From: Nicholas Glass <nglass>
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 1998 22:37:04 -0600

I have been pressured into this discourse, just like Spinelli's Palmer became Snots. I really want to be part of this group, but don't quite know how.

But seriously, Spinelli was masterful in Wringer. His way of having me hang on many of his words; his descriptions of the different personalities; the passions and pressures that Palmer and pals felt were all encompassing. Just contemplating a child who every day between the age of 4 and 10 thought about his feelings of becoming a wringer draws me into the psyche of the character.

One reader, JoAnn Portalupi, mentioned "I've found it hard to give a summary of this book when recommending it.
 It's the strangest thing: as I start to define what a wringer is, the book
 sounds like something most people would choose to avoid. Has anyone else
 experienced that as they've tried to interest others in reading it?"

This comment drew me in. I work in a children's bookstore and always need a way to clearly state what makes the book in hand special. Here are some intros for Wringer that I've tested in my head.

Take One: "It is an amazing book. It is about this boy who is terrified to become a wringer. Wringers, you see, are kids who twist pigeons necks to make sure they are dead...."

Take two: "It is a story of a boy who struggles to face pressures -- the pressures of the cool kids in town, the pressures of becoming a wringer, where he must collect and twist the necks of pigeons that were killed to raise money for the playground and community park...."

Take three: "It is amazing getting into the head of the main character of this book. He becomes terrified to grow up because he doesn't want to be a wringer. As the cover of the book says, "not all birthdays are welcome" because at 10 he will be pressured into twisting the necks...."

In truth, I just can't find a way to explain what makes this book remarkable in 25 words or less. Any suggestions on how to summarize and attract people to this book?

I would like to mention that in reading Wringer I forgot that this boy was only 10. The pressures he felt (from Beans, from his Dad having the shooting trophy, about Dorothy, and ultimately about Nipper) were extraordinary. I had become entranced by Palmer's inner-self and forgot that he was just ten year-old boy living with Mom and Dad. Personally, I broke down when Palmer and his Mom first talked about Nipper. When his Mom "confessed" near the end of the book, saying "did you think you could have a pet pigeon in the house since -- what?--January, and Daddy and I wouldn't know about it?", I realized Palmer was going to be alright. I realized he could tackle the pressures not just by himself, not just in cahoots with Dorothy, but with the love and support of Mom and Dad. Did anyone else react like this - or is this reaction simply a product of my own childhood?? ;)

Anyhow, after reading Wringer, I had to read Maniac Magee. Here is another super strong character. Equally gripping. But I think I could make a good argument (I'll spare you all here) that Spinelli has learned to simplify and strengthen his prose with Wringer. Does anyone have any comments on Spinelli's growth?

Enough said by me. I look forward to reading other people's thoughts. I'm sure there are many other people in this discussion group, like myself, that rarely or haven't spoken yet. The process takes some time, but now, like Palmer, I feel more secure about being who I am and part of this group. Over the past five months, I have really enjoyed reading the CCBC-NET discussion, and know that I will continue to read (and maybe respond to) this mail with interest.

Thanks.

Nick Glass

Pooh Corner Bookstore Highsmith Education Station Madison, WI

nglass at macc.wisc.edu 608 257
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Received on Mon 19 Jan 1998 10:37:04 PM CST