Good Night, Mr. Tom by Michelle Magorian
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Book Reviews of Good Night, Mr. Tom
Book Review: War brings love and friendship
Summary: 5 Stars
For almost nine years, all Willie has known is the fear and horror that his mother beats into him. As London prepares for WWII, Willie is evacuated to the country, where Mr. Tom takes him in. Over time, he comes to know how to love and be loved. Even after being forced to return home to his mother, he discovers that true love and friendship can help him overcome anything. Typically, war brings bombs, rations, and death. Good Night, Mr. Tom reveals that despite all of this, war can bring love and friendship to even the most disadvantaged child. Through her novel, Michelle Magorian teaches people that child abuse affects a child far worse even than war. When Willie arrives in Little Weirwold, he is a fearful, sickly child. He expects a whipping for every little action. The reader quickly realizes that the abuse causes his condition. His mother has frightened him into thinking that simple things, such as dogs and beds, are evil and dirty. A little love and affection can make a child whole and complete. This novel clearly shows how the giving and withholding of affection can seriously affect a child's social, physical, and mental well-being. The images depicted in this novel show the world of child abuse exactly for what it is: a horrendous crime that hurts children far more deeply than bruises and scars show. I recommend this book to anyone who has ever been abused or who is appalled at the conditions many of the world's children live in. It is a story of hope that will brighten many lives.Book Review: "Takes yer time. Everything 'as its own time."
Summary: 5 Stars
I believe the phrase, "Takes yer time. Everything 'as its own time," is the theme of the entire book because it captures every struggle and every triumph that Willie overcame and fought. Many young readers and old readers alike can identify with the characters throughout the book and the experiences that each character takes on. The reader is exposed to various issues dealing with parentage, loneliness, abuse, death as well as friendship and love. All these issues are addressed in such a fashion that the reader doesn't even realize that there is a thematic role to each character that is being portrayed. You feel sympathy along with joy over the challenges that Will passes through as a child--learning to love, finding true friendship and growing up. I would compare this book with Bridge to Terabithia (underlined) by Katherine Paterson because both books deal with not only friendship and love, but also with death and growing up. Though this book proves, in my eyes, to be the leader of the pack of books that I read for my Children's Literature class, I believe that both stories conveyed a strong and believable story of children having to grow up too early for their time and facing trials that children can identify with. For example, every child faces class bullies and best friends and each book incorporates each theme sympathetically as well as ideally in the lives of Willie and of Jess.Book Review: The book takes the reader on an emotional journey
Summary: 5 Stars
Honestly, I was not looking forward to reading this book (it was required reading for a literature class). I was pleasantly surprised. The book uniquely evokes a wide array of emotions. For example, while reading this book, I comparatively felt the anxiety Will had when first meeting Mr. Tom. I similarly felt Mr. Tom's growing endearment to Will. I also felt the anger and pain associated with the subsequent events leading to Will's hospitalization. The story, as it were, "was a roller-coaster of emotions." The book did not allow me to stop; I was caught up in wanting to know "what is going to happen next?" Although some of the episodes within the narrative were borderline believable, the way in which the author wrote the story (intricate detail placed in the emotions of the characters, their interactions with one another etc.) allowed me to believe the story. Another reason for my interest in the book is my identification with Will, the protagonist. Even though my experiences at that age were not as drastic as his, I could relate to his lack of confidence; I was very timid and afraid of making mistakes. The examples aforementioned cannot justify the quality of Good Night Mr. Tom. I highly recommend this book.Book Review: This book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster.
Summary: 5 Stars
William Beech and his relationship with Mr. Tom shows the reader the meaning of true love and what entails a family. This compelling story of an abused child finding comfort, safety, and love through this old man can encourage and give hope to others similar to Wil. This book is not only entertaining but powerful, displaying life events that most people face: starting a new life, making friends, death, and more. Readers who come to know this story will not be disappointed! I enjoyed reading this book because I could really relate to some of the things that Wil had to face. The way this book was written also helped me to feel apart of the book. A good book is when the story (its style, characters, setting, and plot) touches all the senses, which Goodnight, Mr. Tom does. It contains dialogue with words that help the reader understand the character's dialect and as a result, the reader becomes emersed into the setting of the book. Goodnight, Mr. Tom can also be used as a tool to reach all audiences--young children to adults. This book will take the reader on an emotional rollercoaster--from laughter to sadness to weariness to joy. I highly recommend this story for all ages.Book Review: Marvelous!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is one of those undiscovered gems that you occasionally bump into during your lifetime and leave with a sense of profound emotional feeling. My religion teacher back in sixth grade recommended this to me and love her for it.
The characters are beautifully characterized. The supporting characters served their parts in the book well. Tom is a bit of a stock character, the gruff man with a heart of gold, but his love for Will was so real that I didn't mind his slight stereotypical personality. Will stands out as the hero of the book. His growth from a frightened, abused child to a strong, happy, young man was an excellent example of good character growth. All the characters reacted as real people would, felt like real people would, and ultimately, were real people (Except for maybe Will's mother. I'm glad to say I've never met anyone like her and hope I never will.).
There are several poignant moments in the book. Two involve Will's reaction to Zach's and Trudy's death and his time with the other woman's baby that leads to him realizing Trudy's death wasn't his fault.
The book was in one word wonderful, and I'm proud to give this book five stars.