Wednesday Wars Book Review (December 7, 2025)
My niece, Laura Robson, has created a new holiday Knies family tradition — a book club for when we all get together for the holidays. It makes sense. Our family is spread out across the country and when we do get together, it’s nice to have something specific to talk about.
This year, Laura suggested a number of book and two books had to have a run-off as the votes were too close to call: The Wednesday Wars and The Gods of New York. I’m committed to reading both as I was pulling for The Gods of New York, and am glad that The Wednesday Wars won the runoff.
Reading The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt while in Vietnam
My Original Hesitation for Wednesday Wars
In this book (fiction), the main character is growing up in 7th grade, otherwise known as the seventh layer of hell. Why do I say that? I witnessed both my kids (Will and Violet) have a godawful time in the 7th grade. Even the principle of the Webber Middle School (in Port Washington where I live) agrees that 7th grade is “the toughest” for kids. They’ve lost their innocence from grade school (upto 6th) and aren’t yet mature enough for High School. Puberty makes kids test boundaries and often show just how mean they can be to each other.
And Why I Am Glad This Book Won
It’s a wonderful story told through the eyes of a 7th grader growing up in Long Island (where I live) that is mentored by his English teacher and the English teacher’s husband was drafted into the Vietnam War. The story includes all the themes you’d expect from a tale that takes place in 7th grade:
Bullying (physically and mentally)
Racism (barely hiding behind the surface)
Gender Discrimination
Power dynamics between parents and kids
First romantic relationship
Economic injustice
Political assassinations
Hero worship (and losing faith in your heros)
And, of course, coming of age
What I loved most, however, were the little acts of kindness sprinkled throughout the book. A teacher going way beyond what would ever be expected of her. Magical moments that seem impossible and yet find ways to right the wrongs in some cosmic balancing of the scales.
I’ll admit that I have another week or two to complete this book, but ended up going to bed late a number of times because I couldn’t put it down. And Elena, when you read this I know what you’re thinking. This is why you want me to read less “broccoli books” that are good for my continued growth and development. And, instead, invest more time in great books like this one.
Special Connection Reading This in Vietnam
It may purely have been by accident that this book was selected by the majority of our family members while I’m here in Vietnam. And, of course, the bulk of the book takes place in Long Island, New York. But given the references to the Vietnam war as an overriding arc in this book, it certainly helped that I’m here in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) where much of the Vietnam War took place (see related post on the Cu Chi Tunnel).
There’s something unique about reading a book of fiction that takes place near my home town (i.e. where I live currently) and referencing another country where I’m currently residing as I read the book. I can picture the authors descriptions of both locations in and around New York and Vietnam. Despite taking place in the 1960s, much of the themes are timeless and just as relevant today as they were then.
And so, now that I’m done with this book, I will begin the runner up, The Gods of New York, as I know at least a few of my family members are committed to reading that one as well and the only thing better than one book club discussion is two of them centered around two great reads. Thank you, Laura, for putting all this in motion. I didn’t need an excuse to read, but these were both new books not on my “must read” list before you recommended them. Excited to share when we all get together in another week or so.
