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A camera.
Some photographs.
A box with seven shells.
And many mysteries.
Those are the things that Maggie and Jason inherited from their grandfather, the famed photojournalist George "Gee" Keane. Gee traveled from Ireland to Russia, Japan to Australia, taking pictures of people at work, at war, in sports, and at play. Now Jason receives Gee's photographs and camera--though he has no idea what to do with them. And Gee leaves Maggie with the puzzle of the seven shells--one that might take her whole life to solve. As Maggie and Jason use these gifts, they will discover all the people their grandfather was...and all the people they might yet become.
Ten bestselling, award-winning authors unite for a novel of brilliant writing, global adventure, and constant surprise.
Some photographs.
A box with seven shells.
And many mysteries.
Those are the things that Maggie and Jason inherited from their grandfather, the famed photojournalist George "Gee" Keane. Gee traveled from Ireland to Russia, Japan to Australia, taking pictures of people at work, at war, in sports, and at play. Now Jason receives Gee's photographs and camera--though he has no idea what to do with them. And Gee leaves Maggie with the puzzle of the seven shells--one that might take her whole life to solve. As Maggie and Jason use these gifts, they will discover all the people their grandfather was...and all the people they might yet become.
Ten bestselling, award-winning authors unite for a novel of brilliant writing, global adventure, and constant surprise.
217 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2007
82 people are currently reading
2546 people want to read
About the author
David Almond
112books810followersDavid Almond is a British children's writer who has penned several novels, each one to critical acclaim. He was born and raised in Felling and Newcastle in post-industrial North East England and educated at the University of East Anglia. When he was young, he found his love of writing when some short stories of his were published in a local magazine. He started out as an author of adult fiction before finding his niche writing literature for young adults.
His first children's novel, Skellig (1998), set in Newcastle, won the Whitbread Children's Novel of the Year Award and also the Carnegie Medal. His subsequent novels are: Kit's Wilderness (1999), Heaven Eyes (2000), Secret Heart (2001), The Fire Eaters (2003) and Clay (2005). His first play aimed at adolescents, Wild Girl, Wild Boy, toured in 2001 and was published in 2002.
His works are highly philosophical and thus appeal to children and adults alike. Recurring themes throughout include the complex relationships between apparent opposites (such as life and death, reality and fiction, past and future); forms of education; growing up and adapting to change; the nature of 'the self'. He has been greatly influenced by the works of the English Romantic poet William Blake.
He is an author often suggested on National Curriculum reading lists in the United Kingdom and has attracted the attention of academics who specialise in the study of children's literature.
Almond currently lives with his family in Northumberland, England.
Awards: Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing (2010).
His first children's novel, Skellig (1998), set in Newcastle, won the Whitbread Children's Novel of the Year Award and also the Carnegie Medal. His subsequent novels are: Kit's Wilderness (1999), Heaven Eyes (2000), Secret Heart (2001), The Fire Eaters (2003) and Clay (2005). His first play aimed at adolescents, Wild Girl, Wild Boy, toured in 2001 and was published in 2002.
His works are highly philosophical and thus appeal to children and adults alike. Recurring themes throughout include the complex relationships between apparent opposites (such as life and death, reality and fiction, past and future); forms of education; growing up and adapting to change; the nature of 'the self'. He has been greatly influenced by the works of the English Romantic poet William Blake.
He is an author often suggested on National Curriculum reading lists in the United Kingdom and has attracted the attention of academics who specialise in the study of children's literature.
Almond currently lives with his family in Northumberland, England.
Awards: Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing (2010).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 408 reviews
August 13, 2009
The concept is incredibly intriguing and I liked more than half of the stories and really liked a few, especially the beginning chapter by Linda Sue Park, the chapter by Sarah Ellis, and the chapter by Margo Lanagan. How strange that all the chapters that really spoke to me are by female authors, even though one of them is not about a young girl. Some of the authors took the "assignment" to heart and tried to fit their tales with the stage that Park set up in the first chapter, but others did not try all that hard and that's where the "One Novel" idea fell short in its execution. The last chapter by Maguire did tie up some of the elements in the previous chapter, but I think he forgot that this is meant to be a YA novel, seeing events from young people's viewpoints keeps that focus and unites all the different tales, especially not all tales were from Maggie's point of view or even known to her, so the novel is not really her story to warrant ending the tale with her as a very old lady. If the tale is told from Iona's, her Grand Niece, point of view, her story can still be told, the shell can still be passed down, but there will be a consistency in all ten tales then.
August 13, 2009
This started out very strong--Gee, a photojournalist, has recently died, and his granddaughter is having a particularly hard time moving past it. Through the gifts Gee left for Maggie and her brother Jason, the reader explores Gee's travels around the globe and meets the strangers he met. Each chapter is written by a different author, but they all have a similar feel, so it's not even disjointed. Some stories are more realistic than others, but the ending kind of falls apart: it veers into a science-fiction future of Maggie's final trip, this time with her grand-niece, perpetuating the family tradition of sharing travels. Or something. By the end of the book it reads more like a gimmick that's gone on too long than a cohesive novel.
