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The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come
This powerful novel is one of the most perceptive tellings of the Civil War experience. This book is more than the moving story of a Kentucky mountain boy who fights to save the Union. Even the Civil War itself is but an epic stage for the novel's main business--the testing and maturation of a hero as American as Huck Finn or Tom Sawyer.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1903
48 people are currently reading
557 people want to read
About the author
John Fox Jr.
76 books17 followersJohn William Fox was born in the heart of Bluegrass country in Bourbon County, Kentucky. His father, John W. Fox was headmaster of the Stony Point Academy, which John Jr. attended from 1867 to 1875. After attending the Transylvania University for two years, he entered Massachusetts' Harvard university to study English in 1880, graduating cum laude in 1883.
Fox moved to New York City where he worked for a time as a journalist with the New York Sun and then the New York Times. He then moved to Virginia where he joined his half-brother James in the real estate business, and the rest of the Fox family soon settled there too at Big Stone Gap, now an historic National Monument in memory of the Fox family. The new homestead saw a number of illustrious visitors, including future President Theodore Roosevelt, who became a life-long friend of Fox's. It was in Century magazine that his first story "A Mountain Europa" (1892) was published serially, followed by "A Cumberland Vendetta" a year later. The mountaineer-theme would be repeated in future works. Due to his popularity, he launched into the lecture circuit, travelling around Europe and America, including visits to President Roosevelt's White House, singing accompanying mountaineering songs and reading from his own works and others.
A Cumberland Vendetta and Other Stories (1895) was his first published collection of short stories. It was followed by Hell-Fer-Sartain and Other Stories (1897). The Kentuckians (1897) was followed by the novella A Mountain Europa (1899). Harper's Weekly sent Fox to Cuba in 1898 to report on the Spanish-American War. Crittenden (1900), Blue-Grass and Rhododendron (1901), and Christmas Eve on Lonesome and Other Stories (1904) followed, before he was off to Japan and Manchuria to cover the Russo-Japanese War in 1904. Following the Sun Flag: A Vain Pursuit Through Manchuria (1905) was a result. A Knight of the Cumberland (1906) was followed by his popular romance/coming-of-age story The Trail of the Lonesome Pine (1908). This and Little Shepherd were adapted for the big screen in several different versions in 1912, 1916, and 1936.
Fox counted among his friends other popular writers such as Richard Harding Davis, Jack London, and Booth Tarkington. He was awarded many honours in his lifetime including election to membership in the National Institute of Arts and Letters in 1899, a medal for his literary contributions from the Emperor of Japan, and his dedication and lobbying led to the passing of the Federal Copyright Act. John William Fox Jr. died of pneumonia at Big Stone Gap in Virginia and is buried in the Paris Cemetery, Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky.
Fox moved to New York City where he worked for a time as a journalist with the New York Sun and then the New York Times. He then moved to Virginia where he joined his half-brother James in the real estate business, and the rest of the Fox family soon settled there too at Big Stone Gap, now an historic National Monument in memory of the Fox family. The new homestead saw a number of illustrious visitors, including future President Theodore Roosevelt, who became a life-long friend of Fox's. It was in Century magazine that his first story "A Mountain Europa" (1892) was published serially, followed by "A Cumberland Vendetta" a year later. The mountaineer-theme would be repeated in future works. Due to his popularity, he launched into the lecture circuit, travelling around Europe and America, including visits to President Roosevelt's White House, singing accompanying mountaineering songs and reading from his own works and others.
A Cumberland Vendetta and Other Stories (1895) was his first published collection of short stories. It was followed by Hell-Fer-Sartain and Other Stories (1897). The Kentuckians (1897) was followed by the novella A Mountain Europa (1899). Harper's Weekly sent Fox to Cuba in 1898 to report on the Spanish-American War. Crittenden (1900), Blue-Grass and Rhododendron (1901), and Christmas Eve on Lonesome and Other Stories (1904) followed, before he was off to Japan and Manchuria to cover the Russo-Japanese War in 1904. Following the Sun Flag: A Vain Pursuit Through Manchuria (1905) was a result. A Knight of the Cumberland (1906) was followed by his popular romance/coming-of-age story The Trail of the Lonesome Pine (1908). This and Little Shepherd were adapted for the big screen in several different versions in 1912, 1916, and 1936.
