My Anxieties Have Anxieties (Peanuts Classics)

Rating:
Summary: Used Dogs and Overrewarded Substitute Pitchers
Review: Much of this book features some of the cartoons that inspired Snoopy, Come Home. Snoopy runs away and meets his original owner, Lila, and Charlie Brown finds out the hard way that he is not Snoopy's original owner! CLUNK! He wasn't ready for that shock! Snoopy also has trouble sleeping due to fear of things that go "AUGH!" (like Charlie Brown, after he's denied a chance to kick the coveted football). And who stands in for Charlie Brown when the little red haired girl to pitch (whom she rewards with a big hug)? Hint- it isn't Schroeder, who probably isn't much fun on a date anyways- unless you dig Beethoven!

Rating:
Summary: A great "Peanuts" collection
Review: The "Peanuts" characters of cartoonist Charles Schulz are some of the most beloved and influential figures in American popular culture. "My Anxieties Have Anxieties" brings together some classic comic strips featuring Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the gang. According to the book's copyright page, this collection contains material previously published in book form as "You're You, Charlie Brown" (1968) and "You've Had It, Charlie Brown" (1969).

Many classic "Peanuts" themes and motifs are here: Lucy's psychiatric advice stand, Linus' security blanket, Charlie Brown's unrequited love for the little red-haired girl, etc. Although there are a small number of dated cultural references, the strips have a fresh, timeless quality. The book also contains a noteworthy (and charming) "Peanuts" milestone: the first meeting of Linus and Franklin.

Although many of the strips are stand-alone pieces, many groups of strips constitute extended storylines. Some of these plots are as follows: Charlie Brown's attempts to discipline Snoopy; Snoopy's observance of "Be Kind to Animals" week; and in the most political storyline, Linus' involvement in a teachers' strike.

I must admit, reading this book made me laugh so hard that I had to wipe tears from my eyes. But in addition to being funny, this book is also philosophical at times. These "Peanuts" strips are still entertaining and relevant after all these decades.