Welcome to Litsy!

The author likes to juxtapose Omar and Samir‘s characters. While Samir is spontaneous, deceitful, and selfish, Omar is conscientious, honest, and introspective. He feels obligated to lead a moral life whereas Samir seems apathetic toward morality.

Samir, the trickster on the Silk Road, seems to be confident in his ability to use charm to manipulate others into giving him monetary goods. While he seems confident, as the story continues, it becomes more evident his dishonesty has tarnished his feelings of satisfaction and happiness. He is not so in love with himself after all. Omar, the main character, notices Samir seems to “love and hate himself too much at the same time”.

I really thought I‘d like this book, but I‘m struggling to pay attention while reading it. The character development seems shallow, and the humor sometimes falls flat, although I could see upper elementary schoolers liking the humor in this book. The plot is slow and, at least for me, doesn‘t flow well. However, maybe I am just experiencing burn out from reading so much and otherwise would like the book hahaha!

This is one of my chosen books! I love any sort of literature that delves into history/geography, so when I saw the setting of this book was the Silk Road, it caught my eye. Early in the book, I‘m already seeing references to all sorts of religions and cities of the eastern world. I love looking up unfamiliar places on maps, and I could see myself teaching some history/culture/geography while reading a book like this with students.

This time last year, I met Daniel Nayeri when he spoke about this book with #MiddleGrade readers in a program I administer. He is... just freaking amazing. He's hilarious & smart & connected with the audience. Then over winter break, I had a chance to purchase art from the book by Daniel Miyares to display at work. This Daniel was also great. The book itself is such an adventure! Strong recommend.

A boy tells the story of how he came to betray his master to the Roman Legion who captured him in this fun historical middle grade novel. Samir is a storyteller, a "seller of dreams" who trades his highly exaggerated wares as part of a caravan along the Silk Road. The boy he rescues from being stoned by monks is not impressed with his lack of honesty and piety. But, as with all people and stories, the truth is a bit more complicated than that.

This tale features parts of the philosophy of “The Alchemist” utilizing the humor and sense of fun of “Aladdin”.