Riley Martin, an adventurous, inquisitive seven-year old boy, is the hero of this immensely satisfying novel set in the isolated universe of Galveston’ s original Shriners Burns Institute. It’ s here that Riley is being treated for third-degree burns over 63 percent of his face and body. It’ s here that he and his parents meet the future— his and theirs.
This message has been edited by chapteraday on Aug 4, 2006 1:02 PM
Sheliza-
I think that a lot of people think like that when they hear that a book is about a kid that's younger than us. But, sometimes, a book can be about someone younger, but not suitable for a younger audience- either because of the vocabulary that is used or just the material in general. Maybe this is one of these books... I don't think a 7 year old would enjoy reading about a kid with third degree burns.
So far, its just Parents talking to their tragic, burned kid. That's it. All chit chat. I'm thinking that we need a bit more verbs that AREN'T in quotation marks. I know I'm supposed to be touched by how loyal Riley's parents are, but I'm not feeling it.
I agree with whoever said that this book is too much talking. I'm not much of a fan of "healing" books. I'm much more into adventure, especially historical and fantasy. But this book is great if I want to feel sad.
This message has been edited by chapteraday on Aug 9, 2006 6:02 PM
yall are right, too much chit chat. im tired of riley's parents constantley talking about where they go, what they do, and what they say! i mean honestly, WHO CARES! but i like reading about younger kids. it doesnt bother me. i like reading about riley because he is hurt, and i want to know what happens to him. although, im sure he will be fine, it is a teen's book and i doubt he will die. i thought it had a good first couple chapters, but then it got to all the talking as in what the parents are doing blah blah then them saying riley? RILEY? i want to hear about RILEY! not what the parents are feeling, doing, talking about, or anything like that. i want to hear about riley? anyone agree?
WHAT is up with 'Riley! RILEY!!!'?????. It makes absolutely NO sense. I think that this book is dull. NOTHING is happening. I could care less what the parents were doing. What about Riley?!!!!!! I decided that I am not going to read the rest of the book. I know that sometimes the beginning of a book can be slow, but COME ON!!!!! This book is ridiculously slow. Riley's Fire sounded good from the description, but it was totally misleading. I've written enough now. Please tell me if you agree/disagree with me:)
I know the book has tons of talking, but I think it's a very accurate portrayal of what it would be like to be the parents of a burn victim. The first few days in the hospital are a time of adjustment. Riley is probably heavily sedated and his parents are talking to him so that he feels connected. They probably are worried that he could die. I like the way we are introduced to Riley and his personality without him actually being "present". I want to get this book out of the library and finish it.
