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Lo, Michael
Grace Livingston Hill's love for humankind shines through her character's journey to manhood. Mickey, a young newsboy, saves the life of heiress Starr Endicott by taking a gunman's bullet himself. To show his gratitude, Starr's father sends the boy off to school where he studies law. Then he returns to the inner city to help his friends. Through the years he has held Starr in his heart but refuses to intrude on her life. Suddenly he learns she's in danger-a danger she has unwittingly chosen. Can he save her again? Should he?
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1913
87 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
About the author
Grace Livingston Hill
572 books564 followersalso wrote under the pseudonym Marcia MacDonald
also published under the name Grace Livingston Hill Lutz
A popular author of her day, she wrote over 100 novels and numerous short stories of religious and Christian fiction. Her characters were most often young female ingénues, frequently strong Christian women or those who become so within the confines of the story.
niece to Isabella MacDonald Alden
also published under the name Grace Livingston Hill Lutz
A popular author of her day, she wrote over 100 novels and numerous short stories of religious and Christian fiction. Her characters were most often young female ingénues, frequently strong Christian women or those who become so within the confines of the story.
niece to Isabella MacDonald Alden
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 21, 2017
Halfway through, this book was a 4star GLH. I was fully invested in Michael's work in the slums. Romance had taken a back seat to service. However, the ending was thoroughly disappointing. Once the girl came back from Europe, all of his poor friends were left on literary auto-pilot. Gotta get the nice guy married to the pretty socialite! Worse, there wasn't a shred of Christianity. Michael gave the destitute, criminally-minded masses a couple clean houses, love, some nature walks, and.... That's it. No changed hearts or lives. I know next to nothing about GLH and how her personal spiritual timeline matches with her published books. I would love to know how the Beverly Lewis of the early 1900's wrote a book devoid of Christianity.
January 23, 2013
This is an e-book that I couldn't put down. It rates right up there with The Enchanted Barn and also Because of Stephen, also by Grace Livingston Hill.
It's one that you wish would keep on going even after you've turned the last page. Written in 1913, it so accurately portrayed the terrible tenement situation in New York City. It was a book of sorrow as well as a book of overcoming the odds. I loved it!
The story opens when a small ragamuffin boy named Mikey, about 7 years old, steps in front of a bullet meant for the 5-year old daughter of a millionaire. The father takes care of the injured boy, and sends him to a school in Florida, where there's lots of open spaces and fresh air. The boy does very well, and comes out of it determined to do something for the people in the slum that he grew up in. While he's been spending his growing up years in Florida, his buddies have all gone to a life of crime. Does he have his work cut out for him, and does he ever do a first rate job of it! Through much self-sacrifice that even involves giving up the little girl that he has been loving all these years, Michael is finally asked to speak at Madison Square Gardens to a bunch of rich millionaires about the tenement work that he has been doing. The story ends up with a happy ending, but also contains some true to life scenes as to what's really going on in the tenements, as well as in the homes of the ultra rich.
The book is available on Kindle for $1, so that makes it the very best buy in town! I hope it kindles your interest!
It's one that you wish would keep on going even after you've turned the last page. Written in 1913, it so accurately portrayed the terrible tenement situation in New York City. It was a book of sorrow as well as a book of overcoming the odds. I loved it!
The story opens when a small ragamuffin boy named Mikey, about 7 years old, steps in front of a bullet meant for the 5-year old daughter of a millionaire. The father takes care of the injured boy, and sends him to a school in Florida, where there's lots of open spaces and fresh air. The boy does very well, and comes out of it determined to do something for the people in the slum that he grew up in. While he's been spending his growing up years in Florida, his buddies have all gone to a life of crime. Does he have his work cut out for him, and does he ever do a first rate job of it! Through much self-sacrifice that even involves giving up the little girl that he has been loving all these years, Michael is finally asked to speak at Madison Square Gardens to a bunch of rich millionaires about the tenement work that he has been doing. The story ends up with a happy ending, but also contains some true to life scenes as to what's really going on in the tenements, as well as in the homes of the ultra rich.
The book is available on Kindle for $1, so that makes it the very best buy in town! I hope it kindles your interest!
March 6, 2011
I don't know how many spoilers this review will really contain, but I've learned to be on the safe side and just pretend like I mean to ruin the whole story.
So. Lo, Michael. "Great, old-fashioned read." That's what my mom said, and I thought "Good!" I love old-fashioned books, but this one, while proving to be an interesting history study of society in the early 1900s, was almost painful for me to read.
Let me be clear: I liked the writing; I liked the old-style; I even liked the basic story. I just hated the way that Michael was FLAWLESS. And I mean flawless. His very beauty reduces people to tears. Look out ladies! He has a way of getting to people's hearts, but it doesn't matter because he's so good and righteous.
I really liked the parts where we worked with Sam and Buck... I especially loved Buck's final actions. But couldn't this guy have some flaws? Please? And it described his beauty one time too many... I was gagging by the end of the book.
