The Doldrums
By Nicholas Gannon
368 pages – ages 9+
Published by Greenwillow on September 29th 2015
Synopsis- Archer B. Helmsley was a dreamer. His father was a lawyer, and his mother was a doer. His grandparents were trapped on an iceberg, presumed dead. His mother, afraid that Archer – who, as a dreamer, tended to fantasize and imagine – would suffer a similar fate, kept him in the house at all times: only allowed out for school.
Archer decided that he would search for his grandparents (who had been gone for two years) in Antarctica. To do that, he would need help. So, he’s got Adélaïde L. Belmont – who only has one leg, maybe because of her world wide adventures – and Oliver Glub – who will figure out the details of the trip realistically.
It seems like it will work out. They have a plan. They have a location.
Now, if only things were what they seemed.
What I Thought- This was an amazing book. I loved every single second of it. Archer is such a great character that you want him to succeed, to blossom into a wonderful story-driven character, as he does. There are illustrations placed throughout the book, most in color, that were drawn by the author himself. They are fascinating, as you see the characters as they were imagined by the author himself. On the other hand, Mr. Gannon’s writing style is creative and has a unique way of drawing you into the story with a touch of humor and wit. I really enjoyed the book, and wish for a sequel.
I give this book five out of five bookworms!
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Categories: Age 9+
You had me at “grandparents were trapped on an iceberg.”
I feel a poem coming on
It’s a cool book! There’s an ostrich in it. 🙂
I prefer kiwis, but I’m still sold.
And the pitch goes to the man with the all-purpose hat! 😉
I like the mother’s job description!
🙂
That sounds fab, Erik! I wonder why the parents wouldn’t already be looking for them lol.
I think it is the fact that the grandparents were presumed dead, seasoned explorers, and on the other side of the world.
Okay
I love the cover and the character descriptions. Ah, to be a dreamer!
You would like the book. 🙂
Sounds fun! My mom is also a doer! What a coincidence! I’m more of a napper….
Love and licks,
Cupcake
You’re the best kind, Cupcake! 😀
Great character description! This sounds like an interesting plot!
Thank you Mrs. Tilton! 🙂
At first, I couldn’t imagine, from the description, how this plot would work. But as you loved the story so much and loved the writing style, I assumed it could work because of the way it was written. It certainly makes a statement for being a daydreamer. I am a great believer in the importance of daydreaming.
It is a marvelous story! 🙂
This sounds both preposterous and hilarious! I’m going to have to check it out!
You will love it! 🙂
Yes! What a fun read!
Yes it is! 🙂