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Beyond the Sky and the Earth by Jamie Zeppa (by tibetani, 15)

"Fall in Love with this Book"

Book Rating: *** three stars (good but not perfect)
Book Subcategory: Children's

Briefly tell us what this book is about (without giving away the ending, of course!).

The author is assigned to teach in Bhutan. The story describes the beautiful landscape, her struggles, national issues, and an out-of-nowhere marriage to a charming Bhutanese lover, but mostly how her worry about Bhutan turns into love, admiration, and respect.

How does the title relate to the storyline?

In Bhutan's national language of Dzongkha, thank you very much is literally translated as "thanks beyond the sky and the earth."

Is there something interesting that the author does to present the story?

It is all, 100 percent a true story! It makes everything seem much more passionate and genuine.

If you could rewrite the story, what would you change to make it better?

Well...not much. Maybe less negativity at the beginning, even though it shows her transition.

Why would you recommend (or not recommend) this book to a friend?

I would recommend this book because it is a passionate homage to Bhutan, a beautiful and spectacular place, and to one woman's personal change the trip initiated.

Why did you choose to read this particular book?

I have always wanted to go to Bhutan.

Complete this sentence:

When I finished reading the last page of this book, I felt... Happy, I liked the book and the ending.

What type of reader do you think this book is appropriate for?

Probably thirteen and up. The book is a beautiful story but there are some cultural subtleties that may get confusing. There is a little adult content but it is usually very subtle. Even if you have never heard of Bhutan you will love the land and want to visit it when you're done! It is, though, definitely easier if you have a little background on Himalayan culture.

Give at least one example of a memorable quote, moment, or theme from the book.

"The rains have turned Pema Gatshel into a thousand shades of green: lime, olive, pea, apple, grass, pine, moss, malachite, emerald. The trees are full of singing insects, birds, flowers, hard green oranges, children. I walk along a stone wall, feeling my foot connect with every step to the humming earth. I stop to watch a woman weeding her garden. Her children are playing a game with stones in the shade of a flowering shrub...Above, the cleanest, whitest clouds I have ever seen are banked up against the sky. It's hard to believe I once thought this a landscape of lack, that I wouldn't have enough, wouldn't fare well, wouldn't be happy."

Would you ever read another book by this author?

Yes

In your overall opinion, this book is...

A learning experience.

About the Reviewer

What is your favorite book?

My Antonia by Willa Cather

If a book is turned into a movie, what are you most likely to do?

See the movie and then read the book.

What is your favorite movie?

The Five People You Meet in Heaven

What color most describes your personality? Why?

Probably an iridescent silvery clear...I like to think, anyway, that I have a multifaceted personality.