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mariahistryingtoread's review against another edition
3.0
I read Charlotte's Web for the first time when I was in the third grade. I distinctly remember it because like many burnt out gifted kids I read above my grade level so my teacher had to form a special group for me when it came to reading practice. The book she chose was - you guessed it - Charlotte's Web.
I've read it a few other times over the years, but the primary reason I have such a strong tie to the book is because of the movie. I was 9 when it came out and as such was at the perfect age for full throttle obsession like only a kid can manage.
It's more stiff than I remember. The way the characters who purportedly care about one another talk to each other is very stilted and almost professional. It may just be my anxiety about not demonstrably emotive tone talking, but it often felt like Charlotte was just on the edge of speaking sharply to Wilbur.
Fern's perceived maturity hinging on her getting a crush on a boy was disappointing. The girl is 8 years old and her mother was freaking out that she was coming up with stories about the barn animals. Part of the doctor she sees advice is that a boy will turn her head soon and everything will be okay. The idea being that she'll abandon her childish daydreams ie her passions for reality ie dating, marriage, kids etc soon enough. Why can't she have both? Being a vet and a serious relationship are not mutually exclusive.
I'm not shocked at the message nor am I actually all that upset because this was written in 1952. I'm simply pointing it out since this is the first time I've read it and been old enough to perceive it.
I have a lot of fondness for this story. There's still a lot of charm even if it's not the smash I once thought it was. The spirit of the tale is stronger than its execution. Even then it's not badly executed, merely a victim of time - as many classics are.
I think you're missing out if you don't read this at least once. That being said experiencing it is enough on its own, so the movie is a perfectly fine alternative if you don't think the boot itself is interesting enough.
I've read it a few other times over the years, but the primary reason I have such a strong tie to the book is because of the movie. I was 9 when it came out and as such was at the perfect age for full throttle obsession like only a kid can manage.
It's more stiff than I remember. The way the characters who purportedly care about one another talk to each other is very stilted and almost professional. It may just be my anxiety about not demonstrably emotive tone talking, but it often felt like Charlotte was just on the edge of speaking sharply to Wilbur.
Fern's perceived maturity hinging on her getting a crush on a boy was disappointing. The girl is 8 years old and her mother was freaking out that she was coming up with stories about the barn animals. Part of the doctor she sees advice is that a boy will turn her head soon and everything will be okay. The idea being that she'll abandon her childish daydreams ie her passions for reality ie dating, marriage, kids etc soon enough. Why can't she have both? Being a vet and a serious relationship are not mutually exclusive.
I'm not shocked at the message nor am I actually all that upset because this was written in 1952. I'm simply pointing it out since this is the first time I've read it and been old enough to perceive it.
I have a lot of fondness for this story. There's still a lot of charm even if it's not the smash I once thought it was. The spirit of the tale is stronger than its execution. Even then it's not badly executed, merely a victim of time - as many classics are.
I think you're missing out if you don't read this at least once. That being said experiencing it is enough on its own, so the movie is a perfectly fine alternative if you don't think the boot itself is interesting enough.
aomidori's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
5.0
turidt's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
cait_readsxox's review against another edition
4.0
I never read the book, but growing up I watched the movie. This was a sweet tale on friendship! I really loved Charlottes and Wilbur’s friendship
catethegreat03's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
brj_9140's review against another edition
5.0
"We are aeronauts and we are going out into the world to make webs for ourselves." "But where?" asked Wilbur. "Wherever the wind takes us. High, low. Near, far. East, west. North, south. We take to the breeze, we go as we please."
thesimplereader's review against another edition
3.0
As a little kid, this was one of my favorite books. It was the sole reason that I overcame a small fear of spiders.
smol_ant's review against another edition
5.0
rating: 5/5
This book is so nostalgic and sad and happy and it just hits in all the right ways. I really don't have anything else to say. I'm still crying after all these years.
This book is so nostalgic and sad and happy and it just hits in all the right ways. I really don't have anything else to say. I'm still crying after all these years.
sonny84's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.25
mehsi's review against another edition
2.0
I never read this book before, but due to a challenge I had to read this one. I can say that I did not enjoy it.
From all the praise and all the love I expected a wonderful, glorious and beautiful read. Instead we got whining pigs, spiders (eww, nope), rats without any sense of kindness, some strange girl who can talk with animals.
And yes, Wilbur was a whiny little piece of bacon. Dear lord, that pig whined about everything. Couldn't do anything without the help or direction of others. I had hoped that as Wilbur grew, that he would become more wise, more independent, but no, even after all those years he is a whiny, attention-demanding pig. It just got old very quickly. I liked him better when he was still a little big and not talking (or should I say whining) so much.
Sorry to all, but I didn't like Charlotte. She had a great personality, but I hate spiders. A lot. Even a kind spider does not undo all of my dislike/hate for spiders.
But I was happy what she did for Wilbur (even though he didn't really deserve it). The whole webs with messages was a nice touch.
Templeton was the worst character in this book. I disliked him instantly, I knew he was up to no good. In the end, if it was parts with only him, I skipped those parts. I didn't want to ruin the book for myself any further.
Fern, I must say I loved her the most, well up to the end. Though it is never explained why she, as the only one, could hear the animals. I would have rather had some explanation on why she could talk. And now don't come with the silly things like: She is a kid. I don't take that as an explanation.
However, the ending ruined Fern's character for me. I won't spoil anything, but let's just say I didn't like what happened there. It was too abrupt, too strange.
I heard that people cried while reading this book. I got to the event that I guess people would have been crying over, but sorry, no tears from me. It was quite anticlimactic. I was like: Wait? This is it? This is what all the fuss is about????????
All in all, I am glad I have this book finished and that it wasn't that long. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
From all the praise and all the love I expected a wonderful, glorious and beautiful read. Instead we got whining pigs, spiders (eww, nope), rats without any sense of kindness, some strange girl who can talk with animals.
And yes, Wilbur was a whiny little piece of bacon. Dear lord, that pig whined about everything. Couldn't do anything without the help or direction of others. I had hoped that as Wilbur grew, that he would become more wise, more independent, but no, even after all those years he is a whiny, attention-demanding pig. It just got old very quickly. I liked him better when he was still a little big and not talking (or should I say whining) so much.
Sorry to all, but I didn't like Charlotte. She had a great personality, but I hate spiders. A lot. Even a kind spider does not undo all of my dislike/hate for spiders.
But I was happy what she did for Wilbur (even though he didn't really deserve it). The whole webs with messages was a nice touch.
Templeton was the worst character in this book. I disliked him instantly, I knew he was up to no good. In the end, if it was parts with only him, I skipped those parts. I didn't want to ruin the book for myself any further.
Fern, I must say I loved her the most, well up to the end. Though it is never explained why she, as the only one, could hear the animals. I would have rather had some explanation on why she could talk. And now don't come with the silly things like: She is a kid. I don't take that as an explanation.
However, the ending ruined Fern's character for me. I won't spoil anything, but let's just say I didn't like what happened there. It was too abrupt, too strange.
I heard that people cried while reading this book. I got to the event that I guess people would have been crying over, but sorry, no tears from me. It was quite anticlimactic. I was like: Wait? This is it? This is what all the fuss is about????????
All in all, I am glad I have this book finished and that it wasn't that long. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/