Life's hard.

It's even harder when you're stupid.

John Wayne

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Rowan of Rin by Emily Rodda ★★★★☆

Rowan of Rin (Rowan of Rin, #1)

A Tale of Courage
Juvenile Epic Fantasy
Age Level: 8 and up Grade Level: 3 and up
160 pages
Publication Date: February 17, 2004
Rowan of Rin #1
literary awards:  Children's Book Council of Australia Award for Book of the Year: Younger Readers (1994)


Gentle spirited Rowan is thought of as weak by the strong and hardy folk in his village, Rin.  He doesn’t measure up to the others villagers; in him they see no value and he has learned to see no value in himself.  Only
the peaceful creatures he tends named the bukshah love and appreciate him.  When an expedition to the top of the mountain is formed to save the bukshah Rowan is forced to go.  Haunted by fear and scorned and pitied by the other members of the expedition Rowan is driven by the faith the bukshah have in him to meet the dragon who lives at the top of mountain.

Throughout this book Rowan struggles to exhaustion to combat his fears and do things others find so easy.  Who among us hasn’t felt that way?  We spend a lifetime trying to be good enough only to be bashed down.  Most people can identify with Rowan and even at times his companions in this book.

One of the lessons Rowan learns is to see more clearly.  He learns to see himself and his companions in a truer light; they are not as invincible as he thought and he is braver than he knew.  As the only one to complete the quest he also learns what true bravery is; it is overcoming your fear and doing something even though it frightens you.  It is a lesson many people in the real world have yet to master. 

This is a book I have come back to many times and each time I read it I am immediately transported to the valley of Rin.  It is written for a younger age group than I tend to read, but the rich texture and characters appeals to many ages.  The writing is graceful and Rodda is able to keep the momentum up throughout the story.  With universal themes of learning to value yourself and bravery in the face of fear I give this book four stars. 

Definitely give this book a chance!

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