Book of a Thousand Days
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Manufacturer: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Author: Shannon Hale
Binding: Hardcover
Publication Date: 2007-09-18
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Label: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Number Of Pages: 320
Features for Book of a Thousand Days:
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Editorial Review
When Dashti, a maid, and Lady Saren, her mistress, are shut in a tower for seven years for Saren’s refusal to marry a man she despises, the two prepare for a very long and dark imprisonment.
As food runs low and the days go from broiling hot to freezing cold, it is all Dashti can do to keep them fed and comfortable. But the arrival outside the tower of Saren’s two suitors—one welcome, and the other decidedly less so—brings both hope and great danger, and Dashti must make the desperate choices of a girl whose life is worth more than she knows.
With Shannon Hale’s lyrical language, this forgotten but classic fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm is reimagined and reset on the central Asian steppes; it is a completely unique retelling filled with adventure and romance, drama and disguise.
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Customer Reviews
A sympathetic main character? 
2008-05-02
I liked how unique the plot of the book is. The setting is different, and it's interesting to see how the characters react differently to imprisonment.
But I found the characters a little too unbelievable. The main character, Dashti, is TOO nice. She always looks on the bright side, even when locked in a tower! I like stories with stronger female leads and more believable central characters. Instead, Dashti seems to have a falsely sweet smile on the entire book, and her lady seems to be a faceless weak girl.
Shannon Hale's fairy tale is masterful 
2008-04-21
I have read every book by this wonderful author, and loved this one in particular. It was set in a very unique culture and time, but was seamlessly written. It has been a long time since I stayed up into the middle of the night to finish a book, but I did for 1000 Days. It is my favorite Shannon Hale re-tell next to the Goose Girl. Very appropriate for girls 12+. There is one "nude" scene, but it is very carefully crafted. It is not vulgar in any way, and it's appropriate/essential for the story. Coming from me, a very careful and judgemental LDS mom and teacher, it says a lot that I would endorse a book with a nude scene so whole-heartedly.
Wonderful and unique 2008-04-14
I loved it. A departure for Shannon Hale and really a fresh style from almost all other young adult literature available.
Shannon Hale Does It Again 2008-04-10
I have read every Shannon Hale book and this one was just as good as Goose Girl and Princess Academy. I loved it and it was a quick read for me!
Another great book from Shannon Hale 
2008-04-10
I thought this was an excellent quick read. The author has a way with telling a beautiful story.
Simple and Breathtaking: Rich and Captivating 2008-07-03
Simply magnificent! After reading about so many characters who are aritocrats and princesses, or just bratty teenage girls, this book was so refreshing. Shannon Hale's remarkable skill to craft a world out of words is clearly displayed in this novel, set in a world based off of the Medieval Mongolian plains, and a story loosely based off of the Brothers Grim's, "Maid Maleen". The protagonist, Dashti, is less a character and more of a flesh and blood person. Loyal, humble, practical. and strong, this common nomad girl who has suffered the loss of her family has risen to the position of ladies' maid. This elevated status is soon followed by a terrible sentance: being locked with Lady Saren into a tower for seven years. Their journey is a remarkable tale, told with rich wording in a first person diary: Dashti's "Book of a Thousand Days". The characters are relatable, the story captivating, and the richness and realness may well make you question which world is the real one, yours or Dashti's?
Thoroughly enjoyed this tale 2008-06-23
I often pre-read stories to determine if they are appropriate for my kids to read. I have an 8-year-old voracious reader (girl) and an 11-year-old reluctant reader (boy). After reading it, I've determined to hang on for a couple of years. My daughter will enjoy it, but there are elements that she is not mature enough to handle. And while the plot has enough action for me, I do not think it will suit my son.
I was immersed almost immediately in this unique story. I'm decidedly older than the target audience, judging by the fact that I found it in the "young adult" section at the library; but I picked it up based on reviews here and I'm glad I did. Yes - the ending was quite tidy...though the words "happily ever after" never appeared, that was how the story ended. But since when is that a BAD thing?
Now, onto Hale's Princess Academy...
Hopeful 2008-06-08
Great story, of a girl who never loose's hope. And lets the reader know that things can always be worse.
A Boring Book 
2008-05-15
This book is often in my recommendations and seems to have been given a good amount of praise so I thought I would try it. Unfortunately "Book of a Thousand Days" seemed to take 1000 days to read. It was a slow plot with very little action. Some of the scenes, such as the shaman's tale, seem as if they were added at the last minute in a poor attempt at foreshadowing. The only part that was interesting (if predictable) were the last 50 or so.
I do think that young girls with a lower reading level will find this interesting, but those that need a bit more substanence should forgo this one.
Book of a Thousand Days 2008-05-03
Initially, coming from the maid's point of view wasn't as appreciated, but soon became a clear, enjoyable voice. The book was enjoyed immensely.
