Jump to content
IGNORED

Sarah Maxwell's Moody Books are Wonderful! Latest Post


kitandmike

Recommended Posts

Laura and Anne are far both too independent for the likes of Steve Maxwell. Both wimmin' were teachers (and *gasp* Anne was supported by the Cuthberts to pursue a college education!) Those characters - and many of the supporting female characters - are no shrinking violets.

I'm an unapologetic atheist and a huge Anne fan. I've never got around to reading the Little House books, but it's something I do plan on doing at some point in my life!

read it here: gateway-schools.org/cms/lib8/CA01902409/Centricity/Domain/108/1%20Little%20House%20in%20the%20Big%20Woods.pdf

or if you prefer audio books: youtube.com/watch?v=Svby9kpiWto

One night when I had no internet, I breezed through the book. It's really good, and an easy read.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 107
  • Created
  • Last Reply
Astrid Lindgren is my top fave.

She gave the world Pippi Longstocking, didn't she? I still fondly remember reading Pippi when I was a younger. She did write another book that I need to get for my daughter: I Want a Brother or Sister. She's got a 2 year old that needs to get ready for his new sister in May.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I did a chapter by chapter review here of a Moody book last year. (Spring Days?) The writing style annoyed me and I found it very patronising. Keep it simple for the dear sweet little kiddies? That bugs me. Kids should be challenged, not treated as idiots. (Yes, I am a teacher.) There were factual errors in the book which any decent author wouldn't have made, as they would have done their research first. For example; when a baby is born prematurely and is in the NICU, the neighbours young children would not be allowed to visit.

The basic premise of writing your own life as a fictional story is good. There are two essential elements for this to work. (1) You must have events in your life that are worth writing about. These don't need to be big events - a shopping trip can be interesting if well written - but Sarah's life is so repetitive, she doesn't have enough events and experiences to draw on. (2) You must be able to write. I would place Sarah as an average 13-14 year old in her story telling skills. I teach a very talented twelve year who writes well above Sarah's level, both in the language she uses and in the way she tells the story. The big difference between her and Sarah? Her head is never out of a book.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For those who have read the books, what age range would you say they were for? From the excerpts I've seen, I'm guessing maybe around 7-9, if we're talking kids that can read on their own? Just trying to put it in a general age-level context so I can think of other books that would be for that level, and what I'd be more likely to recommend to a kid of that age, to put them in context with the other books that are out there.

I have to wonder what would happen if Sarah had the chance to read more books for kids of the age she's aiming for and if she could see what's possible in children's writing. I just want to shove things like Neil Gaiman's "The Graveyard Book" or Kirby Larson's "Hattie Big Sky" into her hands; but I know Steve-o would never approve and so she'd probably never even crack the spine.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It wasn't the Pippi series that made me a fan.

It was a very heartwarming book about a 15-year old girl who acquired a pen pal and wrote really lengthy and enjoyable letters of her journey in life - school, friendships, friends, love and family. There is absolutely no god involved. The original title is Britt-Mari lättar sitt hjärta. I don't know how many times I read it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I really, really hope you can find the book that I mentioned above. It really is superb.

Is it available in English? The only Swedish I know are curses. Taught to me by my aunts at my grandfather's funeral. Boy I miss my crazy Swedish aunts.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

http://www.saltkrakan.com/activityarea/bocker/

A success story

Astrid Lindgren’s debut came in 1944 when at the age of 37 she wrote Britt-Mari lättar sitt hjärta (not available in English). The book won her second prize in the Best Book for Girls competition organized by the newly started publishing company, Rabén & Sjögren.

Dangg.... :| This doesn't make any sense. I read it in a random European language. It is and was one of the most popular juvenile books in many European coutries.

I'm so sorry. What other languages do you speak? There should be a chance!

Also, how come that a world-famous writer's first megahit wasn't translated to English?! To this day I'm hoping that one day they make a movie out of it! :pray:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I did a chapter by chapter review here of a Moody book last year. (Spring Days?) The writing style annoyed me and I found it very patronising. Keep it simple for the dear sweet little kiddies? That bugs me. Kids should be challenged, not treated as idiots. (Yes, I am a teacher.) There were factual errors in the book which any decent author wouldn't have made, as they would have done their research first. For example; when a baby is born prematurely and is in the NICU, the neighbours young children would not be allowed to visit.

The basic premise of writing your own life as a fictional story is good. There are two essential elements for this to work. (1) You must have events in your life that are worth writing about. These don't need to be big events - a shopping trip can be interesting if well written - but Sarah's life is so repetitive, she doesn't have enough events and experiences to draw on. (2) You must be able to write. I would place Sarah as an average 13-14 year old in her story telling skills. I teach a very talented twelve year who writes well above Sarah's level, both in the language she uses and in the way she tells the story. The big difference between her and Sarah? Her head is never out of a book.

