mimima's review against another edition
2.75
I didn't read as a child so there was no nostalgia factor. Once I realized that this didn't work for me, the dated descriptions of Native Americans and Romani made it even worse. Probably a bit lower than 3 full stars, more like 2.75
dyerra's review against another edition
4.0
This book was delightful. I'm not sure how it came to my attention, it's been on my to read list for a while. And even though I'm an adult and this is a book written for children, I fully enjoyed embracing my inner child and listening to it. Sometimes it's just nice to listen to a fun story without adult worries and drama.
Being that this book was written in the early 1900s, there were some problematic parts. A lot of things about boys vs girls, and then the entire chapter "scalps" was pretty awful. If I read this book to a child I would skip that chapter entirely and then do some counter education around the gender related commentary.
The whole moral of this book is "be careful what you wish for" but the wishes and their consequences were very silly and enjoyable.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the history of children's fantasy or anyone who wants a light read.
Being that this book was written in the early 1900s, there were some problematic parts. A lot of things about boys vs girls, and then the entire chapter "scalps" was pretty awful. If I read this book to a child I would skip that chapter entirely and then do some counter education around the gender related commentary.
The whole moral of this book is "be careful what you wish for" but the wishes and their consequences were very silly and enjoyable.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the history of children's fantasy or anyone who wants a light read.
griffinthief's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
becky_hubbard's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
helenfromalex's review against another edition
2.0
I completely understand the appeal of this book & its influence on children's literature. And as a read-aloud, it lent itself to interesting discussions, from the obvious topic of what we would wish for, but also the impact of class prejudice, gender bias & casual racism that occurs throughout. Whilst the latter may be indicative of attitudes at the time of publication, read on its merits in a contemporary setting, it was nonetheless difficult to look beyond at times.
nighttimereading's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
luweebayy's review against another edition
4.0
I quite enjoyed this book. Similar to many Enid Blyton books each chapter is its own mini story. It’s a perfect book for younger readers and I will definitely donate to my school library!
bobothekid's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
Helped me sleep
wickerparkgirl's review against another edition
3.0
In true British-children’s-story-fashion, most of the book was about how they were hungry and talking about food.
annashuk's review against another edition
1.0
2-2,5 stars.
At first I thought I wasn't in mood for this book, but then I realised that even in my happiest and most cheerful moments I didn't enjoy this book whole lot.
I remember really liking the movie adaptation and laughing out loud few times while watching it, but I haven't got this effect with book, which disappointed me...:(
Didn't like any of the characters (humans, I mean, because Psammead was fun little dude - ha, he'd be furious for calling him "dude"), kids were really annoying and their wishes choices made me wanna yell "Seriously???", because most of the things they wishes for were kinda dumb. At least for me. And as for normal ones, well, kids' actions made those look dumb as well...
O.K., I won't lie, book had few funny moments (especially, the ones that revealed children's true criminal nature =D - "Get Rich or Die Trying", maaaan!!!), but they didn't help at the end of the day. Caused some chuckles and that's it.:)
Kids wished for one normal thing (their last wish) and even after that the story didn't end... There'are 2 more books!!! Jeez... I won't be reading or listening to them 4 sure.:/
So, despite a really good Russian narration (yeah, this was an audiobook), this book didn't live up to my expectations at all. Bummer.
At first I thought I wasn't in mood for this book, but then I realised that even in my happiest and most cheerful moments I didn't enjoy this book whole lot.
I remember really liking the movie adaptation and laughing out loud few times while watching it, but I haven't got this effect with book, which disappointed me...:(
Didn't like any of the characters (humans, I mean, because Psammead was fun little dude - ha, he'd be furious for calling him "dude"), kids were really annoying and their wishes choices made me wanna yell "Seriously???", because most of the things they wishes for were kinda dumb. At least for me. And as for normal ones, well, kids' actions made those look dumb as well...
O.K., I won't lie, book had few funny moments (especially, the ones that revealed children's true criminal nature =D - "Get Rich or Die Trying", maaaan!!!), but they didn't help at the end of the day. Caused some chuckles and that's it.:)
Kids wished for one normal thing (their last wish) and even after that the story didn't end... There'are 2 more books!!! Jeez... I won't be reading or listening to them 4 sure.:/
So, despite a really good Russian narration (yeah, this was an audiobook), this book didn't live up to my expectations at all. Bummer.