When I was 9, or mybe even 8, I read White Fang by Jack London. As I kid I felt so grown up for having read what I considered an “adult book” at that age. In class we could read a book then on the class computer we could take a multiple choice test on it for points. Childrens books were usually 2 or 3 points, but White Fang was 22 points. I don’t remember exactly how I did, but I remember being happy about the score, and I was in the advanced program in elementary school, so I’m assuming I did pretty well. Who knows though.
But anyways, I’m positive that the themes, and motifs, and life lessons, and philosophies in that book went right over my little head. I probably only cared about the mother wolf raising the cubs and White Fang fighting the Bulldog.
Now looking back at it, there’s so much depth. Family bonds, identity, a sense of community, effects of abuse, and on and on. Examining it now as an adult feels like it’s a completely new book, and I wasn’t old enouigh to appreciate it and understand it the way I can now.
That leads to this question. Are there any books that you can appreciate and delve into the layers of more now that you’re older and maybe even wiser?
​
by justkeepbreathing94
2 Comments
I read Pet Sematary in 4th grade. My mom gave me The Hobbit and I blasted through it so I guess the next logical step was Pet Sematary? Scared the shit out of me but I probably didn’t fully appreciate some of the nuances of the suspense.
My English teacher in 7th grade recommended Life of Pi and I couldn’t get through it. I don’t even think I got to the part with the tiger.
When I tried reading it again in college, I found it gripping and couldn’t stop thinking about religion and the meaning of stories for the longest time. I’m always grateful I gave it a second shot.