Review: `In you is the potential to become a well-cut diamond'
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 8, 2014
Israeli author Assaf Marcus is a storyteller of the first order. Finally we have some fine biographical information one this handsome young man and should be shared: he received his BS (cum laude) in Computer Engineering form the Technion Israel Institute Of Technology, and with this background under his belt he approaches a particularly strong passion for coaching children to discover their inner strengths and to guide them on the path of continuing studies throughout life. `He loves the challenge of early education, and especially enjoys working with children with learning difficulties. He has found great satisfaction in helping them conquer their fears and overcome the challenges associated with their education.' And so now he has departed his computer engineering career to devote full time to developing children's books and assisting children with learning difficulties. His stories are enhanced by fine illustrations by Oliver Bundoc, entertaining lines of development, and of course valuable lessons.Raymond feels isolated. In thinking about school he feels he is inadequate and that friends consider him stupid and useless. He seeks advice from his wise Grandpa, but when he visits his Grandpa's home he is told that Grandpa is very busy but Grandpa asks for Raymond's help with a problem so that Grandpa can then give Raymond his full attention. Raymond agrees and takes the stone his Grandpa needs to sell to the market. Raymond is at first excited he can help his Grandpa who in turn will give him advice, but selling the stone is not easy - for the one gold coin price his Grandpa requested. After below price offers Raymond meets an older gentleman who says the amount of a gold piece for a simple stone is too high. Sadly, Raymond returns t his Grandpa's home having failed to sell the simple stone for one gold coin. Instead of being upset, Grandpa tells Raymond that tomorrow he must take the stone to a jeweler to get a price but not to sell the stone. The next day Raymond complies, takes the stone to the jeweler who examines it and offers 70 or even 100 gold coins for the `simple stone'. When Raymond returns to his Grandpa with the good news Grandpa tells him the stone is an uncut diamond, worth a lot, and shows Raymond an actual cut diamond. When Raymond compares the two he is told, he s impressed and Grandpa tells him Raymond is like an uncut diamond: `only the people who know diamonds really well know their true value'. Raymond's family know Raymond's true value - the kids at school can't see that yet, so Raymond works on himself and his potential and in his mind he realizes he is confident and sure of himself now others will see it!Assaf Marcus holds the golden pen and his lesson on self esteem is a fine one. Let's hope he continues to write these superb little books for children (and for sensitive adults teaching children!). Grady Harp, July 14