What do you think?
Rate this book
That Printer of Udell's
"That book, That Printer of Udell's, had an impact I shall always remember . . . [it] set me on a course I've tried to follow even unto this day. I shall always be grateful."-Ronald Reagan Ronald Reagan identified with the central character, Dick Falkner, who grew up in poverty with an alcoholic father. After Falkner ran away, he was hired by George Udell, a kindly printer. Combining practical Christianity with hard work, he succeeded.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1902
234 people are currently reading
1123 people want to read
About the author
Harold Bell Wright
83 books84 followersHarold Bell Wright was a best selling American author of the first part of the 20th century.
Between 1903 and 1942, this minister-turned-author wrote nineteen books, several scripts for stage plays, and several magazine articles. At least fifteen movies were made from his novels. Seven of Wright's books appeared on the top ten best sellers lists, two of them twice, including a number one seller in 1914, a number two in 1916 and a third best seller three times.
He's best known for his work entitled The Shepherd of the Hills which was made into the well known, outdoor play, of the same name, performed in Branson, Mo.
Between 1903 and 1942, this minister-turned-author wrote nineteen books, several scripts for stage plays, and several magazine articles. At least fifteen movies were made from his novels. Seven of Wright's books appeared on the top ten best sellers lists, two of them twice, including a number one seller in 1914, a number two in 1916 and a third best seller three times.
He's best known for his work entitled The Shepherd of the Hills which was made into the well known, outdoor play, of the same name, performed in Branson, Mo.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
March 9, 2022
We raced through this book in about a week for our family story hour. It was always, “Just one more chapter, Daddy, please!” Wright was a master at didactic storytelling, weaving practical lessons of how every follower of Christ should apply his faith with suspenseful, engaging plots. I did a little research on Harold Bell Wright, and was fascinated to learn that he was one of only three American authors to write five best selling books in the period from colonial America through 1925. I don’t think this kind of book would stand a chance at being a bestseller today, and I wonder what that tells about the condition of Christianity in America.
March 31, 2011
My Synopsis
That Printer of Udell's follows the path of young Dick Falkner, whose mother is dead and whose father is a drunk. From a very young age, he makes his own way in the world, until he finds himself looking for work among the "kind" Christian people of Boyd City.
Unfortunately, their hypocrisy is all too clear to him; they go to church and nod their heads as the pastor preaches goodwill to all men, but their lives reflect that of self-centered socialites. Disgusted, he applies for work from a man who, like himself, sees the falsity of the church people.
In time, the people of Boyd City, with young Dick as their catalyst, slowly begin changing that first impression that he had formed of them. More and more, the young people start reaching out with ideas to change things for the better in their city, and before too long many of the older folks are engaged in helping their fellow man as well.
Before you know it, Dick Falkner is a fairly influential man in the community, but he is not without troubles of his own, which make his character all the deeper and admirable.
My Thoughts
I began reading this book in fits and starts, but before I knew it I was drawn into a book that grabbed me in a way that many of today's contemporary works will not do. Many of those works employ sensation as their means of drawing you on and you want to read until the next shock, but in this book, I believe I was drawn on because I really began to know, love, and care about the characters.
It's a story of faith, but more than that, it's a story that cries out against the apathy that even churches of today are often dwelling in. This book was not written for those who are lost and need to be saved, but for those who are saved and need to help the lost.
Harold Bell Wright, a American pastor during the first half of the 20th century, experienced much of what his main character does. This book was his first attempt in the writing field, and I have to say that he did a good job. I loved the fairly simple style in which the story was told.
All in all, I loved this book, and have added it to my favorites shelf. If anyone were to ask me, I would recommend it in a heartbeat. It's one of those books for me, that although the people may appear to be slightly more perfect than what each of us think we can be, it gives me something to strive for. That is the kind of book that edifies me the most.
Before I go, I would like to point you to the Wikipedia page on That Printer of Udell's. I especially want to point out the last paragraph about Ronald Reagan. It just provides an interesting tidbit of information.
Finally, I would like to ask for your help. I'm not that great at writing book reviews and could use all the help I can get! What can I add to make a book review more helpful or informative? What kind of questions would you like to see answered in a book review? Leave your thoughts on this particular book, and these questions in the comments below!
That Printer of Udell's follows the path of young Dick Falkner, whose mother is dead and whose father is a drunk. From a very young age, he makes his own way in the world, until he finds himself looking for work among the "kind" Christian people of Boyd City.
