Chapters 7-12

So, the last thing that happened was Opal reading the top ten things about her mother over and over. This made me sad and in this story I can see how lonely Opal is for her mother. In chapter seven, Miss Franny told her eventful bear story. I thought this story was so funny. I can just imagine in my mind how that whole scenario went. The funniest part is that I can see that bear reading his lovely book in the woods chuckling at the funny parts and crying at the sad. Ha Ha!

In chapter eight, Opal gets Winn Dixie a collar and a leash and Winn Dixie makes friends with Gertrude the talking Parrot. I thought it was really good that she was able to work for the collar and leash by coming by and sweeping the store. This shows Opal some responsibility with having a little job, and gives her a chance to have something to do during the day.

I notice throughout this book how much Opal yearns for her mother. I can just imagine how sad she is. She has the qualities of a strong child, and understands things that seem too complex for her at such a young age. Opal mentions how her mother would've loved Winn Dixie because he is so good at making friends, human and animal. It seems that having Winn Dixie around gives Opal courage for all sorts of things. He gives her courage to express her feelings, to meet new people, and one of the hardest obstacles, talking about her mother to her father.

Opal meets a new friend, Sweetie Pie Thomas who is only six years old, but Opal doesn't seem to mind. Sweetie Pie invites her to her birthday party even though it's not until September. This is when Opal starts to feel less lonely and actually feels as if people like her. This part of the book made me feel happy for Opal because she seems like such a nice kid. It's good that she's actually starting to build up her self-esteem. Opal also mentions on page 60 that "everything that happened this summer happened because of Winn Dixie". I agree and disagree with this statement. I think Winn Dixie is Opals outlet, but most of what has happened is because of Opal herself.

I'm very interested in this Gloria Dump character. I think there's more to her than what I've read so far and I can't wait to find out what it is. I wonder why the kids called her a witch? There has to be a reason, but I can't see her as being anything remotely close to that right now. It was nice that Opal was able to confide in a human about her feelings and about her mother. I also liked when they planted the tree and how they're going to watch it grow. I think this is such a great idea and it gives Opal a good excuse to hang out with Gloria.

So far this book is terrific! I can't seem to put it down. It's such an easy read and I'm tempted to keep going. I wonder what will happen next?

Chapters 1-6

This book is really easy to read. I am actually getting really into the book and don't want to stop reading it! When Opal takes ownership of the homeless dog, it shows how compassionate she is and that she really cares for animals. I thought that what she did was a noble thing, with claiming the dog even though it had made such a mess in the grocery store. You can tell that Opal is a kind of a "loner" and that she doesn't have many friends. With her father being a preacher I can see how others may not want to be too close to her...they might assume that she will lecture them for things that they do that are considered "bad".

I can tell that Opal really misses having a mother figure around because that is really all she talks about with Winn Dixie. That's the cool thing about pets, you can tell them anything and don't have to worry about them judging you. Pets will always be your best friend and you know you will be able to trust them with all of your secrets.

In a way I feel sorry for Opal because it seems that her father is really wrapped up in his work for the church and doesn't give her the attention she needs. This is one of the main reasons I'm glad that her father let her keep the dog. Winn Dixie is a dog that she can tell her secrets to and express her feelings to. This is in a way, a type of outlet for Opal. She discusses topics with Winn Dixie such as her mom, and that is what gave her courage to ask her father about her mom. I think that Winn Dixie is a postitive addition to Opals life and I think they will become closer as I read on.

So far I really like this book and I'm sure it will just get better!

Introduction

From looking at the title and the cover of this book I'm not sure if I'm going to like it. For one, I'm not too much of a fan of dogs, and two, I'm not really a fan of reading. There are only a select few books I can actually say I've enjoyed reading.

I know there's a movie out based on this book so it has to be somewhat ok.I haven't seen the movie but it's going to be interesting to see if the book is like the movie. I'm hoping this book is a quick and easy read because I can't say that I have hours to spend reading this. I'm excited in a way about this book. Here it goes (deep breath), chapter 1...