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The Shepherd of the Hills #1
The Shepherd of the Hills
The Shepherd Of The Hills by Harold Bell Wright
How is this book unique?
Tablet and e-reader formatted
Original & Unabridged Edition
Author Biography included
Illustrated version
To the beautiful Ozark hill country comes a man from the world of cities. Among the people of the district, with their simple, direct ideas and way of life, he finds the peaceful atmosphere he craves, while his more intellectual philosophy and character come to be valuable elements in the lives of his ne friends. From his relationship with "Sammy" Lane and the Matthews family arise in dramatic fashion the gripping situations and thrilling incidents that bring him into a peculiarly intimate connection with these people, their country, and their simple life.
How is this book unique?
Tablet and e-reader formatted
Original & Unabridged Edition
Author Biography included
Illustrated version
To the beautiful Ozark hill country comes a man from the world of cities. Among the people of the district, with their simple, direct ideas and way of life, he finds the peaceful atmosphere he craves, while his more intellectual philosophy and character come to be valuable elements in the lives of his ne friends. From his relationship with "Sammy" Lane and the Matthews family arise in dramatic fashion the gripping situations and thrilling incidents that bring him into a peculiarly intimate connection with these people, their country, and their simple life.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1907
396 people are currently reading
2542 people want to read
About the author
Harold Bell Wright
86 books86 followersHarold Bell Wright was a best selling American author of the first part of the 20th century.
Between 1903 and 1942, this minister-turned-author wrote nineteen books, several scripts for stage plays, and several magazine articles. At least fifteen movies were made from his novels. Seven of Wright's books appeared on the top ten best sellers lists, two of them twice, including a number one seller in 1914, a number two in 1916 and a third best seller three times.
He's best known for his work entitled The Shepherd of the Hills which was made into the well known, outdoor play, of the same name, performed in Branson, Mo.
Between 1903 and 1942, this minister-turned-author wrote nineteen books, several scripts for stage plays, and several magazine articles. At least fifteen movies were made from his novels. Seven of Wright's books appeared on the top ten best sellers lists, two of them twice, including a number one seller in 1914, a number two in 1916 and a third best seller three times.
He's best known for his work entitled The Shepherd of the Hills which was made into the well known, outdoor play, of the same name, performed in Branson, Mo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 523 reviews
March 3, 2016
4.5 Stars
Have you ever been so intimidated by the plethora of 5 star reviews of a particular book that you dare not pick it up for fear of disappointment? This happens to me occasionally and is probably the main reason this lovely 1907 dustjacketed book stood in my bookcase for well over a year before I read it. Shocking, I know.
Still, I'm a firm believer in "the right book at the right time" and this was the right time so it all worked out.
I won't go into detail on the plot because there's a lot of reviews on this already. Basic story line: An older city gentleman moves to the Ozark mountains to get away from society, purge his demons and try to make amends for something in his past. There he settles down more comfortably than expected and becomes "one of the family" to the mountain folk who live there, 'finding himself' in the process.
But old secrets die hard...or not at all.
This book had a little of everything: the mad boy who runs wild in the hills, strange sounds in the forests, a forgotten gold mine, larger than life "Lorna Doone-type" menfolk, drought, poverty, redemption, romance etc.
The author was apparently a minister before he turned to writing, but this is not a preachy or doctrinal book. Moralizing, ok perhaps a little, (the author had a "real men work the land" mentality) but no sermonizing or religious agenda. The characters believe in God as the Creator and that is a part of who they are. But the characters are multi faceted and flawed. They make mistakes and grow from them, learning the true meaning of being a "sure enough" lady or gentleman, and this really touches the heart of the reader.
A good, old fashioned read.
Have you ever been so intimidated by the plethora of 5 star reviews of a particular book that you dare not pick it up for fear of disappointment? This happens to me occasionally and is probably the main reason this lovely 1907 dustjacketed book stood in my bookcase for well over a year before I read it. Shocking, I know.
Still, I'm a firm believer in "the right book at the right time" and this was the right time so it all worked out.
I won't go into detail on the plot because there's a lot of reviews on this already. Basic story line: An older city gentleman moves to the Ozark mountains to get away from society, purge his demons and try to make amends for something in his past. There he settles down more comfortably than expected and becomes "one of the family" to the mountain folk who live there, 'finding himself' in the process.
But old secrets die hard...or not at all.
This book had a little of everything: the mad boy who runs wild in the hills, strange sounds in the forests, a forgotten gold mine, larger than life "Lorna Doone-type" menfolk, drought, poverty, redemption, romance etc.
The author was apparently a minister before he turned to writing, but this is not a preachy or doctrinal book. Moralizing, ok perhaps a little, (the author had a "real men work the land" mentality) but no sermonizing or religious agenda. The characters believe in God as the Creator and that is a part of who they are. But the characters are multi faceted and flawed. They make mistakes and grow from them, learning the true meaning of being a "sure enough" lady or gentleman, and this really touches the heart of the reader.
A good, old fashioned read.
March 2, 2017
An extraordinary story. Beautiful writing. Down-to-earth characters. One of my all-time favourite books, I'm sure. I am speechless and can think of no better way to honour this book than to quote this beautiful passage.
