Customer Reviews

A Fine White Dust

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

 

 

As an adult reader, I think this book is remarkable. I found it to be totally gripping and extremely intense. I couldn't put it down. However, I don't know if young readers would enjoy this book very much. The thing that made this book so remarkable to me was the emotional impact that it left on me. I think that this is because as an adult I can look at my own life experiences and relate to the deep and troubling issues that the character in this book battles with. If I had read this book when I was middle-school age, or perhaps even in high school, I dont' think I would have gotten nearly as much out of it. It wouldn't have left such a strong emotional impact because I wouldn't have had the insight and understanding that I now have as an adult.

I am not saying that young readers should not read this book. I think that there is much to explore in this book, and highly recommend it. I'm sure that there are many younger readers who would enjoy this book and who would be able to gain a lot from it. However, I can also see how many readers, especially (but not exclusively) younger readers, would not enjoy this book very much.

This is the kind of book that causes you to search your own soul. The author doesn't give you the meaning behind it all but leaves you to make your own meaning out of it. Some people will find a lot of meaning for themselves, and some will find very little.

Basically, if you are just looking for a story that has an exciting plot and lots of action or suspense, then this is probably not the book for you, because if you just look at the story on the surface then you probably won't get much out of it. But if you are looking for some truly thought-provoking literature that explores issues of the human spirit, then I would highly recommend this.

Thirteen-year-old Pete relates the dramatic summer events which helped him come of age. Seems like all his life he has been fascinated with the Church--just waiting to be Saved. But why are his parents just superficial Christians? How can he justify being best friends with a cocky atheist? And why can't he bring himself to throw out the dusty shards of a ceramic cross which he hid in his bureau drawer, in frustrated grief?

Ah, that was the Summer of the Revival, of confessions, revelations, and hope for salvation. Pete's parents were only vaguely aware of his private turmoil. One thing was for certain: that traveling Preacher Man had one Hell of an influence on this naive youth--who just wanted to serve the Lord. It sure would be hard to sacrifice home and friends to follow in His steps. Was Pete really ready to take to the road as a fisher of men? What about family loyalty? It becomes a Tug of War over responsibilities.

This book is a short, intense read concerning teenage obsessions, adult foibles and the gradual dawning of gratitude for supportive parents and faithful friends. Pete grows to appreciate the simple joys in life, like the view and memories from his own bedroom window. How and where can he best serve Jesus? This introspective story does not drip with piety; rather, it relates the quest for the truth and trust. The book accumulates literary tension as Pete is waiting to sacrifice his sheltered life in order to start a new one. A fine undercurrent of suspense keeps readers hooked. Atheists--fear not, for there is no attempt to convert. It's not religion that the author examines, but human response, dreams and failings. As the back cover asks: "How much do you have to give up to find yourserlf?"

A Fine White Dust is about a boy named Pete who is afraid to going into hell.He meets this guy whom he thinks is a crimnal but it turns out that he is a preacher.The Preacher found out that Pete is very religious, so he helps him through his fear. The Preacher invites Pete to come along with him.Now he has to choose his parents or the Preacher...
I think that Cynthia Rylant wrote this book to teach us that you have to make choices.I also think she wrote this book because in our life we have to give up somethng to gain another.
I liked the book because the author describes it so well.I also like the suspense.I kept reading until I finished it.

Cynthia Rylant has once again distinguished herself as one of the world's premier writers for children. In her classic, A FINE WHITE DUST, Rylant skillfully delves into the soul of the misunderstood Pete. Rylant's use of the name "Preacher Man" allows the reader to identify with the wandering evangelist without being consumed by his charisma. And then there's Rufus! Who else but Rylant would be so bold to write about a youngster who claims to be a CONFIRMED ATHEIST? Pete's relationship with his parents, Rufus, and Preacher Man are beautifully crafted into a wonderful but heartbreaking story. Pete learns the hard way a basic fundamental truth that we all must learn sooner or later:People are not always what they seem. We read about a preacher who has flaws and feelings just like the rest of us. We learn that religion or lack thereof doesn't have to define our friendships. Every child should have the opportunity to read this touching story! Bravo to Rylant for daring to write about one of our so-called "taboos!"

This book presents a young 13 year old boy from North Carolina, and the hard lessons he learns about trusting a stranger - even a "Preacher Man". The characters are rich, and the setting is very quaint, but I take a different lesson from the book than it tries to give the reader.

I saw the "Preacher Man" as a young zealous man who was totally committed to God, but was still like other men and succumbed to temptation. We don't know what eventually happens to the young preacher, since the book wants the focus on how easily a young boy can be duped by a powerful speaker into believing he has the call of God on his life. We can only hope the itinerant preacher repented, regained his focus, and went on to accomplish more for the Kingdom of God.

The boy on the other hand, turns back to his atheist friend, steps away from his obsession with the local church, embraces his non-religious family, and never looks back to consider the call God may have eventually wanted for him.

