hheartbooks's review against another edition
5.0
"To my way of thinking and working, the greatest service a piece of fiction can do any reader is to leave him with a higher ideal of life than he had when he began. If in one small degree it shows him where he can be a gentler, saner, cleaner, kindlier man, it is a wonder-working book. If it opens his eyes to one beauty in nature he never saw for himself and leads him one step toward the God of the Universe, it is a beneficial book, for one step into the miracle of nature leads to that long walk, the glories of which so strengthen even a boy who thinks he is dying, that he faces his struggle like a gladiator." GS-P
Her own words describe what this book does.
Her own words describe what this book does.
bibliomaniac33's review against another edition
1.0
I tried to give this book a fair chance. I struggled over two months picking it up and setting it back down, waiting for it to speak to me. I had read it described as life changing, but this book simply didn't do it for me. While the descriptions were rich and the characters well developed, it simply dragged on and on as far as the plot- after 200+ pages I'm still not hooked and had to admit that I would rather spend my limited book time reading something else.
elizabethkerr's review against another edition
relaxing
slow-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? No
4.25
vistacanas's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
…the world is made up of good people and bad people, of selfish people and thoughtful people, of cruel people and kind people, and it was merely a case of luck as to which kind you met when you went on a grand adventure.”
What a quirky charming book! It felt like a cross between Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” and John Steinbeck’s “Tortilla Flat.,” but more wholesome.
Originally published in 1925, this is not a book to read if you’re woke AND uptight. It’s a story that many modern-minded folks would like to see die a quiet literary death. (Conservative Christians will adore it.)
I’m pretty surprised I enjoyed it based on the harsh judgement of women that is central to the story and the presence of “God” throughout the story. But, I truly did. The main characters were so sweet and I absolutely loved the author’s stance on Western medicine/healing and her deep appreciation of nature. Most of the “God” references could be replaced by “Higher Power” so I could deal with it…but, a few places started to cross into icky dogmatic territory. I am able to appreciate vintage books from bygone eras when values were very different than they are today as long as they weren’t written by someone despicable (although I’m pretty sure I’d still learn something of value even if they were). I think I would have liked Ms. Stratton…I have an inkling she was a tiny bit of a renegade for her time.
Although the writing was not exceptional, the story was engaging and the character development was outstanding…especially Scout, the youngest character who was wise beyond her years and absolutely hysterical. I’ve had many laughs over the last several days thanks to her.
This story left me wishing our current world was a combination of the more wholesome parts of then and the more socially evolved parts of now. I do believe the world would be a better place if that were the case!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, and Sexism
Moderate: Bullying and Pregnancy
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and War
silver_valkyrie_reads's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-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? No
4.0
Even though I'd never read this book before, there was a kind of nostalgia in revisiting a favorite childhood author.
Overall, I found the story very sweet and charming, and especially enjoyed the Scout Master's story line.
I was frustrated that while God and good morals are a big part of the story, there's hardly any gospel or forgiveness at all, and Jesus is never mentioned. In fact, near the end a character says something to the effect that God is merciful but we'll still be punished badly every time we do something wrong. The whole story revolves around the idea that one sin can ruin your life irreparably, and never says, "But Jesus died for that sin, and repentance and forgiveness are possible through Him".
Overall, I found the story very sweet and charming, and especially enjoyed the Scout Master's story line.
I was frustrated that while God and good morals are a big part of the story, there's hardly any gospel or forgiveness at all, and Jesus is never mentioned. In fact, near the end a character says something to the effect that God is merciful but we'll still be punished badly every time we do something wrong. The whole story revolves around the idea that one sin can ruin your life irreparably, and never says, "But Jesus died for that sin, and repentance and forgiveness are possible through Him".
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Death and Terminal illness
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Child death
janbooks's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of the best books I have ever read. While not everyone might appreciate it,a true lover of literature should not miss this novel. The writing is beautiful and thought provoking. Little Scout is now among my favorite characters. As an avid reader I am surprised that I had not come across this author before. Please don't let the copyright date stop you (1925). The style reminds me of Janice Holt Giles,and I will definitely be reading more from this author. It will appeal to those who love nature,God,and beauty as well as truth and dignity in how we strive to live our lives to be the best we can. I rarely write a review but hope one person will be inspired to read this and love it as I did.
amyqbarker's review against another edition
3.0
I love how Gene Stratton-Porter combines nature with whimsey. Her stories are always entertaining. This was the last book she wrote before she died in a tragic car accident, which may be why it seems to fall a little flat at the end. I did enjoy the intricate descriptions throughout, though, which harken back to a simpler time.
felinity's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of those gentler stories, in which character development and a slow-moving plot are the whole point. My grandmother read this to me when I was younger, and I've continued to love the story of a man physically and mentally crippled by war being brought back to full health through the outdoors, good food, and being surrounded by flowers and natural elements, learning to handle the bees and to be patient as he does so.