By Gary D Schmidt
For Book Club
Recommended by Me
First sentence Of all the kids in the seventh grade at Camillo Junior High, there was one kid that Mrs. Baker hated with heat whiter than the sun.
Synopsis
The adventures of a seventh grader, Holling Hoodhood, in the late 60's.
General thoughts
This is the second time through this book and I was excited to read it again for book club. I LOVED it the first time through. It's hilarious and sweet and such a fun read. It's hard to find anyone who doesn't like this one. This time through, and it might have been my mood, I found myself a little more skeptical at how well things worked out for Holling all the time. Don't get me wrong, I still thoroughly enjoyed this books and still laughed my way through it, I just noted that it was slightly unbelievable. Of course then I started thinking why that fact was bugging me. Would it have been any more realistic with things not working out? Plenty of bad things happen in this book, they just end up turning out OK. My own life has been pretty much the same so why should I complain? So I shoved away any negative feelings and just enjoyed it again. Anywho, my own personal insights aside, you really should read this book. It's incredibly well written, has unforgettable characters and some amazing lessons. It's one of those books you read and then want to buy for everyone you know so they'll read it too.
Characters
As I said, these characters are unforgettable. I still remembered them and loved them from the first time I read it. you won't find a cliched character anywhere within the pages.
Would I recommend it?
Oh, yes, and if you don't take my advice and read it, I'll have to start buying copies and shoving them at you.
Okay, so I'm thinking that you need to led the discussion at book club since I won't be reading it over again and I can't remember the details! What do you think? :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'm going to have it finished by Thursday. But, I sure am enjoying it and I can't wait to finish it. I really hope his parents, especially the dad, gets their comeuppance.
ReplyDelete"Oh, yes, and if you don't take my advice and read it, I'll have to start buying copies and shoving them at you." I can totally see you doing that!
I'll still come, though, even if I'm not done.
ReplyDeleteThis book reminds me of My Big Birkett for some reason. Will look forward to reading it. Sounds like you've got a major case of the book critics Jenny. Time to start reading again just for fun. I've started doing that and not reviewed books I've read and it really takes a load off.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this book! Shocking I know! It sounds like it is good though...and your recommendations have yet to steer me in the wrong direction...so I'll have to pick up a copy from the library once I get through the books I'm reading now!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorites, for sure. Get me one--I,ll add it to my reread often list.
ReplyDeleteSuey, Sure. I don't think anyone actually LEADS the discussion but, OK. ;)
ReplyDeleteJenni, I'm glad you're still going to come. I'm afraid the group not might be very big this time. I really do shove books at people so, yeah. ;)
Lan, You really have to try this one. It's so funny. I've kinda put Inheritance on the back burner and am trying to read lighter fun books so I'm no so overly critical.
Natalie, I better see it on your reading list soon or I'll have to buy a copy and shove it at you. ;)
Techno Grandma, Yeah, yeah, you can always just borrow it from me.
I'll have to try to talk someone into getting me a kindle so I can read this...Oh yeah I already did, but I have to wait until Christmas.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds good. Maybe Caib will read it. ahhh hhaaa ha ha ha ha ha ha......well, maybe.
Hey! We agree on a book! I adored this one. Still do.
ReplyDeleteCowboy mom, I would definitely recommend getting this one. And, who knows, maybe Caib would like it. It's pretty funny.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, How could anyone hate this one?! I love it!
This sounds like such a fun book - I'm surprised I hadn't heard of it before. There are even copies available at the library, so I know what I'm reading next. :)
ReplyDeleteKathy, I'm glad you'll be reading it. I think you'll like it.
ReplyDelete