The Last Present: The Final Book in the Willow Falls Series by Wendy Mass
The Last Present by Wendy Mass: A Book Review
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel back in time and change someone's life? That's exactly what happens in The Last Present, a fantasy novel by Wendy Mass. In this book, you will meet four friends who have a special connection with time and a mission to save a girl from a mysterious curse. If you are looking for a fun, exciting, and heartwarming read, this book is for you. In this article, I will give you an overview of the book, a summary of the plot, an analysis of the book's themes and messages, and some information on where to find the book in epub format.
the last present wendy mass epub 19
Introduction
What is the book about?
The Last Present is the fourth and final book in the Willow Falls series by Wendy Mass. It follows the adventures of Amanda, Leo, Grace, and Rory, four friends who share the same birthday and have special abilities related to time. In this book, they have to help their friend Angelina D'Angelo, a mysterious old woman who has the power to stop time, to break a curse that affects her granddaughter. To do so, they have to travel back in time and give her four birthday presents that she never received.
Who are the main characters?
The main characters of the book are:
Amanda Ellerby: She is a smart and kind girl who loves books and animals. She can see people's auras and sense their emotions.
Leo Fitzpatrick: He is a funny and loyal boy who loves music and jokes. He can slow down or speed up time.
Grace Wainwright: She is a creative and quirky girl who loves art and fashion. She can turn invisible and talk to animals.
Rory Swenson: She is a brave and adventurous girl who loves sports and challenges. She can heal people and animals with her touch.
What is the genre and style of the book?
The book is a fantasy novel that mixes elements of humor, mystery, romance, and drama. It is written in third-person omniscient point of view, which means that the narrator knows everything that happens and can switch between different characters' perspectives. The book has 19 chapters, each named after a year from 1984 to 2012, corresponding to the different time periods that the characters visit. The book also has illustrations by Wendy Mass herself that add to the visual appeal of the story.
Summary of the plot
The birthday curse
The book begins with Amanda and Leo celebrating their 11th birthday together with their friends Grace and Rory. They are having a great time until they receive a phone call from Angelina D'Angelo, who tells them that her granddaughter Gwen is in a coma. She explains that Gwen has been cursed since birth by an evil man named David, who wanted to take Angelina's power for himself. Every year on her birthday, Gwen loses one of her senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. The only way to break the curse is to give Gwen four presents that she missed on her previous birthdays: a teddy bear, a painting, a guitar, and a locket. Angelina asks Amanda, Leo, Grace, and Rory to help her with this task, since they are the only ones who can travel back in time with her.
The time travel adventure
The four friends agree to help Angelina and embark on a time travel adventure that takes them to different places and times. They have to find Gwen and give her the presents without being noticed by anyone, especially David, who is also traveling back in time to stop them. Along the way, they encounter many challenges and dangers, such as getting lost, being chased, being attacked, and being separated. They also learn more about Angelina's past and the origin of her power. They discover that she was born on February 29th, a leap day, and that she has lived for over 200 years. They also find out that she is related to Amanda and Leo, who are cousins, and that she has been watching over them since they were born.
The final gift
The four friends manage to give Gwen the first three presents: a teddy bear when she was one year old, a painting when she was five years old, and a guitar when she was nine years old. However, they have trouble finding the last present: a locket that contains a picture of Gwen's parents, who died in a car accident when she was a baby. They realize that the locket is in David's possession and that they have to confront him to get it. They track him down to his lair in 2012 and face him in a final showdown. They manage to defeat him with the help of Angelina, who sacrifices her power to save them. They then rush to the hospital where Gwen is and give her the locket just in time for her 13th birthday. The curse is broken and Gwen wakes up from her coma. She is overjoyed to see her grandmother and her new friends. She also regains all her senses and discovers that she has inherited Angelina's power to stop time.
Analysis of the book
The themes and messages of the book
The book explores several themes and messages that are relevant and meaningful for readers of all ages. Some of them are:
The importance of friendship and family: The book shows how Amanda, Leo, Grace, and Rory support each other through thick and thin, and how they care for Angelina and Gwen as their own family. It also shows how Angelina loves her granddaughter unconditionally and how Gwen longs for her parents' presence.