Don't even get me started on Ms. Starr Endicotte. Of course she, absolutely beautiful and innocent, could deserve the angelic Michael. At least she had some vain flaws, but still they were not enough to reconcile her in my opinion.
Do I suggest this book? Yes and no. If you have a hard time getting through old-fashioned reading, then no. If you want something suspenseful and unpredictable, then no. If you want a sweet, predictable, perfectly old-fashioned, happy read, then yes. It has its place.
So. Lo, Michael. "Great, old-fashioned read." That's what my mom said, and I thought "Good!" I love old-fashioned books, but this one, while proving to be an interesting history study of society in the early 1900s, was almost painful for me to read.
Let me be clear: I liked the writing; I liked the old-style; I even liked the basic story. I just hated the way that Michael was FLAWLESS. And I mean flawless. His very beauty reduces people to tears. Look out ladies! He has a way of getting to people's hearts, but it doesn't matter because he's so good and righteous.
I really liked the parts where we worked with Sam and Buck... I especially loved Buck's final actions. But couldn't this guy have some flaws? Please? And it described his beauty one time too many... I was gagging by the end of the book.
Don't even get me started on Ms. Starr Endicotte. Of course she, absolutely beautiful and innocent, could deserve the angelic Michael. At least she had some vain flaws, but still they were not enough to reconcile her in my opinion.
Do I suggest this book? Yes and no. If you have a hard time getting through old-fashioned reading, then no. If you want something suspenseful and unpredictable, then no. If you want a sweet, predictable, perfectly old-fashioned, happy read, then yes. It has its place.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2024
When Grace Livingston Hill nails a hero, she nails a hero. And who cares what the rest of the book entails?
Setting: If you like the classic G.L. Hill city-bad-country-good dichotomy, add this book to your list! I, personally, find great joy in reading her obvious preference for the fresh country air and good, honest earth-work. The major setting is New York City, and as someone clearly well-acquainted with the northeast, Hill beautifully and accurately provides the blessed alternative in a rural New Jersey farm. Another significant part of Michael's life is spent in Florida,a state with which Hill was likely not as familiar, and therefore has fewer descriptions--indeed, I was surprised she chose that setting to begin with. [EDIT: Upon researching the life of G.L. Hill, I learned that she lived in Florida some years as a young adult in the 1880s. So her descriptions are very likely based on personal experience!] Presumably written as a contemporaneous novel (published in 1913), Hill includes a variety of new technology and privileges of the wealth, as well as the regular lifestyle of the poor--the dregs of New York. The large percentage of Irish immigrants (or of immigrant stock; it's not specified) is represented, and the lack of education is shown in the heavy dialect of the slum-dwellers.
Characters: This book is Michael, and Michael is the book (yes, aptly titled). So unspeakably precious and perfect. Unrealistic? Perhaps, but written in such a way that this is acknowledged, and his character is portrayed as extremely unusual. Everything about him is something men everywhere should aspire to emulate. Does he have flaws? More or less, depending on how one wants to view them. But Hill uses a mostly flat character arc with Michael, choosing to shift focus on the influence he has on others.
One cannot help but love those influenced by Michael, either--from Starr and Mr. Endicott to Sam and Buck and even Sal. If there is a complaint about the story, it's that Mr. Endicott doesn't have enough climax/resolution page time, and the others have less-than satisfying conclusions. But, all that serves to throw a dose of of realism on the story, and to drive a point home: you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink (aka, everyone must make their own choices).
Faith Content: Anyone who has read a G.L. Hill book knows that she pushes an agenda of Christ, and this book is no different, but in this one, explicit talk of Christ or Christian living is curiously absent (think the book of Esther). Instead, the focus is more on education (and getting out of the city, for good measure). And though the talk and the effort is put into educating the poor and helping them out of the endless poverty cycle, the story is brimming with Christ-like symbolism. Michael himself is regarded as an angel, and many times his actions are clearly allegorical to Christ's sacrifice. Scripture is seamlessly and powerfully woven into the narrative in at least two instances.
Various issues of morality are addressed, all in a clean nature. The slum life and the creatures it produces--lawless men, in short--is not diminished, in my opinion, but rather overshadowed by the love Michael has for the men themselves. It also does not ignore the difficulty in rescuing these creatures from their habit. As sad as that is, perfect earnest work does not guarantee a perfect response. But for those lives that are changed--both rich and poor--well, it's worth it, is it not?
Setting: If you like the classic G.L. Hill city-bad-country-good dichotomy, add this book to your list! I, personally, find great joy in reading her obvious preference for the fresh country air and good, honest earth-work. The major setting is New York City, and as someone clearly well-acquainted with the northeast, Hill beautifully and accurately provides the blessed alternative in a rural New Jersey farm. Another significant part of Michael's life is spent in Florida,
Characters: This book is Michael, and Michael is the book (yes, aptly titled). So unspeakably precious and perfect. Unrealistic? Perhaps, but written in such a way that this is acknowledged, and his character is portrayed as extremely unusual. Everything about him is something men everywhere should aspire to emulate. Does he have flaws? More or less, depending on how one wants to view them. But Hill uses a mostly flat character arc with Michael, choosing to shift focus on the influence he has on others.