June 15, 2023
I really wanted to like this book. I loved the IDEA of this book...
BUT the book itself was not that great. Like I said the idea of the book was amazing... and I feel like maybe if ONE author had written it, it would have been amazing... BUT TEN AUTHORS WROTE THIS BOOK!!!!!! Ten authors with different writing styles, different writing styles that were combined into one book. It made it feel... rushed and sloppy. I also didn't help how there wasn't really a main character, so I couldn't really connect in that way either.
Overall, I was sorely disappointed, and I would not recommend this book to anyone.
BUT the book itself was not that great. Like I said the idea of the book was amazing... and I feel like maybe if ONE author had written it, it would have been amazing... BUT TEN AUTHORS WROTE THIS BOOK!!!!!! Ten authors with different writing styles, different writing styles that were combined into one book. It made it feel... rushed and sloppy. I also didn't help how there wasn't really a main character, so I couldn't really connect in that way either.
Overall, I was sorely disappointed, and I would not recommend this book to anyone.
August 4, 2018
This book was an interesting journey. It's the first time I've read a book in which the story is continuous and connected, but each chapter has a different author and so builds in parallel and fantastic ways as it goes along.
I originally grabbed the book from a donation shelf because I liked a few of the authors, but I was not disappointed by any of them. Storytelling was good and I found all of the characters compelling. It was also a quick read, so definitely worth it if you have a little extra time and want an interesting, twisting diversion.
I originally grabbed the book from a donation shelf because I liked a few of the authors, but I was not disappointed by any of them. Storytelling was good and I found all of the characters compelling. It was also a quick read, so definitely worth it if you have a little extra time and want an interesting, twisting diversion.
September 26, 2014
September 19, 2014
At first the novel is really sad. Maggie's grandpa, Gee died. Maggie was really sad that he died because they were very close to each other. Every time Gee would come back from one of his travels, Maggie and him would have their story exchange. Another reason that Maggie is really sad is that she will miss the gifts Gee would have brought her from the places that he went to. Once Gee brought her a glass prism and it would make rainbows all over her room. In all there are many reasons that Maggie is really sad that Gee died.
When Gee died he left a very special present for Maggie. The present was many boxes with shells in them and a letter in each box. This present is special to Maggie because it is a puzzle. She figures out that it might take her whole life to solve the puzzle. Another reason that the present is special to Maggie is that it is related with seashells. She likes that it is related with seashells because she loves swimming in the ocean. These are the reasons that make the present very special.
September 26, 2014
At this moment of the book, Maggie's brother, Jason is going through a really tough time. He is fifteen years old and just found out that he is adopted. Since his parents told him him that he was adopted, Jason just thought about one thing-- money. He just thought about money because he wants to save up for a flight to Tobago, where his real dad lived. Another reason that he is going through a rough times is that he doesn't know he he should sell the things that Gee gave him. Jason could sell Gee's old camera, it would be worth a lot of money. In all, I think that Jason is in a dilemma.
Maggie has a vey interesting way of seeing things. First she wished that Gee would have been in the Beatles. Maggie had wished that Gee was in the Beatles because she would hear his voice everyday on the radio. Another way how Maggie is different is how she approaches to problems. She found a weird picture that Gee took and just had to find out what was going on. Maggie made her mom go with her to Nice to find out what the picture meant my blackmailing her. These are the reasons that make Maggie different from other major characters in the novel.
At first the novel is really sad. Maggie's grandpa, Gee died. Maggie was really sad that he died because they were very close to each other. Every time Gee would come back from one of his travels, Maggie and him would have their story exchange. Another reason that Maggie is really sad is that she will miss the gifts Gee would have brought her from the places that he went to. Once Gee brought her a glass prism and it would make rainbows all over her room. In all there are many reasons that Maggie is really sad that Gee died.
When Gee died he left a very special present for Maggie. The present was many boxes with shells in them and a letter in each box. This present is special to Maggie because it is a puzzle. She figures out that it might take her whole life to solve the puzzle. Another reason that the present is special to Maggie is that it is related with seashells. She likes that it is related with seashells because she loves swimming in the ocean. These are the reasons that make the present very special.
September 26, 2014
At this moment of the book, Maggie's brother, Jason is going through a really tough time. He is fifteen years old and just found out that he is adopted. Since his parents told him him that he was adopted, Jason just thought about one thing-- money. He just thought about money because he wants to save up for a flight to Tobago, where his real dad lived. Another reason that he is going through a rough times is that he doesn't know he he should sell the things that Gee gave him. Jason could sell Gee's old camera, it would be worth a lot of money. In all, I think that Jason is in a dilemma.
