Words of Stone

Rating:
Summary: Worst book I have ever read, not worth reading
Review: Alexandra Y. 3/12/03
Reading Response #20
Words of Stone By Kevin Henkes

Words of Stone, by Kevin Henkes is an okay book. It isn't outstanding, great, or fantastic. Nor does it have a suspenseful or intriguing plot. This book is about a boy named Blaze and girl named Joselle, who both have a hectic life. Blaze's mother, Renna died of cancer. Ever since, he has been keeping imaginary friends, all who disappear every July. Then he digs a hole and places a stone over them on the hill - the words of stone. Then comes along Joselle. Joselle, whose mother is taking a vacation from her, writes a devastating message on the hill. Blaze doesn't know what to think. Is this a cruel game? It seems as if it is when Joselle becomes Blaze's friend. However, Blaze does not know that Joselle was responsible for the words of stone. How will this affect their friendship?
One reason why I did not like this book was because of the characters. Usually I enjoy books with characters that I can relate to. This way, I get a better sense of what they are experiencing. In addition to this, I become connected to the book. If we are so similar, I begin to wonder if this could happen to me. However, in Words of Stone, the characters are very unrealistic. An example of this is Joselle. Joselle draws on her teeth and writes names on her leg. These characters are so farfetched till the point I cannot connect to their lives at all. Because of this, I do not enjoy this book. In addition to this, I do not like the fact that there is not an interesting and mind-twisting plot.
I think that Words of Stone has a dull, boring, and unattractive plot. This book did not have something exciting constantly happening. I love books with action on every page. An example of a book like this is A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeline L'Engle and the Harry Potter series, by J.K. Rowling. These books made me want to read more. However, I did not want to read further of Words of Stone. I think this is because many questions did not arise. For example, I did not wonder what was going to occur in the next few chapters. Nor did I think about how Blaze and Joselle's friendship was going to affect their lives. However, if the author made the events seem dramatic and thrilling, I would have been extremely curious. I would want to read more.
In conclusion, I did not enjoy reading Words of Stone. I did not enjoy reading about the characters. In addition to this, I disliked the plot. As you have probably assumed, I think this book is so-so. I do not recommend Words of Stone.

Rating:
Summary: Worst book I have ever read, not worth reading
Review: Alexandra Y.3/12/03
Reading Response #20
Words of Stone By Kevin Henkes

Words of Stone, by Kevin Henkes is an okay book. It isn't outstanding, great, or fantastic. Nor does it have a suspenseful or intriguing plot. This book is about a boy named Blaze and girl named Joselle, who both have a hectic life. Blaze's mother, Renna died of cancer. Ever since, he has been keeping imaginary friends, all who disappear every July. Then he digs a hole and places a stone over them on the hill - the words of stone. Then comes along Joselle. Joselle, whose mother is taking a vacation from her, writes a devastating message on the hill. Blaze doesn't know what to think. Is this a cruel game? It seems as if it is when Joselle becomes Blaze's friend. However, Blaze does not know that Joselle was responsible for the words of stone. How will this affect their friendship?
One reason why I did not like this book was because of the characters. Usually I enjoy books with characters that I can relate to. This way, I get a better sense of what they are experiencing. In addition to this, I become connected to the book. If we are so similar, I begin to wonder if this could happen to me. However, in Words of Stone, the characters are very unrealistic. An example of this is Joselle. Joselle draws on her teeth and writes names on her leg. These characters are so farfetched till the point I cannot connect to their lives at all. Because of this, I do not enjoy this book. In addition to this, I do not like the fact that there is not an interesting and mind-twisting plot.
I think that Words of Stone has a dull, boring, and unattractive plot. This book did not have something exciting constantly happening. I love books with action on every page. An example of a book like this is A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeline L'Engle and the Harry Potter series, by J.K. Rowling. These books made me want to read more. However, I did not want to read further of Words of Stone. I think this is because many questions did not arise. For example, I did not wonder what was going to occur in the next few chapters. Nor did I think about how Blaze and Joselle's friendship was going to affect their lives. However, if the author made the events seem dramatic and thrilling, I would have been extremely curious. I would want to read more.
In conclusion, I did not enjoy reading Words of Stone. I did not enjoy reading about the characters. In addition to this, I disliked the plot. As you have probably assumed, I think this book is so-so. I do not recommend Words of Stone.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful words of stone
Review: This book was about a shy, fearful boy named Blaze. Ever since his mother died and he got burned in a small carnival fire, Blaze was never the same. Soon, disturbing messages written in stone appeared in his yard. They were about his mom and the fire. But he unknowingly made friends with the perpetrator, Joselle, who might as well be motherless herself. Will they ever reconcile after Blaze discovers Joselle's horrid secret? Check it out. The language is beautiful, and I could identify with Blaze because I'm quiet and fearful myself. Go get it right now!

Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: This was a great book. It was thoughtful, intriguing, and a bit sad. My 9 year old son read it for his 4th grade class, and I was fascinated myself. My son said that learning about these two characters (Blaze and Joselle) teaches you a lot about friendship.