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The House of the Scorpion
Nancy Farmer
Manufacturer: Simon Pulse
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ASIN: 0689852231 |
Amazon.com
Fields of white opium poppies stretch away over the hills, and uniformed workers bend over the rows, harvesting the juice. This is the empire of Matteo Alacran, a feudal drug lord in the country of Opium, which lies between the United States and Aztlan, formerly Mexico. Field work, or any menial tasks, are done by "eejits," humans in whose brains computer chips have been installed to insure docility. Alacran, or El Patron, has lived 140 years with the help of transplants from a series of clones, a common practice among rich men in this world. The intelligence of clones is usually destroyed at birth, but Matt, the latest of Alacran's doubles, has been spared because he belongs to El Patron. He grows up in the family's mansion, alternately caged and despised as an animal and pampered and educated as El Patron's favorite. Gradually he realizes the fate that is in store for him, and with the help of Tam Lin, his bluff and kind Scottish bodyguard, he escapes to Aztlan. There he and other "lost children" are trapped in a more subtle kind of slavery before Matt can return to Opium to take his rightful place and transform his country.
Nancy Farmer, a two-time Newbery honoree, surpasses even her marvelous novel, The Ear, The Eye and the Arm in the breathless action and fascinating characters of The House of the Scorpion. Readers will be reminded of Orson Scott Card's Ender in Matt's persistence and courage in the face of a world that intends to use him for its own purposes, and of Louis Sachar's Holes in the camaraderie of imprisoned boys and the layers of meaning embedded in this irresistibly compelling story. (Ages 12 and older) --Patty Campbell
Book Description
Matteo Alacrán was not born; he was harvested. His DNA came from El Patrón, lord of a country called Opium -- a strip of poppy fields lying between the United States and what was once called Mexico. Matt's first cell split and divided inside a petri dish. Then he was placed in the womb of a cow, where he continued the miraculous journey from embryo to fetus to baby. He is a boy now, but most consider him a monster -- except for El Patrón. El Patrón loves Matt as he loves himself, because Matt is himself.
As Matt struggles to understand his existence, he is threatened by a sinister cast of characters, including El Patrón's power-hungry family, and he is surrounded by a dangerous army of bodyguards. Escape is the only chance Matt has to survive. But escape from the Alacr n Estate is no guarantee of freedom, because Matt is marked by his difference in ways he doesn't even suspect.
Customer Reviews:
Whats there not to like.......2007-09-18
Its a highly addictive book that keeps you wanting more. I have to read this for my English class and I can't stop reading, When I first got this book I thought it was going to be "Another one of those books" so to speak. It's an experience that can't and shouldn't be passed up. Once you start reading this book it becomes hard to put down there is nothing I can say bad about this book 5/5
Great book!.......2007-08-22
This book is a must read for any person, but there are drugs and violence, and the plot might be a little scary for some people.
This is one of my favorite books, as it doesnt just include one element. it has sci-fi, moral issues suspense, humor, and even a bit of (GASP!) romance!!! it doesnt get too intimate though, just kissing. i would reccomend this book to anyone four and up on the reading experience scale.
although it seems like a thick book, its a really fast read!
The House of Scorpion.......2007-08-18
The book was great, but the ending seemed like it should have another book (series).
The Ethical Dilemmas of Cloning.......2007-08-06
Imagine being harvested, not born. Imagine having no mother or father. Imagine being the exact replica of a feared and reviled drug lord. Imagine having a life expectancy of 14 years, for unknown yet fearful reasons. This is life as young Matteo Alacran knows it, and his story is what makes Nancy Farmer's THE HOUSE OF THE SCORPION a terrifically engaging book.
Rich in both plot and characterization, SCORPION opens with a boy locked in a house and kept by a kindly servant who works for El Patron, a 140-year-old (that is not a typo) drug lord whose real name is also Matteo Alacran and who rules a futuristic land, called Opium, that lies between the United States and the former land of Mexico (now called Aztlan). Matt's guardian is Celia, but her secret spills out into the open when Matt is discovered by children who wander far from the Big House where El Patron's rather nasty family lives.
