Monday, November 26, 2012

Chapter Book Update: Misty of Chincoteague, Part 2


We are just about finished with Misty of Chincoteague now and I'm happy to report that the Buddy has really been enjoying it.  Usually when we start a new chapter book, particularly if it's a bit of a slow starter, I will be the one suggesting that we read another chapter every night.  When she starts to pick it out herself or if she asks for "just one more chapter please" then I know she's gotten into the story.  Today we read Chapter 17--only one more until the end.  When we were done, she closed the book and said, "I will be sad to leave this book."  Cool--to me that means she really loves it.  

I read Misty as a kid but didn't remember the exact story.  It's very good...slightly improbable, but still really good.  The writing does sound a bit old-fashioned but there are beautiful passages that are timeless.  The age of the book does show itself at certain points, with a few references to how only men can do this or that, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this isn't much of an issue by the end of the book.  Maureen is just as much a part of the acquisition and training of Phantom and Misty as her brother Paul, and it's only luck that ensures that Paul rides the Phantom in the big race.  The Buddy was absolutely enthralled by certain parts of the story, particularly when Paul is in the trailer with Misty and Phantom during a big storm and tries to get them to eat from his hand, and of course Phantom's race at the end.  When she figured out that Phantom won, she shouted "YAY!"  

I'm really glad we stuck with this one.  Even if it did make the Buddy decide that she wants to get her own pony!

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