ideatorio

Now I get it. I really do. I had to know why -or rather HOW- a book about a 7th grade boy who comes from a hard knocks upbringing equipped with an abusive father, two defiant and angry brothers and a loving, but ill-treated mother are tied into a story that garnishes so much upcoming Newberry attention. The story synopsis itself seemed too heavy a topic for the targeted age group. Especially given Doug's (the main character)artistic interest in Audubon's birds. I'm still scratching my head as to how Gary Schmidt pulled it off. Beautifully written in some of the simplest of terms. I'll admit, there were a couple snipits from the book that I found contrived. But the book, as a whole, was so great that I decided to let them slide. I found myself caring deeply for a positive outcome for this kid. Will he be able to break the cycle? Will he choose NOT to be a product of his environment? I even found myself wanting to be one of the mentors that took him in and recognized his potential early on. As far as mentors go, these mentors had some of the best lines. I have to share a couple. Since I thrive on books that involve eccentric characters, I have to share a conversation between Doug and Mrs. Windermere (a wealthy customer he meets through delivering groceries)... "Do you know what Creativity is?" Mrs. Windermere said. You have to admit: this is not something you expect a normal person to say. "I'm not sure," I said. "I'm sure that you do not know, or you would not be ringing this doorbell. Creativity is a god who comes only when he pleases, and it isn't very often. But when he does come, he sits by my desk and folds his wings and I offer him whatever he wants and in exchange he lets me type all sorts of things that get turned into plays for which people who own New York stages are waiting. And right now, he is sitting by my desk, and he is being very kind. So if you would go away and-" "Suppose you offer him some ice cream," I said. "Would he stay longer?" LOVE IT!!! Here's a quote from another favored mentor, Mr. Powell, the librarian... [Doug talking]"...It sounds like you know what you're talking about." Mr. Powell raised an eyebrow. "I'm a librarian," he said. "I always know what I'm talking about." It's a great story of redemption. I'm reminded -though not in a preachy way- to be cautious of judging others and their situations. (As a side note- I wouldn't recommend this as an audible read. There are pictures at the beginning of each chapter that I found myself flipping the pages back to so that I could better understand the references and metaphors.)

2020-12-14 23:43