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Hope for the Flowers
This classic story is celebrating its 40th anniversary beginning in September of 2012. "Hope for the Flowers" is an inspiring allegory about the realization of one's true destiny as told through the lives of caterpillars Stripe and Yellow, who struggle to "climb to the top" before understanding that they are meant to fly.
160 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1972
About the author
Trina Paulus
3 books65 followersTrina Paulus is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of her best selling parable Hope for the Flowers. In 1972 it won the Christopher Award for the most inspiring book of the year. It has sold over 4 million copies in English and millions of other copies translated in many languages. Hope For The Flowers is a book written "for adults and others (including caterpillars who can read). The main characters, Yellow and Stripe, have been crossing all types of boundaries for half a century. 🦋
Trina describes herself as an "advocate of organic farming, composting, holistic health and spiritual search." Paulus lives in Montclair, New Jersey. Her lifelong activism for peace and justice is deeply rooted in her faith. Trina was born and raised in Ohio by parents who “never spoke a bad word about anyone or group of people. The world should be more like that,” she says.
Trina describes herself as an "advocate of organic farming, composting, holistic health and spiritual search." Paulus lives in Montclair, New Jersey. Her lifelong activism for peace and justice is deeply rooted in her faith. Trina was born and raised in Ohio by parents who “never spoke a bad word about anyone or group of people. The world should be more like that,” she says.
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April 21, 2022
Hope for the Flowers, Trina Paulus
It all starts when Stripe, the main character, first hatches from an egg. He begins his life by eating the leaf he was born on. He realizes that there must be "more" to life than just eating leaves. He senses there must be a way to get up into the sky. He searches for a way and finds himself at the base of a pillar made up of caterpillars.
Spoiler Alert
They are all struggling to get up into the sky as well. Here he meets Yellow who also wants to get up into the sky by climbing to the top of the pillar. But she feels bad about what must be done to achieve this goal. You have to literally step on and climb over all the other caterpillars who are also trying to reach the top of the pillar.
The two of them eventually decide to stop climbing and go back down the pillar. They live together for a while. But Stripe's curiosity and unrest overcome him and he decides that he must get to the top of the pillar. Stripe says good-bye to Yellow. He focuses, adapts, and drives to reach the top, and eventually he succeeds at being on the top of the caterpillar pillar.
This results in disillusionment, as he takes in a vast vista of other caterpillar pillars. Is this all there is at the top?
He has not really gotten in to the sky. He just has a view of other caterpillars struggling to reach the top of their respective caterpillar pillars.
Yellow, however, has followed her instincts, continues to eat and then spins a cocoon. She eventually emerges from the cocoon transformed into a butterfly and flies into the sky effortlessly. She has found the real answer to the feeling that there must be more to life than eating leaves, and who caterpillars really are. She is waiting for the disillusioned Stripe as he descends the pillar and eventually reaches the ground again. She shows Stripe her empty cocoon, and he eventually realizes what he needs to do. Stripe makes a cocoon of his own. Yellow waits for him. Stripe emerges transformed into a butterfly, and they fly off together.
عنوانهای چاپ شده در ایران: «در تکاپوی معنا»؛ «به گل نشستن»؛ «چیزی بیشتر از زندگی: در تکاپوی معنا»؛ نویسنده: ترینا پالاس؛ تاریخ خوانش سال1987میلادی
عنوان: در تکاپوی معنا؛ نویسنده: ترینا پالاس؛ مترجم طیبه زندیپور؛ تهران: نشر ف‍ردوس، سال1366؛ در148ص؛ چاپ دوم تهران، نشر میترا، سال1378؛ در160ص، مصور؛ رنگی؛ شابک9645998077؛ چاپ سوم سال1381؛ چاپ چهارم سال1383؛ چاپ پنجم سال1386؛ شابک9789645998071؛ چاپ دیگر تهران، دیدگاه، سال 1381؛ در158ص؛ شابک9646107222؛ موضوع: داستانهای کوتاه از نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده20م
عنوان: به گل نشستن؛ نویسنده: ترینا پالاس؛ مترجم موسی نامی؛ تصویرسازی امیر‌محمد جوادی؛ تهران، نشر پژوهه، سال1388؛ در100ص؛ مصور؛ شابک9789647772754؛
عنوان: چیزی بیشتر از زندگی: در تکاپوی معنا؛ نویسنده و تصویرساز ترینا پالوس؛ مترجم زهره زاهدی؛ تهران، نشر پندار تابان، سال1397؛ در160ص؛ مصور؛ شابک 9786008593348؛
حکایت زندگی یک «کرم» کوچک «پروانه» است، که سر از تخم درآورده، و به دنبال چیستی زندگی، و شناختن خویشتن، از درختی که در شاخه ی آن زندگی، و از برگ‌هایش تغذیه می‌کرده، پایین می‌آید؛ این کرم پروانه، که «راه راه» نام دارد، به این نتیجه می‌رسد، که زندگی ارزشی بیش از خوردن و بزرگ‌تر شدن دارد…؛ اما ارزش زندگی را چگونه می‌توان پیدا کرد؟
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 06/06/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ 24/07/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ 31/01/1401هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
It all starts when Stripe, the main character, first hatches from an egg. He begins his life by eating the leaf he was born on. He realizes that there must be "more" to life than just eating leaves. He senses there must be a way to get up into the sky. He searches for a way and finds himself at the base of a pillar made up of caterpillars.
Spoiler Alert
They are all struggling to get up into the sky as well. Here he meets Yellow who also wants to get up into the sky by climbing to the top of the pillar. But she feels bad about what must be done to achieve this goal. You have to literally step on and climb over all the other caterpillars who are also trying to reach the top of the pillar.
The two of them eventually decide to stop climbing and go back down the pillar. They live together for a while. But Stripe's curiosity and unrest overcome him and he decides that he must get to the top of the pillar. Stripe says good-bye to Yellow. He focuses, adapts, and drives to reach the top, and eventually he succeeds at being on the top of the caterpillar pillar.
This results in disillusionment, as he takes in a vast vista of other caterpillar pillars. Is this all there is at the top?
He has not really gotten in to the sky. He just has a view of other caterpillars struggling to reach the top of their respective caterpillar pillars.
Yellow, however, has followed her instincts, continues to eat and then spins a cocoon. She eventually emerges from the cocoon transformed into a butterfly and flies into the sky effortlessly. She has found the real answer to the feeling that there must be more to life than eating leaves, and who caterpillars really are. She is waiting for the disillusioned Stripe as he descends the pillar and eventually reaches the ground again. She shows Stripe her empty cocoon, and he eventually realizes what he needs to do. Stripe makes a cocoon of his own. Yellow waits for him. Stripe emerges transformed into a butterfly, and they fly off together.
