Blue Umbrella

FOR THE PARENT: I think if this book were rated in movie terms, it would be "PG" level, no more and (probably) no less. It touches on a few serious topics (death, undeserved suffering, hopelessness, redemption, a non-stereotypical reference to Atheism, etc.) so it should probably be read *with* children. That said, I love how Mason approaches many topics in fresh way, with moral lessons both children and adults will find of value. So while I will say "parental guidance suggested" I will also say that I very very highly recommend this book be read to/with your children. You won't be disappointed. FOR THE LITERARY CRITIC / AVERAGE READER: Very well written! Good storytelling isn't just about telling a fascinating story, but about telling the story in a fascinating way. Mason succeeds at this. The theme of this book is weather, and it is a theme carried in metaphor after metaphor from cover to cover. This book is a work of art. I would recommend it to anyone studying the *art* of writing. It is also excellent for learners seeking to expand their vocabulary. There is a seven-page glossary at the end containing brief definitions for the whole gamut of uncommon words used. But don't worry - these words are used in such a way that one can still read the story fluidly without having to hunt down definitions. I won't spoil the ending, I'll just say that this book is a self-contained story with a beginning and an end (not another marketing-gimmick "to be continued..." - I hate those!) and yet it leaves the reader yearning for more. This book runs the full range of emotions, from dark dread to casual comedy to explosive joy. Simple and extravagant at the same time.

Ten years old Zac Sparks has lived with his single mom on a golf course all his life. He loves his mom who raises him with love. Zac's mother dies when she walks the course at night and is struck by a single bolt of lightning. Zac's two aunts whom he never met attend the funeral. The Aunties inform him he will live with them in Five Corners, but the moment everyone leaves the trio alone, they turn from friendly to nasty. Not allowed to take anything with him except the clothing he is wearing, at Five Corners, the Aunties are even more abusive to a stunned Zac, who they call Boy and hammer him with canes when they do not lock him in his room for anything and everything. He meets Dada who claims to be the Aunties' father; Dada demands he steals the blue umbrella from Mr. Sky Porter who runs the general store where Zac works after school or else. Zac refuses to steal the umbrella because Mr. Porter is the only nice and seemingly sane person in Five Corners. His relatives are nasty and others he meets are weird, but he is only beginning to learn that Five Corners is the focus for eerie strangeness This is an exhilarating unusual middle school fantasy starring a tweener who has the weight of the world collapsing on him when his mom dies. Filled with vivid descriptions starting with extremely tall but extremely thin Auntie and the extremely fat but extremely short other Auntie and never slows down as Zac goes form nurturing maternal love to abuse. Fans will want to join him as he deals with his Aunties, Dada, Butler and others, but especially when though frightened to being almost paralyzed he bravely goes up the staircase to who knows where. This is an inspiration winner with an allegorical nod to biblical Job. Harriet Klausner

I've enjoyed the writings of Mike Mason ever since I discovered The Mystery of Marriage while engaged. When I heard that he had written a children's/young adult book, I was eager to see what he would do with it! The Blue Umbrella tells the tale of young Zac who is orphaned after his mother's tragic (and weird!) death. He is sent to live in a small town with his two spinster aunts and that is just the beginning of the strange things that start happening to him! The start of this book reminded me so much of the Lemony Snicket books. (I've only read the first couple of those). Everything is going wrong. Everything. Even when you think it might not get stranger or worse, it does! However, from what I read, this book is a great option for kids if you are looking for a Lemony Snicket-look-alike from a trusted Christian author. I would say more about the book - because I was very much enjoying it - but my own tragedy befell me while reading this book ... I left it at a hotel in Memphis when we went to the zoo! *gasp* Imagine my shock and sadness when I got home to finish this and couldn't! :) So, this book will be going back on my list to add to my library for my girls when they get older AND myself so I can see how it ends!! :)

After watching Paranormal Activity, I needed a rest from the dark and scary. Say hello to The Blue Umbrella. This young adult book by Mike Mason was just what I needed to remind myself of all that is good in the world. Feeling similar to the Harry Potter books, young Zac Sparks is tossed into a house with his Aunties after his mother is struck by lightning and killed. As you may have guessed, the aunties are far from nice. They never say his name, choosing to call him "Boy" and enjoy beating him with a cane. From his window, Zac watches the man who runs the Porter's store. The man always carries a blue umbrella with him. As Zac learns more about the history of his aunties and the town, he discovers that things may not be as they seem. Is there a ghost in the store's attic? Why do his aunties love to beat people with their cane? Where does this beautiful singing voice come from? An adventure teeming with a positive outlook on life, this first book in the series is a winner for all ages. This book was provided for review by David C. Cook publishers.

For a change, I asked my 14 year old to read and review this. Her comments are, "I really like this book! It is interesting, and seems like a different point of view than I am used to reading. It is not really for any age group, I think anyone could read it and enjoy it."