I guess I don't need to do a review. The books are exactly the same. I'm in the process of reading your thread about 'Spring With The Moody's''. The first few lines, I thought we were talking about the same book since both began with the dog creating a fuss, waking up Max who woke up dad. I'm sad right now because you mentioned that 'Guess How Much I Love You' would not be acceptable. That was my favorite book to read with my son. How can it be bad? Yes, I know why they think it is bad, but that is wrong. Could they read 'The Boxcar Children'? An awesome story. Could they watch Davey and Goliath? Can't get more Christian than that, but interesting and addressed issues such as race. Anyway thanks for doing the review. Back to reading it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mrs. Clifton smiled. "You are all too kind. I have a question. Are you Christians?"

"We are," Dad agreed, "yes. I'm only a sinner saved by the blood of Jesus and trusting Him."

"I knew it. I could tell from the moment your family walked in. I knew you were not an ordinary family. I, too, know Him as my personal Savior."

Now, wild 'n' crazy Hane, who grew up knowing people of just about every religious affiliation EXCEPT fundie Christian, put the Kindle freebie aside and thought, "Who the FUCK talks like that?" And then I couldn't resist translating it into Normal Religious Folks Language:

Mrs. Clifton smiled. "You're all so sweet. I have a rather personal question: Are you church-going folks?"

Dad said, "Yup. We go to Grace Baptist. My grandparents were friends of the minister who founded it."

"That's nice to hear. I only mention it because I feel a little lonely sometimes and could use some prayers. I can't wait to get well and go home."

"Prayers on their way, Mrs. C.," Mom said. "Could you use some visitors on Sunday afternoons? Our Ladies' Guild and Youth Group like to visit folks who can't get out."

"You bet I could! I do find myself getting antsy," Mrs. Clifton admitted.

Let me not get into how Mollie is told to neatly hand-write a letter to the local health department to see if she could sell homemade cookies door-to-door, when anybody with a brain would just call and ask.

Doesn't Dad Moody sound like an insufferably smug so-and-so? He HAS to inform poor Mrs. C. that Honey the dog was found going through their garbage. (A non-dick would simply have said that the dog had wandered into their yard.) And the bit about Harold Gibson the varmint-catcher? Dad gives the prissy speech about "we don't want our children calling adults by their first names," even though the man had invited them to. He could have compromised and said, "Say hi to Mr. Harold, kids." Dad is similarly condescending to poor Mr. Delome of the exploding sausages.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

http://www.saltkrakan.com/activityarea/bocker/

A success story

Astrid Lindgren’s debut came in 1944 when at the age of 37 she wrote Britt-Mari lättar sitt hjärta (not available in English). The book won her second prize in the Best Book for Girls competition organized by the newly started publishing company, Rabén & Sjögren.

Dangg.... :| This doesn't make any sense. I read it in a random European language. It is and was one of the most popular juvenile books in many European coutries.

I'm so sorry. What other languages do you speak? There should be a chance!

Also, how come that a world-famous writer's first megahit wasn't translated to English?! To this day I'm hoping that one day they make a movie out of it! :pray:

Well, thank you. I am ashamed to admit that I do not have a second language. I have a smidge of Spanish and French. You know, where is the bathroom or how much does that cost. I have a very vague memory of Pipi Longstocking and it was cute. I'll ask Mom if she has old Swedish books. Thanks for the recommendations. I feel silly liking children's literature, but books like Anne of Green Gables, LHotP or the Boxcar Children center me and bring me happiness.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Now, wild 'n' crazy Hane, who grew up knowing people of just about every religious affiliation EXCEPT fundie Christian, put the Kindle freebie aside and thought, "Who the FUCK talks like that?" And then I couldn't resist translating it into Normal Religious Folks Language:

Let me not get into how Mollie is told to neatly hand-write a letter to the local health department to see if she could sell homemade cookies door-to-door, when anybody with a brain would just call and ask.

Doesn't Dad Moody sound like an insufferably smug so-and-so? He HAS to inform poor Mrs. C. that Honey the dog was found going through their garbage. (A non-dick would simply have said that the dog had wandered into their yard.) And the bit about Harold Gibson the varmint-catcher? Dad gives the prissy speech about "we don't want our children calling adults by their first names," even though the man had invited them to. He could have compromised and said, "Say hi to Mr. Harold, kids." Dad is similarly condescending to poor Mr. Delome of the exploding sausages.

Please, please tell me about the exploding sausage. I've read hints about it here but don't know what happened. It sounds porn. Is it?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Me too. I'd be really happy to introduce you to a very special era of international juvenile literature. You're most likely going to shake your head in disbelief, but the Soviet era produced tons and tons of amazing juvenile literature, not just the USSR, but all the countries politically afflicted, too. I know it sounds far out. Those books were AMAZING! They took you back to the after-WWII era, what it was like to be a teen or a kid while the elders rebuilt everything from practically ashes. (Conclusion was, wars BLOW no matter what side you're on and it takes a huge and unnecessary toll on millions of innocent people.) Than later on, in the 60s and 70s, under strict censorship of course, but the youth were introduced to fashion, TV, disco, you could totally imagine what your parents' generation's life was like, growing up. The topics of the books was never repetitive, you'd read about families fleeing countries during revolutions, other families being reunited after the war, you'd read about how an orphaned girl, who's mom died of childbirth the very morning the entire country was liberated, found her widowed and depressed father a new wife, what was life during the last years of a world war in a girls only boarding school, I could go on and on. Point is, before I derail the topic that it is well worth digging your way through random writers from random countries.