عنوانهای چاپ شده در ایران: «در تکاپوی معنا»؛ «به گل نشستن»؛ «چیزی بیشتر از زندگی: در تکاپوی معنا»؛ نویسنده: ترینا پالاس؛ تاریخ خوانش سال1987میلادی
عنوان: در تکاپوی معنا؛ نویسنده: ترینا پالاس؛ مترجم طیبه زندیپور؛ تهران: نشر ف‍ردوس، سال1366؛ در148ص؛ چاپ دوم تهران، نشر میترا، سال1378؛ در160ص، مصور؛ رنگی؛ شابک9645998077؛ چاپ سوم سال1381؛ چاپ چهارم سال1383؛ چاپ پنجم سال1386؛ شابک9789645998071؛ چاپ دیگر تهران، دیدگاه، سال 1381؛ در158ص؛ شابک9646107222؛ موضوع: داستانهای کوتاه از نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده20م
عنوان: به گل نشستن؛ نویسنده: ترینا پالاس؛ مترجم موسی نامی؛ تصویرسازی امیر‌محمد جوادی؛ تهران، نشر پژوهه، سال1388؛ در100ص؛ مصور؛ شابک9789647772754؛
عنوان: چیزی بیشتر از زندگی: در تکاپوی معنا؛ نویسنده و تصویرساز ترینا پالوس؛ مترجم زهره زاهدی؛ تهران، نشر پندار تابان، سال1397؛ در160ص؛ مصور؛ شابک 9786008593348؛
حکایت زندگی یک «کرم» کوچک «پروانه» است، که سر از تخم درآورده، و به دنبال چیستی زندگی، و شناختن خویشتن، از درختی که در شاخه ی آن زندگی، و از برگ‌هایش تغذیه می‌کرده، پایین می‌آید؛ این کرم پروانه، که «راه راه» نام دارد، به این نتیجه می‌رسد، که زندگی ارزشی بیش از خوردن و بزرگ‌تر شدن دارد…؛ اما ارزش زندگی را چگونه می‌توان پیدا کرد؟
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 06/06/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ 24/07/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ 31/01/1401هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
September 1, 2018
این واقعیت که هر چیزی توی این دنیا روزی خسته کننده و تکراری میشه واقعیت آزار دهنده ای هست که اکثرا" تجربش کردیم. اینکه مهم نیست تا کجا بالا بریم، چقدر پولدار باشیم یا متراژ خونه هامون چقدر بزرگ باشه یا اصلا کشوها و کمد هامون رو با چقدر طلا و لباس و هزار جور چیز دیگه پر کنیم، حقیقت اینه که ذات ما آدم ها اینه که از هر چیزی، حالا هر چه قدرهم خوب و خارق العاده، یک روز خسته میشه
اون زمانی که همه چیز در اطرافمون خسته کننده و تکراری و حتی گاهی اوقات آزار دهنده میشه ، درست همون لحظه ست که به دنبال مفهوم واقعی زندگی هامون می گردیم،همون لحظه ست که در مسیرمون توقف می کنیم و به اطرافمون نگاه میکنیم و از خودمون می پرسیم که آیا واقعا مسیر درستی رو انتخاب کردیم؟ اینکه آیا خوشبختی واقعی رو می تونیم در انتهای همون مسیری پیدا کنیم که آدم های دیگه رفتن
من فکر میکنم این مساله که اکثر آدمها "مسیری" رو برای رسیدن به هدف هاشون انتخاب می کنن صرفا" نمی تونه به این معنی باشه که اونا راه درستی رو انتخاب کردن. شاید اصلا این آدم ها نمی دونن که مقصد واقعی شون کجاست ؟! ، شاید اونا فقط دنباله روی آدم های دیگه ای بودن و اون آدمهای دیگه دنباله رو بقیه!. حالا اون وسط اینکه تو چقدر جسارتشو داشته باشی که بر خلاف این جریان پیش بری، شده فقط یک قدم ، اون دیگه به خودت و عظم راسخت برای رسیدن به هدف واقعی زندگیت بستگی داره
همه ی حرف این کتاب این بود که مهم نیست در مسیر زندگی مون چقدر ثروت به دست بیاریم، چقدر علم و قدرت کسب کنیم و چقدر دنباله رو بقیه باشیم ، تا زمانی که نتونیم معنای واقعی زندگیمون رو پیدا کنیم نمی تونیم آروم بگیریم، چون در مسیر اشتباهی، هیچ چیزی، به جز مدت کوتاهی، نمی تونه ارضا کننده خواسته ی قلبی و واقعی مون باشه
اون زمانی که همه چیز در اطرافمون خسته کننده و تکراری و حتی گاهی اوقات آزار دهنده میشه ، درست همون لحظه ست که به دنبال مفهوم واقعی زندگی هامون می گردیم،همون لحظه ست که در مسیرمون توقف می کنیم و به اطرافمون نگاه میکنیم و از خودمون می پرسیم که آیا واقعا مسیر درستی رو انتخاب کردیم؟ اینکه آیا خوشبختی واقعی رو می تونیم در انتهای همون مسیری پیدا کنیم که آدم های دیگه رفتن
من فکر میکنم این مساله که اکثر آدمها "مسیری" رو برای رسیدن به هدف هاشون انتخاب می کنن صرفا" نمی تونه به این معنی باشه که اونا راه درستی رو انتخاب کردن. شاید اصلا این آدم ها نمی دونن که مقصد واقعی شون کجاست ؟! ، شاید اونا فقط دنباله روی آدم های دیگه ای بودن و اون آدمهای دیگه دنباله رو بقیه!. حالا اون وسط اینکه تو چقدر جسارتشو داشته باشی که بر خلاف این جریان پیش بری، شده فقط یک قدم ، اون دیگه به خودت و عظم راسخت برای رسیدن به هدف واقعی زندگیت بستگی داره
همه ی حرف این کتاب این بود که مهم نیست در مسیر زندگی مون چقدر ثروت به دست بیاریم، چقدر علم و قدرت کسب کنیم و چقدر دنباله رو بقیه باشیم ، تا زمانی که نتونیم معنای واقعی زندگیمون رو پیدا کنیم نمی تونیم آروم بگیریم، چون در مسیر اشتباهی، هیچ چیزی، به جز مدت کوتاهی، نمی تونه ارضا کننده خواسته ی قلبی و واقعی مون باشه
January 10, 2009
A girlfriend gave me this book once.
At the time, I was living on an island of about two hundred people, teaching English. A foolish, miserable task--the kind of "good-for-you" intervention bound up in so many good intentions that the inevitable crass exploitation and inadequate resourcing and nonexistent long-term vision and full-on horseshit stupidity seem, in hindsight, a necessary cosmic counter-balancing. Ostensibly, I was teaching English and helping the other English teachers improve curriculum. Instead, the other English teachers wised up--let the fucking American handle this shit, and let's hit the lagoon, while the fishing is fine--and I struggled to piece together an elementary curriculum for non-English speakers who'd never heard anyone fluent in English speak. No television, except when the local generator was fired up, and the vhs hooked in, so that we could watch "Best of the Best" and "Best of the Best 2" for a quarter. Two or three radios, which only got Armed Forces Network. One communication radio, intermittently functioning, which I got on once a week to talk to pals distributed around the islands over 40,000 some square miles. I got mail once a week, if the plane showed up, if the weather was good, if I actually got any mail. I could run around the island, by which I mean quite literally I could run around the island. We periodically hit a dry patch where few fish came in, and breadfruit weren't in season, so we ate canned food and rice and coconuts, and when the canned food ran out we ate rice and coconuts. I lost about 60 pounds. I sank into periodic depressions. I certainly got along with everyone, and drank tons of instant coffee hanging out with the guys, but I wasn't really connecting -- except with one guy, a really great person who I was starting to become good friends with, and then he died of tuberculosis. Those periods of depression became more like exclamation points.
