Friday, October 7, 2011
Socks for Supper
I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that Jack Kent's Socks for Supper played a role in shaping who I am today. I have no idea how many zillions of times I've read that book, but the evidence of all those readings is clear from the binding. I have other books from my childhood I repeatedly read and the constant love is evident, but looking at Socks for Supper the boundaries between love and abuse blur, though I've always treated the book with reverence. It has simply been read more times than it was designed to do and literally is hanging together by several threads. The story is simple: poor turnip farmers dream of milk and cheese and ask the dairy farmers down the road to trade milk and cheese for the socks the woman knits from her husband's sweater. I don't want to spoil the ending for anyone who hasn't read it, but it's seriously sweet and the book message is one of compassion and selflessness. I should probably get around to duct taping it soon because my kids love it as much as I did.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Oh my gosh, my kids (and I) loved this book! I must have read it to them 100 times. I had forgotten all about it. It really is an inspiring story. Thanks for the memory. Brings back my kids in their pajamas curled up on the couch with me.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading this at your house when we were little! It's a classic, thanks for reminding me :)
ReplyDeleteGlad this book brought up so many good memories. I'll have to think about other classics from my youth...
ReplyDelete