Tess
Full Member
Posts: 110
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Post by Tess on Jul 25, 2006 12:31:10 GMT -5
Do any of you have an advance reading copy of this one? Jim Murphy's nonfiction is fabulous and I am excited to see what he does in this work of historical fiction. Based on his past work, I think this should be added to the list.
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Post by DianeB on Sept 10, 2006 17:29:37 GMT -5
Wow, a novel about a family on the Erie Canal. I don't think I've ever seen on like this before. Barnes and Noble has an October publishing date. Should be a good read.
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martha
Junior Member
Posts: 19
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Post by martha on Sept 22, 2006 23:17:12 GMT -5
I started reading an advance copy I had picked up and stopped after Chapter 3. I found it very bleak and difficult to like because most of the characters are so negative. Maggie hates her life because she's stuck driving the mules, her brother is constantly whining that he could do a better job than her if their parents would let him, the father drinks too much and has a temper, mom is overwhelmed, everyone is always arguing, they keep running into people who attack and taunt them, and the overall situation is desperate. I need at least some bit of hope to keep me reading. I know from the book flap that things are only going to get worse, and I just don't want to be that depressed. I also like Murphy's nonfiction and I suppose this book was well-researched, but I am generally not a fan of "OregonTrail"-type books where everyone suffers a lot while walking a long distance. If anyone else manages to finish it, I'd be interested to read what you think.
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Post by HA on Jan 2, 2007 14:29:36 GMT -5
I think that I made it to Chapter 5 before coming here to see what people have said. I agree with Martha, it is going nowhere fast and the characters are not engaging enough for me to want to keep reading about them. It probably was well researched, but some things are not explained very well. I don't get it - how are the boats being pulled? Where is Maggie walking when she is driving them? How does it work??
After reading Martha's post, I'm giving up!
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Tess
Full Member
Posts: 110
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Post by Tess on Jan 5, 2007 16:30:25 GMT -5
Well, I suggested this book be added. I had high hopes for it, but I've decided not to read it (at least not during this week, the last week prior to our discussion) since Martha and HA couldn't get through it and there are many, many other Mock Newbery books that I haven't read yet. Thanks for the comments!
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