Here and there among men, there are those who pause in the hurried rush to listen to the call of a life that is more real. How often have we seen them, David, jostled and ridiculed by their fellows, pushed aside and forgotten, as incompetent or unworthy. He who sees and hears too much is cursed for a dreamer, a fanatic, or a fool, by the mad mob, who, having eyes, see not, ears and hear not, and refuse to understand.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pete knew a world unseen by us, and we, therefore, fancied ourselves wiser than he. The wind in the pines, the rustle of the leaves, the murmur of the brook, the growl of the thunder, and the voices of the night were all understood and answered by him. The flowers, the trees, the rocks, the hills, the clouds were to him, not lifeless things, but living friends, who laughed and wept with him as he was gay or sorrowful.
Poor Pete,' we said. Was he in truth, David, poorer or richer than we?
Here and there among men, there are those who pause in the hurried rush to listen to the call of a life that is more real. How often have we seen them, David, jostled and ridiculed by their fellows, pushed aside and forgotten, as incompetent or unworthy. He who sees and hears too much is cursed for a dreamer, a fanatic, or a fool, by the mad mob, who, having eyes, see not, ears and hear not, and refuse to understand.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pete knew a world unseen by us, and we, therefore, fancied ourselves wiser than he. The wind in the pines, the rustle of the leaves, the murmur of the brook, the growl of the thunder, and the voices of the night were all understood and answered by him. The flowers, the trees, the rocks, the hills, the clouds were to him, not lifeless things, but living friends, who laughed and wept with him as he was gay or sorrowful.
Poor Pete,' we said. Was he in truth, David, poorer or richer than we?
June 13, 2010
The first time I read this book I was about 9 years old. It sat, along with several other Harold Bell Wright books, on my dad's bookshelf. I can still feel the old cover if I close my eyes and imagine it. So it's safe to say there's a lot of memories held within this books pages.
I remember shortly after I read it my family took a trip to the Ozarks in Missouri. It's pretty famous there and there is even a life showing held out doors. As I re-read the story over the last few days I found myself recalling bits and pieces of seeing it there, live on the stage.
Wright does such a fantastic job of describing his characters. From the young giant, Grant Matthews (Young Matt) to the beautiful Sammy Lane. Every character has a unique feel to him or her and.. well there just aren't words to describe how much I enjoyed re-acquainting myself with them.
If you are a nature lover, you would love this book. If you love good, solid stories dealing with life, love, death, heartache and a return to faith, you would love this book. And even though the book is somewhat dated its principles still apply to today. This book is one of my favorites and I'm just sad I haven't made time to revisit it sooner.
I remember shortly after I read it my family took a trip to the Ozarks in Missouri. It's pretty famous there and there is even a life showing held out doors. As I re-read the story over the last few days I found myself recalling bits and pieces of seeing it there, live on the stage.
Wright does such a fantastic job of describing his characters. From the young giant, Grant Matthews (Young Matt) to the beautiful Sammy Lane. Every character has a unique feel to him or her and.. well there just aren't words to describe how much I enjoyed re-acquainting myself with them.
If you are a nature lover, you would love this book. If you love good, solid stories dealing with life, love, death, heartache and a return to faith, you would love this book. And even though the book is somewhat dated its principles still apply to today. This book is one of my favorites and I'm just sad I haven't made time to revisit it sooner.
June 29, 2020
The Beauty of the Ozarks
This is the second time that I have read this book, the first being 65 years ago when I was a teenager. I just wanted to see if it was as great as I thought it was back then, especially since it had been one of my favorite books. Yet, I am often disappointed after re reading a book that I once loved.
This book came into my hands by way of a librarian who chose it for me. When I finished the book I asked her if she could find me more books about mountain people, and that she did: “The Little Shepherd of Kingdome Come,” “The Trail of the Lonesome Pine,” “The Bee Keeper,” and “The Girl of the Limberlost.” I found two books on my own: “Bald Knobbers,” and “Tobacco Road.” When I brought “Tobacco Road” home, my mom saw it, took it away from me, read it, and said that it was “too dirty” for me to read. I read it at a later date when I thought of it. I didn’t really like it because it depicted a different type of mountain people, the kind I would not wish to befriend.
Set in the Ozark Mountains, the author painted a beautiful picture of the area, and I wanted so much to see it. When I was sixteen in August, my step-uncle and grandmother had cousins in West Plains, MO that they wanted to visit, and they invited me to come with them.
California was no longer green due to the hot summer sun and lack of rain. The Ozarks were beautiful with their green rolling hills, and it rained some every day. I fell in love with those green hills, with the Ozarks, so much so, that when my husband and I retired, we began looking for a place to buy a home, and ended up in another part of the Ozarks, Eastern Oklahoma. Again, rolling lush green hills in the summer. and humidity. The chiggers, which I didn’t know were here, are just as horrible as they were in West Plains. This kind of paradise has its price, bugs, humidity and lots of pollen that bother me more as I age.
After moving here, I reread “The Bald Knobbers,” again, because I remembered how much I liked that non-fiction book about the vigilantes that roamed the hills of Branson, MO. So, when my sister and niece came to visit, we headed for Branson, but not to see where this book had taken place. I wanted to see Bald Knob Mountain. I think the book called it Dewey Mountain. We drove into a small town on our way to find it, and they were having a Bald Knobber play in their city park, nothing sophisticated. I bought a T-shirt with a painting of a Bald Knobber on its front. It looks evil with its horns on top of the man’s hooded head. I have yet to wear it.
We were then directed to the mountain where the Knobbers held their meetings, but we could not drive up to see it because the owner didn’t allow visitors. Yet, it didn’t look like a mountain at all to me. No matter where I have traveled in the Ozarks, mountains look like hills. At least that is what we call them in California.
