Tuesday, October 16, 2007

a four-legged read

Finished up my first book for the Four-Legged Friends Reading Challenge last night. Charlotte's Web by E.B. White. If ever the words "timeless classic" applied, huh?

Charlotte's Web is the touching story of friendship between an unlikely pair, Wilbur, a spring pig, and Charlotte, a big gray spider. When Wilbur finds that he will soon become the Zuckermans' meat supply for the coming winter, Charlotte steps up to the plate with an ingenious plan to save his life. Charlotte sums it up so well near the end of the book...

"Why did you do all this for me?" he asked. "I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you."

"You have been my friend," replied Charlotte. "That in itself is a tremendous thing..."


But the book has more to offer as well. While Charlotte and Wilbur are endearing characters, Templeton, the gluttonous rat, most assuredly is not. Yet he was the favorite character of the boys and myself. The gut-busting laughter White brought through Templeton to the boys is a gift I shall long treasure. I swear they nearly had themselves rolling off the bed at times. And it probably goes without saying that their emotional old mom had tears rolling down her cheeks at least once during the story as well.

And you know, what more can you ask from a book?

5 comments:

kreed said...

Ahhhh...charlotte's Web. I haven't read it in years, but watched the most recent movie not long ago and was reminded of what a great story it is (the book is better, of course!).

Stacy at Exceedingly Mundane said...

I haven't read it since I was young, but it was always one of my most favorite books growing up. Sigh. I bet it was great :)

Ladytink_534 said...

That book always made me cry too. And the animated movie too for that matter

Jean said...

We had the book on tape version read by E.B. White himself. 'Twas wonderful to hear the author read it because I knew he was putting the inflection and tone where he wanted it. We spent many a long car trip listening to it.

Ana S. said...

Exactly - what more to ask for? It's a funny and moving and timeless story. Lovely review :)