Customer Reviews

Breath of the Dragon

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

By the time I was reading the final three chapters aloud to my class, there was not a dry eye amongst my charges.

I had my students write letters to Malila (the main character) and the depth of empathy revealed in this assignment pored its soul in their expression.

BREATH OF THE DRAGON is a beautiful book, subtle, its language spare and poetic. It is the story of Malila, a young Thai girl who comes to live with her grandmother after a family crisis. Malila's grandmother is a wonderful person, creating an atmosphere where the little girl's artistic talents can flourish and where she can feel safe and loved. Within this story Giles seamlessly interweaves fascinating information about the customs and culture of Thailand. I highly recommend this book and eagerly await more works by Gail Giles!

I used to live in Thailand and I was worried how true to the culture the book was going to be. Not to worry, this book is wonderful. I can't believe how good it is. I'm glad I bought it and will highly recommend it to my Peace Corps friends.

I bought this book as a birthday present for my neice and read it in one sitting. It is a well written tale of Mailia, a small girl sent to live with her grandmother after her father's death. She learns that her father was a thief and considered unlucky. She inherits this label and has to overcome the situation by discovering herself, her own talents, and her self-worth. In the process, she learns that relationships continue through life and there is much reward in them. It is a gentle coming-of-age story wound around Thai tradition that is a great way to interest children in other cultures.

My review is a simple thumbs up. I enjoyed the book for pure reading pleasure. Even though I am an adult with a grandchild, I thought it was most entertaining. I plan to save it for my granddaughter to read when she is a bit older for she is too young to appreciate the truly great story that it is. I was very intrigued by the characters and the culture of Thailand. The fact that actual Thai language was used throughout the book really gave it a sense of being there. I know that others have written about the story line meaning this or that, but I just liked the book for enjoyable reading. It had a good storyline and kept you wanting to read to the end. I recommended it both for young and old.

Having lived abroad, and having had children who faced the trials and tribulations of living in a foreign environment, I understand first hand the difficulties that various cultures can bring to the life of a young one. In this case, with her mother in America, her father deceased and she being unsure of herself, the book provides a heartwarming example of discovery of self, albeit through the direction and nurturing of a wise, kind family member. It helps us to keep our own problems in proper focus and to realize the struggles which others face in order to make something of themselves. In a sense, it shows us that our problems are trivial when compared with those of others. This book is gives one a good perspective on life.

Gail Giles does a wonderful job walking the reader through the life of a little foreign girl, who undergoes much loss and tragedy for her age. By kindiling a relationship with her grandmother, the girl is able to overcome the hardship, even at a young age. It shows readers, especially younger ones, that life does triumph over tragedy and it does go on. My little sister found this particularly interesting for its emotional appeal. It is challenging enough for her, while appealing enough to my parents. They are both able to read and understand the book together.

Although aimed at a young audience, parents will enjoy this book also for its quiet pace and emotional appeal. The book tells the story of a young girl who has to face great loss--and it is a loss that no one fully explains to her. But during this time of loss and confusion, she gradually discovers great treasure in a new relationship with her grandmother. A quiet, sympathetic, but not maudlin tone makes this a gem for reading aloud, even to children who could read it on their own. The book will illustrate to a young reader that unexplainable tragedies may occur, but life still contains beautiful things and wonderful, strengthening relationships. The book has the added benefit of giving the reader insight into another culture in an interesting, informative, and palatable way.

I was so touched by the beautiful language and touching portrait of Malila. Every child has experienced ostracism at some point and this is an excellent story how one child not only survives it, but flourishes. Keep a hanky handy! A fantastic story to read aloud!

Breath of the Dragon successfully pits ancient Thai cultural beliefs against more modern day outlooks with main character Malila in the middle. Through her grandmother, she learns to embrace and appreciate her heritage while Grandmother grows and learns as well. Perhaps the central lesson is that life, while not always easy, often works out for the best. Gile's weaving of Thai language, customs, clothing and festivals adds to the richness of the well paced story and while not tying everything in a neat package at the end, leaves the reader with hope none the less.