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Dandelion Project
A ride on the Orphan Train in 1929 takes three-year-old Josef to Kansas. Bored on the farm and in school, Josef marries and moves to New Orleans to attend a University where he can prove his true intelligence. Unfortunately, the institution has little use for a farm boy with no formal education. Then a mysterious man offers him a million dollars to complete a job. Tantalized by the money but even more by the chance to join the ranks of the great men he has studied, Josef accepts the offer only to realize that his scientific genius has been used for somebody else's nefarious designs.
172 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 13, 2013
This story hooked me from the beginning, with its deceptively simple yet powerful writing. We are taken on a journey, following Josef, an orphan surrounded by mystery and we cannot help but feel sorry for what happens to him and realise the shortsightedness of 'Society' in the ways of poverty - in that it is thought of as a sin and those within its grasp are both invisible and unimportant.
Joseph is an odd character, though is clever, hard working and somewhat confused by life and those who surround him. He battles with many insecurities and is desperate to do well and be loved.
His intelligence pushes his interest in science and although he is underestimated by others because of his lowly position as janitor, it never stops his pursuit in learning and understanding the makeup of the strange world.
A sad and lonely character, but extremely interesting, which makes this tale very different from the many stories I've read.
I don't give spoilers but will say that this book is worth reading - thought provoking and intriguing.
Joseph is an odd character, though is clever, hard working and somewhat confused by life and those who surround him. He battles with many insecurities and is desperate to do well and be loved.
His intelligence pushes his interest in science and although he is underestimated by others because of his lowly position as janitor, it never stops his pursuit in learning and understanding the makeup of the strange world.
A sad and lonely character, but extremely interesting, which makes this tale very different from the many stories I've read.
I don't give spoilers but will say that this book is worth reading - thought provoking and intriguing.
June 24, 2013
I loved this factually accurate and well research tale and can say with doubt that I have not read anything quite like it. It tells of an emotional beginning, an orphan in the streets of 1920s New York and describes painfully his life from living rough to being taken on the Orphan Train out west, something quite hidden in American history. Like an American Dickens the story paints a vivid picture of the times and describes in detail occurrences of the farming communities where the orphan is adopted, I particularly liked the description of the Dust Storms that Woody Guthrie sang about. From there the character grows into an intelligent young man with a love of science, but without the chance of an education he is taken on by a mysterious man to conduct an experiment, thus the plot unfolds and what a devilish and intriguing plot it is.
Maria Miller takes us on a journey that other authors dare not go, her writing is edgy, intelligent and emotional. A superb and engaging read to which I would recommend to all.
Maria Miller takes us on a journey that other authors dare not go, her writing is edgy, intelligent and emotional. A superb and engaging read to which I would recommend to all.
July 26, 2013
Beware Dandelions!
TheDandelion Project, by Maria Miller, is the story of a self-taught young scientist. Josef, an orphan who came to Kansas on the last Orphan Train, has never done well socially, or in school. He is forced to leave school, and spends his spare time reading everything about science and math that he can find in the library. Eventually, Josef and his new bride move to New Orleans, and he continues his process of self-education in the Tulane University library -- as well as in the labs that he cleans. His “studies” are assisted by a mysterious stranger, who later has a research job for Josef. . . .
Josef’s story is fascinating. Were he to live today, his single-minded interests and social awkwardness would probably result in a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome. I found myself wanting him to succeed, and wishing the best for both Josef and his wife Grace.
Unfortunately, I found myself distracted by the lack of attention to some details -- the use of the term GMO, for example, decades before I believe it was actually used. I was also bothered by the evident lack of proofreading; several errors seem to have slipped past Ms. Miller’s spell-check. Finally, I felt that the writing style was inconsistent.
This was a book with a lot of promise, and one that kept me reading.
***I received this book free of charge, in return for an honest review.***
TheDandelion Project, by Maria Miller, is the story of a self-taught young scientist. Josef, an orphan who came to Kansas on the last Orphan Train, has never done well socially, or in school. He is forced to leave school, and spends his spare time reading everything about science and math that he can find in the library. Eventually, Josef and his new bride move to New Orleans, and he continues his process of self-education in the Tulane University library -- as well as in the labs that he cleans. His “studies” are assisted by a mysterious stranger, who later has a research job for Josef. . . .
Josef’s story is fascinating. Were he to live today, his single-minded interests and social awkwardness would probably result in a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome. I found myself wanting him to succeed, and wishing the best for both Josef and his wife Grace.
Unfortunately, I found myself distracted by the lack of attention to some details -- the use of the term GMO, for example, decades before I believe it was actually used. I was also bothered by the evident lack of proofreading; several errors seem to have slipped past Ms. Miller’s spell-check. Finally, I felt that the writing style was inconsistent.
This was a book with a lot of promise, and one that kept me reading.
***I received this book free of charge, in return for an honest review.***
October 5, 2013
An eye opening and sad story starting on the streets of
Brooklyn, New York, where a three year old child named Josef
finds himself orphaned and homeless living on the streets
fending for himself. That is until Papa Licht (Father Light)
comes to his rescue.
After been nursed back to health, he is placed on the last
ever orphan train, where after a heart wrenching experience
of rejection, he is adopted by a couple from Kansas.
With his odd nature and love of science, combined with his
determination to make something of himself, he is unwittingly
approached to take part in the Dandelion Project and this is
where the plot really thickens!
A very accurately written story of which I can honestly say
without doubt is the most unusual book i have read - ever.
Reviewed by Emma
Brooklyn, New York, where a three year old child named Josef
finds himself orphaned and homeless living on the streets
fending for himself. That is until Papa Licht (Father Light)
comes to his rescue.
After been nursed back to health, he is placed on the last
ever orphan train, where after a heart wrenching experience
of rejection, he is adopted by a couple from Kansas.
With his odd nature and love of science, combined with his
determination to make something of himself, he is unwittingly
approached to take part in the Dandelion Project and this is
where the plot really thickens!
A very accurately written story of which I can honestly say
without doubt is the most unusual book i have read - ever.
Reviewed by Emma
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews