gideon-s-people

1. (Ebook pdf) Gideon's People Gideon's People Carolyn Meyer *Download PDF | ePub | DOC | audiobook | ebooks #3180903 in Books 1996-07-22 1996-07-22Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .76 x 4.21 x 6.88l, Binding: Mass Market Paperback304 pagesBible StoryGideonChildren's bookChristian StoryLife Lessons | File size: 73.Mb Carolyn Meyer : Gideon's People before purchasing it in order to gage whether or not it would be worth my time, and all praised Gideon's People:

2. 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Two youths struggle with culture and religion.By Bonnie McKinzieIsaac, 12, is recuperating in the home of an Amish family in Pennsylvania Dutch country early in the 1900's. His Jewish background conflicts seriously with that of his Amish hosts. Of particular problem is diet, and observation of the Sabbath. He quickly learns of the conflict between 16 yr. old Gideon and his father.Both young men struggle with the regulations and restrictions of their respective families. Gideon, however, is determinded to follow his dream of reading and playing music. This will mean he has to leave his family and his beloved sister, Annie. Annie seems to be a central character in this book, both for Gideon and for Isaac. She shows incredible insight and compassion.This book deals with family conflict, religious traditions and the interactions of youth from different cultures. It might be more appropriate for the older child, since it does deal with some serious rejecting of the beliefs of the parents and needs to be discussed within a safe and informative environment such as the home first.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Beware, these characters reject their religious upbringing.By terry lefkowitz (tlefk@bellsouth.net)The book is good, but beware the message of the children's rejection of their religious heritage. Both the Amish and the Jewish religions are shown to be strict and both are rejected by boy's seeking freedom. Both boys find family or friends who support their decision.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. This is a Wonderful Book, it is greatBy Quabby@aol.com (quabby@aol.com)This book shows are people of all different races can get along I think that it is wonderful book. Jews dont eat meat from a pig. Amish dont wear buttons. But two boys from extremely different cultures discover how similar they really are. The story is fascinating as an in-depth examination of two disparate cultures that--the boys discover--share many of the commonalities of the human experience; its also a great coming-of-age novel, inhabited by people who may dress and speak differently from many readers but whose actions are entirely understandable.-- Kirkus Reviews From School Library JournalGrade 6-9?In this novel set at the turn of the century, two boys?one Orthodox Jew and the other Amish?are brought together by chance. When Isaac Litvak, 12, is injured on an Amish farm, his Jewish peddler father leaves him behind to recuperate with the whispered reminder, "Remember who you are." Though kind and well- meaning, the foreign-speaking family's eating habits and religious laws are strange. Also, Isaac senses anger and tension. Gideon Stolzfus, 16, chafes under the rigid tenets of his family's local sect, and plans to run away to his uncle's more lenient community. His sister Annie finds his secret stash of "englische" clothes, a forbidden copy of Treasure Island, and a harmonica. She fears losing him forever and begs Isaac to help her persuade Gideon to stay. Deft characterizations and juxtaposition of fathers and sons amplify similarities and differences between the families and cultures. Gideon's stern, unyielding father illustrates the vast emotional chasm that results from a heavy-handed approach in parent/teen relations, universally, in any culture, at any time. While Isaac's faith is not tested in abusive circumstances, as it is with the Amish teen, worldly interactions complicate matters. Many of the complex issues raised here are explored in greater depth in Kathryn Lasky's Beyond the Divide (Macmillan, 1983) or Chaim Potok's The Chosen (Fawcett, 1987).?Alice Casey Smith, Sayreville War Memorial High School, NJCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.From BooklistGr. 5^-7. Two deeply religious cultures bound by strict laws are thrown together when Isaac, an Orthodox Jewish boy, recovers from injuries at an Amish farm in 1911. Similarities between Yiddish and Pennsylvania Dutch make communication possible, allowing 12-year-old Isaac to pick up on a family rift. Annie, who is also 12, explains that 16-year-old Gideon plans to leave the community before his baptism, though he knows that if he does he will be shunned. A vivid setting and the slow unfolding of the relationship between Isaac and Annie are Meyer's strong suits. However, the story's conflict between Gideon and his father seems one-dimensional, and Meyer may fall into cultural stereotyping by depicting the Amish family as stern and uncommunicative and the Jewish family as exuberant and loving. Susan Dove LempkeFrom Kirkus sIsaac, 12, and his father, Jakob--a peddler of household goods just after the turn of the century--are making the rounds of their customers in eastern Pennsylvania when an accident leaves the boy badly hurt. An Amish farm family takes Isaac in while Jakob returns to his wife, who is about to give birth. Isaac begins to heal under the gentle ministrations of Mamm (the mother) and makes friends with two of her children--Gideon, 16, and his younger sister Annie--but life in an Old Order Amish household is not easy for him, an Orthodox Jew. There is trouble in the outwardly idyllic household: Gideon does not get along with the autocratic Datt (father) and plans to leave, even though he will be shunned by family and friends ``for all eternity.'' A quaint tale of another era? Not likely. The story is fascinating as an in-depth examination of two disparate cultures that--the boys discover--share many of the commonalities of the human experience; it's also a great coming- of-age novel, inhabited by people who may dress and speak differently from many readers but whose actions are entirely understandable. Meyer (Rio Grande Stories, 1994) gives her characters the motives, beliefs, hearts, and dreams to make each one's behavior compelling and inevitable. (Fiction. 10-14) -- Copyright 1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.