Maggie has a vey interesting way of seeing things. First she wished that Gee would have been in the Beatles. Maggie had wished that Gee was in the Beatles because she would hear his voice everyday on the radio. Another way how Maggie is different is how she approaches to problems. She found a weird picture that Gee took and just had to find out what was going on. Maggie made her mom go with her to Nice to find out what the picture meant my blackmailing her. These are the reasons that make Maggie different from other major characters in the novel.
August 13, 2009
Maggie is a young girl whose beloved grandfather, a famous photojournalist called “Gee,� has just died, leaving her a special package. Rather than opening it right away, Maggie goes through a grieving process for weeks. Finally, she is ready, and what she finds in Gee’s package sends her on the journey of a lifetime. This is a “jump� story, one where several authors write short stories, all tied together with one “jump character� or “jump object.� In this book, Grandpa Gee is the “jump character� whose story is told by a wide range of popular authors of both adult and children’s fiction. Maggie and her adopted brother Jason show up in some of the stories, aging into mature years as the book progresses. Other installments introduce people and situations from Gee’s past: two Japanese brothers during World War II, a couple of Irish boys who met Muhammad Ali, prisoners in a Russian jail, and a mysterious girl who lives by the sea. The stories work well together and create a fascinating blend of fantasy, realism, science fiction, and historical fiction. Collected by well-respected editor Arthur A. Levine, this collection has something for everyone and each purchase benefits Amnesty International!
June 21, 2019
The first time I read this, it was brilliance.
The second time I read this, I was disappointed.
Despite my memories of mixed feelings, I still felt fond of this strange little novel, so I decided to read it one more time for Reread Your Favorite Book Month. And I must agree with my original judgment.
It is brilliance.
It's just so UNIQUE. Ten authors got together and actually came up with something original, which is real hard to do these days. And not only is it original, it's cool and interesting to read as well.
It operates a lot like an anthology, because many of the stories are vastly different in style, characters, and setting. And yet it's all connected.
My absolute favorite chapter is Chapter 7: Min written by Tim Wynne-Jones. I just love love love it so much.
I enjoyed all of the chapters to some extent, but there are a few I find hard to get into. Chapter 9: Afela by Margo Lanagan is one, and Chapter 10: Margaret by Gregory Maguire, while sweet, isn't my personal cup of tea. Of course, Gregory Maguire has never been my cup of tea.
I just love this creation so much. Ten different stories about very different things, and yet they really are all about the same thing. Life. (not to get too cheesy).
The second time I read this, I was disappointed.
Despite my memories of mixed feelings, I still felt fond of this strange little novel, so I decided to read it one more time for Reread Your Favorite Book Month. And I must agree with my original judgment.
It is brilliance.
It's just so UNIQUE. Ten authors got together and actually came up with something original, which is real hard to do these days. And not only is it original, it's cool and interesting to read as well.
It operates a lot like an anthology, because many of the stories are vastly different in style, characters, and setting. And yet it's all connected.
My absolute favorite chapter is Chapter 7: Min written by Tim Wynne-Jones. I just love love love it so much.
I enjoyed all of the chapters to some extent, but there are a few I find hard to get into. Chapter 9: Afela by Margo Lanagan is one, and Chapter 10: Margaret by Gregory Maguire, while sweet, isn't my personal cup of tea. Of course, Gregory Maguire has never been my cup of tea.
I just love this creation so much. Ten different stories about very different things, and yet they really are all about the same thing. Life. (not to get too cheesy).
September 24, 2010
Nein, ich weiß wirklich nicht, warum dieses Buch auf der Liste der Nominierten für den dt.Jugendliteraturpreis dieses Jahr steht!
Interessante Idee: Das Leben eines Fotographen wird anhand seiner Fotographien nachvollzogen. Also handelt es sich hier auch mehr um einen Episodenroman, daher ist auch die Idee ganz nett, die einzelnen Episoden von unterschiedlichen Autoren schreiben zu lassen. Spannend wäre es hier gewesen, wenn tatsächlich auch Unterschiede sichtbar gewesen wäre in der Art des Erzählens. Das ist aber nicht der Fall. Eigentlich fragt man sich, warum es nun 10 Autoren sind, die diesen Roman erzählen. Hier sind Möglichkeiten verschenkt worden. Und dann ist die Person, deren Leben nachvollzogen wird so ein unglaublich guter Mensch. Jedem hat er geholfen und alle, denen er begegnet ist, fanden ihn wunderbar. Das ist doch langweilig! Und dann wird es auch noch kryptisch zum Schluss mit merkwürdigen Ausblicken in eine weit entfernte Zukunft.
Ich gebe zwei Sterne, weil die Geschichte an manchen Stellen zart poetisch daherkommt und weil die Grundidee nett ist (das sind wahrscheinlich auch die Gründe für die Nominierung, anders kann ich mir das nicht erklären).