One cannot help but love those influenced by Michael, either--from Starr and Mr. Endicott to Sam and Buck and even Sal. If there is a complaint about the story, it's that Mr. Endicott doesn't have enough climax/resolution page time, and the others have less-than satisfying conclusions. But, all that serves to throw a dose of of realism on the story, and to drive a point home: you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink (aka, everyone must make their own choices).
Faith Content: Anyone who has read a G.L. Hill book knows that she pushes an agenda of Christ, and this book is no different, but in this one, explicit talk of Christ or Christian living is curiously absent (think the book of Esther). Instead, the focus is more on education (and getting out of the city, for good measure). And though the talk and the effort is put into educating the poor and helping them out of the endless poverty cycle, the story is brimming with Christ-like symbolism. Michael himself is regarded as an angel, and many times his actions are clearly allegorical to Christ's sacrifice. Scripture is seamlessly and powerfully woven into the narrative in at least two instances.
Various issues of morality are addressed, all in a clean nature. The slum life and the creatures it produces--lawless men, in short--is not diminished, in my opinion, but rather overshadowed by the love Michael has for the men themselves. It also does not ignore the difficulty in rescuing these creatures from their habit. As sad as that is, perfect earnest work does not guarantee a perfect response. But for those lives that are changed--both rich and poor--well, it's worth it, is it not?
February 9, 2022
Shades of Oliver Twist launch this story, about a plucky boy who's an orphan, a newspaper seller living in absolute poverty who interferes and winds up saving a rich kid and so changing his life.
Michael grows up with everything he needs, showing a reformative nature in Grace's works which we see throughout her writing. She always felt strongly about opportunity changing things for the better, with a heavy focus on education, the great outdoors, and of course, God.
I did enjoy this book immensely, even if it's all a little too good to be true at times. We see some definite classism here which can't be ignored, as Grace was somewhat prone to in some of her work. At the same time, this is a complex story about staying true to yourself, to your friends, to those you love, and to your God. Some great themes here, and a definite reminder of what it was like when Christ chose his disciples (not from the best of society either, much like our beloved Mickey in this book).
Overall, I don't know how I missed this one over the years, but I'm really glad I read it. I like what Grace did with this storyline, and can't help but wonder what would happen in the years to come for Starr and Michael. I wish them only the best. :)
Michael grows up with everything he needs, showing a reformative nature in Grace's works which we see throughout her writing. She always felt strongly about opportunity changing things for the better, with a heavy focus on education, the great outdoors, and of course, God.
I did enjoy this book immensely, even if it's all a little too good to be true at times. We see some definite classism here which can't be ignored, as Grace was somewhat prone to in some of her work. At the same time, this is a complex story about staying true to yourself, to your friends, to those you love, and to your God. Some great themes here, and a definite reminder of what it was like when Christ chose his disciples (not from the best of society either, much like our beloved Mickey in this book).
Overall, I don't know how I missed this one over the years, but I'm really glad I read it. I like what Grace did with this storyline, and can't help but wonder what would happen in the years to come for Starr and Michael. I wish them only the best. :)
August 24, 2013
SO I COULDN'T WAIT WITH MY REVIEW... with only a few chapters more to read of a shabby, tattered old book I got from our small library's book sale for a donation (and hoping to find a VERY GOOD hardcover of it to keep in my collection), I HAVE TO HIGHLY RECOMMEND this inspirational and triumphant read to anyone who has a compassionate heart and has ever coped with the problems of life and love! I have put this one near to the top of my BEST READS ~ EVER!!!!! EVER!!!!! EVER!!!!! By beloved author Grace Livingston Hill, "LO, MICHAEL!" for me has been very hard to put down, (it went with me to bed and woke up with me), and you are warned, right now, you will laugh out loud and you will cry (so have your box of tissues near, and be surprised)! ♥
December 2, 2016
If perfect heroes annoy you, this isn't the story for you. Michael's nickname is literally Angel and he looks and acts accordingly. Luckily I am used to perfect people being the norm in these older novels, well, for main characters, anyway. I don't mind it so much if the story is interesting, and this one was. I am always a little surprised at how relevant to today these vintage books can be in some of their themes...
September 20, 2016
Longer and more convoluted than usual for this author, this book still contains an engaging story. GLH fans may be surprised by the length, but it's still worth reading.
December 5, 2022
Sentimental moralistic do-goodery will save the world! Not! 🙄 I think this is one of her earliest books, as there's hardly a reference to God and none to Christ—just simplistic naïvete that magically cures social ills. Sheer silliness.
