Gimpy Longstocking

The Hero We Want The Hero We Need

Revisado: 05-11-22

Quirky masterful intelligent writing with an expert's eye on the human condition I LOVED IT

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I lost years and gained courage

Revisado: 06-04-20

I am 52 years old and my normal reading reflects that, but life has been rough 2020, and I have aged far more physically and emotionally. Brave Ollie was suggested by a friend as a distraction, a flight of whimsy, but it was a lot more.
I loved the characters - over-the-top but relatable, humorous, magical. They were what children's book characters should be. The story is a common one, a story of self discovery and overcoming, but told in a way that is like a full length feature film and not a gimmicky pamphlet to "buck up and be brave." The story whips around with twists and turns, yet it has a solid unmoving anchor.
The greatest achievement in this book is Mr Nicolle's ability to describe. his command to capture imagery in word is perhaps the greatest I have seen. The word choice shows a keen skill of observation and prepares younger readers and listeners into a world of creativity.
I am disabled, bedridden, and often very afraid - of pain, of, decline, of the future. This book helped me find comfort, smile, and perhaps be a bit braver. This book took me back to my youth and pain-free innocence. I can sing no higher praise than that.

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The Most Awesomest Book Over

Revisado: 08-10-19

Greatest short story 5x back to back to suck the marrow from its greatness. Triumph

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5 stars is not enough.

Revisado: 01-27-19

I cannot remember more wishing for more story. I MUST know all that happens next!

the characters unhumanly all too human. The author skilfully weaves folktale and fresh invention until a new genre is born. Imagine Xanth minus puns, yet remaining family friendly.

I discovered because I am a Fred Fletcher fanatic. Not disappointed, but found new friends to follow. The author may be the most amazing fiction writer I have encountered in decades.

Teacher Note: This is not a book to do for a lit class. save this for a writer's workshop to analyse.

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Better than amazing

Revisado: 01-06-19

you know the schools are pushing fluff and nonsense. what isn't simply masturbating the students' egos, is the oddity of making students feel special as they compete for victim points. the more ignorant they are, the more mediocre their performance, the more points they are awarded and lifted up as a voice to listen to.

The author puts the choice in stark contrast of what is and what should be. when your kid comes home for Thanksgiving do you want to hear about the universality of the Greek tragedies or The Anus, The Vagina, and the Unheard Scream: Queering the Iliad?

Perhaps the author may come across as simplistic. But, in an age of chronological bigotry and "only here for the catalog cover" mediocre elevation, sometimes it is simplicity that is the hardest thing to accept.

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there has to be a sequel!

Revisado: 03-06-18

With such an absorbing story, quirkly characters, realistic pains, and the minute victories to celebrate, tje author has done too amazing a job to let tjis book stand alone. i found myself crying to see a character walk 12 steps, I laughed at the silly mind games the narrator shares because I, in my own way, do them too. I held my breath each time a character took a chance. I haven't felt tjis since A Man Called Ove

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An Surprising Delight

Revisado: 11-13-17

Having taught "kiddie-lit" for many years, it takes a lot to excite me or even interest me. I had seen, heard, and taught it all, This book came as a breath of fresh air. The story is generally realistic, While the teacher may be too perfect the students are not. Each has real problems, each has a distinct personality - no cookie cutter kids here, I found myself wrapped in the lessons, desiring to be a better teacher, I wished I had that teacher, I wish I were the teacher portrayed, To reach one kid per class in a meaningful way is a wonder, to capture a class is a miracle. The story was a miracle for its character and its readers.

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Not What I Thought, Even Better!!!

Revisado: 10-09-17

The narrator was perfect for this book and really allowed me to be "swallowed" immediately into the story. I felt every sorrow and pain with the characters. Old Dan and Little Anne really became my dogs. It wasn't just a book for me to teach my students, it became a part of me.

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I am Ove

Revisado: 09-10-17

every month I listen to this book and get ready to laugh and cry. My wife, like Ove's, is it the only one who "gets" me. This book reminds me I am not alone.

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Good, but....

Revisado: 03-01-17

I liked the story, and despite the unlikeliness of the actual events, I found the characters quite believable. The narrator, seemed to find his stride, and I thought the narration got better as the story went on.

The story itself was confusing. I felt like I was being tossed around. I had to stop and repeat the book often wondering, when am I? Where am I? Didn't that question get answered? Who knows what is going on? Who is lying? Who is lying about their lying?

The story was good, but I probably wouldn't listen to it again for a long while.

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