Unfortunately, their hypocrisy is all too clear to him; they go to church and nod their heads as the pastor preaches goodwill to all men, but their lives reflect that of self-centered socialites. Disgusted, he applies for work from a man who, like himself, sees the falsity of the church people.
In time, the people of Boyd City, with young Dick as their catalyst, slowly begin changing that first impression that he had formed of them. More and more, the young people start reaching out with ideas to change things for the better in their city, and before too long many of the older folks are engaged in helping their fellow man as well.
Before you know it, Dick Falkner is a fairly influential man in the community, but he is not without troubles of his own, which make his character all the deeper and admirable.
My Thoughts
I began reading this book in fits and starts, but before I knew it I was drawn into a book that grabbed me in a way that many of today's contemporary works will not do. Many of those works employ sensation as their means of drawing you on and you want to read until the next shock, but in this book, I believe I was drawn on because I really began to know, love, and care about the characters.
It's a story of faith, but more than that, it's a story that cries out against the apathy that even churches of today are often dwelling in. This book was not written for those who are lost and need to be saved, but for those who are saved and need to help the lost.
Harold Bell Wright, a American pastor during the first half of the 20th century, experienced much of what his main character does. This book was his first attempt in the writing field, and I have to say that he did a good job. I loved the fairly simple style in which the story was told.
All in all, I loved this book, and have added it to my favorites shelf. If anyone were to ask me, I would recommend it in a heartbeat. It's one of those books for me, that although the people may appear to be slightly more perfect than what each of us think we can be, it gives me something to strive for. That is the kind of book that edifies me the most.
Before I go, I would like to point you to the Wikipedia page on That Printer of Udell's. I especially want to point out the last paragraph about Ronald Reagan. It just provides an interesting tidbit of information.
Finally, I would like to ask for your help. I'm not that great at writing book reviews and could use all the help I can get! What can I add to make a book review more helpful or informative? What kind of questions would you like to see answered in a book review? Leave your thoughts on this particular book, and these questions in the comments below!
September 19, 2022
5+ stars & 8/10 hearts. Wow, this was incredible and totally not what I expected.
I love the ragged-boy-climbs-the-ladder type of stories and this one was almost as good as Three People. Dick was such a nice, dependable young man. I respected Udell, loved Uncle Bobbie, liked Amy, admired the preacher, and despised the villains. The characters were all so real! And the plot was well done. It kept me hooked. And the romance was so sweet!
The theme, however, was my favourite part—a challenge to the churches of Christ and to the people within them. Are the churches keeping to themselves, priding themselves on their beauty and cleanliness, and ignoring the sinners in the streets, removing their polluting presence from the buildings? Are the Christians so caught up in paying attention to what other Christians aren’t doing, that they quit living for Christ themselves? Is there really a chance for revival if these two factors are tackled?
Harold Bell Wright did a fantastic job with these themes and I highly recommend this book. Better review to come upon reread!
Content: drinking & smoking (condemned); language; a woman is said to be living with a man without being married (false); a penniless woman is encouraged to become a prostitute (the owner refuses to force her to do anything and the young woman is rescued before anything happens); a young woman becomes pregnant from a man who falsely told her they were married. All handled very tastefully.
A Favourite Quote: “You'll find out, same as I have, that it don't much matter how the other feller dabbles in the dirt, you've got to keep your hands clean anyhow. An' taint the question whether the other feller's mean or not, but am I livin' square? I know that Christ is the Saviour of men, but he can't save 'em 'less they want him to, no more'n I can catch a jack-rabbit a-foot. Christianity's all right, but it aint a goin' to do no good 'less people live it, and there's a heap more living it too than we think. What such fellers as you want to do is to listen to what Christ says and not look at what some little two by four church member does. They aint worth that.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: "But how does that tramp happen to have any papers of value to you?"
"That is, most emphatically, none of your business, my friend. All you have to do is to get them, or—" he paused significantly.
"But will he give them up?"
Whitley looked at him a few minutes in amused contempt, then said, mockingly, "Oh yes; of course he will be glad to favor us. All you need to do is to put on your best Sunday School manners and say sweetly: 'Mr. Falkner, Mr. Whitley would like those papers that you have in the long leather pocket-book tied with a shoe-string.' He'll hand them over instantly. The only reason I have taken all this trouble to meet you out here to-night is because I am naturally easily embarrassed and don't like to ask him for them myself."
I love the ragged-boy-climbs-the-ladder type of stories and this one was almost as good as Three People. Dick was such a nice, dependable young man. I respected Udell, loved Uncle Bobbie, liked Amy, admired the preacher, and despised the villains. The characters were all so real! And the plot was well done. It kept me hooked. And the romance was so sweet!
