Review of The Potter's Wheel

[Diana Lowery]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Potter's Wheel" by Mark Scheel.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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R​eading The Potter's Wheel, which is set in the 1960s, has made me realize that not much has changed for today's generation from what it was fifty years ago. Teens are still acting out against the status quo, trying to find the meaning of life, experimenting with drugs, and looking for answers when they don't even know the questions yet. It appears that angst and alienation are universal feelings.

T​his coming-of-age novel revolves around Mel, a Kansas farm boy who heads to California to find himself. One of my favorite scenes in the book is when Mel's mother reacts to his announcement that he is leaving. She gives him this advice: "Mel, I want you to come into your own good, whatever that might be. I want you to find your own niche and be happy. " As a mother myself, I know how hard it was for her to speak those words knowing that her son was not making a good decision.

M​ark Scheel based this novel on some experiences he had in California during this era. Most of the characters are based on actual people he met. Following the journey of this naive, trusting boy as he navigates the counterculture of free love and feel-good vibes made me laugh and cry. I also was a California teen in the 60s. I liked being reminded of things I had forgotten such as watching Route 66, wearing wheat jeans, and singing "Light My Fire." However, I disliked being reminded of how close I came to being the tragic outcome of my own bad decisions.

T​here were aspects of the character Mel that reminded me of Salinger's Holden Caulfield in Catcher in the Rye. That book was set in the 1950s. I am confident that there must be a cave drawing somewhere describing a teenager who is rebelling against his society's values. It is a timeless theme, but I never tire of reading about it.

T​he author spent forty years writing, re-writing, and being rejected. I am pleased that he endured. My rating is five out of five. I found no reason to rate it any lower. The author made stylistic choices that rebel against all grammar rules, but it ties into the theme of rejecting the system. Unfortunately, the book contains language and sex that would prevent its use in a high school classroom. The lesson that Mel learned would be a good one for those students to hear about.

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The Potter's Wheel
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[Kavita Shah]

Times change but some things stay the same. I really like your review about the story of a rebellious teenager. I really like the advice Mel's mother gave to him: she wants him to be safe and happy.
Thank you for a wonderful review!

[Diana Lowery]

Times change but some things stay the same. I really like your review about the story of a rebellious teenager. I really like the advice Mel's mother gave to him: she wants him to be safe and happy.
Thank you for a wonderful review!

Thank you for your comments.

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

One that struck me from this book is the advice of Mel's mother. That was touching. Mother hopes for the best for her child. This story has so much to tell from this heartfelt advice. Your review is enjoyable to read, Diana!

[Laiba Majeed]

"Potter's Wheel," a charming novel wrote by Imprint Scheel, takes perusers on a significant and thoughtful excursion of self-disclosure. This intriguing book digs into the intricacies of human life and investigates the extraordinary force of workmanship.

The story spins around the existence of the hero, whose name is uncovered exclusively towards the end, adding a charming layer of secret. The account follows the hero's quest for his enthusiasm for ceramics and his mission for individual satisfaction. Through distinctive depictions and careful scrupulousness, Scheel paints a rich embroidery of feelings, encounters, and development.

One of the champion elements of "Potter's Wheel" is Scheel's remarkable capacity to summon profound feelings in the peruser. The book digs into the general topics of character, reason, and the intrinsic human craving for innovative articulation. As the hero wrestles with his inward devils, perusers are brought on a convincing excursion of self-reflection and development.

Scheel's exposition is perfectly created, with suggestive symbolism and melodious language that rejuvenates the universe of ceramics. The writer's information and enthusiasm for the fine art radiate through, making it a really vivid understanding experience. Whether you are a stoneware fan or just value the groundbreaking force of craftsmanship, "Potter's Wheel" will without a doubt have an enduring impression.

Besides, the characters in "Potter's Wheel" are complicatedly created and appealing, each contributing their own remarkable viewpoint to the hero's excursion. Their collaborations and connections add profundity and realness to the account, permitting perusers to shape a certified association with the story.

As the hero explores the difficulties and wins of his creative interest, perusers are constrained to analyze their own interests and goals. "Potter's Wheel" fills in as a delicate update that, in spite of the obstacles we face, it is never beyond any good time to seek after our fantasies and find our actual selves.

All in all, "Potter's Wheel" by Imprint Scheel is a dazzling and contemplative novel that investigates the groundbreaking force of craftsmanship and the excursion of self-revelation. Scheel's wonderful narrating, suggestive exposition, and advanced characters make this book a must-peruse for anybody looking for motivation and a more profound comprehension of the human experience. Plan to be moved and propelled as you set out on this unprecedented scholarly excursion.

[Sarah Zain]

The more days pass, the more I am convinced that change is difficult. Appearances change, but many things and basic ideas remain the same. Your review is excellent and well thought out about the book.