Farmer provides a helpful family tree in the beginning, but it's not too difficult to keep track as only a few of the characters play a larger role -- chiefly young Maria, who bucks the trend of the entire family (spare El Patron) by lavishing attention on the reviled clone (our young protagonist, Matt). Then there's her step-brother, Tom, who makes a terrific antagonist -- all red hair, freckles, and guile. Tom's mother Felicia, a drug and alcohol-laden Cruella De Ville type, bears watching. And then there's El Patron himself, a Godfather figure who Matt loves despite foreshadowed warnings that begin to show their dark and sinister heads as the plot advances.
One huge plus for the book is the character of Tam Lin, a Scottish bodyguard assigned to Matt who proves a true mentor and savior in a most unexpected package. One slight minus for the book is the last section, "La Vida Nueva," which is almost like a sequel (though it ties in with previous material at the end) and isn't quite as strong as the beginning 2/3rds, due to a number of strong characters being missing from the action.
Still, it's a small complaint. This is a book of ideas capable of yielding rich discussion about the ethics of cloning (for various reasons that I can't get into here). An excellent plot will engage reluctant readers, and rich characterization will enchant readers who like to really get to KNOW their characters as flesh and blood people. When you enter this world, you won't easily forget it, even after you've long put the novel down. Can there be higher compliment for a book?
Packs quite a sting.......2007-07-15
A young clone, Matteo "Matt" Alacrán (scorpion in Spanish), lives a secluded life in a desolate house within the poppy fields owned by a man he has never met. His only human contact is with his caregiver, Celia, a servant of the master, El Patrón, who goes to great lengths to exceed his life expectancy. Her stories are his only source of information about the world. Early on, he encounters some of the children of whom he knows only through her stories. Injured during the encounter, he is taken to the main house and treated kindly. But in the time it takes for a scorpion's tale to inject its venom, everything changes with the revelation of his true identity. Eejits and clones are center stage in this story of a family set amidst a variety of societal issues; communism, Catholicism, drug trafficking and immigration as well as the distorted family ties that bind the members together.
Taking place in three countries: America, no longer a world of milk and honey (as many people emigrate as immigrate), Aztlán (formerly Mexico) and the land between, Opium, it follows the life of Matt, an unlikely hero, whose will to live and persistence pay off when faced with a series of obstacles. A book geared towards teens, it's written at a high school level. Although it is interestingly complicated and includes a clarifying Cast of Characters and Family History, similar stuff has been written in books like Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, published later, shares similar themes.
Product Description
Nancy Farmer, three-time Newberry Honor author does it again with "The House of the Scorpion." Destined to be a classic, this book weaves an unforgettable tale. Around every turn this vivid, futuristic adventure is a new heart-stopping surprise.
Customer Reviews:
My thirteen yr old loved this book!!!.......2007-06-15
My daughter read the entire book in one day. She absolutely loved it! It has a futuristic sci-fi setting and is full of excitement. It had everything a teen would want in a book~ suspense, terror, sadness, flecks of love, and betrayal. My daughter highly recommends!
"The House of The Scorpion" Reveiw.......2007-04-10
I think that this book is a wonderful Science Fiction book, and I hate reading Science Fiction Books. The way Nancy Farmer expressed Matt's Feeling to the reader makes you really feel for him, in all his misfortune. Will love the suspence and exciting twists and turns. It will keep you guessing. Even if you hate Science Fiction,like me, you will still love "The House of the Scorpion. This is probably my favorit book I have read so far this year. Even though there isn't much Science Fiction, it is still an amazing story.
Scorpions Against the Clone.......2005-04-04
This story takes place in the future. It takes place in what is now called Aztlan. It was once called Mexico. The setting is important because it describes were Matt has many adventures.
This book is mostly about Matteo Alacran who is a clone of El Patron. Matteo likes to be called Matt. El Patron is a powerful drug dealer . He is 148 years old. Celia is a cook for El Patron. She used to look after Matt when he was younger. When he was 6 years old he would always stay alone since Celia had to work. When Matt was alone he saw 3 kids at the door who were Emilia, Steven, and Maria. Matt tried to get out through a broken window to play with them. He jumped out and hurt his feet. They carried him to their house and everyone found out he was a clone. They knew he was a clone because of writing on his foot. Since then everyone hated him.