The theme, however, was my favourite part—a challenge to the churches of Christ and to the people within them. Are the churches keeping to themselves, priding themselves on their beauty and cleanliness, and ignoring the sinners in the streets, removing their polluting presence from the buildings? Are the Christians so caught up in paying attention to what other Christians aren’t doing, that they quit living for Christ themselves? Is there really a chance for revival if these two factors are tackled?
Harold Bell Wright did a fantastic job with these themes and I highly recommend this book. Better review to come upon reread!
Content: drinking & smoking (condemned); language; a woman is said to be living with a man without being married (false); a penniless woman is encouraged to become a prostitute (the owner refuses to force her to do anything and the young woman is rescued before anything happens); a young woman becomes pregnant from a man who falsely told her they were married. All handled very tastefully.
A Favourite Quote: “You'll find out, same as I have, that it don't much matter how the other feller dabbles in the dirt, you've got to keep your hands clean anyhow. An' taint the question whether the other feller's mean or not, but am I livin' square? I know that Christ is the Saviour of men, but he can't save 'em 'less they want him to, no more'n I can catch a jack-rabbit a-foot. Christianity's all right, but it aint a goin' to do no good 'less people live it, and there's a heap more living it too than we think. What such fellers as you want to do is to listen to what Christ says and not look at what some little two by four church member does. They aint worth that.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: "But how does that tramp happen to have any papers of value to you?"
"That is, most emphatically, none of your business, my friend. All you have to do is to get them, or—" he paused significantly.
"But will he give them up?"
Whitley looked at him a few minutes in amused contempt, then said, mockingly, "Oh yes; of course he will be glad to favor us. All you need to do is to put on your best Sunday School manners and say sweetly: 'Mr. Falkner, Mr. Whitley would like those papers that you have in the long leather pocket-book tied with a shoe-string.' He'll hand them over instantly. The only reason I have taken all this trouble to meet you out here to-night is because I am naturally easily embarrassed and don't like to ask him for them myself."
September 5, 2008
This is the book Reagan regarded as the most influential novel for his life. It is a story of practical Christianity written by a pastor in the form of chapters to be read on Sundays. Because it was formatted to be a concise story for the week, it loses something as a novel, but it still is a helpful and convicting book.
October 5, 2008
This is my second favorite book (behind Fields of Fire.) This book most accurately illustrates Christianity, as it was meant to be practiced, while simultaneously illustrating exactly how it sometimes goes so wrong. I first read it because I heard it was Ronald Reagan's favorite, and was curious. It turned out to be my second favorite book of all time (and in close competition with my first favorite.) The picture it draws is just so perfectly accurate. Oh, and this book has one of the best examples of true Christ-like love I've ever been exposed to.
October 1, 2022
I was all over the place about this book in terms of what I thought about it. At times there are beautiful passages, especially in descriptions of the rural landscapes where parts of the story take place, and that always delights me. But there is also over-simplification much of the time, and rather stilted characters. And there is one particular plot scheme that is so coincidental that it seems very contrived. Published in 1902, the story certainly reflects some of the values of the time: women had few options, and in this story that seems to be a choice between being a wife/mother or a prostitute; and there are certainly racial stereotypes that seem typical of that era.
But I did love the major theme of the book, as the author places the emphasis on churches and their failure to "walk the talk". Even though there is a great deal of over-simplification around this theme, it was refreshing to me to see that even over a hundred years ago there were people who recognized that there were those who only wore the cloak of "church-goer" and "christian" as a way to demonstrate their goodness and religiosity. In this story, there are at first only a few who actually live their belief in caring for "the least of these".
This is the story of a man who is very down and out; hungry, dirty and smelly, he is considered a tramp when he first makes an appearance in the town of Boyd City, somewhere in the Midwest. As the story progresses, there are those who reach out a helping hand, who demonstrate acceptance and kindness, and those who judge and condemn. With the help of the few, this man's life story is transformed, and there is a change in the community, and an awakening of some of it's members.
And I loved that the author very aptly pointed out the failure of churches and communities to take a more active stance in being of service to those most in need. I think the friend who handed me this book and insisted I read it was thinking about my own difficulty with many of the churches today, those who supposedly reach out a hand while supporting policies and leaders that are based on greed, arrogance, and intimidation. Overall, I liked this book, and was anxious to keep reading to find how it unfolded.
