Dominik Van Treel Van Treel থেকে 44011 Argenta FE, Italy
I'm pleased I can leave this book at my 4-star status. I loved it when my Dad read it to my three brothers and me, and I loved listening to Ben read it to Reid as part of our bedtime routine. O'Dell's writing is not 4-star material. He's bland and to the point. Ben complained about the lack of build up. I actually found the quick plot developments enlightening. It's not often a book kills off a family member without much warning or mourning. I remember admiring the heroine when I was a young girl. To imagine someone only slightly older than me surviving on her own for all those years was absolutely fascinating. I've never forgotten her story. Still, reading Island of the Blue Dolphins again all these years later, felt like reading it for the first time. I was drawn in by the adventure. Saddened by the loneliness. And awed by her strength. The Author's Note was probably the sweetest moment for me. It's funny how excited we become (as adults) when we realize some cherished memory from our childhood really is exactly as we remember it being. I have no doubt I'll read this book again before the next 20 years are through.