Iris, Messenger [Hardcover]

Sarah Deming (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

Dreamer Iris Greenwold doesn't care much for the real world. It's generally pretty disappointing: divorced parents, unsympathetic peers, and a middle school that is hell. But then, on her twelfth birthday, Iris mysteriously receives a copy of Bulfinch's Mythology and discovers that the entire pantheon of gods are living in the greater Philadelphia area. Poseidon's running a clam shack, Aphrodite's doing makeovers, Apollo's playing tenor sax. . . .

Suddenly the day-to-day life Iris found so humdrum is rich with new meaning and excitement, and all her dreams are not quite what they seemed.

Includes an author's note and a key to the gods and goddesses.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Iris Greenwold is a dreamer; it's how she escapes her miserable existence. Her mother researches soybeans for an uncaring employer and her wacky father lives far away and pays almost no attention to her. Erebus Middle School is awful, with classmates who torment her and teachers who don't understand why she doesn't pay attention. And then, for her 12th birthday, Iris receives an incredible gift: Bulfinch's Mythology. Reading about the exploits of the Greek gods is right up her alley, but she is puzzled when mysterious messages start popping up in the book's pages and downright startled to discover that the gods are all living nearby at the New Jersey shore and in the Philadelphia area. Moreover, they desperately need her help. As she meets such figures as Poseidon (who runs a seaside oyster shack), Apollo (owner of a cool jazz club), and Aphrodite (stylist extraordinaire), she's also treated to firsthand accounts of Greek myths. This engaging story of an unhappy girl whose dreaming pays off in wonderful ways will be a hit with adolescents dealing with those difficult middle school years. Give it to readers who gobble up Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series (Hyperion/Miramax) and other novels where teens interact with the Greek pantheon. -- School Library Journal, July 1, 2007

About the Author

SARAH DEMING was a Golden Gloves champion, a pastry chef, and a yoga instructor before becoming an author. Iris, Messenger is her first novel. Sarah lives in Brooklyn, New York.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books (May 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152058230
• ISBN-13: 978-0152058234
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #926,889 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fun Read!, September 15, 2007

By 

SarahP (Iowa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Iris, Messenger (Hardcover)

Yes, it's another Greek pantheon novel (no doubt attempting to capitalize on the success of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series). It's distinctive, though, because the voice is so good. Witty, light; this book moves fast. The plot is a little slight and episodic, but the told stories (several deities relate their back stories) are wonderful. And the dynamic between Iris and her soybean-ologist mom is terrific.

One thing that bothered me is the cover (and I know the author has no control over this; her publisher could have done better by her). The girl, Iris, is the protagonist, yet the cover features a character who, while somewhat important to the plot, is peripheral. And male. Iris protags, why not have her as the central actor on the cover? Even so, I'll definitely look for more from this author, with the hopes that she takes on something more substantial next time.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Positvely Brilliant!!, January 29, 2010

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Iris, Messenger (Hardcover)

Filippa's son speaking! I found this book at the library almost as soon as it came out, and I fell in love with it. Since I was 9 then, and just beginning to dive into mythology, It was perfect. Though I know the entire book by heart, I think that Sarah Deming is absolutely, completely and totally brilliant. I'm almost expecting winged sandals to be delivered to my doorstep!! Very realistic. LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Where are they now?, May 9, 2007

By 

Lisa K (New York, New York) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Iris, Messenger (Hardcover)

In "Iris, Messenger" we meet wonderfully flawed gods and goddesses in suburban east coast America. This short novel is a wonderful vehicle to get reacquainted with Greek mythology. Sarah Deming's clever retelling of ancient stories enable me to recall the myths much more than I ever did in my 6th grade English class.

Iris suffers the Sturm and Drang of many modern preadolescents and adolescents. This book effectively weaves 21st century concerns of how we search for meaning in our lives with stories that have held up for eons. When I reached the end of the book I realized I had been hoping for redemption of these mythic characters. The book's conclusion reminded me that transformation occurs in quieter, individual ways.

This book is written for "10 and up" and this does not convey what a gem this novel is for all ages. Highly recommended for everyone you know who is attracted to mythology and great storytelling.