The Friendly Snowflake

Rating:
Summary: a great little gift for anyone
Review: i gave this book as a christmas gift to many of my friends; they absolutely love this inspirational little story! it's very charming! the story is roughly about reicarnation, and believing that we are all connected in life. i love this little book, and the cover design is excellent. the book cover is a thick parchment paper like material with embossed lettering. this is the type of book you can read to your kids at bedtime, or read in the bathtub by yourself for a quick picker upper!

Rating:
Summary: Three Stars for the Concept, But...
Review: I remember Mr. Peck being on Oprah to promote this book, that was before I had read either THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED or PEOPLE OF THE LIE. However, it was only recently that I had an opprotunity to read this book. In PEOPLE OF THE LIE Mr. Peck professes faith in Jesus Christ and recalls the date that he asked Jesus to be his Lord and Savior. Therefore, I was upset that this work not only is cloudy on that issue, but even entertains the idea of "reincarnation".

I suppose Mr. Peck didn't want to influence young readers, or perhaps he was trying to appeal to a large audience (because to watered-down degrees we do see the view of lukewarm believers of God, Hindus, and atheists). Nonetheless, this collage of values gives the story less effect than it might have had if he had committed to one concept (hopefully Christianity) and stayed with it.

The concept of this little book, like the snowflake that dissolves within the first paragraphs, is inspired, but it did not live up to its potential in the confines of these pages. The reader--who in many cases would be a child--is expected to leave with one of several concepts in regard to the snowflake, but the author doesn't nudge in any particular direction.

Some may find that creative, but if I were a child seeking hope and Truth, I would find no comfort here.

Rating:
Summary: Three Stars for the Concept, But...
Review: I remember Mr. Peck being on Oprah to promote this book, that was before I had read either THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED or PEOPLE OF THE LIE. However, it was only recently that I had an opprotunity to read this book. In PEOPLE OF THE LIE Mr. Peck professes faith in Jesus Christ and recalls the date that he asked Jesus to be his Lord and Savior. Therefore, I was upset that this work not only is cloudy on that issue, but even entertains the idea of "reincarnation".

I suppose Mr. Peck didn't want to influence young readers, or perhaps he was trying to appeal to a large audience (because to watered-down degrees we do see the view of lukewarm believers of God, Hindus, and atheists). Nonetheless, this collage of values gives the story less effect than it might have had if he had committed to one concept (hopefully Christianity) and stayed with it.

The concept of this little book, like the snowflake that dissolves within the first paragraphs, is inspired, but it did not live up to its potential in the confines of these pages. The reader--who in many cases would be a child--is expected to leave with one of several concepts in regard to the snowflake, but the author doesn't nudge in any particular direction.

Some may find that creative, but if I were a child seeking hope and Truth, I would find no comfort here.

Rating:
Summary: A little celebration of the good things...
Review: It is significant to be aware of the subtitle of this little "kid's" book... "A Fable of Faith, Love and Family." And perhaps important to know just a bit about the author, M. Scott Peck... bestselling author of the near-legendary "The Road Less Travelled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth."
This is the only children's book that Mr. Peck has written to date, and after reading it, I hope it will not be his last. It was cute, uplifting, and inspirational. However, these last two adjectives may describe the very kind of thing that parents feel wary about from time to time... "So, what is this guy preaching in here?" they may rightfully ask.
Well, this little book does touch on some rather serious questions.
Things like "What's reincarnation?" and "How do you know that our souls live on after we die?" Both questions are asked by the protagonist, the young girl Jenny.
The first question is answered matter-of-factly, but the second question is answered in the typical respectful and non-sectarian way that Peck approaches spiritual issues in all of his works. Jenny's dad answers her... "That's a very big question. In fact, it's so big I'm not going to answer it. You see, some questions are so big you shouldn't take anyone else's answer for them. It's better if you figure out your own. Often, I think that's why we're put here: to find some solutions for ourselves. I tell you what though, I'd be delighted to listen to any answer you come up with." (with "you" in italics).
In my opinion... this is a good answer to the question. You may have a different opinion on that, and you should let that be your guide as to whether this is the type of book you want to read to your children. (Or not)! Because really, this is the tone of the story, in a nutshell.
It is framed around the event of Jenny having a single snowflake land on her nose and promptly melt. This simple experience causes her to begin wondering about randomness, and consequently, her own special place in the world. She comes to the point of concluding that she is, in fact... special, and unique. As unique as a snowflake, and more specifically her own friendly snowflake, the snowflake that found her nose.
In the Foreword, Peck says "Being who I am, this is naturally a spiritual sort of story. It is meant to be read in such a way by young people with old souls and older people with young souls."
I, being one of these latter type, truly enjoyed it. As soon as I meet one of these former type of person, I am going to give them this book as a gift.