Interessante Idee: Das Leben eines Fotographen wird anhand seiner Fotographien nachvollzogen. Also handelt es sich hier auch mehr um einen Episodenroman, daher ist auch die Idee ganz nett, die einzelnen Episoden von unterschiedlichen Autoren schreiben zu lassen. Spannend wäre es hier gewesen, wenn tatsächlich auch Unterschiede sichtbar gewesen wäre in der Art des Erzählens. Das ist aber nicht der Fall. Eigentlich fragt man sich, warum es nun 10 Autoren sind, die diesen Roman erzählen. Hier sind Möglichkeiten verschenkt worden. Und dann ist die Person, deren Leben nachvollzogen wird so ein unglaublich guter Mensch. Jedem hat er geholfen und alle, denen er begegnet ist, fanden ihn wunderbar. Das ist doch langweilig! Und dann wird es auch noch kryptisch zum Schluss mit merkwürdigen Ausblicken in eine weit entfernte Zukunft.
Ich gebe zwei Sterne, weil die Geschichte an manchen Stellen zart poetisch daherkommt und weil die Grundidee nett ist (das sind wahrscheinlich auch die Gründe für die Nominierung, anders kann ich mir das nicht erklären).
March 4, 2015
The proceeds from this novel go to Amnesty International, and that theme does run a bit through the chapters. Each chapter is written by a different author, and some of them are big names like David Almond, Nick Hornby, Gregory Maguire, and others. The overall theme is that a photojournalist dies and leaves some gifts to his grandchildren. Maggie receives a box of shells and Jason receives a stack of autographed photographs. Interesting enough, eh? But then each chapter gives the reader a little bit more information.
I'm not sure why this collection was published YA because I think it could be a hit with adults. Or really, really introspective teens. I found the intertwining of the stories fascinating and felt that Maggie and Jason were really fleshed out. And, whoa, what a twist about Grandpa at the end! I didn't see that coming! Gregory Maguire futuristic chapter was my least favorite, probably because it was such a stretch from the rest of the book. But I'll forgive him since he's awesome.
I'm not sure why this collection was published YA because I think it could be a hit with adults. Or really, really introspective teens. I found the intertwining of the stories fascinating and felt that Maggie and Jason were really fleshed out. And, whoa, what a twist about Grandpa at the end! I didn't see that coming! Gregory Maguire futuristic chapter was my least favorite, probably because it was such a stretch from the rest of the book. But I'll forgive him since he's awesome.
August 13, 2009
This novel is about George Keane and the effect he had on various individuals. After his death, his grandchildren and his daughter search to find a deeper understanding of who Keane was. Although they find some answers to the question, they wind up discovering a lot more questions about Keane. However, they do develop a greater sense of themselves in the process. This increased sense of identity is something "Gee" helped others find throughout his life. Although, the reader develops the sense that with his outward focus on other people's stories, Gee failed to develop a true sense of his own identity.
The ten parts of the story by the ten different authors come together well. Although, the futuristic elements were a little bizzare for my tastes, and didn't seem to fit as neatly with the rest of the story. Nevertheless, the novel's reflections on life are insightful and overall the novel is enjoyable.
The ten parts of the story by the ten different authors come together well. Although, the futuristic elements were a little bizzare for my tastes, and didn't seem to fit as neatly with the rest of the story. Nevertheless, the novel's reflections on life are insightful and overall the novel is enjoyable.
April 6, 2017
One novel, ten chapters, ten authors. I started out truly enjoying this one but, it lost me towards the end. So much potential...each chapter is unique and yet the last couple of chapters just didn't work for me, the sci-fi/futuristic style seemed completely out of place. Good, but not great.
"Yes. There is an astonishing thing there. A mystery. And sometimes the biggest mystery of all is how a mystery might help to solve another mystery......Pick the sense out of that!"
~Click
"Yes. There is an astonishing thing there. A mystery. And sometimes the biggest mystery of all is how a mystery might help to solve another mystery......Pick the sense out of that!"
~Click
August 13, 2009
10 authors, 10 chapters, one novel.
When Maggie and Jason's grandfather, photo-journalist George "Gee" Keane dies, he leaves them simple gifts that turn out to be windows into his fascinating and complicated life. Each chapter deals with a different character. They can be read as stand-alone short stories but the whole story is revealed when they are read together.
Highly Recommended
When Maggie and Jason's grandfather, photo-journalist George "Gee" Keane dies, he leaves them simple gifts that turn out to be windows into his fascinating and complicated life. Each chapter deals with a different character. They can be read as stand-alone short stories but the whole story is revealed when they are read together.
