From: HUMMINGRK at aol.com <HUMMINGRK>
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 1998 11:35:58 EST

Kathleen asks: "What kind of book is he [Jerry Spinelli] writing? Where do they fit in?" in her message 2/10. Are they fiction or fable?

I think the answer lies in Spinelli's introduction to MANIAC MAGEE. On page two he writes:

           "...the history of a kid is one part fact, two parts legend, and three parts snowball. and if you want to know hwat it was like back when Maniac Magee roamed these parts, well, just run your hand under your movie seat and be very, very careful not to let the facts get mixed up with the truth."

You could substitute Palmer's name for Maniac's and have Spinelli's philosophy fit WRINGER just as well.

Think about it . . . and don't let the facts get mixed up with the truth. Spinelli wants to show a greater truth and is using this form of entertainment, like a movie, to bring out his ideas. The facts are there to give detail, just don't let them overide the message.

What do other CCBC members think about this complicated statement by Spinelli? I haven't finished WRINGER quite yet, so maybe there is more to add?

Lee Sullivan Hill author
Received on Wed 11 Feb 1998 10:35:58 AM CST