It is this "don't upset the little darlings" attitude that has led to the steady decline in quality of children's literature over the past few generations (a decline accompanied by a matching increase in therapy for children). With every passing decade, books for children have become less challenging in their language, less frightening in their subject matter and more and more ruled by notions of what is "appropriate" for children to read. Oddly, children growing up with these homogenized book-products have not, on the whole, proven to be any safer from danger and anxiety than children who were permitted to read scary books about bad things. They have simply grown up to be less articulate.

At the turn of the century, a typical literate child read John Bunyan and Robert Louis Stevenson. Jacobs' generation had the "Betsy-Tacy" books she approvingly mentions. And today's children have Sweet Valley High and Goosebumps. It is probably very reassuring to them never to be challenged by what they read. It must do wonders for their self-esteem.

-- Dan Bryar

Don't you think you ought to ask people who do have children and have seen David Mamet plays to write reviews of his new children's book? Also people who are at least fleetingly familiar with "Animal Farm," to which the book is rather obviously a reference?

-- Martha Freeman

Alexandra Jacobs wrote, "I would be wary of giving any kid a book that even hints at the tortuous, exclusionary application process required for admission to top-flight colleges and law schools; they'll have plenty of time to enjoy that later."

If looking ahead to the farcical drudgery that will be their education frightens children, is that a sign that something is wrong? Worrying over SAT scores and what name is on your diploma is a waste of time and money. If we want people in our society to be both happy and productive, we should take a long hard look at what getting an education in this country means, and what we get out of it. Maybe an education where you get the chance to enjoy learning and really do something with your young life instead of 16 years of lectures, homework and tests would be a less scary future for kids to contemplate. It sounds like something Henrietta might enjoy, too.

-- Jim Morash

Brilliant Careers: Nick Nolte
BY STEVE VINEBERG
(12/14/99)

I do strongly differ with your assessment of Nick Nolte's performance in "Lorenzo's Oil." In my opinion, this is one of Nick's greatest and most challenging roles. As in "Prince of Tides," there isn't any action or cute banter to hide behind. One of the hallmarks of a great performance is that the audience forget the actor and become consumed by the performance. I think this was the case here.

-- Phil Engel

Descending into the dungeon
BY VIRGINIA VITZTHUM
(12/14/99)

There is plenty of sane, non-pornographic information available about BDSM, from which Virginia Vitzhum could have discovered the difference between BDSM and abuse -- a huge distinction that she refuses to acknowledge. Vitzhum should find an approach more interesting and less obvious than the typical shock or disgust.

-- Brook Partner

The geek shall inherit the Earth
BY JAKE TAPPER
(12/13/99)

Come on now, geeks are America's new heroes. Just look at the wealth and power we bestow on the technology and Internet tycoons everyday. The geeks' day is upon us, and Steve Forbes should have his time in the White House to commence a long-overdue restructuring of business as usual in Washington.

-- Scott Johnson

Next page | Does Tudjman's death leave Croatia ready for a rebirth?