Times They are a Changin

I understand that as a twenty-something I'm not really allowed to say, "well back in my day..."  But it takes only the briefest study of history to see that times really are a-changin.  One of the most interesting parts of this blog has been reading the winners from long ago.  Ok like 40-60 years ago, so maybe not looong long ago but outside of my lifetime for sure.  It is interesting to see the differences in writing style, but it is fascinating to see the differences in topic and attitude.

Today's book, Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Janet Gray, was published in 1942 and the story is set in 13th century England (double whammy on the olden days).  Now this book had all of the usual historical touches, kings, castles, jousting, boarding schools, etc but the line that especially stuck out to me was this one said when the boys were discussing the marriage of one of the court ladies. "It doesn't matter what she'd rather do' said Hugh carelessly, 'She's only a girl.  she's got to do what she's told.'"  I don't think so.

So, besides the historically accurate slights to the females, this was a great story to read.  Adam and his father Rogers are minstrels so their home is on the road.  Since this story is all about Adam the reader gets to travel along with him as he wanders all over England telling tales and providing entertainment to kings.  As you can imagine, two minstrels traveling around England have a great deal of adventures so this makes for an enchanting story.

This story left me wondering, do kids really need a physical home?  Or is there greater value in seeing the world with your father as you both wander down the road? Are grown-ups too stuck in our modern society? Maybe we should wander.

Wandering down the road...that's kids stuff.