The World According to Garp

In my quest to read/listen to the classics, I have chosen this book based on a recommendation by my husband, a former English major. The book was written in 1978 and touches on many issues important to the times - feminism and roles of women and men. I have to admit, the book is a little strange, and not one of my very favorites. I had a hard time really liking Garp, who is at the center of the book. I also have to admit that even though I wasn't crazy about the book, it did hold my attention - all 17 CD's worth! Supposedly it's classic literature, and I would agree that it is very well written. But some of the topics and descriptions were a little risque for me. I have a hard time imagining reading this book as a part of a high school or even college English course.

Nothing But the Truth

My son, Eric, came home all excited about the book his seventh grade
teacher was reading aloud to the class - "Nothing But the Truth" byAvi. He said it was a documentary novel, something I had not heard of before. Eric encouraged me to read the book, so I did.

The story moves quickly because it is told through short pieces of texts
such as school memos, written conversations (like a play), newspaper
reports, and brief scene descriptions. This is the story of a ninth
grade boy who loves to run and plans on trying out for the track team,
until he realizes his low grade in English will prevent this from
happening. He blames the low grade on the teacher, and he makes plans
to get himself removed from her class. When the Star Spangled Banner is
played over the loud speaker each morning, he hums or sings quietly,
even though students are expected to be quiet and respectful. This
action gets him in trouble and eventually suspended. The story is
reported in the newspaper that a local boy is kicked out for singing
the National Anthem. Soon the whole thing is blown out of proportion,
and no one can tell what is the real truth.

Eric and I had an interesting discussion about the way each person has their own version of the truth, and there is no real truth. We also talked about how one
different decision by the main characters, and this story would have
changed drastically. All in all, I give it two thumbs up.