I would have preferred a more positive message about the church. This book may bolster negative opinions about Christianity for some.

If you are looking for Christian Fiction for Young Adults, you might try the Vicki Silver Mystery Series

Vicki Silver: The Stolen Gem

Vicki Silver: Cruise Control

I chose to read this book based on the author (who I generally like) and the Newberry Honor it won. Also, I wanted to see how Rylant dealt with religious topics for that age level.

I regret reading this book. For one, as other reviewers noted, there is an underlying threat of pedophilia that is creepy and an inappropriate topic for readers in middle school. However, the characterization and language don't really meet the level for high schoolers or above. So who is the target audience?

Furthermore, there seems to be an underlying disdain for Christianity that many readers and their families might find offensive. To be more precise, there is a implication that formal religion is bad but that spirituality is good. While there is a note of tolerance at the end (Rufus can be an atheist and Peter can believe in G-d)--and I do really appreciate it--I do not think this is an appropriate school selection. Parents should choose for themselves what messages they are comfortable sharing with their children about religion at what age. (I want to make clear, I am NOT a Christian in any sense of the word.)

This book is about a boy named peter that is very interested in god but his parents are not really into that. One day this boy is going out of town and he saw a hitchhicker. when he drove by the hitchhiker he felt as if he is god in a disquise. While Peter is in church one day a precher takes the stand and to his surprise the man is the hitchhiker he saw when he was leaving town. Peter got into church and god alot while the preacher is there for 3 days. On the second day peter is in church the preacher gets him on stage and does somthing that maked him and many other people pass out. The next day peter is in his room and his friend Rufus was over and all peter was talking about was how he got saved last night Rufus was very confused with what he was talking about and Peter got very mad with him and kicked him out but they made up the same day. also on the last day the preacher got Peter up on the stage and asked him to go with him and Peter said what so the both went walking and the preacher stoped and looked at somthing Peter could not see. Peter said what are you doing and the preacher said will u come with me and peter wanted to say no but he said yes. So that night Peter wrote a note to his parents that explained why he left. The next day he went to where he was spossed to meet the preacher. They were spossed to meet at 11 but he did not show up so peter stayed till 1 and he still did not show up. But all the time Rufus Peters friend was waiting in the bushes. When peter was about to head back Rufus popped out and walked him home. They got home and they got him to bed. The next day Rufus came over and Peter and him got in a fight about the preaher bacause Rufus told him what happened he said that the preacher left with a girl. The next 3 weeks for peter were very dark. All of a sudden the girl the preacher left with came back to town but still this day she isnt talking. Peter still goes to church but not like he used two.

I was completely surprised that this book won so many prestigious prizes (The Newberry, Parent's Choice). I don't believe that it is written in a language that would interest any of my 7th or 8th grade students! I was disappointed, to say the least.

A young 13 year old, Pete, finds religion by himslef at a young age. His parents are not religious people, by choice. They do not begrudge their son his chosen religion or his devotion to it; however, they do not fully encourage it either. This leads Pete into a bit of confusion. Will his parents meet a firey death? Is his Atheist friend, Rufus that he has known forever, a sinner and in league with the devil?

The answer to his questions, and his prayers, seems to enter town in the form of "The Preacher Man."

This man preaches the word of God, saves souls in the name of Jesus, and helps true believers to "Be Saved." Pete is ripe for the picking. He has only to be lead into what he wants to hear. The Preacher picks up on that right away, and tells Pete that he should come with him (he is a natural!) and help him to preach the word of the Lord throughout the country.

It is my opinion that this is where the book touches upon a shady area. There are some implications that may lead the reader to believe that The Preacher Man is a potential pedophile. This is an undeveloped concept, but the hints are there.

Later we feel Pete's bewilderment and disappointement when he is told by his loyal friend, Rufus, that The Preacher man did not come to get him as planned because he left that very same night, in secret, with a young woman (quite a town scandal).

It is a short book. However, as a teacher, I believe that a young adult's time would be better spent reading something more worthy.

A young boy named Pete is struggling with his faith and the faith of his best friend, Rufus. An itinterant revival preacher comes to town and creates problems for 13 - year - old Pete and his family. When Pete discovers the truth about the preacher, the problem is resolved.

I did enjoy this book. It definitely captured the importance of friendship and the vulnerablity of children. The author reaches emotional levels that involve family, religion, and friendship.

I recently read this book for a ELAN class @ UGA. I thought it was terrible and pointless. The characters lack depth and the theme of the book is not developmentally appropriate for 7th or 8th graders. The book was around 100 pages and leaves the reader wishing he had done something better with his time. My professor scolded me for not wanting to read this book to my future classes. She claimed I was scared to read books to my kids. (I guess she is refering to the religious implications in the book) She is absolutely right. I am terrified to read bad books to my students.