The Wind in the Willows

 The Wind in the Willows (1908) by Kenneth Grahame

Mole, Ratty, and Badger have their hands full trying to keep their friend Toad out of trouble. Toad is wealthy and lives in the large country house, Toad Hall. With his wealth, he is able to take up various "passions"--such as sailing and rowing and careening about on a caravan. The water sports and the caravan (pulled by horse) get him in quite a bit of trouble, but it isn't until he falls in love with motor cars that go "poop-poop" that he gets into real trouble. Causing accidents, destroying several of his own vehicles, and finally (after "promising" to give up cars) stealing a really fine motor and winding up in jail. While he's languishing in prison, a gang of stoats and weasels take over Toad Hall and when Toad escapes (dressed as a washerwoman of all things) and returns to his friends--it's up to them to find a way to fight off the gang and return the Hall to its rightful owner.

Toad is one of the most annoying characters ever. Always getting into trouble because of his enthusiasms; always creating difficulties for his devoted friends. Always crying "bitter tears" when confronted with what a conceited Toad he is and how much trouble his friends have gone to for him; claiming that he's a reformed Toad...and always immediately doing it all again. Until he "really, truly" turns over a new leaf at the end. But, seriously, does he? Am I supposed to believe it will stick this time? I'm not sure I do.

The best part of the book is the friendship between Ratty and Mole...and Badger, though Badger tends to keep himself more to himself. He's not much for Social occasions and all that, but Badger is always there when someone needs him. The lessons of friendship are great. And I do get that Ratty, Mole, and Badger are the type that sticks by their friends no matter what--so good on them. But that doesn't make Toad's behavior any less annoying. I'm glad they stick by him, but I'd like to believe that it's been worth it and Toad will be a much better friend himself from now on. ★★★

First line: The mole had been working very hard all the morning, spring-cleaning his little home.

Last line: This was a base libel on Badger, who, though he cared little about Society, was rather fond of children; but it never failed to have its full effect.