By: Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl has written many terrific children's books! His imaginative ideas are fantastic and his stories have always sucked us in. But where did he get his ideas from? What was his childhood like? In this personal memoir, Roald Dahl shares these answers with us. Starting with some of his father's history, Boy tells the story of Roald Dahl's life into adulthood.
This book was fantastic! I've never had a thing against biographies, but like a lot of people I lean towards fiction. But if I'm going to read autobiographical books, I tend to pick up the short stories. I guess in that way, I haven't had to stray too far from preferences, then, for this book as the chapters are really just short stories of significant events throughout the course Mr. Dahl's childhood. I don't know that I would have picked this book up on my own, though. With so many great fiction novels that he has written, I think I always picked one of those and skipped over Boy every time I saw it. I'm glad now that I did read it because I really liked it.
Dahl's stories were both humorous and poignant. I cracked up when he put the rat in the candy jar and even had to chuckle a little at his recounting of his punishment. However, at the same time, the teacher just wanted to cry. Which was an interesting combination of feelings.
However, I think the most meaningful part of this book for me were the circumstances in which I read some of it. I took it with me over Thanksgiving break to read on the flight home. I ended up sleeping most of the way home, but I live four hours from the airport so my mom and I had a long drive ahead of us once she picked me up. About two hours from home, I started nodding off. My mom was driving so to keep myself awake, I started reading Boy to her. After about thirty minutes we switched drivers and she started reading to me. My mom read the chapter entitled "Writing Home," a story of the love between her mother and her child, to me. It ended up being one of my favorite parts of the trip home. I doubt I'll ever forget that chapter of Boy.
On a less emotional note, I also really appreciated that you could see how his life might have influenced his writing. His portrayal of the principal in Matilda makes so much sense after hearing about his headmaster. And that is a more vague connection. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was mentioned directly in his "Chocolate" chapter. All in all, I think this is not only a really fun read, but provides a lot of insight into Roald Dahl as a person and a writer. I highly recommend it!
Hi Ms. Mann. I really enjoyed reading Dahl's memoir too. I agree that understanding the author helps to understand where they get their ideas from. I think that a biography or memoir should be part of an author study if and when we ever have a chance to do one in our future classroom, or during our student teaching. What better way to model to the students that great authors write from their own experiences. Write what you know and make it your own. Your story about how your mom was reading the "Writing Home" chapter while you were driving home. What a special moment for you two. I bet you made Dahl smile! Now, just think of the story you could write that is inspired from the closeness you shared during that moment. Happy Holidays Ms Mann. I hope your next trip home will be full of more wonderful moments.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I probably wouldn't have picked up this book on my own, but I am glad that I did. I have never read much in the way of biography. I am much more of a science fiction/fantasy person. However, I am more open to biography now. Courtney, I loved the story of you and your mom in the car. Thank you for sharing that! I agree with Sharon, I think a memoir should be included in an author study. It just gives such a fresh perspective and insight. Great post Courtney!
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