Customer Reviews

My Side of the Mountain boxed set (My Side of the Mountain Gift Set)

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4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

In 1959, Jean Craighead George invited us all to visit the Catskill Mountians. She introduced us to a boy who lived there with a weasel, racoon, falcon, and an assortment of other friends. His name was Sam Gribley, and his year there would change his life.

That is the plot of the modern classic "My Side of the Mountain". Sam's coming-of-age is contained within the pages of that novel. The reader will feel like he/she is Sam when they read it because of all of the vivid descriptions. I wasn't me when I was reading it. I was on Sam's mountain, with his falcon, living his life. I didn't want it to end--and pleased to discover the sequel, "On the Far Side of the Mountain".

While the book isn't as classic as "My Side" is, (and a bit disappointing because of much change) it's good in its own way. Female fans of the author (Jean Craighead George) will enjoy this very much because of the spunky new herione, Sam's sister Alice, who has come to live with him on the mountain--or has she? The plot thickens when she disappears (just a day after Frightful is confascated by the confasation officer!) While the book can bug you at some times, finish it. The last three chapters make up for any and all of that with a powerfully heart-wrenching ending, which will strongly move you. I even cried after it, even though I know what happened--I'll leave that a mystery--was for the best.

Jean Craighead George has done it again. These two books are genuine treasures. This gift set is a must-have, and any nature lover would love to be given it. I'm as sure of it as Sam Gribley's falcon is Frightful. It also may be enjoyable to compare Sam to Julie (from "Julie of the Wolves") and Liza K (from "The Missing 'Gator of Gumbo Limbo"), both also authored by Jean. Any way you look at it--I don't see one reason why this isn't a good buy. You won't ever forget Sam, Frightful, The Baron Weasel, Jessie Coon James, Bando, Zella, Crystal, Miss Turner, Mrs. Strawberry, or Alice. I know I'll return to their mountain again soon.

ALSO RECCOMENDED: "Frightful's Mountain" "The Missing 'Gator of Gumbo Limbo" "Julie of the Wolves" "Hatchet" (by Gary Paulsen)

I read this book back when I was 10. I simply loved the book. In fact, all my brothers read it too, and they liked it just as much as I. I highly recommend this book, and I can hardly wait until I have a son around that age to give this book as a gift.

The book challenges your imagination and increases your desire to go outside and explore. In today's world where everything seems to involve television or computers, this book is the perfect solution to change that.

I am 29 years old now. It has been a long time since I was in the fifth grade. It surprises me that I still remember vividly My Side of the Mountain. What a great book. A young lad from New York City decides to run away, but not just anywhere. He heads for the Catskill Mountains. Here he lives off the land and makes his house in a burned out Redwood tree. Everyday is adventure and freedom. Every day is lived in the beautiful mountains with its scenic beauty. The boy befriends an eagle, eats wild berries, fishes the streams and creeks, and matures in the process. This book is a must for every child who has a sense of adventure, who appreciates the outdoors, and who admires wildlife. I might add that I am now a firefighter and my sense of adventure still lives. If you can't escape your city life, then live your adventure through My Side of the Mountain.

I would have to say that it's quite possibly the best fictonal book on survival. I've also read 'Hachet', but would have to put that second to this book. Sam Gribley is one with an 'iron will', defying the hardships of cold winter in the mountians and his own desire to go home. Bando and the many vistors he encounters are lively characters. His ingenuity is keen and fresh throughtout the book. It has taught me a lot about survial and nature in general. I love the book, quite suitable for anyone who loves adventure and freedom.

I am reading this book in school and I don't understand some of the parts in the book.But one you pay atension to the next part,you will understand it.It is about how to live in the wild.

The book On the Far Side of the Mountain is an instant classic. This book keeps me on the edge of my seat. When Sam loses his best friend and greatest survival tool it looks like that is all the book is going to be about. It turns out that Sam learns to survive all over again on new places of his mountains. He also learns how to use a sling (like in David and Goliath). Then when his voyage was complete he found himself in a mess of criminals and thieves. Read it!

I really enjoyed the book.I liked it because it taught me how to find food if I decided to run away.I also liked it because he only ate what he needed and didn't go around and kill animals for the fun of it.I liked how he had a pet bird and how he was friendly to everyone he met.I liked the ending the most because I thought it was really sweet how his family came and did that for him. My favorite part of the book is when Bando came and stayed with Sam for a while and made him for Christmas and made him a horn.Over all I really liked the book.

Before I read this book I looked at nature a different way.I didn't know one survival tip. Now I know alot and I'm looking at nature as a place to live.It isn't just a free time book, it's a good to read anytime.It's better than the sequel, & most other books. It shows bravery, wisdom,inspiration and ,for me humor. I'm lucky this site has it because I can't find it anywere else.I recomend you read this book, it's crushal to your health!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My best friend in the fourth grade, Karl, turned me on to this book. We planned to runaway on our bikes to New Halem, Oregon and find a huge tree. We studied the blue chip stamp catalogs for hours at school to see what camping gear we could buy. I cannot tell you how much this paticular book meant to me growing up. Now my son is now in the fourth grade and reading it...and we will enjoy the sequel together (I just ordered it). By the way; I'm his Mom. Thank you Jean for making an impact in my life. I cannot wait to pass it on to even more generations.

I read this book as a youngster (I'm now 37) and to this day I remember so much of the detail. It's a wonderful story for children who enjoy the outdoors, animals, and dream of being on their own.