After leaving the Branson area, we drove to West Plains, and I got to see that lovely town once again. I even found the old watch shop where my uncle had taken me where he could get his watch fixed. While it was no longer a watch shop, the old counter was still in the same place. I could almost see the old watch repairman sitting behind it with his magnifying glass in front of his eye, held on by a leather band that was wrapped around his head. Then we walked down the street to an antique store, where I found an antique flour sack quilt top. When I came home, I had it quilted, and was even able to do some of the work myself.
So, what was this book like the second time around? Well, in short, it was only a three-star read for me this time, but my star rating remains as it was when I was young. What made it different? Wright was into eugenics and thought that humans should be bread like pigs to make what he called “finest human specimens.” I googled “origin of eugenics,” and I learned that Plato was also into it. Perhaps, it was first thought up by him, but I doubt it. Wright referred to tall and muscled men as great specimens. And in the book, he interchanged some men’s names with the word, “Giant.” One of their men folk went to college, and when he came home it was noted that he had lost his muscles; he was now a weakling. Next, Wright was complaining about education. I suppose this came from the Holy Bible, where it warns against listening to the philosophies of men. Maybe I am right about this, but I had heard this scripture used as a reason to not go to college. So, this book was a rough start for me. Yet, if you can wade through all this, it would be a great story.
It begins with a stranger coming up the mountain on horseback. He became The Shepherd. While his real name was Daniel, he was later called, Dad. I was surprised that Wright didn’t have him riding a donkey. Just that The Shepherd always reminded me of Christ. The word Dad reminds me of Our Father. And we know where Danile came from. Right now I am wondering if the book of Daniel prophesied the coming of Christ.
So, Daniel was riding up the mountain and met a man on the trail. He stopped to ask him if he knew of a place where he could stay the night and was directed to Mr. Matthew’s homestead. Matthew took him in and soon had him tending to his sheep. Now we get to meet the other people who lived in the mountains, and they are all fine Christian folks. At least there was no preaching, but at the end of the book there is talk of God, not the fire and brimstone kind that I expected, but a God that created everything, a God that was palatable to me.
There was talk of the Bald Knobbers, which I did not recall being in this book, but perhaps that was why I picked up that book about them at my childhood library in the first place. It was said that the government stopped the vigilante group when it realized that they had become just as bad as those that they were trying to stop committing crimes. Ah, but they had a few left in Wright’s book, because near the end of the book they held a meeting, but it didn’t go very well.
There were two love stories in this book. One ended in tragedy; the other difn’u. Even Dad’s life was tragic. He had come there to get away from the city, from what was bothering him. He finally had to face his own demons.
So, why did I love this book as a young girl? The author painted the Ozark country in beautiful colors, the people were wonderful, except for a few, and it was wholesome. And last of all, I still love books about mountain people. [
This is the second time that I have read this book, the first being 65 years ago when I was a teenager. I just wanted to see if it was as great as I thought it was back then, especially since it had been one of my favorite books. Yet, I am often disappointed after re reading a book that I once loved.
This book came into my hands by way of a librarian who chose it for me. When I finished the book I asked her if she could find me more books about mountain people, and that she did: “The Little Shepherd of Kingdome Come,” “The Trail of the Lonesome Pine,” “The Bee Keeper,” and “The Girl of the Limberlost.” I found two books on my own: “Bald Knobbers,” and “Tobacco Road.” When I brought “Tobacco Road” home, my mom saw it, took it away from me, read it, and said that it was “too dirty” for me to read. I read it at a later date when I thought of it. I didn’t really like it because it depicted a different type of mountain people, the kind I would not wish to befriend.
Set in the Ozark Mountains, the author painted a beautiful picture of the area, and I wanted so much to see it. When I was sixteen in August, my step-uncle and grandmother had cousins in West Plains, MO that they wanted to visit, and they invited me to come with them.
California was no longer green due to the hot summer sun and lack of rain. The Ozarks were beautiful with their green rolling hills, and it rained some every day. I fell in love with those green hills, with the Ozarks, so much so, that when my husband and I retired, we began looking for a place to buy a home, and ended up in another part of the Ozarks, Eastern Oklahoma. Again, rolling lush green hills in the summer. and humidity. The chiggers, which I didn’t know were here, are just as horrible as they were in West Plains. This kind of paradise has its price, bugs, humidity and lots of pollen that bother me more as I age.
After moving here, I reread “The Bald Knobbers,” again, because I remembered how much I liked that non-fiction book about the vigilantes that roamed the hills of Branson, MO. So, when my sister and niece came to visit, we headed for Branson, but not to see where this book had taken place. I wanted to see Bald Knob Mountain. I think the book called it Dewey Mountain. We drove into a small town on our way to find it, and they were having a Bald Knobber play in their city park, nothing sophisticated. I bought a T-shirt with a painting of a Bald Knobber on its front. It looks evil with its horns on top of the man’s hooded head. I have yet to wear it.
We were then directed to the mountain where the Knobbers held their meetings, but we could not drive up to see it because the owner didn’t allow visitors. Yet, it didn’t look like a mountain at all to me. No matter where I have traveled in the Ozarks, mountains look like hills. At least that is what we call them in California.
After leaving the Branson area, we drove to West Plains, and I got to see that lovely town once again. I even found the old watch shop where my uncle had taken me where he could get his watch fixed. While it was no longer a watch shop, the old counter was still in the same place. I could almost see the old watch repairman sitting behind it with his magnifying glass in front of his eye, held on by a leather band that was wrapped around his head. Then we walked down the street to an antique store, where I found an antique flour sack quilt top. When I came home, I had it quilted, and was even able to do some of the work myself.
