The Penderwicks discussion thread (Feb. '06)

[Caryl]

Here is our discussion thread for The Penderwicks, one of our two February group reads. As always, be cautious of reading the posts below if you haven't finished, as they may contain spoilers.

[jennifershepard]

Last week I finished reading The Penderwicks, and I thought it was incredibly charming with a timeless quality that reminded me of many of my favorite childhood reads (The Boxcar Children, Betsy-Tacy, The All-of-a-Kind Family, and The Great Brain series). Even so, as an adult, I wonder if I need a new framework by which to evaluate children's books. I found the cliffhanger ending for almost every chapter--even though not nearly as dramatic as, oh, say The Davinci Code--to be somewhat annoying. With such a delightful book does the reader really need to be coaxed to turn the page and read another chapter?

Nevertheless, the Penderwick's adventures were engaging. Except for the stereotypically drawn Mrs. Tifton (as evil) and Mr. Penderwick (as the absentminded, Latin quoting professor), I loved the girls, especially Jane and the mystery series she was writing and living aloud.