Reviews & Book Clubs
The members of our Book Club “The Book Factory” came up with some words to describe what they thought of the first book of the series.
- Hilarious
- Fantastic
- Mystical
- Unputdownable
- Fabulous
- WOW!
Generally they all thought the book had funny, creative characters. Hippograffs seemed to be a favourite as was Eldervale. The five Book Clubbers that read this book all enjoyed it and said they look forward to reading the next in the series. They found the beginning a bit “jumpy” but then got into the story. There were a lot of favorites in this book from Windslow, Fernbark, the Sallyforth triplets, Eldervale and of course the hippograffs. Windslow being in a wheelchair didn’t seem to have any negative feedback; it actually made the story more interesting.
I liked it because it was a good mix of comedy and fantasy. I really liked it because I read the book before I went to bed and I kept telling myself, one more chapter, one more and I stayed up until 10 some nights. My favorite character is Jimmy because I felt sorry for him that he got caught up in something he knew nothing about. My favorite scene was when the time-mist turned everything all weird.
A fantasy that will leave you wanting to read more, no matter what your age.
---David W. Book Busters book club, Queensland Australia
I want to thank Bob Lincoln for recommending J. Michael Blumer, author of "The Book of Second Chances," as a speaker. Please read his original email below--I can't say it any better! I'll just add a few comments.
Mr. Blumer is outstanding. He visited our school this morning and captivated our 4th through 8th graders for an hour. He spoke about his interest in writing, lack of encouragement in his youth, how he almost by accident started this book and then developed the idea, rejections, getting published, the importance of writing and studying grammar and spelling, which received a spontaneous cheer from our 7th-8th grade language arts teacher! He also answered many student questions.
J. Michael Blumer definitely is a great presenter. He is also willing to work with teachers and individual classrooms, and provides student study guides along with a facilitator version. I would highly recommend him as a speaker. Contact information is on his website: http://www.gabendoor.com. Please continue reading below. Thank you.
Hagdis
Library Media Specialist
(Yesterday my parent volunteer told me her 4th grade daughter was at home sick on Monday when Mike was at our school, so Mom went to the Red Balloon that day to get his book. Her daughter loves it, is half-way through already, and was reading with a flashlight at night!)
“The Book of Second Chances is a fantastic fantasy with creative characters. You would more than likely love the book. You will enjoy all the characters, adventures, and spells because I sure did. Fantastic and very addictive. I thought it was great, and I would recommend it to my friends and family. It was FANTASTIC!
-- Sarah K. Age 10
"A book you can’t put down. By the first page I knew the book would be good. I liked the thrill of not knowing what was around the corner and Windslow because he was so determined to be the best brother even though he was in a wheelchair. I think J. Michael Blumer is fabulous, at least his books are. He is quickly growing to become one of my favorite authors and I can't wait until the next book. My advice to you. Read it!
--Madeline G. Age 11
“A new intriguing, exciting, action-packed story. It was exciting, many cool parts, lots of action and a few funny parts too. It is different with wizards and monsters, soldiers with swords, dream slipping, magic and animals. Some are the same with different animals altogether. I’m going to get every book in the series.”
-- James
Hello Everyone,
I just want to tell you about an author we had visit on Tuesday to our school. J. Michael Blumer, author of "The Book of Second Chances." It is a fantasy with wonderful writing, great descriptions, wonderful character development, and a fun plot. It is the first in a series of 4 books which will be published soon. His web site is fantastic and he even created a special section for the kids at Sun Path. Now that is going the extra mile.
His presentation was wonderful. He did 4 shows of 45 minutes with about 225 kids in each show. He had great stories to tell, wonderful props, he gave away stuff throughout, and the kids were enthralled. He has had a profound impact on our school and on one child in particular. She wants to be a writer. He gave her a copy of a manuscript of his book. Wow. She came up to me so excited that he listened to her, she is going to be a writer you know. She told me so. And he gave her suggestions as to how to become a writer.
I would recommend him to your school for an author visit. J Michael Blumer is an up and coming star.
Thank You,
Bob
I liked it because it was a good mix of comedy and fantasy. I really liked it because I read the book before I went to bed and I kept telling myself, one more chapter, one more and I stayed up until 10 some nights. My favorite character is Jimmy because I felt sorry for him that he got caught up in something he knew nothing about.
--David W.
I think J. Michael Blumer is fabulous, at least his books are. He is quickly growing to become one of my favorite authors and I can't wait until the next book. My advice to you. Read it!
---Madeline G
“I would quote this book as ‘5 STARS’ (I have only ever read “3 STAR” books and they were great.) It was unbearable to put down. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like a fantastic read.”
-- Lachlan H. Age 12
Queensland, Australia
June 2006
Dear Mike,
I am the facilitator of a youth book club held once a month at our local library. We have called ourselves the Book Factory and consist of both boys and girls from 9-13 years of age.
We have been lucky enough to review your new book “The Book of Second Chances”. This book has been the first book that all members have completed, filled out the review and all enjoyed! After a year this is a great result. The book club members enjoyed the descriptive characters, the places traveled to, both in the dream slip world of Gabendoor and in the real world. We had “laugh out loud moments” and even some tears. Lots of questions have been asked about what will happen in future books. I have had parents ask if they can read the manuscript because their children have been so engrossed in it. Even an English teacher has been reading it, wondering what sort of book can get a boy reading and hanging out for the next book in the series.
This is going to be a very successful series as it is suitable for boys and girls, young adults, adults, and parents. The characters are likable (or not as the case may be), easy to get involved with, and the descriptions of events (including on the first page) hold you spellbound.
As a parent, book club facilitator, and children’s services library assistant, I can recommend this book and the books to come as a “Great Read.” Just make sure that you can find time to read without interruption as it is “unputdownable” as one member said.
Fiona
Children’s Services Library Assistant
boolture Shire Libraries
“The Book of Second Chances was full of adventure and mysteries. There was never a dull moment. If you are after a book of adventure and fun this is the one for you. This book follows the story of a boy in a wheelchair who along with his sister have some very unusual adventures. Come along on their thrilling story and see them meet up with wizards and other strange creatures.”
-- Kessin, G. Age 9
“I would like to say that I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Thank you for giving me the chance to read such an amazing book. The way you wrote the chapter how the Sallyforth sisters took their own life to help the others really brought a tear to my eyes. (I was actually crying).”
-- Jesse H. Age 12