From: robin smith <smithrobinlynn>
Date: Wed, 14 Oct 1998 15:14:05 PDT

All this discussion of Whirligig has been most interesting. I find myself wishing to read the book again. I loved the book. My 12 year old son, who heard it aloud, was fascinated by the form and enjoyed figuring out "when" each chapter actually occurred in real chronological time. He knows children and families like the ones Paul Fleischman perfectly depicts in the book--parents who want to make things "right" with money and influence and have seemingly little interest in personal responsibility. The parent of the deceased girl, in my mind, came up with a logical plan for Brent. (I did not see him as a murderer; his actions showed no motive except self-hatred and self?struction.) He had to change his way of thinking about himself and his place in the world. Time spent in a juvenile facility would have been just that: time spent. But his quest was inspired and thought of by a bereaved mother who perfectly understood that punishment would not either bring her daughter back nor would it help the lost soul who had committed the act.
     When I turned the last page, my son said, "That was the best book I have heard in a long time." (Considering his two previous best books had been Shiloh and Trumpet of the Swan, I took it as high praise indeed.)I have since recommended Whirligig to some eighth graders and they have loved the book as well. The structure, once it is made clear, is interesting and easy to understand.
     The structure of the novel only added to my enjoyment of the tale.
     Oh,and I agree with the previous writer that Louis Sachar's Holes is a delight as well. A different kind of redemption story, but a wonderfully written story as well. Can't wait to hear what children think of it.

Robin Smith Nashville, TN


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Received on Wed 14 Oct 1998 05:14:05 PM CDT