reading (Swallows and Amazons)

I finished the last bits of "Swallows and Amazons" this afternoon after staying up to late last night reading. I started out a bit slow on this book. I think it's because the first paragraph was just too cutesy and it set the tone wrong for me. That said, once the story started to roll properly I came to adore it. I really like how the book and the characters allow reality and play blend and blur without bother.

For years now I've wanted to learn to sail and not wanting to kill myself, I've always had the vision of learning in a boat about the size of the Swallow or the Amazon. I think this book could make anyone want to sail. I like the fact that some of the details of keeping the boat are included.

I like the way Ransome draws his characters and tells the story. For the most part, even the natives are drawn with quick short strokes of the pen. Ransome loves the setting and draws the reader into it, not by preaching, but by allowing it to float by mostly in the background. He gets as much mileage out of his characters flaws as he does their virtue, but it is never mean spirited.

The contrast between the world these kids grew up in and the one today's kids grow up in is startling. "Better drown than duffers. If not duffers won't drown." I don't think many parents today would allow their kids to do nearly as much and the kids certainly wouldn't learn the same kinds of lessons in the course of play. It's really not surprising we have an overpopulation of duffers.

I really can't recommend this book strongly enough for kids and for those who refuse to stop being kids.

37. Arthur Ransome "Swallows and Amazons"

gotta get some sleep

Sunday night I didn't sleep well, too much thinking. Then last night I stayed up well past my bedtime reading, then didn't sleep well at all. I'm not sleeping well with my sweetie gone.

Of course, tonight I get the joy of starting a new books. I will have to rummage through the pile and see what looks interesting.

Work is going along with the usual strangeness of Peak season. I have a ton of things that are lining up to be due before the New Year. There's a good mixture of interesting stuff and the common drudgery, but in total it makes for a lot of work. I'm teaching myself new things on a regular basis, so I'm not complaining.

"I got a smile, for everyone I meet.
As long as you don't try dragging my bay,
or dropping a bomb on my street."