Swine Not?: A Novel Pig Tale by Jimmy Buffett
|
List Price: Our Price: $0.07 You Save: $21.92 (100%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Swine Not?: A Novel Pig Tale
Book Review: funny & different book for kids of all ages
Summary: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (6/08)
Rumpy is not your everyday pig. Besides being very opinionated and extremely eloquent, Rumpy is an outstanding goalie, and a teammate of Barley, who lives and breathes soccer. The two narrators share their living space with Ellie, Barley's divorced mom, soccer coach and an accomplished chef; and Maple, Barley's twin sister, the fashion savvy and nearly genius designer at the ripe old age of 12. Syrup the Cat completes the happy family, not saying much but being always there. At the beginning of the story the four of them are living in Tennessee, while the Dad is presently in Alaska, doing a dog commercial and working on his sixty-seventh screenplay. Dad did sell his first script many years ago, but not a single one since then; and his appearances in the children's lives are few and far apart. The four family members lead a rather quiet life until Ellie decides to take a job in a fancy four-star hotel in New York City and move the entire family there.
This is where the real fun starts. The hotel's policy prohibits Exotic Pets on the premises, so Rumpy has to go into hiding. She does not take to this too kindly, missing her outings, the soccer games and the chance to possibly find her brother Lukie, whom she believes lives in New York City as well. To make matters worse, it seems that Ellie's boss, the despicable Boucher, is suspicious and has set his sights on finding Rumpy and transforming her into a dinner or two for himself. This is how a series of hilarious events is set in motion, with escapades ranking from silly to daring, and narrated by either Rumpy or Barley.
"Swine Not?" by Jimmy Buffett is based on the true story of a friend who actually did have a pig while living in Manhattan. This heartwarming tale of an adventurous pig, a bunch of tough New York pigeons and some more-or-less clueless humans will bring lots of smiles and many a chuckle to readers of all ages. Illustrations and photographs by Helen Bransford, Jimmy Buffett's friend who brought him her original pot-bellied pig story, complete the charming, if sometimes slightly lightweight tale. Silly enough for children, zany enough for the adults who admit to still having a child deep within, this book is nice summer reading for anybody who's not in the mood for something overly challenging and deep.
Book Review: More like 4 1/2 stars....
Summary: 4 Stars
Rumpy's life as a pig has been pretty easy until now. His family is loving and ensures every bit of attention is lavished on him. But now his family has moved him to New York City where they have to keep him hidden from a cleaver wielding chef appropriately named Boucher. Rumpy wants to keep his family happy but he dreams of finding his brother, Lukie. What's a pig to do?
SWINE NOT? is a fun loving tale that perfectly captures the joy and imagination of youth. Told alternately through the eyes of Rumpy and his boy owner, Barley, the storyline is a masterpiece of humor and love. While geared more towards young adults, SWINE NOT? is a tale that transcends age.
Rumpy adds a voice to an unusual pet, a pot bellied pig. Anyone who has ever had a pet knows just how much emotions animals have and Rumpy epitomizes this. I must admit that I've never really understood having a pig as a pet but Jimmy Buffett conveys such a heartfelt character in Rumpy's case that it is hard not to find Rumpy lovable.
SWINE NOT? is loosely based on the real life tales of illustrator Helen Bransford. Accompanying the story are illustrations that only further the realism of Rumpy and his experiences. I'll never look at soccer in the same way again! This zany but oh so wonderful tale is simply a joy to read as the quirky characters show the strength of a family in the most unusual of circumstances.
COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES
Book Review: A Great Novel...For Teen Readers
Summary: 4 Stars
While I enjoyed reading about the tales of Rumpy and his family, it certainly was not the book I was expecting from the author. My wife is a parrot head and I bought the book for her, as she has read all of his other work. As she is currently out of town, I decided to read it for a change of pace. And, I enjoyed it, but, but would have checked it out of the library had I known the reading level.
While the story is well put together, is cute, and somewhat humorous, it isn't what most adults would be expecting. It would have been better labeled as a teen level novel to warn off unsuspecting buyers. If you need to spend the afternoon with a book that won't tax your brain too strongly or enjoy relatively short, easy to read stories, you will enjoy the book. Just don't expect too much.
5 stars for teens, 3 stars for adults
Book Review: Slightly Disappointed Parrothead
Summary: 4 Stars
I am a dyed-in-the-wool (or should I say, dyed-in-the feather?)Parrothead and have loved Jimmy's past endeavors in writing and was looking forward to recieving this book. Cute, but really for the younger set, not the adults. I tried hard to get into it but just couldn't muster the love for the book that I expected. Still an interesting story and if you consider that it was based off of a real pig living in NYC and the fact that they dressed the pig like a dog is a hoot. Speaking of "hoot" - this would be a cute movie like "Hoot" which my younger daughter has watched many times. That's where I'd like to see this story headed - a good, clean, fun movie for the kids that I'd watch with them.
Book Review: Good book for the kids
Summary: 4 Stars
I've always a fan of the man's books since I was a kid looking for Joe Merchant. This book has the same fun feeling and wonderment at the world you would expect from Jimmy Buffett, but I confess that I do miss the island hopping adventures that make his books so unique.
This would be a GREAT book to read with your kids. A modern day Charlotte's Web written by the biggest kid there ever was. Parakeets enjoy!