Highly Recommended
September 21, 2021
Well I must say this story caught my attention from the beginning and I was unsure what it was going to be about (as I will often read a book without knowing as I don't want any spoilers). And I must admit I was intrigued by how ten different authors could actually write one story instead of them doing an anthology. But the book actually turned out more interesting than I had hoped and soon I was caught within the world created by these authors.
And the different authors become evident as you read, as the chapters are different. The subject matter seems to change too... Like one is about a war and another is about a very unique beach girl. That chapter definitely had a fantasy element added.
The idea at the very beginning - about the main character and the gift from her grandfather - truly intrigued me. But I felt as the story went on that idea was sort of garbled as the various authors had taken over? It wasn't exactly forgotten but some things were not as satisfying as I had hoped? And the ending was a total unexpected shock!
This is definitely a very unique book. It must be a one of a kind, not only because of the many authors but the story itself is also so original too. And it definitely has a science fiction / fantasy slant to it.
And the different authors become evident as you read, as the chapters are different. The subject matter seems to change too... Like one is about a war and another is about a very unique beach girl. That chapter definitely had a fantasy element added.
The idea at the very beginning - about the main character and the gift from her grandfather - truly intrigued me. But I felt as the story went on that idea was sort of garbled as the various authors had taken over? It wasn't exactly forgotten but some things were not as satisfying as I had hoped? And the ending was a total unexpected shock!
This is definitely a very unique book. It must be a one of a kind, not only because of the many authors but the story itself is also so original too. And it definitely has a science fiction / fantasy slant to it.
January 12, 2023
Read this in elementary school for class, read it again just over the break.
Starts out pretty cool, but the ending falls flat.
Nonetheless, the concept of having different authors for each chapter is cool. I would love to learn more about the process of writing each chapter, since sometimes they call back to other chapters. Was it written sequentially? Or the story planned out and the words filled it?
that would explain a lot about how the book works, and I think it would make me appreciate it more
Starts out pretty cool, but the ending falls flat.
Nonetheless, the concept of having different authors for each chapter is cool. I would love to learn more about the process of writing each chapter, since sometimes they call back to other chapters. Was it written sequentially? Or the story planned out and the words filled it?
that would explain a lot about how the book works, and I think it would make me appreciate it more
November 26, 2023
The first 8 chapters of this book were amazing and for that reason I am giving it 4 stars! The last two chapters I felt were disconnected from the rest in the way the stories were told.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2017
Told by multiple authors, this is a story about Gee, a world travelling photojournalist named G. Keane, now deceased, and his grandchildren Maggie and Jason. The stories refract and reflect the images and mysteries left behind in his photos.
Loved it! Bring kleenex.
Loved it! Bring kleenex.
March 14, 2017
I like the different types of writing through the book because of the several authors. However, I really when the author goes straight to the point and in this book there where a lot of describing details which made the reading sometimes boring. Even though, I like the several stories were talking about the same character with different perspectives.
November 13, 2012
Reviewed by coollibrarianchick for TeensReadToo.com
How many times have you looked at a photograph and wondered what the story was behind it? Photographs indicate relationships within and among people and nature. Photographs document one's perception of the world.
George Keane Henschler, or "Gee" as he likes to be called, and his granddaughter, Maggie, are the epicenter for all the stories in the book CLICK. The book starts off with a short story by Linda Sue Park. The authors that contributed to this book make up quite an impressive list: Deborah Ellis, Ruth Ozeki, Eoin Colfer, David Almond, Roddy Doyle, Nick Hornby, Margo Lanagan, and Gregory MacGuire
Parks gets the ball rolling, beginning with Gee's death and how it affects his granddaughter and his grandson, Jason. Maggie was terribly close to him and loved to hear his stories about his adventures as a photojournalist traveling the world. When he dies, he gives her a box with seven compartments holding shells with a note telling her to "throw it back." We learn that this serves as a map for her life's adventures. Jason, on the other hand, is a little bitter after finding out he is adopted and decides to reject his grandfather's gift of photographs and wants to sell them so he can look for his real father. He comes across a letter from Gee when he is about to steal something from him that basically changes his life. Gee knew that Jason had pilfered from him and now wants him to think about the people who love him and the road he is on and where it will lead.
The rest of the stories, all by different authors, take a part of the first story and do their own spin on it. One author chooses to write about how the box came into existence. Another author looks at the name "Keane" and writes a story connecting the family to an Irish Legacy. And still another author continues the story of Maggie - now Margaret- as she nears the end of her own life.
Each story, even though different than the one before, blends into each other almost seamlessly. Read by itself it might just be a bunch of nice short stories, but when all the stories are put together like so in this book it makes you realize that many relationships are circular in nature. Connections people make with random people they meet can have far-reaching effects.
CLICK, besides being interesting, is also benefiting Amnesty International. All royalties from the book will be donated to the group, which serves to protect people's human rights.
Say cheese....Click!
