4 out of 4 stars
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The Life and Adventures of Pineapple Sam Vol. 1 is an exciting book written by Sam Tabalno. It comprises various stories and adventures that the author experienced as a young Filipino boy who grew up in Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands. The author tried to capture as many stories of his beautiful adventures and mischief when growing up in ten books. The story starts with what the author refers to as his first adventure, which depicts the set of events that occurred during the birth of the main character, S'mael, who is the last of eight children. His family lived in a plantation house, which the author described as “a Paradise or a Garden of Earthly Delight.”
As the story continues, the author becomes a teenager. He discovered that he wanted more; he wanted to explore what was outside the island, the people, and their culture, but he never got the courage to leave. He starts questioning himself after his experience with the pineapple tourist, Bonnie. Would he be able to leave? What lies outside the island?
I found some positive aspects of this book. The first is how the author narrates his thrilling adventures in an emotional tone, as though he is reliving them as he tells the stories. I could feel the author's emotion. He tells the story in clear and precise words. This also enriched my vocabulary at the same time. The way he talks about family, his dog, and his bond with his friends Mando, Randy, and Williams is beautiful. The stories of his adventures put me on a rollercoaster of emotions where at one period, I am scared, and then, I am sad and happy at the same time. I enjoyed reading these stories and watching the main character develop from a young lad on an island trying to discover himself and what he wants in life to someone who gets to live life on the edge and explore the country. This made me a little more appreciative of life. I also loved that through his stories, I was able to, in just a brief moment, experience what it is like to live in Hawaii. I could imagine the famous sugar plantation, the pineapple field, the island rivers, and the dynamic people who lived on this captivating island. I also enjoyed joining him on his journey outside the island; for instance, I enjoyed when he hitchhiked to San Francisco with Christy. It was an adventure filled with suspense, laughter, and sadness. This book is a page-turner for those who love reading adventure books because when you start, you do not want to stop reading.
I tried so hard to spot one thing I did not like about this book; I came up with nothing. This is a fantastic book, and I am glad I read it.
Although I found some errors at the beginning of the book, I would say this book was professionally edited. I would rate the book 4 out of 4 because the errors did not affect the flow or rhythm of the author's story; it was still satisfying to read.
I recommend this book to young readers who are still on the path of discovering themselves. This book is also recommended to people who love adventure stories; they will definitely find this book intriguing. You will be amazed by the various exciting stories contained in this book.
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The Life and Adventures of Pineapple Sam Vol 1
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