The narrator really gave Michael a voice like Michael's. Unfortunately, it was Michael Jackson's. This supposed Adonis of a male specimen sounded like the LaCroix version of masculinity.
But the bones of the story—the pauper-and-princess romance—was fun and sweet.
The narrator really gave Michael a voice like Michael's. Unfortunately, it was Michael Jackson's. This supposed Adonis of a male specimen sounded like the LaCroix version of masculinity.
But the bones of the story—the pauper-and-princess romance—was fun and sweet.
December 31, 2019
I can't even picture what Michael must look like, because he was referred to as god-like and so beautiful that people could not help but stare when he walked by. Seriously? Getting beyond that, I did like the book.
When the book was written, it was very contemporary, but it made me interested in the history of New York at the time, and I even did a little research on the tenements of that day, which added to the story for me. Some reformers did believe the answer was to get the poor out of the cities and into the country, and it is easy to see why they thought that way.
When the book was written, it was very contemporary, but it made me interested in the history of New York at the time, and I even did a little research on the tenements of that day, which added to the story for me. Some reformers did believe the answer was to get the poor out of the cities and into the country, and it is easy to see why they thought that way.
April 9, 2014
Really 2.5! Oh, Grace Livingston Hill of my childhood days in the church library. How did you get to be so prolific?
But Michael was adorable, although not realistic. Loved him, rooted for him even though he was flawless. Starr was 1 dimensional and didn't really have a personality. Why did he like her?
But Michael was adorable, although not realistic. Loved him, rooted for him even though he was flawless. Starr was 1 dimensional and didn't really have a personality. Why did he like her?
February 7, 2017
I just have to say this: Awwwww! This book was so sweet and loveable! Lo, Michael was my first introduction to Grace Livingston Hill and every page of it was worth it! Her poetic descriptions were absolutely beautiful and the storyline was so engaging. It was a very, very sweet story. I will definitely read this one again. (I may or may not have cried a bit during the last chapter...)
February 19, 2008
This was one of those books that my mom pushed on me (and I ended up really liking) and I didn't want to read because it was a "mom" book. What it really is is a story about love and forgiveness and how they can all work together!! I truly enjoyed this book!
November 6, 2023
I enjoyed rereading this book after I don't know how many years. This is an endearing story of a young boy taken from the slums of New York as a child, who returns years later to make a difference. It's such a sweet story.
Read
February 11, 2011A rare and beautiful story!
April 9, 2013
I enjoy reading GLH. I like the good feeling left after finishing one of her books. Her style of writing suits me, too.
August 3, 2014
This is one of my favorite authors yet I don't think this is one of her best works. Good story just felt too good.
November 19, 2015
Can't get enough of these books
I look forward to starting a Grace Livingston Hill novel and I'm sad when I read the last page. This book is well written entertainment.
I look forward to starting a Grace Livingston Hill novel and I'm sad when I read the last page. This book is well written entertainment.
January 26, 2019
My favorite GLH
Read
April 15, 2016Good, clean, old-fashioned book. I enjoyed reading it.
June 30, 2023
Rating: 3.5 / 5
For those that have been saying that this is like a version of Oliver Twist written by Grace Livingston Hill....yeah, that's about right.
Michael is in essence Oliver Twist, if Oliver had risked his life to save a rich little girl and then got sent away to get an education as a reward. That being said, I think it's more like Pip from Great Expectations as an apt comparison, as he does a great deed and then gets a benefactor to start him on his path to greatness as a reward.
That being said, I couldn't see myself giving this book higher than a 3.5 rating, because while the setup of his romance with Starr was set up so well, it really didn't follow through all the way until the end, and instead focused on Michael as a do-gooder for his old friends in the slums of New York. Myself, I read the GLH books for the romance aspects mostly, and so I really would have preferred more of that, like maybe he could get Endicott invested in a building project of sorts and make him a changed man, and maybe Starr is the catalyst for all of this as she considers Michael a childhood crush/idol whom she falls in love with an wants to help as well! (Unfortunately though, Starr as a grown up has traits of the "spoiled rich girl" characters of GLH books that are rather hard to like, so it wasn't as good as it might have been.)
All in all, I am rounding it up to 4 stars because even the slum parts were interesting enough; but, as a note to myself, keep in mind that this is a SOLID 3.5 rating--as in, NOT a 4/5 in truth. (Goodreads, one day in one of your updates, you should introduce half stars. I guarantee readers everywhere will use and appreciate them!)
For those that have been saying that this is like a version of Oliver Twist written by Grace Livingston Hill....yeah, that's about right.
Michael is in essence Oliver Twist, if Oliver had risked his life to save a rich little girl and then got sent away to get an education as a reward. That being said, I think it's more like Pip from Great Expectations as an apt comparison, as he does a great deed and then gets a benefactor to start him on his path to greatness as a reward.
