Riding through the foothills on his way home from school, Ian Pratt can’t resist going down to the cave. It’s been there as long as he can remember it, dark and foreboding, and Ian’s never quite mustered up the courage to venture inside. Ashamed of his cowardice, he loses himself in the stories of courage and adventure that he reads about in his World War I history books. Ian’s great-great-grandfather died in the war, but he left behind plenty of letters and photos to fuel Ian’s imagination. When strange things begin happening around Ian, he decides it’s time to live up to his great-great-grandfather’s legacy of courage. He finally enters the cave…and what he discovers there changes his life forever. Haunting and dramatic, The Cave leads young readers on a magical journey through the annals of history.
The Cave
by Steve McGill is a little treasure. Combining the love of an extended family, history, overcoming one’s fears and a few ghosts, the story is thoughtful and compelling. I loved Ian and the courage he finds (after an other-worldly visit) to once and for all, enter the cave he has feared for so long. What happens to him is a mystery, one that he cannot explain to himself, let alone his family and friends. The relationship between Ian and his great-grandfather is lovingly described as he helps grandpa down to the cellar to share, for the gazillionth time, a trip back through time while going through grandpa’s WWI scrapbook. Ian is mesmerized by the stories and photos of allies lost and never brought home. Perhaps this knowledge, compassion and interest are why ghostly apparitions are visiting Ian? Perhaps this is why Ian is drawn to the cave like never before? It will take every ounce of bravery for Ian to complete the task set before him.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Cave. Mr. McGill skillfully blends the main story of Ian with snippets of the last moments of some of the veterans in his great-grandfather’s scrapbook. The characters are honest and, in a very short time, I found myself rooting for Ian! The book will especially be loved by young boys. It has adventure, intrigue, caves, sneaking out, a great friend and best of all, ghosts!!!! I will be holding onto this one to give to my nephew!
Rating:
Book information:
- Reading level: Young Adult
- Paperback: 188 pages
- Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (February 13, 2009)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1439223718
- ISBN-13: 978-1439223710
Steve McGill’s website (stevemcgill.net) is chock full of fun and information. There is a forum, a page for Tawny, his blog, some of his great reads and an excerpt of the first chapter of his upcoming book, The Rested.
Following is a book trailer for The Cave:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BONOi-DxeFc&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1]
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Chrisitine. Thanks so much! “The Rested” will be in the mail and at your door as soon as it rolls off the presses!
Steve
Beautiful review. I also enjoyed this book. Although written for the young, I think this book would appeal to many adults as well.
Nice review! I think I might like this one, thank you! It’s always awesome when you read a book and you’re left satisfied and ready to add it yourself your pass it down. I will be looking for this title for sure!
P.S. I’ll be a new found follower, nice blog!
Typo– I meant add it to your shelf LOL!
Oh man, Let me re- word that whole sentence it’s all messed up ! LOL!
It’s always awesome when you read a book and you’re left satisfied and ready to add it your shelf or pass it down.
Sorry!
I’ve been looking for a good adventure book – I’ve found that I haven’t been reading enough of them.
I really like your review style and how you give us some info about the authors behind the work.
I was a little surprised how much I liked this one. Thanks so much.
Don’t worry, my fingers love to jump ahead of me (or behind, or sideways).
Thanks so much for the compliment! I think this book would be a great read!