Twice a year, during the two years I was there, I got into the "main island." (Let's describe that in some other post.) During those trips, I drank excessively. Took up smoking despite having never had any interest in smoking (even leaping straight to Kool Menthols, 'cause as I believe Denis Leary put it if you inhale excessively on a Menthol it feels like your eyes are bleeding). Stayed out to all hours. Fell in love with everyone I met. And at the end of one stay, I began dating (okay, let's call it "dating" as well as dating) a very nice, sweet, good-intentioned English teacher like myself. We had a whirlwind of hyperbolic romantic passion, before we both headed to our respective islands.
Months passed. Mail, infrequent, the occasional too-public radio conversation. I had been there... oh, maybe 18 months. I was seriously losing it. And I wrote this sweet, wonderful, well-intentioned woman a cri de coeur, a howl of anguish and existential fear and self-loathing ... and she sent me this book. Oh, she also sent me a very moving, sweet, well-intentioned letter, explaining what the book meant, and how it might help me. She really was a great person. But I read this book and wanted to immediately begin gassing hippies. I turned from self-loathing into a fairly aggressive other-loather. I realized that this task I'd taken on really wasn't for me. A couple weeks later, I left the island and the gig, for good.
We broke up, too. I wasn't even sure how to say anything ... the book flabbergasted me. But, in a way, I guess, it saved me.
At the time, I was living on an island of about two hundred people, teaching English. A foolish, miserable task--the kind of "good-for-you" intervention bound up in so many good intentions that the inevitable crass exploitation and inadequate resourcing and nonexistent long-term vision and full-on horseshit stupidity seem, in hindsight, a necessary cosmic counter-balancing. Ostensibly, I was teaching English and helping the other English teachers improve curriculum. Instead, the other English teachers wised up--let the fucking American handle this shit, and let's hit the lagoon, while the fishing is fine--and I struggled to piece together an elementary curriculum for non-English speakers who'd never heard anyone fluent in English speak. No television, except when the local generator was fired up, and the vhs hooked in, so that we could watch "Best of the Best" and "Best of the Best 2" for a quarter. Two or three radios, which only got Armed Forces Network. One communication radio, intermittently functioning, which I got on once a week to talk to pals distributed around the islands over 40,000 some square miles. I got mail once a week, if the plane showed up, if the weather was good, if I actually got any mail. I could run around the island, by which I mean quite literally I could run around the island. We periodically hit a dry patch where few fish came in, and breadfruit weren't in season, so we ate canned food and rice and coconuts, and when the canned food ran out we ate rice and coconuts. I lost about 60 pounds. I sank into periodic depressions. I certainly got along with everyone, and drank tons of instant coffee hanging out with the guys, but I wasn't really connecting -- except with one guy, a really great person who I was starting to become good friends with, and then he died of tuberculosis. Those periods of depression became more like exclamation points.
Twice a year, during the two years I was there, I got into the "main island." (Let's describe that in some other post.) During those trips, I drank excessively. Took up smoking despite having never had any interest in smoking (even leaping straight to Kool Menthols, 'cause as I believe Denis Leary put it if you inhale excessively on a Menthol it feels like your eyes are bleeding). Stayed out to all hours. Fell in love with everyone I met. And at the end of one stay, I began dating (okay, let's call it "dating" as well as dating) a very nice, sweet, good-intentioned English teacher like myself. We had a whirlwind of hyperbolic romantic passion, before we both headed to our respective islands.
Months passed. Mail, infrequent, the occasional too-public radio conversation. I had been there... oh, maybe 18 months. I was seriously losing it. And I wrote this sweet, wonderful, well-intentioned woman a cri de coeur, a howl of anguish and existential fear and self-loathing ... and she sent me this book. Oh, she also sent me a very moving, sweet, well-intentioned letter, explaining what the book meant, and how it might help me. She really was a great person. But I read this book and wanted to immediately begin gassing hippies. I turned from self-loathing into a fairly aggressive other-loather. I realized that this task I'd taken on really wasn't for me. A couple weeks later, I left the island and the gig, for good.
We broke up, too. I wasn't even sure how to say anything ... the book flabbergasted me. But, in a way, I guess, it saved me.
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February 14, 2018
I was really curious on this children's book because I've read several good reviews before about this. I was able to purchase a copy of this from our local bookstore online and I read it right away. It's a short story so I was able to read it within 10 minutes or less.
The story reminds me of Aesop's fables I've read when I was still young. It could be children's book but the lessons are more like a reminder for adults. I highly recommend this to everyone especially to those who are young professionals or who are already in the workforce. This will help them remember what's really important in life.
The story reminds me of Aesop's fables I've read when I was still young. It could be children's book but the lessons are more like a reminder for adults. I highly recommend this to everyone especially to those who are young professionals or who are already in the workforce. This will help them remember what's really important in life.
June 17, 2023
4 stars - what a cute little book from the 70’s - inspirational & sweet!
March 22, 2017
Someone's comment just reminded me of this one...
I read this when I was a kid (significantly under 10) at the public library.
An allegorical hippie story encouraging people (or caterpillars) to get out of the rat race. I got the allegory, even as a kid. (It's pretty impossible to miss.) Even then, while I didn't disagree with the 'go your own way' part of the message, I thought the delivery was a Bit Much.
It features a HORRIFYING scene where the ambitious caterpillars are literally forming pillars, climbing over each other and crushing each other on the way to the top - where they simply fall from the pinnacle to their splatty deaths.
I think it scarred me for life.
________
Another review just mentioned a bit I didn't remember, so I looked it up. Yes, this quote is in there:
“Once you are a butterfly,
you can really love – the
kind of love that makes a
new life. It’s better than all
the hugging caterpillars can
do.”
Child-me read that uncritically. Adult-me does not.
I read this when I was a kid (significantly under 10) at the public library.
An allegorical hippie story encouraging people (or caterpillars) to get out of the rat race. I got the allegory, even as a kid. (It's pretty impossible to miss.) Even then, while I didn't disagree with the 'go your own way' part of the message, I thought the delivery was a Bit Much.
It features a HORRIFYING scene where the ambitious caterpillars are literally forming pillars, climbing over each other and crushing each other on the way to the top - where they simply fall from the pinnacle to their splatty deaths.
I think it scarred me for life.
________
Another review just mentioned a bit I didn't remember, so I looked it up. Yes, this quote is in there:
“Once you are a butterfly,
you can really love – the
kind of love that makes a
new life. It’s better than all
the hugging caterpillars can
do.”
Child-me read that uncritically. Adult-me does not.
June 12, 2023
This book was given to me as a gift. (It seems like a children's book - but it is so much more!)
I then gave it as a gift.
The gift book that keeps on giving.
It is the story of two caterpillars, Stripe and Yellow searching for meaning and purpose in their lives. (Aren't we all?!)
It is about struggle, yearnings, single-minded focus, perseverance, making mistakes, enlightenment, letting go and ultimately...no spoilers from me!
Love it and pass it on!
I then gave it as a gift.
The gift book that keeps on giving.
It is the story of two caterpillars, Stripe and Yellow searching for meaning and purpose in their lives. (Aren't we all?!)
It is about struggle, yearnings, single-minded focus, perseverance, making mistakes, enlightenment, letting go and ultimately...no spoilers from me!
Love it and pass it on!
