Alexander and the Wonderful, Marvelous, Excellent, Terrific 90 Days
Book Review

ALEXANDER BOOK SYNOPSIS

Remember Alexander and his Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day? Well he‘s a real boy and he‘s really all grown up in this sequel by his mother Judith Viorst. In this story he comes home with the “Alexander Five” while his house is being renovated. Mrs. Viorst is determined to make this experience one that “enriches her marriage and furthers her personal growth.”

QUEENIE B SAYS

Well this really hit close to home for me. Since Queenie D and her family moved in with my husband and I, and my youngest son has not yet left for college, we have a full house!

I could totally relate to Judith's desire to keep certain parts of her house and lifestyle to herself. She wanted her routine and after a long life of working and raising children she deserves it! Her story is told with a fresh voice and lots of personality which had me laughing, I mean with a snort, on more than one occasion. I especially loved the parts about the difference in child raising today versus when we were young mothers. I mean, the playpen is a necessity - not a jail!

But in the end, her feelings of love for her son Alexander and his family are what really matters. What a wonderful experience to have the grandkids in your home! I'm doing it right now and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Maybe a few less bottles lying around...

THE QUEENS COLLIDE: A DEBATE ON ALEXANDER

Queenie D: Alexander! I loved him when I was little! Now he’s all grown up!

Queenie B: And hey, we can relate to this book!

QD: Yeah, except I’m Judith and you’re the brood wrecking everything in sight! Just look at our bookshelves!

QB: Whatev! I mean, you live here now Queenie D. But in all fairness Baby D is only 3 months old so he can’t romp and ruin the old homestead yet. Haha!

QD: His daddy is taking care of that in the meantime! But seriously, Mrs. Viorst has a fresh voice which sounds strange considering she’s written quite a few books. She’s funny and ironic and really gets to the heart of raising kids.

QB: Like the playpen chapter?

QD: Does it get any better than her rant about the use of the playpens in today‘s society?

QB: Her motto “Bring Back the Playpen” is something I understand! I used the playpen for my kids! I didn’t look at it like a cold place that uncaring parents drop their children when they need a break. You loved yours!

QD: Well Max will love his too. Don’t worry - we’ve “brought back the playpen!”

QB: Good! Us 70s generation moms have way different ideas about raising kids - much more lax than you do these days.

QD: Well times change. The more we learn the more we worry. I have to say that although I really enjoy Judith’s voice I get a little bored with it all after a while. Sounds too much like Erma Bombeck’s bowl of cherries.

QB: I LOVE her! You just reminded me - where is that book of mine?

QD: Well like Judith learns, share and share alike. I’m sure I have it around somewhere…

ALEXANDER DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. How would you feel about one of your children bringing their family back to live with you?
2. What’s more important in life - living with some mess? Or having your house perfectly in order?
3. How did mother handle the living arrangements?