectations. The illustrations were beautiful watercolors that set the mood of the story.
Great Example of Children's Historical Fiction.......2002-07-22
Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie is a well-written piece of historical fiction based on Abbie Burgess' own accounts and other historical sources. This information is provided in the note by the authors at the beginning of the book. All incidences appear to be very representative of the life of the time depicted. Abbie's character is developed well. The reader is able to see that Abbie is a strong young girl who does not want to let her family, especially her father, down. She faces the conflict of person vs. self and also person vs. nature is evident in the book. The theme evident in the book is bravery and strength. Abbie had to be brave to keep the lights lit. She needed the strength to overcome her fears and to live up to her father's expectations. The illustrations were beautiful watercolors that set the mood of the story.
A great book to remember Abbie Burgess.......1999-08-15
I remember watching this book on Reading Rainbow when I was little and I had to have it. I got the Audio casatte and Loved it I recommmed this book to anyone! Highy!!
Customer Reviews:
Incredibly insightful!.......2007-10-08
I discovered the "Keepers" series two years ago. At first I was unsure of the format, and it took me a while to appreciate all the activities, but now they are the foundation in my homeschool curriculum. The stories and activities are suitable for a wide range of ages so that they may be used for years with the same child. There is so much depth and insight to all of the Keepers books that it is a compliment to any style of homeschool. For naturalists, home schoolers, un-schoolers, classical educators or public schools - these books are absolutely a must for every child living in North America! I can't say enough about these books.
Keepers Series.......2000-10-24
Joseph Bruchac is a natural stort teller. This whole series is wonderful. I have used these books with children from the ages of four through fourteen. But of all of them the cassette of The Keepers of the Animals is my favorite and the only one that I cannot keep because I am continually giving it away. It is not only the quality of Bruchac's voice but also the cadence that he brings to the telling that adds a resonance, a native rhthym to the stories, that enhances understanding. This is the way that these stories should be told and should be heard. Native American culture has a rich oral tradition and the sounds, the rhthyms of the language are an important part of the telling of a story. We may not have the sounds of the language per se except in the names but we can hear a little of the native cadence in Bruchac's delivery. These are wonderful tapes for small children and again this is my very favorite.
Bringing Native Stories to Life.......2000-07-20
I've been lucky enough to see Michael Caduto perform theseNative stories in person. He brings Native beliefs to life inunexpected and delightful ways. The stories he and Josheph Bruchac have put together here do the same thing. They give young readers a chance to explore Native cultures while they learn and enjoy the stories! In addition to Native tales, this book provides factual information and activities on nature and animals. It's an outstanding resource for teachers, parents, and kids of all ages.
Average customer rating:
- A Touching, Beautiful Fantasy
- A Tale of Two Children
- A real treat for all ages
- secret's safe
- well...mmmhhh....its not that bad...
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The Safe-Keeper's Secret (Firebird)
Sharon Shinn
Manufacturer: Puffin
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ASIN: 0142403571 |
Book Description
Damiana is Safe-Keeper in the small village of Tambleham. Neighbors and strangers alike come one by one, in secret, to tell her things, knowing that Damiana will keep them to herself. One night, a mysterious visitor arrives with an unusual secret— a newborn baby. Damiana names him Reed and raises him side by side with her baby daughter, Fiona. As the years pass and the two children come of age, they must come to terms with who they are—and who they may be. The Safe-Keeper's Secret is the first of a satisfying, beguiling trilogy.
Customer Reviews:
A Touching, Beautiful Fantasy.......2006-12-31
This is a beautiful book about a young woman, Fiona, and her love for her friends and family. A quick, delightful read taking place in an imaginative fantasy world. This is the only one of the series I have read, having finished it today (also having started it today - it's a very quick read) but I fully intend to read the others. I love how Fiona's feelings are portrayed, how she longs to help others while still struggling to keep the secrets entrusted to her.
A Tale of Two Children.......2006-10-27
The Safe-Keeper's Secret (2004) is a standalone fantasy novel. One night, the King's own Safe-Keeper came riding through Tambleham, stopping at the Safe-Keeper's house on the other side. There he left a baby and a secret.
Safe-Keepers exist only to keep secrets, some for just a short while and others for all eternity. Conversely, Truth-Tellers exist only to relate the literal truth. Dream-Makers exist to fulfill wishes through their magic, but cannot control the gift.
In this novel, Elminstra the herb witch comes to the Safe-Keeper's house early the next morning with food and milk. She knocks on the door, calling out to the two sisters, then pushes it open after no one responds. Angeline comes to answer the knocking with a child in each arm, telling Elminstra that the girl is her sister's newborn and the boy has been left in their care.
Angeline is the Safe-Keeper for Lowford. She has come to help deliver the child of her sister Damiana, the Safe-Keeper for Tambleham. Damiana will raise the two children as if they are both her own, although the whole village knows that only one is hers. In fact, everybody else thinks that Reed is the illegitimate son of the King.
Reed and Fiona grow up as if they were twins. They even look alike. But Reed is full of energy, while Fiona is much more sedate. She remains calm even when Reed brings in a snake to show her and even looks for a box to keep it in for a pet. Yet Fiona always goes out to see any new thing that Reed finds in his roaming.
