Sender Unknown

This book will create a magical journey for people big and small. The storyline is wonderful, and is very creative. The story is about a misfit genius, that moves into an old house. he orders from the catalogs, to buy gifts for his relatives and friends, only to find that the toys he took for "dolls" and "action figures" turn out to be real, living,breathing yet magical creatures.The misfit genius ends up taking care of all 12, and this story tells you what happened, how, and the adventures they go through. This book is truly amazing, and will make anyone, big or small smile. I loved this book very, VERY much.

Sallie Lowenstein's Sender Unknown is the story of Markham Perrald, a brilliant and eccentric young man who turns away from his idyllic pastimes in order to pursue the computer industry, high business standards, and financial success that everyone at his high school reunion expects him to achieve. Yet a longing lies within him, which he tries to fill by ordering seemingly harmless toys from a catalog. Too late, he learns that the orders aren't exactly toys, there are no refunds or returns, and that the purchases he committed himself to are truly a matter of "let the buyer beware"! Sender Unknown is highly recommended as a compelling story of heart, threat, emotional loss, wry twists, and the eternal pondering of what is really important in life.

Too many YA writers copy each other and then copy their own selves, but not Sallie Lowenstein. Who writes like her? NOBODY, becuz she is about 90 degrees twisted and executes her own artwork and is so fearless about it all, not caring if she's inside or oustside of the approved box---HUH! What can you say about a guy who has to adopt a whole house full of dolls and action figures who are really alive? That's not the ending of the plot, only the middle. If I ever find a guy like this I'll marry him.

I was so glad to read Sender Unknown and meet the main character, Mark, because he reminded me of my son--an unusual character. When I finished the book I could relax because I knew that Mark of Sender is a very decent and interesting, if eccentric, man and so is my son. One of the highest achievements of literature (at least in my opinion) is a better understanding of other people and life in general. Sender Unknown is probably closer to science fiction than any other category but deals with several modern cutting-edge fears: mail bringing "surprises," the possibility that people could be created in new "scientific" ways, the growing need for everyone to remain flexible in response to the world, rather than become rigid and all alike. The story is chock full of the unexpected and most of it is very pleasant. I found myself totally absorbed and was glad that I was sick so that I could continue reading as long as I wanted without feeling guilty. The ugliness of life in this book is so well-disguised that anyone of any age is safe reading this book and yet they will be challenged.

If both you and your eleven or twelve year old want to enjoy a book together THAT WILL BLOW YOUR SOCKS OFF and you're done with J.K. Rowling, this is it. SENDER UNKNOWN starts out pleasantly enough in the near future as young exec Mark is forced by his boss to buy a house as a status symbol, but gets progressively weirder as he begins to order "toys" from mysterious catalogues that arrive at his new address. Kids will first laugh at the comedy and then become enthralled by Ms. Lowenstein's handling of plausable technology and the demonstrated dangers of society trying to police creativity. Adults will sympathise with a fragile romance and the dreadful mystery surrounding parentless mutant children delivered to the door like parcels. The pages are graced by illustrations by the author, as beautiful as they are strange and involving. My daughters Maggie and Lola both loved this book, and I kept reading ahead in it long after they had gone to bed. Funny and ultimately moving, it sticks in your mind and heart. Do whatever it takes to get a copy, because they will be future collector's items.