So, what was this book like the second time around? Well, in short, it was only a three-star read for me this time, but my star rating remains as it was when I was young. What made it different? Wright was into eugenics and thought that humans should be bread like pigs to make what he called “finest human specimens.” I googled “origin of eugenics,” and I learned that Plato was also into it. Perhaps, it was first thought up by him, but I doubt it. Wright referred to tall and muscled men as great specimens. And in the book, he interchanged some men’s names with the word, “Giant.” One of their men folk went to college, and when he came home it was noted that he had lost his muscles; he was now a weakling. Next, Wright was complaining about education. I suppose this came from the Holy Bible, where it warns against listening to the philosophies of men. Maybe I am right about this, but I had heard this scripture used as a reason to not go to college. So, this book was a rough start for me. Yet, if you can wade through all this, it would be a great story.
It begins with a stranger coming up the mountain on horseback. He became The Shepherd. While his real name was Daniel, he was later called, Dad. I was surprised that Wright didn’t have him riding a donkey. Just that The Shepherd always reminded me of Christ. The word Dad reminds me of Our Father. And we know where Danile came from. Right now I am wondering if the book of Daniel prophesied the coming of Christ.
So, Daniel was riding up the mountain and met a man on the trail. He stopped to ask him if he knew of a place where he could stay the night and was directed to Mr. Matthew’s homestead. Matthew took him in and soon had him tending to his sheep. Now we get to meet the other people who lived in the mountains, and they are all fine Christian folks. At least there was no preaching, but at the end of the book there is talk of God, not the fire and brimstone kind that I expected, but a God that created everything, a God that was palatable to me.
There was talk of the Bald Knobbers, which I did not recall being in this book, but perhaps that was why I picked up that book about them at my childhood library in the first place. It was said that the government stopped the vigilante group when it realized that they had become just as bad as those that they were trying to stop committing crimes. Ah, but they had a few left in Wright’s book, because near the end of the book they held a meeting, but it didn’t go very well.
There were two love stories in this book. One ended in tragedy; the other difn’u. Even Dad’s life was tragic. He had come there to get away from the city, from what was bothering him. He finally had to face his own demons.
So, why did I love this book as a young girl? The author painted the Ozark country in beautiful colors, the people were wonderful, except for a few, and it was wholesome. And last of all, I still love books about mountain people. [
April 9, 2025
What a lovely story! This story is set in the 1900s within the hills of the Ozarks when a stranger comes traveling through and finds solace, home, and healing among the mountains. It moved me emotionally and had a few lines that stuck out to me spiritually. All the characters were so engaging of my emotions as I read this action-packed, sweet story. The description of the Ozarks was perfect. It really is a beautiful part of the US. I saw this play as a young kid and now I’m planning another visit to Branson to see this post-read. I’m making it 4.5⭐️ because the redundancy af giant and strength felt overwhelming and I’m not sure I’d read it again. Still was delighted with this read!
*"There is a bond of fellowship in sorrow that knows no conventionalities."
*"Small wonder our lives have so little of God in them, when we come in touch with so little of that God has made."
*No man needn't be afraid of nobody but himself."
*"A 'sure-enough' lady does not pretend to be; she is."
* "The lad went down the hill, his bright castles in ruin- even as we all have gone or must sometime go down the hill with our brightest castles in ruin."
*"More often than will be good for your picture, I fear. You must work hard, young sir, while the book Of God is still open, and God's message is easily read. When the outside world comes, men will turn the page, and you may lose the place."
*"There is a bond of fellowship in sorrow that knows no conventionalities."
*"Small wonder our lives have so little of God in them, when we come in touch with so little of that God has made."
*No man needn't be afraid of nobody but himself."
*"A 'sure-enough' lady does not pretend to be; she is."
* "The lad went down the hill, his bright castles in ruin- even as we all have gone or must sometime go down the hill with our brightest castles in ruin."
*"More often than will be good for your picture, I fear. You must work hard, young sir, while the book Of God is still open, and God's message is easily read. When the outside world comes, men will turn the page, and you may lose the place."
March 28, 2016
What a marvelous, prefect ending! Haven't got anything to say about it all yet.. I'll try writing a real review later.
January 7, 2012
My family and I found ourselves on an unplanned trip to Branson a week ago. While there, at a little store, I found this "gold nugget". I had never heard of Shepherd on the Hills nor the author before and the back of the book read "Fourth best selling book ever published and second most sold next to the Bible". This sparked my interest. So, I bought it and began reading. It is by far one of the BEST books I have ever read. The details of each scene were perfect. Everytime I opened it I felt as if I were there witnessing with my own eyes and I felt that I personally knew the characters. It made me want to live back in those times. I wouldn't say it was a christian book but it was "wholesome", and I recommend young teenagers read it for a good character reading. I am now going to find more books by this author.
May 25, 2011
I found a 1907 edition of this book and snapped it up, knowing it to be my mother's FAVORITE book of all time. I had given her a paperback reprint but she insisted that it had been edited and was not as good. I began reading them simultaneously and found her accusation to be true. First, the country dialects have been removed, possibly because they cast those who use them as less educated and refined and also because many of today's reader's don't wish to be slowed down with stumbling through pronunciations. I soon set the edited paperback aside and read only from the original volume.