September 18, 2007
this book is written like a childrens book, but for adults. Very reminicent of Esops fables....
I first read it back in high school, a friend saw me looking it over, and then went back and bought it for me. Its very touching....
Its about one catapillar who, unlike the others, isnt happy just eating leaves and climbing the catapillar-pillar. He stops to wonder "why".... he questions everything around him.
Its a little about love, and growing into your own skin, its about doing what has to be done, but knowing and understanding why its done, rather than doing just for the sake of doing. Its about taking leap of faith, looking around you and knowing there is something more.....
I reread it as time passes, just to remind myself of its beauty...
I first read it back in high school, a friend saw me looking it over, and then went back and bought it for me. Its very touching....
Its about one catapillar who, unlike the others, isnt happy just eating leaves and climbing the catapillar-pillar. He stops to wonder "why".... he questions everything around him.
Its a little about love, and growing into your own skin, its about doing what has to be done, but knowing and understanding why its done, rather than doing just for the sake of doing. Its about taking leap of faith, looking around you and knowing there is something more.....
I reread it as time passes, just to remind myself of its beauty...
June 22, 2017
یه کتاب کوتاه و خوب که خوندنش 10 دقیقه بیشتر زمان نمیبره.
در قالب یه داستان ساده و کودکانه در مورد زندگی و معنای اون صحبت کرده و اینکه الزاما مسیری که همه دنبالش می کنند و اونو ارزش می دونن راه درست نیست و با اینکه خواسته ی افراده، به معنی خوب بودن اون جایگاه نیست و گاهی دقیقا اون لحظه ای که همه فکر می کنن شکست خوردی تازه در راه درست قرار گرفتی.
یه کتاب ساده، کوچولو، دوست داشتنی
در قالب یه داستان ساده و کودکانه در مورد زندگی و معنای اون صحبت کرده و اینکه الزاما مسیری که همه دنبالش می کنند و اونو ارزش می دونن راه درست نیست و با اینکه خواسته ی افراده، به معنی خوب بودن اون جایگاه نیست و گاهی دقیقا اون لحظه ای که همه فکر می کنن شکست خوردی تازه در راه درست قرار گرفتی.
یه کتاب ساده، کوچولو، دوست داشتنی
September 21, 2017
It's a story about love and ambition.
Stripe does not truly know what he wants. All he knows is that he's done with the very monotonous days of seemingly perpetual crawling and leaf-eating. When he sees a lot of
caterpillars climbing towards the clouds, he decides to climb with them, even if he did not
know where he was going. All he knew was that everyone else was going that way, trying to
attain whatever it is at the top, and since everyone seemed to want it, he became convinced
that he wanted it, too.
I found this completely relatable. Even if I had plans of my own, I honestly, sincerely
don't really know what I want, where I want to go, and who I'm supposed to be. My goals were
very general, like Stripe - keep climbing and hope for the best, keep climbing as long as
you're leaving the dull life behind, follow the crowd, if the popular public moves towards a
certain area then it must be the best area. And what's sad about this kind of living, this
kind of discovering and moving forward, is that it's usually very self-centered. Stripe did not care
at all on who he stepped on, on who he hurt just to be a step forward from the rest.
Then he met Yellow. Yellow who changes his perspectives, who shared his doubts whether the uncertainty that awaits them is worth it. Yellow who he soon grows to love. They lived a
peaceful life together and they were happy for a while but Stripe's curiosity was too
obstinate and it made him restless. When it came down to choosing between ambition and
settling down with Yellow, Stripe decided to yet again climb the mountain of caterpillars.
It's about life.
Existence, perhaps the greatest enigma of all. And with existence blooms a desire for
purpose. Purpose, a certainty any person would want to colorfully paint. No one wants to
traverse life insipidly; life should be lived with passion, adventure, and questioning.
It's about revolution.
Sometimes the norm is nothing - cruelly pointless and a thief. And when the majority adhere
to these norms, majorities even, it takes a brave soul to break away, an even braver one to
save and plead to others to break away.
It's about hope.
Even when Yellow wanted to reach the top of the pile as well, and even if it hurt to admit
that she couldn't think of any other way to go up, and even when she loved Stripe so much
she wanted to follow him, she stood her ground knowing climbing was the wrong way - if she
climbed she'd have to step all over the others all over again. And when Stripe left her for
the pile, the waiting overwhelmed her, because she did not want to wait, she searched.
OH THERE'S SO MUCH TO GLEAN FROM THIS STORY. I AM SO GLAD TO HAVE ENCOUNTERED IT.
Stripe does not truly know what he wants. All he knows is that he's done with the very monotonous days of seemingly perpetual crawling and leaf-eating. When he sees a lot of
caterpillars climbing towards the clouds, he decides to climb with them, even if he did not
know where he was going. All he knew was that everyone else was going that way, trying to
attain whatever it is at the top, and since everyone seemed to want it, he became convinced
that he wanted it, too.
I found this completely relatable. Even if I had plans of my own, I honestly, sincerely
don't really know what I want, where I want to go, and who I'm supposed to be. My goals were
very general, like Stripe - keep climbing and hope for the best, keep climbing as long as
you're leaving the dull life behind, follow the crowd, if the popular public moves towards a
certain area then it must be the best area. And what's sad about this kind of living, this
kind of discovering and moving forward, is that it's usually very self-centered. Stripe did not care
at all on who he stepped on, on who he hurt just to be a step forward from the rest.
Then he met Yellow. Yellow who changes his perspectives, who shared his doubts whether the uncertainty that awaits them is worth it. Yellow who he soon grows to love. They lived a
peaceful life together and they were happy for a while but Stripe's curiosity was too
obstinate and it made him restless. When it came down to choosing between ambition and
settling down with Yellow, Stripe decided to yet again climb the mountain of caterpillars.
It's about life.
Existence, perhaps the greatest enigma of all. And with existence blooms a desire for
purpose. Purpose, a certainty any person would want to colorfully paint. No one wants to
traverse life insipidly; life should be lived with passion, adventure, and questioning.
It's about revolution.
Sometimes the norm is nothing - cruelly pointless and a thief. And when the majority adhere
to these norms, majorities even, it takes a brave soul to break away, an even braver one to
save and plead to others to break away.
It's about hope.
Even when Yellow wanted to reach the top of the pile as well, and even if it hurt to admit
that she couldn't think of any other way to go up, and even when she loved Stripe so much
she wanted to follow him, she stood her ground knowing climbing was the wrong way - if she
climbed she'd have to step all over the others all over again. And when Stripe left her for
the pile, the waiting overwhelmed her, because she did not want to wait, she searched.
OH THERE'S SO MUCH TO GLEAN FROM THIS STORY. I AM SO GLAD TO HAVE ENCOUNTERED IT.
October 18, 2007
Hope for the Flowers presents a wonderful, charming tale of two caterpillars (Stripe and Yellow) trying to get to the top.
Beguiled at first by a misguided attempt to climb on the heads of their fellow caterpillars (who have commingled into an enormous "caterpillar pillar" that ascends into the sky), Yellow and Stripe eventually abandon the pillar for the simple lives of eating and rolling around on the ground. But Stripe can't contain his curiosity about the pillar, and abandons Yellow to try the climb again.
Eventually, he realizes that there is nothing worth having at the top of the pillar, and then begins a search for her and his life's true course in earnest.
