Sunday, February 7, 2010

Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo

Plot Summary
Rob Horton has a suitcase. It isn't a real suitcase, it's imaginary. In it, he keeps all the things he's not supposed to think about--all the thoughts and feelings about his mother, her name, how she died. The stress from keeping the suitcase closed is giving him a rash on his legs. A rash so severe that the principal of his school asks him not to come back until it clears up.

But Rob's okay with that. In fact, he's overjoyed. It's like a vacation from being bullied.

On the same day that Rob finds a caged tiger in the woods behind the motel where he lives with his father, Rob meets Sistine. A fiery little girl.

He begins to learn that certain things, like heartache and memories and tigers aren't meant to be locked up.

What I liked
This is a nice story. It isn't gripping or exciting, but it flows nice and slow and keeps me interested the whole time. The characters are well developed. Kate DiCamillo has a knack for making real-life characters in few words. It isn't moving like Edward Tulane, but it isn't meant to be... it's more like real life.

What I didn't like
Nothing.

Conclusion/Recommendation
This is a great story. It's short and easy to read. It's got a bit of adventure, a bit of suspense, and a whole lot of feeling. Kate DiCamillo makes magical sentences; no word is wasted. And her characters are fantastic. This one gets 5/5 fiery little girls.

2 comments:

  1. Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now. Keep it up!
    And according to this article, I totally agree with your opinion, but only this time! :)

    ReplyDelete