Editing dialect out of books changes the spirit of a book. How is the reader to fully appreciate how new-comer "Dad" Howitt was held in esteem by his back-woods neighbors? How is the reader to detect the transformation of Sammy under his tutelage? How is the reader to know why Sammy works so hard to become worthy of her childhood betrothed who has come into fortune, education, and position where she is destined to join him outside the hills of their youth? Will the reader come to love the hill folks "just as they are" with all that means, as the Shepherd does?
Part Cinderella, part Beauty, part Phantom, this story echoes the human drama as Dickens and Hugo wrote. Like Thomas Hardy, Bell writes of that fragile transition from agrarian subsistence to frenzied industrialism. He presents to readers his thoughts on what real manhood and real womanhood is. Whether or not today's reader agrees is less predictable than it was to those who first read and loved his work.
I admit I used about 20 hankies through the last ten chapters. How much that had to do with my suffering from a cold, I'll never know.
Editing dialect out of books changes the spirit of a book. How is the reader to fully appreciate how new-comer "Dad" Howitt was held in esteem by his back-woods neighbors? How is the reader to detect the transformation of Sammy under his tutelage? How is the reader to know why Sammy works so hard to become worthy of her childhood betrothed who has come into fortune, education, and position where she is destined to join him outside the hills of their youth? Will the reader come to love the hill folks "just as they are" with all that means, as the Shepherd does?
Part Cinderella, part Beauty, part Phantom, this story echoes the human drama as Dickens and Hugo wrote. Like Thomas Hardy, Bell writes of that fragile transition from agrarian subsistence to frenzied industrialism. He presents to readers his thoughts on what real manhood and real womanhood is. Whether or not today's reader agrees is less predictable than it was to those who first read and loved his work.
I admit I used about 20 hankies through the last ten chapters. How much that had to do with my suffering from a cold, I'll never know.
July 27, 2011
This is an outstanding story. Young Matt (Grant Matthews) is a young, giant of a man living in the Ozarks with his parents in the late 1800s. His parents are hard-working, upright people who have raised him to possess good moral strength. The narrative pits him against the evil forces and numerous trials, which he handles with quiet dignity. He is the prototype for mankind. His perfect mate (physically and morally) is his childhood friend. She was promised to another before she knew about love and compatibility. Their inter-relationship is one of the several threads which weave the fabric of this story. These two are pitted against a cross section of humankind and struggle with the challenges which beset all good people in that stage of life when they are coming of age. The narrator is an older, educated man (the Shepherd of the Hills) who has retired from city life to the bucolic life of the Ozarks to find his moral bearings and resolve issues that have plagued him for years and can only be resolved in this region of the Ozarks. There is a bit of the supernatural involved. The author masterfully lays out to the reader (through the narrative) those eternal principles which are essential to lead a person to find inner peace. This is a compelling tale and I highly recommend it to all readers. I especially recommend it to teenagers and young adults. It deserves a solid 5 rating. A true classic.
June 25, 2022
My copy of this book is so old I was afraid there would be no image of it here on Goodreads. I am pretty sure we picked it up on a childhood (yes, mine!) trip to the Ozarks, when you could still find and walk some quiet but rapidly disappearing trails.
Although I cannot remember when this book was acquired, it’s in pristine condition and I value it more highly than most of the more expensive books in my collection because of its history...even if the historian in me is beginning to get a bit rusty/fuzzy on details.
I read The Shepherd of the Hills back when I was a girl and know I loved it, although before this reread, I could not remember exactly what it is about anymore, except that it is one of those stories which everyone must read.
The Shepherd was originally published in 1907. Now the lovely isolated rural hideaway described by the author, Harold Bell Wright, is “Branson”, a tourist spot with a big show and theme-park. The peace of mind and opportunity to rediscover God in nature which Wright’s character sought in the hills no longer exists.
But the story and the reader’s imagination are still possible, which is the value and beauty of this book. Open up its covers and rediscover an old tale, sweet and at times slightly predictable, but wonderful and one to be read aloud and shared from generation to generation.
Wright doesn’t paint an easy nor simplistic life in the hills of those long-ago days. It was not easy then any more than it is now, but it is so good that he preserved this glimpse of that life for us.
Highly recommended!
Although I cannot remember when this book was acquired, it’s in pristine condition and I value it more highly than most of the more expensive books in my collection because of its history...even if the historian in me is beginning to get a bit rusty/fuzzy on details.
I read The Shepherd of the Hills back when I was a girl and know I loved it, although before this reread, I could not remember exactly what it is about anymore, except that it is one of those stories which everyone must read.
The Shepherd was originally published in 1907. Now the lovely isolated rural hideaway described by the author, Harold Bell Wright, is “Branson”, a tourist spot with a big show and theme-park. The peace of mind and opportunity to rediscover God in nature which Wright’s character sought in the hills no longer exists.
But the story and the reader’s imagination are still possible, which is the value and beauty of this book. Open up its covers and rediscover an old tale, sweet and at times slightly predictable, but wonderful and one to be read aloud and shared from generation to generation.
Wright doesn’t paint an easy nor simplistic life in the hills of those long-ago days. It was not easy then any more than it is now, but it is so good that he preserved this glimpse of that life for us.
Highly recommended!
December 30, 2017
3.25 stars. I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. I found the views on manhood and womanhood to be a bit conflicting at times. sometimes it seemed more progressive than I expected, and other times extremely archaic. The mystery and intrigue kept me interested, and it was nice to read a piece of literature that is such an important part of the Ozarks.