How many times have you looked at a photograph and wondered what the story was behind it? Photographs indicate relationships within and among people and nature. Photographs document one's perception of the world.
George Keane Henschler, or "Gee" as he likes to be called, and his granddaughter, Maggie, are the epicenter for all the stories in the book CLICK. The book starts off with a short story by Linda Sue Park. The authors that contributed to this book make up quite an impressive list: Deborah Ellis, Ruth Ozeki, Eoin Colfer, David Almond, Roddy Doyle, Nick Hornby, Margo Lanagan, and Gregory MacGuire
Parks gets the ball rolling, beginning with Gee's death and how it affects his granddaughter and his grandson, Jason. Maggie was terribly close to him and loved to hear his stories about his adventures as a photojournalist traveling the world. When he dies, he gives her a box with seven compartments holding shells with a note telling her to "throw it back." We learn that this serves as a map for her life's adventures. Jason, on the other hand, is a little bitter after finding out he is adopted and decides to reject his grandfather's gift of photographs and wants to sell them so he can look for his real father. He comes across a letter from Gee when he is about to steal something from him that basically changes his life. Gee knew that Jason had pilfered from him and now wants him to think about the people who love him and the road he is on and where it will lead.
The rest of the stories, all by different authors, take a part of the first story and do their own spin on it. One author chooses to write about how the box came into existence. Another author looks at the name "Keane" and writes a story connecting the family to an Irish Legacy. And still another author continues the story of Maggie - now Margaret- as she nears the end of her own life.
Each story, even though different than the one before, blends into each other almost seamlessly. Read by itself it might just be a bunch of nice short stories, but when all the stories are put together like so in this book it makes you realize that many relationships are circular in nature. Connections people make with random people they meet can have far-reaching effects.
CLICK, besides being interesting, is also benefiting Amnesty International. All royalties from the book will be donated to the group, which serves to protect people's human rights.
Say cheese....Click!
January 14, 2012
The idea is interesting: Maggie inherits a box of shells from her beloved, deceased grandfather, “Gee�. The box has a message for her: “Put them back�. Each of the chapters uncovers something about the original owners of the shells or shows you the impact of this gift on Maggie and her brother Jason.
Written as a fund-raiser for Amnesty International, the big ‘twist� here is that every chapter is written by a different author. That, in my opinion, is what brings this book down from great to just good. Each chapter has a different feel and style - due to the different authors - and it made this a very disjoint book for me. The same is true of the �39 Clues� series, but at least there, each *book* has different authors.
Overall, the story is interesting and it’s intriguing to see why certain shells made it into Maggie’s gift. However, some of the stories seems to veer off and just barely have anything to do with the original story line. I think it will be hard for an average YA reader to get through this book, due to the stylistic changes. It’s too bad, because one solid author (Linda Sue Park or Eoin Colfer) would have made this a much better read.
Written as a fund-raiser for Amnesty International, the big ‘twist� here is that every chapter is written by a different author. That, in my opinion, is what brings this book down from great to just good. Each chapter has a different feel and style - due to the different authors - and it made this a very disjoint book for me. The same is true of the �39 Clues� series, but at least there, each *book* has different authors.
Overall, the story is interesting and it’s intriguing to see why certain shells made it into Maggie’s gift. However, some of the stories seems to veer off and just barely have anything to do with the original story line. I think it will be hard for an average YA reader to get through this book, due to the stylistic changes. It’s too bad, because one solid author (Linda Sue Park or Eoin Colfer) would have made this a much better read.
August 13, 2009
A camera, photographers, and witnesses. "Click", by Linda Sue Park, was great. "Click" went from the past to the present to the future. It was one story by ten authors; and that was amazing. Each author had his or her own way of writing and own twists to the story, and when they all intertwined, it created one single great story.
Maggie Keane had recently lost her grandfather,Gee (a most famous photojournalist),which was like a second father to her. However, it seemed Gee had known this for quite some time. Not only did he leave his grandchildren with gifts, but he left them with a life-long puzzle.
With every chapter, the readers find themselves reading different stories about different people. However, I soon discovered that Gee always had something to do with these stranger's lives-- and maggie soon discovers that too.
"Click" was a novel that dealt with the hardships a young girl faces when losing her best friend. But Maggie learns a lot more on this pre-organized journey than she ever thought she would.
Maggie Keane had recently lost her grandfather,Gee (a most famous photojournalist),which was like a second father to her. However, it seemed Gee had known this for quite some time. Not only did he leave his grandchildren with gifts, but he left them with a life-long puzzle.
With every chapter, the readers find themselves reading different stories about different people. However, I soon discovered that Gee always had something to do with these stranger's lives-- and maggie soon discovers that too.
"Click" was a novel that dealt with the hardships a young girl faces when losing her best friend. But Maggie learns a lot more on this pre-organized journey than she ever thought she would.