That being said, I couldn't see myself giving this book higher than a 3.5 rating, because while the setup of his romance with Starr was set up so well, it really didn't follow through all the way until the end, and instead focused on Michael as a do-gooder for his old friends in the slums of New York. Myself, I read the GLH books for the romance aspects mostly, and so I really would have preferred more of that, like maybe he could get Endicott invested in a building project of sorts and make him a changed man, and maybe Starr is the catalyst for all of this as she considers Michael a childhood crush/idol whom she falls in love with an wants to help as well! (Unfortunately though, Starr as a grown up has traits of the "spoiled rich girl" characters of GLH books that are rather hard to like, so it wasn't as good as it might have been.)
All in all, I am rounding it up to 4 stars because even the slum parts were interesting enough; but, as a note to myself, keep in mind that this is a SOLID 3.5 rating--as in, NOT a 4/5 in truth. (Goodreads, one day in one of your updates, you should introduce half stars. I guarantee readers everywhere will use and appreciate them!)
February 6, 2024
Another great Grace Livingston Hill story, "Lo, Michael" is a wholesome romantic read but unlike other stories, the religious angle was only apparent in Michael looking like an angel and his goodness in wanting to help others. I had not expected some twists and it having a bitter sweet friendship of two young impoverished boys, which leads to the argument that society and money have an effect on the lives nature or nurture argument. Even all the advantages will bring about a dastardly man.
Story in short-Mikky and Buck are beloved friends but at the age of seven circumstances change the course and separation of these two slum young boys. What they do in life and how they feel about each other years later? Mikky saves baby Starr's life, she remains is guiding star but how different their social standing.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 22904
Just an instant the nurse stepped back to the hall for the wrap she had dropped, leaving the baby alone, her dark eyes shining like stars under the straight dark brows, as she looked gleefully out in the world. It was just at that instant, as if by magic, that the crowd assembled. Perhaps it would be better to say that it was just at that minute
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 22906
that the crowd focused itself upon the particular house where the baby daughter of the president of a great defaulting bank lived. More or less all the morning, men had been gathering, passing the house, looking up with troubled or threatening faces toward the richly laced windows, shaking menacing heads, muttering imprecations, but there had been no disturbance, and no concerted crowd until the instant the baby appeared.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 22910
Mikky with his papers often found himself in that quarter of a bright morning, and the starry eyes and dark curls of the little child were a vision for which he often searched the great windows as he passed this particular house: but the man with the evil face on the other side of the street, resting a shaking hand against the lamp post, and sighting the baby with a vindictive eye, had never
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 22913
been seen there before. It was Mikky who noticed him first: Mikky, who circling around him innocently had heard his imprecations against the rich, who caught the low-breathed oath as the baby appeared, and saw the ugly look on the man's face. With instant alarm he had gone to the other side of the street, his eye upon the offender, and had been the first to see the covert motion, the flash of the hidden weapon and to fear the worst.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 22930
The very sight of that luxurious baby with her dancing eyes and happy smiles "rolling in luxury," called to mind their own little puny darling, grimy with neglect, lean with want, and hollow-eyed with knowledge aforetime. Why should one baby be pampered and another starved? Why did the bank-president's daughter have any better right to those wonderful furs and that exultant smile than their own babies? A glimpse into the depths
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 22933
of the rooms beyond the sheltering plate glass and drapery showed greater contrast even than they had dreamed between this home and the bare tenements they had left that morning, where the children were crying for bread and the wife shivering with cold. Because they loved their own their anger burned the fiercer; and for love of their pitiful scrawny babies that flower-like child in the doorway was hated with all the vehemence of their untamed natures.
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No one knew yet just who was hurt or how much. Mikky had been brought inside because he blocked the doorway, and there was need for instantly shutting the door. If it had been easier
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 22990
to shove him out the nurse maid would probably have done that. But once inside common humanity bade them look after the unconscious boy's needs, and besides, no one knew as yet just exactly what part Mikky had played in the small tragedy of the morning. "Where shall we take him?" said the man to the maid as they reached the second floor with their unconscious burden. "Not here, Thomas. Here's no place for him. He's as dirty as a pig. I
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 22993
can't think what come over Morton to pull him inside, anyway. His own could have tended to him. Besides, such is better dead!"
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 22996
"He's not fit fer any place in this house. Look at his cloes. They'll have to be cut off'n him, and he needs to go in the bath-tub before he can be laid anywheres. Let's put him in the bath-room, and do you go an' call Morton. She got him in here and she'll have to bathe him. And bring me a pair of scissors. I'll mebbe have to cut the cloes off'n him, they're so filthy. Ach! The little beast!" Thomas, glad to be rid of his burden, dropped the boy on the bath-room floor and made off to call Morton.
