history

Review round-up

First time author Nahtab Narsimhan’s novel for younger readers, The Third Eye was reviewed in this Spring’s issue of Canadian Children’s Book News. Here are a couple excerpts from Rachel Steen’s review:

In her first novel, author Mahtab Narsimhan combines elements of classic fairy tales, such as ‘Hansel and Gretel,’ with Indian mythology for a highly original and entertaining fantasy adventure…

Readers will enjoy the lushly described Indian setting as well as the cultural references to Hindu gods and celebrations, making this a solid middle grade read suitable for literature circles or book club discussions.

Here is another excerpt from an enthusiastic young reader who awarded the book a 5 star rating:

It was a perfect novel, and is definitely one that I will never forget reading. I actually really hope that the story continues in a sequel. The story drags you in whether you want to be in it or not, and if you are one of those people that like to sit on the sidelines when you read, this is a book that you will have to get ready to jump into. With cliffhangers at the end of each chapter, the story pulls you further and further in; time will fly by. It keeps you wondering until the end, and even after, you will still be wondering.

I recommend this book for ages 12 and up; it contains some frightening scenes, but nothing terrifying. I give The Third Eye five scrutinizing stars and if I could give it more, I’d do it in an instant.

Peter Weidhaas’ A History of the Frankfurt Book Fair has been receiving some fantastic reviews. Cynthia Good in the Literary Review of Canada writes:

I found much that was charming and fascinating about A History of the Frankfurt Book Fair…I approached this history with the memory of all my Frankfurt experiences and found it to be an enjoyable and informative read…The history itself is quite fascinating and the optimistic tone in which the book is written is refreshing.

From the Midwest Book Review:

Fascinating, expertly written, and full of anecdotes and insights, “A History of the Frankfurt Book Fair” is strongly recommended as a core addition to personal, professional, academic, and community library collections, as well as non-specialist general reader seeking to learn more about the origin of the model that all modern book fairs follow.

© 2008 Defining Canada.