Customer Reviews

Jasper

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Cats must have a special relationship with the moon, the way they love to prowl at night. But Jasper, the tender-hearted title character of this strong-and-tender novel, is an even more gifted "luna"tic: why is it, he asks, that he can hear the moon speak, but other animals can't? And why does she take a special interest in his psychic gift? Jasper has foresight: of a neighbor's house on fire, or a cat in danger of being run over. What he does with his gift is the subject of this book. Jasper, homeless and masterless, would like nothing better-- he thinks-- than to be adopted and laze the hours away with a full belly. But the visions (and the moon, gently but firmly) keep calling him back to action, often for people and animals he loathes. This kind of story could lapse into moral platitudes. But Michelle Groce, like the moon with Jasper, always coaxes her prose and her theme to go the extra mile. This book is beautiful, moving, full of hopeful certainty. It's especially appropriate for older children with thoughtful hearts and a love for animals, but adults will find in Jasper abundant application to their own lives, which makes it a perfect book club selection. And I guarantee, after reading this book, you'll never look at a dog or a cat again without wondering what that bark or meow is really expressing.

This book was given to me by my mom. She bought it because I love cats. We were both surprised to find it also has an owl as a main character. You would have to see my room to see why this is significant. Needless to say I love cats and owls. The cat (Jasper) and the owl (Hank) are great characters and you will love them. Jasper is so smart and he is like the cat I have always wanted. I have a cat, she is like Chloe(read the book), I love her but - she's no Jasper.

Jasper has a very special power. He can see when bad things are going to happen. The problem is, the bad things don't always happen to good people. Jasper wants to be a house cat very badly, but he has a lot of choices to make. Does he help those that are in trouble? Some of the choices may ruin his chances of living as a housecat forever. Which is the right thing to do? Jasper (with Hank's help) is faced with these problems. What they decide is what makes this a great book.

I highly recommend this book. It is my favorite of the year. I would have said Hoot was the best, but the Owl(Hank)in this book is much better and Jasper is such a great cat. If you bought Hoot because you love owls but were dissapointed because the owls really aren't in the story you will love this. Hank is a big part of the story and he is a great character. He is truly a wise owl and helps Jasper a lot even if Hank never quite understands why Jasper wants to be with the humans.

I love the ending, but surely it will be continued?

The day this book arrived at my house, we were without power due to a large thunderstorm. After everyone had gone to bed I curled up in a chair reading by flashlight until some time later the batteries begin to fail and I found myself struggling to read in the darkness. With no light, I stumbled to the kitchen and rummaged around through the drawers looking for a spare set of batteries to continue the story.

Finding the batteries I once again immersed myself in Jasper's world. Eventually the batteries began to fail again. By this time I was so caught up in the story it was a race to the end between the failing Energizers and my ability to read in ever increasing dimness. Fortunately the batteries held on.

As I turned the last page I glanced up at the luminescent clock over the fireplace and was surprised at the time. Minutes had turned to hours and it was now well past midnight. I had in fact been caught up in the magical world of Jasper and like any great reading experience I was very sorry to see it end.

In addition to Jasper you will meet a very exceptional owl named Hank who helps Jasper deal with his unique and often troubling gift. Though Hank is not the focus of the story, he plays a major role that will please any fan of these majestic birds. The entire cast of characters is well developed from the comical cats Chloe and Joey to the humans that Jasper and Hank encounter. Speaking of Chloe and Joey they have one of my favorite scenes in the book as they remind me fondly of some very possessive cats I have known. I still laugh when I think about it.

Classified as young adult fiction, Jasper goes beyond that. This is one of those rare books that has the power to captivate younger readers while at the same time offering a rich reading experience for adult readers. So much of the fiction I read today is predictable or leads you to a very unfulfilling ending. Jasper's journey is very much the exception. You will find the story weaves you through a wide variety of emotions before leading you to a very satisfying and unexpected conclusion.

In a world that is often defined by selfishness, Jasper, Hank and the other residents of a quiet Carolina town remind us that there is so much more.

A new author and a great beginning. The main characters, a cat that talks to an owl, are as full and intriguing as Wilbur, a pig who talks to his friend Charlotte, a spider. The author wraps the tough decisions and heavy toils exacted by life into an engrossing tale of a cat with a twist - a cat that can see the future. Like all good books, the message winds its way through the book as the cat's journey takes it from one missed opportunity to another and as the 'good' decisions directly affects others and indirectly builds a charcter adults can appreciate as well as children. A good book to give yourself and to pass along to others.

A psychic cat and a naive owl make unlikely sidekicks in this engaging story by exciting new voice, Michelle Groce. What begins as a stray's search for a home quickly becomes complicated by an obstacle course of moral dilemmas. Although billed as young adult fiction "old" adults will definitely enjoy this thoughtful read. I am WAY over 21 and I loved Jasper.

I have read all of the 10 reviews above and agree with every one of them! So, I just want to add my 5 stars to a beautiful, inciteful book which would be a wonderful gift to all animal lovers from 10 to 100 and beyond.

Jasper is a debut novel by Michelle Groce and written for young adults. Jasper is an extraordinary cat with the ability to see glimpses of the future. This quirky feline searches for a good home, a warm bed, tasty food, and a family to love him - yet he senses dreadful events to come, and trapped as an indoor pet, there is nothing he can do about it. Jasper is a very highly recommended story of coming to grips with tough choices, moral dilemmas, -- from the perspective of a cat with a conscience!

Michelle Groce has successfully invaded a cat's mind to see the world from his point of view, and what a magical world it is. Jasper and his buddy Hank (a "big-boned" great horned owl) learn about the world of the kept cat; a position Jasper longs for, but is it all he believes it will be? Also, Jasper has the ability to see glimpses of the future - is this a gift or a curse? Will he take the responsibility that comes with this special power even if it means he may sacrifice his dream to be cared for by humans?

The lyrical and luscious language creates images in your mind that linger well after the book is finished. Ms. Groce's characters, both human and animal, will entertain you and make you laugh out loud.

Enjoy this book, savor this book, give this book as a gift to your best friend.

I thoroughly enjoyed every word of Jaspar and liked very much the art work included. This book gave me a completely new appreciation for cats, owls and dogs. The author made me feel like I was there with Jaspar and feeling all the feelings he was experiencing. Great book....hope there will be more by this author.

Jasper was a good book, but it was sort of sad. Me being a tad sensitive, I, er, bawled my eyes out(i like using that expression). I would have givin it 4 stars if it wasn't so sad. I still think it should have a sequel, but Michelle Groce, please don't make it so sad. It was a quick read, being 174 pages, but filled with emotions: sadness, fear, happiness, and surprise. I would recommend this book to people who are not sensitive, and have never cried reading any book.

P.S. I liked the warriors(READ THEM!!! They're about cats by erin hunter) better, but this was a good book to read while i waited for the new book to come out.