Customer Reviews

The Sunny Side: Short Stories and Poems for Proper Grown-Ups

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If the reader is looking for something like "Winnie the Pooh", this book is not for him/her--unless s/he sees characters such as Owl and Rabbit as satirical portrayals. But the stories and poems contained in this book are delightful, light, satirical pieces, especially lampooning those who might seriously consider themselves to be "proper grown-ups". The stories and poems themselves are short, so the book can be picked up, read for a few minutes, and set down easily. It's a nice little diversion, especially from a world that tends to take itself much too seriously.

This book is not a "Winne the Pooh book" but it is, none the less, distinctively Milne. Although it is light in many ways a reader could also have discussions regarding the poems and short stories found within its pages.

A down side to this work is that it introduces American readers, at least, to characters to whom they are unfamiliar and have little hope of connecting to because many of the short-stories are taken from a British magazine which published them as a series. The "serious" fan of Milne may find themselves wanting more connection than they find within this book. Still it is a wonderful read and a necessity for any Milne fan. Good for quick reads and relaxation The Sunny Side will not fail to delight the reader.

On a technical note the way in which the book is printed (the hardback edition) is reminiscent of chapbooks, and gives the work a pre-worn feeling while still preserving its quality. The packaging only adds to the works charm.

This is a delightful book for adult reading, making one appreciate the humor of the British in the "Punch" style. Beginning with the introduction, I was immediately smiling and some of the stories are hilarious. I read much of the book aloud on a road trip and occasionally went into gales of laughter that made reading difficult. The sly wit and sometimes satirical perspective of the British life stye of the 1920's was just my cup of tea. As a gardener I most enjoyed "A Hanging Garden in Babylon" spoofing the image of the landed English gardener; "Wrongly Attributed" was another hoot. Americans whose only exposure to Milne are the Pooh books have been short changed. Milne was a long time editor and contributor to Punch magazine. This is a republication of the 1921 original, complete with clever line drawings.

I was not aware that A.A. Milne also wrote for adult readers. This collection of short stories and poems are delightful and witty. This book is very enjoyable reading.

This was an unexpected bonus. Milne's adult fiction has the same tongue in cheek humor as his more famous children's works. What fun!

Not what you would expect from A.A. Milne here in the US ( we being so "Pooh"ised). It was and easy read and some of the stories were comical. For the most part, this is not a book you would just sit and read. It would be more for a sunny day in the hammock, where if you fall a sleep, nothing is lost.