I am reading “The Great Train Robbery” by Michael Chrichton. Normally I would not read this kind of book. It just didn’t appeal to me on any level. But I’ve joined a book club and this is this month’s selection and so I unenthusiastically started this book. And you know what? It’s a pretty good book so far. I have a hard time putting it down actually.
Not only can Mr. Chrichton weave a story like nobody’s business but he peppers it with rich words. I’ve had to reach for my dictionary a few times with this one and I loved every minute of it.
I came across the word gammon several times and not wanting to break the flow of my reading (I was at a really, really, really good part) I took my best guess and kept on reading.
Turns out gammon is meat cut from the thigh of a hog and it is usually smoked. Needless to say I was way off.
Naturally the wordphiliac in me began to make a connection between the word gammon and another word (the hint is in the picture posted above). Can guess what it is?
Oh, and one more question, did anybody miss me?
Dr. Suess was born on this day in 1904. And I don’t have to mention how he revolutionized children’s books along with their imagination. The very first memory I have is of reading a Dr. Suess book with my mother. My very first recollection of my life starts with thee wordphiliac himself.
Some wordphiliacs, or word nerds, as we are sometimes called might be interested in knowing that Dr. Suess is credited with inventing the word nerd. The word nerd first appeared in Dr. Suess’ “If I Ran the Zoo” in 1950.
Even more interesting, is behind the simple rhymes and wild characters, it is said that Dr. Suess not only hid his morals to his stories (he said a kid could smell a moral a mile away) but he has been accused of sliding in his world views. It is suggested that “Marvin K. Mooney Please go Now” is about president Nixon. His character Yertle the turtle was said to represent Hitler. “The Butter Battle Book” was pulled from the shelves of libraries because of the war messages and reference of the cold war.
Think it’s hype? Think it’s people just looking to far into things? Think people are always looking for a good conspiracy? Well why don’t you pick up some of your favorite Dr. Suess books and read them to child and see if things sound a little differently to you now.
After all, it is Read Across Amercia Day. A day that generates enthusiasm for reading and all of its benefits, celebrated on the birthday of the most befitting man.
Happy Birthday Dr. Suess. You made my imagination run loose. And helped to create in every way the wordphiliac that you see to day.
lol- Hey, there is only one Dr. Suess
