Posted in The Hedge of Thorns by John Hatchard
I am all about first impressions and when I first picked up this book and read a few chapters, I was bored. I am not one for scenery and I really thought this book would not be too exciting or interesting. Ask Mom… Well I have learned it is not always the best thing to look at first impressions. After reading the first chapter, I was interested.
It was nice that he described his surroundings. That way we could get a picture of what his life was like.
I really loved the way he shared his love for his sister. I think that the way his father brought her to him, like she was a little precious present to be had. I had always wished I had an older brother. Girls have a need to be loved and protected and I think big brothers really help in that.
One thing that really was amazing to me was that his father sold one of their cows for a bible. I was surprised that he didn’t already have one, him being a laypastor.
From reading just the first three chapters I get the feeling that the title of this book is going to be shown to be something that we don’t really think about when we think of “hedge of thorns”.
I agree with what Mom said about them going to school. If they had never been going to school, then they would have never gone past the hedge and thus saved themselves from much pain. It is a bittersweet situation. Yes, they should be educated, but at what price?? Obviously, his desire to get over the hedge exceeded his desire to go to school and learn.
Now about the hedge… when he described the hedge of parents, did you get a visual on that?? I did. My first thought or what I pictured was of me walking down a lane and above me my parents leaning towards each other from each side making a “hedge” about me. You may not be able to picture that, but I can see it very clearly in my mind’s eye.
John really got the point of what parents are on earth for. They are our hedge sent from heaven to keep us on the right path and guide on it.
John really played on
Something I have learned as the oldest in a family is that being the oldest you set the tone most of the time for your sibling’s attitude and disobedience or obedience. It is a very hard job to be the oldest. You have to watch yourself in everything you do and say.
Now, I know that
And again, like Mom said… why did he feel so strongly that he needed to get through the hedge?? Why was it so important that he get through??
When he was describing the hedge and what was on the other side, I did not get the feeling that it was something he coveted. I just felt that it was something he was curious about. I wonder what turned it into something that he just HAD to get through. Had someone told him something?? I mean, you don’t just want something that bad over nite.
What do you think of his having cut through the hedge?? When did he do that?? Was it before or after Mrs. Waring had already told him not to mess with the hedge?? How far do you think he had cut into it?? And can you imagine little
What really struck me was that John pushed her through when she wouldn’t go. He actually pushed her into the thorns that stabbed her face. He shoved her into them.
Obviously his love for finding out what was on the other side of the hedge was stronger than his love and caring for
That must have really been hard when he realized that when he pushed her that she stopped moving. I wonder what was going through his mind when he realized what he had done. Was he inwardly smacking himself for being so selfish as little
I can’t imagine what was going through his head when he pulled her out. Not knowing if she was alive or dead. What would you have done when you saw
So
Now, from reading this book, you don’t get a very deep picture of John’s mother. So being a mom, what would have been going through your mind when you see your son carrying your limp daughter’s body, screaming?? I would probably be freaking out. Running out to them, screaming, scared to death.
So John walks to the house by himself probably in the depths of despair, kicking himself for doing that to
John seems like the kinda of boy that would be willing and eager for his punishment. So how do you think not being punished made him feel?? Being the oldest I can totally understand what he is feeling. He is being made to watch his sister suffer for his disobedience and selfishness. I have gone through that before and it is NOT the best thing. It tears at you, you wish you could go back in time and redo what you did.
Then when his father comes home and he is waiting for the tongue lashing and it never comes because his father is too heartbroken over what happened. That is really something. Obviously his father knew that it would be more beneficial for John have to wait and see him mourn over his daughter than to admonish John for his sins.
Well… these are my thoughts on the book. What do you think happens next?? I stopped myself from reading further because I didn't want to get too far ahead... haha. I would probably read the whole book in one sitting.
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DISCUSSION: Chapters 4-7: We will be reading chapters 4- 7 and discussing it next Wednesday. You may read it as you wish, but please don't include it in your discussion this week; I hate spoilers! :)
DISCUSSION: NOTE: Please feel free to post your discussion here in the comments section. Post it on your blog too, by all means, but it will be easier to discuss it right here on this blog. I will be getting a Mr. Linky for you to link any other posts or projects you may do, but the discussion will be great in the comments section! I am not sure if Amanda and I will continue to do 2 different posts, itjust worked out better this way this time, but please post your discussion on either. Thanks!
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