Reaching Through Time: Three Novellas (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
Not quite done this book yet, but Lurlene McDaniel never seems to disappoint me. This book includes three short stories which are not in the medical/life altering genre McDaniel usually contributes to. I have yet one more story to read and when I am finished this book, I will give my full thoughts on it. So far it is really thought provoking and tears have been shed, and my heart has reflected so much on focusing in the little things in life.[EDIT:]So I finally finished this book and I am full of different kinds of emotion. McDaniel usually focuses on life changing, devastating stories involving illness and death, so it was a shocking to see that the three stories in this book were based on time. Time travel, comas and the past and future are the main concept that all three tales revolve around.Story one was my favourite. I'm not going to give any spoilers and I thought it was extremely clever, it flowed well and the characters were developed properly as to not overpower the plot. I personally didn't care for the repetitiveness of the story though I know her target was to keep that theme sort of in there. I give story one a 4.8/5 only because I dislike reading repetitive things (though I know I can be repetitive, I obviously don't annoy myself) and it was somewhat predictable (though, all of McDaniel's books are somewhat predictable.)Story two, like most of McDaniel's books, managed to get me to shed some tears by the end of it. Though I'm aware Lurlene McDaniel is known for writing some really sad books, I didn't really feel that I was even supposed to be sad at the end of the story. It was about time travel and a boy and a girl (ughh, that's the only spoiler) and I just get this vibe that I shouldn't have cried at the end of the story but I did. I do think it was well written. I feel like that similar idea has been used but she gave the story more depth than just a typical idea. I enjoyed the way the characters were developed, but the ending was just too much. I feel like there could have been a better way of ending it. 4/5The third story, my least favourite of the three (I liked all of them very much, but out of the three it wasn't up to par)gets a 3.5/5. I dislike how this story had an open ending...I don't think it was really suitable. I admire Maura's decision in the end but once again, very predictable and McDaniel's opinion on what will happen in the future is definitely not how I think the future will turn out to be.Overall I recommend this book (and all of her works, really) for people of all ages. I love her writing and her stories are always touching. Reluctant Ralph is a truly lovely story that children will absolutely get a kick out of reading; and parents will truly enjoy the laughter, fun, and valuable lessons that this book teaches. Not only is the story sweet and educational, but it is also based on two very real ospreys who arrive in North Carolina in the spring to hundreds of people who love to welcome them home. So, as readers get to know these beautiful creatures, they should keep in mind that this amazing ‘family’ DOES very much exist in the real world. Our story begins with an osprey couple who have migrated from South America to North Carolina for the past six years. Their favorite place is a nest that sits right beside a very active seafood restaurant. There, looking out over the beautiful water, the ospreys - Ricky and Lucy - begin to make their nest and find themselves extremely happy to be enjoying yet another season in the beautiful North Carolina landscape. Now, after they have rebuilt their home, Lucy lays her three beautifully-colored eggs and makes sure to sit for the right amount of time and wait for them to hatch. Soon, into the world two ospreys arrive. The third, doesn’t arrive until a few days later. This is Ralph. Ralph is a baby osprey who simply likes to sit in the sunshine and enjoy himself. His siblings learn how to fly and learn how to catch fish, but Reluctant Ralph likes the fact that he can sit and get waited on. He’s not a lazy osprey, just reluctant to face the challenges of the world. Unfortunately, when a storm comes in and threatens the family’s beautiful home, Reluctant Ralph has to find a way to not only survive, but learn how to fly, and become the osprey that his parents know he can become. This is truly a charming story written by an elementary school librarian. And, like the military, many people believe that librarians should be heralded in this day and age of computers and disappearing books. (This reviewer is one of them!) It is an absolute pleasure to see such an amazingly lovely, fun story that teaches kids a great lesson. And the illustrations, done by a special education art teacher, are truly phenomenal. Readers will definitely want Reluctant Ralph on their bookshelves!
What do You think about Reaching Through Time: Three Novellas (2011)?
I liked this book, I've always enjoyed time travel. This book is a nice light read.
—Nikanator29
Yeah. She lost me at "intimate mounds" (pg 12).
—Neisha
