Review of Gone With the Wind in Piggy Hollow

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
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RJ Reviews
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Re: Review of Gone With the Wind in Piggy Hollow

Post by RJ Reviews »

The concept is so unique! The author found an interesting way of spreading awareness about the importance of building fortified houses instead of compiling a traditional how-to book. It's a job well done. The review is equally intriguing, capturing the essence of the book perfectly. Thank you.
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Post by Priya Murugesan »

Like you, I too thought it was a children's book. But after reading your review, I too wasn't disappointed it wasn't a children's book. I want to read about the four pigs and know what happened after the hurricane. Will surely pick this book.
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Post by Zanne Crystle »

When I saw the cover, I thought it was a children's book as well. The content is very surprising, and I think the concept is pretty cool. There should be more books like this for adults to make learning new things more interesting. Since I live in a hurricane zone, the content of the book is relatable, and I would definitely like to read it.
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Post by Amy Luman »

This is not my favorite type of book. However, having said that, this format seems to make it much more palatable. Like you, I was convinced that this was a children’s book. For this reason, I was surprised to read your review and find out that it is not. It should be very helpful to those needing to know how to retrofit their houses. Thanks!
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Post by Mradushi Singhal »

Your review wonderfully highlights the unexpected depth of this story. I love how you describe the blend of whimsical fable with practical advice for homeowners. The details about fortified homes, along with vivid illustrations, make it sound like an engaging yet informative read. I’m definitely intrigued!
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Post by Adrian Bouknight »

Gerry Steen wrote: 08 Sep 2024, 19:53 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Gone With the Wind in Piggy Hollow" by Robin Lowery.]
Book Cover
5 out of 5 stars
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Do you live in a neighborhood at risk of being subjected to inclement weather such as hurricanes? Are you thinking of buying a house in such an area? Do you plan to renovate your home? If you answered yes to these questions, you should read Gone With the Wind in Piggy Hollow by Robin Lowery.

At first glance, I assumed that this book was a children’s book. The cover of the book, colorful and bright, depicted a seaside neighborhood inhabited by anthropomorphized piggies. I thought of my favorite childhood fable “The Three Little Pigs”. However, when I read the first few sentences of the story, I realized that the content was meant for adults planning to buy or renovate a house. I was surprised but not disappointed. I was happy to continue reading this fable with suggestions for homeowners to protect their homes from severe weather.

Four piggy brothers, Oink, Snout, Rooty, and SmartyPig, had been living together in a condo when they received a sizable inheritance from their rich uncle, Boss Hog. The three younger brothers decided that they would build houses similar to the houses in my favorite fable: one with straw, one with sticks, and one with bricks. SmartyPig informed his brothers that he would spend more money to build a fortified home with a continuous load path.

Two years later, Governor Henry McPiggy advised the residents of Piggy Hollow to evacuate. A hurricane, with winds of 170 mph and gusts of 210 mph, was expected to hit their town. SmartyPig decided to stay holed up in his fortified home. What did Oink, Snout, and Rooty do? What happened to their homes? To find the answers, read the story.

Governor Henry McPiggy visited Piggy Hollow to see the aftermath of the storm. Plans were formulated to help the citizens, including low-income families, build fortified homes.

This story was well-written. The fable was fun to read and commanded my complete attention. I learned everything I needed to know about the concept of fortified homes. The story conveyed the importance of owning a fortified home in vulnerable areas. Each written page was accompanied by a beautiful, page-sized picture, illustrated by Misha Malik, depicting the scenery and characters of Piggy Hollow. The pictures increased my enjoyment of the fable while I pondered the importance of the lessons it contained. The story was well-edited, which enhanced my reading experience. I did not find anything negative in the story. Therefore, I gave this informative fable 5 out of 5 stars.

******
Gone With the Wind in Piggy Hollow
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I just read The Three Little Pigs to my 2-year-old daughter for the first time this morning. I'm glad you clarified the nature of the book! It sounds like a great read. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for it. As a recent home buyer, I find home improvements to be an interesting topic.

