Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
© Kathy Kehrli
As a child, I whiled away many an hour, enchanted in the world of a good book. It wasn’t uncommon, over the course of a summer vacation, that I would accumulate a reading list in excess of thirty books. In particular, I especially loved any story whose main focus was on animals. Black Beauty, Where the Red Fern Grows and The Mouse and the Motorcycle all ranked high on my list, but it was E.B. White’s beloved Charlotte’s Web that became one of my all-time favorites.
A tale of unconditional, selfless love, its beauty lies in its simplicity. Yet underneath its basic exterior lurks a memorable cast of characters and an unforgettable lesson about life. Among its recognizable cast members are: a stuttering goose, who serves as a constant reminder to Wilbur’s imminent demise; Templeton, the incorrigible rat, whose base instinct for food makes him an easy target for bribery; Wilbur, the "Terrific," "Radiant," "Humble" pig, whose natural desire for companionship earns him the most unlikely of loyal friends; and Charlotte herself, an ordinary gray spider whose devotion transcends the realm of the extraordinary. In a dreary barn cellar, the most illuminating of relationships begins, where one random act of kindness saves a lonely pig’s life and one relationship is forged that even death itself cannot sever.
Yes, Charlotte’s Web teaches its lesson well, enchanting both young and old alike. And, in a day and age where it’s "every man for himself," it’s sometimes nice to lose yourself once again in a timeless classic that never grows old in its basic message of love. "It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both." It is rare when a book comes along that makes you laugh and cry, all at the same time. Charlotte’s Web does both.
Best places to buy this book online (from BookFinder.com) Note: Prices are subject to change
1. Paperback (Used) Half.com $0.75
2. Paperback (New) eCampus.com $2.50
3. Hardcover (New) Amazon.com $5.35
Be sure to check out the online auctions, too. Name your price! Also, try your local library, where every book is free!
Coming October 16: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
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