The Same Stuff as Stars

Rating:
Summary: Powerful Prose; Powerful Characters
Review: Without a doubt, my two favorite writers for young adults are Madeleine L'Engle and Katherine Paterson. Ms. Paterson has written a number of novels (Bridge to Terabithia, Jacob Have I Loved, Lyddie, etc.) that are among the best I've every read. This novel may not reach the heights of some of her previous books but it is still a worthwhile read.

I have probably shed more tears over Katherine Paterson novels than any other writer except, perhaps, Dickens. They both have an incredible ability to create realistic characters that you can really feel for as well as a deep perception for the effect that death and abandonment can have on people. As I began reading The Same Stuff As Stars I didn't think this novel would have the same effect but I must admit that it did. In the character of Angel, continually abandoned by everyone around her but still a strong girl, Paterson has done it again.

It is her ability to create these realistic characters, however, that also turned me off to this book. I found the characters of Verna and, in particular, Bernie to be so unpleasant that the first half of this novel was nearly unreadable for me. Once these two characters disappear from the novel, I liked the book to be much better.

But is it really fair to dislike a book because the characters are created too well? It's a personal assessment but a fair one, I think. But this book still has many things to recommend it, not the least of which is the astronomy motif which appeals to me very much as a math and physics teacher. Another personal assessment, perhaps, but it works both ways. Ultimately, this is a book that still rates better than just about anything out there. I would highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Powerful Prose; Powerful Characters
Review: Without a doubt, my two favorite writers for young adults are Madeleine L'Engle and Katherine Paterson. Ms. Paterson has written a number of novels (Bridge to Terabithia, Jacob Have I Loved, Lyddie, etc.) that are among the best I've every read. This novel may not reach the heights of some of her previous books but it is still a worthwhile read.

I have probably shed more tears over Katherine Paterson novels than any other writer except, perhaps, Dickens. They both have an incredible ability to create realistic characters that you can really feel for as well as a deep perception for the effect that death and abandonment can have on people. As I began reading The Same Stuff As Stars I didn't think this novel would have the same effect but I must admit that it did. In the character of Angel, continually abandoned by everyone around her but still a strong girl, Paterson has done it again.

It is her ability to create these realistic characters, however, that also turned me off to this book. I found the characters of Verna and, in particular, Bernie to be so unpleasant that the first half of this novel was nearly unreadable for me. Once these two characters disappear from the novel, I liked the book to be much better.

But is it really fair to dislike a book because the characters are created too well? It's a personal assessment but a fair one, I think. But this book still has many things to recommend it, not the least of which is the astronomy motif which appeals to me very much as a math and physics teacher. Another personal assessment, perhaps, but it works both ways. Ultimately, this is a book that still rates better than just about anything out there. I would highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Wow The Best Book I have ever read!
Review: WoW!It was another day in the classroom when my teacher called us on the rug. He bought a few books and wanted to read the beginings. One of these books was this one. the begining was wonderful!. Little did i know, i was about to go on an adventure, a big exiting one in the City and the country. He gave me the book to read. This book is the most passionate book i have ever read. I was in tears it was so good! I will now look for more Kathrine Paterson books on Amazon.com!Amazon.com is the best!

~Stephanie, age 11

Rating:
Summary: You'll Enjoy This One....
Review: You can't help but root for Angel as she navigates the adult world on her own, also acting as an 11 year old surrogate mother to her 7 year old brother, Bernie. You have to wonder what adult in her short life taught her how to be so responsible, as her mother is an alcoholic who keeps abandoning them, and their father is in prison. Still, Angel soldiers on in spite of finally being dumped on their great-grandmother who doesn't seem to move much from her rocker and survives on pork and beans. The three need each other and it was enjoyable to see them work out a living arrangement, including getting Angel and Bernie into school. It was also hauntingly mysterious when the "Star Man" began introducing Angel to the stars. We also love the librarian who offers books and love. But the story jangles when mom comes back and snatches Bernie out of school. And we can't quite believe mom is going to come back into the fold after she ends up in the hospital after being in a car crash. (Doubtful she won't light out again.)
This was a good read but not quite as brilliant as "Bridge to Terabithia" and "Jacob Have I Loved". However, I can't quite shake how lovely Angel's introduction to astronomy was. I just found the ending a bit too pat.

Rating:
Summary: You'll Enjoy This One....
Review: You can't help but root for Angel as she navigates the adult world on her own, also acting as an 11 year old surrogate mother to her 7 year old brother, Bernie. You have to wonder what adult in her short life taught her how to be so responsible, as her mother is an alcoholic who keeps abandoning them, and their father is in prison. Still, Angel soldiers on in spite of finally being dumped on their great-grandmother who doesn't seem to move much from her rocker and survives on pork and beans. The three need each other and it was enjoyable to see them work out a living arrangement, including getting Angel and Bernie into school. It was also hauntingly mysterious when the "Star Man" began introducing Angel to the stars. We also love the librarian who offers books and love. But the story jangles when mom comes back and snatches Bernie out of school. And we can't quite believe mom is going to come back into the fold after she ends up in the hospital after being in a car crash. (Doubtful she won't light out again.)
This was a good read but not quite as brilliant as "Bridge to Terabithia" and "Jacob Have I Loved". However, I can't quite shake how lovely Angel's introduction to astronomy was. I just found the ending a bit too pat.