Thank you for the review!
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Post by Martina Sette »

What a cute tale! It seems perfect for children and parents. Great review!
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Post by Creole »

Upon seeing the cover of "Gone With the Wind in Piggy Hollow", one might assume it's a children's story. However, the book's unique blend of home-related content and severe weather protection is genuinely educational. Thank you for the enlightening review, Gerry. I want to read this book.
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Post by Anaïs Quesson »

What an interesting book. I wonder why it is labelled as a historical fiction, though. Congratulations on this review, Gerry!
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Post by Gerry Steen »

Anaïs Quesson wrote: 16 Sep 2024, 06:07 What an interesting book. I wonder why it is labelled as a historical fiction, though. Congratulations on this review, Gerry!
Hi, Anais. To answer your question, in the narrative there is discussion about major hurricanes that have happened historically with the dates, places, and resulting damage to the communities affected. This gives authenticity to the story and the message that the author is passing to homeowners. Thank you for your feedback. Have a wonderful day. :tiphat: :techie-studyinggray:
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Post by Diana Lowery »

Well, it appears that this author has a great last name in addition to be a great writer. I wonder of I am related.
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Actually, I wasn't drawn in by the cover page, but the lucid and perceptive review intrigued me to read this intelligent and enjoyable book. Although this was mentioned in a children's book, the author offered much more to the readers. Such classics are really enjoyable to read and offer a unique and humorous perspective on moral principles and facts that we need to know, in addition to being deserving of our leisure time. I will definitely pick up a copy of this enjoyable book.
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Post by Sarah Vinchu »

Actually, I wasn't drawn in by the cover page, but the lucid and perceptive review intrigued me to read this intelligent and enjoyable book. Although this was mentioned in a children's book, the author offered much more to the readers. Such classics are really enjoyable to read and offer a unique and humorous perspective on moral principles and facts that we need to know, in addition to being deserving of our leisure time. This literary piece not only provides us with humourous content but also makes us aware of the aftereffects of climate change. I will definitely pick up a copy of this enjoyable informative piece
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Post by Alissa Nesson »

Gerry Steen wrote: 08 Sep 2024, 19:53 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Gone With the Wind in Piggy Hollow" by Robin Lowery.]
Book Cover
5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review


Do you live in a neighborhood at risk of being subjected to inclement weather such as hurricanes? Are you thinking of buying a house in such an area? Do you plan to renovate your home? If you answered yes to these questions, you should read Gone With the Wind in Piggy Hollow by Robin Lowery.

At first glance, I assumed that this book was a children’s book. The cover of the book, colorful and bright, depicted a seaside neighborhood inhabited by anthropomorphized piggies. I thought of my favorite childhood fable “The Three Little Pigs”. However, when I read the first few sentences of the story, I realized that the content was meant for adults planning to buy or renovate a house. I was surprised but not disappointed. I was happy to continue reading this fable with suggestions for homeowners to protect their homes from severe weather.

Four piggy brothers, Oink, Snout, Rooty, and SmartyPig, had been living together in a condo when they received a sizable inheritance from their rich uncle, Boss Hog. The three younger brothers decided that they would build houses similar to the houses in my favorite fable: one with straw, one with sticks, and one with bricks. SmartyPig informed his brothers that he would spend more money to build a fortified home with a continuous load path.

Two years later, Governor Henry McPiggy advised the residents of Piggy Hollow to evacuate. A hurricane, with winds of 170 mph and gusts of 210 mph, was expected to hit their town. SmartyPig decided to stay holed up in his fortified home. What did Oink, Snout, and Rooty do? What happened to their homes? To find the answers, read the story.

Governor Henry McPiggy visited Piggy Hollow to see the aftermath of the storm. Plans were formulated to help the citizens, including low-income families, build fortified homes.

This story was well-written. The fable was fun to read and commanded my complete attention. I learned everything I needed to know about the concept of fortified homes. The story conveyed the importance of owning a fortified home in vulnerable areas. Each written page was accompanied by a beautiful, page-sized picture, illustrated by Misha Malik, depicting the scenery and characters of Piggy Hollow. The pictures increased my enjoyment of the fable while I pondered the importance of the lessons it contained. The story was well-edited, which enhanced my reading experience. I did not find anything negative in the story. Therefore, I gave this informative fable 5 out of 5 stars.

******
Gone With the Wind in Piggy Hollow
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
This sounds like a really cool book! I love the idea of important information coming to us via fables and bright, eye-catching illustrations. I’ve often wondered why we won’t have more books like this that will keep the reader interested and learning in a fun environment. Thanks!!
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Post by Claudia Angelucci »

Thanks for sharing this, Gerry! This book definitely sounds unique. I agree, at first glance it feels like a children's book—so clever! I’ve always enjoyed The Three Little Pigs too, but I’m curious, why are there four pigs in this book?
Great review and such an intriguing read!
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