September 10, 2009
I just found this book the other day and am super excited to start this. It has many of my favorite author's contributing, and I LOVE the idea of a collaboration like this... I would leap at the chance to be a part of something like this.
AFTER READING THOUGHTS:
Unless you are a super-huge fan of any of the author's involved with book, this is probably only a three star read. But as I adore David Almond, it gets a four. Overall, it's a cool little idea, but it really isn't much of a novel, more like interconnected short stories.
For the most part, I enjoyed the stories, with a few rising above the crowd (the ones by David Almond, Ruth Ozeki, Tim Wynne-Jones) and one that fell above the average (Linda Sue Park), though I have a feeling most of this goes to personal preference on writing styles. It's a neat little experiment, but I'm just not sure if it works here. Regardless, the few that rise above the others make this worth the read--or even just reading them on their own (you won't miss much).
AFTER READING THOUGHTS:
Unless you are a super-huge fan of any of the author's involved with book, this is probably only a three star read. But as I adore David Almond, it gets a four. Overall, it's a cool little idea, but it really isn't much of a novel, more like interconnected short stories.
For the most part, I enjoyed the stories, with a few rising above the crowd (the ones by David Almond, Ruth Ozeki, Tim Wynne-Jones) and one that fell above the average (Linda Sue Park), though I have a feeling most of this goes to personal preference on writing styles. It's a neat little experiment, but I'm just not sure if it works here. Regardless, the few that rise above the others make this worth the read--or even just reading them on their own (you won't miss much).
August 23, 2017
This book started out with great promise. I was excited about the ten author's thing, and it was greatly written the first 3/4 of the book. The last couple of chapters kind of killed the book for me. I think there were two reasons why this book sucked me in. First off, Linda Sue Park started the story,and she is a wonderful author. I was drawn in immediately and connected with the characters. I also loved that there was a photography aspect to this book. Reading this book gave me inspiration to both write and take more, better pictures.
This book is basically about a family figuring out about their famous photographer dad/grandpa and all stories that connected him and his family with many people around the world.
Like I said, I didn't like the direction they took the book in the end. It was really stupid. But that is my opinion. I am glad I read it though, if only because it gave me the bug to write again.
This book is basically about a family figuring out about their famous photographer dad/grandpa and all stories that connected him and his family with many people around the world.
Like I said, I didn't like the direction they took the book in the end. It was really stupid. But that is my opinion. I am glad I read it though, if only because it gave me the bug to write again.
August 13, 2009
Wow, the ending of this book was not what I expected...at all. The novel is by several different authors, each of whom wrote one chapter from a different character's perspective. The story revolves around a photographer nicknamed "Gee," and chapter is told from the point of view of someone who knew him or met him on his travels. I have no idea what kind of child I would ever give this boook to. If I'm going to be honest, I think I would have HATED reading this as a kid. Some of the characters talk about extremely abstract concepts that no child under the age of 13 or 14 has any prayer of understanding, and there are references to some fairly adult themes--extra-marital affairs, rape, etc... Anyway, I enjoyed the book, but I don't think it's one I'll be handing out for readers advisory questions anytime soon.
August 13, 2009
“One novel, ten authors� is the tagline for Click, and the roster of authors includes some of the hottest talents in teen literature. Each author contributes one chapter, and each chapter is one piece of the life and legacy of George “Gee� Keane, photojournalist and adventurer. Gee’s mysterious parting gift to his granddaughter Maggie sends Maggie on a worldwide quest for understanding, and her journey is the consistent thread that runs throughout the otherwise sketchy plot. Encompassing wide-ranging topics from the ravages of war to the magic of chance encounters, the chapters work together like an album of snapshots: disjointed but compelling. While the uneven pacing may challenge some readers, Click delivers vivid characters, emotional punch, and a creative portrayal of the complex nature of identity. (Also posted at .)
November 9, 2015
Kumpulan cerpen yang menyenangkan yang ditulis oleh sepuluh penulis terkenal (tapi saya tahunya cuma satu, si Eoin Colfer).
Cerita-cerita dalam kumpulan cerpen ini ditulis dengan satu benang merah, yaitu Gee, seorang fotografer jurnalis yang telah mengabadikan banyak hal (perang, bencana, pertandingan olah raga, dll) dari sepenjuru dunia.
Cerpen-cerpen favorit saya adalah cerpen pertama berjudul Maggie (saya suka banget ide cerpen ini), cerpen ketiga berjudul Jason (ending cerpen ini bikin senyum), dan cerpen terakhir berjudul Margareth (cerpen ini seolah merangkum semua cerpen dalam kumcer ini, keren!).
BTW, buku kumcer ini adalah hadiah hiburan Cerbul dari Kastil Fantasi. Karena itu, sekalian saya mau ngucapin makasih buat momod-momod Kastil Fantasi. ModFred dan Monda, makasih buat bacaan menyenangkan ini~
Cerita-cerita dalam kumpulan cerpen ini ditulis dengan satu benang merah, yaitu Gee, seorang fotografer jurnalis yang telah mengabadikan banyak hal (perang, bencana, pertandingan olah raga, dll) dari sepenjuru dunia.
