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271st out of 538 books
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81 voters
Seventeen
This is a pre-1923 historical reproduction that was curated for quality. Quality assurance was conducted on each of these books in an attempt to remove books with imperfections introduced by the digitization process. Though we have made best efforts - the books may have occasional errors that do not impede the reading experience. We believe this work is culturally importan...more
Paperback, 208 pages
Published
October 11th 2007
by BiblioLife
(first published 1916)
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In which a self-important, lovestruck teenager is soundly (though rarely undeservedly, or cruelly for that matter) humiliated at every turn.
I've never had the patience for most things written before, say, 1972, and over the past few years I've begun to hate that about myself. I happened to read "Seventeen" aloud to my wife (which has proven to be a more restful pre-slumber activity than watching "The Two Coreys"), and we laughed and were terrifically entertained throughout, despite deep, old-ti...more
I've never had the patience for most things written before, say, 1972, and over the past few years I've begun to hate that about myself. I happened to read "Seventeen" aloud to my wife (which has proven to be a more restful pre-slumber activity than watching "The Two Coreys"), and we laughed and were terrifically entertained throughout, despite deep, old-ti...more
A slight but entertaining romantic comedy about a white teenager in pre-WWI America who has a crush on a ditzy girl and who thinks his parents are embarrassing old dorks. Snarkily observing his main character with an aloof authorial eye, Tarkington accurately captures the know-it-allness of being a teenage boy, which apparently was pretty much the same in 1910 as now, as were the emo passions of young love (albeit without sex, alcohol, unchaperoned car rides or heavy petting... apparently people...more
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I began thinking about Seventeen as my grandchildren are arriving and leaving that crucial age. I thought I may have read this book when I was young, but I can't remember it at all. I even wonder if I may have an old copy at home lurking in the midst of my other teenage books.
I loved this book and the essence of Seventeen that the writer captures. At Seventeen, everything is a crisis in our lives and the world may end at any minute. The writing was suburb.
The characters were tremendous and aliv...more
I loved this book and the essence of Seventeen that the writer captures. At Seventeen, everything is a crisis in our lives and the world may end at any minute. The writing was suburb.
The characters were tremendous and aliv...more
This book is a hilarious take on adolescence, even after 100 years. You will cringe as it reminds you of the constant humiliations of being young and in love. If you are of a certain parental age, about halfway through you will also wish fervently, along with Mr. Prather, that Miss Pratt would just GO HOME, because only besotted young men could stomach her and her little white dog for an entire three months! There are many laugh-out-loud moments. Tarkington is a deft writer, and the humor comes...more
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Honestly, I read this so long ago, I can no longer remember much of it. I'll need to re-read it. Seems like it was about some of the misconceptions a teenager and his grandfather have about each other and their respective generations. Booth Tarkington's works are full of outdated racial language and perceptions, but his character studies are worth spending some time with.
This was one of my favourites when I was a tween. The trials and tribulations of poor William and his quest for the divine Miss Pratt (one of the noblest girls in America) always made me giggle. I am pleased to say that as an adult, I still find it very funny. There is also a warmth and innocence in the book, of a time gone by, never to return.
The book's a bit of fluff...funny, but not all that socially significant. But what a great counterpoint it makes to Alice Adams. When read just before or after Alice Adams, this really shines.
This was a fabulous book. It was published nearly 100 years ago and proves that people are still very funny, especially young men in love and their pesky little sisters. There are many, many smiles and laughs in this book.
Sweet story about a foolish boy falling in love with a girl visiting town for the summer. He is swept away by Love, but his little sister manages to keep his feet on the ground and his ego in check.
If only there were more stars...one of the funniest books ever (though due to some less-than-PC characterizations one must remember the time period it was written in).
A classic comedy about the trauma of adolescent love. Written shortly after World War I, the book is dated in some respects, but I thoroughly enjoyed it all the same.
it was a little slow but had a good story line, and made me laugh a couple of times but had some quite boring parts, but all together it was a great book
This has been one of my favorite books since I was 10 years old. Even though it was written in the early 1900's I still find it so witty and funny.
This is one of the funniest books ever. He nails perfectly a seventeen year old young man - no matter the time period.
The best part is the little sister eating sugar on toast, but as a tale of youthful angst it's good enough.
A book about a dramatic crush on a girl in the summer of a boy's 17th year. Some mild humor involving his 10 yr old sister.
It was alright. A few laughs here and there.
It was alright. A few laughs here and there.
Gleefully mocks the self-importance and stupidity of teenagers. I loved it.
Another favorite from my earlier years. Always enjoy re-reading it.
reminds me of my brothers at seventeen
HYSTERICAL!!!!!
Okay.
too funny
This book still has the power after all this time to make me laugh and smile.
Got the e-book from Sindi. But reading e-book always hurts my eyes, so yeah, I don't know when I will read it!
Oct 31, 2012
Tom
added it
Unable to finish. Which was disappointing: I rather enjoyed "The Maginificent Ambersons." The writing style in this one was, for me, unbearable. Tarkington takes the long way around to say the most mundane things; it was quite irritating.
This book is one of the funniest books I've read in ages. Perfectly captures the joy and pain of being a teenager "in love." It's true, at times it was painfully ignorant of modern attitudes towards race, but at its heart this is a story as relatable today as it was when it was first a bestseller 100 years ago. Highly recommended.
What a refreshing read! About a seventeen year old boy and his scrapes with love and a little sister. Funny stuff.
May 22, 2013
Isabel
added it
May 22, 2013
Susan
is currently reading it
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Booth Tarkington was an American novelist and dramatist best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning novels The Magnificent Ambersons and Alice Adams.
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Mar 11, 2012 08:34pm