Pure wonder!
I loved the pleasurable, completely undignified way that the story (or rather... stories) play out in "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs".
When young Eben's father gives him a challenge to find 7 "Wonders" in their dusty little 1923 town of Sassafras Springs, Missouri, Eben isn't so sure that he can really discover that many Wonders. He only has been given 7 days to find these marvels, and he's quite sure that no Great Pyramid of Giza or Hanging Gardens of Babylon will be found in Sassafras Springs. If he successfully completes the challenge, Eben's father has promised him a special trip by train, all the way to Colorado. This would be the biggest thing to ever happen to Eben, a boy who has only been able to dream of traveling. Now his chance has arisen to get out of Missouri, and discover great things... but to do it, he has to explore his own turf further and deeper than he ever knew before.
Many of the tales that Eben comes across include some sort of whimsical imagination in order to listen to the old stories that country folks can tell. Some are a bit too far-fetched, but enjoyable. I had almost convinced myself to give this book 3 stars, but then I remembered the simple ways that the author added in a few words here and there about the Lord, singing in church, etc., and I felt satisfied in giving it a 4 star rating instead.
This is a cute book, and my younger brother absolutely loves it. I think no better words really describe it than the review given on the front cover, which says: "A fun, folksy outing." Truly, that explains "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" perfectly.
To leave you now with my favorite quote of the book, coming from the first chapter:
"I'll start tomorrow. I guess Columbus said something like that once, only he said it in Italian."