Fox counted among his friends other popular writers such as Richard Harding Davis, Jack London, and Booth Tarkington. He was awarded many honours in his lifetime including election to membership in the National Institute of Arts and Letters in 1899, a medal for his literary contributions from the Emperor of Japan, and his dedication and lobbying led to the passing of the Federal Copyright Act. John William Fox Jr. died of pneumonia at Big Stone Gap in Virginia and is buried in the Paris Cemetery, Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 20, 2021
I would not classify this book as being primarily for children. It is a classic for all ages. The central character is a young boy, an orphan, at the start. We follow him for about ten years through the American Civil War. He matures, leaves his childhood behind and becomes an adult to be admired, a praiseworthy figure, a courageous, brave, intelligent and considerate individual, capable of standing on his own two feet.
In the book’s idealistic portrayal of the central character, one senses an adherence to old-fashioned principles and ways. This is mirrored in many aspects of the story. Idealism is however not stretched too far, at the cost of realism. An example, the boy has a dog. The two are devoted to each other, but as circumstances change they must part. Another outcome would be unbelievable. Characters are placed in difficult positions and mistakes are made, just as in real life. Don’t expect a tale where all ends up shiny and bright and right. The Civil War was a time of tragedy that ripped families and communities apart. The setting is Kentucky, a state where Confederate and Union supporters coexisted, where allegiances were split.
Three stars because I like the book. I like the mix of topics covered—village feuds, romance, adventure, a dog, history, politics and events of the Civil War. The story is believable. I like that it is written in a style that matches the period it describes.
Maynard Villers narrates the audiobook. He reads slowly and clearly and without excessive fanfare. I liked it a lot. There are words and expressions no longer used today. The slow, clear and measured reading gives the listener time to figure out what is meant from the context. Four stars for the audio narration.
In the book’s idealistic portrayal of the central character, one senses an adherence to old-fashioned principles and ways. This is mirrored in many aspects of the story. Idealism is however not stretched too far, at the cost of realism. An example, the boy has a dog. The two are devoted to each other, but as circumstances change they must part. Another outcome would be unbelievable. Characters are placed in difficult positions and mistakes are made, just as in real life. Don’t expect a tale where all ends up shiny and bright and right. The Civil War was a time of tragedy that ripped families and communities apart. The setting is Kentucky, a state where Confederate and Union supporters coexisted, where allegiances were split.
Three stars because I like the book. I like the mix of topics covered—village feuds, romance, adventure, a dog, history, politics and events of the Civil War. The story is believable. I like that it is written in a style that matches the period it describes.
Maynard Villers narrates the audiobook. He reads slowly and clearly and without excessive fanfare. I liked it a lot. There are words and expressions no longer used today. The slow, clear and measured reading gives the listener time to figure out what is meant from the context. Four stars for the audio narration.
August 16, 2009
Excellent read. True book about God's country!
January 27, 2014
My 87 yr. old father told me he remembered this book from his early childhood. He said his mom read to them (5boys) every night until they fell asleep. This is the book he really remembered.
I enjoyed it. I loved the rich language and the story.
This would be a great family book.
I enjoyed it. I loved the rich language and the story.
This would be a great family book.
November 23, 2018
A spellbinding account of Kentucky during the Civil War, The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come follows the life of a young boy in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. After his family dies of sickness, Chad wanders until he is taken in by another mountain family. He quickly ingratiates himself to them by his quick wits and his ability to excel at almost any pursuit he attempts, becoming a valuable member of their clan. He is also taken under the wing of the local schoolmaster, who sees promise in the boy and thinks he could do well at the college in Lexington. Of course, the specter of the Civil War is looming on the horizon, and will have an effect on how everything plays out, both in the mountains and the "Bluegrass Settlements".
Students of history will appreciate the description of some of the battles in Kentucky: Munfordville, Perryville, Richmond. The description of the mountaineers floating down the Kentucky River to Lexington from the mountains is especially interesting to me as well, because in modern times, the feat is no longer possible (or at the very least is exponentially more difficult) due to the creation of 14 locks and dams to prevent flooding and provide drinking water.
