The Penderwicks (The Penderwicks, 1)

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At the end of the books, we see the Beth/Jane character not married. In Beth’s case, it’s logical. In Jane’s, it’s not illogical. Ms. Alcott never married, so why should every one of her characters? i love these four sisters, and their friend Jeffrey, and their dad and their dog Hound. i love this setting and this summer. i could read this book again and again (and in about an hour. it is very short. so on top of everything, my reading challenge loves it too).

I recently reread Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. When I first read this book two years ago, in February 2018, I immediately added it to my list of treasured favorite novels. I couldn’t put the book down once I started it, and I found the same to be true even in rereading. There’s something so compelling about this age-old classic, something that has clearly transcended the decades and continues to delight generations of readers. I know it's a beloved book on here, and a National Book Award winner to boot, and I did enjoy reading it aloud. This is about family, fun, friends, and dogs, as well as what happens when you bring what is hidden into the bright light of the spring day sun. Too obviously not speaking, she folded a bathrobe and placed it neatly into the suitcase on the bed (67)One sister is a writer, like Jo. Another sister is a tough outspoken tomboy, like Jo, then there is the 4 year old sister and the sister that falls in love. They live with their father, their mother is dead. They have to help Jeffrey fix his life while they are all having fun together with rabbits and hounds and gardens. As a side note, each of the four girls of this family has a similar personality to the main characters of the classic Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Batty is saving up her dog-walking money for an extra-special surprise for her family, which she plans on presenting on her next birthday. However when some unwelcome surprises make themselves known, these best laid plans are ruined. So, the author, Jeanne Birdsall, who seems like an incredibly affable person, gets those shiny five stars, but I have a few observations I'd like to make.

I do love the characters too. I was particularly fond of Skye since she reminded me of my best friend growing up. I knew a Skye type once. In terms of character development Birdsall respects and provides the proper amount of small, almost invisible moments that make a person who they are. The telling snippets that expose our humanity beneath the exterior. Here's an example: There is a moment when Rosalind has been so wrapped up the notion of her father dating again that she has wandered off and failed to tell Batty her usual bedtime story. Batty is fond of repetition and desperately needs her story. When Rosalind finally comes home her over-tired little sister's interior monologue works itself up and up until she's in tears (I found the line about being worried that Skye would think her a coward particularly touching) and Rosalind finally takes her to bed and gives her the story. The moment could be done in such a way that Batty comes off as looking bratty, and really the fact that the child doesn't high herself henceward is a testament of writing right there. But for me, the really telling point is right at the end of the chapter where it says of Rosalind, " `Sleep well, Battikins,' she whispered, then watched over her for a long time, just in case she woke up again, still wanting a story." In a way, the book is also about the selfishness of childhood. Every kid just cares about what they care about. It takes an extraordinary amount of energy sometimes for a person, be they old or young, to crawl out of their own little shell of self-pity to see and aid a fellow human being, no matter how close to them they may be.Although she first decided to become a writer when she was ten years old, it took Jeanne until she was forty-one to get started. In the years in between, Jeanne had many strange jobs to support herself, and also worked hard as a photographer, the kind that makes art. Some of Jeanne's photographs are included in the permanent collections of museums, including the Smithsonian and the Philadelphia Art Museum. Her work can be seen in several galleries, including the R. Michelson Galleries in western Massachusetts. Although Jo and Amy have a difficult time getting along throughout the novel, they are the sisters who are most alike. Both are highly independent and determined, and even Amy has some tomboyish aspects to her character. In personality, Beth and Meg are similar as well. Nonetheless, my daughter loved the story, and, after we finished it, she reminded me that reading can be ADVENTUROUS. My youngest child has had a very difficult month. I won't be getting into the details here, but suffice it to say that no 12-year-old should ever face the trials that she has. We carry on loving this. Birdsall does an excellent job balancing the thoughts and goals of her different characters from age four to forty-four or so (I'm guessing). The Possum is thrilled with the Latin, and the echoes of words, the PandaBat loves Batty and her way with animals. I love Mr. Pen, his sister, Aunt Claire, and the new neighbor.