Should have read classics discussion

This is the children's group read for August. Please remember to post spoilers if the month is early. Due to the fact that most of these books are not long, I'm only going to give it one thread, if that runs into problems then I can amend that. Thanks and happy reading!

I am so happy to read this again...I hope others will read and comment...

I'm looking forward to it also!

I am several chapters in...and it is just like meeting an old friend! I just love Mary's gradual transformation from contrary and yellow, to more thoughtful and healthy and rosy. It is interesting how she gladly tells people she is "getting fatter". I am sure no child of this generation would say that proudly. And, just like Mary, I love Dickon!

so this book was so intresting to read, all so to see a sassy child to growen up to find the real happiness.

I am glad that I read it, enjoy it.

I never read this one before, so it was a real treat. It's so sweet!

What was everyone's favorite part? Did you have a character that you enjoy?

My favorite part is when all 3 children are in the garden daily, getting fresh air, playing, and eating Susan Sowerby' s milk and buns, getting stronger, and all of the descriptions of the beautiful garden.

When my kids were young, I read many classics, such as The Wizard of Oz, Stuart Little, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, aloud to them. This book made me wonder if younger kids today would appreciate it. What do you think? Would today's youth appreciate The Secret Garden and its message, or have things changed too much for them to appreciate it?

Great question Mo. I think youth today would still appreciate the book; although, fully appreciating the author's message when they are raised in a different culture and time...well, that might be lost on many kids today.

I am not too far into my reread of The Secret Garden. I can say that I didn't remember the seriousness of the parental neglect toward Mary. No wonder she doesn't know how to love. I was actually surprised that she comes around as quickly as she does.

I watched a movie version of this with my boys a few years back and surprisingly they hated it! I would have to agree with them that it was too slow moving...it didn't do the story justice quite frankly and now they want nothing to do with actually reading the book.

Mo wrote: "When my kids were young, I read many classics, such as The Wizard of Oz, Stuart Little, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, aloud to them. This book made me wonder if younger kids today would ap..."

I recommended this one to my nine year old daughter and she got about a 1/4 of the way through it and then informed me that it was too sad and she didn't want to read it any more.

I think the lack of action would be hard for many kids today. I'm not sure that they could easily relate to such a slow moving story. I would think it would be especially hard for boys to get interested in the story.

I read it aloud to my kids when they were about 11 and 9, my son and daughter. They didn't really like it, and it made me sad. They did love the Tasha Tudor illustrations though!

I am currently reading this to my 3 kids ages 8, 5, 3. The older ones are very into it and ask lots of questions about Mary and her personalities and Colin and dickin and why being out side is making her fat and happy. I've loved the conversations this has started with my kids. We all loved the book!

I have to admire all of you that read this long of a book to your kids! Bravo!

Do you think Mr. Craven deserved redemption after neglecting his son for so long?

Happy to have read this book, 4 stars.

I've always wanted to read but just never make the effort; so I am putting it dow to read this Spring since the title reminds me of Spring gardening!

I really like this book, and plan to read it aloud to my children one day. I think Mary grows so much!