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Antoinette's Reviews > Dandelion Wine
Dandelion Wine
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This book was a sweet indulgence. I don’t think there is anything that compares to being a kid and off for the summer. This book brought back memories of my long ago summers- not in 1928 as this book, but in the 1960’s. The freedom of just running out and joining up with all the neighbour kids and planning our day. Just making our own fun.
The boys in this book experienced traditions- making dandelion wine. They used their imaginations; they learned that sometimes best friends move; they learned that loved ones died; they learned the wisdom and stories of the older folks. It was a joy to experience their summer along with them.
Reading this book brought to mind a song I loved to hear in the 60’s.- not dandelion wine but summer wine.
“Strawberries, cherries and an angel’s kiss in spring
My summer wine is really made from all these things
Take off your silver spurs and help me pass the time
And I will give to you summer wine
Oh, oh summer wine.”
By Nancy Sinatra, Lee Hazelwood 1966.
Summer is the perfect time to read this book!
4.5 Stars
Published: 1957
The boys in this book experienced traditions- making dandelion wine. They used their imaginations; they learned that sometimes best friends move; they learned that loved ones died; they learned the wisdom and stories of the older folks. It was a joy to experience their summer along with them.
Reading this book brought to mind a song I loved to hear in the 60’s.- not dandelion wine but summer wine.
“Strawberries, cherries and an angel’s kiss in spring
My summer wine is really made from all these things
Take off your silver spurs and help me pass the time
And I will give to you summer wine
Oh, oh summer wine.”
By Nancy Sinatra, Lee Hazelwood 1966.
Summer is the perfect time to read this book!
4.5 Stars
Published: 1957
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Reading Progress
June 3, 2020
– Shelved as:
to-read
June 3, 2020
– Shelved
July 29, 2022
–
Started Reading
July 31, 2022
–
Finished Reading
August 1, 2022
– Shelved as:
american-literature
May 22, 2024
– Shelved as:
1950-s
Comments Showing 1-49 of 49 (49 new)
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Diane
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rated it 5 stars
Aug 01, 2022 11:54AM
Wasn't this book just magical? It should be read at the beginning of every summer, just to put you in the mood.
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What a lovely, enticing review! I have this on my list and I think it may be time to move it up!
Totally, agree, Diane, magical is the perfect word. I am so glad I read it during the summer and during a heat wave.
Thank you, Linda! I think you would love this book.
Charming review, Antoinette. This sounds like the perfect summer read.
Such a fun review, Antoinette! I love to think back to those summer nights as a kid when it felt like the world was all yours! I need to read this book :)
Thank you, Laysee. it is the best summer read ever:)
Thanks so much, Candi. I’m rather shocked you haven’t read this one yet. The kids in this book played hide and seek after dinner as night was closing in. That’s what we did. Ahh, the good old days:)
A much enjoyable review, Antoinette. Just love the way you got involved in the story. It’s great when we connect this way via our own memories.
Thanks so much, Margitte. I do love when a book brings back my own memories. These types of memories are probably lost on today’s kids. Life is so different now.
I'm glad you liked it as much as I did, Antoinette. Great review.
Thank you, Barbara. Such a lovely book.
Lovely review, Antoinette. Here’s to the good old days 🍷!
This review brought a smile to my face! It was a fast favorite last year and highly recommended. So happy you felt the same magic!
Thank you, Angela! Cheers🍷
Lori, it’s just one of those special books, isn’t it? Glad you felt the same magic as I did.
I really need to get to this!Lovely review, Antoinette!
Antoinette wrote: "Thanks so much, Candi. I’m rather shocked you haven’t read this one yet. The kids in this book played hide and seek after dinner as night was closing in. That’s what we did. Ahh, the good old days:)"I can hardly believe it myself, Antoinette! :D Oh yes, hide and seek and ghost in the graveyard - such fun!
Antoinette,I appreciate your lovely response to one of my favorite writers.
xoxo
Thanks, Julie. Never read anything Fahrenheit 451 by Bradbury. Will definitely read more.
