Tuck Everlasting

Something about this book is very haunting. It's a children's book, but I think I would hesitate before having a child read it. I kept thinking about what eternal life on earth would be like, and to be honest, it seems like quite a hellish thing. But the characters are sweet and they have quite an adventure.

The length of this review is going to be relative to the length of this book, short. This is one of those cases where I saw the movie first because Alexis Bledel in the early 2000s? Of course I'm going to watch it. Thanks to that gem, I did not know that Winnie is actually only 10 years old in the book. So I was like, “Oh, the story must be completely different then.” Haha no, sweetie. The hundred and something year old man who looks to be 17 still asks a 10 year old to marry him. Okay. I know that when this book was published in the 70s, there was a lot more latchkey kids and parents oblivious to the serial killers running rampant, but that plot point is creepy now and I'm willing to bet it was creepy then. And if not, shame on everyone. I UNDERSTAND that this dude wants some action and has been alone for 100 years, but telling a 10 year old you just met to become immortal and marry you when she's 17 is creep city and I couldn't get behind it.

Otherwise, interesting storyline. Loved Winnie's obsession with the frog, that was honestly my favorite part. And it is a storyline that made me think. Unfortunately, I think the creative liberties the movie took actually made this story way better. I just didn't vibe with the Tuck family in the book, but Winnie was sweet and deserves the world. Anyway, 2/5 stars because proposing marriage to children is creepy.

Would I recommend?
It's a v v quick read (I read it in a couple hours) if you want to check this classic off your list. Otherwise, meh.

Listened to the audiobook

A short, quaint book. Although a middle reader book, the writing style gives the impression of a bygone era and, especially through the experiences of the Tucks, a timeless quality that you long for. The book's ending and main message is an interesting one. I have always wanted to be young forever and never die, not necessarily because I am afraid of death, but rather, I believe we experience so little in this life and I would love to experience more. I suppose the author is trying to say that we can experience more and live life to the fullest, if only we but live our one life. I don't know if I believe that, however it is an interesting viewpoint.

That being said, the book was well written. The ending was an interesting way to end the book as the Tucks live on and Winnie does not choose to drink of the water. A fun, quick read of a book that inspired a great movie adaptation.

Quotes:

“Don't be afraid of death; be afraid of an unlived life. You don't have to live forever, you just have to live.”

SPOILER ALERT

Natalie Babbitt took me to another world in this book, a world where I could easily believe a family could drink from a remote spring and live forever, a world where a lonely girl finds an unexpected family and is stronger as a result. Her book is, oddly, a fantasy that is also one of the most realistic fiction books I've ever read.

I love this story. It really gives you something to think about. On one hand, it is saying, life is precious, don't be too hasty to take it. On the other hand, living on forever without change isn't great either so some death is necessary. Growing old and dying isn't the worst thing that can happen. Dying before having the chance to live is a lot worse and living an empty life is unforgivable.