This book presents an excellent metaphor for adults who feel somehow trapped in the pointless climb to the top of a pillar that leads nowhere, and a cautionary, illuminating tale for children who have not yet been tricked into believing that the only way to get to the top is to step on others to get there. Indeed, the only way to get to the top is to fly, and the way to fly is simple - be true to yourself and be true to your love.
Beguiled at first by a misguided attempt to climb on the heads of their fellow caterpillars (who have commingled into an enormous "caterpillar pillar" that ascends into the sky), Yellow and Stripe eventually abandon the pillar for the simple lives of eating and rolling around on the ground. But Stripe can't contain his curiosity about the pillar, and abandons Yellow to try the climb again.
Eventually, he realizes that there is nothing worth having at the top of the pillar, and then begins a search for her and his life's true course in earnest.
This book presents an excellent metaphor for adults who feel somehow trapped in the pointless climb to the top of a pillar that leads nowhere, and a cautionary, illuminating tale for children who have not yet been tricked into believing that the only way to get to the top is to step on others to get there. Indeed, the only way to get to the top is to fly, and the way to fly is simple - be true to yourself and be true to your love.
June 17, 2022
داستان تمثیلی «در تکاپوی معنا» به‌نوعی بازگوکننده‌ی محتوای این بیت است: «در خود بطلب هرآنچه خواهی که تویی.» خط‌خطی، کِرمی که خط‌های راه‌راه به تن دارد، از لحظه‌ای که چشم به زندگی می‌گشاید، مشغول خوردن و آشامیدن و گشت‌وگذار می‌شود؛ اما پس از چندی این احساس در دلش پدید می‌آید که زندگی فقط خوردن و آشامیدن و گشت‌وگذارکردن نیست. چنین می‌شود که راهی نو در پیش می‌گیرد و با جماعتی انبوه از کرم‌ها همراه می‌شود که به ستونی چسبیده‌اند و از جان و دل در تلاش‌اند به بالای ستون راه بجویند. ولی دیری نمی‌گذرد که این تقلای نیندیشیده نیز خط‌خطی را به بی‌رضایتی می‌کشاند؛ زیرا در این تکاپو هدف و غایتی نمی‌بیند. علاوه‌براین، در جنب‌وجوش بی‌حدی که در میان کرم‌ها حاکم است، لحظه‌های زندگی به تباهی کشیده می‌شود. برای همین، خط‌خطی با کرم زردی که در این هیاهو با او چشم‌درچشم شده، همراه می‌شود و هر دو تصمیم می‌گیرند از ستون پایین بیایند و راه خود را بروند. از آن پس، خط‌خطی مدتی با کرم زرد سرگرم عشق و عاشقی می‌شود و خوش می‌گذراند. در چمن آزادانه می‌گردند و دیگر خود را بیهوده برای هدفی نامعلوم فرسوده نمی‌کنند. ولی رفته‌رفته این خوش‌گذرانی‌ها نیز رنگ تکرار و ملال به خود می‌گیرد و خط‌خطی را وامی‌دارد که باز به فکر برگشتن به ستون و بالارفتن از مسیری شود که پیش‌تر از آن صرف‌نظر کرده است. بااین‌حال، کرم زرد در عین حال که دل‌باخته و دوست‌دار او است، دیگر در این مسیر او را همراهی نمی‌کند. جدایی این دو سرانجام به آنجا می‌کشد که کرم زرد با راهنمایی کرم دیگری به توانایی نهفته‌ی درونش پی می‌برد و پیله‌ای دور خود می‌تند و پس از مدتی به پروانه بدل می‌شود و بال‌گشوده و آزاد به پرواز درمی‌آید؛ اما خط‌خطی پس از تحمل دشواری‌های بسیار، به بالای ستون می‌رسد و درمی‌یابد که در این تکاپو هیچ معنایی وجود نداشته و پایان این راه نیز بیهودگی و بی‌ثمری است. درنتیجه، باز با همراهی کرم زرد، از جمع گمراهان و بی‌هدفان دور می‌شود و پیله‌ای دور خود می‌سازد و پس از مدتی پروانه‌وار از بند پیله رها می‌شود و با یارش به آسمان پر می‌کشد و درمی‌یابد که از رهگذر دوری‌جستن از جماعتِ بی‌فکر و یافتن خویشتن و نیروهای نهفته‌ی درون تا چه اندازه میتواند راه آزادی را بگشاید و خود را در مسیر سعادت بیندازد.
اما با تجربه‌ی تلخی‌ها و ناگواری‌هایی که بشر تا امروز از سر گذرانده، می‌توان گفت این‌قبیل رویدادها تا حد زیادی فقط در عالم داستان و خیال شدنی است. البته که خودشناسی و آزادی از بندِ جماعت امری است مطلوب و توصیه‌کردنی؛ ولی انسان، به‌ویژه انسان درمانده‌ی امروز که همه‌چیزش در چنگال نظام‌ها و نهادهای هنجارساز و سلطه‌گر است، به این آسانی از زندان اجتماع رهایی نمی‌یابد و مجالی برای خودشکوفایی به دست نمی‌آورد. این است که چنین آثاری را می‌توان در ردیف آثار خودیاری و انگیزشی گنجاند؛ آثاری که بدون درنظرگرفتن وضع اجتماع و زمینه‌های بیرونی، صرفاً بر توان فردی تأکید می‌کنند و هرگونه ناکامی و کامیابی را برخاسته از خواست و توان خودِ شخص می‌انگارند. این یک‌سویه‌نگری خطا است. نمی‌شود بدون دیدن محیط و اجتماع، فقط به فرد و مهارت‌های فردی تکیه کرد.
ترجمه‌ی طیبه زندیپور از این کتاب به‌راستی فاجعه‌بار است.
اما با تجربه‌ی تلخی‌ها و ناگواری‌هایی که بشر تا امروز از سر گذرانده، می‌توان گفت این‌قبیل رویدادها تا حد زیادی فقط در عالم داستان و خیال شدنی است. البته که خودشناسی و آزادی از بندِ جماعت امری است مطلوب و توصیه‌کردنی؛ ولی انسان، به‌ویژه انسان درمانده‌ی امروز که همه‌چیزش در چنگال نظام‌ها و نهادهای هنجارساز و سلطه‌گر است، به این آسانی از زندان اجتماع رهایی نمی‌یابد و مجالی برای خودشکوفایی به دست نمی‌آورد. این است که چنین آثاری را می‌توان در ردیف آثار خودیاری و انگیزشی گنجاند؛ آثاری که بدون درنظرگرفتن وضع اجتماع و زمینه‌های بیرونی، صرفاً بر توان فردی تأکید می‌کنند و هرگونه ناکامی و کامیابی را برخاسته از خواست و توان خودِ شخص می‌انگارند. این یک‌سویه‌نگری خطا است. نمی‌شود بدون دیدن محیط و اجتماع، فقط به فرد و مهارت‌های فردی تکیه کرد.
ترجمه‌ی طیبه زندیپور از این کتاب به‌راستی فاجعه‌بار است.
