Because Of Winn-Dixie

I read this book in about two days, and I quite liked the story. It was different to any story I had read. Usually, I would think that any old story about a child and a dog would be very boring. But Because of Winn-Dixie had that feel-good, just all round nice feeling book.

It explores lots of characters, all struggling in their own way....

India Opal Baloni (just known as Opal)- her mum ran away years ago and she lives in a trailer park (from memory) with the father, whom she calls 'The Preacher.' She struggles to except that her own mother ran away and left her at such a young age. She also struggles with the fact she moves into a new town. But she finds hope in a dog she finds at a supermarket, who she names Winn-Dixie, after the store where he was wreaking havoc.

The Preacher (or India Opal's father)- he still feels so sad and depressed about his wife leaving him. He's not the kindest and 'let's go to Disneyland' type of father, but he does really care about his daughter.

Otis- Otis is a man who runs the local pet shop. Opal meets him when she offers to work for him until she can pay for a new collar and lead for Winn-Dixie. Otis struggles to forget the past. He was a former prisoner in jail, and the only things that seem to comfort him are animals and playing his guitar.

Gloria Dump- this character I really liked. She's an old woman who people call a witch. She lives inside a dilapidated old house. Opal decides to find out the truth about this woman. In fact, Gloria Dump is a very kind, quirky lady with a brilliant mind. Gloria Dump struggles with her memories and the bad things she has done. But, she still faces the future. She is also blind, which makes things harder for her, but having a small friend like Opal brightens the spirits.

Amanda Wilkinson- Amanda Wilkinson is like the 'mean girl' who tends to strongly dislike Opal. But, Opal learns the truth behind Amanda's snottiness.

Miss Franny Block- Miss Franny Block is the local librarian. She tells Opal lots of stories, and introduces her to a type of candy that was famous all around, made by her grandfather (correct me if I'm wrong). Opal regularly visits Miss Franny.

Sweetie Pie Thomas- Sweetie Pie Thomas is a girl Opal meets, and she wants a dog just like Winn-Dixie. She invites Opal to her birthday party, even though she is about 5 years younger than Opal, and she is an all round friendly kid.

....Although not all of the characters have a haunting past or have interesting back stories.

A great book, basically. The only thing I wasn't particularly thrilled with was the climax. Early in the book, we learn that Winn-Dixie has a huge phobia of thunderstorms. Then, later- you guessed it- there is a thunderstrom, and Winn-Dixie runs away. A bit more creative, maybe? I don't know. I guess this is a book for children, so they couldn't make any scenes too scary or depressing. There are a lot of hidden meanings in the book that older readers will understsand though.

Zobo!