From: Dr. Ruth I. Gordon <druthgo>
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 17:49:47 -0700

CCBCers: A "classic" is judged by time and its ability to remain green and alive. There are, it is true, dead classics. We remember and future generations take to, "green classics." Like some items in the garden, they replant, grow again, and give nourishment and pleasure--and yes, some of us do, indeed, like broccoli and spinach. (Some of us are not President of the U.S.)

A "klasik" is something for the nonce, something that appeals to us now. Then, we may forget it.

Estes' "The Hundred Dresses" is as apt and alive today--even with Slobodkin's watery pastels--as it was when it was born. It thrums a chord in a reader's mind.

Beverly Cleary's novels are alive. Ramona and Henry and Ribsy and a certain mouse run around in the minds of readers--and they identify them
(except for the mouse) as the folk who live down the block.

If we are lucky, we all have our "classics" and we all have out
"klasiks"--for the moment.

K.T. Horning is a CLASSIC--even when we disagree--or perhaps, especially when we do.

I also think that Bennet's book, "Master Skylark" is a classic.

However, I have just removed "Caddie Woodlawn" from the fiction section of even if Kathy Odean put it in HER fine book--it won't be in "mine".

Yes, I have gone on far too long.

 Grandma [who didn't proof this 'klasik']

Next, I'll be asking people to comment on one of my BIG bugaboos and humbugs: nonfiction presented as fiction. Mayhaps CCBC would care to schedule this interesting topic for a future month. Mayhaps....



================="You may not be able to change the world, but at least you can embarrass the guilty." Jessica Mitford (191796)
Received on Mon 14 Jul 1997 07:49:47 PM CDT