Magic Tree House 15: Voyage of the Vikings is the fifteenth book in the Magic Tree House series written by Mary Pope Osborne. It was first published in 2002. The book follows the adventures of Jack and Annie as they travel back in time to ancient Norway. In this installment, Jack and Annie find themselves on a Viking ship called the Sleipnir. They meet Leif Erikson, a famous Viking explorer, and his crew. Leif Erikson takes them to Greenland, where they learn about the Viking way of life and the harsh conditions they faced.
As a memoir writer and reader, in recent times, I have been disappointed with bestsellers which fall into one of two categories – a celebrity tell-all of a dysfunctional present or confessions of a regular person who describes a dysfunctional past often involving addiction or trauma. The former sells because of the person’s public status, the latter because it is a well-crafted story with a generous publicity budget.
In fact, my initial impression in the early chapters that it was a literary version of a TV show that I loved during the years I lived in the US, The Wonder Years remained unchanged when I got to the end of the book. Masten is both a creator of new knowledge and a compelling narrator of the science and interventions that address how children manage to thrive in spite of adverse conditions.
Leif Erikson takes them to Greenland, where they learn about the Viking way of life and the harsh conditions they faced. During their journey, Jack and Annie encounter several challenges, such as a polar bear attack and rough storms at sea. They also witness a Norse funeral and learn about the Viking belief in an afterlife.
Ordjnary magkc book
The Magic of Ordinary
A sweet story of growing up with siblings in a loving home where the father provides magic that turns ordinary events into extraordinary adventures.
As a memoir writer and reader, in recent times, I have been disappointed with bestsellers which fall into one of two categories – a celebrity tell-all of a dysfunctional present or confessions of a regular person who describes a dysfunctional past often involving addiction or trauma. The former sells because of the person’s public status, the latter because it is a well-crafted story with a generous publicity budget.
Gouty’s memoir does not fall into these categories. In fact, my initial impression in the early chapters – that it was a literary version of a TV show that I loved during the years I lived in the US, The Wonder Years – remained unchanged when I got to the end of the book.
Nostalgic ride to a simpler time
Vivid descriptions of a simple American childhood spent riding bicycles in a neighbourhood where kids spend time outdoors playing games, swimming, and engaging with the community (a rare sight in today’s digital world), made me envious and yearn for the ‘good old days’.
From removing warts on full moon nights with magic chants, to delivering her sister in their own home, Gouty’s father, Melford Johnson, was not just the fun and handy ‘Daddy’ she knew but also a devoted husband, loving friend, and a cheerful person who told tall tales, sang with abandon, tended earnestly to a flourishing garden, and volunteered at church for years after his retirement.
His insistence that his daughters master three skills – typing (for employment), driving (for independence) and swimming (for joy) reveal a pragmatist in action albeit one who still held on to a phenomenal zest for life for eight seven years.
Primed to look for drama in the narrative arc, I kept my eyes open for a shocking scene or a twist in what seemed to be an ordinary tale of a happy family. I must admit that I was relieved by the absence of alcoholism, abuse, trauma and terror in Gouty’s life. With her two sisters, Gouty’s childhood which seems idyllic in many ways, is also a story that many of us who have had normal childhoods with responsible parents and supportive families can relate to.
Of all the little details that make the book come alive, my favorite was the epigraph of each chapter. Some are quotes by well-known authors but others are excerpts from letters that Gouty’s father wrote over the years, a touch that makes the book much more personal.
The universality of the human experience
While my childhood in India was very different from what Gouty has described, my parents followed the same philosophy as Gouty’s – “we-gave-you-wings-now-go-fly.” I could see glimpses of my father in many of the episodes, particularly when he supports Gouty’s decision for a divorce despite his own experience of a long stable marriage to her mother.
Gouty’s writing is evocative, honest, and free of prescriptive advice. She invites readers to relive her childhood and succeeds in highlighting the universality of the human experience that transcends many of the artificial barriers that we sometimes hide behind.
Gouty’s statement – “In his (her father’s) mind, there was a kind of magic in being ordinary. Average, common people, not upper-crust, but not trampled on. Neither arrogant, nor despairing. Just people accepting who they were and what they had. Dealing with it and moving on,” are a true reflection of my thoughts.
I laughed at the chapter about her father making not just a snowman but an entire family of snow-critters, and delighted in tales of her father’s adventures exploring sinkholes and caves with his buddies. The moving description of the last days of her father’s life made me teary as I thought back to the time I lost my father.
Why we need to believe in magic
Gouty answers her question – ‘what happens when equal parts generosity and kindness are mixed with abundant joy’ – with a simple conclusion, a person is born who loves doing good deeds.
Melford Jonhson was undoubtedly an ordinary man, but he was also a very special one whose authenticity exemplified a life of purpose, something everyone can aspire to be. The legacy and proof of being raised by a good role model lies in this unexpectedly satisfying father-daughter story that can make you believe in magic.
I received an ARC of the book from the author at the end of a year marked by the Covid-19 pandemic. I could not have picked a better book to end the year on a positive note.
My opinion: Highly recommended The Magic of Ordinary if you are a memoir lover who loves a feel-good story.
Have you read other feel-good memoirs that you would recommend?
Photo credit: Ranjani Rao‘s personal archives
“ Ordinary Magic is an extraordinary achievement. Ann Masten has succeeded in integrating, synthesizing, and extending 40 years of resilience research into a compelling and highly readable volume. The book is audacious in scope, with Masten moving easily from genes to culture writ large. It is a ‘must read’ for a broad audience, including mental health practitioners, senior scholars, educators, and students.”--Deborah Lowe Vandell, PhD, Founding Dean, School of Education, University of California, Irvine
The main idea of Magic Tree House 15: Voyage of the Vikings is to teach children about the history and culture of the Vikings. Through Jack and Annie's adventure, readers learn about Viking ships, exploration, and daily life in ancient Scandinavia. With its blend of fantasy and historical fiction, this book captures the imagination of readers and encourages them to learn more about different time periods and cultures. By introducing young readers to new ideas and experiences, Magic Tree House 15: Voyage of the Vikings fosters a love for learning and expands their understanding of the world..
Reviews for "Traveling Back in Time in Magic Tree House 15: A Mystery on the Nile"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Magic Tree House 15". The story felt rushed and the characters lacked depth. The plot had so much potential but it just fell flat to me. I found myself struggling to connect with the main characters and their journey. Overall, I think there are better options out there for children's books.
2. Mark - 1 star - This book was a complete letdown. The writing was simplistic and lacked any kind of creativity. I couldn't help but feel bored and uninterested throughout the entire story. The magic that made the previous books so enjoyable was completely absent in "Magic Tree House 15". It felt like a cash grab rather than a genuine addition to the series. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Magic Tree House 15" failed to capture my attention or imagination. The plot was predictable and the characters were one-dimensional. The writing style felt repetitive and lacked any real depth. I was expecting much more from this book, especially considering its place in the series. It left me feeling disappointed and unengaged. I would not recommend this book to others.
4. Michael - 2 stars - As a fan of the "Magic Tree House" series, I had high hopes for "Magic Tree House 15". However, I found it to be lacking in originality and substance. The plot felt recycled and the story did not offer anything new or exciting. I also found the pacing to be off, with important events rushed through and not given enough attention. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed by this installment.