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nila's Reviews (526)
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We follow 7-year-old Olivia, who has just moved to a new house. In it, she discovers, lives a cookie-stealing lonely monster named Burrufu. Soon they discover each other and embark on a rather strange and bumpy journey and a tale about finding friendship in the most unexpected places.
First of all, I want to say that Sorrentino's illustrations are amazing, and accompany Corral's writing perfectly. Together they have created this book, which might be the equivalence of King Kong for children. About how the beast also is the beauty and that fear of the unknown is the most dangerous fear of them all wrapped up in a great bedtime story with families, cookies and drawings and everything else that will make children love this book.
The only thing I have to say against it, is just how the narrator's "voice" is treated. I understand it's a children's book and this might be because I'm 19 years old, but I think there are tad bit too many "explanations" or "rationalizations", instead of leaving room for the children to imagine it. It's very straight-forward, which works the later you get into the book, but in the beginning, it's a bit restricting as it puts some small barriers around the story and the characters.
Corral gives the readers some food for their thoughts: "Who is the monster and who is the man?" which adds a more adult touch to the story and generalizes, so anyone can enjoy it and I certainly did.
First of all, I want to say that Sorrentino's illustrations are amazing, and accompany Corral's writing perfectly. Together they have created this book, which might be the equivalence of King Kong for children. About how the beast also is the beauty and that fear of the unknown is the most dangerous fear of them all wrapped up in a great bedtime story with families, cookies and drawings and everything else that will make children love this book.
The only thing I have to say against it, is just how the narrator's "voice" is treated. I understand it's a children's book and this might be because I'm 19 years old, but I think there are tad bit too many "explanations" or "rationalizations", instead of leaving room for the children to imagine it. It's very straight-forward, which works the later you get into the book, but in the beginning, it's a bit restricting as it puts some small barriers around the story and the characters.
Corral gives the readers some food for their thoughts: "Who is the monster and who is the man?" which adds a more adult touch to the story and generalizes, so anyone can enjoy it and I certainly did.
The plot of "Timeline" gets catapulted in the air as a vacationing couple makes the discovery of a lost man in the Arizona desert. Clearly disoriented, he is excluded from any habited area, without any memory of his whereabouts or identity, with the exception of a pocketed plan of a medieval monastry.
Simultaneously, a group of young historian and archaeologists are studying the remains of medieval towns whenthey make a peculiar discovery that changes their view on history indefinitely. Soon, this group find themselves back in the Middle Ages in the midst of the 'Hundred Years' war.
Any experienced reader is aware of the dangers of messing with time. "It can change the world as we know it"... In Crichton's novel, they break the rules again. This is my first Crichton novel, and I was pleasantly surprised. I realize, the amount of sci-fi in it, the in-depth scientific explanations, come in too big portions for my taste, but it does add more depth and reliability to the setting and the development of the plot.
What good book ever came out of following the rules, anyway?
We follow the story from various characters, as the point of views differs. I liked the exchanges and the diversity, but in some of the more action-packed parts, it could also feel chaotic (and not in the good way).
Crichton's approach to his characters is very realistic; just like people in real life, you'll like some and heavily despise others. Though they are not the most dimensional creations of fiction, I dare say they contribute heavily to the themes in the book as well as the plot.
For anyone who has considered reading this novel, then seen the words "The Middle Age" and shyed away: Come back.
That was the most surprising bit of novel. I loved it. It was engaging and organic and fun approach to the old times with only the necessary details.
It was a good read, but I'm sorry to say, it wasn't an enjoyable one, hence the three stars. I'm quite a fan of emotional rides, the ones that "make men out of boys", and I didn't feel any of that. The characters and the reader go on a journey together. If the characters remain untouched by the story, then so will the reader
Simultaneously, a group of young historian and archaeologists are studying the remains of medieval towns whenthey make a peculiar discovery that changes their view on history indefinitely. Soon, this group find themselves back in the Middle Ages in the midst of the 'Hundred Years' war.
Any experienced reader is aware of the dangers of messing with time. "It can change the world as we know it"... In Crichton's novel, they break the rules again. This is my first Crichton novel, and I was pleasantly surprised. I realize, the amount of sci-fi in it, the in-depth scientific explanations, come in too big portions for my taste, but it does add more depth and reliability to the setting and the development of the plot.
What good book ever came out of following the rules, anyway?
We follow the story from various characters, as the point of views differs. I liked the exchanges and the diversity, but in some of the more action-packed parts, it could also feel chaotic (and not in the good way).
Crichton's approach to his characters is very realistic; just like people in real life, you'll like some and heavily despise others. Though they are not the most dimensional creations of fiction, I dare say they contribute heavily to the themes in the book as well as the plot.
For anyone who has considered reading this novel, then seen the words "The Middle Age" and shyed away: Come back.
That was the most surprising bit of novel. I loved it. It was engaging and organic and fun approach to the old times with only the necessary details.
It was a good read, but I'm sorry to say, it wasn't an enjoyable one, hence the three stars. I'm quite a fan of emotional rides, the ones that "make men out of boys", and I didn't feel any of that. The characters and the reader go on a journey together. If the characters remain untouched by the story, then so will the reader
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Kidnapping, Death of parent
adventurous
dark
funny
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes