2EGBERTINA
262
23 APR 2024
Having read these out of order, and reading this first work, last, I was surprised that I did not like this book as well as I had liked the last two. I'm not certain where the breakdown was. It is the time-period with which I'm more familiar; yet, somehow, his train of thought felt unfocussed. He is thorough in his beginning chapters of Columbus through John Smith and leaves quite a few tidbits for young readers to contemplate. Still, something was lacking; perhaps, a bit repetitive. A very enjoyable read, nonetheless.
I recall being surprised that he didn't lay greater emphasis on Roger Williams contribution; almost ignoring him and crediting (Calvert?) who actually came after Williams.
He offers a much needed and oft overlooked aspect of the British timeline that coincides with colonial America's chronology. This, alone, is worthy of deeper examination.
4EGBERTINA
11 MAR 2024:
211 and index
This is the second book in a three book series:
AMERICA IS BORN
AMERICA GROWS UP
AMERICA MOVES FORWARD
The Three books comprise a set, subtitled, A History For Peter. These are books written for middle schoolers. Johnson is surprisingly, thorough, but also succinct. He covers elements that I never encountered in school or as an adult. In that the works are meant to be read for fun, by children, expect simplicity; but well-explained simplicity. Johnson leans to the left in his explanations, but this is the left of the 1960’s and he is surprisingly patriotic. (maybe it was a requirement, but I doubt it.)
There is nothing in here so contentious, that couldn’t be utilised as a point of discussion for those that might disagree. The author often summarises a situation with “most Americans agreed” or a similar statement. As a point of logic, such statements are not always verifiable; but most often he is attempting to straddle both viewpoints, particularly when the viewpoint seems unnatural to him.
I’ve read these books out of order, but, so far cannot rave enough about them, and this author. The first book, which I will be reading last, was awarded a Newbery Honor; as was the second. There is a slightly less endearing quality to the third, which did not receive the award. It is a slight blemish that does not detract, meaningfully.
The first chapter begins in 1776, with the Declaration of Independence. Chapter two bring us to 1785, two years after the treaty of peace and the making of the Constitution. I flinched a little when he stated that we formed a democracy, rather than a Republic - but oh well. The chapter finishes with Jefferson as president and the next chapter catches up on the Industrial Revolution and The War of 1812. Chapter Five introduces us to Andrew Jackson. Surprisingly, Johnson seems to view him as someone worthy of emulation. Conveniently, he focuses on the “man of the people” aspect and leaves out the Trail of Tears. All the while, the reader is moving forward through history toward the Civil War. Chapter Eight speeds through Reconstruction to Teddy Roosevelt. From there to WWI. I feel that the perspective is fresh and not repetitive. Lots of Interesting nuggets along the trail.
7EGBERTINA
North America
United States
Westward Expansion
178
31 DEC 2022
From the very first page, prepare to be stunned. Facts of common knowledge are presented with a fresh approach, detailing neglected nuances. The perspective favours the settler over the Native inhabitants, but there are many other topics of interest delineated. The reader will learn origins of idioms, construction of household goods, and differences between fact and generalizations, all detailed succinctly to keep the reader moving forward.
I've particularly enjoyed seeing the changes from colonial settlement to revolutionary settlement, and on to the 1800's, etc. A genuine cornucopia of information.
My one regret is that toward the end of the book, historic references are made and not clarified. Perhaps such things were once common knowledge. Gladly, will I research these, but it would have been that much more enjoyable had the author contributed one or two more sentences.
10EGBERTINA
SEP 2024:
11EGBERTINA
OCT 2024:
16EGBERTINA
SEP 2024:
20EGBERTINA
OCT 2024:
23EGBERTINA
Europe
Poland
Cabala
56
This seems unlikely to enchant most contemporary children. The vocabulary assumes knowledge of rituals and beliefs outside the average reader. Maimonedes among others did not accept the tradition of Lilith. Perhaps ogres are just more mainstream than demonic descendants of debatable pseudo-religious origins. That is a great deal of explaining for the average child that goes beyond rudimentary introductions to other cultures.
Presented as a picture book, but too many words for those of pictures-book age.
