You guys remember this book, right? I had to read this one, I want to say it was fifth or sixth grade. Well, One of the group goals set by Book BFFs was to read a children’s Classic, so I chose to read this one. And let me tell you, Mr. London is a very sick, sick man. The imagery and the way this is laid out was dark and bloody and violent and twisted and I have no idea how they considered this appropriate fodder for children when I was a kid. Then again, it may be a testament to how much things have changed that this is no longer considered appropriate, for fear that people will grow more violent in having read the words.
This book was banned or challenged because, well, because with the main character being a dog and all, it is often classed as Children’s literature. And apparently that is common, as I was still in Elementary school when this was a required reading assignment.
Granted, when I was in elementary school was… Well, a long time ago. Maybe children of my generation were different, able to handle things differently, I do not know. All I know is that I have a 5th grader, and I do not think that he is as yet ready to read this book, That much I can tell you with great certainty.
But the book tells a story of the struggles and triumphs of man and beast to evolve, to grow and to move into another time. Set in the times of the great gold rush, it tells a tale of struggles and triumphs, about the battle to get to the top. It’s worth a read if your sensibilities are not easily offended, because let’s face it, there are lots of dying dogs and it is a very, very violent book.