December 17, 2019
در جستجوي معناي زندگي تا گل‌ها باقي بمانند
اين يه قصه‌ست، قصه يه كرم پروانه كه براي تبديل شدن به اون چيزي كه واقعا هست مشكل داره. شبيه قصه زندگي همه ما... كمي درباره زندگي كمي درباره تغيير و بيشتر درباره اميد. براي بزرگ‌ترها و بقيه يه جور كتاب تازه براي همه... به جز اونايي كه ديگه تسليم شدن (البته اونا هم مي‌تونن يواشكي بخونن و لذت ببرن!)
Hope for the flowers
اين يه قصه‌ست، قصه يه كرم پروانه كه براي تبديل شدن به اون چيزي كه واقعا هست مشكل داره. شبيه قصه زندگي همه ما... كمي درباره زندگي كمي درباره تغيير و بيشتر درباره اميد. براي بزرگ‌ترها و بقيه يه جور كتاب تازه براي همه... به جز اونايي كه ديگه تسليم شدن (البته اونا هم مي‌تونن يواشكي بخونن و لذت ببرن!)
Hope for the flowers
May 12, 2016
A different sort of book for everyone,
Except for those
who have given up completely...
(And even they might secretly enjoy it.)
این کتاب رو پیشنهاد میدم به اون‌هایی که امیدشون رو از دست دادن... و به اون‌هایی که با واژه "تردید" آشنا هستن و در راهی که پیش گرفتن چشم‌هاشون رو نبستن.
که حس می‌کنن وسط روزمره‌های زندگیشون گم شدن، که ترسیدن از آینده، که هرگز راه جدیدی رو امتحان نکردن و کم‌کم نگاه‌شون به زندگی داره رنگ‌ها رو گم می‌کنه و سیاه و سفید میشه...
نمیگم این کتاب ناجی خواهد بود؛ اما لذت خواهید برد... با دو کرم پروانه و سوال‌هاشون همراه خواهید شد و با نقاشی‌های ساده و زیباش یک لبخند کوچیک خواهید زد. و نمیگم تفکر نویی اینجا هست که تابه حال بهش فکر نکردید... اما فضای تازه ای رو خواهید دید از دنیا و از نگاه‌تون بهش.
کتاب خیلی کوتاهیه و وقت‌تون رو نخواهد گرفت... همون‌طور که به امثال شازده کوچولو و ماهی سیاه کوچولو فرصت دادید، به این کتاب هم میشه یه فرصت داد.
این کتاب رو بخونید اگه راه‌تون بی‌شباهت به راه آدمهای اطراف‌تون نیست، و ��دم در اون گذاشتید با این توجیه که همه همین راه رو انتخاب کردن.
و در آخر شاید بتونید بین صفحات این کتاب، خودتون و پروانه‌های درون‌تون که هرگز بهشون فرصت پرواز ندادید رو پیدا کنید...
Except for those
who have given up completely...
(And even they might secretly enjoy it.)
این کتاب رو پیشنهاد میدم به اون‌هایی که امیدشون رو از دست دادن... و به اون‌هایی که با واژه "تردید" آشنا هستن و در راهی که پیش گرفتن چشم‌هاشون رو نبستن.
که حس می‌کنن وسط روزمره‌های زندگیشون گم شدن، که ترسیدن از آینده، که هرگز راه جدیدی رو امتحان نکردن و کم‌کم نگاه‌شون به زندگی داره رنگ‌ها رو گم می‌کنه و سیاه و سفید میشه...
نمیگم این کتاب ناجی خواهد بود؛ اما لذت خواهید برد... با دو کرم پروانه و سوال‌هاشون همراه خواهید شد و با نقاشی‌های ساده و زیباش یک لبخند کوچیک خواهید زد. و نمیگم تفکر نویی اینجا هست که تابه حال بهش فکر نکردید... اما فضای تازه ای رو خواهید دید از دنیا و از نگاه‌تون بهش.
کتاب خیلی کوتاهیه و وقت‌تون رو نخواهد گرفت... همون‌طور که به امثال شازده کوچولو و ماهی سیاه کوچولو فرصت دادید، به این کتاب هم میشه یه فرصت داد.
این کتاب رو بخونید اگه راه‌تون بی‌شباهت به راه آدمهای اطراف‌تون نیست، و ��دم در اون گذاشتید با این توجیه که همه همین راه رو انتخاب کردن.
و در آخر شاید بتونید بین صفحات این کتاب، خودتون و پروانه‌های درون‌تون که هرگز بهشون فرصت پرواز ندادید رو پیدا کنید...
August 25, 2007
Simple but grand. Sweet but really touching. Makes you smile, laugh, and cry. I would recommend every adult I know to read this book. Just read it and you'll understand why I love this book so much.
I actually re-drew all pictures in the book and turned them into various big posters for a story-telling at one Summer School for teenagers in my neighborhood, back in Bandung, Indonesia. You wouldn't believe me, but as I were telling the story, that such simple story, almost all kids were burst in tears, including an older kid, me.
This is a love story, a story of love, and a story about life itself, and an answer to "is there more to life?"
I actually re-drew all pictures in the book and turned them into various big posters for a story-telling at one Summer School for teenagers in my neighborhood, back in Bandung, Indonesia. You wouldn't believe me, but as I were telling the story, that such simple story, almost all kids were burst in tears, including an older kid, me.
This is a love story, a story of love, and a story about life itself, and an answer to "is there more to life?"
August 4, 2008
I have loved this book ever since high school when a very special friend shared it with me. It’s been a long time since I read it, but it never fails to charm.
Recently I went on a hunt for it in this jungle house of books, but without success. I know I have a ratty old paperback copy somewhere but I can’t find it. So I checked it out from the library and read it again with profound enjoyment and peace.
It’s that kind of book—a peaceful book. It’s a book which reminds us that we are all so much more than our lowest crawling, grasping, combative work-a-day world might have us believe we are. And so is life.
Now my children are teenagers and their attitudes are beginning to sour a bit due to the competitive behavior they see exhibited by their fellow human beings—outside their immediate circle of friends that is. As I listened to the first creeping tones of disillusionment in my eldest daughter’s conversation the other day I realized it was time for this book.
Hope for the Flowers is a fable. It reads like a young children’s book with tri-color (black, white and yellow) illustrations. It’s about a caterpillar, Stripe, who is trying to figure out what the world is all about. In the course of his journey he discovers a tower of caterpillars where everyone is climbing over everyone else to get to the top—a top lost in the clouds. What exactly exists at the top and why they are trying to get there remains a mystery to Stripe as well as to his fellow climbers. Nevertheless, Stripe jumps onto the caterpillar pile and starts climbing.
Along the way he avoids looking into the eyes of any of the others he steps on or climbs over, but he eventually meets and converses with another caterpillar named Yellow and as a result of this, both of their journeys are forever changed.
Don’t want to spoil the story for any who haven’t read it. If you haven’t, you are in for a treat! By all means rush out right now, get yourself a copy and read it! It’s a great winter read. It’s an all-time classic. It’s up-lifting. It’s a book to read over and over and over! This reminds me why I checked it out from the library—to give it to my daughter to read; I’m off to give it to her before it’s due back. Enjoy!
*****
http://the--book--nook.blogspot.com/2...
Recently I went on a hunt for it in this jungle house of books, but without success. I know I have a ratty old paperback copy somewhere but I can’t find it. So I checked it out from the library and read it again with profound enjoyment and peace.
It’s that kind of book—a peaceful book. It’s a book which reminds us that we are all so much more than our lowest crawling, grasping, combative work-a-day world might have us believe we are. And so is life.