December 28, 2011
“Here and there among men, there are those who pause in the hurried rush to listen to the call of a life that is more real. How often have we seen them, jostled and ridiculed by their fellows, pushed aside and forgotten, as incompetent or unworthy. He who sees and hears too much is cursed for a dreamer, a fanatic, or a fool, by the mad mob, who, having eyes, see not, ears and hear not, and refuse to understand…We build temples and churches, but will not worship in them; we hire spiritual advisers, but refuse to heed them; we buy Bibles, but will not read them; believing in God, we do not fear Him; acknowledging Christ, we neither follow nor obey Him. Only when we can no longer strive in the battle for earthly honors or material wealth, do we turn to the unseen but more enduring things of life; and, with ears and eyes blinded by the glare of passing pomp and folly, we strive to hear and see the things we have so long refused to consider.”
November 18, 2015
I'm giving this 5 stars in honor of my mother who always told us it was one of her favorite books. She read it in high school. It took me a lot more years to finally get to it, but I agree it's a great read, good enough that I read it through twice in a row. It's an interesting tale with nice descriptions of the setting (one of the things my mom still remembers liking about it). Several little scenes leave you on the edge of your seat as to how they might turn out. There's a little romance, and some scandal. The honorable characters aren't perfect. They are trying to figure life out just like any of us, and each must face a crux in their lives in deciding whether or not they have courage and strength to take the high road. There are good moral lessons in the training of how to become a "shore 'nuff lady or gentleman" by avoiding shallow frivolities and developing depth of character instead.
March 26, 2013
I'm not inclined to read romance novels but this is not a true romance novel. There is, of course, the love between a man and woman but there is so much more; the love of nature and of God and all his creatures, the beauty of the Ozark Mountains, the peace of a time long past, a time that will never come again. Most of all this is the story of the love of life. The constant learning, growing and discovering what life is about. What it means to truly live as oneself. There is mystery, fantasy, cruelty, strength of character, forgiveness and redemption within these pages. I read this book as a young girl but must admit that it means so much more to me now in my maturity.
March 28, 2012
Oh books of yesteryear! This book put Missouri (and Branson for that matter) on the map. For those of you who've never been, you'll fall in love with those Ozarks again and again in this novel. The people are pure, good and evil is obvious, where "ma" and "pa" comfort you. This book is like eating mashed potatoes and gravy on a cold fall day.
January 15, 2023
Still a good book, but perhaps I shouldn't have read it right after George McDonald. My vision of God wasn't changed or refreshed, and Wright's stereotypes of manhood and womanhood was, at times, eye-roll worthy.
February 17, 2017
{3.5 stars}
Although sometimes I was a little confused with the events throughout this book, I liked that the writing wasn't as in depth as other classics I've read. All the characters were riveting, but I especially liked Sammy, Young Matt (especially how protective he was of Sammy...and just his honourable attitude in general), Pete (*sniff*), and Mr. Howitt. There were a few surprises along the way that I found intriguing.
The Christianity in this wasn't what I expected--it's more of a social gospel than a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. At least it had that feel, but when God or Christianity was referenced it was in depth and worthwhile.
I thought it slightly strange that the preacher was mentioned on several occasions at the beginning of the chapter, but never appears as part of the story.
I would recommend this to classic lovers.
*Several swear words throughout.
Although sometimes I was a little confused with the events throughout this book, I liked that the writing wasn't as in depth as other classics I've read. All the characters were riveting, but I especially liked Sammy, Young Matt (especially how protective he was of Sammy...and just his honourable attitude in general), Pete (*sniff*), and Mr. Howitt. There were a few surprises along the way that I found intriguing.
The Christianity in this wasn't what I expected--it's more of a social gospel than a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. At least it had that feel, but when God or Christianity was referenced it was in depth and worthwhile.
I thought it slightly strange that the preacher was mentioned on several occasions at the beginning of the chapter, but never appears as part of the story.
I would recommend this to classic lovers.
*Several swear words throughout.
January 22, 2008
I got tired of reading about "giants" - there are 3 in the book and he doesn't know how else to describe them. "Young giant" is about as far as he modifies it. Manly men have to be big, anyone small is weak. Unless you're a woman and this story happens to have the loveliest little heroine anyone has ever seen. If you're from the city, you're less of a person than if you're from the hills. As far as it being a great depiction of the Ozarks, could've been the Allegheny, Adirondacks, or Appalachain Mountains and I don't think it would have mattered. Seems to be a fairly mediocre book and I'm not sure why it's survived this long. I don't recommend it unless you get a kick out of reading sappy writing. I have to admit I actually laughed out loud twice. "What a man!"
May 27, 2015
A wonderfully written, mysterious story showcasing the simple beauty of the Ozarks. This story has a bit of everything-- action, romance, good vs. evil, mystery-- all wrapped up with some wonderful lessons on what truly matters in life. Now I want to go back to Branson and catch the stage-play of this story!
January 7, 2018
Wonderful book! Very captivating story set in the Ozarks in the early 1900's; full of mystery to the end. Dialect a little difficult to muddle through, at times (here's a freebie: " 'low" means "thought" ) but it's worth the wading. I plan to read the rest of the trilogy that I just learned about.
September 22, 2016
I am overcome by the beauty of this book.
I thank my friend Courtney for telling me to read it.
I thank my friend Courtney for telling me to read it.
August 16, 2017
loved this book! I am surprised I haven't read this classic before. I really liked the quality of this old book. I appreciated the character depth presented and the unique and dramatic back story.
