Two Kid Schoolhouse
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Apr. 30, 2007
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Farewell, Swallows and Amazons!
Last night we read the last chapter in the last book of the "Swallows and Amazons" series of books by Arthur Ransome. Great Northern? was, perhaps, my favorite of the books. Maybe that was because it was a bittersweet time, reading the last book of 12. Maybe it was because we'd been to the general location of this book, the island of Skye. Maybe it was just the most exciting!
It took us a long time to get through the series of 12 books. We started in June of 2006. We didn't read too many other "fun" books during that time; I think we took only an occasional break. But sometimes travel, or "school" books, or other things got in the way. We took a break before starting the last book because we just weren't ready for the series to end. It's hard to imagine now that we almost didn't finish the first book. E was a bit put off; there is a lot of technical sailing information at the beginning. But we are so glad we persevered! I don't know how many times E said "I wish Arthur Ransome was still alive so he could write more books!" And we read this one at a very leisurely pace. We could have finished it while on our little trip last week, but left the last chapter till we got home. We were busy on Saturday, and reluctant to finish, so we didn't get back to it right away. But last night after dinner I made some tea - I must drink tea while reading these books - and we read the last little bit. Of course it had a happy ending, but there were tears on my part, and maybe J's too - he was sitting in a way that his face was hidden - on purpose.
It is hard to say goodbye to these books. I know my kids will read them on their own someday. They are written for about ages 9 - 12 to read on their own, but they are long - at least 300 pages - and not always easy going. I think they are much better suited to a family read-aloud.
In a few days, or weeks, or sometime when I have leisure time, I will post mini-reviews of all 12 books, and put up some links to Arthur Ransome sites. And I've updated my sidebar to include a category just for all the posts I've written on the books.
I can't recommend these books highly enough. Except for a few politically incorrect words and characterizations - these books were written in the 1930's, after all - they are wonderful, exciting, uplifting, well-written, happy books. I wish we had read them before our trip to England and Scotland; we would have planned excursions to relevant sites. If we ever go back, we'll do just that. I have a fantasy that someday I'll write a study guide to the books. Hmm...
Please, please, please read these books! |
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Musings of a slacker homeschool Mom
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