Michelle in AL Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 Has anyone read this? I'm prereading it for a lit class I'll teach next yr. I'm only on p 100. So far, I would say the story is engaging and entertaining, but I wouldn't classify it as "beautiful" writing. It's listed on many top 100 books to read. If you've read it, how did you like this book? What did you get out of it? Is there a better, more beautiful King Arthur tale? Thanks in advance! Michelle in AL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 Ahhh, but you must finish it in order to truly appreciate it. I love this book.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amtmcm Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 It was required reading for me in 8th grade. I remember really liking it which was saying a lot since I'm not a big reader. For some reason it stuck with me and I even repurchased it this year just to have on hand for my DD to read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SusanAR Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 This is one of my ds's favorites SusanAR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petepie2 Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 I had to read this for my summer reading for my 9th grade honor's english class......I remember enjoying the book and so did others in my class.... I also had to read "Lost Horizon" and "Across Five Aprils" that summer....I can't believe I remember that....that was over 20 years ago! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reya Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 The point of the book is a political commentary on various systems of govt. I happened to dislike it intensely. I'd be interested to know how well you like it after the unicorn scene.... :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 The first book is quite different in style from the later books. I have given 'The Sword in the Stone' to Calvin to read, but I am waiting until he is very much older (adult?) before suggesting the rest of the books. The unicorn scene.... I've never been able to bring myself to reread it. TH White wrote a very interesting account of his trying to train a goshawk by medieval methods. It's not an optimistic read, but the detail is fascinating. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dymphna57 Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 I think it is a great retelling of the Arthur legend for children but I read it as an adult and loved it. Can't say I had a problem with anything in it but I have the type of memory that gently lays aside the bad. I can also recommend the Mary Stewart Merlin trilogy for you to read but again I read this as an adult. It is a different take. My ds and I had lots of great discussions after he read both. He was probably 10th-11th grade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peek a Boo Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 DS read this one and is starting on The Crystal Cave next. we're reading it *precisely* because it deals with political commentary on various systems of govt. He was especially interested in reading it when he saw the bad guy on X-men reading it in his plastic prison ;) Watership Down is another political commentary on various forms of gvt. It's got some gory scenes tho. But so do various forms of gvt ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle in AL Posted March 22, 2009 Author Share Posted March 22, 2009 Yes, I heard it's a progranda piece that deals with Hitler. I can see the Gov't symbolism in the ant community for sure. It is getting better I must say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 I especially like the ending, so wouldn't want to spoil your read by commenting further on the book.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Wise Bauer Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 One of my all-time favorites. There's some political commentary, but to say that it's "about" politics reduces a complex and fascinating work to flatness: politics is one facet of the might vs. right, ideal vs. possible, dream vs. real that THW explores. SWB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peela Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 I prefer the Crystal Cave myself, but that is the book I was assigned in school, and it started a lifelong love of Arthurian things, so I am prejudiced. My kids are both reading Sword in the Stone at the moment and neither is hed over heels about it at all, although I think they are enjoying it ok. I read the first few chapters and was happy to stop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peek a Boo Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 There's some political commentary, but to say that it's "about" politics reduces a complex and fascinating work to flatness: politics is one facet of the might vs. right, ideal vs. possible, dream vs. real that THW explores. SWB yeah... icing on the cake ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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