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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
I love this book; it is one of my old-fashioned comfort reads. Every time I pick it up it reminds me of the most important things in life: loyalty, companionship, forgiveness, simple pleasures.
The world would be a lesser place had Mr. Graham not penned this story.
The world would be a lesser place had Mr. Graham not penned this story.
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Wind in the Willows is one of those books I managed not to read until I was in my 60s. Part of it is that I don't really care for talking animal tales/beast fables. I'm not sure why they annoy me so, but for the most part, they do.
I've had this Audible version for a while now. I think it may have been a freebie, because it's a "soundtrack" version. What that means in this context is that there are little noises in the background that underline what's happening in the text (e.g., He mounted the horse ::sound of horse neigh::). That part's ok, but the other part of the "soundtrack" is what sounds like public domain classical recording excerpts. And whoever picked the musical backing picked a LOT of music that didn't match what was happening in the story, and/or made the background music SO LOUD that it really distracted from the narration.
But the narration. Oh my. Michael Hordern is just so wonderful. He really brings the story to life. So I tolerated the silly music so I could listen to him.
And the story? Well, let's stipulate at the beginning that Mr. Toad is a huge flaming asshole. I remind myself that this story was written to entertain a boy, so I guess that's what's going on. I would have happily listened to more about Rat and Mole and Badger and Otter, and less about Toad. But in the toad-less parts, there were some real moments of beauty and wonder in the writing. A couple of places brought tears to my eyes.
I'm glad I finally got this one read. Now I can go read Kij Johnson's sequel. That will be interesting!
I've had this Audible version for a while now. I think it may have been a freebie, because it's a "soundtrack" version. What that means in this context is that there are little noises in the background that underline what's happening in the text (e.g., He mounted the horse ::sound of horse neigh::). That part's ok, but the other part of the "soundtrack" is what sounds like public domain classical recording excerpts. And whoever picked the musical backing picked a LOT of music that didn't match what was happening in the story, and/or made the background music SO LOUD that it really distracted from the narration.
But the narration. Oh my. Michael Hordern is just so wonderful. He really brings the story to life. So I tolerated the silly music so I could listen to him.
And the story? Well, let's stipulate at the beginning that Mr. Toad is a huge flaming asshole. I remind myself that this story was written to entertain a boy, so I guess that's what's going on. I would have happily listened to more about Rat and Mole and Badger and Otter, and less about Toad. But in the toad-less parts, there were some real moments of beauty and wonder in the writing. A couple of places brought tears to my eyes.
I'm glad I finally got this one read. Now I can go read Kij Johnson's sequel. That will be interesting!
A bit slow but a fun story. The characters were well-developed and they had quite some good adventures.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
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:
Complicated
The bird of the trees
As this is such a staple of British childhood literature, I thought I should choose it as comfort reading while ill. Was pretty much as expected - cute, tame, a little boring, a little funny, a little odd. The (exclusively male) animals live an idyllic country life where they go on quaint adventures and enjoy the beauty of nature. Most strange and enjoyable chapter was definitely the one where Mole and Rat meet the god Pan and he is a shimmering muscly hunk. Did not see that coming. Loved it.
A classic, delightful tale, but oh my word it is hard to read. Does not flow at all. Great to just read, but as a read aloud it was a struggle.
“Here today, up and off to somewhere else tomorrow! Travel, change, interest, excitement! The whole world before you, and a horizon that's always changing!”
I expected this book to be a children's collection of short stories, but it was so much more than that. Yes, children can read it, but it's one of those rare books suitable for all ages. Kenneth Grahame is a wonderful storyteller, with a narrative tone threatening to transport you to another world where animals talk and live among humans, and have all sorts of great adventures, big and small, with their friends by their side. It inspires wanderlust, and a thirst for adventure that is both familiar and nostalgic (who didn't want to go on an adventure as a child?). Following the Mole, Water Rat, Badger and Toad (good old Toad) through their little ups and downs by the river's side and in the woods creates a sense of wonder common in children, and in the adults that those spirited children become.
_
2023 re-read (beware, spoilers ahead): This is still such a comforting read <3 I don't know why Toad's character was so popular, he's my least favorite. I thought the Mole was the most relatable (who doesn't choose adventures over spring cleaning?), and the Rat was a close second. I loved Badger, and how he basically adopted Mole #foundfamily for the win. Every chapter felt like a short story in itself. I liked Mole's homecoming the most, although the visit to Badger's house was a close second. The one about the Wild Wood felt like a little scary story sprinkled in, and I loved it.
