Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
The latest book that I read over the last few days was, The Tenth.
Not many books can affect me like this book did.
Title: The Tenth
Author: Smadar Shir
Synopsis:
A special bond is formed in the hospital between Danny – a mischievous, curious and very bright ten-year-old who has lost a leg and an arm – as well as his mother – in a terrorist bombing – and Autumn, a young journalist sent to interview him before his tenth operation. Autumn wants to publish Danny's story because she believes he is a hero, but Danny says he isn't a hero at all; he was simply sitting in a restaurant waiting for his food when the terrorist came in and blew herself up. During their conversation, Autumn tells Danny about her son and her life a a single mother. He misses his own mother, and harbors a suspicion that the journalist keeps coming to see him because she is interested in his newly widowed father.
Autumn thinks that Danny should have the tenth operation, which would basically be plastic surgery to remove the shrapnel from his face and minimize the scarring. He does not want to forget: he would rather have a scarred face that will always remind him of his mother and all that he lot. And it would also be a reminder of the reality of life in Israel, a reality in which innocent children pay the price. During the difficult days preceding the operation, still tormented by indecision and struggling against the pain, Danny undergoes a maturity process that will prepare him for his release from the hospital. He learns not to be jealous of his sister, who survived the bombing with only a few scratches. He learns not to be afraid of the Arab nurse who wants to give him an injection. He develops a new and different sense of humor and comes to realize that despite his grief and loss, life goes on and can be beautiful. He discovers that he can enjoy life if he only reaches out for it.
My Thoughts
This book was in an entirely different genre than what I usually read. (I usually read horror, paranormal, or comedy.)
The Tenth was a pretty emotional story, and a sad one at that. The characters and situations very very realistic, in my opinion.
Oh my gosh--what would I do I were in the same situation as ten-year old Danny. I'd go nuts for sure. And to be stuck in a hospital for so long, operation after operation? How does one go from spending quality time with their family to suddenly losing limbs, a relative, and being stuck in a hospital bed? Such a nightmare.
This story is told from Danny's point of view, which was an excellent idea. It makes the story more personal.
If it were me, I'd be confused--Why me??? Why MY family? What did I do to deserve this???
I'd be angry, I'd be sad, I'd be hurting.
I'd feel like a prisoner stuck in a never-ending hell.
This story was good. It touched me. It makes me upset because although this story may be fictional, I know that there are people in this world who have ended up in the middle of a terrorist attacks. Personally, I've never known anyone close to me that have experienced such a thing, but there are people out there who have.
This story made me think about my own life. It made me feel more appreciative of what I do have.
I think that more stories like this need to be read. It may not be easy for everyone to read this type of story, especially someone who can relate to such an event, but no, we do not live in a perfect world. These things do happen.
Cherish what you do have. Live life to the fullest. Spend time with the ones that you love and tell them that you love them. Don't take the good things/people in your life for granted.
The author did a great job--excellent story.
Yes, I am glad that I read this book and yes, I recommend.
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