A Treasure of a Story
590751
This is the third in the Bellingwood series, and I loved it as much as the previous two that I have read... this month!! Although it's not necessary to read them sequentially, I think I have enjoyed each one even more by following the story line in order. It's like I've been reading one very long book.  I will be sad when I've reached the end of the last one. I hope Ms. Muir has more in the works.  She is a wonderful writer! This whole "cozy" series is very well written - it's humorous, with mysteries to be solved, and romances and friendships that mature.
913947
Tige Lewis Quintina has put into poetry and realism the progression of his character's life as seen and preserved by his heart.  It seems each chapter could be a play which can stand alone, yet in the fabric of the story each connects to the main action of his character, and you find yourself participating in his ups and his downs, his joys and his heartbreaks.  He is a seeker of love and beauty, and he is as transparent as he is mystical while lavishly offering to us his streams of consciousness, and he tells us stories, like  mirrors to the human condition. I loved this book. This book offers us a peek into the treasures of the heart.  It was like walking through a private gallery of precious art, where each has it's origin and it's story and in listening to it I have become more of a friend to my own gallery of snapshots, moments captured in my memory.  Some have become more precious since musing over "Gelatin Silver Print".  I cannot wait to read the other works of this talented writer.
947318
A wonderful story, beautifully written. You come to know the main character as an old friend as you read about his past and see his personality come to life in the present-day plot. As the story unfolds you can't help but appreciate the beauty found in relationships and sharing life with others.
4599738
I was swept away by the story as if I knew the characters intimately.  I was inspired and uplifted by this book.  The author has a real gift for story telling.
2218059
a beautiful story of what is and isn't. the author does a magnificent job of weaving the tale between the routine and the risque, leaving you wondering where it will end, but equally anxious to find out. A highly recommended read
4149182
This is a truly beautiful story.  Some reviewers question its suitability for 9 and 10 year olds, but I believe that age group can handle this.  The description of bullying is strong, but today's kids should be able to take it.

The other reviews go pretty deeply into the story, some maybe a bit too much, so I won't here.  There are some great mythical stories related by the village story teller based on Incan beliefs.  And the relationship between the girl and her bird is truly touching.

All in all, this is a good book.  Parents of younger children might want to check it out just to be sure the details won't upset the reader, but it is highly recommended.
837031
What a wonderful tribute to imagination and life!!  The story captured me as quickly as it did my granddaughter.  And after the initial enchantment it rewards the reader by delivering a truly insightful and valuable allegory.  I am so happy to have read this and will recommend it to many.
4658199
Rarely does a children's story book engender such immediate joy and love, but this marvelous tale certainly did. Author Jean Hanson and illustrator Launie Parry have put together a beautiful and enchanting story about a girl with a love of books that I believe will become one of your favorites. It's already one of mine.

Illustrated in a style that is warm and soft, reminding me some of the "Lyle the Crocodile" series, with lots of small details to marvel over yet never become encumbered with the larger purpose. The story is a rhyming tale of mistaken assumptions that end up with the revelation of the power, mystery, magic, and glory of books. There are plenty of references to children's classics for the knowing reader, as well as a straightforward message about prejudice and understanding.

I can't say enough how lovely this book is, from the spot-on cadence (practically Seussian) to the endearing artwork, this is a book I can't wait to read to my students, over and over again.

Reading level is primary (4-8 years). Enthusiastically recommended!
2139830
This was an excellent book. The author deftly moves us from past to present to tell this story of human emotion - of love, loss, personal turmoil, exuberant happiness - and engages us to search for the answers with the characters. The interweaving of plot through time is remarkable. I could not wait to get to the satisfying end of this book, yet I did not want it to end. I actually re-read it. This book is a keeper.
2783762
Marquez's work is full of magic, quirkiness, and sadness. His story cannot be contained by traditional conceptions of time, plausibility, or even reality. The characters are as rich and alive as the narrative and both are remarkably memorable. The family tree in the front helps with the many characters but don't worry if you have a little trouble differentiating them.  Enjoy this book; it is truly delightful.
164218
Truly a treasure trove: a wonderful mix of storytelling, adventure and art. It was an enjoyable and delightful read to learn about the pursuits that an Irish artist undertook to gain the corresponding autographs of the many famous people's portraits she painted.
406129
What a treasure!  I can count on the fingers of one hand the times that I have read a book and felt as deeply touched as I did reading "Godmother: An Unexpected Journey, Perfect Timing and Small Miracles."  From the very first pages, I found myself wanting to slow way down and savor the beauty of Atthalin's words and her remarkable story.  I could feel my whole being listening and being nourished.  This is a love story that weaves the thread of love from a young girl's wide open heart to once again experiencing that love through her relationship with a child who comes into her life unexpectedly.  Atthalin's story has the potential to inform us about what it means to love consciously, and the healing that comes from such love.  As a mother and a grandmother, I am grateful.
1319753
A great book of a great story. At times its a bit repetitive, but that does not lower the spell of the book
3364058
I was swept away by this book. You will find yourself getting lost in this story and everything around you will fade away as you follow the life of this young girl. The writing is excellent and the story is to be treasured. I was so uncertain about reading this because I though I wouldn't have any interest, boy was I wrong. Don't hesitate and pick this one up and savor it, it's a beautiful story well worth reading. I never, ever read books twice but years from now I can see myself picking this one up again and rereading. P.S. DON'T WATCH THE MOVIE, READ THE BOOK!
1278580
Ready for an intriguing treasure hunt? This is your book!

It begins with the discovery of a 400 year old diary - that needs to be translated, and sadly ends with the diarys writer at deaths door. The adventures of that diarys' translator fill this story with hope, intrigue, excitment and danger. Along the way the writer of the diary becomes a favored character in the story.

My understanding is that the place is factual - the premise of the story factual - but this rendition is fiction. Great job of one authors translation of the story.
1707439
A work of art ... the story is told at a very good pace
102494
I would like to thank Bookbrowse for this beautiful book. The focus of the story is a novel written by the protagonist's uncle, Poxl West. The fact that Poxl West is not his real uncle is revealed in the very first paragraph. It is in some ways a foreshadowing of things to come in Daniel Torday's brilliant examination of the memoir novel. The novel alternates between chapters narrating what is happening with the characters in the story, and chapters of Poxls memoir. This approach really worked for me as it allows us to examine a story from multiple perspectives. The novel encourages the reader to determine what the real story of Poxl Wests life is, what is important and what is not. One can see this as a love story. Another individual might see this as a war story. For me, it was an engrossing, funny, sad, well told story. And I recommend it to anyone who loves to read good stories.