Children's Classic Books discussion

Just David by Eleanor Porter
Published: March 1916
Fun fact: Was #2 on the bestselling novels list in July 1916

Summary: " .... it tells the story of a young boy, David, who must learn to adapt to living with others after the death of his reclusive father; along the way, the villagers and his adoptive parents adapt as much or more to him ...." source Wikipedia

I've started this book and already I have misgivings. The actions of the father trying to shelter David from the cruelty of the world are understandable, however, I'm a little concerned as to how David is going to react to the real world, as it seems he's going to have to face it soon due to his father's condition.

"Father says that I'm one little instrument in the great Orchestra of Life, and that I must see to it that I'm always in tune, and don't drag or hit false notes."

Perfect advice for us all. We don’t always stay in tune or not hit false notes but the important thing is that we try.

"Gorry! that's worse than the other," groaned Higgins, when he had finished the note. "There's actually nothing in it! Wouldn't you think—if a man wrote anything at such a time—that he'd 'a' wrote something that had some sense to it—something that one could get hold of, and find out who the boy is?"

And the irony of it is that the note David’s father wrote has more sense in it than these villagers are able to understand …..

I've just finished it and wasn't disappointed. I'm glad that the people around David learned to appreciate the beauty of nature, not just useful things.
He was such a misunderstood little boy at the beginning of the book. Poor little fellow.

Rosemarie wrote: "I've just finished it and wasn't disappointed. I'm glad that the people around David learned to appreciate the beauty of nature, not just useful things.
He was such a misunderstood little boy at th..."

I'm glad you liked it. Misunderstood is right. The town definitely has little to no imagination.

I'm almost finished this book. I'm quite enjoying it. I like David's innocence but I don't think his going among people (probably in the city) to further his violinist skills would bring happiness. He'd be better off on his mountain.

The Princess and the Pauper: And I can't believe two people could be so stubborn.

Well, gosh, I finally finished this one. It was so uplifting. To see people sacrificing for each other, giving up things they really want or need, either out of love or duty and in hopes their sacrifice would bring about something better was truly refreshing. I guess David being able to play his music satisfied his desires in life but I was really hoping he’d stay in the woods with nature. But perhaps this was just another sacrifice as well. A truly lovely story!

Cleo wrote: "Well, gosh, I finally finished this one. It was so uplifting. To see people sacrificing for each other, giving up things they really want or need, either out of love or duty and in hopes their sacr..."

I wish my library system had a copy!

I hope you’re able to find it somewhere. It’s definitely worth the read.

I read it as an ebook, but I know that they're not for everyone.

Rosemarie wrote: "I read it as an ebook, but I know that they're not for everyone."

Now that my geriatric kindle doesn't get books loaded properly (two in a row didn't download the first part of every chapter!) I am no longer interested in them. I love it because it has no lights in it, but those are going the way of the dodo.