I can not wait until October 21, when author Gary Schmidt will give a presentation at the Neenah Public Library. Gary Schmidt is the author of two of the best audio books I listened to this year. I am looking forward to his presentation, and I have one question for him, "Why are the fathers in his books distant? In both Wednesday Wars and Lizzie Bright and the Buckminister Boy, the sons do not have close relationships with their fathers. They seem to be at odds with each other.
Wednesday Wars takes place during Vietnam in a small town, is about a boy who spends Wednesday afternoons with his English teacher. Holling Hoodhood, a seventh grade boy, is unfortunate enough to be the only Presbyterian in his class, and does not have relgious instruction on Wednesday afternoons like his Jewish and Catholic classmates. His English teacher, Mrs. Baker, and Holling must pass the afternoons together. Mrs. Baker would rather spend the afternoons alone, and gives Holling many projects, including reading Shakespeare. It's a year of discovery about who someone is, during a tumultuous time. Joel Johnston's narration is spot on. I felt like I was listening to Holling HoodHood tell his story, versus a narrator.
Lizzie Bright and the Buckminister is also by Gary Schmidt. AudioFile has a great review "Boston and Phippsburg are close geographically, but 13-year-old Tucker Buckminster, who moves to Maine with his minister father, discovers they are two different worlds. He tries to fit in but the door is firmly shut until he finds friendship with old Mrs. Heard and sprightly Lizzie Bright. From the beginning, Sam Freed (narrator) portrays Tucker as open, caring, and honest as he faces his new life. Freed doesn't differentiate the many characters, but his Maine accent is superb. Freed superbly conveys Tucker's innocence and naïveté as he faces prejudice, his wonder and awe at communing with the whales, and finally his growing strength of character and sense of self. Very fine!" (WL.S. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine)
The Neenah Public Library shelves them in the Young Adult section, but do not let that stop you. Any age will relate to the characters and their personal struggles. Plus, they will make you laugh, and we could all use a good laugh.
So go out, listen to Gary Schmidt's books. (I'm currently listening to Trouble). Then come to the Neenah Public Library on October 21 at 7:00pm for Gary Schmidt's Presentation. Don't miss this great opportunity!