Reed isn't sure what he wants to be, but he is willing to try anything once. Fiona has always known that she will be a Safe-Keeper like her mother and grandmother. Thomas the Truth-Teller tries to tell Fiona that she will not follow in her mother's footsteps and she hates him for it. Like most people, she seems to hate disagreeable truths.
Fiona and Reed love the annual gathering in Damiana's house. Angeline and Thomas always come, as does Isodora the Dream-Maker. They make wreathes to burn on a great bonfire in the front yard and cook feasts to devour until they are all sated.
In this story, Fiona and Reed live together with Damiana as their mother until death takes Damiana away. Then Elminstra insists on her granddaughter Allison moving in with Fiona, even though Reed is away learning new trades much of the time. Every time he returns, Fiona feels like a missing part of her life is now
filled.
This story is without adventure, has very little suspense and almost no conflict. Deaths occur, but only Damiana's passing is dwelled upon and, even then, only for its affect on Fiona. This story is mostly about the growth and development of two children and their relationships with older friends. Nevertheless, it is a deeply satisfying story with a very moving conclusion.
This story is very much a fantasy without any chance of being mistaken for reality. Yet one can only wish that it were true. Some things should be real, even if only for a little while.
Highly recommended for Shinn fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of loving relationships and surprise endings.
-Arthur W. Jordin
A real treat for all ages.......2006-08-29
I am a long-time fan of Sharon Shinn - since The Shape Changer's Wife, and somehow missed this and the other two books in the set - perhaps because they were marketed for the YA set. Although the story lacks the physical drama of Sharon Shinn's "adult" works, this tale is not childish at all. The characters are richly drawn and the storyline rings true, and if the ending seems a bit too much like a fairy-tale, it is also deeply satisfying.
secret's safe.......2006-07-08
Another of Shinn's fantastical fantasies, this is a tale of people who live with Safe-Keepers and Truth-Tellers in a rural England-like setting. The Safe-Keepers are keepers of secrets. When someone needs to lighten their burden, they can find a safe-keeper and tell them all, without fear of anyone else finding out - at least, not from the Safe-Keeper. Damiana is a Safe-Keeper, and upon the birth of her child, she is entrusted with the life of another child, a child whose life is in danger. She raises the children together, until her death from illness when the children are 15. Fiona has decided that her calling is as a safe-keeper, and Reed tries a little bit of everything. But with or without a Truth-teller, the truth comes out, eventually. As do secrets. This is a great story, more on the young adult side, but I really enjoyed it. I followed it with The Truth Tellers Tale.
well...mmmhhh....its not that bad..........2006-04-21
but not that good either.
I like these kind of stories, qualm and equipped with self-assurness
buuuut, I found it a little boring too.
Also they way some characters were described, the setting in this world..made me kind of uneasy. The persons and the places seemed a little bit out of time and space. And in this case I don't mean this to be positive.
Just felt not real enough, and yes I know, this book is supposed to be fantasy ...
Also I did not like the writing style (by the way, sorry for mine ;-) so much. I read other books of her, and they seemed to be mor e mature...or more defined
Resumee:
I liked the book, I liked the idea, but some plots were to constructed and some not defined enough,
some of the caracters were not deep enough, and
the end of the book came to soon, like Sharon Shinn ran out of ideas at the end, and just wanted to FINISH the book..
Decide for yourself
Average customer rating:
- A must read
- Words Come Alive
- Essential Langston Hughes for Children
|
The Dream Keeper and Other Poems
Langston Hughes
Manufacturer: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Hughes, Langston
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The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes
ASIN: 0679883479
Release Date: 1996-12-03 |
Book Description
Illus. in black-and-white. This classic collection of poetry is available in a handsome new gift edition that includes seven additional poems written after The Dream Keeper was first published. In a larger format, featuring Brian Pinkney's scratchboard art on every spread, Hughes's inspirational message to young people is as relevant today as it was in 1932.
Customer Reviews:
A must read.......2005-03-26
The Dream Keepers and other poems is a book that you must read. Langston Hughes puts you through so many different moods during this book. The poems reach out to you. I especially like the I,TOO poem. This poems speaks about progress, determination, and being focused. There is a poem for everyone to connect with. The illusrations by Brian Pinkney are black and white with a lot of curvy lines. There was a great of time put in each. The pictures assist in putting you in the mood of the poem. The only thing left to say is read the book!
Words Come Alive.......2004-04-09
Hughes' words come to life in this book of poetry. This collection, originally issued in 1932, is as powerful as it was seventy years ago. As an added bonus, there are seven new poems for the reader to enjoy. The struggle and celebration of the African-American experience is apparent here. Brian Pinkney's black-and-white scratchboard illustrations add life and expression to the poems. Hughes' classic collection is appealing and inspirational. This astonishingly wonderful set of poems is definitely a collection that would spark the interest of children learning about poetry. Hughes' gift of lively words live on!
Essential Langston Hughes for Children.......2000-04-03
The Dream Keeper and Other Poems is essential for anybody trying to share the beauty of Langston Hughes with children. The poems in this collection rank among Hughes' finest. Pinkney's illustrations compliment the imagery of the poetry wonderfully. Children and adults will become true Langston Hughes fans after reading this introductory book.
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