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jenpaul13's review against another edition
4.0
Fairy tales are fantastic things to which many of us cling for the simplicity and safety of childhood that they are often associated with. Fantasy worlds filled with monsters and magical beings seem too good to be true and as such offer a way to escape from the monotony of real life. But in Alice Hoffman's Nightbird the fantastic elements included in fairy tales are a reality in the town of Sidwell.
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12 year old Twig lives in Sidwell, where there is supposedly a monster that stalks the town and is blamed for when things go missing. With a town history that boasts a witch, the idea that magic and monsters still exist doesn't seem too outlandish--particularly when Twig's older brother, whose existence isn't known by other townspeople, has wings as part of the family curse brought on by the witch of Sidwell, Agnes Early. When the Hall family moves into the witch's cottage next door to Twig's house, her family's life will change forever, especially since the Halls are descendants of Agnes Early.
The story is well-written and keeps the mystery twisting to keep younger readers' attention. The characters are vivid, dynamic, and well described such that you have a thorough idea of who they are and how they would behave in a given situation. While the ultimate twists and resolution were rather predictable, especially for an older reader, they were well timed and revealed. While the story itself is entertaining, the subtext is good for being able to teach lessons of prejudice and self-worth to younger audiences.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
12 year old Twig lives in Sidwell, where there is supposedly a monster that stalks the town and is blamed for when things go missing. With a town history that boasts a witch, the idea that magic and monsters still exist doesn't seem too outlandish--particularly when Twig's older brother, whose existence isn't known by other townspeople, has wings as part of the family curse brought on by the witch of Sidwell, Agnes Early. When the Hall family moves into the witch's cottage next door to Twig's house, her family's life will change forever, especially since the Halls are descendants of Agnes Early.
The story is well-written and keeps the mystery twisting to keep younger readers' attention. The characters are vivid, dynamic, and well described such that you have a thorough idea of who they are and how they would behave in a given situation. While the ultimate twists and resolution were rather predictable, especially for an older reader, they were well timed and revealed. While the story itself is entertaining, the subtext is good for being able to teach lessons of prejudice and self-worth to younger audiences.
ultramarine316's review against another edition
2.0
IDK, this story just never really came together for me. Maybe it was too short and I didn't bond with the characters enough?
The plot revolves around a quaint little town with he kind of local monster that gets slapped on t-shirts and sold to tourists. The monster is actually the son of a local family, cursed generations ago by a witch so that the boys of the family grow large black bird wings. Because of the fear of the townspeople, he has to remain hidden indoors. His sister, Twig, befriends two girls, the ancestors of the witch, and together they try to break the curse.
As a metaphor for intolerance and small town prejudice it, again, just didn't work for me somehow.Too blunt maybe?
The plot revolves around a quaint little town with he kind of local monster that gets slapped on t-shirts and sold to tourists. The monster is actually the son of a local family, cursed generations ago by a witch so that the boys of the family grow large black bird wings. Because of the fear of the townspeople, he has to remain hidden indoors. His sister, Twig, befriends two girls, the ancestors of the witch, and together they try to break the curse.
As a metaphor for intolerance and small town prejudice it, again, just didn't work for me somehow.Too blunt maybe?
librarydancer's review against another edition
4.0
Beautifully written, quiet book. May appeal to 6-8 graders who enjoy magical realism or excellent writing.
brendalovesbooks's review against another edition
2.0
I love to read, and in general it doesn't matter what age group a book is written for. If it's well written and interesting, I like it. Having said that, this book just felt way too young to me. It wasn't very interesting, and I didn't really connect with the story. And besides that, it was a little too happily ever after.
ellehartford's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this tale, and the way things worked out for its characters. A quick and light but lovely read!
spaceyboy's review against another edition
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
kimberlycatelyn's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
zabcia's review against another edition
3.0
72%
Started off with so much promise, but somewhere around the middle/last third of the book it somehow lost its magic; it became very contrived and obvious and just waxed poetic a little too much.
Started off with so much promise, but somewhere around the middle/last third of the book it somehow lost its magic; it became very contrived and obvious and just waxed poetic a little too much.