N. A. Nelson

Reviewed by Chelsea Swiggett for TeensReadToo.com

BRINGING THE BOY HOME introduces two unique boys as they approach their thirteenth birthdays. As tradition in their Amazon tribe, they must trek through the dangerous jungle as a test of their strength. If they survive after days alone in the Amazon, they will be united with their fathers for the very first time.

One boy, Tirio, now resides in America after being banned from his family and tribe for a birth defect that causes him to limp. As his birthday is approaching, however, his sixth sense picks up on signs that point him back to the Amazon and his tribe. He's going to take his test and prove himself a man - and prove his father wrong in the process.

The other boy, Luka, is going through rigorous training so that he'll make it out of the Amazon alive. All of his senses are working beyond perfect, and he seems to be on the direct path to success. That is, until tragedy strikes.

BRINGING THE BOY HOME is refreshing, well put-together, and completely original. The continuous suspense resulted in a fast, easy read, making it a book I'd recommend to reluctant readers as well as avid ones. The plot blended realism with fiction and fantasy, opening itself to all types of book lovers.… (altro)

This intriguing story was a quick read. As two different boys from the Amazon prepared for their rite of passage to adulthood, I was eager to find out how their stories would eventually connect. While it was fascinating to see the outstanding sensory abilities of these boys and to learn about aspects of their culture, I was disappointed to learn that the Takunami tribe was a fictional creation of the author. Nevertheless, readers will enjoy the adventure and perhaps be inspired to seek out information about Amazon cultures.… (altro)

When I first read the synopsis I hoped that I would be chosen by Harper Collins to write a review as it looked fascinating. Then I was notified that indeed I had be chosen; I could hardly wait to start reading it and, when I did, I loved it.

Besides being a great story, this is also a powerful read. I liked this book a lot. It had morals. It taught me how different choices influence everything that happens in the future. It also taught that your choices can influence everything and everyone around you. I enjoyed the way that the book was written in such a way that I felt that I was there, that I was Luka. Harper Collins classifies this novel as a children's book, but I most categorically believe it should be part of the young adult genre. This coming-of-age story was exceptionally unique, and I appreciated how many cultural characteristics of Amazonian tribes were incorporated into the story. I really respected how nature was such a big part of the story. Both Luka's and Tirio's struggles were very down-to-earth, particularly each boy's longing to know his father. And I was very surprised by Luka and Tirio's relationship, but very satisfied with how the ending tied up all the loose ends.
I immensely enjoyed N.A. Nelson's debut novel and hardily recommend it to all readers. Look for this book on shelves in July.… (altro)

In the Takunami tribe that lives hidden in the Amazon rainforest, boys are trained from a young age for their soche seche tente, a test all boys of thirteen must pass lest they be banishes from the tribe. Two young boys grow up in completely different worlds. Tirio was cast from the Takunami tribe because of a disability and now lives with his adoptive parent Sara in the United States. But as his thirteenth birthday approaches, he is beginning to feel a deeper connection to his first home in the Amazon. Luka’s mother has extensively prepared him for the test he is to undergo when he turns thirteen and refuses to let anything get in the way. Luka is certain he will be able to pass the test, but his mother’s plans go awry when his father dies, severing the connection that was supposed to help him during his test of manhood. And somehow, these two boys, Tirio and Luka, are connected in unexpected ways.

I know that Harper Collins classifies this novel as a children’s book, but I most definitely think it should be part of the young adult genre. This coming-of-age story was extremely unique, and I loved how many cultural aspects of Amazonian tribes (even if they were partially made-up) were integrated into the story. I really loved how nature was such a big part of the story. Both Luka’s and Tirio’s struggles were very realistic, especially each boy’s yearnings to know his father. And I was very shocked by Luka and Tirio’s connection, but pleased with how the ending tied up all the loose ends.

I thoroughly enjoyed N.A. Nelson’s debut novel and recommend it to all readers. Look for this book on shelves in July.

reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com… (altro)