Xandro Lombardi Lombardi itibaren Khandara, Odisha 761103, Hindistan
Can I give this a 3.8? I more than "liked" it, but I didn't "really like" it when I compare it to other books that I've given a 4 to. It was a satisfying read--an interesting read. The book I previously read about the people in the highlands of Peru, Andean Lives, was just too sparse for me. This one, I felt, gave me more information even though it was written by an American. However, at times I felt like this book presented such an idyllic picture of the people that she lived with that I found it hard to believe. This is something that Andean Lives did NOT do at all. She shows us this picture of people who are deprived in almost every way but who are happy, respectful, loving, energetic, and intelligent. The adolescents don't go through adolescent angst, everyone respects each other, people hardly raise their voices, boys are allowed to cry, it's completely egalitarian, etc. On the other hand, it's only my own limitations that I suppose prevent me from truly believing what she described. She did live with them for numerous years, while I have just read two books about this culture. I cannot consider myself to be any kind of expert. I liked this book because it had a clear purpose: to speak about how children are raised in the highlands. The author keeps to her focus while also giving you relevant cultural and background information. This purpose was something that I found interesting and could relate to. It's hard to read an anthropological book if you aren't truly interested in what the author is discussing. The book was repetitive at times, and the last chapter I skimmed through, but overall it was a good read and I kept finding myself saying to my husband, a Peruvian who is studying the Quechua people, "Did you know....?". I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in the highlands or in a different perspective on raising children. It's a great one, I think.
I love historical fiction, especially anything involving Henry VIII. For some sick reason I'm obsessed with that whole drama. This was a good book. Much cleaner than The Other Boleyn Girl, which I liked but found a little trashy. Katherine of Aragon was such a composed and regal lady who went through all sorts of difficulties, but always managed to keep her composure.
I always read this to my class during the gender section of intro soc. It is one of the most unconventional children's books that I've ever read. For any one who wants to see a female protagonsit outsmart a dragon, I highly recommend this classic.