Am I transported into feeling the ethos of wickedness vs light? of feeling to be in Polish or Jewish culture? I am not.
27EGBERTINA
7 MAR 2024:
This 1970 Newbery Honorbook, written by Sulamith Ish-Kishor is quite an interesting read, though, I had not anticipated that.
The story is about Eddie Raphel, an English boy, growing up in a Jewish family. (or is he Jewish boy growing up in England?) Though truthfully, the story only surrounds him.
Writing styles of "person" and "POV" are a weakness of my intellect. Generally, I just read in whichever presentation, I find myself, without stopping to observe closely. Elementary school taught this in such simplistic terms; but, books (to me) are seldom so obviously cut and dried.
If I am accurate in my supposition, this book is written in the first person. However the author does so with such skill, that it is not clunky as the many modern first person narratives. The story is divided into three sections; the first and third, introduction of subject and closing of subject, are presented by Hal Kent, when he moves to London from Denver, Colorado and meets the Raphels and their son, Eddie; and when he returns stateside, three years later. Sandwiched in-between these two perspectives, is the bulk of the tale told through the eyes of Eddie's younger sister, Sybil.
Though Eddie is the alleged key figure - somehow, he is not. Perhaps Eddie is just the explanation of how Sybil comes to meet Hal, but that is not the focus of the tale. Eddie impacts his family members and Hal, but, mostly we see the impact upon Eddie as he matures, particularly by his father. At many junctures this seems more a memoir of Eddie's father. First, Mr. Raphel's choices and actions impact Eddie - then Eddie impacts the father. The family is not inert, but they are a kind of window-dressing. Each family member is well detailed in personal characteristics and unique details. The disclaimer admonishes the reader that no resemblance of persons, living or dead, is intended. However the authenticity of this story blazes through, which is why this story is so powerful.
No setting of the story is directly specified. It could take place in any time. I feel highly confident that the story takes place in the Edwardian Era. We are told that this London neighborhood is newly constructed. Not being of the region, I don't recognize it, but I feel certain that a native could make a reasonable guess. In some ways, I feel that the remnants of this type of neighborhood have been portrayed often in my life. Gem magazine is mentioned 2x. Hal isn't sent to school, midterm, but tutored at home, implying either Turn-of-the-Century attitudes, or more recently rejuvenated attitudes. Hal rides a new electric bus. London Electrobus Company was in service 1907- 1910. Hal reads G A Henty books (i tend to think he was doing this closer to Henty's lifetime)
Sybil sings songs, that though they were traditional, were re-popularised in the Edwardian time-period. Sybil mentions a poem, newly printed in a newspaper. It was printed first in a newspaper - then put into a book by the author in 1912. Sybil mentions girls her age wearing the long skirts of adulthood.
The writing is excellent and enjoyable. I was pulled to continue reading at each moment. The most challenging portion of the story is the father's controlling/abusive personality. This was no fictional abuse. Throughout, the father exemplifies the characteristics, now, known to be those typical of abusers. The author never directly states that the father is selfish and self-absorbed; for those familiar with the pattern, it cannot be missed. I even had trouble with a comment made by a family member to the effect that Mr Raphel thrived on poverty. The reader is given a small insight by Sybil, acknowledging in one instance of the barrier of a moral code. Had this character been written as a loving and sympathetic father, the reader could have staunchly agreed; but as he is not, and his moral code generally flounders into his own favour, i dont buy the trapped by ethical decision format. It is not uncommon among abusive males to keep women and children impoverished. When freed from those trappings, they often find the energy to be productive toward choosing better finances.
Finally, I took issue with the portrayal of a softened man; one, whose real fault was merely that of being unable to cope with sad prospects. Strikes me that this man was a master manipulator. I do look forward to reading more writings by this author.
28EGBERTINA
OCT 2024:
29EGBERTINA
1970:
7 AUG 2024:
This was a very short book that packs a wallop. I dont even know into which genre to classify it. It starts off allegorical; though, I'm not certain by the end that is quite as true. I had no idea what to expect from this book. The first chapter is, exquisitely, succinct in delineating the setting. At first, I thought I was going to be unclear; but, it all becomes clear as we move into the next chapter/ adventure.
