Author: Allan Richard Shickman
Publisher: EarthShaker Books
Publication Date: July 15, 2007
paperback, 148 pages
ISBN: 0979035708 (ISBN13: 9780979035708)
Summary:
The hero, Zan-Gah seeks his lost twin in a savage prehistoric world, encountering suffering, captivity, conflict, love, and triumph. In three years, Zan-Gah passes from an uncertain boyhood to a tried and proven manhood and a position of leadership among his people. Themes: survival, cultures, gender roles, psychological trauma, nature's wonders and terrors.
After I read this book for review, I did something I don't normally do. I read it to my children. This book was written for children and I thought what would be better than not only getting an adult perspective but also that of a child. I've learned that just because I like it, doesn't mean my kids will like it. So I enlisted the help of my two kids to help me review this book.
My opinion: I like Zan-Gah. This book was packed full of adventure. The main character Zan-Gah is a courageous boy. He leaves on a journey to find his twin, who has been missing for years. He encounters all sorts of obstacles along the way. I loved seeing Zan-Gah mature throughout the story. His character growth was the most interesting part of the story to me. Zan-Gah's survival skills are throughly tested throughout this book. He has ongoing faith and a will to survive that is inspiring. I also loved the setting. It was harsh and beautiful at the same time. Allan Shickman did a fantastic job describing the scenes. The supporting characters were also very well written. I can't think of one thing that I didn't like about this book.
Kids opinion: Both kids liked this book. My son's favorite part was the action. It kept him interested throughout the book. His favorite character is Zan-Gah. He thought Zan-Gah was very brave. My daughter's favorite part was when Zan-Gah killed the lion. She was thrilled by that part of the story. Her favorite character is Lissa-Na. She thought Lissa-Na was not only smart but brave as well.
I was thrilled to share this book with my children. Sometimes I have trouble finding books that I think my son will like. I knew that in the past he's been interested in reading about prehistoric times, so I thought this book would be perfect. I was right. I was even more thrilled that my daughter liked it as well. I definitely recommend this book. There is some violence in this book. However I didn't think it was out of place, after all Zan-Gah lived in harsh times. I used this as an opportunity to talk to my kids and explain about what was going on in the book. We will definitely read the next book Zan-Gah and the Beautiful County. So look for that review in the upcoming weeks.
If you would like to find out more about Zan-Gah go to www.zan-gah.com
*picture and summary taken from Good Reads
**My thanks to Allan Shickman and EarthShaker Books for providing me with a copy to review. This in no way influenced my opinion.
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Thanks for your excellent and unusual review. I am so glad that you, and especially your kids, liked Zan-Gah. It was my intention to write books that parents would enjoy with their children. That's an invaluable family experience. I wish I had been around to hear you read it. Actually, I have been meaning to record the book myself, but it is a big job.
ReplyDeleteI must tell you that the sequel, Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country, is a somewhat "older" book.
All the best.
Allan R. Shickman