James Otis (1) (1848–1912)

I spent 2+ months reading my last book, and i needed a quick read to get me back into the swing of things, and this little number showed up at a local book seller and it was set here in Maine (my home) and i thought that there was little to lose. Basically a children's book, it is a delightfully sappy little tale of an older Maine couple agreeing to host 3 youngsters from Boston on their rural farm for 2 weeks in the summer to give them a new experience. Ages 12 down to 8....1 girl, 2 boys......and the book tells of the preparations, the expectations (all incorrect), and the time spent, including an exciting night where the youngest guest was willing to step up and commit a heroic act of selflessness. Of course, the children were not nearly as taxing as the local boy hired to look after the guests.....very dated, a little silly, certainly a bit sweet, and definitely a quick read! Of course, being from another time (1895), there are references to 'boys shouldn't be bossed around by the girl,' (but the loser of the book thought that and no one else agreed), and the one boy is disabled and referred to as 'the cripple'(!!!), (but he was the most loved by all), but I can look at such as a healthy reminder as to how far we have come..... and in the end, all works out for the better for everyone.....which is my takeaway. I just discovered this author was remarkably prolific and seemingly wrote a gazillion books geared for children, many involved at famous historic events......and there is a sequel to this!! Now.....to find it.....… (més)

Written from the viewpoint of a child, Ruth of Boston follows Ruth, a 13 year-old girl who travels from her home in England to the New World. With her family and the others from their ship, they build the first homes and buildings in what will become Boston. The author takes time to explain the mundane in details - clothing, food, homes, school, community life.

This book began well. Ruth is a lively, observant character, remarking on all the strange new things she sees. Her inner struggle with the religious morality verses her own thoughts gave the reader a peak at the conflict that might be present in a Puritan community. My qualm with this work was how it ended. Badly. It broke off. Ruth spoke about attacks from the Indians, then she ended the diary - no reason, no closer, just the End. It felt like there should be a more, a second volume, a second part - something. I highly recommend for children, age 6 to 9, who wish to learn more about the beginnings of our country. However, be prepared for questions at the end.… (més)

Toby Tyler has entertained several generations of readers (boys mainly) since its publication in 1880. Many older readers will remember it fondly. As a young orphan, Toby runs away to join the circus and gains a job selling refreshments. The life is harder than he expected; he is treated very cruelly by his boss, and is often very sad. However, he makes friends among the performers (the thin man, the fat lady) and adopts Mr. Stubbs the monkey as his special friend. The book's saccharine message is about the values of love, friendship, and family. One aspect that will startle modern sensibilities is that Toby's master at the circus (Mr. Job Lord ) periodically beats him to keep him obedient. Interestingly, among the various Amazon reviewers are older readers who remember the book fondly and wonder if their grandchildren would like it, and others who think the book dated, if not preachy.

I only mildly enjoyed revisiting this work, after a hiatus of many years. I cannot imagine that 10 year old boys dream of joining the circus anymore, but I suppose that a very avid reader of that age might gain some enjoyment from reading about a 19th century boy who did.… (més)