library_brandy's review
4.0
One of the first things Linus sees when he steps off the plane in his new home of Liberia is a black mamba, the deadliest snake in the whole country. He notices the snake more and more, and it seems almost friendly. Linus feels himself becoming more like the snake—braver, bolder—but will his mystical connection to this spirit animal help him reinvent himself, or put his whole family in danger?
I used this as one of my middle school booktalks, and a girl came by after school the next day to ask for it, so I guess my booktalk worked. Linus is a believable boy--who hasn't wanted to take advantage of a move to reinvent himself?
The cover does nothing for me (sorry, Kurtis) but I liked seeing my name in the acknowledgments. :)
I used this as one of my middle school booktalks, and a girl came by after school the next day to ask for it, so I guess my booktalk worked. Linus is a believable boy--who hasn't wanted to take advantage of a move to reinvent himself?
The cover does nothing for me (sorry, Kurtis) but I liked seeing my name in the acknowledgments. :)
martha_schwalbe's review
4.0
I checked this book out of the public library because the cover was facing me. I had no expectations about it or any idea what it might hold for me.
This is the story of two brothers who move to Liberia with their parents because Dad is going to work for the US embassy. The older brother decides to go by Law instead of Larry because he gets a fresh start. Linus, the protagonist, wants to be different, change his persona but doesn't think changing his name will help; he is a 'fraidy cat' by his own admission.
Linus can't go outside because every time he does he sees snakes. Linus does go through a very meaningful transition, more believable and understanding than Gatsy or Jake. Linus is a fun character and the cast of characters is a group whose stories would entertain us at dinner.
This is the story of two brothers who move to Liberia with their parents because Dad is going to work for the US embassy. The older brother decides to go by Law instead of Larry because he gets a fresh start. Linus, the protagonist, wants to be different, change his persona but doesn't think changing his name will help; he is a 'fraidy cat' by his own admission.
Linus can't go outside because every time he does he sees snakes. Linus does go through a very meaningful transition, more believable and understanding than Gatsy or Jake. Linus is a fun character and the cast of characters is a group whose stories would entertain us at dinner.
jodiwilldare's review
4.0
When you’re an adult a weird and mild form of multiple personality disorder overcomes you when you read Middle Grade Fiction. When you’re reading a really good book, in this case Mamba Point by Kurtis Scaletta, part of your personality is overtaken by the twelve-year-old you once were. You revel in the danger and intrigue of the story. At other points the grown-up part of your personality takes over. You gasp and think “stupid kid, what are you doing?”
I did both while reading about Linus Tuttle, a twelve-year-old boy who moves from Ohio to Monrovia in Liberia, Africa. Linus and his family move to the new country because his dad gets a job at the American Embassy there. On the plane ride to their new home Linus’ older brother, who had been Larry in Ohio, decides he’s going to reinvent himself and asks his family to call him Law.
The idea of reinvention appeals to Linus and he decides that he too is going to reinvent himself. No longer will he be quiet, anxiety-ridden, scared Linus. In Africa he will be brave and bold.
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I did both while reading about Linus Tuttle, a twelve-year-old boy who moves from Ohio to Monrovia in Liberia, Africa. Linus and his family move to the new country because his dad gets a job at the American Embassy there. On the plane ride to their new home Linus’ older brother, who had been Larry in Ohio, decides he’s going to reinvent himself and asks his family to call him Law.
The idea of reinvention appeals to Linus and he decides that he too is going to reinvent himself. No longer will he be quiet, anxiety-ridden, scared Linus. In Africa he will be brave and bold.
Read more
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