Monday, December 21, 2009

Recommended reading: The Wanderer

Sharon Creech is OFFICIALLY one of my favorite authors.

I just finished reading The Wanderer. What a beautiful story! In this book The Wanderer is a boat, but the real wanderer in the story is the main character Sophie. She and her uncles and cousins go on a journey across the sea, but the real journey is in Sophie herself.

It came as no surprise to me that I loved The Wanderer so much. But the reason I've moved Sharon Creech up a notch on my favorite authors scale is because of her ability to make me crave reading books (specifically, her books) that are outside my favorite genre. If you were to ask me what my favorite genre to read is, I would say something like "speculative fiction with sci fi and/or fantasy elements." The Wanderer has neither. But Sharon Creech's storytelling draws me in, makes me feel like I'm part of the story. Her writing is poetic (even when she's not writing in verse), her imagery is stunning, she really digs into the hearts of her characters. Ah, to be able to accomplish the same with my own words!

If you're needing an idea for a book to read and you've never read The Wanderer, run out and buy it (or check it out at the library) and get lost at sea with Sophie and her family. You won't regret it!

6 comments:

  1. Wow--I've not read this one yet. I loved LOVE THAT DOG, though--one of the best books ever!

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  2. What a great recommendation! I haven't read The Wanderer and will put it on my list. I love Sharon Creech too.

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  3. THanks for the recommendation!

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  4. beth--LOVE THAT DOG is one of my favorites. Have you read HATE THAT CAT? It's wonderful too!

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  5. I was just at the library looking at her books. I haven't read anything by her yet, but next time I'm there I'll pick one up!

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  6. Sherrie, I'm trying to think of which one to recommend you read first. Hmm... If you like novels in verse (and even if you don't!), then maybe you should start with Love that Dog. Or Heartbeat. If you'd rather read something in prose, then...I guess anything else by her would be a good choice. I love, love, love The Wanderer. Walk Two Moons is really good too.

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