In my opinion this book is GREAT! I like that it builds up your curiosity non-stop.Every time you turn a page it is terrific. Many of the adventures Matt has are mysterious and sneaky. I would recommend this book because it is funny. In some parts it kind of mushy and gushy. If you choose to read it , have FUN!
AWESOME BOOK.......2004-11-19
MY SON READ THROUGH THIS IN A MATTER OF DAYS HE WAS 10 AT THE TIME. SHES AN AWESOME AUTHOR HER BOOKS ROCK!
Average customer rating:
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The House of the Scorpion
Manufacturer: Scholastic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0439577829 |
Book Description
A complete handbook for the prevention and treatment of Lyme disease and other ailments caused by ticks, scorpions, spiders, and mites.
Book Description
With the bravura storytelling and pungent authenticity of detail she brought to her acclaimed Lymond Chronicles, Dorothy Dunnett presents The House of Niccolò series. The time is the 15th century, when intrepid merchants became the new knighthood of Europe. Among them, none is bolder or more cunning than Nicholas vander Poele of Bruges, the good-natured dyer's apprentice who schemes and swashbuckles his way to the helm of a mercantile empire.
In 1462, Nicholas is a wealthy 21-year-old. His beloved wife has died. His stepchildren have locked him out of the family business. He and his private army are the target of multiple conspiracies. And both contenders for the throne of Cyprus, the brilliant Queen Carlotta and her charismatic, sexually ambivalent brother James, are demanding his support. Walking a tightrope of intrigue, Dunnett's hero juggles adversaries and allies, from the delectable courtesan Primaflora to the Mameluke commander Tzani-Bey al Ablak, a man of undiluted evil. Masterfully paced, alive with sensual delights, Race of Scorpions confirms Dorothy Dunnett as the grande dame of the genre.
Customer Reviews:
Race of Scorpions,Historical Fiction.......2006-12-28
I cannot say enough about Dorothy Dunnett's Series, THEY LYMOND CHRONICLES AND this one from the series THE HOUSE OF NOCCLO. All the books are great reads and I truly loved this one. I am on THE UNICORN HUNT, now and am enjoying it just as much. I will keep reading until I have finished all her books and then find some other good authors. These are filled with terrific characters that just grab you as well as lots of information from history that I am drinking in.
Dunnett takes on Cyprus.......2006-06-29
Ah, the frustrating pleasure of reading a Dorothy Dunnett novel :-) Her writing is dense, her plots are complex, and her characters (especially the male ones, which IMO are infinitely easier to like than the female ones) are nothing short of psychological studies. Often, while reading this book, I felt like I was way in over my head. And yet, I kept going, and the reward of Dunnett's writing, and her story, are well worth the effort, in my view.
In this third part of the eight-part Niccolo series, Nicholas is kidnapped and taken to Cyprus to fight with King James for control of the island, against his legitimate half-sister Carlotta. We meet the engaging courtesan Primaflora, who becomes Nicholas's mistress. We also see some old friends, such as Tobias the physician and Captain Astorre and the faithful Loppe. We meet Nicholas's cousin Diniz, and are reacquainted with the vengeful Katelina van Borselen.
But the vortex, as always, is the dynamic, ingenius, amazing Nicholas vander Poele. In this chapter of the story, we see how Nicholas deals with the stress of so many demands. We see how he deals with the love of two women whom he does not love in return, and the guilt associated with that. We follow him as he tries to play two sides (and sometimes more) of a dangerous game, all so that he can come out the winner. Nicholas is difficult to understand, but fascinating to read about. And in Race of Scorpions, Dunnett ensures that readers will not fail to follow him into his next adventure.
an exquisite tale of power.......2006-03-31
niccolo continues to learn how to use his power, and how to mittigate its impact, as he searches for meaning and love and fun
my review.......2001-06-21
On this, the third chapter in the Niccolo series, we fin Nicholas has been "kidnapped" by the 'presumptuous' King of Cyprus who is actually trying to recover his kingdom from his sister.
Nicholas is able to help the king and at the same time obtain franchises in his dye works and sugar fields. He meets with Katelina, the mother of his only child, only to lose her once more after they reconcile. Finally, once the island is secure to King Zacco, Nicholas is allowed to return to Venice, where he faces once more his rival family, the de St Pol and Riberac.
