gunadh's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
sarahcoller's review against another edition
5.0
The kids and I read through this very slowly over the last year and cried at the end! What a beautiful story of redemption, the power of love, reconciliation---and yes, "magic". Such a treasure!
sarahcoller's review against another edition
5.0
I love this beautiful story of love, change, discovery and magic! I bought this gorgeously designed edition from Barnes and Noble on Thursday, began it that evening, and have read it through now on Sunday morning. I think this is my fifth copy of this story and probably my fourth time reading it through.
As an experienced mother with children of all ages, I can see now that Mary isn't at all a horrible child...just a sheltered one who needed the world opened up to her a bit. I love it when she "discovers" common sense things like how India is very different from Yorkshire. The more knowledge she gains, the more she wants to share and she finds a willing listening ear in Colin.
I saw Colin differently this go round, as well. I've struggled, in the past, with casting annoyed, judgmental eye-rolling at those who have "unseen ailments." However, this story points out that Colin's bad behavior had a lot to do with not being encouraged to see life in any other way. I read a quote recently that said, "If you knew the story behind the bad behavior, it wouldn't make you angry---it would break your heart." I've thought about that a lot lately. I don't have any "problem children" and I think I've sometimes spent too much time in my happy little bubble to realize that there are a lot of factors in this world that contribute to behavioral issues. I want to be more compassionate and patient about this.
Great reread---one of my favorite stories! Now I want to reread A Little Princess!
As an experienced mother with children of all ages, I can see now that Mary isn't at all a horrible child...just a sheltered one who needed the world opened up to her a bit. I love it when she "discovers" common sense things like how India is very different from Yorkshire. The more knowledge she gains, the more she wants to share and she finds a willing listening ear in Colin.
I saw Colin differently this go round, as well. I've struggled, in the past, with casting annoyed, judgmental eye-rolling at those who have "unseen ailments." However, this story points out that Colin's bad behavior had a lot to do with not being encouraged to see life in any other way. I read a quote recently that said, "If you knew the story behind the bad behavior, it wouldn't make you angry---it would break your heart." I've thought about that a lot lately. I don't have any "problem children" and I think I've sometimes spent too much time in my happy little bubble to realize that there are a lot of factors in this world that contribute to behavioral issues. I want to be more compassionate and patient about this.
Great reread---one of my favorite stories! Now I want to reread A Little Princess!
brittany_tellefsen's review against another edition
4.0
What a genuinely charming, and captivating children's story!
I am quite surprised by how much I was drawn in by The Secret Garden. Given how much I enjoyed the movie as a child I should not be shocked; however, seeing as this is not only a children's story, but a classic one at that, I did not think this would be a book I would enjoy, simply as those are not my preferred genres. But almost instantly, I was enchanted and remained so the entirety of the book. I am sure my love of the movie influenced this some, as I was able to picture the scenes quite vividly as I read, but it enhanced the experience overall.
You will likely find two common complaints regarding this book. The first about Mary herself as she is quite unlikeable at first. Indeed, that is not just a reader's perception. It is mentioned frequently what a sour, melancholy, selfish child she is. But in truth, she was a product of her environment. She was shown no love and therefore, never knew how to love herself. She was waited on hand and foot, and therefore, never learned how to do for herself or how to appreciate others or be grateful. The purpose of this story is to watch as Mary's character blooms along with the gardne she finds and tends to so dearly.
Next, you will likely hear about racism. This book was written in 1911. It is a product of its time and I feel as though some grace must be given. It is easy for us to read this in 2021 with the wisdom and hindsight brought about by 110 years and look disdainfully upon it. But truthfully, it was not all tha egregious and don't feel it warrants much conversation given the time in which it was written.
I was truly charmed by this book and am so glad I took the opportunity to read it. I must now read A Little Princess as I loved that move just as much when I was a child, and I am sure that the book will be just as wonderful as The Secret Garden was.
I am quite surprised by how much I was drawn in by The Secret Garden. Given how much I enjoyed the movie as a child I should not be shocked; however, seeing as this is not only a children's story, but a classic one at that, I did not think this would be a book I would enjoy, simply as those are not my preferred genres. But almost instantly, I was enchanted and remained so the entirety of the book. I am sure my love of the movie influenced this some, as I was able to picture the scenes quite vividly as I read, but it enhanced the experience overall.
You will likely find two common complaints regarding this book. The first about Mary herself as she is quite unlikeable at first. Indeed, that is not just a reader's perception. It is mentioned frequently what a sour, melancholy, selfish child she is. But in truth, she was a product of her environment. She was shown no love and therefore, never knew how to love herself. She was waited on hand and foot, and therefore, never learned how to do for herself or how to appreciate others or be grateful. The purpose of this story is to watch as Mary's character blooms along with the gardne she finds and tends to so dearly.
Next, you will likely hear about racism. This book was written in 1911. It is a product of its time and I feel as though some grace must be given. It is easy for us to read this in 2021 with the wisdom and hindsight brought about by 110 years and look disdainfully upon it. But truthfully, it was not all tha egregious and don't feel it warrants much conversation given the time in which it was written.
I was truly charmed by this book and am so glad I took the opportunity to read it. I must now read A Little Princess as I loved that move just as much when I was a child, and I am sure that the book will be just as wonderful as The Secret Garden was.
pj1677's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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? Yes
4.5
kdaedwards's review against another edition
2.0
Apparently gardens and nature in general can cure just about anything.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
3.0
3 STARS
"One of the best-loved stories of all time, The Secret Garden is presented in high-quality and entertaining Radio Theatre drama. This classic tale, enriched with Biblical values, reflects themes such as helping others and believing in people. Mary, a young orphaned girl, meets her bedridden cousin, Colin. She discovers an enchanting secret place, separate from the outside world. It is in this place that Colin and Mary learn lessons about overcoming obstacles. By putting their faith in God and others, their lives are forever altered. This story will captivate audiences of all ages." (From Amazon)
Not as great as Little Princess but a great little story
"One of the best-loved stories of all time, The Secret Garden is presented in high-quality and entertaining Radio Theatre drama. This classic tale, enriched with Biblical values, reflects themes such as helping others and believing in people. Mary, a young orphaned girl, meets her bedridden cousin, Colin. She discovers an enchanting secret place, separate from the outside world. It is in this place that Colin and Mary learn lessons about overcoming obstacles. By putting their faith in God and others, their lives are forever altered. This story will captivate audiences of all ages." (From Amazon)
Not as great as Little Princess but a great little story
natashalovesducks's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Ableism
fae_noir's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
There's a few cringy things in here that show the age of this book, and reflect some of the unflattering views the people of the time held towards women and foreigners. Those things aside, this was such a wonderful, lovely story. A story about people who go from being negatively shaped by their surroundings, to finding (and in some cases rediscovering) their true capabilities and best selves with the help of the special garden they become determined to restore to it's former glory. I needed this book right now, and it's message of the power of purpose, and of positive thinking, and of belief in things greater than oneself. And the friendships. Mary and Dicken and Collin are the kind of friend group every person in the world should be blessed with. That, and a feisty little robin to show the way when there's secrets to be found.
kirstyreads87's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Wonderful reread and lovely narrator in Carrie Hope Fletcher