October 25, 2022
This is a very well written story that will keep you glued til the end. The only thing about it that I didn't like was how the author made the protagonists exceptionally strong, beautiful, healthy, and charming, while the antagonists were physically inferior. This is not realistic, nor is it necessary to make it a good story. But the author does also place value in character qualities. I give it 5 stars.
April 6, 2022
Wright's prose is so beautiful; every sentence is filled with the yearning of the human soul. I read this book very slowly to take it all in and even reread passages. I was also unabashedly self-inserting as Sammy because Young Matt is the ideal man.
If you love the Tom Bombadil chapters of Lord of the Rings you should read this.
If you love the Tom Bombadil chapters of Lord of the Rings you should read this.
October 7, 2025
I had never even heard of The Shepherd of the Hills until earlier this year, though it was published in 1907. It’s in large part responsible for the beginning of tourism in Branson, Missouri, becoming the first novel in America to sell one million copies. Since I’m about to visit Branson for the first time in my adult life, this seemed like the perfect time to read this once well-loved classic that has fallen by the literary wayside. I’m very glad that I did. This is a lovely story, one with far more emotional depth and breadth than I anticipated.
Our story begins with a well-to-do city dweller coming to Mutton Hollow—which would become Branson in the years following the novel’s publication—in search of rest and answers and spiritual healing. He finds them all in the beautiful scenery and the endearing characters populating the hills. He leaves behind his life of ease and prestige for one of hard work and lonely nights as he takes on the role of a shepherd. The story to which our shepherd is party is one of joy and sorrow, goodness and hardship, love and grief and violence. I didn’t expect to bear witness to such a wide span of human experience in this book. It’s easy to see why it was so adored in its time, and why it served to draw so many people to the area.
Harold Bell Wright was a minister, and that came across in his fiction. There were some devastating moments covered in this book, whether in the backstory of a family or the violence that took place on page. These people faced some terrible, heartbreaking circumstances. And yet, through the shepherd and the love he develops for these people and this place, the love and providence of God shines brilliantly from the page by the novel’s end.
Our story begins with a well-to-do city dweller coming to Mutton Hollow—which would become Branson in the years following the novel’s publication—in search of rest and answers and spiritual healing. He finds them all in the beautiful scenery and the endearing characters populating the hills. He leaves behind his life of ease and prestige for one of hard work and lonely nights as he takes on the role of a shepherd. The story to which our shepherd is party is one of joy and sorrow, goodness and hardship, love and grief and violence. I didn’t expect to bear witness to such a wide span of human experience in this book. It’s easy to see why it was so adored in its time, and why it served to draw so many people to the area.
Harold Bell Wright was a minister, and that came across in his fiction. There were some devastating moments covered in this book, whether in the backstory of a family or the violence that took place on page. These people faced some terrible, heartbreaking circumstances. And yet, through the shepherd and the love he develops for these people and this place, the love and providence of God shines brilliantly from the page by the novel’s end.
September 13, 2025
This should be required reading for anyone living in the Ozarks.
I haven’t felt this way after finishing a book since the first time I finished the LotR trilogy, The Road, or East of Eden.
I haven’t felt this way after finishing a book since the first time I finished the LotR trilogy, The Road, or East of Eden.
May 10, 2023
I went in knowing very little about this work, other than the outdoor show which is credited with starting Branson’s tourism industry. Aside from the billboards lining the interstate in southwest Missouri and an expressway bearing the same name, I had no prior background or expectations. However, this novel by Harold Bell Wright will go down to become one of the best books I’ve had the pleasure of reading.
Written in 1907, The Shepherd of the Hills speaks a universal truth of hardships, loss, depression and guilt. Moreover, it teaches readers the power of compassion, determination, friendship, and love which binds us all together. Set in the gleaming hills of the Missouri Ozarks, it speaks of a simpler time with a reminder to the reader to enjoy the everyday beauty which surrounds us.
The chapters are masterfully woven together to keep the reader engaged and curious about what will happen next. Cheering for the characters when they overcome their adversity, and mourning alongside them in their time of grief.
I will cautiously recommend this book to others due to the writing style being very typical for the 1900s. Nevertheless, I hope to revisit the hills where the Shepherd tended his flock again soon.
Written in 1907, The Shepherd of the Hills speaks a universal truth of hardships, loss, depression and guilt. Moreover, it teaches readers the power of compassion, determination, friendship, and love which binds us all together. Set in the gleaming hills of the Missouri Ozarks, it speaks of a simpler time with a reminder to the reader to enjoy the everyday beauty which surrounds us.
The chapters are masterfully woven together to keep the reader engaged and curious about what will happen next. Cheering for the characters when they overcome their adversity, and mourning alongside them in their time of grief.
I will cautiously recommend this book to others due to the writing style being very typical for the 1900s. Nevertheless, I hope to revisit the hills where the Shepherd tended his flock again soon.
October 10, 2011
This story is full of secrets .. and the backwoods ways of Ozark mountain folk. As the story begins a stranger appears portraying a gentle spirit despite his obvious sophistication. He takes a job herding sheep for the Matthews family, and soon becomes well-loved by the community of Mutton Hollow who begin referring to him as Dad Howitt. He is trusted for his wisdom and belief in God. In the shepherd's back story, he has made his way to the hills to escape the apathy of city life and rediscover his faith. The beauty of the hills bring peace to Dad as he tries to heal from the loss of his son who disappeared there years ago. When Mr. Matthews, Old Matt, confides in Dad about the history of his daughter's death, Dad soon realizes that it was his son who broke her heart. The story is very involved and intertwines the lives of more than one character.
