Bookworms
‘That Dawkins bloke is at it again.’
‘You mean that fella who says there’s no such thing as a god?’
‘Aye.’
‘Then he must have a new book to flog.’
‘Aye, he does, and he’s called it “An appetite for Wonder”,
‘Now there’s a word to get your teeth into – wonder. Powerful word encased in plain packaging.’
‘You’re beginning to think like me. Suppose it’s inevitable in a way, after all we enjoy the same books. I mean you and I share the same taste in literature.’
‘Well, we are bookworms. What’s his topic this time? Is he having another go at the creationists?’
‘No, I think he’s lost the plot this time – he’s picking on Fairy Tales. Says a frog can’t turn into a prince.’
‘Even we know that. And, if it could, why should a handsome frog wish to be changed into a batty prince?’
‘Quite.’
‘I’m sure the kids who like Fairy Tales know it’s all make believe, so what’s the point he’s trying to make?’
‘Like I said – I think he’s lost it – now he’s blaming the press for misquoting his words. But I don’t believe him. It isn’t just us that can digest the substance between the lines is it? What do they say, there’s no such thing as bad publicity.’
‘So this book will fill the shelves. Somehow I think I’ve lost the taste.’
‘Aye, me too, he’s turned into a real sourpuss. We like a good fairy tale don’t we? And a legend and a myth, and if we hadn’t cut our teeth on the Brothers Grimm then how we chuckle at Roald Dahl or laugh out loud at the words of the very clever Terry Pratchett?’
‘Quite right mate, he needs to open his mind a bit – see humanity for what it is, and take pity on little creatures like us: without a book, our whole environment would be lost.’
(c) 2024 Pat Barnett.
A Clever Tale of Literary Creatures
In this delightfully witty dialogue, two actual bookworms engage in a thoughtful discussion about Richard Dawkins’ critique of fairy tales through his book “An Appetite for Wonder”. The story brilliantly subverts expectations by having literal bookworms – creatures who make their home among book pages – debate the value of fantasy literature and storytelling. Their conversation reveals deep appreciation for authors from Brothers Grimm to Roald Dahl and Terry Pratchett, while gently mocking Dawkins’ apparent dismissal of fairy tales.
About the Author and Book
Pat Barnett brings decades of rich life experience to her writing, crafting stories from her North Yorkshire retreat that blend whimsy with deeper commentary on human nature. Born in Manchester and having lived in locations from Wales to Australia, her varied background infuses her work with unique perspectives and insights. This particular story appears in her collection “Creatures,” which weaves together tales exploring the boundaries between ordinary and extraordinary.
The Collection
“Creatures” represents a masterful anthology that takes readers on a journey through myth, mystery and magic. From chance encounters during morning walks to peculiar happenings in ancient Yorkshire buildings, each story examines how reality can shift just enough to make us wonder “what if?”. The collection showcases Barnett’s talent for finding the extraordinary within everyday moments, crafting narratives that resonate with readers while challenging their perceptions of what’s possible.