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert
I was glad at the end that Michael and Starr had realised that they were meant for each other. Even though it seemed that Michael seemed too good to be true in his ability to gain and help the alley, he grew up in, it was wonderful how he saw that he needed to give back and help, yet those he helped needed to do there part. Mr. Endicott's illness had brought him away from his worldly way at living like, though much more compassionate than his wife who was indeed cold. Would she have been able to accept like her sister Frances when she heard that Starr loved Michael? It was realistic in not knowing even at the end Michael's parents and family, I was wondering if it would come to light after his speech and his known prominence. I was only slightly wondering if Endicott was indeed his father but that was likely far fetched. I also thought in the beginning of the book that nurse Morton would adopt him. I loved that Sam was able to change and help Michael, it was truly sad that Buck could not change his ways. Starr would indeed help her husband in his future plans and they both could help others. Sam marrying Lizzie though she had a child with Carter was heart warming to see. Too bad Sal was so in need of drink that she dared not to visit the country farm that Michael and others built. I bet a lot of the donations came from Endicott but he kept anonymous.
Story in short-Mikky and Buck are beloved friends but at the age of seven circumstances change the course and separation of these two slum young boys. What they do in life and how they feel about each other years later? Mikky saves baby Starr's life, she remains is guiding star but how different their social standing.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 22904
Just an instant the nurse stepped back to the hall for the wrap she had dropped, leaving the baby alone, her dark eyes shining like stars under the straight dark brows, as she looked gleefully out in the world. It was just at that instant, as if by magic, that the crowd assembled. Perhaps it would be better to say that it was just at that minute
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 22906
that the crowd focused itself upon the particular house where the baby daughter of the president of a great defaulting bank lived. More or less all the morning, men had been gathering, passing the house, looking up with troubled or threatening faces toward the richly laced windows, shaking menacing heads, muttering imprecations, but there had been no disturbance, and no concerted crowd until the instant the baby appeared.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 22910
Mikky with his papers often found himself in that quarter of a bright morning, and the starry eyes and dark curls of the little child were a vision for which he often searched the great windows as he passed this particular house: but the man with the evil face on the other side of the street, resting a shaking hand against the lamp post, and sighting the baby with a vindictive eye, had never
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 22913
been seen there before. It was Mikky who noticed him first: Mikky, who circling around him innocently had heard his imprecations against the rich, who caught the low-breathed oath as the baby appeared, and saw the ugly look on the man's face. With instant alarm he had gone to the other side of the street, his eye upon the offender, and had been the first to see the covert motion, the flash of the hidden weapon and to fear the worst.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 22930
The very sight of that luxurious baby with her dancing eyes and happy smiles "rolling in luxury," called to mind their own little puny darling, grimy with neglect, lean with want, and hollow-eyed with knowledge aforetime. Why should one baby be pampered and another starved? Why did the bank-president's daughter have any better right to those wonderful furs and that exultant smile than their own babies? A glimpse into the depths
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of the rooms beyond the sheltering plate glass and drapery showed greater contrast even than they had dreamed between this home and the bare tenements they had left that morning, where the children were crying for bread and the wife shivering with cold. Because they loved their own their anger burned the fiercer; and for love of their pitiful scrawny babies that flower-like child in the doorway was hated with all the vehemence of their untamed natures.
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No one knew yet just who was hurt or how much. Mikky had been brought inside because he blocked the doorway, and there was need for instantly shutting the door. If it had been easier
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to shove him out the nurse maid would probably have done that. But once inside common humanity bade them look after the unconscious boy's needs, and besides, no one knew as yet just exactly what part Mikky had played in the small tragedy of the morning. "Where shall we take him?" said the man to the maid as they reached the second floor with their unconscious burden. "Not here, Thomas. Here's no place for him. He's as dirty as a pig. I
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can't think what come over Morton to pull him inside, anyway. His own could have tended to him. Besides, such is better dead!"
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"He's not fit fer any place in this house. Look at his cloes. They'll have to be cut off'n him, and he needs to go in the bath-tub before he can be laid anywheres. Let's put him in the bath-room, and do you go an' call Morton. She got him in here and she'll have to bathe him. And bring me a pair of scissors. I'll mebbe have to cut the cloes off'n him, they're so filthy. Ach! The little beast!" Thomas, glad to be rid of his burden, dropped the boy on the bath-room floor and made off to call Morton.
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I was glad at the end that Michael and Starr had realised that they were meant for each other. Even though it seemed that Michael seemed too good to be true in his ability to gain and help the alley, he grew up in, it was wonderful how he saw that he needed to give back and help, yet those he helped needed to do there part. Mr. Endicott's illness had brought him away from his worldly way at living like, though much more compassionate than his wife who was indeed cold. Would she have been able to accept like her sister Frances when she heard that Starr loved Michael? It was realistic in not knowing even at the end Michael's parents and family, I was wondering if it would come to light after his speech and his known prominence. I was only slightly wondering if Endicott was indeed his father but that was likely far fetched. I also thought in the beginning of the book that nurse Morton would adopt him. I loved that Sam was able to change and help Michael, it was truly sad that Buck could not change his ways. Starr would indeed help her husband in his future plans and they both could help others. Sam marrying Lizzie though she had a child with Carter was heart warming to see. Too bad Sal was so in need of drink that she dared not to visit the country farm that Michael and others built. I bet a lot of the donations came from Endicott but he kept anonymous.
