“Daniel: The Age of Discovery” by Peter Pactor

DANIEL: THE AGE OF DISCOVERY

Peter Pactor
Friesen Press (2016)
ISBN 9781460277447
Reviewed by Chris Kyle (age 16) for Reader Views (11/16)

“Daniel: The Age of Discovery” by Peter Pactor is the story of Daniel French. Daniel attends boarding school, Cornwell Academy, after years of being secluded, hidden, and mistreated by the people around him. Daniel goes through many life lessons and learns valuable life skills throughout the story that will correlate with someone who might read this novel.

The author’s use of the problems in America in the1920s is so insightful and felt like you could be a part of Daniel’s life. The book is generally for young adults ages 15 and up. They could possibly relate to the life skills that Daniel learns, but not so much the hoops he jumps through to learn these life lessons. There are companions and friends throughout the story, including his roommate, that help Daniel through his challenges and the many differences between life at the academy and at home. “Your life is your responsibility,” was the best message in this story.

My personal experiences relating to the topic of this book is that I have been through many hoops throughout my life, and I could relate to Daniel’s life struggles. Pactor spent many years being around students as a teacher and the message of the many life lessons he included was great. I enjoyed them, as I now would like to find the solutions to my own lessons, and skills I am possibly lacking.

The storyline in “Daniel: The Age of Discovery” was great but felt a bit repetitive. My favorite part is when Daniel learned his lesson, different life skills, and got used to Cornwall Academy. I learned many valuable things from Daniel and the storytelling of Peter Pactor. I am definitely looking forward to reading more of Pactor’s novels as well as his stories of life.