dlberglund's review against another edition
4.0
Paris, scrappy orphan, mystery, magicians (in the classic sense). I had students racing me to see who would finish this first. It's spreading through the classroom faster than our cold germs. The 500 pages are a MUCH quicker read than you might think, since about half of the pages are beautiful, full page black-and-white illustrations. [I still question a bit choosing it for the Caldecott, but that's my issue with the aging up of Caldecott books rather than awarding it to picture books for younger children.] It was a good story, made 10 times better by the illustrations. And there was enough in the acknowledgements to satisfy my curiosity about where the fiction blended with fact. If you can get your hands on a copy, you should read it.
dyanavelz's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I watched the movie a few times before and I loved it, it was quite a while ago, and I am not sure if it enhanced the experience with this book, which actually is not merely a book, it is a journey. A journey through the labyrinthine corridors of creativity, a journey through the symphony of emotions, and a journey that reminds us that we are but threads woven into the fabric of a magnificent, ever-ticking world-machine.
Selznick's peculiar creativity shines like a beacon through the very pages of this book. Much like the intricate cogs of a clockwork mechanism, the illustrations seamlessly blend with the narrative, invoking an almost cinematic experience.
My favourite quotes:
"I like to imagine that the world is one big machine. You know, machines never have any extra parts. They have the exact number and type of parts they need. So I figure if the entire world is a big machine, I had to be here for some reason. And that means you have to be here for some reason, too."
"Time can play all sorts of tricks on you. In the blink of an eye, babies appear in carriages, coffins disappear into the ground, wars are won and lost, and children transform, like butterflies, into adults."
Selznick's peculiar creativity shines like a beacon through the very pages of this book. Much like the intricate cogs of a clockwork mechanism, the illustrations seamlessly blend with the narrative, invoking an almost cinematic experience.
My favourite quotes:
"I like to imagine that the world is one big machine. You know, machines never have any extra parts. They have the exact number and type of parts they need. So I figure if the entire world is a big machine, I had to be here for some reason. And that means you have to be here for some reason, too."
"Time can play all sorts of tricks on you. In the blink of an eye, babies appear in carriages, coffins disappear into the ground, wars are won and lost, and children transform, like butterflies, into adults."
mlklein1's review against another edition
4.0
I was anxious to read this book before the film came out, but realizing that it clocked in at 500+ pages I thought it was a lost cause. But that was before I realized how Selznick used drawings in the book. So I read it in two hours, my 12-year-old read it in three. A most enjoyable book with a magical setting that couldn't speak more directly to me: a train station in 1931 Paris!
The use of drawings to move the story forward is fantastic, and the drawings themselves are quite beautiful. If there was ever a book that fought and railed against the onslaught of the e-reader, it is this one. Such lovely thick paper that feels substantial between your fingers, the black border that adds a level of import, and the stunning pencil drawings. This book physically remnids us why e-readers are dangerous. When they truly become ubitquitous, this kind of book, this type of story-telling may become a thing of the past. I'm glad my children and I were able to experience it.
The story itself is simple, much like a fairy tale, and the genius here is in the telling. It moves very quickly - so quickly in fact, there is almost not enough time to want to grab Hugo and shake him and say, "just tell so-and-so the truth and this will all be fixed!" Almost.
Despite that one element that bothered me a little, I recommend the book, if for no other reason than the way Selznick physically tells the story is refreshing and exciting.
Now that I fully understand the mystery within the story, it's no surprise that Scorsese has made the film version. Looking forward to seeing it soon!
The use of drawings to move the story forward is fantastic, and the drawings themselves are quite beautiful. If there was ever a book that fought and railed against the onslaught of the e-reader, it is this one. Such lovely thick paper that feels substantial between your fingers, the black border that adds a level of import, and the stunning pencil drawings. This book physically remnids us why e-readers are dangerous. When they truly become ubitquitous, this kind of book, this type of story-telling may become a thing of the past. I'm glad my children and I were able to experience it.
The story itself is simple, much like a fairy tale, and the genius here is in the telling. It moves very quickly - so quickly in fact, there is almost not enough time to want to grab Hugo and shake him and say, "just tell so-and-so the truth and this will all be fixed!" Almost.
Despite that one element that bothered me a little, I recommend the book, if for no other reason than the way Selznick physically tells the story is refreshing and exciting.
Now that I fully understand the mystery within the story, it's no surprise that Scorsese has made the film version. Looking forward to seeing it soon!
cflorea's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the movie Hugo, and this book was even better! Right now we are in this great time where the boundaries of books are being pushed and explored. I loved how the story was told through both mediums or words and art, but very differently than a graphic novel. The story was enchanting, the plot wonderful, and the characters so beautifully developed. The enchanting feel and theme of the plot wouldn't have been able to be better portrayed I'd written as a normal novel. I loved it.
rhysciar's review against another edition
3.0
Fast read, interesting concept, but nothin much. I didn't enjoy Hugo's story as much as I would have liked to, he didn't struck me as a friendly character. :(
saralynnburnett's review against another edition
5.0
Simply fabulous children's book - or is it a graphic novel? I think it is the perfect mix of both.
pancakekiller's review against another edition
Fun, beautiful, magical story. I suppose this is technically a book for younger audiences, but I think it holds up superbly...
alienor_kerjan's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75