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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

'The Atomic Weight of Secrets' reviewed by Ryan



Synopsis: (click here for the extremely long version)

In 1903, five truly brilliant young inventors, the children of the world's most important scientists, went about their lives and their work as they always had.
But all that changed the day the men in black arrived.

The Atomic Weight of Secrets is not the best story I've ever read, but it's not the worst either. I would compare this book to an apple tree that is not yet ripen, after awhile the tree's apples become ripe and able to eat. Well the trees unripened apples are the beginning of the book, the ripened apples are the middle and the end. I didn't like the beginning of the book because what the wrote never caught my attention. Later on in the book, I wouldn't say my mind was captured but more like tangled into the book. Also, if the writer was going for a mystery he did a horrible job of it.
Recommend? No, I wouldn't because this book has nothing a good book should have --- something to catch a reader's mind! I believe the writer tried to, but failed in doing so.  In the beginning of the book he started in the middle of events and it left me lost and confused rather than curious.
Rating: 5/10
P.S. I feel really bad asking Ryan to read this book because he really struggled to finish it!!! But he's a trooper and told me he wouldn't give up on it because it might get better. Too bad that wasn't the case! Sorry Ryan!!! I also want to add that I was glancing at the reviews of this one on Goodreads and noticed most of them were posted by adults. I think it's important to get a kid's POV on these books that are marketed to them.
 ~Mrs. T
Read and reviewed by Ryan B. Ryan wrote this review at the end of this seventh grade school year. He has since grown about 4 more inches and is currently terrorizing me on a daily basis when he comes into the library eager to find the next great book to read! Look for two more reviews from Ryan.....coming in November and December!

Author: Eden Unger Bowditch
Published: March 15, 2011
Publisher: Bancroft Press
Genre: Middle School Fantasy

* Review copy from Bancroft Press



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@Barrie Summy

Ryan was not compensated for his review. His thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are his personal reflections based solely on HIS experience while reading this novel.
© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

21 comments:

  1. I love the honest review, and I agree that it's so important to hear about a book for kids from a kid's POV. I don't think I'll recommend this one to The Girl, especially if the book failed at the mystery. Kudos to Ryan for actually finishing it!

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  2. Bummer he didn't like it... from the synopsis... its sounds like it could have been good! AWESOME review Ryan! :):):):):):):):):):):)

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  3. So nice that Ryan's helping and also getting the experience!

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  4. Sorry Ryan didn't love this one. I do love the book cover though :)

    Love this idea, his guest reviews.

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  5. I love Ryan's reviews! Loved the apple analogy. In fact, as I'm reading it, I'm thinking, hmmm, think I'll go have an apple...

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  6. That's too bad this didn't work better. It sounds good from the synopsis. Nice review!

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  7. good idea--having a YA review a YA book. You are right, sometimes author's don't hit their target. Thanks for the honest review Ryan.

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  8. The short summary sounded interesting. Sorry it did not get any better. Thanks for your honest review Ryan.

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  9. I loved the apple comparison! Well done! It's always disappointing when a book doesn't live up to expectations. Way to plow through it anyway, Ryan!

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  10. Thanks for your honesty, Ryan! You've done us all a favor.

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  11. Ryan sounds like my kind of guy. I almost always stick with a book, hoping it will get better. Sorry it didn't work, but I appreciate the honest opinion.

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  12. Thanks for your honesty, and for seeing this stinker to the end.

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  13. I applaud Ryan for finishing it, I would sadly have given up long before the end

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  14. Thanks Ryan for warning me away from this book. You stated the reader's bottom line very well: "A good book should have something to catch the reader's mind." Very well done.

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  15. Too bad it didn't improve. Good for you for sticking it out Ryan. Great job explaining why it didn't work for you!

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  16. Kuddos from me as well for finishing the book. Like the analogy to the apple tree. thanks for the honest review. Now I know not to get this one.

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  17. Awww, too bad this wasn't a great read for Ryan. I do love that cover though!

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  18. Too bad this book didn't pan out for you, Ryan. the premise sounded good. Thanks for reviewing!

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  19. Great review Ryan. It's always a struggle to finish a book that doesn't live up to it's promise. Hope the next one is better.

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  20. It's definitely important to get an non-adult view and this was a great review. Thanks, Ryan!

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  21. I'm kinda bummed to hear that he didn't enjoy this one because I think the cover is cool :) LOL! I loved hearing his thoughts on it and thought it was a great review. Thanks for sharing!

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