Et cetera : What We're Reading: Tuck Everlasting

Who in the world (besides me) hasn't read 'Tuck Everlasting?' I was given this book recommendation by a friend and am SO GLAD I read it! The premise is based on folklore, but while reading I forgot that it wasn't actually a non-fiction book written long ago! Sometimes, I like a gentle, folksy tale among all the sleek modern books of real life.

In this book we meet Winnie, a young girl of 10 from a wealthy family and at the moment, bored with life in general. As she tells the fat toad in front of her home, "Look here, toad, I don't think I can stand it much longer." For Winnie, you see, has decided to run away. Winnie is an only child, and has not only two devoted parents, but also a live-in grandmother who does more than her share of Winnie-watching and correcting. Winnie's home is described as looking like a 'touch-me-not' house, surrounded by a yard of very short grass and an iron fence. Next to the house is Treegap Wood, also owned by Winnie's wealthy family. These woods are important, because as the author says, 'The wood was at the center' (of the story), 'the hub of the wheel.'

I especially loved the word pictures created by the author's descriptions; the woods, the sunsets, and the lake are all flawlessly captured, making the story timeless. Young Winnie discovers a secret spring, capable of giving those who drink from it eternal life. Now she must decide if 'eternal life is a blessing or a curse.'

If you have not enjoyed this book before, or even if you have, I recommend strongly that you visit the Vinton Public Library and check it out. Goodreads rated it at 4.91 out of 5, but I think it is worth a higher score. Read it and decide for yourself!

Relax and read,

~Connie