Dandelions are Bitter...

This is the cover (and back) from my book. What does
yours look like? Bring it with you and we'll compare. 

... so bitter, in fact, that I can't imagine drinking dandelion wine. I do, however, like the metaphor as it's expressed in Ray Bradbury's novel of the same name. We'll be talking about the title of Bradbury's novel and how it relates to the content when we meet on Wednesday, February 3rd.

Typical Bradbury?

Having read some Bradbury in the past, I must say I was surprised by this story. Unlike many of Bradbury's works, which (in my experience) tend to have a Dystopian sci-fi bent, this novel is a classic coming-of-age tale set in an idyllic small town in Illinois.

Of course, there are some trademark Bradbury bits: references to time travel and happiness machines, a feeling of isolation among various characters, and—at times—a sense of suspense and terror. I'm anxious to see what you all think of this title and whether or not it will receive a collective thumbs up, down, or sideways.

In preparation for our meeting, please take some time with one of the Potential Assignments below and come ready to share your thoughts.

Potential Assignments

Option #1: The Lonely One
First: Eeeeeeek! Second: What's up with this storyline? If you read the introduction (does anyone read introductions?) Bradbury claims that there was a Lonely One in his childhood in Waukegan. So... was there? Do a little research and see if you find any record of such a criminal in or around Bradbury's childhood town back in 1928. Beyond that, though, see if you can figure out what role this psychokiller plays in the narrative. Is there a reason for this character's inclusion? How does this storyline affect the others?

Option #2: The Ravine
One location that pops up repeatedly in the book is the ravine. How is the ravine described? Where is it located in town? What happens there? And the million dollar question: what does it represent?

Option #3: Old Age
For a book about a twelve-year-old boy's summer, there are sure a lot of old people in this novel. What purpose do these characters serve? Choose at least two of the older characters and explain how they help to illuminate Douglas's story.

Option #4: Pick a Theme, Any Theme
Death. Aging. Family. Friendship. Time. Happiness. Change. Choose one of these or one of your own and try to figure out what Bradbury's novel is saying about it. Be ready to support your assertion with a few examples from the book.

Option #5: Quote-o-Rama
Choose a favorite quote (or two), write it down (or mark it in your book so you can find it quickly), and give us your .25-cent analysis of it. Why did you choose it? What made it stand out? What do you think it means? Does it relate to a larger theme in the book? How so? (By the way, we're talking .25-cents in 1928, so that's a $3.50 analysis in today's terms.)