Helpful Score: 1
Really enjoyed this book. Dream-givers begin and end the book, and they're interesting and their "job" fascinating and fun to learn about. The people who benefit from the dream-givers are well-drawn - not all good, not all bad. As a matter of fact, the blend of real-life horrors with hope and compassion felt just-right (not too much horror, not unbelievably sweet). Each character has a challenge and each dream-giver helps with the characters' challenges as well as the bumps in the dream-givers' road. The Sinisteeds (nightmare-bringers) seem to be just a pothole - they don't take over the show, which is nice.
I am a big fan of Lois Lowry's other work. This was not my favorite of the collection but an interesting concept and as always great story telling. I always find this author's characters to be relatable even though so different from anything familiar.
This is a sweet, interesting little story.
This is a great story for all ages.
I can see this book being read to a young child or to an elderly person. The elements that compose a dream or a nightmare, the way the young and inexperienced newest Dream-Giver counteracts the doings of the sinister nightmare "inflicters" with all of her innocence, candor and vehemence is very heart warming and uplifting.
I wonder what inspired Ms. Lowry to write this unique story. Not all is rosy and pristine with the lives of the characters. You meet the lonely old lady who lives with her dog, the battered young wife and mother who lost custody of her child and then you meet John, the broken and very angry 8yr. old whom with the help of his Dream-Givers learns how to counteract his bad memories of abuse and abandonment with those of hope, new life, courage and new friends.
Read it, it is quick but a potent read.
I can see this book being read to a young child or to an elderly person. The elements that compose a dream or a nightmare, the way the young and inexperienced newest Dream-Giver counteracts the doings of the sinister nightmare "inflicters" with all of her innocence, candor and vehemence is very heart warming and uplifting.
I wonder what inspired Ms. Lowry to write this unique story. Not all is rosy and pristine with the lives of the characters. You meet the lonely old lady who lives with her dog, the battered young wife and mother who lost custody of her child and then you meet John, the broken and very angry 8yr. old whom with the help of his Dream-Givers learns how to counteract his bad memories of abuse and abandonment with those of hope, new life, courage and new friends.
Read it, it is quick but a potent read.
Gossamer is a charming book about dreams. Dream-givers are fairy-like creatures that use fragments of memories gathered from personal items to bestow dreams on people (and sometimes pets). Unfortunately, there are also creatures that inflict nightmares. This book tells the story of a woman, a boy, a dog, and two dream givers. When the boy is targeted for an onslaught of nightmares, the dream givers assigned to the house must use all their abilities to strengthen him and help him overcome his fears. I felt that the book was a sweet story with some dark undertones (the boy is a foster child with a history of abuse), but I also felt like it was unsatisfying. It had great potential, but in the end I felt as if I would liked the story to feel deeper. Perhaps I am expecting too much of a book written for children.
A bit painful to read if you've been through any sort of abuse from a father in the family, but it's very sweet and light. A good book to read chapter by chapter before bed. It definitely helped ME have sweet dreams. Perspective is always light, and names are scarce, but it's truly refreshingly beautiful.
