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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
March 2023: I listened to this on audiobook over winter break and got about 2/3 of the way through. I liked a lot of it, but it was hard to make my logical brain shut down and just enjoy the story without asking questions about the worldbuilding (what size are the horses? the humans? where are they going shopping? etc.). This seems to be a common problem with me and fairy stories lately. I hope that when I am fifty, I will be able to enjoy them like a child again.
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Original review: A lovely book. Weird, and delightfully so. I love it for the same reason that I love Winnie-the-Pooh and The Secret Garden: it reminds me that I ought to be a child at heart, and that I love green, growing things, and the outdoors, and pure simple hobbity joys and gentle streams and the echoing call of fairy horns.
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Original review: A lovely book. Weird, and delightfully so. I love it for the same reason that I love Winnie-the-Pooh and The Secret Garden: it reminds me that I ought to be a child at heart, and that I love green, growing things, and the outdoors, and pure simple hobbity joys and gentle streams and the echoing call of fairy horns.
I saw The Wind in the Willow on a banned/challenged list last year, so of course ... I had to read it for myself and see how in the world a childrens book could possibly offend! I'm ashamed I didn't read it when I was a child. The story of personafied Badger, Ratty, and Mole chasing the juvenile Toad through the English countryside as he wreaks havoc and challenges mahem. Kenneth Grahame tells the tale using absolutely beautiful prose. He describes inanimate objects, creatures and places as though they are loving adults smiling adoringly at the antics of the happy little animals in the wild woods. The story made me feel - light. Like watching an episode of Andy Griffith. You just smile. If it's been a while for you, find your copy. I have no idea why it would be on a banned or challenged list. No idea.
I think if I read this as a child I wouldn't enjoy it that much. Partly due to language, partly due to moralising, partly due to all those unsubtle nods to adult readers, and partly because the plot is so bitty. And that's my biggest issue with this. The character arcs and the pacing are both inconsistent. Having said all of that, I still found it a comfortable read, but objectively it could be a lot better.
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Fun, sweet, whimsical. This book is one everybody should read no mater how old you are. Definitely one you can read in one sitting.
Full Review:
https://beentherereadthat.blog/2018/03/22/just-around-the-river-bend-wind-in-the-willows-a-book-review/
Full Review:
https://beentherereadthat.blog/2018/03/22/just-around-the-river-bend-wind-in-the-willows-a-book-review/
Was surprised by the use of mild cursing throughout the book. Not really sure why this is viewed as a "classic." I was more annoyed than amused by Mr. Toad's character; however, "boop-boop" will never be heard the same in my mind!
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
classic children’s tale of Rat, Mole, Badger and Toad.
A scandalous confession for a children's librarian: I never liked The Wind in the Willows. However, I am now sharing the reading with a child I do like (very much), and we are enjoying it together.