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Not Ordinarily Borrowable: or, Unwelcome Advice

by Thomas Thurman (Author)

7 customer reviews

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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.

Not Ordinarily Borrowable: or, Unwelcome Advice

Out of Print--Limited Availability.

Product details

Paperback: 106 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (September 17, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1449517544
ISBN-13: 978-1449517540
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.3 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 7.5 ounces
Average Customer Review: 7 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,065,103 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #785 in Books > Children's Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Arthurian

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4.8 out of 5 stars

5 star		86%
4 star		14%
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An adventure in the unexpected

ByLysa Wrighton February 18, 2013

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

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. It's silly without being inane, and there is wisdom woven in it, too. I enjoyed it very much! I hope you do, too. :)

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A Fun Fantasy Adventure

ByLisa A. Maddockon September 30, 2009

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!

0Comment 7 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Courtesy of Teens Read Too

ByTeensReadTooon January 26, 2010

Format: Paperback

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. When she goes to the library to get the books she needs, a dragon has taken all of them.

With the hope of being able to write her paper, she sets off on a journey to discover what she needs to defeat a dragon. She finds a magic sword, courage, and a friend. This dragon, however, is not your typical dragon - and it will take a lot more than the information in a story and a magic sword to help her get the books back.

Will Maria discover what she needs in order to get the dragon to give her back the books she requires?

NOT ORDINARILY BORROWABLE is a unique story that is a quick and entertaining read. The characters are amusing, especially the dragon. Avid and reluctant readers alike will recognize and enjoy reading about characters from other stories who come to life with Thurman's story.

Lovers of fantasy, adventure, dragons, and libraries will enjoy reading this book.

Reviewed by: Kira M

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A thoroughly enjoyable story

ByP. A. Whittingtonon December 10, 2009

Format: Paperback

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 that Maria meets along the way reflects their positions in society.
I felt warmer towards the Marie, the main character as the story progressed and was impressed by the level of personality that the author instilled into the character.
The story is a blend of magic, adventure, rules and good solid common sense thinking that I hope children who read this would relate to.
Overall I would say this is an intelligent little fantasy story, which will make for some great bedtime reading.

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A Quest for All Ages

ByChris Alfredon January 1, 2010

Format: Paperback

Maria doesn't go out to seek an adventure - she sets out on her quest because it is something that needs to be done. So she leaves on her trusty steed (a blue bicycle) and along the way arms herself with everything she will need to achieve her goal: from a sword called Divider - which 'has the power to let you see a ghost' - to a friend and companion. With wonderful characterisation of all the people she meets, the story keeps you engrossed to the very end.

This is a delightful story that children of all ages will enjoy. It is a story to read to yourself, or to share with others and read aloud. Don't miss it!

0Comment 2 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Fun and not so ordinary story

ByWill Kalifon February 15, 2010

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.

0Comment 3 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

A rollicking middle-grade novel of yore!

ByNoveliston October 4, 2009

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.

0Comment 4 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

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Not Ordinarily Borrowable: or, Unwelcome Advice

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