slacking

I got lazy in the B section of my list. I don't think I can adequately review in detail the last four books I read in this category. So I'm simply going to put a brief synopsis followed by my opinion.
Babbit- Sinclair Lewis
Babbit is a forty-something, mid-life crisis American in the 1920s. He's not a very exciting character, rather dull, and unlikeable. Lewis apparently did this on purpose. Babbit reminded me of the obnoxious male characters typically seen in American sitcoms of today. He was simply that, obnoxious. I was surprised that Sinclair Lewis' depiction of the American household and various lifestyles of the 1920s were not far from the American household persona and varying lifestyle traits of the 21st century. He brought out the uglier side of the American dream, revealing the backstabbing, faithlessness (both spousal and religious), prejudice and rash stereotyping that go on in both societies (past and modern) For me, it was an eye-opener and motivated me to not become the obnoxious American so portrayed.
Barchester Towers- Anthony Trollope
A tale about gossip, and how it can really damage a career. Small town church politics and kind of a reinforcer to my opinion that politics and personal opinion should not delegate decisions made for any church. I didn't mind the novel, but it wasn't very exciting. Very dry, and the characters were a bit overly dramatic about seemingly pointless things.
The Beautiful and the Damned- F. Scott Fitzgerald
Another marriage book. But instead of being from the woman's point of view or focusing on the woman's dilemma and underlying psychological motivations, Fitzgerald's lovers both played an active role in destroying the love in their marriage.
Beowulf- Anonymous
Ah, Beowulf... Just like I remembered in eighth grade, kind of silly. Interesting to read the folklore my ancestors probably heard from original bards... but I can't help but giggle a little at the descriptions of Grendel and his mother. I don't know why it makes me giggle... Beowulf makes me giggle too. Maybe it's the names...

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was one of my favorite books as a child. It was interesting to re-read it with my own children, and see how it held up. In some ways, the book--like the beloved Little House books--is strongly rooted in both the time it was written and when it took place. Particularly, there are some attitudes towards the Wisconsin Indians (the book never tells us the specific tribe), that should make a modern reader squirm. On the other hand, there are characters like Caddie's father and Caddie herself, who value the Indians' culture and recognize the prejudice around them for what it is.

Throughout the book there is a conflict between civilization and wilderness--Wisconsin vs. Boston, America vs. England, the escapades of Caddie and her brothers against the domestic pursuits of her mother and older sister Clara. I'm sure many would suggest that this is symbolic of the male vs. female sphere, but I love how Caddie's father sort of trumps this at the end. After a pretty rotten (but funny!) trick played on their Boston cousin Annabelle, Caddie is severely punished and her free days as a tomboy come to a screeching halt. Her father acknowledges the different roles of men and women, but points out that while different, they are equal in importance. He says "I don't want you to be the silly affected person with fine clothes and manners, whom folks sometimes call a lady...I want you to be a woman with a wise and understanding heart, healthy in body and honest in mind." I was touched by this exchange, though I'm sure many will call it old fashioned. I also loved that the boys followed Caddie in this new world, and think that both Caddie and the boys would be better for their cross-training, so to speak.



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The Witches by Roald Dahl

The Witches by Roald Dahl

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


It's not often that I have the experience of reading a book aloud that I haven't read before, but is one that my kids have. The girls could hardly wait to get to The Witches by Roald Dahl, and were literally giggling with anticipation the night we began. I'm no stranger to Dahl--I've been a fan since picking up James and the Giant Peach as a kid. I think he was a genius at writing for kids. He manages to get the perfect combination of funny, gross, and terrifying. His books are full of characters which--while never slipping into stereotypes--are reminiscent of archetypes: vulnerable yet ultimately courageous heroes (and heroines!), loyal guides, and truly wicked and evil villains. The Witches lived up to all my expectations...and then some.



That said, this book is not for the faint of heart. These witches are some scary ladies! What makes them truly terrifying is that they are not dressed in black cloaks and riding around on broomsticks, but instead look like ordinary people. Hmmm...evil masquerading as good--that never happens in real life. But just as I would wonder if Dahl was taking us over the line, he throws in a silly name or a ridiculous physical description, and the laughter saves us. And of course, there is the wonderful grandmama who loves her grandson to pieces, and has this amazing sense of adventure. Don't we all wish for a Norwegian grandmother? This is a perfect book for kids who like their books with a strong sense of fun and adventure--and their parents too!





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