Panda Ray

This book is very different from any I have read. The plot is extremely imaginative, with lots of strange twists. It is also rather dark (believe me, no one wants a mother like the one in this story!!). Imagine an alien family here on earth, having very alien values, with all that implies. Imagine a race and chase through space and time and alternate realities, all written in a sort of dry, "postmodern" sort of way, as the protagonist tries to get away from a very strict mom, who has a unique way of punishing her chidren. This book is wonderful science fiction/literary candy. Having said all that, any one that really loves science fiction or fantasy should read this. Addendum added years later: After 7 years, I still believe this is one of the best science fiction books I've ever read (and I've read hundreds over the years -- maybe thousands -- in the 50 years I've been reading them!). I have reread it many times. After reading the other reviews, I think the problem is that some folks may bring a different set of expectations (valid in their own way)to books. I personally don't have to have everything linear (tho I generally prefer it). This is science fiction/fantasy for people who love words for themselves, and enjoy a new twist or two. It is extremely imaginative, you care about the characters, and it isn't just like everything else you've ever read. Give it a chance!

This is perhaps one of the most brutal and amazing children's books I have ever read. it starts as a simple fable about a little boy with strange powers and quickly becomes a frightening indictment of man's inhumanity to man. Kandel's writing style is remeniscent of Hawthorne's deconstructionist narrator in "The House of the Seven Gables" - omniscient and chatty, with just the right tone of menace. In addition, Kandel makes poetry and beauty of the mathematical aspects of the story. At one point, he describes the angles of a triangle in such luscious language you want to curl up with one, just to see what it would be like. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I know it will haunt me for months..

This is perhaps one of the most brutal and amazing children's books I have ever read. it starts as a simple fable about a little boy with strange powers and quickly becomes a frightening indictment of man's inhumanity to man. Kandel's writing style is remeniscent of Hawthorne's deconstructionist narrator in "The House of the Seven Gables" - omniscient and chatty, with just the right tone of menace. In addition, Kandel makes poetry and beauty of the mathematical aspects of the story. At one point, he describes the angles of a triangle in such luscious language you want to curl up with one, just to see what it would be like. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I know it will haunt me for months....