Soup, by Robert Newton Peck

The “Soup” books are Robert Newton Peck’s fictionalized memoirs about his childhood in rural Vermont.  Mr. Peck narrates the stories from his childhood perspective, and most of the stories involve the trouble that his best friend dreams up.  There doesn’t seem like there’s much to do out in the country, but Rob and Soup put their imaginations to good use.  Usually, they end up in hot water as a result!

“Soup” is more of a collection of short stories than an actual novel, unlike some of the sequels that follow it.  It was interesting to read about how kids lived in the 1930s, and how they faced some of the same challenges that today’s kids do.  Some of the stories deal with topics like lying, stealing, and smoking.  I’d be willing to bet that even boys who’ve never been to a farm could identify with most of the situations that Rob and Soup find themselves in.

When I first read this book, I had no idea that it was a memoir.  As it turns out, though, there actually was a troublesome boy named Soup, and he grew up to become a minister!  I guess it’s true what they say, you never can tell how some people will turn out.  But on that subject, have you ever given any thought to what you’d like to do when you’re older?  Do you ever enjoy thinking about your friends, and trying to guess what they might grow up to become?