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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
This book, just as is Justin the rat, is extraordinarily handsome (and cute). Finding this book in my workplace's library, I had never read the book as a child and had never thought much about the book despite hearing its name growing up.
As an adult listening to this book in 2023, the novel is an artifact of its time -- 3 moments were unnecessarily heternormative for the sake of cuteness and humor that did nothing for the plot or character development. Some of the book's usage of language is dated, Mrs. Frisby -- our main and titular character -- is at times spoken for by male characters, and I disagree with some of its message on how one becomes "civilized." However, this children's book stars an adult woman who personifies everyday actions of courage and love. The novel is wholesome, adorable, and will have you smiling and gasping because of the connection you have built for the characters. I would read this book (albeit skipping a couple lines) to my own children.
I listened to this book on audio via Berkeley Public Library's unabridged Recorded Books, Inc version narrted by Barbara Caruso.
Rating: 3.5 / 5
As an adult listening to this book in 2023, the novel is an artifact of its time -- 3 moments were unnecessarily heternormative for the sake of cuteness and humor that did nothing for the plot or character development. Some of the book's usage of language is dated, Mrs. Frisby -- our main and titular character -- is at times spoken for by male characters, and I disagree with some of its message on how one becomes "civilized." However, this children's book stars an adult woman who personifies everyday actions of courage and love. The novel is wholesome, adorable, and will have you smiling and gasping because of the connection you have built for the characters. I would read this book (albeit skipping a couple lines) to my own children.
I listened to this book on audio via Berkeley Public Library's unabridged Recorded Books, Inc version narrted by Barbara Caruso.
Rating: 3.5 / 5
I forgot how much I love this book. I was a little nervous re-reading it because I hadn't read it since I was a kid and I was worried that it wouldn't hold up well, but I needn't have worried. The book is just as wonderful now as it was then.
One of the things I find very interesting now is the way that humans are portrayed. Not bad or good, but just very human. Going about their lives not really appreciating how they affect everything around them. But also not entirely clueless.
This book will always hold a special place in my heart.
One of the things I find very interesting now is the way that humans are portrayed. Not bad or good, but just very human. Going about their lives not really appreciating how they affect everything around them. But also not entirely clueless.
This book will always hold a special place in my heart.
It took me and my son a long time to read this together. When we first started he was hesitant and there were many words he didn't know. We took turns reading each page. At the end, he could read smoothly and easily and there were only a few words he didn't know. I'm so proud of him! I will always love this book now that I have read it with him. I also bought it in 2002, at the old book store I worked at in college, B. Dalton. They are all closed now. It was neat to find the receipt tucked in the pages, and remember how much fun I had buying books there and pretty much spending all my paycheck on books instead of food.
Likes: This book is great for a middle reader because it's engaging in the plot and not too difficult but there are some challenging words so that readers have things to learn. I like that the main character is a little momma mouse; although she is little and not as smart as the rats of NIHM, she helps save her family and the day. She's awesome :)
Dislikes: None I can think of!
Likes: This book is great for a middle reader because it's engaging in the plot and not too difficult but there are some challenging words so that readers have things to learn. I like that the main character is a little momma mouse; although she is little and not as smart as the rats of NIHM, she helps save her family and the day. She's awesome :)
Dislikes: None I can think of!
Having only watched the movie, I was excited to read the original story. This was a fabulous adventure, and threads continuously connected with the world that O'Brien built. Don't hesitate to pick this up - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Needed a reread like wow. Picked up a copy for myself as a present this month. I loved this book when I read it as a young kid, and I kept it for a long time (it looked like this) because I knew "I've gotta reread this someday!" But I guess it had to wait until 2010. Sorry, self.
It's still pretty great. I remembered a lot about it. Though how could you forget a book with a character with a name as amazing as Nicodemus. A name so good it creates brain cells just for remembering it.
This story is a really interesting genre blend. There's the animal protagonist children's fantasy, plus the science fiction background story that, really, is extremely realistic. Does it even count as sci-fi? I guess it must, because it isn't real? But it's not for show. No crazy gadgets, nothing that doesn't exist, except the catalyst for the story. And the Frisby family may be a bit more fictionally "nuclear" than real mice are, but they actually live like real mice and enjoy real mouse things. In the text and the original art, they're not even wearing anthropomorphic clothes. (C'mon, cover.) It's pretty good.
And maybe mice do talk. WHO KNOWS.
The structure is really weird, I noticed, but it's great that it works. It is funny though: In the beginning, there's a problem. Mrs. Frisby has to figure out a plan and be brave. When she gets to the rats, to help her with the plan, suddenly there are 9 chapters of back-story. And then back to finishing the regular story.
And it's great! The back-story was my favorite! And the solution to the story is exciting! It totally works, and not just for the less critical eye of a young reader. It's just also really weird. I had to look to see if Robert O'Brien wrote any prequel-sequels or anything, because he clearly was ready for it. (He didn't; his daughter did. Might read 'em.)
I really enjoyed it, and I'll enjoy it again too. It lacked a tad of a wow factor, now. And it's a little paternalistic in its ideals. (Does Mrs. Frisby get a first name? I don't think so?) But I'd definitely give it to a great kid. The enthusiasm would be five stars, no question.
It's still pretty great. I remembered a lot about it. Though how could you forget a book with a character with a name as amazing as Nicodemus. A name so good it creates brain cells just for remembering it.
This story is a really interesting genre blend. There's the animal protagonist children's fantasy, plus the science fiction background story that, really, is extremely realistic. Does it even count as sci-fi? I guess it must, because it isn't real? But it's not for show. No crazy gadgets, nothing that doesn't exist, except the catalyst for the story. And the Frisby family may be a bit more fictionally "nuclear" than real mice are, but they actually live like real mice and enjoy real mouse things. In the text and the original art, they're not even wearing anthropomorphic clothes. (C'mon, cover.) It's pretty good.
And maybe mice do talk. WHO KNOWS.
The structure is really weird, I noticed, but it's great that it works. It is funny though: In the beginning, there's a problem. Mrs. Frisby has to figure out a plan and be brave. When she gets to the rats, to help her with the plan, suddenly there are 9 chapters of back-story. And then back to finishing the regular story.
And it's great! The back-story was my favorite! And the solution to the story is exciting! It totally works, and not just for the less critical eye of a young reader. It's just also really weird. I had to look to see if Robert O'Brien wrote any prequel-sequels or anything, because he clearly was ready for it. (He didn't; his daughter did. Might read 'em.)
I really enjoyed it, and I'll enjoy it again too. It lacked a tad of a wow factor, now. And it's a little paternalistic in its ideals. (Does Mrs. Frisby get a first name? I don't think so?) But I'd definitely give it to a great kid. The enthusiasm would be five stars, no question.
I found this book too long for what it was and sadly, not that engaging. Big respect for Mrs Frisby though.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes