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Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt was published in 1975 and is a thoughtful story of two very dierent families colliding. Winifred Foster (Winnie) is a young girl growing up in a regimented and sheltered environment, and while she loves her family, she longs for independence. One day she secretly goes beyond her backyard's fence and out for a walk in the woods where she unexpectedly meets by a spring a young man named Jesse Tuck. Jesse lives in the country with his brother Miles and carefree parents Angus and Mae Tuck. Winnie has dreamed of adventure and making a dierence in the world, and because of this encounter, those dreams will come true. e major theme of the novel is the cycle of life, and that life is worth living and precious because of death; one axiom in the novel that supports this is, "Don't be afraid of dying. Be afraid of the unlived life." Winnie has been brought up to believe that the world is a scary place and that she must be protected. is has made Winnie afraid to try new things believing she is not capable of the challenges life brings. Winnie learns from the Tucks the value of living in the moment. Another theme of the book is the idea of moral judgment. Is it right to take another life to save humanity from the consequences of eternal life or to break someone out of prison even though it makes one an accessory to a crime? All of the characters are forced into decisions, which on the surface seem morally wrong, but underneath are the only decisions they could make. Tuck Everlasting is a beautifully written novel that will make you ponder life. In 2002, Tuck Everlasting was made into a movie. I have always believed the saying,"Never judge a book by its movie," but in this case, the movie does a fantastic job of representing the novel's themes. Sissy Spacek and William Hurt are the main characters in the movie. If you do not have time to read the book, the movie is well worth watching! e Book Club will meet on Wednesday, March 12, at 10:30 am in the Meeting Room. New residents and members are welcome, even if you have not been able to read the book. Our book for April will be e End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe and lead by Barb Dricker. Book Club By Marilyn Schefski 26 | THE COLONY NEWS | MARCH 2025 |