The Skinny
(aka Back of the Book Summary in a Sentence)
Jim Hawkins finds himself in possession of a pirate’s treasure map, and like any normal person would, he goes off with his companions on a dangerous search for that treasure.
Nutritional Value
(aka What’s Good)
I know Jim survives until the very end of the story because this book is his recounting of his search for the pirate’s treasure. So it’s comforting to know the kid doesn’t die at sea at the hands of scoundrels or scurvy.
But the real winner of this chapter is Dr. Livesey, the only man in Jim’s seaside town who’s not afraid to stand his ground against pirates wielding sharp daggers. If a toddler with a toothpick came at me, I’d already be panicking. But Dr. Livesey doesn’t even flinch when a drunken pirate threatens to pin him to a wall with a sailor’s knife. You’re my new idol, Dr. Livesey. I bet you would also show that toddler who’s boss.
Freezer Burn
(aka What’s Bad)
Pirate talk. I do not like pirate talk. I appreciate that Robert Louis Stevenson was trying to go for authenticity with his characters and their speech, but the poor grammar, confusing spelling, and strange vocabulary of pirate talk just didn’t jive with me.
Lingering Aftertaste
(aka My Prediction)
The first sentence of the book basically says that Jim and his companions found the island with the treasure and brought back as much treasure as they could carry and that there’s still treasure left on the island. So, I’m predicting a happy and prosperous ending for our young Jim.
Also, wow, that first sentence should come with a spoiler alert.
Taste Test Verdict
(aka Would I Read More?)
This might sound blasphemous, but I’d prefer to watch the movie Treasure Planet. The main character in that movie is also named Jim Hawkins, and I’m pretty sure the story is pretty much the same as this book even though the setting is outer space.
Memorable Morsel
(aka Quotable Quote)
I’m not fluent in pirate talk. I’d never be able to make it in Pirates of the Caribbean.
“This is a handy cove,” says he at length; “and a pleasant sittyated grog-shop. Much company, mate?”
Get Treasure Island
Gwen thinks that it’s as close to magic as humans can get when a blank Word document is filled with groups of letters, and those groups of letters turn into lines, and those lines turn into a whole new world.
When Gwen isn’t reading or writing, she’s drinking boba milk tea and singing along to Steven Universe. You should sing along with her.