Most importantly, the book shows how divided Kentucky was during the Civil War, perhaps moreso than almost any other state.
If you are a history buff, a lover of Kentucky, or just want a engrossing story, I highly recommend John Fox, Jr's "The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come."
Students of history will appreciate the description of some of the battles in Kentucky: Munfordville, Perryville, Richmond. The description of the mountaineers floating down the Kentucky River to Lexington from the mountains is especially interesting to me as well, because in modern times, the feat is no longer possible (or at the very least is exponentially more difficult) due to the creation of 14 locks and dams to prevent flooding and provide drinking water.
Most importantly, the book shows how divided Kentucky was during the Civil War, perhaps moreso than almost any other state.
If you are a history buff, a lover of Kentucky, or just want a engrossing story, I highly recommend John Fox, Jr's "The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come."
August 28, 2010
Easily one of my favorite books of all times!!!
April 11, 2024
A charming book about an orphan boy just before, and during and after the Civil war. Highly charactered, the book has little jewels of fortitude and courage. Not explicitly Christian in any way but just good old-fashioned morals. He risks his life for a boyhood friend who chose to fight for the Confederacy while he himself fought with the Union bringing him into his own tent and nursing him to health. A tiny bit of romance. A bit of older mountain/Kentucky English that’s a challenge to understand at times. Overall a delightful story that I’m glad I read.
Trigger warning: because of the time period and the mountain ways before the Civil War, the word “Niggah” is sprinkled throughout the book.
Picked this up in an antique store in Kentucky. Printed in 1903.
Trigger warning: because of the time period and the mountain ways before the Civil War, the word “Niggah” is sprinkled throughout the book.
Picked this up in an antique store in Kentucky. Printed in 1903.
April 7, 2025
I read this book in fifth grade. I cannot imagine that I had a good understanding of it 70 years ago. It was a good description of Kentucky, the mountains, bluegrass and the Cumberland. The Civil War with brother against brother neighbor against neighbor, and the difficult decision of which side to side with especially in a border state. I am glad that I reread this book because it was definitely a better read than when I was a child
March 9, 2019
I enjoyed this book, although found the end unsatisfying. Gone with the Wind, but about poor people? Certainly not a book I would have chosen but for my book club, and I will probably not revisit, but worth reading once.
December 5, 2021
This is a book that I remember my father mentioning several times when I was little. It mostly takes place in my home town of Lexington. It is more memorable for capturing the general regional flavor than for its description of specific places, though certainly I am familiar with the old market area around Cheapside and the campus of Transylvania University which are both referenced in the story. And John Fox, Jr. is a famous Kentucky author whose birthplace at Stoney Point is only a few miles from my family farm in Bourbon County. When I was visting my family a few weeks ago, I made my cousin take me on a pilgrimage to Stoney Point, which was also the location of my great-great-grandfather's schoolhouse. Alas, there is nothing there now but a historic marker commemorating Mr. Fox and traces of the old wagon road.
Unfortunately the book itself was a bit of a disappointment. It is excessively sentimental and feels racist to a modern reader. The Civil War portions of the book lean toward the discredited Lost Cause version of history. As Mr. Fox has it, there were gallant fellows on both sides, and yes brother fought against brother, but after a good hard fight we shook hands and made up. Not. Still, I have always had a soft spot for Lexington's local Confederate hero, General John Hunt Morgan, whose equestrian statue no longer stands in front of the courthouse, so I was glad that he was treated sympathetically.
Overall it is not nearly as good as The Trail of the Lonesome Pine, which was much more interesting in its portrayal of mountain culture and the sometimes dysfunctional relationship between the mountaineers and the Bluegrass people and its Pygmalion story of the promising mountain child whose strong character conquers the world.
Unfortunately the book itself was a bit of a disappointment. It is excessively sentimental and feels racist to a modern reader. The Civil War portions of the book lean toward the discredited Lost Cause version of history. As Mr. Fox has it, there were gallant fellows on both sides, and yes brother fought against brother, but after a good hard fight we shook hands and made up. Not. Still, I have always had a soft spot for Lexington's local Confederate hero, General John Hunt Morgan, whose equestrian statue no longer stands in front of the courthouse, so I was glad that he was treated sympathetically.
