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The Crystal Drop

The Crystal Drop

List Price: $14.00
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Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Scars on the Land and in her Heart
Review: Hughes depicts a grim but ultimately hopeful future for decent people in the Canadian Rockies. Her story, set in the early 21st century, paints an arid world that has been all but destroyed by mankind's arrogance, ambition and blatant disregard for the balances of Nature:--Mother Earth, racial equilibrium and even the distortion of morality in general. Despite the young protagonists, this is not necessarily a Young Adult novel, for the author develops several mature themes; she urges educated conservation and bio-geo awareness; respect for ancient cultures; recognition of the predatory effects of "Civilization."
When will humanity accept responsibility for preserving the delicate balance among the Earth's ecosystems?

Orpahned Megan (13) and Ian (10) undertake a reluctant quest: to leave their deserted, decaying home after the sudden death of their mother in childbirth; to seek a uptopian society vaguely to the West--established by deliciously alluring Waterfalls. Turning their backs on a parched and eroded wilderness, the plucky youngsters struggle against Nature, human nature at its worst, and their own sibling rivalries. Megan is driven to save herself and protect her brother by locating a rumored uncle--if he is still alive.

The literary style includes much dialogue and some mini backtracking of time (replaying a scene from another character's point of view.) Can two kids make it through a hostile world to a land flowing with sweet water, where enlightened people work to revive the earth? Reminiscent of Terry Nations' futurist old series on PBS, SURVIVORS. We need to establish Connections with our planet. For thoughtful readers of all ages.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: [A] Very Outstanding Book!
Review: In the summer of 2011, the death of their mother sends Megan and her younger brother, Ian, on a dangerous journey across Canada. As they struggle to find their uncle, they cross a country ravaged by drought and chaos.

TWO THUMBS UP!!!!!!!!!! A+

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Yet another outstanding book from Monica Hughes.
Review: Their mother is dead. Their new brother is dead. Their father left them, going who-knows-where. They're all alone. Except for their uncle. He's somewhere where water flows, and is plentyful. It is go there, or die. They go. Water is little. Sweat is much. Adventure is overflowing. A superior book.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: A sad book
Review: This book was okay, but a grave disappointment from Monica Hughes. It is a story of two children, in a world without water, who walk across the Canadian prairies to find their uncle. The story tells of how thirsty they are, and how exciting it is to put one foot in front of the other.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: A sad book
Review: This book was okay, but a grave disappointment from Monica Hughes. It is a story of two children, in a world without water, who walk across the Canadian prairies to find their uncle. The story tells of how thirsty they are, and how exciting it is to put one foot in front of the other.


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