book review

The main characters in this book have distinct personality. Carl, a retired balloon salesman, he is a stubborn but kind person and deeply loves his wife. For example, the author wrote in the book:” ’Don’ touch that.’ Carl barked, reaching for it. Carl struggled to keep his grip on the box. This box is one she had painted and with their handprints.”（34） From this sentence, we can feel Carl’s love and miss to Ellie. Russell, an eight-year-old boy, he is passionate and kind. “‘Good afternoon, my name is Russell,’ Russell repeated, ‘and I am a wilderness explorer in Tribe fifty-four, Sweat Lodge Twelve. Are you in need of any assistance today, sir?’” (29) Russell repeated those same words to Carl many times. Finally, Carl was moved by his passion and compromised and allow him to travel together in the end. Charles, he was a beloved aviation pioneer at first. However, he then became crazy and merciless because of the monster of Paradise Fall. Personally speaking, I like Russell best. “He zoomed away, steering awkwardly with the leaf blower. Russell was unrelenting in rescuing his friend Kevin although they met each other few days ago. I was moved by his bravery and fidelity. The writing style of this book is vivid and attractive. “Hundreds of balloons were rising from behind the house. They shot into the air like water from a fountain. Their strings were all tied to Carl’s house through chimney. As the balloons rose, the house teetered. Then it groaned.” (42) These sentences vividly pictured the grand scene of flying house. It made me felt magic and powerful. “Kevin picked up Russell and put him on her back. Then she took off, dragging the house.’’ (131) It described the soul-stirring scene of chasing and escaping. We can see selflessness and team spirit from lovely Carl, Russell, Dug and Kevin. Although some plots are a little bit incredible, there are many precious spirit and glorious things in it. The spirit which exists in the hole story is persistence. Kevin and her kids were saved because Carl and Russell’s persistence; Carl got to Paradise Fall and achieved his goal because of his persistence. Consequently, I am convinced that nothing is impossible if you are equipped with persistence. This book also reflected some common problems in our society. Firstly, Carl and Russell were lonely. Carl felt lonely after Ellie’s death and Russell felt lonely because his father spent little time with him. Secondly, Kevin excessively wanted to achieve his goal and he became a crazy and merciless man. Similarly, in our society, some people do something terrible and even commit crimes just in order to gain success and reputation. In conclusion, it is a remarkable book. The author expressed some different ideas on some issues. For Ellie, her simple life with her husband is actual a great adventure. We always think that only with countless money and brilliant work can we live happily. However, the true happiness is so simple: health, peace and stay with our family and friends.