The White Mountains

This is one of those times when five stars just ain't enough. "The White Mountains" is a fantastic science fiction adventure with deeply poigniant, sociological meaning. It's a fast-paced, thrilling, and thought-provoking story of young people fleeing enslavement, set in a world in which humanity has been conquered by giant machines called the "Tripods" and forced back into a technologically-regressed, feudal state through "Capping," the process by which mind-control devices are implanted directly onto the human skull. So cool. Although its target audience is adolescents, particularly boys (I first read it around age 11), "The White Mountains" is one of those books like "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," "A Wrinkle in Time," and "Harry Potter" that is so remarkably well-written that it captivates children and adults alike. But, like they say on "Reading Rainbow," you don't have to take MY word for it. Next time you're at the bookstore, pull "The White Mountains" off the shelf (it's usually in the "Young Adult" section) and flip ahead to Chapter 5, "The City of the Ancients." By itself, that chapter is one of the best science fiction short stories ever written. If you can leave the store without "The White Mountains" after that, get a mirror and check your scalp -- you've probably been Capped.

The White Mountains, along with the other two parts of a 3 book series, are without a shred of doubt, the masterpiece of juvenile book writing by John Christopher. I received the Persian translation of "The White Mountains" and "The City of Gold and Lead" as a gift for my 12th birthday back in Iran. First of all, I read both books at the very least 100 times! Then my 7 year journey began to find the third book of these series called "The Pool of Fire" as this book was simply unavailable in Iran. I let everyone know about my search and when finally after 7 years, one of my friends' cousin told me that he had seen the third book in the window of a small old book store, I left whatever I was doing, stormed to the book store, bought the book and started reading it in front of the store's sidewalk! These books became and still are part of me at the age of 37. They broadened my sense of imagination, adventure, love of universe and life. I am presently living in Canada as a Canadian citizen, along with my wife, enjoying a wonderful life. These books ignited my passion and boosted my courage to leave my revolution-stricken country behind and led me to an unbelieveably hard path towards Canada. It took me exactly 4 years to get here but I never lost the courage all along. Those heroes in the books, always stayed with me. Thank you John Christopher and God bless you wherever you are.

I first read the white mountains over twelve years ago as a child. I have read it countless times since and it reamains a favorite. The story of Will, a teenage boy, as he travels to the far reaches of earth in pusuit of a freedom unknown to fellow mankind. Through his travels Will faces many challenges and adventures that keep the reader at the edge of their seat. The combination of amazing character creation and developement with adventure, humor, and suspence makes this book a must read.

In Every boys life, there comes the Capping ceremoney. Will Parker never made a very big deal about it, it was just something that happened to everyone. Then Ozymandis told him the truth: That truth sent Will on an incredible journey full of pitfalls and victories. Will starts off on his own, but is soon joined by Henry, a cousin. But instead of being an old friend, Henry is an old enemy. But Will is forced to take him, or risk Henry telling his family where he has gone and why.On another leg of their journey, Will meets a French boy named Jean-Paul, but he is so tall and thin, they nickname him Beanpole. Beanpole is a huge help, and even discovers some of the mysteries of the ancients. (oohh, mysterious, huh?)I would highly recommend this book to just about anyone. If you are shaking your head because you "Don't like science fiction", I tell you, this book will make you LOVE sci-fi! Then read the rest of the series. Just one taste of John Christopher's writing won't be enough to settle your appitite. It wasn't enough for mine! :)

"The White Mountains" is one of the best pieces of science fiction that I have ever read. It struck me as a combination of "Brave New World," "1984," and "The War of the Worlds" except it is written in an easy to understand prose which is perfect for younger readers. I think younger readers will relate to the main character, Will. He is not a perfect, hero-type personality. He can be self-centered and very selfish at times which makes him quite believable. My only complaint about this book is its cover. One of the worst covers I have ever seen for any book. It shows three very modern looking boys, with their 90's haircuts and clothing, which is odd considering the novel is set in a primitive society in the 21st century.