In this chapter of the story the author makes great use of description in her scenes and they are so vivid! the characters, the settings everything is so masterfully blended with reality and fiction.
I loved this book and I have already started the fourth chapter. Good!
At Her Usual Stunning Best.......2001-02-26
Dorothy Dunnett never disappoints her faithful readers. This, third in the Niccolo series is a wonderful book that depicts the unsettledness of the Island of Cyprus. We learn that this tempestuous island has always been an important one because of its strategic location. I enjoyed this book, because we actually got to see some of the mask come off Nicolo in his encounter with his Katelina. In true Dunnett fashion, this encounter did not take place in a private and safe bedchamber, but in a place where nature abounded, as well as danger. The history that we find out in this book is also equally interesting and true to what actually happened. This is certainly another great series.
Book Description
#2 The House on the Cliff: When Mr. Hardy disappears while investigating a mystery surrounding a vacant house rumored to be either haunted or a hideout for criminals, the Hardy Boys search for the truth.
#37 The Ghost at Skeleton Rock: The Hardy Boys travel to Puerto Rico to investigate the mystery behind a secret coded letter that they received from their father.
#58 The Sting of the Scorpion: Frank and Joe witness an explosion in the sky near an airborne dirigible owned by Quinn Air Fleet. Facing danger from all sides, the boys decide to investigate the mysterious explosion.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from The Horn Book Magazine, published by Horn Book, Inc. on November 1, 2002. The length of the article is 2223 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Nancy Farmer The House of the Scorpion.(Book Review)(Young Adult Review)(Brief Article)
Author: Barbara Scotto
Publication:
The Horn Book Magazine (Magazine/Journal)
Date: November 1, 2002
Publisher: Horn Book, Inc.
Volume: 78
Issue: 6
Page: 753(2)
Article Type: Book Review, Young Adult Review, Brief Article
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Customer Reviews:
Rip off.......2007-07-22
Six bucks for one (not very long) paragraph. You can actually read most of it on site without buying it. I was robbed.
Book Description
Lust isn't just a guy problem - it's a human problem. And unless we honestly confront it, lust will destroy our relationships and our lives. Joshua Harris, author of the runaway bestseller I Kissed Dating Goodbye, calls a generation bombarded with images of sexual sin back to the freedom and joy of holiness. This "PG-rated" book - straightforward without being graphic - speaks to those entrenched in lust or just flirting with temptation. Honestly sharing his own struggles, Harris exposes lust's tactics and helps readers create a personal plan for fighting back. Men and women will find hope in God's grace and learn the secrets to lasting change.
Customer Reviews:
A Book to Help our Children Live a Sexually Pure Life.......2007-09-08
Joshua Harris has written an excellent book on how to help our children lead a sexually pure life. Mr. Harris explains in part one of his book how our inborn lust is the source of our problems with sexual sin, and in part two he lists steps and disciplines to take to overcome our inborn desire to sin.
Part one lays out the problem with lust. Lust is an in-born part of every person to some degree, but is especially problematic in males. Undisciplined lust leads to all sorts of sexual impurity, deviancy, and sin. Mr. Harris explains that purely in the human realm, it is almost impossible to overcome sexual lust and sin. Yet, with a life devoted to the Lord and his will for our lives to be pure and free of sexual sin, Mr. Harris uses Bible scripture verses to show how sexual temptation can be overcome and disciplined with the result a life pleasing to God. He uses examples from his own struggles to reign in lust and also recounts other people's storys as abject lessons for us all to learn from. I could relate to the struggles, as lust is common to us all.
Part two then details how a person devoted to the Lord and determined to live a sexually pure life can achieve this goal. The emphasis is on having a relationshp with the Lord, and how this relationship and willingness to please the Lord can lead us to sacrifice our sexual lust on our personal altar in an act of worship. Therefore, the relationship with the Lord is paramount in overcoming sexual sin. For if there is no real relationship or a sense that the Lord is alive and active in the lives of people, then there will be little or no motivation to give up our lustful desires. Giving up our sexual lust is a sacrifice we do to please our King. With this basis, Mr. Harris then cites scripture to show how lust can be overcome through specific disciplines. He urges the reader to determine in what areas of sex is there a specific temptation to sin. He then urges the reader though various diciplines how to enact a plan to avoid tempation though avoidance of the triggers that lead to sexual sin.
