Recalling Childhood

I recently finished two wonderful short stories by brilliant authors. The first, entitled "An American Child", by Annie Dillard, is a very descriptive autobiography of the author's early childhood. In it she describes a few of the many different, and interesting characters that played a part in raising her. In the story, on a brisk wintry morning, Annie and some of the neighboring boys get into some mischief that causes a grown man to chase them clear across town. It's a fun read for anyone.
Reflecting on the story from a literal level shows how typical and simple most American's childhoods are. Taking pride in some of the simpler things in life, like a perfect ice ball, or getting into trouble just for the fun of it. These are some of the many memories that a lot of us share.
In the second story, author Jean Brandt tells the story of her brush with the law as a young girl in, "Calling Home". In it, Jean, as a 13 year old girl, is caught shop lifting during Christmas by mall security, and has to take a trip with police to the police station. There she finds some interesting things about herself, and her parents, when she has to make the call to tell them where she is. Young readers could benefit greatly from reading such a well told story, of how everyone makes mistakes, and everyone has regrets.
As in the first story, the author of this piece has a knack for detail of an event so many years past. Jean Brandt has a way of captivating, and thrilling her audience with just how she could get in and out of such a predicament. She was able to portray her feelings as a young, scared girl, in such a way that one can't help but read on.

One thing that particularly applied to me when reading "An American Childhood", is the writing strategy" framing. As I neared the end of the story, and Annie Dillard summarized her feelings of the whole ordeal, I couldn't help but wonder myself about the man's car. Then as if anticipating my thoughts, she answered the question by reminding the readers that the man had left his car. This, I feel, helps bring the story a feeling of completeness, and an ending. Recalling our attention to an event in the early part of the story, that might not have been otherwise noticed. It put a smile on my face.