From: Dr. Ruth I. Gordon <Druthgo>
Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1999 17:06:37 -0800

Responding to K.T. who knows the answer better than I about Matt Christopher books and young readers. They are absolutely formulaic and really activate games. Many young readers (particularly of the male persuasion) are less interested in character, style, and all the niceties with which we professional reviewers concern ourselves. He gives a fast 1-2-3 about the sport and then proceeds to plot a series of games, matches, and the like.

I would prefer to see a kid read this stuff than not, but do wish Christopher had kept himself away from trying to show that dogs can play baseball. Of course they can't; dogs can't hire agents. "That'll be 200,500 bones with meat on them, 10% to me as Woofie's agent, but I want those bones wrapped around venison and roast beef, and million dollar bills Nope--not chicken or turkey bones." I can hear the deals being made now with certain very rich owners (there's another kind?).

Big Grandma,

(alas, not a sports agent)


================="You may not be able to change the world, but at least you can embarrass the guilty." Jessica Mitford (191796)
Received on Fri 08 Jan 1999 07:06:37 PM CST