Dither Farm: A Novel [Hardcover]

Sid Hite (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 11 and up

Life is quiet around Dither Farm--until Great-Aunt Emma arrives. Suddenly, all of the Dithers are plunged into a hilarious adventure in which they must weather a near drowning, a severe case of brain fever, a blossoming romance or two, and a kidnapping. Will life ever be the same? Does belief cause the miracle, or does the miracle cause the belief?.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Summed up, the plot of this first novel seems amusing: when a brother and sister discover their great aunt's magic carpet, the boy is kidnapped by bad guys who want it for themselves. But there is so much bombast in this tall tale that the story doesn't take off until part two--even then the myriad extraneous characters and plot twists will deter all but the most patient readers from reaching the unsatisfying conclusion. With the book's lack of focus on any one character or age group and supercilious tone, its intended readership is unclear. Hite chronicles, in exhaustive detail, the daily doings of the populous Dither family and their neighbors in fictitious Willow County, Va. After many subplots and digressions, Matilda and Archibald Dither learn how to make Aunt Emma's magic carpet fly. Loathsome Crowley and his two dimwitted nephews kidnap the boy, who is rescued by his father and some helpers--and a bit of ESP. Matters wind up happily, of course, with many of the characters romantically paired. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-8-- Set in easygoing, rural Willow County, Virginia, the saga of the Dither family begins with the courtship of Clementine and Henry and continues through the adventures of their four children. There are stuffy government investigations into the paranormal, a life-threatening flood, a death-defying illness, a flying carpet, a kidnapping, and romances for all ages. In fact, the plot is rather busy at times, as if several novels have been less-than-satisfyingly combined into one. For readers who persevere, there are rewards. Chuckles will abound over the interaction of an idiotic sheriff and a White House ``smoothie.'' The humble bumblings of two kidnappers are entertaining. And the details of carpet flying are credible enough. Hite has also captured something essentially southern in a setting dripping with both humidity and detail. His characters demonstrate that country folk have their own vision and pace, and are right on target. Overall, this is a flawed but unusual tale that could generate discussion on everything from the nature of time to the mores of rural society.
- Cindy Darling Codell, Clark Middle School, Winchester, KY
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Hardcover: 215 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holth & Co (J); 1st edition (May 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805018719
• ISBN-13: 978-0805018714
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,932,937 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A Diamond in the Rough, June 8, 2002

By 

Charles J. Conway (New York, New York USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dither Farm: A Novel (Hardcover)

Sid Hite expertly weaves comedy, romance, and Americana in this novel. It is a book that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. The characters are truly colorful, and Hite's command of the English language is unique. Check it out!

5.0 out of 5 stars Dither Farm: an excellent book with great character!, May 11, 2000

By 

Pineapple Blurt - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dither Farm: A Novel (Hardcover)

Dither farm is truely a work of art. The simple folk in this book are both laid-back and witty. It's no wonder with names like Flea Jenfries. Such a lavishly discripitve book has never been written. I storgly reccomend this book, I assure you it will become quite well thumbed.

5.0 out of 5 stars Dither Farm Kept me Reading!, November 22, 1999

By 

Meredith - See all my reviews

This review is from: DITHER FARM (Laurel-Leaf Books) (Mass Market Paperback)

Hi, my name is Meredith and I am one of hopefully many people to read Dither Farm. I found this book to have a very easy to read context and an exciting plot. I recommened it to my friend and she is going to read it very soon. Please read Dither Farm, I think its sure to please anyone!