The Outsiders

Last night, I finished reading The Outsiders.

I had never read this American classic, but while listening to my daughter's middle school English teacher speak of the upcoming school year, he mentioned they would be reading this one as a class, using it as a model for analysis and for crafting their own characters. With it being the 50th anniversary of the novel's publication, I thought I'd hop on board. (Cue eyerolls from daughter. :) )

Initial thoughts:

It takes no time at all for the action to grab the reader in this novel. Almost at once, you are thrust into the midst of an intense gang rivalry. While the writing style often struck me as dated (lots of long, introductory character descriptions, some cheesyness), the conflict and characters keep you turning the page. Plus, I enjoyed some of the dated qualities of the book -- the style of talk, the glimpse into the time period, a less-dramatic telling of a dramatic saga that can stand on its own...

Themes and longevity:

I see now that this novel is timeless. We are certainly living in a time marked by divisions in our country -- divisions politically, racially, ideologically... And the "us and them" conflicts that drive the entire novel are themes that will likely always exist. Because of that, this book will continue to have a long shelf life as we seek to understand those who are different from us, those who live "on the other side of the tracks," who look, speak, and dress differently.

"Things were rough all over, but it was better that way. That way

you could tell the other guy was human too."

Characters:

In addition to the novel's timeless themes, it just has darn good characters. They are flawed but completely lovable...every one of 'em. You root for them all, for they are honest and ornery, but loyal and tough. They seek to do better but also to defend what they know. You finish the novel and they stay with you. In fact, the other day, my friend Antoinette and I were discussing the novel, which she read almost 30 years ago, and she said, "Oh, I loved Ponyboy." I get it!


So, in spite of being an older, dated book, this one is sticking with me. It is an American classic and will continue to be so, and I'm looking forward to discussing it with Abby!

And, can I just say, I cannot wait to watch the movie. :) What a cast (of heartthrobs from my youth :) )!

Happy Thursday,

~Jen

Dream Gardens Podcast

In January, I was interviewed for my first podcast! I had the opportunity to talk with Jody at Dream Gardens about a middle grade novel that I love: Ms. Bixby's Last Day.

In very brief summary, Ms. Bixby's Last Day is the story of three 12-year-old boys on a quest to bring a celebration to their beloved teacher who has to leave the school year early due to a serious health crisis. The book is deeply moving, funny, full of adventure and heart....and I can't recommend it enough!

Take a listen here. Even better, pick up a copy of John David Anderson's book and share it with the kiddos in your life. I think you will love it.

Happy reading,

Jen

The Thing About Jellyfish

Have you ever read a book that, besides the compelling plot and characters, employs a tone which just pulls you in? To Kill a Mockingbird is one such book for me, but so is today's featured book: The Thing About Jellyfish, by Ali Benjamin (Little, Brown and Company, 2015).

When I cracked open this book, my kids were up and running around post-dinner, and I still managed to read half of it in one sitting. It is that much of a smooth page-turner!

The premise is that Suzy loses her once-best-friend to tragedy, and has decided to stop speaking as she works through her grief. She cannot understand how people are satisfied with saying "Sometimes things just happen," and seeks a better explanation for her friend's death. While on a school field trip, she becomes convinced that a rare jellyfish sting is what caused her friend to drown, and sets out to prove it. 

Divided into sections based on the Scientific Method, the book follows Suzy as she makes a hypothesis and plans a procedure for proving her theory. But it is the Background of her story that has her consumed: she is plagued with confusion and regret. Through her whole-hearted focus on her investigation, she hopes to makes sense of it all.

This book is inspiring and heart-breaking all at the same time. Suzy's family is incredibly supportive and give her the space she needs to grieve in her own way. I found myself taking notes from these fictional characters on how to love someone where they are. But it also evokes thoughts and emotions of past friendships, broken relationships, regret, and loss. It is powerfully moving.

Written in a graceful and honest tone, with fascinating information about jellyfish and their world, and themes of love, loss, and belonging, it is truly a book you won't want to put down. And it has garnered much praise: it is a New York Times Bestseller, a National Book Award Finalist, and has also been applauded for encouraging girls to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Ali Benjamin has said that this book was born out of a failed attempt to write a nonfiction book on jellyfish. Well, I'm sure glad she pursued this story from a different angle. Enjoy.

~Jen

Pax

"You going back for your home or for your pet?"

 

"They're the same thing."

Well I just finished the emotional journey that is Pax, by Sara Pennypacker (Balzer & Bray). Now, I've cried while reading books before -- but this is the first book that had me sobbing during the first few pages. Read it with a box of tissues.

Peter has raised Pax, a red fox, since he was a kit. But now his dad has joined a military operation, and Peter must go live with his grandfather. Peter's dad says there is just no way that Pax can go, too, and the novel opens with the heart-wrenching scene of Peter having to leave his beloved pet -- who is fully tame and has only ever known humans as his family -- by the road. Cue big emotions. 

As each chapter shifts between the perspectives of Peter and Pax, you learn about the sadness and confusion for each of them leading up to and surrounding the abandonment. When Peter arrives at his grandfather's, it hits him that he should have fought harder for Pax, and he sets out on a long journey to find him. Set back by injury, he meets Vola -- a veteran who knows all-too-personally the costs of war -- and she helps him get back on his feet. Simultaneously, Pax is making new acquaintances, himself, and learning how to survive in the war-torn wild. He knows his boy will come back for him, and hope spurs them both on.

With touching, black-and-white illustrations by Jon Klassen sprinkled throughout, the novel does not shy away from exploring the devastating effects of war. And Pennypacker's unique shifts in perspective between the two main characters not only heighten interest in their journeys, but help to shed light on aspects of the other's life. Add to that her ability to approach the story with an understanding of the emotions of one who has dearly loved a pet as family -- as home -- and you have a densely emotional novel.

The film rights to this novel were acquired by Sidney Kimmel Entertainment. I will certainly see the movie, but, again, it's a heavy one. I would liken it to my reading of Where the Red Fern Grows many, many years ago -- a middle-grade novel that will stick with the reader through the ages.

Have you read this book? Let's discuss!

~Jen