Customer Reviews

The Healer of Harrow Point

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a 6th grade student and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Once engaged in this book the action is terrific. I stayed up past 10:30 p.m. to finish this magicial, heart-warming, book.I would recommend this book to anyone with a love for animals, or anyone that likes a believable fantasy.

I just read this book today and have already recommended it to my 4th grade son's teacher, his principal, and about 45 of my friends on an e-mail mailing list. I plan to recommend it to more, especially to friends with kids in the pre-teen or early teen range. I finished reading the book while picking my 8th grade son up from school and had to quickly reach for the dark glasses to hide the tears in my eyes. I didn't want him to think it was a "mom cry" story because then he might be less likely to read it. I shall encourage both my sons (as I would encourage daughters if I had them) to read this book. It is a truly touching coming-of-age story, wonderfully written. I felt while reading it as if it were being read to me; the language flowed that smoothly. A must-read for parents and kids (probably 4th grade and up) or parents and kids together.

Mr. Walpole tells a lovely story--and in a kind, intelligent voice. He speaks sweetly without being sappy, and delivers a message as appropriate for young adults as it is for their parents and grandparents. I look forward to re-reading (and re-reading again)"Healer of Harrow Point," and sharing it with all of my animal-loving, great-story-loving friends

Recieved the book yeaterday and read it last night.A very tender story of love and compassion. I would recommend it for all pre and early teens (boys and girls)as well as their parents.Mr. Walpole has a gift for succinct and meaningful phrasing as well as a pleasant writing style. All in all ,a very good read.

The combination of fantasy with real life contemplation of the value of life made this a really fun read. I particularly respected the non-judgmental way in which Mr. Walpole deals with the hunters in this tale and hunting in general. The very real consequences of the loss of a life are dealt with in a creative and thoughful way. I read the whole book in one sitting!

Peter Walpole uses the imagery of a boy on the verge of manhood to mirror for us all the times of transition in our lives. Emma is Thomas' spiritual guru through his journey. Ultimately, the lessons he learns about himself transcend the simple physical healing that Emma strives to teach him. The book is beautifully written and captures the fire within all of us. Although it is targeted for "young adults" I think it will speak more directly to those of us who have already passed through various stages of our lives. This is a book to read with your teenage children to use as a springboard into a number of discussions about growing up and relationships.

This was an enjoyable book that reminded me of similar ones weread for high school English classes. I can imagine a teacher usingthis book to start classroom discussions on decision making as well ason the interactions between people and nature. The book started off a little slowly for me, but after the opening scenes were set, the pace quickened. The story was believable enough, yet still not too hokey as to make it seem forced. Reading this book was time well spent.

Thomas Singer will soon be twelve years old. For years, his parents have promised him he could go hunting with the men when he was twelve. His birthday present is to be a brand-new shotgun and an orange safety vest. Thomas's birthday happens to fall on the first day of hunting season.

But Thomas's initiation into manhood is much different that he anticipates. One day, while out walking in the woods he loves, he witnesses a poacher shoot a deer. He remains hidden, only to see an old woman lumber into the clearing, gather the deer in her arms, then murmur to it and stroke it. The fully-recovered deer bounds away. Thomas and the old woman also flee the enraged hunter.

Thomas learns that the woman's name is Emma, and they spend nearly every day together after that. At his insistence, she begins teaching him how to be aware of all living things. Thomas is naturally sensitive and learns quickly. He discovers that he can communicate with, and heal, animals.

Torn between his desire to go hunting with his father or honoring his new-found knowledge, Thomas makes his anquished decision on the morning of his birthday.

The Healer of Harrow Point is Peter Walpole's first novel, and it's engrossing from the first page to the last. It's a "coming-of-age young adult novel that addresses larger issues of spirituality and the connection of all life." Readers of all ages will find it compelling and impossible to forget.