Overall it is not nearly as good as The Trail of the Lonesome Pine, which was much more interesting in its portrayal of mountain culture and the sometimes dysfunctional relationship between the mountaineers and the Bluegrass people and its Pygmalion story of the promising mountain child whose strong character conquers the world.
January 23, 2016
This is an excellent Civil War story. It starts with the boyhood stories of Chad Buford, like some little Huck Finn, but continues with an intricate story of civil war times, where Chad sides with the North over his adoptive family of the South. It's a clear picture of the divisions in Kentucky, family member against family member or friend against friend in the war. Pay close attention to even the bit characters in the boyhood part of the story, as they become important in the civil war part of the story. My mom liked this book so much, she asked me to read it, and I prefer it to Fox's other book, "Lonesome Pine." It's similar to the "Lonesome Pine" book in that one of the main characters matures in speech and culture from his humble KY beginnings. It was funny to me that Lexington, KY and the Bluegrass were seen as the height of culture. I will give one warning about "The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come." It does discuss varying people's opinions on racism and slavery, and not all of those opinions are kind or politically correct - but the nation as a whole was divided over those issues at that time.
October 11, 2010
Once again he started his life over afresh, with his old capital, a strong body and a stout heart. In his breast still burned the spirit that had led his race to the land, had wrenched it from savage and from king, had made it the high temple of Liberty for the worship of freemen-the Kingdom Come for the oppressed of the earth-and, himself the unconscious Shepard of that Spirit, he was going to help carry its ideals across a continent Westward to another sea and on-who knows- to the gates of the rising sun. An eagle swept over this head, as he rose, and the soft patter of feet sounded behind him. It was Jack trotting after him. He stooped and took the old dog in his arms.
Written in the local-color fictional style similar to Mark Twain and others. As a ten year old it was my most favortist book in the whole wide world. This was the book that introduced me to the Civil War. I would cry at the end every time. Now 48 yrs later there are just a few moments where the story comes back to me. I am enjoying the reread.
Written in the local-color fictional style similar to Mark Twain and others. As a ten year old it was my most favortist book in the whole wide world. This was the book that introduced me to the Civil War. I would cry at the end every time. Now 48 yrs later there are just a few moments where the story comes back to me. I am enjoying the reread.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2017
Wonderful story
This is the third book on Kentucky that I've read in the past 3 months. My family is from Kentucky and I wanted to read some history, especially about the south central and eastern part. Hillbilly Elegy was history and I learned some things about the migration of the "hillbillies" to the north to better themselves and their struggles to fit in. I found it hard to read about the authors own dysfunctional (to put it mildly) family, however.
I can't remember title or author of the second book, but it was a history of where the people of Appalachia came from and how they came to be in Kentucky. It told of the beauty of the land but also how over the years it was stripped and how the people were used and deceived by big corporations, especially in the coal mining business. Talked about politics and poverty, etc. Pretty thorough.
The little Shepherd was a beautifully written novel which took place before and during the Civil War. So I learned something new from each book.
This is the third book on Kentucky that I've read in the past 3 months. My family is from Kentucky and I wanted to read some history, especially about the south central and eastern part. Hillbilly Elegy was history and I learned some things about the migration of the "hillbillies" to the north to better themselves and their struggles to fit in. I found it hard to read about the authors own dysfunctional (to put it mildly) family, however.
I can't remember title or author of the second book, but it was a history of where the people of Appalachia came from and how they came to be in Kentucky. It told of the beauty of the land but also how over the years it was stripped and how the people were used and deceived by big corporations, especially in the coal mining business. Talked about politics and poverty, etc. Pretty thorough.
The little Shepherd was a beautifully written novel which took place before and during the Civil War. So I learned something new from each book.
February 16, 2022
I first read this about 50 years ago, so it's not surprising that this time I understood more deeply the anguish of the characters arising from the divisiveness and polarization of societal and political beliefs. Sadly, the experiences reflected in this book seem similar to some of the events we see happening today in the States and here in Canada. Some readers may be offended by words and expressions used in this novel; I am not, as they represent common viewpoints of the time and are part of the fabric that led to the American Civil War. The reader must also be prepared for highly romanticized characters.
