Play Book Tag discussion

8-year-old Fern falls in love with an adorable piglet, the runt of the litter, that she promptly names Wilbur. Fern pleads with her father that Wilbur be allowed to live and not go the way of the other pigs he's raised. Wilbur is sent to live in her uncle's barn where the little pig becomes a favorite of the other animals especially of Charlotte, an incredibly wise spider. When Wilbur learns what becomes of most farm pigs he pleads with Charlotte to help save his life. With incredible dexterity Charlotte begins to spin words into her web: "Some Pig", "Terrific", "Radiant" and "Humble". The mystery of how the words appear become the talk of the small town as well as the county fair. Charlotte's love of Wilbur does spare his life and in return Wilbur helps his friend to fulfill her own destiny.

Such a lovely story of friendship, love and loyalty! I had never read this before and was a tad reluctant as I knew it had some sad undertones. For that same reason I have never, and will never read "Old Yeller" or "Where the Red Fern Grows". I think the sadness in this book was handled well in that it was presented as a natural part of life. I listened to the audio which was read by the author which at first I didn't think I would care for his reading voice. After awhile his charming New York accent won me over as well as the voice he used for the excitable gander.

I loved this so much. It was the first time I remember having my heart broken by a book and how the power of books could evoke such intense feelings. I can remember my mom asking, "What's wrong?" and I sobbed "the spider died." She reminded me we killed spiders every day. Now, when it's necessary, a tiny piece of me apologizes to Charlotte.