Claude

Is the stray symbolic of Claude? What is the purpose of the stray? Why is Claude so incensed by the stray? If the stray is the ghost of Forte like Edgar suggests, then that ties in well with the ghost/reincarnation aspect of this story and its relation to Hamlet.

Syntax Choices

I really enjoyed how Edgar's memories of his childhood were quickly and succinctly shared with the reader. I also like the clever choice of not putting Edgar's words in quotations. We are to assume he is signing.......

Edgar's Uncle

Wow - What is Claude's motivation in telling Edgar the story of Forte? Is it just to make Gar look bad? Why share that with his impressionable son? This story definately establishes immeditate characterization.

Meeting Edgar's family

I loved loved loved the chapter told from Almondine's perspective. It was touching and fresh. Is the miscarriage too much for 8th graders to handle? We read "The Giver" and there is euthanasia.....hmmmmm something to think about.

Beginning Edgar Sawtelle

Wow, just the beginning of this novel provides lush language. The setting and imagery are so layered with dripping prose. I think the exposition could be challenging for my students but with annotations and a lot of class discussion we can get through the prologue and introduction of the Sawtelle family. I love the indirect characterization of Edgar's parents. The way they playfully discuss their first encounter establishes character in a subtle way.

Some Reviews of the Novel

"I flat-out loved The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. In the end, this isn't a novel about dogs or heartland America, it's a novel about the human heart and the mysteries that live there, understood but impossible to articulate.... I don't reread many books because life is too short. I will be re-reading this one." —Stephen King, author of Under The Dome

The most enchanting debut novel of the summer... this is a great, big, mesmerizing read, audaciously envisioned as classic Americana.... Pick up this book and expect to feel very, very reluctant to put it down. — Janet Maslin, New York Times

The Great American Novel is something like a unicorn – rare and wonderful.... Yet every few years or so, we trip across some semblance of one.... The Story of Edgar Sawtelle... [will] leave you crying for more.... — Elle Magazine, June 2008

This novel is being called the new great American novel - what an exciting this to teach!

First Book Assignment

I've been dying to teach "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" by David Wroblewski. This book spoke to me on many levels and I think my students would find in endearing and moving. I listened to it the first time around and am excited to read it. I think the process of reading it will bring me a different kind of enjoyment. It's in the running for 8th grade. There is some questionable language but I think it can be overlooked due to the depth of the content. I'm excited to talk about it.