I'd say the friendship between Mole and Rat was the highlight of this book.
I didn't care for Toad's adventures (and I remain skeptical as to him being reformed). As for him getting out of jail, I was mildly horrified at how everyone (our main cast especially) just assumed he didn't deserve jail time because they liked him (??) They just figured he'd be out with the help of lawyers and money (!!). (Excuse me, ma'am? Ma'am. We do not help escaped convicts who endangered lives simply because they are a part of The Crew.) Toad's escape fit the light tone of the narrative, and honestly, I might have been more on board if Toad was less annoying. To be fair, Toad's habit of shifting interests was, although it pains me to admit, relatable. Don't we all get excited when we find something new to occupy us?
I found I remembered the first half of this book, and had little to no recollection of the second half. Maybe because I liked the first half more? Either way, what remained true was that the story was an absolute charmer. It's perfect for holiday reading, with it's feel-good narrative about friendship, adventure, and ode to cozy times sitting by smiling fireplaces. A satisfying re-read.
I expected this book to be a children's collection of short stories, but it was so much more than that. Yes, children can read it, but it's one of those rare books suitable for all ages. Kenneth Grahame is a wonderful storyteller, with a narrative tone threatening to transport you to another world where animals talk and live among humans, and have all sorts of great adventures, big and small, with their friends by their side. It inspires wanderlust, and a thirst for adventure that is both familiar and nostalgic (who didn't want to go on an adventure as a child?). Following the Mole, Water Rat, Badger and Toad (good old Toad) through their little ups and downs by the river's side and in the woods creates a sense of wonder common in children, and in the adults that those spirited children become.
_
2023 re-read (beware, spoilers ahead): This is still such a comforting read <3 I don't know why Toad's character was so popular, he's my least favorite. I thought the Mole was the most relatable (who doesn't choose adventures over spring cleaning?), and the Rat was a close second. I loved Badger, and how he basically adopted Mole #foundfamily for the win. Every chapter felt like a short story in itself. I liked Mole's homecoming the most, although the visit to Badger's house was a close second. The one about the Wild Wood felt like a little scary story sprinkled in, and I loved it.
I'd say the friendship between Mole and Rat was the highlight of this book.
I didn't care for Toad's adventures (and I remain skeptical as to him being reformed). As for him getting out of jail, I was mildly horrified at how everyone (our main cast especially) just assumed he didn't deserve jail time because they liked him (??) They just figured he'd be out with the help of lawyers and money (!!). (Excuse me, ma'am? Ma'am. We do not help escaped convicts who endangered lives simply because they are a part of The Crew.) Toad's escape fit the light tone of the narrative, and honestly, I might have been more on board if Toad was less annoying. To be fair, Toad's habit of shifting interests was, although it pains me to admit, relatable. Don't we all get excited when we find something new to occupy us?
I found I remembered the first half of this book, and had little to no recollection of the second half. Maybe because I liked the first half more? Either way, what remained true was that the story was an absolute charmer. It's perfect for holiday reading, with it's feel-good narrative about friendship, adventure, and ode to cozy times sitting by smiling fireplaces. A satisfying re-read.
Excellent writing.
But the chapters are to broken and too contained, as if their own little episode. There were only a few overarching elements, and not very strong ones at that. I would have liked a more focused novel with a thicker strand running through it.
Also Toad's change at the end didn't make much sense. It wasn't abrupt as it could have been, but it was horribly abrupt. He's such an ass.
P.S. When I have kids, I'd like to read this to them. The excellent writing would be good read aloud.
"Rat, ever observant of all winged movement, saw that it was taking daily a southing tendency; and even as he lay in bed at night he thought he could make out, passing in the darkness overhead, the beat and quiver of impatient pinions, obedient to the peremptory call."
But the chapters are to broken and too contained, as if their own little episode. There were only a few overarching elements, and not very strong ones at that. I would have liked a more focused novel with a thicker strand running through it.
Also Toad's change at the end didn't make much sense. It wasn't abrupt as it could have been, but it was horribly abrupt. He's such an ass.
P.S. When I have kids, I'd like to read this to them. The excellent writing would be good read aloud.