The controversial subject of masturbation is discussed, and whether it is a sinful behavior or one that is allowed on a limited basis. I learned that masturbation is the end result of allowing sexual temptation to gain a foothold in our minds and how when overcome with lust, we indulge that lust with masturbation. Masturbation is an act of idol worship, with the idol being the sexual object or fantasy we hold in our minds. Therefore, masturbation is not the real problem; it is symptomatic of a mind that is consumed by sexual lust. Mr. Harris also deals with the issue of whether masturbation can ever be justified in the life of a devoted Christian.
Since print, television, movie, and internet media are profound sources of potential temptation and lust, Mr. Harris devotes a chapter to learing how to develop filters in our minds that automatically kick in and not allow us to welcome or engage the sexual media images. He devotes a chapter to tips on overcoming internet pornography addiction, as this is a tremedous source of temptation for both males and females.
Finally, Mr. Harris explains how with the power of the Holy Spirit indwelling in our hearts and minds, we can fall on the power of the Spirit to help us though times of temptation and bring final victory in this area of life.
I purchased this book for my sons to read, as I want them to be free of sexual sin in their lives. My father never taught me these lessons and disciplines and I want to be proactive in my son's lives to help them deal with the problem of lust.
This is an excellent resource for the Christian believer who wants to help himself and his children lead lives of sexual purtity. Sexual temtpations affect us all, and when indulged in can bring a life into complete destruction and ruin. Sexual sin is perhaps the greatest struggle that men will have in their lives, and this book will give specific strategies to win the battle over sexual lust.
Finally, this is not a book for the unbeliever. First, there is no relationship with God, thus no motivation to overcome the urge to sexual sin. Secondly, the unbeliever may see no need to resist lust, as he does not yet realize that undisciplined sexual lust will lead to problems, both immediate and long-term. When the unbeliever becomes ensnared in the problems of sexual lust, perhaps then he or she will seek the Lord as a solution to his problems. Then this book would be of great value.
Jim Konedog Koenig
Surprising..........2007-08-16
I found myself surprisingly enjoying this book. Timing in which I read books probably should be given into account as well though. I read it as I have been struggling with the expectations of myself in terms of sexuality as someone who is training to be an ordained minister. I don't know if I would recommend it to everyone, because I think that our humanity and sexuality is a gift from God. I don't like how sexuality is demonized within the realm of Chrisitanity sometimes, that is why I give this book four stars instead of five. However I would recommend it to people do want to change after having a history of being sexually active outside of marriage. I think that Harris takes a very strong Christ against culture approach in this book, which is not for everybody. Honestly, frequently these kinds of books make me angry but the way Harris framed this argument was really helpful to me at this point in time as I am considering what it might truly take for me to lead a life of chastity. The only other argument I think I really found convicing on this topic would be Richard Foster's in his chapter on chastity in Celebration of Disciplines.
Great book for men and women of God..........2007-07-26
My brother recommended this book to me when we were on a trip. I read through it in no time because of the helpful information inside it that applies to godly men AND women's lifestyles in the 21st century.
Mr. Harris stresses on the facts of necessity of accountability and the understand of the grace of God to be freed from the lust in our society today.
He tries to refrain from going into detail on the stories about other peoples experiences in their problem(s), which makes this book much easier to read if you have a wondering thought process that gets you into trouble.
I enjoyed this book tremendously and it has opened my eyes in more ways to keep pure for Christ.
This is not just your ordinary lust book.......2007-05-19
This book targets sin issues from the core and why they are bad. I would recommend this to any follower of Christ.
Same book as "Not Even a Hint" .......2007-03-10
I think Joshua Harris did a great job with his "Not Even a Hint" book, which is why I turned to this one for further insight... However I found (upon reading the first page!) that it's pretty much the same exact book as "Not Even a Hint" so although this book is probably great, since "Not Even a Hint" was great, don't bother with this one if you've read the other. Compare the tables of content online if you don't believe me!
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