The value of time and memories: The book shows how time is precious and irreplaceable, and how memories shape who we are. It also shows how time can be manipulated for good or evil purposes, and how it can affect people's lives in different ways.
The power of gifts and gratitude: The book shows how gifts can express love, appreciation, and happiness, and how they can make a difference in someone's life. It also shows how gratitude can heal wounds, strengthen bonds, and inspire hope.
The strengths and weaknesses of the book
The book has many strengths that make it an enjoyable and memorable read. Some of them are:
The plot: The book has a fast-paced and engaging plot that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. It has twists and turns that surprise and delight the reader. It also has a satisfying ending that wraps up the story nicely.
The characters: The book has likable and relatable characters that make the reader care about them. They have distinct personalities, interests, and abilities that make them stand out. They also have realistic flaws, conflicts, and emotions that make them human.
The humor: The book has a lot of humor that balances out the seriousness of the situation. It has witty dialogue, funny situations, and hilarious references that make the reader laugh out loud.
The book also has some weaknesses that could be improved. Some of them are:
The length: The book is quite long for a children's book, with over 400 pages. It could be shorter without losing its essence or quality.
The details: The book has some details that are confusing or unnecessary. For example, it is not clear why David wants Angelina's power or how he knows about her plan. It is also not clear why Gwen's parents died or why their picture is in the locket.
The style: The book has some style issues that affect its readability. For example, it has some typos, grammatical errors, and inconsistent formatting that distract the reader from the content.
The comparison with other books by Wendy Mass
The Last Present is similar to other books by Wendy Mass in many ways. It has the same genre, style, and tone as the other books in the Willow Falls series: 11 Birthdays, Finally, and 13 Gifts. It also has some connections and references to other books by Wendy Mass, such as A Mango-Shaped Space, Every Soul a Star, and The Candymakers. For example, some of the characters from these books make cameo appearances or are mentioned in the story. However, The Last Present is also different from other books by Wendy Mass in some ways. It has a more complex and ambitious plot than the previous books in the series. It also has a more emotional and sentimental tone than some of her other books.
Conclusion
Why you should read the book
If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry, think, and feel, you should read The Last Present by Wendy Mass. It is a book that will take you on a journey through time and space, and show you the magic and wonder of life. It is a book that will teach you valuable lessons about friendship, family, time, memories, gifts, and gratitude. It is a book that will touch your heart and soul.
Where to find the book in epub format
If you are interested in reading The Last Present by Wendy Mass in epub format, you can find it online at various websites. One of them is epub.pub, where you can download it for free. Another one is Amazon.com, where you can buy it for $6.99. You can also find other books by Wendy Mass in epub format at these websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about The Last Present by Wendy Mass:
Do I need to read the other books in the series before reading this one?
No, you don't need to read the other books in the series before reading this one. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone story. However, it would be better if you read them in order, because they have some continuity and references that would make more sense if you know the background and context.
Is this book suitable for children?
Yes, this book is suitable for children aged 8 and up. It has a language and content that are appropriate for this age group. It also has a positive and uplifting message that children can benefit from.
Is this book based on a true story?
No, this book is not based on a true story. It is a fictional story that uses fantasy elements such as time travel and magic. However, it does have some realistic aspects such as historical events, cultural references, and personal experiences that make it more relatable and authentic.
What are some of the main themes and messages of this book?
Some of the main themes and messages of this book are: friendship and family are important and precious; time and memories are valuable and irreplaceable; gifts and gratitude can express love and happiness; life is full of surprises and challenges; everything happens for a reason; and nothing is impossible.
What are some of the main strengths and weaknesses of this book?
Some of the main strengths of this book are: the plot is fast-paced and engaging; the characters are likable and relatable; the humor is witty and funny; the illustrations are cute and colorful; and the ending is satisfying and heartwarming. Some of the main weaknesses of this book are: the length is quite long for a children's book; the details are sometimes confusing or unnecessary; and the style has some typos, grammatical errors, and inconsistent formatting.
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