The Apprenticeship of Lucas Whitaker

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Summary: The Apprenticeship of Lucas Whitaker
Review: I really enjoyed reading "The Apprenticeship of Lucas Whitaker". The story is based upon actual evidence that was discovered in 1990 about a cure for the consumption or, as it is known today, TB. This "cure" was practiced in the ninteenth century and included digging up victims of the consumption who were supposedly "undead". I found it fascinating to learn that people actually believed in this type of cure. We can see today how far we have come in the practice of modern medicine. The main character, Lucas Whitaker, becomes apprenticed to a country doctor after his family dies of the consumption. Feeling guilty because he could not save his mother, Lucas tries to help others by using the cure that he learns about from a neighbor. The doctor does not believe in the cure and tries to help Lucas see the truth. Lucas' journey from belief in superstition to scientific reasoning is the main theme of the book. I believe that middle school students would enjoy the story for its macabre theme and for the fascinating look into the life of a nineteenth century doctor. The inclusion of bodies, amputations,and a tooth drawing give the story a grisly touch that young readers will enjoy.

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Summary: This is a good book!
Review: The Apprenticeship of Lucas Whitaker is a story about a 12 year old boy named Lucas. In the beginnning, Lucas watches his family die from consumption, a deadly disease. After that Lucas goes to another town and becomes a doctor's apprentice. As he goes with the doctor to houses, Lucas realizes that the whole town has consumption. Lucas believes in a cure, but will it work? This is a great historical fiction book for ages 9 and up.

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Summary: An Average Book
Review: This book was an easy read, and was okay, but nothing special. The book explores the medical technology of the 19th century, which, to say the least, was not much. Lucas Whitaker blames himself for the perishing of his family, and sets out to spread the word of a so called "cure" for consumtion (tuberculosis). He becomes the apprentice to a doctor, who disapproves of the theory of his medical research. (Which was non-existant. Lucas heard of the cure from a neighbor, who had heard it from relatives, who had gotten it from friend, and well, you get the idea.) An okay book, worth reading if you're bored.