The first chapter seems, clearly, to be a fun kid-lit re-telling of Plato's Cave(Grotto). Each of the regions, after, seem to define human qualities.
In the mountains he finds an old man that is pre-occupied with "caring" for animals. Over time, Dilar feels there is a hidden cruelty to the alleged nurturing of this man. He feels imprisoned and manipulated.
The next community is difficult to describe; so, it is good that the final chapter breaks it down for the reader. The biome described is a desert.
From there, Dilar comes to the seaside. He doesnt find any "wise" men, but he does encounter a man that sends him on a hero's journey and gives him some explanations. To find out, the message of this man, the reader should read this short tale.
The last portion, by the ocean, is not as tightly woven as the other chapters; but, all the strands are tied together. The man is wise, in that he doesn't tell Dilar the choices that he must make. However he is not a benevolent character, such as Gandolph or Dumbledore.
My edition has not a single illustration, though, other readers have mentioned them. I am beyond the ability to read with my inner-youth. I enjoyed this very much because I have already read Plato's Cave. Will children pick up on this quality? This book is not similar to any other Newbery. Its uniqueness will be the most likely reason for its selection. Additionally, it seems to be an enjoyable read with adventurous and philosophical overtones.
30EGBERTINA
2023
Fictional Location
I really dont know what to think of this book. This was a short work for slightly younger readers than YA. Nothing wrong with the writing. The story never sucked me in. Perhaps, i just needed to be about 8 to have felt the thrill.
31EGBERTINA
SEP 2024:
"...Inviolability of her personal thoughts and memories." - 212
There are readers and literary critics that are more versed in recognising the "voice" that the author uses in writing a book. My main problem is that once I begin reading, I just accept the tone without analysis and , for other reasons, I dont seem to be any good at naming it. I can name the voice and tense of singular sentences, but, not entire books. When I'm reading, I'm just reading. In Elementary school, we were cautioned against constructing sentences in the first person. It was considered both gauche and weak. Now, so many books are written in that format, that I have acclimated.
I think that this book is written across multiple tenses/persons - and I'm not certain that they keep strictly to one format at any given time. The prologue begins with Elana speaking in the first person, to her cousin; as she addresses a letter to her cousin.
Next we are carried to the POV of Georyn, written in the third person after the fashion of a fairy-tale; enchanted forest, woodcutter, four sons, etc.
Then, it swings back to Elana in the first person. She still seems to be composing a letter, but it is more than that. She told her cousin that she would be submitting a full report (academic assignment)- but, this doesnt seem to be that either. And... by this time, my academic skill for analysis is overwhelmed and I just keep reading the story.
There is a third POV, - that of Jarel, who represents a person, from still another planet and cultural experience.
The three POV's are woven together to construct the story. On the one-hand, the characters are slightly stiff and not completely developed; on the other, it is not unbearable, as in many modern books. There is enough plot to move the story forward. Considering, the audience and the time-period of its composition, it is enough.
Another minor weakness is the subtle (maybe not so subtle) imposition of the author to explain the correct philosophy/attitude for the reader to adopt. For those of us reading this for the first time as adults of the 21st Century, they are unnecessary. However, had I read this in childhood of the 70's - I might have needed those sign-posts. I dont have a good grasp of my potential ability to have comprehended those sociological/philosophical insights, even had I read the book in my teens. Certainly, now I can recognise the comparison of Georyn's planet vs Elana's planet and attitudes as that of a more indigenous culture and differing apprehensions. The story dates itself with language supposing that all cultures begin at magical thinking and evolve to ever greater wisdom. Would children have this awareness? The author attempts to diminish these suppositions at the beginning by stating that these cultures do not represent our past or our future. Readers, particularly younger readers will have no options available other than to compare to their limited knowledge.
I think it is a good story and will have enough appeal to those that favour science fiction and chivalric romance. It includes enough tropes from other genres to bring a sense of comfort.
After my conclusion, I glanced at the reviews upon the back-cover. One author suggested it was a re-telling of the Faery-Queen. I will need to explore that possibility.
