Congratulations to all of you who joined the challenge, even if you don’t finish. It was a fun challenge and I have and will continute to enjoy reading all of your historical fiction reviews!
To see my origional post and find out more about this challenge, please gohere.
Copyright 2007-2010: All the posts within this blog were originally posted by Teddy Rose and should not be reproduced without express written permission.
This short story appearing in The New Yorker on September 17, 2007. Thanks to Wendy at Caribousmomfor reviewing this story and bringing it to my attention.
The narrator of the story reminiscences about growing up with his “impossible” to know father. Around 1956 his father lost his job and became a shoe salesman, which he hated. He bought a house in disrepair without consulting his wife.
He joined up with some men who decided to perform a minstrel show. His solo rehearsal started at home, making his wife play piano for him. After awhile he started making up his face in the traditional black and called himself Mr. Bones. He became Mr. Bones, to the horror of his family and would not take anything seriously. He teased his family members mercilessly and would not address real household concerns.
The story touches on themes of race and a dysfunctional family life. This was a kind of bizarre story, but I quite liked it. The writing was rich and immersed the reader in the story.
To read the full short story, go here or click on the picture.
Copyright 2007-2010: All the posts within this blog were originally posted by Teddy Rose and should not be reproduced without express written permission.
Written for Young Adults, but Just as Engaging for Adults
The year is 1925 in small town Tennessee. The school year is winding down and the children are excited about having a laid back summer. However, when it comes to the towns peoples attention that the science teacher, J. T. Scopes taught Darwin’s theory of evolution in class, he is arrested and the children realize it won’t be the same summer they planned after all.
The title Ringside is quite accurate, as the town turns into a virtual circus for the trail with nationwide publicity: reporters, lawyers, scientists, religious leaders, and tourists.
The only drugstore in town orders in all kinds of monkey memorabilia to sell and even rents a real monkey to sell the items. Many of the towns people also cash in by setting up tables outside the courthouse to sell food and all kinds of things.
Some of the friendships in town became strained because of the differing point of views. In the end, some friends were able to come to terms with their differences and even see their friend’s point of view but a few could not.
Bryant tells the story from the town’s people’s and reporter’s point of view, each narrating in turn. By writing it this way, we really get to know the town and all it’s people, both it’s children and adults with differing point of view.
She writes in fresh lyrical prose. This small and fast paced book really packs a punch. Both children and adults will learn more about the real life Scopes trial while being thoroughly entertained at the same time.
I loved this book and highly recommend it!
5/5
A special thanks to Jen Bryant for sending me a copy of this extraordinary book!
Note: If you have also reviewed this book, please feel free to post your link in the comments. I will then add it to the end of my review.
Copyright 2007-2010: All the posts within this blog were originally posted by Teddy Rose and should not be reproduced without express written permission.
Thanks to Anne over at Reading Writing and Ranting for hosting this challenge.
