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Friday, September 21, 2007

Bridge to Terabithia, by Katherine Patterson

(I read a lot during my blogging fast. Can you tell? I have a stack of books I intend to review.) My sister-in-law gave me the book and movie, Bridge to Terabithia, for my birthday this year. I had never read the book (and I still haven't watched the movie as I'm waiting to watch it with her) therefore I was very excited to receive it!

I was dutifully warned that I might not like the book because the ending is so sad. It is very true that the ending is sad (I bawled) but it is not true that I did not like the book.

Jess Aarons' makes friends with the "new girl in town", Leslie, despite the fact that she's uncool and it's rather socially unacceptable to make friends with someone of the opposite sex. (Of course I guess its still somewhat social unacceptable and frequently socially stupid -- haha! There. I've given you something to fume about now, haven't I?) Nevertheless, they make friends and create an imaginary realm called Terabithia wherein they are king and queen and rule over all things well. It's a charming little imaginative tale.

Their friendship is deep and true. They both seemed to have a hint of a sarcastic sense of humor which, I found, made them particularly loveable characters. They love doing everything together. It just so happens that the one day Jess goes off to do something by himself, Leslie is killed in an accident. I knew it was coming but as I was unfamiliar with the story, I wasn't sure what to expect. Even though I knew the ending, it still knocked the wind out of me. Jess' emotions were very easy to predict and to feel and that caused the tears to fall. I can only imagine what my reaction will be to the movie!

I'd heartily recommend this book to anyone as it is deep and sweet. It is a most memorable tale and I'm glad to know it, despite the ending.

Thanks, J, for the gift of it!

4 comments:

Literary Feline said...

I will be reading this one before the year is out. Like you, I have yet to see the movie. I am glad you enjoyed it so much. I am looking forward to reading it.

Petunia said...

I enjoyed the book and I loved the movie. Did you know it was written about the author's son and his friend? And the movie was produced by the son. He did an amazing job. I'm sure you will love it too.

Mikaila said...

I read this book when I was much younger and loved it. I should pull it out and read it again. I, too, cried and cried. I have heard the movie is NOTHING like the book so am reluctant to watch it (lest it "ruin" the story) so if you do watch it, let me know what you think, ok?

Sarah M. said...

I have to disagree on this one... I read this book in early high school and HATED it. I have never had the desire to pick it up and re-read it. When the movie came out I just rolled my eyes at the preview. They made it look like something it wasn't. Ugh.

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