33EGBERTINA
SEP 2024:
34EGBERTINA
14 JAN 2024:
This was the most bizarre and pointless book. Hamilton's descriptions are rich; I just cannot relate to the characters, plot, descriptive writing. Were there themes?
It was so confusing from the outset. The characters were impossible. A custodian that condones playing hookey; Adolescents with "brilliant" insights into people's psyches, but also insights that had no meaning or authenticity. I couldn't keep Buddy and Junior straight in my head for the entire book, The nicknames were too common. The custodian and homeless street kid "adopt" and kidnap a runaway boy with a mysterious mental issue. Pianos that aren't played. This author has even more medals. ugggghhhh!
37EGBERTINA
North America
United States
California (possibly). A father lives in Santa Monica, but I don't recall them ever mentioning to where they fly/travel.
2023
I doubt that anybody is monitoring these- but just in case-
CONSIDER THIS ENTIRE POST A SPOILER ALERT.
There is a great deal of nuance in this book that goes undetected. I have to wonder how much of it young readers are expected to recognize. The most obvious theme of the work is the supernatural, which, surprisingly, works at creating an authentically spooky atmosphere; not every children’s ghost story can make that claim. As a child I did enjoy some slightly spooky books, but as an adult, I have to wonder how many parents want their children being exposed to some of these elements.
A secondary theme is the issue of a divorced family and the combining of a new blended family. As a book from the 1970’s, this is a popular topic, and one that was done with nauseating frequency. However, it is just part of the back drop; the author doesn’t attempt to moralize, console, or any such thing. It is interesting that by avoiding those reflections, Snyder incorporates several critical elements of this divorce that explain the behaviour of Amanda, which will not only be lost on children, but many adults reading this as well. Amanda is clearly being gas-lighted by her father; (gas-lit?) and used as an intentional tool aimed at venting his spleen on Amanda’s mother. As I say, that is not the purpose of this book, but it is interesting to find it in the story so genuine and so subtle, but only recognizable to a reader familiar with the tactics. Yet, the story, gracefully, side-steps it; and all the focus, like that of most children’s works, emphasizes the children’s adventures, with the adults primarily in the background.
In the very first pages, when we are being introduced to Amanda, she brags that her father cares so deeply about all of her interests that he buys expensive gifts for her, just because she asks. Instantly, I know that this father is substituting money over time and genuine affection. It is approached so, quietly, as to be unrecognizable. Later, she tells her new step-brother, David Stanley that her father is rich, richer than his father. David never argues or flinches, he just keeps on being her friend and the story never remarks about that either. Later still, we come to suspect, then to know, that most of the things he has bought, are things that Amanda doesn’t even like, and further, are bought knowing that they are things the mother fears irrationally. A disturbing issue here is the mention of some animal abuse. I know that it has been mentioned in other children’s books, on occasion, I’m just not sure how I feel about it. (in children’s books).
Another, instance in which we can recognize the father’s malicious nature is that an airplane ticket is bought and specific travel arrangement made in advance, but Amanda with her father’s consent, casually decides to spend the night at a friend’s house without informing the mother, until after she misses the plane, causing the mother to have to drive out of her way to pick up her daughter. There is never mention of why this is wrong; there is no mention of the mother’s obvious discomfort at this extra burden. Children might understand that Amanda is being rude and selfish, but are they understanding that the adult male is out of bounds?
Anyhow, on to the crux of the story. The initial pages quickly inform the reader that Molly, Amanda’s mother and Mr Stanley, David’s father have recently married and bought this new home to which Amanda is begrudgingly, being brought. Additionally, David has three younger siblings, that he has largely lovingly nurtured after the death of his own mother. David and his siblings are tender and affectionate. (with the exception of always telling Janie to shut up- which I guess happened in books and tv, sometimes, more so from the 70’s forward, but not in my world. That phrase was not to be stated, at home, school, or anywhere. So many reviewers act as though books without angst, bullying, and drama are unrealistic- but the the books are not the issue- it is the way that culture devolved. In many ways, it would be books such as this that pushed those boundaries, having been pushed so far, now, fifty years after the fact, that this book seems harmless. My younger self would have felt a certain discomfort with some of these social changes appearing in books)
The first supernatural theme is dabbling with the occult. It unfolds that Amanda describes herself as a practitioner of these arts having been initiated by an older “friend” that mostly uses and defrauds her. (another instance of how the author never points it out- you either see it or you don’t)
A subset of this mysticism is re-inforced by a vague unusual belief system in David’s own family. He has premonitions as did his mother; the younger brother, Blair has second sight; and their mother had a very fluid belief system open to ghosts and other unusual possibilities.