May 25, 2015
like most GLH books, I wanted to read and read, always hungry for what will happen next. I really enjoyed the aspect of Mikey being a little boy at the beginning of the book, She wrote it so well and he was so precious.
But... as usual, the authors habit of repeating exactly the same descriptions over and over again is just so tedious, that I am not sure I would recommend this book to others. One need not suffer through being explained to that Michael's hair is golden, he looks like an angel, and is so beautiful that people stare at him, over100x. Or hear his repeated gushing, "Star, Star, his sweet little Star..." equally as often... ha ha.... it is so silly.
As an interesting historical look at New York this book is fascinating, And it is very realistic in its portrayal of social work and such efforts.... the endlessness of the work and slow progress. In otherwords, this book doesn't create a scenario that is too syrupy sweet to be believed. It is touching and inspiring, in its way.
But... as usual, the authors habit of repeating exactly the same descriptions over and over again is just so tedious, that I am not sure I would recommend this book to others. One need not suffer through being explained to that Michael's hair is golden, he looks like an angel, and is so beautiful that people stare at him, over100x. Or hear his repeated gushing, "Star, Star, his sweet little Star..." equally as often... ha ha.... it is so silly.
As an interesting historical look at New York this book is fascinating, And it is very realistic in its portrayal of social work and such efforts.... the endlessness of the work and slow progress. In otherwords, this book doesn't create a scenario that is too syrupy sweet to be believed. It is touching and inspiring, in its way.
August 30, 2012
This novel seems to have less direct promoting or explaining of Christianity. It focuses on problems with the slums - poorly maintained tenements, poor health, etc. The protagonist works to remedy these problems when he is an adult.
September 1, 2017
Great book
I love the writings of Grace Livingston Hill. This is a precious story of a humble but mighty man of God. Who gives all he has to everyone and loves with a full heart and is loved in the like. Well worth the time spent to read this excellently book.
I love the writings of Grace Livingston Hill. This is a precious story of a humble but mighty man of God. Who gives all he has to everyone and loves with a full heart and is loved in the like. Well worth the time spent to read this excellently book.
November 8, 2024
Not Grace's best works... by a lot.
This one slogs. A LOT. As in, years and YEARS and YEARS of the life story of this paragon of virtue, this 'Adonis' of men (who is supposedly SOOOOOO beautiful, you can't stand to look at him, except the dude on the cover is so ugly, we can't really reconcile it.
Starr (!?) Endicott is the raven-haired beauty with a haughty spirit the entire book (and also doesn't in the LEAST resemble the cover. Her name, her attitude, and her unworthiness of Michael drove me about crazy.
Another thing that was aggravating was that Michael was studying to be a lawyer while apprenticing in a legal firm while managing a farm miles away in the country while running classes for impoverished children in the slums every night whilst going to dinner parties, concerts and symphonies, whilst walking by Starr's window, every night.
IN. WHAT. TIME?!?!!?!?!?
It's not even feasible, hello! It's awful.
And the story itself is just so over the top, I couldn't believe a WORD of it. The man who rescues him from the slums IRONICALLY owns the tenement building that's ripping him off in the future? And Buck is there, but not there, then there, but not there... then is HIDING IN THE CHIMNEY of a LIT FIREPLACE?! Seriously.
Worst of all, there are absolutely *NO* spiritual references in this book (other than Michael's repeatedly praised, angelic looks). That's so not like GLH... I can't help but wonder what the heck happened, here...?
Nope. This was not my favorite. By a lot.
This one slogs. A LOT. As in, years and YEARS and YEARS of the life story of this paragon of virtue, this 'Adonis' of men (who is supposedly SOOOOOO beautiful, you can't stand to look at him, except the dude on the cover is so ugly, we can't really reconcile it.
Starr (!?) Endicott is the raven-haired beauty with a haughty spirit the entire book (and also doesn't in the LEAST resemble the cover. Her name, her attitude, and her unworthiness of Michael drove me about crazy.
Another thing that was aggravating was that Michael was studying to be a lawyer while apprenticing in a legal firm while managing a farm miles away in the country while running classes for impoverished children in the slums every night whilst going to dinner parties, concerts and symphonies, whilst walking by Starr's window, every night.
IN. WHAT. TIME?!?!!?!?!?
It's not even feasible, hello! It's awful.
And the story itself is just so over the top, I couldn't believe a WORD of it. The man who rescues him from the slums IRONICALLY owns the tenement building that's ripping him off in the future? And Buck is there, but not there, then there, but not there... then is HIDING IN THE CHIMNEY of a LIT FIREPLACE?! Seriously.
