My attempt at the 2009 100+ Reading Challenge starts here.
Fate has brought you to this sketchbook - a slice of life behind the eyes of a seventeen-year-old Filipina residing in sunny England.
Title: Bridge To Terabithia
Author: Katherine Paterson
Rating: 4.5/5
Book 7 of 100: (The 100+ Reading Challenge)
Now a major motion picture, discover the beloved Newbery Medal-winning story of Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke. Join Jess and Leslie as they form an unlikely friendship and create the imaginary land of Terabithia. There they rule as king and queen, until a terrible tragedy occurs that helps Jess understand just how much he has learned from Leslie.
I didn’t get the chance to see the film when it was shown - so imagine my curiosity when I spotted this book at the library (on one of the children’s shelves no less). I never expected the story to tug at my heartstrings - but it did. I have to admit, I didn’t find it magical exactly even with the whole kingdom and glory thing - but what I found magical was the friendship between the two main characters, Jess and Leslie.
Terabithia is a magical kingdom scaffolded by the minds of Jess and Leslie where they visit every now and then. Both of them are the rulers of Terabithia - the King and Queen - with their dog Prince Terrien as the court jester and guardian. It can be seen similar to Narnia minus all the snow and turkish delights. Terabithia has a wonder all its own even with just a rope to voyage into it.
The ending was a definite stunner. I had no idea it was going to lead to that. I won’t mention what the ending was about because, well, where’s the fun in that? ^_^ But it did make my eyes water a bit. Like Jess, I truly never anticipated a thing like that to happen.
I recommend this book to anyone - children and adults alike. The story enchants children about how there is more to life than just reality - with a little bit of imagination, things shouldn’t be so unbearable (reference to Janice Avery, the bully in Jess and Leslie’s school). With adults, however, a different point of view may be seen. Even though we already know what is real and not, we should still welcome the children within ourselves into the kind of world they want to be in. Dreaming may not get you very far but it definitely will take you somewhere. And being thankful to that one person who has changed your life forever will certainly be appreciated.
He believed her because there in the shadowy light of the stronghold everything seemed possible. Between the two of them they owned the world and no enemy, Gary Fulcher, Wanda Kay Moore, Janice Avery, Jess’s own fears and insufficiencies, nor any of the foes whom Leslie imagined attacking Terabithia, could ever really defeat them.
Where does your bridge lead to? :]
@Jenne: Thanks for dropping by :] It’s a good read which I hope you’ll enjoy ^_^
Posted by bubblelove at March 21, 2009, 7:26 pmI must live under a rock because I haven’t heard of this book. This is the reason I love book bloggers. I get to learn about new books all the time!
Posted by J. Kaye at March 23, 2009, 6:55 pm@J. Kaye: Same here - I usually read book blogs first. Without them, I wouldn’t really know what’s the shizz in the great big world of books. Lol :]
Posted by bubblelove at March 24, 2009, 4:10 amTo open a book is always beneficial.
Posted by Ugg Style Boots Online at February 15, 2011, 11:57 amThank you! I really appreciate your article, in fact I think you deserve a thumbs up.
Posted by Coach Canada at April 26, 2011, 1:58 pm
I also have been curious about this book, but haven’t picked it up because I know what happens at the end. Thanks for the review and reminding me to add it too my list.
Posted by Jenne at March 21, 2009, 4:34 am