Alida's Song

"This fourteenth summer started the same way and would have continued the same way except that in the first week after school was out he received a letter from his grandmother."So begins the "boy's" summer with his grandmother on a small farm in Minnesota. This summer really would be something special and a far cry from the hard life with his drinking parents. "The boy," as Gary Paulsen calls himself in this semi-autobiographical story, finds himself absorbed in farm life. He learns to love the two bachelor brothers, Gunnar and Olaf, who employ his grandmother as their cook and regard her in the highest esteem. He learns to appreciate his grandmother's gentle but firm love. In the rigorous day-to-day life he learns the danger of a flock of geese, how to milk cows, clean barns, groom horses, gather eggs, and on and on. It is a full life, with laughing and hard work. This is one of the summers he remembers fondly and knows, as an older man, that it was his grandmother's special gift of life to him.The summer ends, but not before he shares a dance with his Grandmother Alida. They dance to a song written and played by Gunnar and Olaf in memory of "Alida and Clarence." It is a special moment to always be replayed in "the boy's" bank of memories.This little gem of a book is termed a "companion" to THE COOKCAMP. While these two books can be read by themselves, together they are even more powerful. Paulsen's portrayal of the adult world through the eyes of a boy is both moving and poignant. This is an easy, quick read that will have appeal for readers of all ages. --- (...)

"Alida's Song" is written by Gary Paulsen and I believe it is a great book. The book is about a boy whose parents were alcoholics and his grandmother was the only one who cared about him. After his grandmother sent him a letter to come work with her at a farm, he learned a new meaning for his life. The story's setting transforms from the trashy city life to a little happy farm. Many things happen at this great farm and it changes this boys life. This story shows many different relationships that are emotional and fun to follow. The author's realistic descriptions in the story make me be able to image the scenes in my head. He describes the boy's surroundings very well to give the reader a good idea of how it affects the boy's social life. The author shows the character's funny and emotional sides to help the reader get a better understanding of the characters. The author also keeps the ending very hidden and gives almost no clues of how the book is really going to end, which makes the story more interesting. Along with the story the author gives some information about how life was in the early 1920's to give the reader a clear picture. My favorite part of this is at the end when it all comes together. I would recommend this book to other readers because this story was very interesting and adventurous.

Jackie King 11/12/02 5th period Although I am not much of a reader, Alida's Song, a book by Gary Paulsen, really caught my eye. Now I will tell you three reasons why this is the book for you. The first reason why you should read this book is it shows how a grandmother will do anything to help her grandson.. When she finds out her daughter and son-in-law are getting drunk and leaving their son hungry with no money, she brings him to the farm she works on to help out he learns a lot about his grandmother. There is also the compassion that he finds after he meets the Sirs' of the house. For example, as they are riding through the fields to get water from the well, he noticed few logs with beautiful faces while he is looking he notices one he said, "That is my grandma" Last, love is shared with his grandma and him. Every year there is a party thrown for Alida, and she can choose any man to dance with for her special song. She chooses her grandson because he turned out to be a special young man. Truly, I hope this is a book that you will enjoy as much as I did.

Although I am not much of a reader, Alida's Song, a book by Gary Paulsen, really caught my eye. Now I will tell you three reasons why this is the book for you. The first reason why you should read this book is it shows how a grandmother will do anything to help her grandson.. When she finds out her daughter and son-in-law are getting drunk and leaving their son hungry with no money, she brings him to the farm she works on to help out he learns a lot about his grandmother. There is also the compassion that he finds after he meets the Sirs' of the house. For example, as they are riding through the fields to get water from the well, he noticed few logs with beautiful faces while he is looking he notices one he said, "That is my grandma" Last, love is shared with his grandma and him. Every year there is a party thrown for Alida, and she can choose any man to dance with for her special song. She chooses her grandson because he turned out to be a special young man. Truly, I hope this is a book that you will enjoy as much as I did.

Alida's Song was a quick read. I thought it was helpful to have read Gary Paulsen's biography and know his background/upbringing. The story was very moving. Alida didn't make judgements on her grandsons homelife she just created a safe and caring homelife for him. This story is truely a treasure.