You will never read a story that is more inspiring and challenging than Ishmael. The heights of success achieved by this young man reveal little of...
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Sep 27, 2011
Jason
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How is this not a more famous book? Or E.D.E.N Southworth not a more famous author? The book's hero too noble or the author's Christianity too apparent, perhaps? Nevertheless, this story is so fascinating and well-told and its hero's goodness and industry so affecting, that the book is very hard to put down once opened. Written and set in antebellum Maryland and Washington , D.C., it is easy to see why Ms. Southworth could have been considered the best storyteller of her time, or, if she was not
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Mar 16, 2011
Lisa
rated it: 
I was fascinated by several things in the novel.
First was the extreme attention played to reputation; a tainted woman (and her sister and baby) is left to die, not a helping hand willing to reach for her in her small town outside of Washington DC, regardless of her innocence in the downfall. The inability to forgive is breathtaking.
Second was the unshakable belief in the American Dream; poor, downtrodden, ugly worm makes his way to power and wealth through hard work (V More...
First was the extreme attention played to reputation; a tainted woman (and her sister and baby) is left to die, not a helping hand willing to reach for her in her small town outside of Washington DC, regardless of her innocence in the downfall. The inability to forgive is breathtaking.
Second was the unshakable belief in the American Dream; poor, downtrodden, ugly worm makes his way to power and wealth through hard work (V More...
May 11, 2009
WICKEDlyobssessed
rated it:
A wonderfully captivating story that will make you want more. It is filled with amazing conviction, love, passion, selflessness, and sheer determination. The story tells of Ishmael Worth's life, humble yet unfortunate beginnings. and incredible faith in the Lord, and how it helps sustain him through his various trials and tribulations. A must-read that will make you cry, smile, and root for the underdog and wronged.
Dec 11, 2008
Hannah
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This book kept me hooked! What could happen next??! It's about a boy who is born poor, his mother is dead and he doesn't know his father. He works hard and gains respect and trust as he grows. He trusts God, and God makes him prosper. You must have the sequal "Self-Raised" nearby to finish the story of "Ishmael"!
Feb 25, 2011
Travis
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This is an amazingly awesome book. I've read it seven times. It was written over one hundred years ago (published in 1876). I highly recommend this book. My older brother and my two older sisters have all read this book, and they all thought it was one of the best books they've ever read.
Oct 23, 2010
Leah
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The two books are pretty good, I really like the plot and the story =) I love how they use a feeble street kid and use him to be a great man in the books. It's cool to see Ishmael grow up and come out of the poverty he grew up in. The rating is a 4 but a 3 at the same time, so I just rated them a 3. I liiiiked 'em =)
Oct 26, 2011
Elyse
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For the most part, Southworth wrote characters who were definitively good or bad and you could tell this because the good were perfect and the bad were...not. However, she did introduce a few characters who were not at all perfect. People were sinning and making mistakes and yet she had you feeling sympathy for them anyway. This was the first novel I read in which the protagonist had a serious flaw. Being used to reading about people who could do no wrong, my senses were a little shocked and
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Sep 12, 2011
Peggy
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I received this book from my Grandmother. It's old and brittle, and I couldn't resist it. The writing is so beautiful, and the story so wonderful. Now, if only I can get my hands on the sequel...
Nov 04, 2010
Maria
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This is definitely one of the best 'page-turner's' that I have ever read! Captivating and heart-warming as well as being a great wholesome read!
Dec 17, 2008
Katie
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Great story! I was pleasantly surprised. His integrity is inspiring. I may add another star once I read the sequel. :)
Apr 03, 2008
Leah
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Ishamel, by E.D.E.N. Southworth, tells the story of a boy who rises out of poverty with the help of his loyal friends and his own noble but human character. Set in the late 1800s, it beautifully depicts the life and society of the time. The plot is woven together with intriguing events that hold one's attention to the very end. It is the pinnacle of English literature, apart from the Bible. One can clearly see how wisdom and honour grace the life of the individual who exercises and promotes
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Nov 10, 2008
Barbara
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This is a wonderful book about the life of a boy from birth to early adult. The book goes to exhausting measure to demonstrate the fortitude of character of this young, impoverished boy though and through. The book is very timeless for having been written in 1876. This book has inspired me and I am looking forward to the sequel; Self-Raised.
I look forward, also, to sharing this classic with my children.
I look forward, also, to sharing this classic with my children.
Mar 20, 2008
Rebecca
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I loved this book! I found myself looking forward to my reading time everyday so I could get back to it. Ishmael's pure, noble spirit in spite of deprivation and condemnation is uplifting and inspiring.This is an excellent book for teens and adults. It wouldn't suit as a read-aloud for children because the content requires greater experience to digest.
Jul 03, 2011
Julie
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No time for a review.....on to the next book in the series "Self-Raised".
Jan 24, 2009
Rachel
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Quite melodramatic, in the style of Victorian authors...is it just me, or are American authors more melodramatic than British ones? This is the story of a boy born in poverty who by good character and general exemplary-ness makes his way in the world.
Nov 25, 2011
Chrystal
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What a fun find! I was lucky enough to borrow one of the original books in print so it had fun yellowing pages and old-book-smell. It reads like a Jane Austen, but has even more morals and is easier to read(imo.) I love these period-piece stories!
Apr 26, 2010
Trisha
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I really loved this book. It had me captivated from the very beginning, much like The Hidden Hand from the same author. It's a love story, a mystery, a tale of inspiration and encouragement. I was very happy that there was a sequel!
Oct 16, 2007
Jessica
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This book was EXCELLENT!!! But if you read it, be sure you can get your hands on the sequel, otherwise you'll be at the edge of your seat!!! :D
(Thanks soooo much, Lily, for lending it to me!!!) :)
(Thanks soooo much, Lily, for lending it to me!!!) :)
Aug 21, 2008
Annie
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e.d.e.n. southworth is an amazing writer, i recommend anything she has written - if you can find them, they are very hard to come by and all but one of her books are out of print.
Jul 20, 2008
Traci
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Miss Southworth's books are out of print, but I love collecting books from the 1800s. This one is very Victorian in its morality, but it is a beautiful story.
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