The Martian Chronicles is a personal favorite of mine, but I love all of his work, to be honest.
Thanks for the recommendation, Julie!
I long for those lazy, nostalgic summer days. I’ll have to read this, Antoinette. So lovely. ♥️
Jennifer, now that I am retired, I am having lazy summer days, but it’s not the same as when we were kids.
Brilliant review Antoinette (I'm listening to that Summer wine song as I type!!), yes wasn't it brilliant as a kid during those summer holidays? They were endless - the wonder, the games, the warm evenings and mum telling us off for not coming home on time. Bikes, scrumping, hide and seek, climbing over hedges and bruised legs - your wonderful review took me back my friend - thank you!!!
Thanks, Mark, for again evoking my childhood. Those were such wonderful days. I happened to walk by an outdoor pool this morning and I could hear the kids having a great time- I used to love going to the pool. The only difference is that today a parent is there. In my day, we just went. I always had bruises as well. You would love this book, Mark. I still love that song.
Antoinette wrote: "Thanks, Mark, for again evoking my childhood. Those were such wonderful days. I happened to walk by an outdoor pool this morning and I could hear the kids having a great time- I used to love going ..."Grrrrr......you're always making me add books Antoinette!!!! But how can I not? Bruises hahaha - and scrapes, yes my favourite pool memories was when we lived in Woomera, a rocket range in northern South Australia when I was 12-13 years old. It used to get SO HOT - like mid 40C or more. But yes we did the same, jumped on our bikes and spent the day there. Happy days!!
What a lovely review, Antoinette! This sounds like a book I'd like, and after reading both your and Barbara's brilliant reviews, I have to add! Thank you for sharing! :-)
Thanks so much, Kimber. This book is like a balm- enjoy it when you are able to get to it.
Wow! Great review... I wanna grab this book ASAP... It's been too long since my last Bradbury.
Thanks, Michael. It’s summer now, so read it now:)
We were allowed to go one street over in our subdivision to play with a gang of kids. When it was time to go home, my mother had a whistle that she blew to signal us! I’ll bet it drove the neighbors nuts! Summer was the best.
I love that Judith. Summer was definitely the best. Times have changed- I wonder what my kids would remember about their summers. Hopefully, they have fond memories as well.
Your heart is so in your review. So great to read. I'm going to find this book. A touch of innocence will do me good.
Sorry I missed your comment, Margitte. Thanks so much for your lovely comment!
Very nice review, Antoinette. Nothing like a little nostalgia :)
Thanks so much, Jen. The lazy days of childhood. Nothing beats them.
When we think of childhood, we always think of summer, Antoinette. At least I do: freedom from school and friends to enjoy.
Sweet review, Antoinette! He brings back childhood memories for me, too, just because it was my dad who got me into Bradbury when I was 11. Love the added song, will definitely look it up, thank you 💕
Antoinette wrote: "Me too, Julio!"Antoinette: I've always loved the movie NOW AND THEN (1995), taking us back to the summer of 1970 when four young girls are glowing with freedom and growing in maturity.
I live that movie, Julio! It was always my daughter’s favourite. I just May have to watch it again. Nostalgia at its finest. I would have been a teen in those years.
I’m going to take your advice Antoinette and take on this book on holiday to Dorset next week . I need a charming nostalgic book like this right now xxx
What a lovely place to go, Megan. I’ve never been to Dorset. This will be a perfect book to read while you are there.
Antoinette wrote: "I live that movie, Julio! It was always my daughter’s favourite. I just May have to watch it again. Nostalgia at its finest. I would have been a teen in those years."Fascinating, Antoinette: I was in grade school but still have fond memories of the summer of 1970, especially the music the girls listen to.
5 Stars for me too. Such a lovely read, so much fun and so many lessons to learn. I still get a pang every year come June, even though it's been so many years since I conformed to a school schedule.
Glad to hear you loved it as well, Lisa! I agree- I miss that feeling of being off for the summer and being young and carefree. I’m now a retired senior whose off all the time but it doesn’t feel as special.