Now my children are teenagers and their attitudes are beginning to sour a bit due to the competitive behavior they see exhibited by their fellow human beings—outside their immediate circle of friends that is. As I listened to the first creeping tones of disillusionment in my eldest daughter’s conversation the other day I realized it was time for this book.
Hope for the Flowers is a fable. It reads like a young children’s book with tri-color (black, white and yellow) illustrations. It’s about a caterpillar, Stripe, who is trying to figure out what the world is all about. In the course of his journey he discovers a tower of caterpillars where everyone is climbing over everyone else to get to the top—a top lost in the clouds. What exactly exists at the top and why they are trying to get there remains a mystery to Stripe as well as to his fellow climbers. Nevertheless, Stripe jumps onto the caterpillar pile and starts climbing.
Along the way he avoids looking into the eyes of any of the others he steps on or climbs over, but he eventually meets and converses with another caterpillar named Yellow and as a result of this, both of their journeys are forever changed.
Don’t want to spoil the story for any who haven’t read it. If you haven’t, you are in for a treat! By all means rush out right now, get yourself a copy and read it! It’s a great winter read. It’s an all-time classic. It’s up-lifting. It’s a book to read over and over and over! This reminds me why I checked it out from the library—to give it to my daughter to read; I’m off to give it to her before it’s due back. Enjoy!
*****
http://the--book--nook.blogspot.com/2...
May 24, 2008
This allegory coudln't be more unsubtle. Unless at the end the author was like "and like, the caterpillars, are actually like, PEOPLE. And the strive to the top is like, our struggle in life. And like, being a butterfly is..." etc. The illustrations were cutesie pie though. This is such a hippie book I don't even know what else to say. It's hard to hate on such cheesy idealism.... I felt like I should be more impressed by the cute, universal message, than I was. Maybe it'd help if I was less cynical. Though I did like the "caterpillar pilar". Overall.. the drawings saved an otherwise cliche story. Oh, 70's.
November 19, 2015
داستانی که به ظاهر برای بچه ها نوشته شده،ولی مفهومش رو خیلی از آدم بزرگ ها هم تو زندگیشون درک نکردن!
.
"من یک پروانه دیدم،
زندگی مفهوم بیشتری میتواند داشته باشد."
.
"من یک پروانه دیدم،
زندگی مفهوم بیشتری میتواند داشته باشد."
May 24, 2012
This allegory is totally amazing! Good thing there's a free blog containing this short story. For those who wanted a free read, you may refer to this link.
Review and Reflections:
I was spending my idle time in my office desk. Thinking of something short yet worthwhile to read. I've read some articles about CJ on Trial Drama, Lady Gaga Concert, and Jessica Sanchez's potential to win this season's AI. When I went to this site and a friend rated this five stars, I searched for the free text of this book.
The story started with Mr. Stripe, curious about the pile of caterpillars having the desire to reach the top. During his climb, and in an unexpected moment, he met Ms. Yellow. Both having no idea what lies ahead, they decided to spend time together in the meantime, being with each other and enjoying each other's company. Until one day, boredom came. Mr. Stripe desired more. And so Ms. Yellow let go, respecting his decision - and moving on.
When circumstances led Ms. Yellow into greater heights, she searched for Mr. Stripe. She searched, found, then waited for Mr. Stripe to realize the desires of Ms. Yellow's heart. Then one day, finally, they became the hope for the flowers.
I want to feel the moment when Mr. Stripe met Ms. Yellow. Ms. Yellow was weak and fragile then, yet Mr. Stripe decided to be with her side since being together means being stronger against any challenge. But what if one day, he feels the boredom? the monotony? What if he wants more? With this vulnerable heart, should I be able to let go and move on without him?
And when I meet him in some distant future, broken and messed-up, will I be able to forgive and forget, and able to help him up?
I may not know these things yet, but I hope one day when I become as iridescent as a butterfly - we would see each other, would help each other, and would be the next hope for these wonderful flowers. :)
Review and Reflections:
I was spending my idle time in my office desk. Thinking of something short yet worthwhile to read. I've read some articles about CJ on Trial Drama, Lady Gaga Concert, and Jessica Sanchez's potential to win this season's AI. When I went to this site and a friend rated this five stars, I searched for the free text of this book.
The story started with Mr. Stripe, curious about the pile of caterpillars having the desire to reach the top. During his climb, and in an unexpected moment, he met Ms. Yellow. Both having no idea what lies ahead, they decided to spend time together in the meantime, being with each other and enjoying each other's company. Until one day, boredom came. Mr. Stripe desired more. And so Ms. Yellow let go, respecting his decision - and moving on.
When circumstances led Ms. Yellow into greater heights, she searched for Mr. Stripe. She searched, found, then waited for Mr. Stripe to realize the desires of Ms. Yellow's heart. Then one day, finally, they became the hope for the flowers.
I want to feel the moment when Mr. Stripe met Ms. Yellow. Ms. Yellow was weak and fragile then, yet Mr. Stripe decided to be with her side since being together means being stronger against any challenge. But what if one day, he feels the boredom? the monotony? What if he wants more? With this vulnerable heart, should I be able to let go and move on without him?
And when I meet him in some distant future, broken and messed-up, will I be able to forgive and forget, and able to help him up?
I may not know these things yet, but I hope one day when I become as iridescent as a butterfly - we would see each other, would help each other, and would be the next hope for these wonderful flowers. :)
November 24, 2017
I received this book as a gift, which I was grateful for, but I just couldn't get on board with it. So here's the thing: this book has been around for 45 years+. It's kind of a children's book, sort of a self-help book, is supposed to provide inspiration and touches on psychology. And that's exactly my problem with it. Paulus has tried to be so all encompassing that the book just falls flat. There are too many messages and her agenda is just too long.
Hope For The Flowers is little bit about love, a little bit about revolution, a good bit about hope and a whole lot about life. It can be read from philosophical, religious or political points of view, making even the story a bit too ambitious, which sounds ironic when we are dealing with a sparse, simplistic book that is in Paulus's own handwriting.
I don't deny that this book took a long time to put together or that it isn't filled with the author's hugely passionate views and feelings, but in Paulus's attempts to make it everything, she has left it lacking.
A big no for me.
Hope For The Flowers is little bit about love, a little bit about revolution, a good bit about hope and a whole lot about life. It can be read from philosophical, religious or political points of view, making even the story a bit too ambitious, which sounds ironic when we are dealing with a sparse, simplistic book that is in Paulus's own handwriting.
I don't deny that this book took a long time to put together or that it isn't filled with the author's hugely passionate views and feelings, but in Paulus's attempts to make it everything, she has left it lacking.
A big no for me.
July 27, 2017
Yes.
This is one of those books that you bring yourself to. You will read it through the filter of your experiences, background, and core beliefs. What your core beliefs actually ARE may surprise you; your reaction to books like this may make ideas you didn't know you cherished leap out at you and say BOO!
This is a "Marmite book"--you will love it or hate it.
It can be taken a myriad of ways, and will. But the fault if any lies not within our stars, but in ourselves.
If it makes you happy, cherish that.
If it makes you extremely angry, ask yourself why.
If it leaves you indifferent...oh dear.
Ostensibly it is a children's book. Perhaps when it first came out, it was. Kids were being taught to think rather deeply in those days. Today, however, it would be a wise child who would "get it."
