Book Review: Eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff

Posted on August 26, 2009 by CarrieK

elevenTitle: Eleven
Author: Patricia Reilly Giff
Genre: Children’s fiction
Publisher: Yearling
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Audiobook from the library
First line: Eleven could be anything.

Patricia Reilly Giff’s Eleven is the story of Sam, a boy who is afraid of the number eleven, but can’t explain why. He lives with his grandfather, Mack, and has very little memory of his early childhood. Then one day he finds a box in the attic, a box that holds a mysterious newspaper clipping with his picture on it. So begins a journey to find out the truth about where he came from. He’s afraid of what he may find out about himself, but he has to know. He is helped on his journey by his new friend, Caroline – someone who becomes very important to him, even though he knows her family never stays in one place for very long.

This was a very short (only three discs) but powerful audiobook. Sam’s search for his history brings up so many themes: family, friendship, identity, fear, courage, anger, loss. I loved the character of Sam and his patched-together family of Mack, Anji, and Anima. His friendship with Caroline was precious, and his struggle to read so poignant. As Sam learns the truth about his history, he also learns to face his fears and gains the courage to overcome his biggest obstacles. This is a beautifully-written, emotional story – highly recommended.

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13 Responses to Book Review: Eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff

  1. Kathy says:
    August 26, 2009 at 4:07 pm

    That really sounds good! I’m curious to know why Sam’s afraid of the number 11!
    .-= Kathy´s last blog ..Wondrous Words Wednesday =-.

    Reply
  2. Melody says:
    August 26, 2009 at 4:51 pm

    Sounds good and intriguing to me! I hope they have a print version of this one.
    .-= Melody´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.

    Reply
  3. Sandy
    Twitter:
    says:
    August 26, 2009 at 6:28 pm

    I guess everyone has their own little phobias, why not the number 11? I am loving the idea of a 3 disc book! (Now on disc 28.)
    .-= Sandy´s last blog ..I have no self-control =-.

    Reply
    • CarrieK
      Twitter:
      says:
      August 26, 2009 at 8:28 pm

      Sandy – I have discovered the best way to listen to the Outlander series is to alternate – one disc of Fiery Cross, one disc of something lighter and quick – like this one (although it wasn’t really lighter, but it was quick) or a Stephanie Plum or Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.

      Reply
  4. Andreea says:
    August 27, 2009 at 9:20 am

    Sounds like an engaging read! Thanks for your review!
    .-= Andreea´s last blog ..A Circle Of Souls =-.

    Reply

  5. Pingback: The Sunday Salon – August 30, 2009 (The “August-reading-wrap-up” and “reading challenge update” edition | BOOKS AND MOVIES

  6. Pingback: Semicolon » Blog Archive » Saturday Review of Books: September 5, 2009

  7. caroline says:
    April 6, 2010 at 7:44 am

    This is a awsome book. I loved it. I read it with my mom.

    Reply
  8. Bobby says:
    February 10, 2011 at 12:10 pm

    I love this book

    Reply
  9. Karyna says:
    February 1, 2012 at 3:00 pm

    I have a project on this book and dont know da theme

    Reply

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