Constructing Modernity: The Art and Career of Naum Gabo Book

Outside of religious texts, The Adventures of Pinocchio is the most translated book in the world. It's now printed in over 300 languages and continues to be one of the best-selling books ever published. Surprised? I was. I guess I assumed Disney's movie had long-ago made the book irrelevant. Clearly it hasn't.

And for good reason. Carlo Collodi's original 1883 text reads as sparkling and fresh as anything published today. His moral lessons are abundantly clear and emphasized and re-emphasized through a variety of zany situations. Some of which are well-represented by the iconic cartoon, but numerous others can only be found from the source. Collodi had an extremely clear vision for what Pinocchio was meant to represent and his metaphors always work. The way he showcases Pinocchio's inability to become a "real boy" until gaining education, common sense, and compassion is stark and startling. The transformation into a donkey, for example, is significantly more effective--and disturbing--in the book than in the movie. And let's be honest, it's creepy enough in the movie.

There's also something beautiful about Pinocchio's constant backsliding. He knows why bad things happen to him, he understands where he goes wrong, and yet he keeps making the same mistakes time and time again. This sentiment might be why the book resonates so well across cultures and with audiences young and old. It's frustrating to see him struggle with basic decision-making, and yet we can't help but relate. The story may be meant for children, but it's adult readers who will likely be moved to tears when the dim-witted marionette finally comes of age.

If you're looking to add a classic into your reading mix, Pinocchio is not one to be missed.