Because of this foundation the younger step-siblings are willing to submit themselves to Amanda’s machinations as she initiates them into the world of the occult. Neither David nor Blair are fooled by this charade, but they enjoy the fun of it.
A final preternatural event in the story is the appearance of the poltergeist and a few red-herrings.
As a children’s story, I am not certain how I feel about this book, particularly, as these topics would have been cutting edge themes in their day. As a story, Snyder is rather deft in tying these elements together without belaboring them. In 2015 as a very aged adult, I read another work by her, The Egypt Game, which offered mild enjoyment. The Headless Cupid seems to tie together more adeptly. She does seem to have a certain craft in envisioning how young minds might creatively engage. The book does draw you in to this world immediately, even as an adult. The real question for readers to decide is whether they want either themselves or their children to be drawn into this world.
39EGBERTINA
1990's
40EGBERTINA
SEP 2024:
As always, Snyder presents credible portrayals of familial conflict and an analysis of children at imaginative play. She uses a subtle supposition of psychological thriller to create her pseudo-paranormal world. Sadly, there are no redeeming characters in this book to lighten the conflicts. To my interpretation of quality children's literature, this book has no redeeming grace. I wouldn't beat a child with it. The themes are too dark for the early seventies, even though well-written.
She finds a newborn kitten, somehow, separated from its mother and, begrudgingly, parents it with all the "nurturing" she received from her own mother. It seemed to me that Jessica transferred her esteem issues onto the cat. True! Abyssinians are not overly attractive - but, I could not help but feel that Jessica equated the cat's appearance with her perception of herself.
Later, the author includes a brief paragraph expressing how pleased Jessica is that her body is quite appealing in addition to a sense of power over this discovery. (ugggghhhh) yes, i know there are girls of this age that obsessed over such things both in life and literature; it just wasn't my "hangup" and i never enjoyed it in either format.
I can only imagine that alongside a recent division amongst Jessica and her friends, that she has a bit of a psychological break-down. I rather thought that was how the author intended to resolve the paranormal strain. Instead, the author doesnt deep-dive the psyche, but instead just lightly rationalises the behaviour. There is some cruelty toward the cat and another animal that doesnt rise to absolute abuse, but was difficult to read, nonetheless. (especially upon having read Hurry Home Candy in the same week.)
Aside from learning a new vocabulary word, I was not impressed with the exorcism. Children's Literature, please! This was already a growing obsession in adult literature: The Exorcist even Rosemary's Baby provided ample inspiration for Snyder to attempt a children's version. If you want your children to read that genre ... just hand them the real thing. Otherwise, I prefer my kid-lit to be spooky mysteries. Also, the adult that suggests the exorcism, speaks of such things very, logically and rationally, was a bit much for my closed-minded adulthood. I realise, that as a character, she kept the mysterious strain in play, .... but.....
If I could like or support this story, I would praise its clever construction - but, there was too much ick and too much that didn't appeal to my childhood preferences. (When I began reading horror/paranormal, I didn't waste my time with books that befuddled the innocent joy of childhood) This selection flies in the face of all that the Newbery alleges to be its standard. Of course, I dont think the seventies were, yet, breeding that absolute mindset of protecting children from all books that dealt with ghosts and witches that would come in the 80's, but Snyder's propensity toward occult themes certainly challenged the status quo. Even as a psychological study, its a bit of a leap for the child that has been reading, Secret Garden, Paddington Bear, or Anne of Green Gables. Even if the child has dabbled with the The Hobbit or No Flying In The House, it is a bridge too far. I need to go back to my Hundred Acre Wood, now.