There is Sammy, a beautiful, strong mountain girl who Young Matt, son of Mr. Matthews, dreams of marrying one day. Wash Gibbs, leader of an outlaw gang, also has his sights set on Sammy. While meanwhile Ollie, a city slicker, wants to take Sammy away from the “common” life of Mutton Hollow. Ollie thinks Sammy will make a refined lady to compliment him, and covets the idea of having her as his own. Sammy asks Dad to mentor her and teach her to be a proper lady, thinking she isn't worthy of Ollie. Soon she realizes that fine dresses and sophisticated ways mean nothing without mild manners and a humble spirit. Sammy already is a “lady” and living in the city would only leave her homesick for the mountains.
Sammy finds Young Matt is a strong, courageous man and sees Ollie's true colors when Wash Gibbs tries to take advantage of her. Dad Howitt finds a grandson he never knew about and is able to reunite with his long lost son …. These highlights are discovered through astonishing, honest, and believable details that make this story unforgettable!
Harold Bell Wright has a knack for connecting his characters by exposing their motives in ways that allow the reader to predict reactions, but at the same time elicits surprise at what happens next. Even while I was on the right track … figuring out the plot, I was amazed by the way pieces of the story came together. The descriptions of nature .. sunsets, smell of honeysuckle, sound of the wind, lightening and fury of storms made the scenery so visible it was like I was right there.
~ Spoiler ~ The quick summary given here does not do justice to this wonderful story. It is one which I'm sure I'll read again. Love and loss, tragedy and triumph … The Shepherd of the Hills made me realize that everything can be alright when it seems like nothing is.
There is Sammy, a beautiful, strong mountain girl who Young Matt, son of Mr. Matthews, dreams of marrying one day. Wash Gibbs, leader of an outlaw gang, also has his sights set on Sammy. While meanwhile Ollie, a city slicker, wants to take Sammy away from the “common” life of Mutton Hollow. Ollie thinks Sammy will make a refined lady to compliment him, and covets the idea of having her as his own. Sammy asks Dad to mentor her and teach her to be a proper lady, thinking she isn't worthy of Ollie. Soon she realizes that fine dresses and sophisticated ways mean nothing without mild manners and a humble spirit. Sammy already is a “lady” and living in the city would only leave her homesick for the mountains.
Sammy finds Young Matt is a strong, courageous man and sees Ollie's true colors when Wash Gibbs tries to take advantage of her. Dad Howitt finds a grandson he never knew about and is able to reunite with his long lost son …. These highlights are discovered through astonishing, honest, and believable details that make this story unforgettable!
Harold Bell Wright has a knack for connecting his characters by exposing their motives in ways that allow the reader to predict reactions, but at the same time elicits surprise at what happens next. Even while I was on the right track … figuring out the plot, I was amazed by the way pieces of the story came together. The descriptions of nature .. sunsets, smell of honeysuckle, sound of the wind, lightening and fury of storms made the scenery so visible it was like I was right there.
~ Spoiler ~ The quick summary given here does not do justice to this wonderful story. It is one which I'm sure I'll read again. Love and loss, tragedy and triumph … The Shepherd of the Hills made me realize that everything can be alright when it seems like nothing is.
September 10, 2020
BACK IN TIMES HOW THE MISSOURI OZARKS ONCE WAS. I ordered this book because I read it a long time ago, then found people are still reading it, it is 110 years old, but timely for today.
It is set in Missouri's Ozark Mountains when it was quiet and back woodsy, not as touristy as it is now. The Missouri Ozarks is loved as a vacation area.
The book contains many stories, the love of nature and of God giving this beautiful world to mankind. A man moves into the country beaten down by life. His wife and daughter are long dead, his son, an artist, has disappeared from his father's life. This man is a private person who wants to be left alone, he wants noone to know who he is or where he is.
There are two young people who promised each other they would marry when they are old enough. The man moves to the city to be educated, his uncle will make him wealthy. The young lady, a tomboy, falls in love with another young man. Will she be tempted to leave the hill country or will she follow her heart?
There is a strange boy, unworldly, beautiful, who does not seem to belong to earth. He loves nature, will not live inside, wanders around day and night, a haunted child who sees so much others do not see.
There are the Bald Knobbers, vigilantes who are to be feared. There may be ghosts or haunts wandering the country, seeing but not being seen but felt. And also some lost treasures.
This is such an uplifting book. It is a job to read.
It is set in Missouri's Ozark Mountains when it was quiet and back woodsy, not as touristy as it is now. The Missouri Ozarks is loved as a vacation area.
The book contains many stories, the love of nature and of God giving this beautiful world to mankind. A man moves into the country beaten down by life. His wife and daughter are long dead, his son, an artist, has disappeared from his father's life. This man is a private person who wants to be left alone, he wants noone to know who he is or where he is.
There are two young people who promised each other they would marry when they are old enough. The man moves to the city to be educated, his uncle will make him wealthy. The young lady, a tomboy, falls in love with another young man. Will she be tempted to leave the hill country or will she follow her heart?
There is a strange boy, unworldly, beautiful, who does not seem to belong to earth. He loves nature, will not live inside, wanders around day and night, a haunted child who sees so much others do not see.
There are the Bald Knobbers, vigilantes who are to be feared. There may be ghosts or haunts wandering the country, seeing but not being seen but felt. And also some lost treasures.
This is such an uplifting book. It is a job to read.
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