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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
A classic from my childhood. Had to come back and re-read it after I lost my 1st dog and my 2nd dog is getting up there in years.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Had a classroom of 3rd graders SOBBING today as we finished this book - also my first time reading it and I was a MESS.
Losing stars cause sad I am still am
Losing stars cause sad I am still am
I think this was the first book I have ever read that made me very sad and depressed, which is saying a lot because it takes a lot to make a 5th grader depressed - but, depressed I became when _______(I'm sure everyone knows what I'm talking about). But nonetheless, it's definitely worth reading!
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
No. I am not okay. Leave me to cry for a couple of hours.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
listened to it with the kids and loved the morals blended in to a great story
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Also, maybe it's just my modern sensibilities but, um...kind of insane that a literal child fully DIED in the middle of this book by being IMPALED on an axe and we kind of just moved past that?!?!?! like excuse me???? It was also insane that this kid's dogs literally sacrificed their lives for him and his parents were like "just get past it and move on" like 3 hours later.
Honestly the whole book was not as good as I remember it being...but the very end almost makes up for the rest of it, the imagery of the red fern over the graves is lovely.
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Please beware of some spoilers in my review. I found it difficult to say what I wanted to say without unveiling some of the key events in the book.
I only read this because it's considered a modern classic for children, but it isn't a book I'd recommend. This is the story of Billy, a boy whose dream is getting two hunting dogs and, I guess, hunting. That's basically it. There's no character growth, no learning from past mistakes.
The first coon death feelt quite graphical to my and I had a very hard time reading it. I understand this would have been differently understood for the target audience at the time, but I only saw animal cruelty. Billy and his dogs help get a couple of scares, and instead of talking about it and accepting it or changing, Billy continues with his reckless behavior. The book has a terrible ending. It's not only that the ending is popularly known, but it's also that I could easily foresee, given Billy's attitude.
Both dogs served the purpose of financially helping the family by winning some prizes, but they were also sacrificed to keep the family united, and this was explained by the parents as a wise decision made by god. No, apparently it wasn't crucial for Billy to learn from past mistakes and grow as a person. It was important to thank god for his good deeds, but also explain any misfortune as fate that one will later understand. Bollocks.
There's a total lack of respect for nature, as Billy decides to chop the biggest tree in a specific area, only to be able to hunt a raccoon. His father tries to make him see reason, but finally helps him to do the deed.
Also, at the end, when the family finally moves to town because they now have money, they just leave their cat behind.
Can someone explain to me why this book is so well-loved by a certain generation? No, I don't think I want to know.
I gave it two stars because, despite the horror I felt while reading it, it kept me more or less entertained.
I only read this because it's considered a modern classic for children, but it isn't a book I'd recommend. This is the story of Billy, a boy whose dream is getting two hunting dogs and, I guess, hunting. That's basically it. There's no character growth, no learning from past mistakes.
The first coon death feelt quite graphical to my and I had a very hard time reading it. I understand this would have been differently understood for the target audience at the time, but I only saw animal cruelty. Billy and his dogs help get a couple of scares, and instead of talking about it and accepting it or changing, Billy continues with his reckless behavior. The book has a terrible ending. It's not only that the ending is popularly known, but it's also that I could easily foresee, given Billy's attitude.
Both dogs served the purpose of financially helping the family by winning some prizes, but they were also sacrificed to keep the family united, and this was explained by the parents as a wise decision made by god. No, apparently it wasn't crucial for Billy to learn from past mistakes and grow as a person. It was important to thank god for his good deeds, but also explain any misfortune as fate that one will later understand. Bollocks.
There's a total lack of respect for nature, as Billy decides to chop the biggest tree in a specific area, only to be able to hunt a raccoon. His father tries to make him see reason, but finally helps him to do the deed.
Also, at the end, when the family finally moves to town because they now have money, they just leave their cat behind.
Can someone explain to me why this book is so well-loved by a certain generation? No, I don't think I want to know.
I gave it two stars because, despite the horror I felt while reading it, it kept me more or less entertained.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child death, Gore
Minor: Misogyny
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No