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greaydean's review against another edition
3.0
Not a bad book. A bit rollicking and quick paced. A decent read all around.
Just not enough depth to warrant classic treatment.
Just not enough depth to warrant classic treatment.
eriynali's review against another edition
4.0
read as an adult, and probably would have enjoyed more as a child, but found this highly entertaining and extremely enjoyable anyways.
jcarsrud's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was a fun read aloud about the gold rush with two lovely characters.
autumnlpalmer1976's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was a school read book and my son really enjoyed this book even though he didn't think so at first.
papidoc's review against another edition
4.0
Aunt Arabella’s nephew, Jack, leaves home, headed to the California gold fields to find his fortune and help his aunt get out of debt and save her home. Followed by the intrepid (and often hilarious) household butler, Praiseworthy, they cut an adventurous swath through the colorful personalities and events of the time. Each chapter is a different episode in their adventures, and can almost be read as a series of individual stories with linked characters, though it is better to read them sequentially.
One of my favorites actually involves the voyage from Boston to San Francisco, in which Praiseworthy helps save a shipment of withering grapevines with a bunch of rotten potatoes. I actually checked it out, and it would have worked. The scene that has Praiseworthy mining gold from miners’ hair is also notable, and has some basis in factual history.
It is an unobjectionable book, with nothing in it that would give a parent pause, and much to recommend it to young (and older) readers. The stories are entertaining, the dialogue often witty and even hilarious, and the adventures just gripping enough to keep even a young reader on the edge of his or her seat.
This was a book that I read several times as a young teenager, and wouldn’t mind reading to my grandchildren if I could find a copy of it somewhere. It was even made into a Disney movie starring Roddy McDowell and a few other famous actors. I recommend both.
One of my favorites actually involves the voyage from Boston to San Francisco, in which Praiseworthy helps save a shipment of withering grapevines with a bunch of rotten potatoes. I actually checked it out, and it would have worked. The scene that has Praiseworthy mining gold from miners’ hair is also notable, and has some basis in factual history.
It is an unobjectionable book, with nothing in it that would give a parent pause, and much to recommend it to young (and older) readers. The stories are entertaining, the dialogue often witty and even hilarious, and the adventures just gripping enough to keep even a young reader on the edge of his or her seat.
This was a book that I read several times as a young teenager, and wouldn’t mind reading to my grandchildren if I could find a copy of it somewhere. It was even made into a Disney movie starring Roddy McDowell and a few other famous actors. I recommend both.
librator's review against another edition
5.0
One of my favorite books as a kid, and still just as good as I remember it.
jolantheerb's review against another edition
5.0
Cute and fun read aloud (or reader) for kids. Each chapter is a short story in itself but part of the overall story, making it great as a read aloud. Takes place during the California gold rush time and the journey of a young boy and his butler as they travel from Boston to California to strike it rich.
mom_loves_to_read's review against another edition
5.0
“This is the best book we’ve ever read” said my 10 year old daughter.
This was laugh out loud funny and we loved it. Praiseworthy and Jack make a great team. Jack is on a mission to save his Aunt from having to sell her home. Praiseworthy, the butler, is determined to help Master Jack. These two set out for the California gold rush with hopes of striking rich! And oh boy, do they have some adventures!
We listened to a full cast audiobook and it really enhanced our listening experience.
This was laugh out loud funny and we loved it. Praiseworthy and Jack make a great team. Jack is on a mission to save his Aunt from having to sell her home. Praiseworthy, the butler, is determined to help Master Jack. These two set out for the California gold rush with hopes of striking rich! And oh boy, do they have some adventures!
We listened to a full cast audiobook and it really enhanced our listening experience.
aprillikesbooks's review against another edition
5.0
What a fun read aloud! I'd read this again in an instant. We absolutely loved it.
qkjgrubb's review against another edition
5.0
I read this aloud to my five kids for our homeschool and my kids LOVED it! Fleischman is one of our favorites!