From: Matthew Reames <MATTHEWR>
Date: Fri, 21 May 99 15:21 CST

I've really enjoyed the discussion on the Tillermans. I think the lack of concensus about the books may indicate why they continue to be popular. I found it interesting that although Cynthia Voigt wrote several books about them, discussion revolved around only three of the books.
  In my opinion part of the saga's richness is due to the other books including
_Sons From Afar_ and _Come A Stranger_ . These books seem to reveal details about the family members and their friends that add to the series as a whole. In particular _Sons From Afar_ spoke to me personally because I've experienced looking for a parent.
  Actually I wonder how weak Voigt is in her protrayal of nonwhite characters. I think she does bring out some of what it feels like to be a teenager who is not white and is surrounded by white classmates and adults.
   The theme of freedom through the entire series made me feel like I was drinking in fresh air from the coast of Massachusets. _Come A Stranger_ in particular seemed to give permission or freedom to children to be different and not have to conform to what is "normal".
   Finally, since Tillerman's were known for their eccentricity, Dicey's
"stubbornness" seems to just be part of her heritage.
 
                                              Matthew Reames
                                              friend of CCBC
                                              Madison, Wisconsin
Received on Fri 21 May 1999 04:21:00 PM CDT