Rating: 
Summary: It was a great book
Review: I enjoyed it from the very start. The story was well written like the way Lisa was tring to find food or how she protected herself and the others in the school. This book was very interesting. The one thing I thought was a draw back (NO SEQUEL). I wonder if the Chicago gang attacked them(Did they win or lose?) Overall it is one of the best books written
Rating:
Summary: a book to remember
Review: I read this book in 8th grade(a requirement), and still have a copy of this book, over 10 years later. I grew up in the town it took place, and attended the highschool it took place in. (Glen Ellyn, IL - Glenbard West H.S. for those interested). I loved it, and I'll have my kids read it someday too.
Rating: 
Summary: Dull book of interest only for bizarre politics
Review: A badly written and boring book with paper-thin characters, of interest only for the bizarre political philosophy espoused in interminable lectures and asides by the author's mouthpiece, the smug little brat-turned-dictator, Lisa. Lisa's philosophy, which seems to be a weird hybrid of libertarianism and totalitarianism, is essentially this: owning is good, sharing is bad, even kids under the age of five should be made to work for their food, and that democracy is bad and dictatorship is good. There are refinements, but that's essentially it. However, while Lisa's weird political blatherings were mildly entertaining, the rest of the book was seriously lacking in anything even remotely resembling characterization, excitement, or realistic detail. For books with a similar storyline but infinitely better written, better characterized, more exciting, more realistic, and with far more moral depth, check out John Marsden's series beginning with "Tomorrow, When The War Began."
Rating:
Summary: Diatribe on virtues of fascism and evils of democracy
Review: I am surprised that few of the adult readers noticed or commented on the blatant and heavy-handed political message of the story. At one point Lisa says that a participatory democratic government just gets in the way of her grand designs. She then states that what people really need is privatization of our communities with autocratic rulers who are quick and devious enough to get and hide the resources and who can then use the rest of the population to get their ideas accomplished. The crude character development and unbelievable plot upon which several adult and young readers commented belie Nelson's own fallacious and immature understanding of human spirit, mind, and nature. I hope that every teacher who uses this book conducts discussions that help children identify and critically analyze Nelson's bias so that students can come to their own conclusions rather than being spoon fed those of O.T. Nelson.
Rating:
Summary: An emerging classic
Review: This book even after 20 years remains my most unforgettable reading experiences. Sure, it's contoversial with the charismatic Lisa setting up a totalitarian government that was run benevolently by her. But I've always been struck at how the story pushes self determination. The city worked because it was "fun" to work at what you enjoyed and it only benfited the community at large. At the core this is a most positive message. Although I never saw Lisa as a Christ-like figure, I can see how some of her followers over time may come to regard her as such. She herself might become her own worst enemy. Points like these would probably be answered in a sequel or two, which it seems will never be written.
Rating:
Summary: Facism at it's worst
Review: Ah, a girl controlling a community. She's the boss, she's the director, she's the dictator. Kind of a crude message, don't you think?
Rating:
Summary: This is a wonderful book that everyone should read
Review: First of all, Lisa is NOT a neo-nazi. Yes, sometimes, the kids act violently. Look at their situation--don't you think some violent situations would be inevitable. The way Lisa works to make her neighbourhood safe and secure from that violence is what the book is about, and about how Lisa learns to be a leader and create things, and to enjoy doing it.
Rating:
Summary: A Terrific Book!
Review: I've read this book over and over and I haven't gotten tired of it yet. I think it demonstrates high thinking and reasoning skills with excellent coping ability. It boosts self-esteem and goes to show just what you can do if you just think.
Rating:
Summary: It was the greatest book I've ever ead!
Review: The Girl Who Owned a City is a wonderful book! I've read it three times and espesially love the end. I think that anyone could read and enjoy it. -Lisa Schwartz 4th grade
Rating:
Summary: A girl turns into a neo-nazi after the demise of all adults
Review: To give children the impression that they can successfully survive in a world free of adults is blindly deceptive. The heroine, Lisa, looks to "self" as the most powerful source of human achievement. She uses coersion, violence, intimidation and fear to control her environment and keep her 'control'. Young children will be encouraged to emulate young Lisa and her form of 'government'. One must read this book with careful discernment. As the herione of this novel lives, we see children acting out nightmares. Coersion is accepted without cause. Malice is habored without merit. Violence is perpetrated without value. T.S. Elliott warned us long ago of the consequences of writing without a moral code. Reader: beware. What 'inner' spirit guides Lisa's decisions? How would a just and loving God respond to Lisa's manipulative behavior? In the wake of the massive violence that we have seen played out live in public schools across this great country we need be safeguard young minds from this potentially destructive inculcation. It has been said that O.T. Nelson wrote this novel to teach children about the beliefs of Ayn Rand. Ayn Rand described herself as an 'intransigent' athiest. This book has a valueless message for children.
|
