Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
It's always so wonderful re-reading an old favorite; especially a childhood favorite.
I had forgotten that Charlie and Grandpa Joe never sipped that bubble soda... Nor had I remembered that the Oompa Loompas didn't always sing specifically about the children that fell victim to their vice.
Wonka's humor is as twisted as ever, so that was lovely. And as an adult I can appreciate how this is a tale about the dangers toward Capitalism and consumerism. One of the songs even makes a point to glorify reading.
Through Augustus, you see the dangers of over-indulgence in food. (Nobody wants somebody who will selfishly consume everything.) Through Veruca, you see the dangers of the spoiled rich girl getting her materialistic heart's desire. (Money surely cannot buy you everything.) Violet shows you why a competitive heart without a rational mind/ethical heart won't get you far. And Mike is the epitome of why one must be careful about what they see, and just because you can think it up doesn't mean you should just blindly trudge forward. None of these kids are good contenders for what Wonka really wants, so it's best that they fell victim to their own issues.
But Charlie? Oh, well, Charlie observes, listens, limits himself, adheres to warnings, paces himself, and is excited about the opportunity. He's not there for a competitive edge or to obtain some new bit to bring home. No- Charlie is there for the experience of a lifetime and the ability to feed his family. And because his morals are in the right place, he gets the best gift of all.
This book still had some surprise left in it after all these years. I'm so pleased that I re-read a classic.
I had forgotten that Charlie and Grandpa Joe never sipped that bubble soda... Nor had I remembered that the Oompa Loompas didn't always sing specifically about the children that fell victim to their vice.
Wonka's humor is as twisted as ever, so that was lovely. And as an adult I can appreciate how this is a tale about the dangers toward Capitalism and consumerism. One of the songs even makes a point to glorify reading.
Through Augustus, you see the dangers of over-indulgence in food. (Nobody wants somebody who will selfishly consume everything.) Through Veruca, you see the dangers of the spoiled rich girl getting her materialistic heart's desire. (Money surely cannot buy you everything.) Violet shows you why a competitive heart without a rational mind/ethical heart won't get you far. And Mike is the epitome of why one must be careful about what they see, and just because you can think it up doesn't mean you should just blindly trudge forward. None of these kids are good contenders for what Wonka really wants, so it's best that they fell victim to their own issues.
But Charlie? Oh, well, Charlie observes, listens, limits himself, adheres to warnings, paces himself, and is excited about the opportunity. He's not there for a competitive edge or to obtain some new bit to bring home. No- Charlie is there for the experience of a lifetime and the ability to feed his family. And because his morals are in the right place, he gets the best gift of all.
This book still had some surprise left in it after all these years. I'm so pleased that I re-read a classic.
Can you believe this is only the first time I've read this book?!?! I've seen both movies, and been in the play, but I've never actually read the book! I am ashamed of this fact, but no longer, because now I have read this fabulous story!
This book is one I will be re-reading many times over as I do it as novel study for my classroom, or with my own children (whenever I actually have any). It is a wonderful example of children's fiction being timeless - first published in 1964, and still an excellent story today. I do have to say that the play is taken pretty much directly from the text, so I could envision all of my friends and I in the play so many years ago as I read this book. Both movie adaptations do take some liberties, but are still quite faithful to the story.
The use of figurative & descriptive language in this book not only makes the story enjoyable and a visual spectacle for the imagination, but also serves as a lesson in good writing. This could serve as a novel for children as entertainment, or as a novel for use as learning good writing skills for any age!
This book is one I will be re-reading many times over as I do it as novel study for my classroom, or with my own children (whenever I actually have any). It is a wonderful example of children's fiction being timeless - first published in 1964, and still an excellent story today. I do have to say that the play is taken pretty much directly from the text, so I could envision all of my friends and I in the play so many years ago as I read this book. Both movie adaptations do take some liberties, but are still quite faithful to the story.
The use of figurative & descriptive language in this book not only makes the story enjoyable and a visual spectacle for the imagination, but also serves as a lesson in good writing. This could serve as a novel for children as entertainment, or as a novel for use as learning good writing skills for any age!
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
fast-paced
12.31.18 YES, last book of 2018 and finished it just in time to make my reading goal. This was my first chapter book with my young kids and it was just as magical when I first read it in my childhood. I could see elements and allusions to Dante's Inferno that made this time reading extra intriguing. I highly recommend this classic.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes