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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
This is the Newberry Award winning book for 1973, and this was there main reason I wanted to read it. Normally it's a mixed bag with books that win this award for me, but this time I can say this book deserved the award. This is a really good book.
This is an interesting introduction to science-fiction for young readers. I mean rats and a few mice with special intellectual properties that want to build their own successful community... What's not to be interested in? The story has aged really well because there isn't anything to date it, like mentioning popular fashion choices of the time, so really anyone can read it.
I only have 3 small complaints. The first complaint is that the pacing of the story can be a bit slow. Still that could be due to the fact books were written at a slower pace in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. The second complaint is that I'm not super happy that we don't know what happened to Justin the Rat either. I like the idea of him and Mrs. Frisby getting to know each other better. Lastly, what happened to Jenner!? Were 6 or 7 rats killed? Is he alive or dead? There are so many unanswered questions that we'll never know because Mr. O'Brien died before he could write a sequel. His daughter did continue the series but as her own writings, which I'm not counting as a true continuation since Mr. O'Brien didn't have any say for those books.
Back to this book... In my opinion, it might be better to read this book by oneself instead of in a group. As this book is a pretty easy read to breeze through. Personally I listened to the audiobook with my fiance for our reading dates. The narrator was quite nice to listen to and seemed to match the story well. However you choose to read this story you'll be happy.
This is an interesting introduction to science-fiction for young readers. I mean rats and a few mice with special intellectual properties that want to build their own successful community... What's not to be interested in? The story has aged really well because there isn't anything to date it, like mentioning popular fashion choices of the time, so really anyone can read it.
I only have 3 small complaints. The first complaint is that the pacing of the story can be a bit slow. Still that could be due to the fact books were written at a slower pace in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. The second complaint is that I'm not super happy that we don't know what happened to Justin the Rat either. I like the idea of him and Mrs. Frisby getting to know each other better. Lastly, what happened to Jenner!? Were 6 or 7 rats killed? Is he alive or dead? There are so many unanswered questions that we'll never know because Mr. O'Brien died before he could write a sequel. His daughter did continue the series but as her own writings, which I'm not counting as a true continuation since Mr. O'Brien didn't have any say for those books.
Back to this book... In my opinion, it might be better to read this book by oneself instead of in a group. As this book is a pretty easy read to breeze through. Personally I listened to the audiobook with my fiance for our reading dates. The narrator was quite nice to listen to and seemed to match the story well. However you choose to read this story you'll be happy.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Fun quick read
Gosh, what a beautiful book. I'm so touched, I'm at a loss for words.
Growing up, I was a big fan of the Don Bluth film 'The Secret of NIMH'. At the time, I didn't know it stemmed from a book, but the story and illustrations have been burned into my memory ever since. Finally getting the chance to read the original novel was a magical experience. There are definitely differences between the two, but I love them both equally in their own ways.
The writing style is eloquent. The lessons for children on ethics, family, community, and the like are all quite well done. The characterization is excellent. Even the minor characters feel so alive and have so much depth. (The Owl's speech about leaving his home left me breathless! For a character with so little time spent with him, the author still managed to hit you so hard.)
I always loved that it's a story about a mother. I feel like those even now are still so rare. This small little mouse having to find strength and courage to save her son and family, doing things she never imagined, finding answers to questions she never knew she had. There is so much weight. It's so inspiring too.
The backstory of the rats makes you feel so much empathy for their plight. Their efforts to live their own lives, safe and happy, is one you want to fight for with them.
There was just clearly so much passion put into this book, and the ending is so powerful. It lingers just like the movie, and I'll no doubt catch myself thinking back on it and this story again for years to come.
Really just an amazing work of art. I'm so glad I finally had the chance to read it.
Growing up, I was a big fan of the Don Bluth film 'The Secret of NIMH'. At the time, I didn't know it stemmed from a book, but the story and illustrations have been burned into my memory ever since. Finally getting the chance to read the original novel was a magical experience. There are definitely differences between the two, but I love them both equally in their own ways.
The writing style is eloquent. The lessons for children on ethics, family, community, and the like are all quite well done. The characterization is excellent. Even the minor characters feel so alive and have so much depth. (The Owl's speech about leaving his home left me breathless! For a character with so little time spent with him, the author still managed to hit you so hard.)
I always loved that it's a story about a mother. I feel like those even now are still so rare. This small little mouse having to find strength and courage to save her son and family, doing things she never imagined, finding answers to questions she never knew she had. There is so much weight. It's so inspiring too.
The backstory of the rats makes you feel so much empathy for their plight. Their efforts to live their own lives, safe and happy, is one you want to fight for with them.
There was just clearly so much passion put into this book, and the ending is so powerful. It lingers just like the movie, and I'll no doubt catch myself thinking back on it and this story again for years to come.
Really just an amazing work of art. I'm so glad I finally had the chance to read it.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes