Review of Simple Pleasures
Posted: 25 May 2022, 14:27
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Simple Pleasures" by Shirley L. Porter.]
In Simple Pleasures, author Shirley Porter introduces readers to the fun and mischief of five rising fourth graders. The stories are set in a small town (Johnson City, Tennessee) in 1944, just as the school bell rings to signal the beginning of summer vacation. This aptly titled 135-page read was an enjoyable escape to a simpler time, when children were sent out of the house for the day to play with their friends, and their only instructions from their parents (usually their mama) were to be good and come home in time for supper.
Initially, I thought this was a collection for children, as each entry featured a day in the lives of the young classmates. The book included four full-page black-and-white illustrations interspersed throughout the stories, which added a pause and visual representation of the characters and their homes. As I continued reading, however, I noticed I was looking forward with joyful anticipation to the friends’ next adventure and interactions with the grown-ups in town. Told from an omniscient third-person point of view, the stories humorously revealed what the youngsters were thinking versus what they said in a time when children were to be “seen and not heard.” I also enjoyed the mouth-watering descriptions of the meals prepared and the desserts that were always ready for indulgence.
The friends were a diverse group. The twins, Shirley and Sandy, were daughters of the only Black doctor in the area. Always full of questions, they were an interesting mix of privilege and affability. The rest of the group comprised Mary Jo, their dramatic and undisputed leader; B.J., a smart young man who loved bugs and knew when to keep his mouth shut to avoid a confrontation; and Billy Ray, who was fascinated with everything involving airplanes. I appreciated the subtle nod to the different socioeconomic statuses of the group. The playmates noticed how Billy Ray’s house was in disrepair and wondered why his father had never fixed it. Although the twins had a maid, they were as excited as the other kids when their friends stopped by to see if they could come out and play. Mary Jo’s father died in a work accident before she was born, and her mother bought their house with the insurance settlement. B.J. had an entire science lab in his house. I loved how the kids had such fun when they were together and did not think about their differences. The boys and girls were already demonstrating the roles expected of their respective sexes, and their bickering was in good jest.
The only negative aspect of this read was the number of grammatical errors: there were more than ten errors in the first twenty pages. While this was not ideal, it was at least freeing to reach the threshold early and enjoy the rest of the book without needing to stop to highlight errors. I highly recommend professional editing to correct the malapropisms, tense inconsistencies, and other grammatical errors throughout the read.
I rate Simple Pleasures 3 out of 4 stars. The grammatical errors were many, but the tales were so engaging that the reduction of a second star was not warranted. Adults, particularly those who have experienced or heard about small-town living in the South during this time, would enjoy the characters’ summer escapades. This collection would also make a wonderful set of bedtime stories for youngsters interested in a time of simpler summer sabbaticals. The friends continue their midsummer merriment in a sequel to this book, which I look forward to reading.
******
Simple Pleasures
View: on Bookshelves
In Simple Pleasures, author Shirley Porter introduces readers to the fun and mischief of five rising fourth graders. The stories are set in a small town (Johnson City, Tennessee) in 1944, just as the school bell rings to signal the beginning of summer vacation. This aptly titled 135-page read was an enjoyable escape to a simpler time, when children were sent out of the house for the day to play with their friends, and their only instructions from their parents (usually their mama) were to be good and come home in time for supper.
Initially, I thought this was a collection for children, as each entry featured a day in the lives of the young classmates. The book included four full-page black-and-white illustrations interspersed throughout the stories, which added a pause and visual representation of the characters and their homes. As I continued reading, however, I noticed I was looking forward with joyful anticipation to the friends’ next adventure and interactions with the grown-ups in town. Told from an omniscient third-person point of view, the stories humorously revealed what the youngsters were thinking versus what they said in a time when children were to be “seen and not heard.” I also enjoyed the mouth-watering descriptions of the meals prepared and the desserts that were always ready for indulgence.
The friends were a diverse group. The twins, Shirley and Sandy, were daughters of the only Black doctor in the area. Always full of questions, they were an interesting mix of privilege and affability. The rest of the group comprised Mary Jo, their dramatic and undisputed leader; B.J., a smart young man who loved bugs and knew when to keep his mouth shut to avoid a confrontation; and Billy Ray, who was fascinated with everything involving airplanes. I appreciated the subtle nod to the different socioeconomic statuses of the group. The playmates noticed how Billy Ray’s house was in disrepair and wondered why his father had never fixed it. Although the twins had a maid, they were as excited as the other kids when their friends stopped by to see if they could come out and play. Mary Jo’s father died in a work accident before she was born, and her mother bought their house with the insurance settlement. B.J. had an entire science lab in his house. I loved how the kids had such fun when they were together and did not think about their differences. The boys and girls were already demonstrating the roles expected of their respective sexes, and their bickering was in good jest.
The only negative aspect of this read was the number of grammatical errors: there were more than ten errors in the first twenty pages. While this was not ideal, it was at least freeing to reach the threshold early and enjoy the rest of the book without needing to stop to highlight errors. I highly recommend professional editing to correct the malapropisms, tense inconsistencies, and other grammatical errors throughout the read.
I rate Simple Pleasures 3 out of 4 stars. The grammatical errors were many, but the tales were so engaging that the reduction of a second star was not warranted. Adults, particularly those who have experienced or heard about small-town living in the South during this time, would enjoy the characters’ summer escapades. This collection would also make a wonderful set of bedtime stories for youngsters interested in a time of simpler summer sabbaticals. The friends continue their midsummer merriment in a sequel to this book, which I look forward to reading.
******
Simple Pleasures
View: on Bookshelves
I hope you have the opportunity to read this lovely collection of adventures. Thank you for your visit and kind comment.