Cerpen-cerpen favorit saya adalah cerpen pertama berjudul Maggie (saya suka banget ide cerpen ini), cerpen ketiga berjudul Jason (ending cerpen ini bikin senyum), dan cerpen terakhir berjudul Margareth (cerpen ini seolah merangkum semua cerpen dalam kumcer ini, keren!).
BTW, buku kumcer ini adalah hadiah hiburan Cerbul dari Kastil Fantasi. Karena itu, sekalian saya mau ngucapin makasih buat momod-momod Kastil Fantasi. ModFred dan Monda, makasih buat bacaan menyenangkan ini~
August 13, 2009
This is an anthology of short stories all on the same topic. I *think* it seems as if each author wrote theirs as a follow up from the one that came before.
Unfortunately, I found that most of the authors did *exactly* what you are used to them doing. David Almond - a hint of murky magic in the North of England. Deborah Ellis - the plight of those in a 3rd world country. Margo Lanegan - bizarre science fiction. I liked Nick Hornby and Roddy Doyle's the best, but no surprise there as I, too, do exactly what I am used to doing, namely, loving Hornby and Doyle. Especially Doyle's references to Roy Keane. Ha!
Unfortunately, I found that most of the authors did *exactly* what you are used to them doing. David Almond - a hint of murky magic in the North of England. Deborah Ellis - the plight of those in a 3rd world country. Margo Lanegan - bizarre science fiction. I liked Nick Hornby and Roddy Doyle's the best, but no surprise there as I, too, do exactly what I am used to doing, namely, loving Hornby and Doyle. Especially Doyle's references to Roy Keane. Ha!
August 13, 2009
The concept (one novel written by 10 different authors) and the plot (following the relationships of the deceased grandfather, Gee) are intriguing, but am not yet captivated by the individual stories. Will update when finished.
Favorite chapters include the Maggie (1), Annie (2), Lev (4), Vincent (fave of the fave,6), Jiro (second fave,8), and Margaret (10). Vincent and Jiro involved topics I like: Japan, fey women, boxing and, of course, photography.
Six out of ten chaptes of enjoyment is not too bad, but I think I was expecting something more from the writers involved. Still, a pleasant read, good for passing a hot afternoon indoors.
Favorite chapters include the Maggie (1), Annie (2), Lev (4), Vincent (fave of the fave,6), Jiro (second fave,8), and Margaret (10). Vincent and Jiro involved topics I like: Japan, fey women, boxing and, of course, photography.
Six out of ten chaptes of enjoyment is not too bad, but I think I was expecting something more from the writers involved. Still, a pleasant read, good for passing a hot afternoon indoors.
September 30, 2016
I picked up Click: One Novel Ten Authors at our local library book sale. It looked like an intriguing idea. This young adult novel was actually written by ten award winning YA authors. They weave the story of Maggie and Jason’s inheritance from their grandfather, a world-renowned photojournalist. Each story was unique. Some worked better than others. It seemed more like an anthology of short stories with a common theme than a novel. I found it to be a good read� but I’d be interested in what young readers think of it.
September 28, 2019
Buku Klik! adalah antologi karya 10 penulis hebat. Yaitu Eoin Colfer, Linda Sue Park, Ruth Ozeki, Nick Hornby, Tim Wynne-Jones, David Almond, Gregory Maguire, Deborah Ellis, Margo Lanagan, dan Roddy Doyle.
Sepuluh untaian cerita yang dirajut oleh satu benang merah, yaitu seorang jurnalis foto bernama Gee. Cerita berawal dari Gee yang meninggal dan meariskan dua paket kepada cucunya. Setiap paket memiliki teka-teki yang hanya bisa diungkap kedua cucunya. Tapi setiap bab kita disuguhkan oleh pengalaman orang lain dengan Klik!-nya Gee.
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Sepuluh untaian cerita yang dirajut oleh satu benang merah, yaitu seorang jurnalis foto bernama Gee. Cerita berawal dari Gee yang meninggal dan meariskan dua paket kepada cucunya. Setiap paket memiliki teka-teki yang hanya bisa diungkap kedua cucunya. Tapi setiap bab kita disuguhkan oleh pengalaman orang lain dengan Klik!-nya Gee.
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August 13, 2009
Ten authors contribute their writing for this novel about photographer George "Gee" Keane. The chapters all connect in some way but I had a hard time understanding alot of the different writing styles. I'll have to have my friend Terri read this and explain it to me. It had a bit of foul language in it so I definatly wouldn't recommend it for elementary schools (not that we want anyone reading foul language!). Just O.K. for me.
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