Maria is occupied with trying to earn her doctorate, and she's far too busy for adventures. But when the library books she needs are unexpectedly borrowed (by a dragon) she finds herself on a quest to find the books, the dragon, a sword, courage, and the greatest cake recipe in the world... not to mention the last chapter of her thesis. An adventure for children of all ages.
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More About the Author
When Thomas Thurman (1975- ) was a child, his ambition was to write storybooks. Many other things got in the way, including owning three cats, ringing tower bells, writing sonnets, moving to Cambridge, becoming a parent, unexpectedly emigrating to Pennsylvania, learning to make fudge, and maintaining interesting but obscure parts of computer systems. Nevertheless, he is still writing.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is the story of Maria, a scholar who lived long ago, but (unbeknowst to those around her) before the end of the time of the dragons. Maria has a goal of becoming a doctor, not a medical doctor, but a doctor of Asnac (the study of the way people lived even longer ago.)
Maria began her day by heading to the vast towering library in her town to find books on her subject of study, only to find the library in chaos, scorched from dragon fire, and all of the books she came to fetch gone. How would she find the stolen books in order to complete her studies? Her supervisor's reaction was to say: "I suppose you could study something else instead. Have you considered chemistry?" But chemistry didn't fit well into Maria's head. Overcoming her somewhat timid nature, Maria decided to find the book-stealing dragon (the one that most do not believe could exist), and get back the books she needed to complete her thesis.
Maria sets out on an exciting journey. Along the way, she begins collecting information, hearing opinions and overcoming obstacles. She gains courage, finds a magic sword, and makes a new and faithful friend (who is an excellent cook!).
In the end, Maria proves that she has a great deal more to offer to and learn from the world than her friends, or she herself, ever knew.
My favorite quotes:
"...a librarian who wore no glasses managed somehow to look at Maria and Jennifer over the top of them."
"...with two doleful cherubs who could not be cheered up even by having wings."
Not Ordinarily Borrowable or, Unwelcome Advice by Thomas Thurman is a fun, fantasy adventure that delivers with subtle humor a positive message for kids. Great for younger readers through young adults - and adults too! Read it with your kids!
Maria began her day by heading to the vast towering library in her town to find books on her subject of study, only to find the library in chaos, scorched from dragon fire, and all of the books she came to fetch gone. How would she find the stolen books in order to complete her studies? Her supervisor's reaction was to say: "I suppose you could study something else instead. Have you considered chemistry?" But chemistry didn't fit well into Maria's head. Overcoming her somewhat timid nature, Maria decided to find the book-stealing dragon (the one that most do not believe could exist), and get back the books she needed to complete her thesis.
Maria sets out on an exciting journey. Along the way, she begins collecting information, hearing opinions and overcoming obstacles. She gains courage, finds a magic sword, and makes a new and faithful friend (who is an excellent cook!).
In the end, Maria proves that she has a great deal more to offer to and learn from the world than her friends, or she herself, ever knew.
My favorite quotes:
"...a librarian who wore no glasses managed somehow to look at Maria and Jennifer over the top of them."
"...with two doleful cherubs who could not be cheered up even by having wings."
Not Ordinarily Borrowable or, Unwelcome Advice by Thomas Thurman is a fun, fantasy adventure that delivers with subtle humor a positive message for kids. Great for younger readers through young adults - and adults too! Read it with your kids!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Novelist
Format:Paperback
In this book, a young scholar named Maria goes in search of a not-so-extinct dragon who steals books. On her journey she encounters quite a few elements that resemble journeys of yore in Arthurian times: a friend in adventure, courage, a sword, ghosts of scholars past, and other characters who light her way. A fun, fantasy read for middle-graders.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Will Kalif
Format:Paperback
I was captivated by the main idea of this book: "What would you do if you went to the library to check out a book and discovered a Dragon had wreaked havoc in the library and stolen your book?"
Would you embark on an adventure to find the dragon and recover the stolen book?
This is exactly what the main character in the story "Maria" does and it's a fun ride as we watch her find the things she needs including the courage...
I enjoyed the book and it's an excellent first book from Thurman. I am looking forward to more.
Would you embark on an adventure to find the dragon and recover the stolen book?
This is exactly what the main character in the story "Maria" does and it's a fun ride as we watch her find the things she needs including the courage...
I enjoyed the book and it's an excellent first book from Thurman. I am looking forward to more.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
An adventure in the unexpected
This adventure doesn't follow an expected plot. The freshness and creativity of this writer leads you down a path that leaves you frequently smiling. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Lysa Wright
4.0 out of 5 stars
Courtesy of Teens Read Too
Maria is going to school to become a doctor of Asnac (study of people long, long ago) and is starting to write her final paper for her degree. Read more
Published on January 26, 2010 by TeensReadToo
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Quest for All Ages
Maria doesn't go out to seek an adventure - she sets out on her quest because it is something that needs to be done. Read more
Published on January 1, 2010 by Chris Alfred
5.0 out of 5 stars
A thoroughly enjoyable story
What an enjoyable little adventure this is. I feel that children will enjoy the adventure and subject matter and adults will enjoy the accurate way that the dialogue of the adults... Read more
Published on December 10, 2009 by P. A. Whittington
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