Customer Reviews

The Stranger

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

"The Stranger" was a very well written book. Although some people found the plot hard to follow, it was not a difficult storyline. The reader must be familiar with Ms. Cooney's language, because if you are not, you might find yourself lost among her intricate form.

Nicoletta, a teen in high school, is depressed. For years, she had the hope of being a Madrigal (which is her group of friends, as well has her singing group at school) during her years at high school. Bringing her friends and memories, singing gave her the opportunity to escape the lives, normal lives, that so many people are used to. In a heart- breaking scene (which happens to be in the first chapter), Nicoletta finds herself alone, without the part of being a Madrigal that year. She is forced to enter a new class, and there, she meets Jethro, a stranger that draws her to him as if there was a mysterious force pulling her. The plot goes into her need, her love for Jethro, and her determination that drives her to keep his secret. Jethro holds a powerful secret that can either destroy lives or save them. If only Nicolette knew what to do- follow her heart... or face it.

Personally, I loved this book. It had a hynotizing way of drawing the reader in, and overall, it was wonderful. Unfortunately, there were a few disappointing parts, but the author had her reasons, and I respect that. I would definitely read this book again. Enjoy!

Oh!! I just finished reading this book today, and I loved it!! It's one of my favorites now. Caroline B. Cooney does such a great job describing everything that you just cannot put it down.

What exactly is this story about? Well, Nicolette is a high school girl. It turns out the the usual chorus she belongs to, The Madrigals, has a new member, Anne Louise. So Anne Louise takes Nicolette's place, and Nicolette decides she wants to take Art Appreciation. In that class she meets a quiet mysterious boy. She is so fascinated by him that she follows him to his house. But does he have a house? She is led right past a dead end sign. What will this mean? Find out in this book. You are garunteed to love it!!!!!!!!!!

This was a great book, although it was rather confusing at times the plot continued to keep the reader intriuged. The discriptive languge and great charecter discriptions make this a remarkable read. The plot follows a girl, Nicoletta, through a tough time in her life after being kicked out of the madrigals, her singing group. She is forced to take art apreciation and there she meets an incredibly intriguing boy, Jethro. But Nicoletta can't help wonder, what is his secret??

I just finished this book and I thought it was one of the best books I ever read! I read it in one night. I am shocked that anyone could even consider putting this book down! How dare someone insult such a wonderful book! Read it for yourself and you'll understand why I liked it so much.

I had read The Stranger about 2 years ago, and I remember it as only being excellent. It shows that love can overthrow even ugliness, and that it is everlasting.

Most writers would not have the courage to believe a monster-in-a-cave story would be OK to write, after you are 8 years old!!
But Cooney did it.As usual, she is unique and strange and imaginative.
Perhaps a spin on Beauty and the Beast, a beautiful young girl falls in love with a...well, a monster in a cave!!
Oddly readable!!

Synopsis: Nicoletta loves being a part of the Madrigal Singers. She has good friends in the group and feels a sense of identity and belonging in it. One day, Ms. Quincy (the head of the group) tells her that a new girl named Anne-Louise is a much better singer and removes Nicoletta from the group.

Feeling dejected, Nicoletta enrolls in the Art Appreciation class, where she meets a mysterious boy named Jethro. Nicoletta is drawn to Jethro at first sight, even though he doesn't speak to her. After school, knowing that she cannot drive home with the Madrigals, Nicoletta follows Jethro, curious to know everything about him. She follows him through the woods, past a big boulder, but before going any further, Jethro turns around and guides her back to the main road, warning her to come this way again.

Nicoletta cannot stop thinking about him, and the next day follows the trail and comes across a cave. Inside the cave, the walls start closing in on her and Nicoletta finds herself getting crushed. Somehow, an unknown force grabs her and pulls her out of the cave and warns her never to come back again.

Nicoletta soon realizes that Jethro and the cave monster have a connection, and tries to find out what it is to help him. However, Christo, a boy from the Madrigals who is in love with Nicoletta, sees her with the creature and vows to kill it for her. Can Nicoletta stop Christo and Jethro from hurting each other and find out what Jethro's secret it?

Review: Have you ever read a book which you found gratifying and painful at the same time? That is how I felt after reading this book.

STORY:-

* Positive: I thought the story had a really interesting concept. It's the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast with a twist.

* Negative: I don't know why this was published in the Point Horror/Thriller series. There is nothing horrifying or thrilling about it. This story is basically a fantasy/romance novel, which is why I feel some people (like me) would be disappointed after reading, anticipating it to be scary. However, if you don't have any expectations and just pick up this book, you would like it.

WRITING:-

* Positive: It was beautifully written. The author wrote Nicoletta's thoughts like poetry, giving a symbolic importance to her feelings. I could really empathize with Nicoletta in trying to sort out her feelings with the Madrigals, Christo, and Jethro while trying to come to a peaceful solution for all of them.

* Negative: The author goes on for pages with only mentioning how Nicoletta feels about Jethro. The wind reminds her of Jethro; the sand reminds her of Jethro; the snow reminds her of Jethro....We get it. Everything reminds Nicoletta of Jethro because she loves him deeply. It got tiresome on repeatedly reading Nicoletta's feelings without the story progressing in anyway.

Overall, this is one of those books that I would probably never read again but I would definitely remember it (if that makes any sense).

The Stranger was the first book of Cooney's I ever read. I couldn't put it down. What Jethro did at the end brought tears to my eyes. I read The Stranger 4 times in 1 year. I also used it for 1 of my book reports. I never got tired of it. Take my advice and read The Stranger. I'm sure you'll love it!!! I know that I love it.

This book was good, but it wasnt as good to have given this work 5 stars. I love Caroline's writing, but this one was lacking her excitement, and the passion of wanting to continue and find out the ending. I found I was forcing myself to continue. Although this book isnt as bad as I'm portraying. It has a good storyline, and the characters are really realistic. I like all the books by Cooney, but this one isnt compared to any I've read. If you want a good one by her, check out Flight #116 is down. This is really scary and interesting, makes you feel as if it really happened! As far as "The Stranger" it's not bad, read it and see what you think of it!

One of my fav books... I've read it in one day... I just couldn't put it down... Mrs Cooney sure knows how to use words and phrases right!!! A very nice job. But I think that the cover of the book is not what it should be..