Are you familiar with The wonderful adventures of Nils Holgersson? Now that is something I'd recommend for pre-teens, but adolescents (and adults :) ) and little kids enjoy those series a lot. That's the artwork of Selma Langerlöf. They made an entire cartoon series out of it, but of course, there's nothing like reading the original story in a book. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wonder ... es_of_Nils

As to having no second language: that's really not something to be ashamed of.

And yep, those books bring an enormous amount of happiness to readers. I've been collecting juvenile literature masterpieces for years, "for my future kids", but it's me who enjoys it the most. (And Partner. I can't read in peace when he's around, I must read loud whatever I read, and he grins happily and purrs.)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As I recall, at a cook-out, Mr. Delome put some brats on the grill and didn't pierce them first, or something, so they popped open and squirted grease onto the fire. The book includes an unfortunately suggestive-looking picture of the ejaculating exploding sausages.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please, please tell me about the exploding sausage. I've read hints about it here but don't know what happened. It sounds porn. Is it?

It's probably Sarah's subconscious. It's her way of letting out the steam. Disney has been accused of using subliminal messages, so I'm calling foul play on innocent children's minds. :lol:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks everyone. I kinda assumed the sausage was porn, but couldn't imagine sweet Sarah writing that. Thanks for more recommendations for reading. Glad to know I'm not the only one that loves child or teen lit. My son has some learning disabilities, especially with reading. In helping him, I have come across some amazing books. Certainly not Fundie approved. Books about rape or child soldiers or living in China during the Revolution. I enjoyed the books but they also opened the door for great discussions. Which is what books are supposed to do.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's probably Sarah's subconscious. It's her way of letting out the steam. Disney has been accused of using subliminal messages, so I'm calling foul play on innocent children's minds. :lol:

Hey. Just downloaded The Wonderful Adventures of Niles. Looking forward to it. Thanks.

ETA. Whoviana, I just realized I do have some Swedish child lit. I have two stories of the Tomten. Gifts from my mom. I read them every Christmas (and fricken cry) and enjoyed sharing with my son his Swedish side. I remembered that when Nils met the Elf.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That poor girl isn't allowed to read. She hasn't got the faintest chance of becoming a good writer is she's prevented from looking at good writing in the first place. The fact that she does try to write despite this tells me she has drive, which is a good thing. Maybe she would have shown herself to be talented if she hadn't been intellectually stunted.

Steve should be very very ashamed and ought to beg his god for forgiveness.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mrs. Clifton smiled. "You are all too kind. I have a question. Are you Christians?"

"We are," Dad agreed, "yes. I'm only a sinner saved by the blood of Jesus and trusting Him."

"I knew it. I could tell from the moment your family walked in. I knew you were not an ordinary family. I, too, know Him as my personal Savior."

So Mrs. Clifton says "you are all too kind"

Dad answers "we are" wait not answered, agreed? Sounds like a very prideful response to this heathen like me. Heathen me would have just responded 'Thank you".

Also since when is being Christian out of the ordinary? According to the all-knowing wikipedia, about 2B people identify as Christian. Now I know, the Maxwell probably believe that 1,999,999,980 of those 2B are not actually Christian, but god this shows how sheltered Sarah is. Now the Maxwell Moody family is not ordinary, but it is not because they identify as Christians.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So Mrs. Clifton says "you are all too kind"

Dad answers "we are" wait not answered, agreed? Sounds like a very prideful response to this heathen like me. Heathen me would have just responded 'Thank you".

:oops: That doesn't sound very humble *or very Christian. That sounds boastful. "You are very kind" "I know, right? Lol! Ain't it great to be a sweet and loving Christian among those unsaved assholes? We're quite a bit of a fresh air with our kindness, aren't we."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think the "We are, yes" is meant to be in response to her question about whether or not they're Christians. It's just poorly parsed because...it's Sarah Maxwell.

Also, you can read about the adventures in ejaculating bratwurst here:

titus2.com/media/products/samples/excitingtimessamples-2.pdf

Also, see the Moodys and Mr. Delome judging the hell out of their neighbors instead of exhibiting Christian kindness. And see how gender roles are reinforced as Max and Mitch get to hang out with the men at the grill while Mollie and Maddie get to babysit.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

He knew how to grill a hamburger,

but he’d never done a brat.

I wouldn't abbreviate the word bratwurst in this context. At all.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

He knew how to grill a hamburger,

but he’d never done a brat.

I wouldn't abbreviate the word bratwurst in this context. At all.

Ok, I'm sure it's just a regional thing (I've never been to Kansas or really anywhere in the central US), but I wouldn't use brat/bratwurst at all in a book for children. At that age I would not have had a clue what bratwurst was. Why not just use hot dog or even sausage if you expect kids to know what you're talking about?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.




×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.