Worst of all, there are absolutely *NO* spiritual references in this book (other than Michael's repeatedly praised, angelic looks). That's so not like GLH... I can't help but wonder what the heck happened, here...?
Nope. This was not my favorite. By a lot.
July 14, 2021
I’m working my way down a list of Grace Livingston Hill’s books, arranged by popularity. The first ones were excellent, but now they’re becoming mediocre. Lo, Michael is the story of a boy of the slums who throws himself in front of a toddler, taking a bullet for her. Her father basically adopts him, sends him to school, and wants to start him out in business. Her mother basically hates him and wants to keep him away from the daughter, who, of course, he falls in love with. That’s the basic plot, and it’s OK. My problem is with the characters. Michael is not only righteous and handsome, but he’s referred to over and over again as being “angelic.” When he walks down the street, people stop to stare at him. He’s smart, athletic, a born leader, a great public speaker, and on and on. And the girl? She’s dainty, petite, and beautiful. When Michael picks her up to rush her away from a bad situation, she’s as light as a child in his arms. We have to assume that’s why he loves her, since she has no personality. And where does this leave the rest of us girls? It would take two or three Michaels to lift me, and I’m not known for my beauty. So I don’t have any hope of being loved by a “Michael?” Just wondering. Now in spite of all this, I really liked the book. It was positive, upbeat, and an easy read. I’ll save Austen and Dickens and Melville for another day.
May 22, 2022
Thanks to Librivox for the free audio version of this book! I've spent a couple of weeks listening to it on my drives to and from work. The narrator was great, and it was a quality recording.
Overall this book was pretty good- maybe it's especially favorable in my mind because of the last few doozies that I've read of hers, but whatever. I really enjoyed the sections pertaining to Michael's work in the slums and the interesting insight into that time period. What I didn't like, however was the ridiculous adoration Michael had for Starr...I mean, this was borderline obsessive. He barely knew this girl, but held her up as the ideal woman. I gagged...a lot. Actually, looking back on it, there were quite a few gag moments, but I don't have time to go into lots of detail. (Like how Michael was literally perfect in every way, or how convenient it was that he always miraculously showed up just when Starr or her father needed to be saved. And don't get me started on the abomination of a funeral/wedding! Did that stuff really happen??!!?? Also, could Buck really not have shot in the air to save Starr? How did he shoot himself? So confusing...) It should also be noted that this was one of the least religious books that I've read by GLH. She mainly focused on social justice issues. (Which, I honestly think would have actually been improved by adding a religious element.)
Anyway, overall it was a decent read and I enjoyed myself. I probably won't reread it, but if you too are trying to read everything that GLH ever wrote, this one isn't the worst.
Overall this book was pretty good- maybe it's especially favorable in my mind because of the last few doozies that I've read of hers, but whatever. I really enjoyed the sections pertaining to Michael's work in the slums and the interesting insight into that time period. What I didn't like, however was the ridiculous adoration Michael had for Starr...I mean, this was borderline obsessive. He barely knew this girl, but held her up as the ideal woman. I gagged...a lot. Actually, looking back on it, there were quite a few gag moments, but I don't have time to go into lots of detail. (Like how Michael was literally perfect in every way, or how convenient it was that he always miraculously showed up just when Starr or her father needed to be saved. And don't get me started on the abomination of a funeral/wedding! Did that stuff really happen??!!?? Also, could Buck really not have shot in the air to save Starr? How did he shoot himself? So confusing...) It should also be noted that this was one of the least religious books that I've read by GLH. She mainly focused on social justice issues. (Which, I honestly think would have actually been improved by adding a religious element.)
Anyway, overall it was a decent read and I enjoyed myself. I probably won't reread it, but if you too are trying to read everything that GLH ever wrote, this one isn't the worst.
September 27, 2020
I found this to be a very sweet story of how Christians are supposed to live and promote social justice. Anyone can be a catalyst, even a foundling from the wrong side of the tracks, as Michael proved as he inspired members of New York high society to join him in his personal efforts to improve the lives of the people he sprang from. This story particularly appeals to me because of the romance that develops between Michael and Starr - sweet, gentle and desirable as the next best thing to being swept off one's feet by a knight in shining armour.
May 21, 2025
I should’ve just given up on this, but for some reason I wouldn’t let myself. And of course I got far enough into the story that it seemed easier to just finish it (I was wrong.
The characters were so weird and hard to connect with. I couldn’t decide if Michael was supposed to be a symbol of Christ, or just an angel, but regardless it’s too weird to have that type of character as the protagonist in a romance. The whole plot was also idealized to such an extent that it lost all intrigue. I need at least a Tablespoon of reality in my fiction.
The characters were so weird and hard to connect with. I couldn’t decide if Michael was supposed to be a symbol of Christ, or just an angel, but regardless it’s too weird to have that type of character as the protagonist in a romance. The whole plot was also idealized to such an extent that it lost all intrigue. I need at least a Tablespoon of reality in my fiction.
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