Of Pigs and Spiderwebs

We are reading E.B. White's Charlotte's Web. Bridget received a copy of the book for Christmas, and she was also given a CD recording of the book made by the author.

I forgot how much I loved this book as a child. As an adult, White's simple descriptions bring me right back to the barn of my childhood- and to the joy of reading a great story for the first time. I love rereading the first description of the Zuckerman barn- the smells are so vivid I am nearly there. Fern's milking stool had a mate in my parents' barn- as a child, I think I loved Charlotte's Web not just because it was a wonderful book, but also because I understood the scenes and the language of the barn and the farm.

I love the recording, too. E.B. White has a way of speaking that also evokes childhood memories- his speech is that of a northern New Englander. Some phrasings remind me of my Dad, others of my brother or uncles. He sounds like a man who loves solitude, who loves nature and family- and for whom, those things are enough.

I am glad to have been blessed with this book twice. I hope Bridget reaps as much joy from it as I have.