Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt

I just finished Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt.  I was motivated to read this book because it is the first book by Gary Schmidt that introduces the characters of another book I enjoyed, OKAY For Now, by the same author.  I thought I was going to get a preview of what Dough Swieteck (see my blog) was like before his big move.  Even though Dough Swieteck is a secondary character in the book, Wednesday Wars revolves around the life of Holling Hoodhood instead.  I know it's confusing. I am curious if Danny Hupfer, another character mentioned in both stories, will have the honor of his story being told by Gary Schmidt. It is an interesting idea.  I have read other books where the same events are told from two different perspectives. Gary Schmidt seems to be taking the three characters from his first book Wednesday Wars, and give the reader the background and perspectives for each boy as they move on through middle school in the 1960's.



In the book Wednesday Wars, Holling Hoodhood is dealing with the pressure of his dad's family business, a teacher who is out to get him by making him read Shakespeare, and the confusing effect the Vietnam War is having on society in the late 1960's. How is a kid supposed to deal with all of this?  Interestingly enough, Shakespeare has provided help by opening up different opportunities, providing intellectual foresight, and a few new swear words.

I enjoyed reading Gary Schmidt's books. I notice that he has written a variety of genres in the past, from historical fiction to poetry.  He certainly included his diverse respect for classic art and literature in his stories,  making references to Shakespeare's plays and Audubon's natural art. I am familiar with some of his other books, but have not read them yet.  I am going to keep my eye out for the next book like Wednesday Wars. In the meantime, I hope someone else will enjoy Gary Schmidt's books like I have.