From: robin and don pulver <dwp>
Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2000 11:14:22 -0500

Yes, I found The Trolls' ending exquisite and extraordinary, and it is what justified its being in contention for a National Book Award for me. But of course I also loved the characters and the surprises Aunt Sally always had in store, as well as the lovely playful writing style. I thought the way Sally always gave respect to PeeWee, without admonishing or scolding his sisters, was terrific. That was part of salvaging and protecting the sibling relationship too. Very moving!

I haven't read the Birchbark House yet, but I did read Speak, which was my favorite of the NBA nominees. Probably because it spoke most directly to me, and I was blown away by the voice and humor. I was just reading a book about Charlie Chaplin, which describes his conviction that humor works best in conjunction with great sorrow/pain. That's how Speak works, brilliantly, and it brings in so many interesting themes.

 Part of the fascination of reading and discussing and choosing favorites is the subjectivity we inevitably bring to bring to it. I heard Charles McBride on Book TV this past weekend talking about the discomfort of listening to his "The Color of Water" being discussed. He said he couldn't relate to many of the interpretations of what he wrote. I expect all these authors might feel the same way about our discussions.. And that's why reading is such a creative enterprise. But I realize I'm a newbie and I'm not telling anybody here anything new! Thanks,


Robin Pulver
Received on Thu 13 Jan 2000 10:14:22 AM CST