42EGBERTINA
23 JAN 2023:
I haven't yet finished this, but this may be the worst book ever. I thought "Junior Brown" was off kilter, but so far I can't even find a plot. This reads like a never-ending list of bizarre relatives names, that are not even described well enough to picture in the mind who they are or their place in the story. There are weird news-clippings that berate members of this family; occasional descriptions of quirky behaviors/habits/physical descriptions.
Of course, I will finish it after a nap, but this really is a book I'd be happy to DNF. It's like word salad. (and not the kind of salad with complimentary ingredients)
I have no idea when the Phantoms of the title will appear, but meanwhile there are some absurd "play on words" with Fig Newtons as characters and sociopolitical projects. I have trouble imagining which generation of children could adore this story; let alone make sense of it.
The book makes mention of two (at least two) random items, somewhat inappropriate for kid-lit. Of the book titles mentioned, is a book on the sex habits of college males; then the MC accuses a (cousin?) of having a venereal disease.
There is a strong obsession with Joseph Conrad that defies explanation. Perhaps if I had read his books, but I doubt that would help. Are we to suppose that readers, 14 and under have read or should read Joseph Conrad?
My final summation is this work is a bad acid trip experienced by an already schizophrenic mind. At last I have a book that I despise more than Smoky The Cowhorse
Am I transported? Not even a smidgen. I would read a hundred free verse diatribes on teenage angst before re-reading this. If this book has a purpose - it is to be distributed to all occupants of Hell.
47EGBERTINA
SEP 2024:
50EGBERTINA
North America
United States
Oregon- I think
1970's
2022
Was I transported? Maybe.
Ramona the Pest was one of the first books that I bought for myself. I still have my copy. One of my teachers sometimes read parts of this book as we worked on other projects. It took me years to realize, that I had not loved this book as much as I thought that I had. I found Ramona's conflicts a little disturbing. I remember laughing about the Dawnzer Lee Light- but not much else. (Through the work of another book- Little Orvie by Tarkington, I came to realize, that I didn't enjoy unhappiness and frustration in a book. Tarkington had been one of my first authorial loves. Later, still, I realised I disliked others elements in his books, even though his writing was wonderful.)
Reading as an adult, Ramona's conflicts bother me less; though they don't delight me either. Her father's smoking would have been in keeping with the times, as my own father also, smoked (though never inside). However, one wonders if that element can resonate with future generations. Ramona's mother also works part time and then full-time - which corresponds with changes of that period. The scenes of fast food restaurants resonates. Though she doesn't use the title Burger King, this coincides with some of the first mainstream competitors for McDonalds and A & W. Barely took my children to such places, but I recall the huge thrill such locations provided when traveling across the country. Again future generations live in a world where such "innocent" pleasures are no longer viewed as innocent. Can that undiluted thrill translate across generational changes?
I feel that I can resonate with the writings about Ramona as they coincide with my own early memories. However, I am not entirely certain that I am transported. I am not certain that other young readers can be transported into Ramona's world. Can a child of the 2020's relate with the childhoods of the 1970's? Smoking fathers and fathers quitting smoking have different contexts, now that smoking is a tremendous sin. Eating in fast food restaurants, is no longer, a new and surprising delight - as it is, now, both commonplace and rejected by portions of society. While I am sure my children were occasionally delighted by a happy meal or a "Pokemon" / "beanie baby" prize, I doubt they will ever comprehend the sheer innocence of a fast-food hamburger, now that it is no longer innocent; now that it is a health hazard and a detriment, a signifier of status, etc.
One has to wonder how Ramona books, which were always a bit more mainstream than the average Newbery selections, came to be viewed as something exceptional. Enjoyable, yes; exceptional, not really. Across the Pond, Enid Blyton's works of childhood were much more transportive. Here at home, Robert McCloskey's similar childhood works are significantly more delightful. tbc
53EGBERTINA
Making myself a note:
all honors appear in library 1922-1979. several have been re-entered
all honors appear in library 1922-1979. several have been re-entered
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