Kristie Giles Giles itibaren El Guayabo, Gto., Mexico
I’m still waiting for the Spring Brambly Hedge book, so I read this one. I did not enjoy it as much as the Summer, Autumn, and Winter books. The illustrations weren’t quite as intricate or beautiful, and these books are all about the illustrations. The stories don’t do that much for me; the illustrations are outstanding. This is also a “season” book as the events take place at midwinter. I’ve loved miniature items my whole life, especially as a kid, so the paintings are wonderful. I thought I might like this story better than in those other 3 books because of the title. The Secret Staircase is reminiscent of Nancy Drew’s The Hidden Staircase or even The Secret of the Old Clock, and it piqued my interest, but I just didn’t feel it was that compelling. It was ok though and given that I’m not a picture book age person, it would perhaps appeal more to young children than to me. Also, most kids love huge things or (as in these books) tiny things.
I had to read it for an english summer reading project. It was an interesting and very sad book. Its been so long since I've read it I can't really say that much, but what I will always remember is the Coke-a-Cola scene. That was so sweet!
A really good book. I thought the parts he wrote about women were very interesting too. As a woman I can say that I thought his ideas were very valuable. But I've also heard complaints that the ideal man he writes about is a very culturally westernized perspectived and that non-western (Asian) guys feel picked on. I think that complaint is a valuable one to consider and may hold true.