The Royal Palm is the second book that I got to review from the book blast I participated in that was hosted by Mother Daughter Book Reviews.
What is this book about?
A thought-provoking tale of the journey of a royal palm born on a tiny island surrounded by mysterious waters. This tender story explores the world of someone wrapped up in herself. Protected by her cousins, the short plain palms, the royal palm grew up beautiful, but very self-centered. Dreaming about life outside the island, she did not bother with her friends, who lived as one big family. Immersed in her own beauty, she only cared for herself, until one day a hurricane struck the tiny island. Then the royal palm discovered the true meaning of family and real friendship. Inspiring story with valuable lessons to be learned and shared.
The story was indeed thought-provoking.
Unlike the royal palm, I am not very vain. I don’t obsess about my looks that much. My clothes are more comfortable than fashionable. Sometimes, I do get bothered by my facial skin because it’s already THAT bad and that long since I had a facial.
Like the royal palm, though, I have the desire to be alone. But my desire was not because of my companions’ appearances. There was one time I had this thought, “If I could be an island, then I would.” I was pertaining to the expression ‘no man is an island’. Reading the story made me think, “Was I being selfish in my wish to be disengaged from others?”
The royal palm certainly learned how being alone in the face of a fierce storm felt like. This fierce storm was described vividly by the author and the ruin of the palm with the silver trunk seemed very pitiful, even if it’s as if she brought this on herself. I wonder if I would still stand when I face hurricanes of my own.
This actually is a simple story yet applicable to all, whether as a lesson or as a reminder; it’s elegantly told and magically drawn. It made me remember these verses about humility:
2 Samuel 22:28 (NIV)
28 You save the humble,
but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low.Proverbs 18:12 (NIV)
12 Before a downfall the heart is haughty,
but humility comes before honor.1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)
3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
Would you read this book? Have you had experiences regarding pride and humility?
I certainly wouldn’t mind reading such a book with the kids. It’s important that they learn about humility as they grow up.
Dominique Goh recently posted..The Art of Having it All
It’s a great story with great lesson to tell. I like stories like this because it teaches us to value the people around us esp our family. I think from time to time we should allow ourselves to have alone time to meditate or do what we love without distraction from others.
mayen recently posted..Life Lately: Porch, Blogging and Planner Stuff
This sounds like a good read and one that I would be reading to my daughter and sharing her the lessons to be learned.
Mommy Peachy recently posted..iAcademy Produces Globally Competitive Professionals
I love book reviews because it will help to be more smart in choosing books for my kids especially now that my daughter is learning to read already. Thanks for the great review Sis
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Thanks for the encouragement!
I love the concept of a book blast review – lots of books to read and a lot of things to write about. I love this story based on your synopsis.
This seems like a very interesting book in that it has a simple story, but there are lessons and values that are taught. It’s definitely one I would recommend to my daughters.
Interesting stories. I like reading stories like this that will make us think and will give us important lessons.
kareen liez recently posted..Why I Am Afraid to Send my Daughter to School
The story is interesting sis. I am thinking of reading more books now. I will start with Ebooks. I will look for site to download free Ebook for now. Thanks for sharing sis. Your post is always inspiring.
Mommy Maye2
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Ebooks are great these days, especially on your smartphone.
Such a great book and I love reading the proverbs, I agree the beauty comes within.:) Great review Sis
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Thanks!
I love to read like you but I haven’t done any reading in over a year. With four kids, a career and the husband away, it’s hard to find the energy and time (and the brain space) for the written word. Will add this book to my growing reading list.
Claudine recently posted..Gone and Done It
If given the time and the chance, I will surely read this book. Sounds great and for sure it won’t bore me as a reader :).
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