December 30, 2019
I didn’t follow this too well. I watched movie first, and I didn’t follow it either. Is it poorly written, or did it just not hold my attention? I don’t know.
The setting is Kentucky during the War between the States (Civil War). Main character Chad Buford torturously decides to fight for the Union against the South. KY tried and succeeded in maintaining neutrality during the war.
I like that this DigiReads edition of the book gives bio information on author John Fox. It also gives good synopses of his two most famous works (this book and The Trail of the Lonesome Pine). It also talks about his legacy in that the latter work is still performed in his native? Big Stone Gap, VA as an outdoor drama each summer.
The setting is Kentucky during the War between the States (Civil War). Main character Chad Buford torturously decides to fight for the Union against the South. KY tried and succeeded in maintaining neutrality during the war.
I like that this DigiReads edition of the book gives bio information on author John Fox. It also gives good synopses of his two most famous works (this book and The Trail of the Lonesome Pine). It also talks about his legacy in that the latter work is still performed in his native? Big Stone Gap, VA as an outdoor drama each summer.
June 29, 2017
This is the story of Chad, an orphan from the Appalachian Mountains, who goes to school in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky. Fox compared the mountain people and the Kentucky "aristocracy". What fascinated me was the portrayal of the effect of the civil war as Fox pitted brother against brother. He showed the fierce loyalty to the concept of the Union and the Constitution to the fierce loyalty to the State and values of the South.
This was the first of Fox's Mountain trilogy. As well I thoroughly enjoyed The Trail of Lonesome Pine which depicts the Appalachians at the turn of the twentieth century. I look forward to reading the last in the trilogy, The Heart of the Hills.
This was the first of Fox's Mountain trilogy. As well I thoroughly enjoyed The Trail of Lonesome Pine which depicts the Appalachians at the turn of the twentieth century. I look forward to reading the last in the trilogy, The Heart of the Hills.
August 10, 2016
Loved this book, it is truly a classic. It is about so many ideas of love: love of thy neighbor, love of a woman, love of a man, love of country, love of relations, and the love of animals. It is about a time in our history when brother fought against brother and the ravages of their families. It is set in the Kentucky Appalachians. Seeing this young orphaned boy, Chad, in all stages of life growing to a full man. About the honor among men and how the human spirit conquers all.
This will be a story that sticks with me my entire life.
This will be a story that sticks with me my entire life.
May 22, 2017
What a fantastic book. Fox's writing style is beautiful and his characters are original and relatable. I loved this book, probably even more so than I did the Trail of the Lonesome Pine. This was a great American novel about growing up in Southern Appalachia and the Kentucky Bluegrass. I wish Hollywood would do a remake of the film.
January 8, 2019
Read this years ago - good Kentucky book! Copyright 1903. Printed again in 1931. Eastern Kentucky leading up to and during the Civil War. Chad’s story! Touches your heart!
Sometimes hard to read the Eastern Ky dialect- since I have family from eastern Ky, I could just hear that speaking and accent!
Sometimes hard to read the Eastern Ky dialect- since I have family from eastern Ky, I could just hear that speaking and accent!
April 28, 2020
Pain of the Border
My parents were from rural Kentucky. This story was close to my Mom.
It well reflects the difficulties in which Kentuckians found themselves as
one of her grandfathers fought on one side ; the other fought with the other . Though not a textbook, I believe Fox 's book would add to the understanding of a civil war.
My parents were from rural Kentucky. This story was close to my Mom.
It well reflects the difficulties in which Kentuckians found themselves as
one of her grandfathers fought on one side ; the other fought with the other . Though not a textbook, I believe Fox 's book would add to the understanding of a civil war.
December 2, 2014
John Fox spent time in the Kingdom Come area talking to people and listening to their stories. Later, in his books, he included many of these stories. His described a culture and society of Appalachia that no longer exists.
August 11, 2020
An incredible read I read this book many years ago my mother gave the book to read as a child.
April 26, 2021
Written at the turn of the last century, includes a good study of the civil war and the way it divided not just the country, but families.
November 11, 2021
Great ready should be on the classic list
December 31, 2022
Have you been to Kingdom Come in Eastern KY? I have. There is a park called ‘Little Shepherd Trail’ there. John Fox, without a doubt spend time in that area, he describes the people of the hills too well, too lovingly , too aware of their strengths and flaws.
