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Bringing the Boy Home Review

Tirio has had a typical American boyhood. About to turn 13, he loves spending time with his adoptive mother Sara and his best friend Joey, playing soccer and just hanging out. But it turns out that Tirio's background is not so typical. Sara, an anthropologist, found Tirio floating down the Amazon in a corpse canoe when he was just a little boy. He had been cast out from his people, the Takunami tribe, because he had one foot and leg that didn't work properly. In a culture that valued physical skills and masculinity above all else, Tirio's handicap was more than a liability --- it was a death sentence.

Since being brought back to the United States by Sara, Tirio has spent years in physical therapy strengthening his leg to the point that he can walk, climb and even play sports without his leg brace. But he has never stopped thinking about his tribe and the father who cast him out for being less than perfect. On the eve of his 13th birthday, as Sara plans a trip for the two of them back to the Amazon rainforest, does Tirio have the strength and courage to tackle the Takunami's traditional test of manhood --- the soche seche tente, or sixth sense test?

Deep in the Amazon jungle, another Takunami boy, Luka, is training night and day for his own soche seche tente. He must use all five senses plus the "sixth sense" of telepathic communication with his own, unknown father in order to pass the test and be declared a man, a Takunami warrior. His mother has invested all her energy into raising the ideal warrior son. But when something unexpected happens just days before Luka turns 13, is his chance of becoming a man lost forever?

BRINGING THE BOY HOME is N. A. Nelson's debut novel, but it demonstrates accomplished storytelling skills. Told in alternating chapters from the point of view of Luka and Tirio, the story gradually builds in suspense as readers grow to care about these two boys' very different journeys to manhood. The connection between them --- revealed only near the end of the book --- will take many by surprise, as will Tirio's ultimate decision about where his loyalty and responsibility lie. In the end, Tirio's and Luka's linked stories provide powerful explorations of the links between generations, and of the idea that even the most self-reliant person can rarely go it alone entirely.

Their story of adventure is clearly fictional --- an author's note explains that, although there are likely other undiscovered Amazon tribes, the Takunami and their customs are completely fabricated --- but is compelling nonetheless. Some may wish for fewer supernatural elements and more authentic "roughing it," but BRINGING THE BOY HOME nevertheless will resonate with readers who enjoy wilderness survival stories by authors like Gary Paulsen and Jean Craighead George.

Bringing the Boy Home Feature

ISBN13: 9780060886981
Condition: New
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Bringing the Boy Home Overview

"I've seen what the world does to the weak. It'll eat you alive."

Tirio was cast out of the Takunami tribe at a very young age because of his disabled foot. But an American woman named Sara adopted him, and his life has only gotten better since. Now, as his thirteenth birthday approaches, things are nearly perfect. So why is he having visions and hearing voices calling him back to the Amazon?

Luka has spent his whole life preparing for his soche seche tente, a sixth-sense test all Takunami boys must endure just before their thirteenth birthday. His family's future depends on whether or not he passes this perilous test. His mother has dedicated herself to making sure that no aspect of his training is overlooked . . . but fate has a way of disturbing even the most carefully laid plans.

Two young boys. An unforgiving jungle. One shared destiny.

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Customer Reviews

Stunning - Amanda L. Marrone -
This is an amazing tale that will have readers guessing until the end--a can't put down book!

And Another Book Read Reviews - And Another Book Read -
Tirio comes from the Takunami tribe. They are hidden in the depths of the Amazon rainforest and live a totally secluded life. When Takunami boys reach the age of 13 they must perform their soche seche tente, a sixth sense test. When Tirio is just a young boy his parents know that he will never be able to complete this test because of his disabled foot, bringing dishonor to the family, and banish him from the tribe. They send him down the Amazon River, knowing he probably won't survive. Luck was on Tirio's side though when an American woman named Sara found him. Sara adopted Tirio and brought him home to the States with her where he received the best care for his foot.

Luka is determined to pass his soche seche tente; he has been preparing for it his entire life. It's so important that his family is depending on him in order for them to have a real future. His mother has even made it her life's purpose to help train him, neglecting and using her other children in order to prepare him for this perilous test. They both hope that nothing has been overlooked and are convinced that Luka will do just fine.
Almost thirteen years later Sara and Tirio head back to the Amazon where Sara found Tirio. As the trip draws nearer Tirio starts feeling more and more connections to the Takunami tribe. His senses are more alert and he just can't wait to get back to his homeland. Before he even steps foot in the country Tirio has decided he will find his way back to his tribe. Will Tirio make it back to the Takunami? Will Luka pass his soche seche tente? In a weird way fate brings these two together in an unimaginable way.

I think this was definitely the most unique and original coming-of-age story I have ever read! I really liked this book. The characters were well created and I loved the story. While this is classified as a middle grade novel, I think it is definitely a suitable read for young adults too. There is nothing that is really kiddish and the story is really good. There were a few surprises that really caught me off guard, which made the book that much better. This would definitely be a good book for reluctant readers as well as avid readers as it is progresses quickly and is full of adventure. I would also like to point out that N.A. Nelson is a fabulous member of The Class of 2k8. This group of authors seems to be putting out some of the best books this year. All in all this was a great book. I really give props to the author for her creativity in this book, as she did a great job encompassing some amazing culture and a great sense of nature!

page turner - Melissa Sack - georgia
The main characters in the book are 2 boys that are approaching their 13th birthday. They both lead very different lives but have a common thread that binds them together. The story switches from boy to boy as they face the challenges of coming of age. Tirio is a boy that lives in the USA with his adopted mother. He was pushed out of his tribe in the amazon and left for dead. His adopted mother finds him and brings him to the USA. As her think back on his tribe and the traditions he finds a way to fulfill the test of manhood. The other boy, Luka, lives in the amazon and the story takes us though his training for the test of manhood.

Fans of the Survivor show should enjoy this tale. The tribe and the characters are fictional but the author has done lots of research and makes it seem very real!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jul 22, 2010 17:55:08

Children's Books

Thursday, July 22, 2010