Or a wise adult.
This is one of those books that you bring yourself to. You will read it through the filter of your experiences, background, and core beliefs. What your core beliefs actually ARE may surprise you; your reaction to books like this may make ideas you didn't know you cherished leap out at you and say BOO!
This is a "Marmite book"--you will love it or hate it.
It can be taken a myriad of ways, and will. But the fault if any lies not within our stars, but in ourselves.
If it makes you happy, cherish that.
If it makes you extremely angry, ask yourself why.
If it leaves you indifferent...oh dear.
Ostensibly it is a children's book. Perhaps when it first came out, it was. Kids were being taught to think rather deeply in those days. Today, however, it would be a wise child who would "get it."
Or a wise adult.
March 7, 2015
I've first read this book when I was like ten. It's been how many years now, and I still think that it's fantastic.
This books is about the journey of two caterpillars, Stripe and Yellow, and the obstacles and problems that they faced before they both became butterflies.
The story is simple, but beautiful and realistic. It's about learning to give up and let go. How each ending offers a new beginning. It's about taking risks. And the desire to see something more.
The illustrations are really wonderful. This may be a book for children's but I'm pretty sure that even adults would enjoy it too.
This books is about the journey of two caterpillars, Stripe and Yellow, and the obstacles and problems that they faced before they both became butterflies.
The story is simple, but beautiful and realistic. It's about learning to give up and let go. How each ending offers a new beginning. It's about taking risks. And the desire to see something more.
The illustrations are really wonderful. This may be a book for children's but I'm pretty sure that even adults would enjoy it too.
Read
September 2, 2015Oh this book was just wonderful!!!!! :D
Thank you, Jerrel for letting me know about this book! This was terrific!! This was such a unique yet inspirational book! This relates to life and shows the journey we all travel. The question, "There has to be more to life?" Is what is focused on! We try to find joy in being at the top yet we never truly see that God has placed true importance in us- and in Jesus we can become new!! Now this book is not considered Christian yet this is a book that should be! I loved this!! One of my favorite books EVER!! Brilliant!!(:
God Bless,
~Mary Kate(:
Thank you, Jerrel for letting me know about this book! This was terrific!! This was such a unique yet inspirational book! This relates to life and shows the journey we all travel. The question, "There has to be more to life?" Is what is focused on! We try to find joy in being at the top yet we never truly see that God has placed true importance in us- and in Jesus we can become new!! Now this book is not considered Christian yet this is a book that should be! I loved this!! One of my favorite books EVER!! Brilliant!!(:
God Bless,
~Mary Kate(:
November 16, 2013
شاید باید خوندنِ شُ دفعه یِ پیش ول می‌کردم، که این جمله رو امروز ببینم:
«آن چه به نظر می‌رسد این است که تو می‌میری؛ امّا آن چه واقعی ست، این است که تو باز هم زندگی خواهی کرد. زندگی عوض میشه؛ امّا از بین نمی‌ره..»
...پایان"
یا آغاز..."
.پ.ن: قبل تر هم پگاه و معصومه پیشنهاد داده بودن ش
«آن چه به نظر می‌رسد این است که تو می‌میری؛ امّا آن چه واقعی ست، این است که تو باز هم زندگی خواهی کرد. زندگی عوض میشه؛ امّا از بین نمی‌ره..»
...پایان"
یا آغاز..."
.پ.ن: قبل تر هم پگاه و معصومه پیشنهاد داده بودن ش
March 18, 2022
erykah badu recommendation. so many gems in this, i'll probably reread in the morning lol
January 16, 2019
Korean version is also good. Recommending this to Koreans who has some difficulties in reading the english version. Hope for the flowers.
January 14, 2019
I first thought that it was a goofy story about tower of worms, but as I read through the book, I recognized that it had a deeper meaning than anything. I won't talk about it in the review how I can spoil the story. Just read it, it's actually good.
March 3, 2020
This is a wonderful book. It is all about the journey of two caterpillars who know there is more to life than eating and becoming fat. As their journey comes to an end they become beautiful butterflies.
February 9, 2009
This book is really nice.. My prof assigned me this in english lesson..I don't know how to report this bcoz I want the whole class to love and appreciate it the way I read and understand but didn't find the words to say.. It's just one of the inspiring book iv'e read..
Lessons I learned is that to be able to achieve your goals and to be happy.. you just have to be yourself and not to step on someone..because true happiness is that to be kind to everyone.. It's always happening nowadays especiaaly in work is that competition and to let others fall just to satisfy one's desire..
Another is that being with someone you love is enough than to leave and not sure of where to come..
Lastly, sometimes we have to change..it says life is changed not taken away.. this inspires me to let go of something in the present just to be able to achieve much satisfying in the end..thanks!!!:)
Lessons I learned is that to be able to achieve your goals and to be happy.. you just have to be yourself and not to step on someone..because true happiness is that to be kind to everyone.. It's always happening nowadays especiaaly in work is that competition and to let others fall just to satisfy one's desire..
Another is that being with someone you love is enough than to leave and not sure of where to come..
Lastly, sometimes we have to change..it says life is changed not taken away.. this inspires me to let go of something in the present just to be able to achieve much satisfying in the end..thanks!!!:)
July 4, 2016
-همه جور چیز تازه پیدا می شد. سبزه، خاک، حفره ها و حشرات کوچک، هریک او را به خود مجذوب نمودند. اما هیچ یک او را متقاعد نساختند.
-«من هم این کار را دوست دارم.»
اما این به معنی دست کشیدن از بالا رفتن بود، تصمیمی که اتخاذ آن آسان نبود.
-او احساس حماقت و دستپاچگی هم می کرد زیرا هیچ وقت نتوانسته بود دلایلش را طوری در قالب کلمات بریزد که منطق راه راه بپذیرد.
-آن چه به نظر می رسد این است که تو می میری اما آن چه واقعی است این است که تو باز هم زندگی خواهی کرد.
-این خودش یک دل گرمی است بر این که در مسیر صحیح قرار گرفته ام. اگر من ماده ساختن پیله را درون خود دارم، لابد ماده لازم برای پروانه شدن را هم دارم.
-راه راه احساس کرد بدنش یخ زده. این قدر بالا باشی و اصلا بالا نباشی!
-برای به «اوج» رسیدن باید پرواز کرد، نه این که فقط بالا رفت.
-«من هم این کار را دوست دارم.»
اما این به معنی دست کشیدن از بالا رفتن بود، تصمیمی که اتخاذ آن آسان نبود.
-او احساس حماقت و دستپاچگی هم می کرد زیرا هیچ وقت نتوانسته بود دلایلش را طوری در قالب کلمات بریزد که منطق راه راه بپذیرد.
-آن چه به نظر می رسد این است که تو می میری اما آن چه واقعی است این است که تو باز هم زندگی خواهی کرد.
-این خودش یک دل گرمی است بر این که در مسیر صحیح قرار گرفته ام. اگر من ماده ساختن پیله را درون خود دارم، لابد ماده لازم برای پروانه شدن را هم دارم.
-راه راه احساس کرد بدنش یخ زده. این قدر بالا باشی و اصلا بالا نباشی!
-برای به «اوج» رسیدن باید پرواز کرد، نه این که فقط بالا رفت.
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