Two wintry books especially linger in my memory, perhaps because I started off not liking them, then later changed my mind.
I'll admit that the first time I read Gary Paulsen’s novel DOGSONG I was not impressed.
Even though it came with great credentials (it was a 1986 Newbery Honor Book), I did not feel particularly involved with this story of a modern Eskimo boy who makes a journey of self-discovery while preparing for and competing in a sled dog race. The novel seemed too introspective, too laden with native spirituality. I remember setting the book aside and walking outside. I looked down at the snow piled up against the fence and then folded my arms across my chest to fend off the cold.
Then I realized that I wasn’t looking at snow -- I was looking at a bed of white flowers. And it wasn’t cold outside -- it was a hot afternoon in June.
Even though I thought I wasn’t enjoying DOGSONG, Paulsen’s atmospheric writing had cast such a strong spell that, even as I stepped into an eighty-degree afternoon, I somehow remained on that frozen tundra with young Russel Suskitt and his dogs. That moment made me reevaluate both DOGSONG and the power of Paulsen’s prose -- and I came away realizing this author really was something special.
Reading both DOGSONG and WINTERBOUND taught me not to make snap literary judgments. Sometimes a book can cast a quiet, stealthy spell you won’t discover until you find yourself trembling with cold on a June afternoon or staring into the sky, hypnotized by the moon.
DOGSONG
Written by Gary Paulsen
Published by Bradbury Press, 1985
Why the book is collectable:
It was Paulsen’s breakthrough book, which was followed by HATCHET and dozens of other major novels.
It was a Newbery Honor Book.
Will be sought by those who collect books on Eskimos, sled dog racing, and native traditions.
First edition points:
Bound in red fabric and cardboard cover. Price of $11.95 on front flap. Copyright 1985 and print key 5 4 3 2 1 on copyright page.
Difficulty in finding first editions:
Fairly difficult to find. In fact, none are currently listed for sale on ABEbooks. I would imagine a first edition in very good condition could run $75-$150 or more, but that’s just a guess.
WINTERBOUND
Written by Margery Bianco
Decorations by Kate Seredy
Viking, 1936
Why the book is collectable:
It was a Newbery Honor Book.
Will be sought by those who collect books by Bianco or the illustrated works of Kate Seredy.
Might be considered an early feminist book, especially with regard to sister Garry who, like many of the older girls and women in Bianco’s young adult novels, does not represent typically female stereotypes of the era.
First edition points:
Bound in blue cloth with evocatively illustrated endpaper. My copy is price clipped but the number 1215 is at the bottom of the front flap. The date MCMXXXVI is on the title page with “First published October 1936” on the verso.
Difficulty in finding first editions:
Though nearly fifty years older than DOGSONG, this novel remains a fairly easy and inexpensive “find,” with copies available for $20-$50.
3 comments:
Peter You should publish your blog it is a must read daily. Keep your phone current you never know when you may find yourself in another snow storm! I went immediately to find my copy of Hitty Her First Hundred Years which I purchased in 1980 for $4.75 which I thought a fortune for an old USED book! It began my passion for childrens books.
Marilyn
Peter,
I really enjoy reading your entries as you have such an eloquent way with words. Thank you. While I can relate to your white knuckle experience of 2 hour drive home in the snow, I am impressed by your ability to practice alchemy....transforming this stress into beauty. Cheers!
CK of BB turned me onto your blog and I am grateful.
Kim
The permanence of the internet makes this kind of joke even more amusing. I just saw this today, and it wasn't until the photo was MENTIONED in the post that I looked at it closely and scrolled back up to the date to see if it was an AF.
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