This time last year, I met Daniel Nayeri when he spoke about this book with #MiddleGrade readers in a program I administer. He is... just freaking amazing. He's hilarious & smart & connected with the audience. Then over winter break, I had a chance to purchase art from the book by Daniel Miyares to display at work. This Daniel was also great. The book itself is such an adventure! Strong recommend.
#AutumnPlease Day 3 #CandleFlame
This candle smell so good and I need to read that tagged book another oldie in my tbr😬
@Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
pickA boy tells the story of how he came to betray his master to the Roman Legion who captured him in this fun historical middle grade novel. Samir is a storyteller, a "seller of dreams" who trades his highly exaggerated wares as part of a caravan along the Silk Road. The boy he rescues from being stoned by monks is not impressed with his lack of honesty and piety. But, as with all people and stories, the truth is a bit more complicated than that.
pickI really enjoyed this. A world history using trade routes as the thread pulling it together (so to speak 😉). It put a lot of events into context for me (eg the birth of various religions ; WW1; 9/11). While still Anglo and UK centred he also draws on non-white sources to give a wider perspective on many issues. It shows the effects of imperialism eg re oil. Engaging & well written, he has a good sense of narrative so it reads like a story.
bailedI thought I‘d love this book. I always enjoy travelogues and I am very interested in the Silk Route countries but I cannot finish this book. I am annoyed by the author who is way too smug to my taste.
pickThis tale features parts of the philosophy of “The Alchemist” utilizing the humor and sense of fun of “Aladdin”.
Extremely ambitious. Frankopan retells the world‘s history, from antiquity to the 21st century, w/ Central Asia as the focal point. Part of me wishes he split the book into 2, a la Charles Mann‘s 1491 & 1493. Still, the whole thing was incredibly well-researched & enjoyable to read. He did reveal some credulity re: US imperialism (& Israel), but such is probably the price from writing from the perspective of imperial powers. Overall, recommend!
pickTodays train reading- really quite fun. When her father dies, Johanna, feisty independent granddaughter of Marco Polo, needs to get away from a wicked stepmother - and she‘s always dreamed of going West to the edge of the world, travelling on horseback with her uncle‘s caravan along the silk routes.
It did feel like there was a lot of set-up for the rest of the series, but I‘m up for the next one. Completely different to Stabenow‘s crime series!
pickThis is a great book for those interested in the structure and veracity of Marco Polo‘s “Travels” and/or the Mongol Empire under Kublia Khan.
so-soThe concept of this book was very interesting. I also found myself CRAVING noodles every time I picked up this book. The history was interesting and the stories of the people she met along the way were fascinating. I enjoyed this book for a light read that was filled with historical significance.
