I
did not use scientific statistical methodology. The sampling was way too small
but that did not stop me from using bad science to reach quasi truth about
human nature. Spin doctors and politicians do this all the time, but that does
not make it right.
Despite
the unsound approach I arrived at the following conclusions.
When
someone mentions that they had read my book Patch Town – A Letter from Miss
Wingate, I asked them a question: Who was
your favorite character in the book and why?
Excluding
“Martin” the principal character in the book, the next most favorite person
mentioned was Sonia Washington who runs the senior adult care home in Shanks
Patch. The reason for her popularity is that she is spunky and knows how to
pull things together quickly and efficiently when the moment calls for action.
Therefore
people like spunky people, despite the bad science used. Well, sort of!
One
poll result I recently saw suggested most people do indeed like spunky people (however one defines “spunky”). But get
a little too spunky and you turn off people. Sonia has just the right blend of
spunk. I guess that’s the key balance goal for all of us.
The
second feedback relates to Sonia’s ability to rise to the task set before her
with limited resources or time. In the novel she cooks a great Thanksgiving
meal on short notice. She knows how to acknowledge value or a blessing when she encounters them.
The
part I like best about Sonia is that she was the initiator of the plot. Her decision
to write a letter triggers the entire plot. The second best thing I liked about
her was that she captured the heart of Leroy. Miss Spunky meets Mr. Spunky! The
conclusion: spunk is attracted to spunk.
If
you have read or planned to read Patch Town – A Letter from Miss Wingate let me
know who is your favorite character and why.
Robert
Parlante
September
2014
My friend recently told me his favorite character in the book was the daughter Ruthie. She was upbeat and encouraging to her father and enabled him to move forward and in turn met her boyfriend on the adventure with her Dad.
ReplyDeleteMy friend's wife picked the same character because Ruthie could criticize her father in a loving way and stand by him - more so than the son but in the end he too came around.