We follow the main character, a boy named Chad, born in the mountains, but with unknown roots in the bluegrass through his knockabout life that somehow gives him a strict code, love of country, care for family, honesty and an aversion to meddling in the affairs of others. The civil war pits all these ideas in constant conflict with each other.
This book was published in 1903, the Civil War was not a distant memory. His description of KY, a state that tried hard to be neutral during that period and failed miserably, is compelling.
The author has a deep love for his people, the Anglo Saxon descendents both in the Cumberlands and in the bluegrass. He sees good times as God’s favor and hard times as God’s provision for developing characteristics like determination and discipline. There is nothing wrong with that, but I can see, if you came from a different people (the author uses the word ‘race’, but since science tells us there is but one race, the human race, i equivocate.) that you might find this book grating.
We follow the main character, a boy named Chad, born in the mountains, but with unknown roots in the bluegrass through his knockabout life that somehow gives him a strict code, love of country, care for family, honesty and an aversion to meddling in the affairs of others. The civil war pits all these ideas in constant conflict with each other.
This book was published in 1903, the Civil War was not a distant memory. His description of KY, a state that tried hard to be neutral during that period and failed miserably, is compelling.
The author has a deep love for his people, the Anglo Saxon descendents both in the Cumberlands and in the bluegrass. He sees good times as God’s favor and hard times as God’s provision for developing characteristics like determination and discipline. There is nothing wrong with that, but I can see, if you came from a different people (the author uses the word ‘race’, but since science tells us there is but one race, the human race, i equivocate.) that you might find this book grating.
January 17, 2024
This is anything but a modern politically correct book, therefore its language and ideas may offend the sensibilities of the modern American. However, it's true to the period and place, ante-bellum Kentucky, a sad story of families and friends torn apart by the United States Civil War. The characters struggle to see a big picture without reliable communications, and are forced to make choices in the darkness of traditions and misplaced loyalties. This is not an easy read, but one of those books that might help us to not repeat history.
July 21, 2022
This was one of the books that Clara read in 1918 as recounted in my book Clara's Journal: And the Story of Two Pandemics. Her review of it was very positive. It has been called one of the best depictions of live during the Civil War, so I was eager to read it. It was a very slow first half, and I kept wondering where is the part about the Civil War. But the second half was much better. Historically interesting and highlights just how badly families and neighborhoods were torn apart.
August 25, 2022
After finishing “Bookwoman’s Daughter”, the author talked about some native Kentuckians and the novels they wrote depicting life in the early 1900s. This was one of the authors she mentioned so I checked into some of his writings and decided on this book.
If you can get past the racism and belief in manifest destiny, the description of the mountains, bluegrass and residents of the land is descriptive.
If you can get past the racism and belief in manifest destiny, the description of the mountains, bluegrass and residents of the land is descriptive.
March 29, 2023
The State of Kentucky amid the complexity of deep loyalties.
I truly enjoyed this story of Chad from his mysterious childhood in the mountains of Kentucky to his log raft ride down the river to Frankfort. The broad cast of characters brought the story to life. I’d recommend it especially to those who have read the Creating a Confederate Kentucky by Anne E Marshall.
I truly enjoyed this story of Chad from his mysterious childhood in the mountains of Kentucky to his log raft ride down the river to Frankfort. The broad cast of characters brought the story to life. I’d recommend it especially to those who have read the Creating a Confederate Kentucky by Anne E Marshall.
September 19, 2023
Fox
Being from the mountains of West Virginia, the grand stories of John Fox, Jr. bring a broad range of memories and emotions. His hero's are authentic, the pace keeps me engaged, the endings are not predictable but somehow satisfy the soul and spirit.
Being from the mountains of West Virginia, the grand stories of John Fox, Jr. bring a broad range of memories and emotions. His hero's are authentic, the pace keeps me engaged, the endings are not predictable but somehow satisfy the soul and spirit.
January 28, 2018
I read this novel in my formative years. It left a powerful influence on me. Even now, long into adulthood, I consider "Little Shepherd" one of the best books I ever read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews