It takes the average reader 1 hour and 28 minutes to read The Boy Who Conquered a Star: The Genius in the Wheelchair by Jaime Bedoya Martinez
Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more
The Boy Who Conquered a Star is a coming of age story exploring the debate between education as a transcendent, enduring experience or merely the training for a life of material acquisition. Mr. Bedoya's epic poem delivers a message of hope, redemption, and necessity for a more introspective world view, especially of our educational foundations.The protagonist, Miguel Alejandro, leads a meandering childhood, living for shallow pleasures and rebellious hijinks. He disappoints his parents and community, sadly it does not dawn on him that delinquency serves no human purpose until the violent awakening that nearly costs him his life and incapacitates him for years.It is during this lengthy rehabilitation that he undergoes a protracted epiphany; his physical discomfort forces him to activities leading him to spiritual healing. Ironically, this purging of his indolence is delivered by what he has long despised and avoided, education. In his solace, books, contemplation and creative pursuits give meaning to his existence. His academic accomplishments -achieved through self-learning-give him a sense of purpose and appreciation of life. As he ponders his youth, it becomes clear of the malaise current educational structures have on the well-being of youth.Miguel Alejandro becomes a student of his own life, a mentor for others and an inspiring figure to all who question the role of teaching in society. He speaks out about the need for youth to own their view of their world through self-driven study, yet with the support of passionate teachers and parents. The narrative proves his view that life is calmer when driven by self-knowledge, rather than wealth generation as he instills calmness to those around him.Jaime Bedoya knows this subject well. He lived it as a teacher as a lifetime student. He addresses the importance of a human balance between self-discovery and material possessions. His Miguel is a modern Latin-American Siddhartha, like the Hesse protagonist he searches for spiritual enlightenment and personal meaning. Although Miguel's physical disability hampers his quest, the goals and successes of each of them lead us to an inspiring finish. Those who contend the superiority of pure capitalism should take Mr. Bedoya's message to heart.
The Boy Who Conquered a Star: The Genius in the Wheelchair by Jaime Bedoya Martinez is 86 pages long, and a total of 22,016 words.
This makes it 29% the length of the average book. It also has 27% more words than the average book.
The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 2 hours to read The Boy Who Conquered a Star: The Genius in the Wheelchair aloud.
The Boy Who Conquered a Star: The Genius in the Wheelchair is suitable for students ages 10 and up.
Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.
When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.
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