"The Magic of Ordinary Days" "The Magic of Ordinary Days" is a novel written by Ann Howard Creel that tells a heartwarming and captivating story set during World War II. The book explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the beauty of everyday life. The story revolves around Livy Dunne, a young woman who finds herself in an unplanned and arranged marriage due to her unexpected pregnancy. Livy is sent to rural Colorado to live with her husband, a quiet and reserved farmer named Ray Singleton. As Livy adjusts to her new life in a small town, she begins to discover the magic that hides within ordinary days. Livy initially feels trapped and isolated in her new environment, longing for the city life she left behind.
Livy initially feels trapped and isolated in her new environment, longing for the city life she left behind. However, as she becomes more acquainted with the local community and begins to form relationships, Livy starts to appreciate the simple moments and the beauty that can be found in the mundane. From the quiet walks in nature to the shared meals with loved ones, Livy discovers that extraordinary joy can be found in the ordinary.
The Magic Tree: A Folktale from Nigeria
Echewa's (The Ancestor Tree) lilting retelling describes how an orphan gains power over the villagers who treat him badly. Each day, from sunup to sundown, the people call out to Mbi, ""Mbi, do this! Mbi, do that!"" Yet the boy frequently ends up hungry, having no food other than the scraps he can lick from others' bowls. One day, a udara fruit falls magically from its tree--out of season--and when Mbi plants its seeds, like Jack with his Beanstalk, he gets more than he bargained for. Not only does a tree take root immediately, but it obeys Mbi's commands. The tree gives him all the fruit he can eat, which he generously shares with the villagers. But when a boy tries to steal the fruit, Mbi sings to his tree, commanding it to grow (""Udaram to-o-oh!"") until its branches are ""lost in the clouds."" Only after the villagers shower Mbi with gifts and promise to be kind to him does he command the tree to bring the boy down. The drumlike beat of the words gives the narrative the sound of a tale that has been passed down orally for generations, replete with songs and pauses that anticipate audience reaction. Yet the book's moral may confuse readers; the tale seems to indicate that kindness is dependent upon power. Lewis (The Jazz of Our Street) fills his sun-drenched watercolors with realistic details of clothing in vibrant colors and exquisite baskets set in intimate village scenes, and grounds the story's magical elements in the real world. Close-up portraits of Mbi's transformation from village outcast to mascot help to compensate for the obfuscation of the story's message. Ages 4-up. (June)
DETAILS share BUY THIS BOOK close DetailsReviewed on: 05/31/1999
- Amazon
- Apple Books
- Barnes & Noble
- Bookshop
- IndieBound
More By and About this Authorchevron_right
Book Reviews I LOVE MY HAIR! Natasha Anastasia Tarpley"In this gracefully told story, a young African-American heroine celebrates her lovely head of hair as part of her heritage," wrote PW. Ages 3-8. Continue reading »
JOE-JOE'S FIRST FLIGHT Natasha Anastasia TarpleyDespite its lyrical text and accomplished paintings, this story about a child's dream of flying never quite takes off, partly because it carries too much historical and metaphorical freight Continue reading »
LITTLE CLIFF'S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL Clifton L. Taulbert"The charmer first met in Little Cliff and the Porch People returns to face a new school year," wrote PW. Continue reading »
SOMETIMES MY MOMMY GETS ANGRY Bebe Moore CampbellIn a prefatory note, Campbell (Your Blues Ain't Like Mine ) explains that she wrote this book "to address the fears and concerns of children who have a Continue reading »
CIRCLE UNBROKEN: The Story of a Basket and Its People Margot Theis RavenIn the opening scene, an African-American woman encircles the granddaughter who sits on her lap, guiding her fingers in the sewing of sweetgrass baskets. The circle motif weaves in and out of Continue reading »
WHEN YOU WERE BORN Dianna Hutts AstonWith breathtaking paintings and a lilting, poetic text, Aston and Lewis present a book that sparkles with the beauty and grace of the subject it celebrates—a newborn child. Each stanza Continue reading »
COMING ON HOME SOON Jacqueline WoodsonThe creators of The Other Side set this quietly stirring tale during an unspecified wartime (though details in the paintings suggest WWII). Ada Ruth's Continue reading »
VIRGIE GOES TO SCHOOL WITH US BOYS Elizabeth Fitzgerald HowardBased on a true story set during Reconstruction, an African-American girl is determined to get an education just like her brothers, despite the protests of her family. In a starred review, Continue reading »
Reviewed on: 05/31/1999
Throughout the novel, Livy learns the value of sacrifice and the power of forgiveness. She becomes entangled in a love triangle when a Japanese-American man named Sergeant Harris unexpectedly enters her life. As Livy navigates her feelings for both Ray and Harris, she is forced to make difficult choices that will not only impact her future but also the lives of those around her. "The Magic of Ordinary Days" beautifully captures the essence of life during wartime and showcases the resilience and strength of its characters. The author explores the themes of prejudice and societal expectations, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals during this uncertain time in history. The novel also emphasizes the importance of finding solace in nature and the healing powers of a supportive community. Livy's journey serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always room for love and growth. In conclusion, "The Magic of Ordinary Days" is a captivating and enchanting novel that highlights the beauty and hidden wonders of everyday life. Through Livy's journey, readers are reminded to cherish the simple moments and embrace the magic that can be found within the ordinary..
Reviews for "Embracing the Magic of the Unseen: Awakening to the Beauty of Everyday Life"
1. Sandra - 1 star
I found "The Magic of Ordinary Days" to be incredibly boring and uneventful. The story follows Livy, a young woman who is forced into an arranged marriage with a stranger during World War II. I thought this premise had potential, but unfortunately, the execution fell flat. The characters lacked depth, and their interactions felt forced and unrealistic. The pace of the plot was excruciatingly slow, and I found myself constantly checking how many pages were left. Overall, I was thoroughly disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
2. John - 2 stars
I picked up "The Magic of Ordinary Days" expecting a heartwarming historical romance, but I was left feeling underwhelmed. While the concept of a love blossoming between Livy and Ray, despite their initially tumultuous relationship, intrigued me, the story failed to deliver on its promise. The writing style felt detached and lacked the emotional connection needed to truly invest in the characters' journey. The plot development was predictable, and the conflicts felt contrived. Overall, it was a forgettable read that I wouldn't recommend to fans of the genre.
3. Emily - 2.5 stars
"The Magic of Ordinary Days" had all the ingredients for an engaging historical novel, but it failed to live up to my expectations. The characters lacked depth, making it difficult to relate to or care about their struggles. The romance between Livy and Ray felt rushed and lacking in genuine emotion. Additionally, the pacing dragged in parts, which made the story feel unnecessarily long. While there were moments that showcased the author's ability to capture the era's atmosphere, it wasn't enough to salvage the overall lackluster and forgettable reading experience.