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Summary: Read this book, and then remind yourself it's meant for kids
Review: The Thief of Always was a truly astounding book. Although technically written for young readers, this book has something to say to more mature readers as well. Written in Barker's almost poetic prose, but without his usual eroticism, gore and language, this book reads very easily and quickly, with beautifully used language. But it's got a message -- essentially, that fantasy isn't real. I know it sounds obvious, but it can be very easy to lose track of that. This book is an extremely quick read -- I finished it in one night, and it's also great fun. The characters are dynamic and interesting, the chapters short and to the point, and there are a bunch of interesting illustrations by the author himself. This book is a definite must-read. Don't be fooled by the length and the reading level. This is an excellent book.
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Summary: OUTSTANDING BOOK
Review: Posted on 5/10/00 The book called "The Thief of Always" may not sound so great but I guarantee it will be more exciting than you think. Whenever there is a rainy day I would suggest that you read this book because it is a book of mystery and suspense. The book's main character is a boy named Harvey Swick. He is ten years old and he isn't very happy until a strange man meets him. Harvey eventually goes through a giant wall into a Holiday House that is beyond strange. The Holiday House has people that are like a family to him nut they don't give him enough clues to figure out anything about this place. In the first few days of him being there he decides that he wants to go home but after staying he realizes he really likes the house. To find out the rest youll have to read the book. The book is a unique book because it is a fairy tale, mystery, and is factual about some things in the old days. The book is a must if you plan on sitting down and having a relaxing day of reading. Not only can you enjoy the reading, but you can enjoy some of the pictures in the book as well.
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Summary: Ronald Dahl's Peach Transformed
Review: Not only is this an amazing read, it's also filled with the very descriptive artistry of the author. Not since 1961 has an intended tale for children been so popular with adults. It's like Ronald Dahl's JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH transformed into an even darker and bizarre journey. The "Holiday House" and the Giant Peach seem to entice all of us into leaving our lives behind. Mr. Barker is a horror fiction legend from the U.K. He makes Steven King's works look like Nancy Drew Mysteries.
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Summary: Clive Barker at His Best
Review: I rarely get emotional reading a book, but there is a first time for everything! It's full of twists, turns and surprises. When you read this book you feel for the characters, that's a rare experience.It's also is a good book for teens, not just adults. If you enjoy reading a good book, I strongly suggest reading this. It has everything, fantasy,horror, and suspense.
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Summary: The best of Barker's work by far.
Review: I'm not his biggest fan, but The Theif of Always has that stay with you quality I get out of any good fairytale-type book. A great one for the more light hearted days.
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Summary: The Great Gray Beast February....
Review: I read this once a year, in February. Why? Because it's a good, solid story - fable, actually, as the subtitle suggests - that can keep me entertained for a little while as this great gray month plods on. The story of young Harvey Swick is what we wished our childhoods could have been. It is enveloped in magic and mystery and acts of heroism. We are reminded, however, that fantasy is only a nice place to visit. Those who stay are no longer truly human, and eventually we must give them up - give up our childhoods, really - if we are ever to truly grow. Read this to your kids, if you have them. It's written in a style that is perfect for storytelling, with interesting voices and short chapters to get the little ones to sleep faster.... *grin*
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Summary: The GREATEST book I have ever read!
Review: ~Come open the door into Mr.Hood's "fun" house~ As I anxiously began to read the first paragraph of this book, I already new I was reading a truly excellent and well written novel. This book explores imagination and creativity to it's fullest potential. Followed by the impressive and very expressive illustrations, I felt I was actually standing in Mr. Hood's Holiday house! This book excites in the same style & traditon as Ray Bradbury. I recommend this book to any one who has ever made a wish for a change of scenery. Whether your 9 or 95, this book WILL entertain and amaze you. I am in fact proud to call this my favorite book. Just read it and you'll see...Be prepared to unlock your imagination! ~P
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Summary: a book made for 10 year-olds
Review: Maybe it's just me, but when I read this book I found myself wanting to pull my hair out and hurl the thing across the room in frustration. I didn't know the book was made for a younger reading group...say round 10-12 years-old. I'm sure that they would enjoy the imaginative story and can relate(or at least try to) the main character, Harry. He'll be around their age. Over the couple hours in which I finished the book I found myself becoming more and more aggravated by the utter stupidity of the villans (How can a thing that's been alive for centuries be so gullible?) or the unrealistic actions taken by the hero of the book.(Who in their right mind would try and pet a blood-thirsty beast that was given an order to destroy you?) Like I said, this book seems to be geared towards a younger reading group, and my 10 year-old nephew seemed to like it. But if you are anywhere near a highschool reading level you might want to shy away from this one if you are looking for some serious reading.
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Summary: Fantastic!
Review: The Thief of Always is a really exellent book, a mix of horror and fantasy all rolled into one. It is full of suspence, and leaves you wondering so much what is going to happen next that you just have to stay up one more hour or two to finish it. It is fresh, new, and I have never read anything like it. A really great book for audiences 10 and up. READ THIS BOOK!
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Summary: Adored
Review: In 6th grade, I found this book on the floor of myclassroom. It was missing the first few pages and had illustrations. Iwas a bit ticked off at the world whene i first saw it, so i kicked it around a little and then picked it up and read some of it. I was pleasently surprized. This book was wonderful, and was my main spark into the massive amounts of reading i do today. I strongly suggust you buy it. Before i saw this book, I never read anything that wasent written for kids in a big font. END
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