Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Because of Winn-Dixie - Kate DiCamillo


Are there books that take you back to your childhood? Those books that you cherished, read time and time again, and possibly saved? Those books that you would, if you want children, love to share with your children?

I have always been an avid reader. I recently shared the Ruth Chew books with my daughter. She didn't love them as I once did, but she did enjoy them. Unlike my childhood self, she doesn't truly have a favorite book, except for Because of Winn-Dixie.

Many people saw and loved the movie. At the time of its publication, many read the book. For all those who have not read it, it is worth a read. For all who have read it, it is worth reading again.

Winn-Dixie is a dog - an unattractive dog of unknown age and breed. He befriends Opal shortly after she and her father arrive in their new town. Opal can identify with Winn-Dixie, they are both motherless, friendless, and seemingly alone.

Because of Winn-Dixie, all of this changes. Winn-Dixie helps Opal learn about her family, herself, and the town. Together they open their hearts to the various characters of the book - each with a story to tell.

The book is about friendship, love, discovery, laughter, tears, and the idea that people are multidimensional. Opal learns that love is more than a list of things. It is much bigger and is about the entirety of a being, the good and the bad.

For my daughter, this is a text form of comfort food. She took it to first grade when she was asked to bring in her favorite book; she reads it on airplanes; and she has parts of it memorized. I too have read it numerous times. It has yet to lose its charm.

Because of Winn-Dixie is a book that can be red and loved by readers (and non-readers) of all ages. If my daughter were to have kids, I know that she would want to share this book with them. I know that she would want to share it with you.

And if you don't want to read it based on that review, how can you resist Winn-Dixie himself!

The movie is good, but the book is wonderful.

6 comments:

armalicious said...

Wow! First grade! I'm so happy that your daughter can read this type of book in first grade! You have no idea.

It has definitely been awhile since I've read this book and now need to add it to my re-read list. Thank you for sharing!!

C said...

Oh, I LOVED this book, too! :) It's so sweet. Yeah, they did a decent job on the movie - quite good in fact - but the book is still better. :)

Funny that I would read this today, because I decided to launch Mollusc (12) on Ender's game today. It's one of my all-time faves.

Free fer all Paul said...

The Winn-Dixie up from the road from my house has a bunch of retards working at it.

Dr. Kenneth Noisewater said...

Are you a speed reader??

The Exception said...

It is truly a great bok. She read it again at the end of this summer - last week. It is still her favorite.

I am not a speed reader though I do read a lot.

Anonymous said...

http://eekshop.com
If all your family members worry about what will probably have be and wonder what obligated have been,all your family members not only can they ignore what is the reason that ~Author Unknown