Rebel: A Tibetan Odyssey
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Book Overview
In the closed society of turn-of-the-century Tibet, the outside world is a threatening place. But not to Thunder. Ever rebellious, he longs to become a trader and visit faraway places. But when he has forbidden contact with a foreign explorer, Thunder is banished from his village. He is forced to join a monastery to lead a quiet life of study and meditation under the tutelage of his uncle, a high-ranking monk. At the monastery, though, life is anything but quiet. Thunder has to stand up to Zang-po, his uncle's resentful servant, and--even worse--defend himself against Pounder, the menacing soldier who endangers his life. Will he find peace at the monastery, or will he rebel against the life set out for him? Readers will come to care about Thunder as they turn the pages of this fast-paced, engrossing story set in a truly captivating time and place.Books for the Teen Age 2001 (NYPL)
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0688167357
ISBN13:9780688167356
Release Date:May 2000
Publisher:HarperCollins
Length:208 Pages
Weight:0.95 lbs.
Dimensions:8.3" x 0.8" x 5.5"
Age Range:10 years and up
Grade Range:Grade 5 and higher
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Deepens my understanding of Tibet
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
(...) It is set at the turn of the 20th century when Westerners were exploring and mapping Tibet without the Tibetan government's permission. Thunder's adventures revolve around his meeting of a foreigner, then his life in a "gompa" or monastery, after he has been banished there for meeting the foreigner. Also involved is an ancient (real life) prophecy implying that when foreigners invade Tibet, Tibetans will be "scattered like ants" around the earth. Sadly, that's happening to Tibetans today, prompting my interest in Tibet.Lots of complex ideas are subtly introduced, such as the Buddhist concepts of karma and reincarnation. We even meet a yong "Tulku"--a child being raised to become a high lama. All in all, the book offers adventure for the kids, and easy access to a vision of Tibet for them and adults, too!
My Summary
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
I think everyone should read this book. It was great. I learned new words. I loved how there is a glossary at the back. It is also very exciting. Everything about Tibet seems different from America.
Fascinating Glimpse of a Very Different Culture
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Tibet has always been very difficult to understand, so different from Western culture. "Rebel" lets a reader see Tibet from the inside, through the eyes of Tibetans at home there, not through the eyes of Western visitors. It gave me a feel for what it might be like to actually be Tibetan, and helped me to see how people from other non-Western cultures might think and feel. Definitely not just for teenagers.
Best book ever
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
It has your not so typical bad guy in it. It's thrilling. It's fiction, yet you learn about Tibet! It's action filled. It relates to every day life but with a twist of exoticness. The main character is pretty daring and brave.
Tibetan Adventure Story
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
I got a lot out of Rebel: A Tibetan Odyssey and my kids really enjoyed it too! Not only is it filled with adventure and excitement but we learned so much about Tibetan culture. We couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen to Thunder, the main character. This is a great story to read out loud and a wonderful first book by Ms. Whitesel. Hope she writes more!
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