But I did love the major theme of the book, as the author places the emphasis on churches and their failure to "walk the talk". Even though there is a great deal of over-simplification around this theme, it was refreshing to me to see that even over a hundred years ago there were people who recognized that there were those who only wore the cloak of "church-goer" and "christian" as a way to demonstrate their goodness and religiosity. In this story, there are at first only a few who actually live their belief in caring for "the least of these".
This is the story of a man who is very down and out; hungry, dirty and smelly, he is considered a tramp when he first makes an appearance in the town of Boyd City, somewhere in the Midwest. As the story progresses, there are those who reach out a helping hand, who demonstrate acceptance and kindness, and those who judge and condemn. With the help of the few, this man's life story is transformed, and there is a change in the community, and an awakening of some of it's members.
And I loved that the author very aptly pointed out the failure of churches and communities to take a more active stance in being of service to those most in need. I think the friend who handed me this book and insisted I read it was thinking about my own difficulty with many of the churches today, those who supposedly reach out a hand while supporting policies and leaders that are based on greed, arrogance, and intimidation. Overall, I liked this book, and was anxious to keep reading to find how it unfolded.
January 18, 2024
This book gives a person a lot to ponder! The author does a great job of describing the many personalities of those that claim to be a Christian. About 2/3 of the way through the pace slows down a lot so I had to give it four stars. It is captivating though - and after learning at a young age that it was Ronald Reagan’s favorite book I have always been curious about it. Glad I finally read it!
November 5, 2024
This was one of Ronald Reagan’s favorite books. It is a very good read. I don’t believe I have ever read a book that was so fascinating. Middle America!
June 2, 2019
This book is difficult to rate. I found myself drawn into the story to the point that I started it earlier this evening intending to read a chapter or two before bed and just put it down, having read the whole thing. So there's that.
The story line is reminiscent of Sheldon's "In His Steps" and tells of a community full of hypocritical churchgoers and the people they wrong.
Let's be honest: churches *are* unfortunately sprinkled, and sometimes largely populated with, hypocrites.
However, in trying to make his point, the author really demonized Christians who go to church, sometimes literally drawing that line. At one point it was specified that to run their organization to help the down and out, they needed men who were Christians but not connected to any church. That sort of statement was made multiple times throughout the book.
I really don't want this review to be a dissertation, but I find it to be just seriously messed up that this book is so anti-churches. The point the author is trying to make is that we as churchgoing Christians don't walk our talk. I get that. Much of the time, that is true. But that doesn't mean it is true of everyone, and it most certainly does NOT mean that we ditch the church and start other organizations to do the work the church should be doing. After all, Christ "loved the church, and gave himself for it."
That just really bothered me, seeing Christ's church so put down, and by a pastor. I'm not saying that he should have made his characters unrealistically goody two shoes (actually some of them were - just not the church-goers), but I don't see what it benefited to make them unrealistically evil, either.
In his book, church-going Christians leave a young man to freeze (a non-church-going non-believer does everything he can to save him and pays for his burial after he dies), chase a starving young man away because he's looking for a job (in fact, the only person who will help this young man is a fellow non-Christian, non-churchgoer), make their daughter hang out with drunkards instead of the Christian young people from church, throw wild parties, gamble, steal, one church-going Christian young man tricks a girl into thinking they're married, then gets her pregnant and abandons her, and on and on and on. I mean, it's crazy. Obviously, church-going Christians have done every one of these things and worse, but in my personal experience (and I was born into a church-going Christian family and have been a church-goer my whole life) it's just not realistic to insist that that's what all church-going Christians are like. I keep saying "church-going" because the author made that distinction so, so clear. If you go to church, you're a hypocrite. If you are a Christian who doesn't go to church or a non-believer who is a good person, you are likely a noble human being. It's just ridiculous.
My experience of church-going Christians is, yes, we can be very hypocritical. We can tend to look down on the people who we think are worse sinners than we are. We can be oh, so aware of the mote in our brother's eye while unconcernedly smashing people over the head with the beam in our own. That totally happens.
But it isn't the only thing that happens.
I know churches that are places "where a broken heart can mend...where the outcast finds a friend," where the members realize that "the sin that seems so great to us is no greater than our own."
I have been part of a church where people actively pour their lives into loving the outcasts of their communities, ministering in the jails, on the streets, wherever they find people like those in this book, who are in need.
I know of churches where it is the norm for a homeless person to be given a job and a place to stay; where people who just got out of jail are given homes (in the homes and with the families of those evil church-going Christians) until they can get on their feet; where the pastors drop everything they are doing to take a stranger who stops by with a sob story, whether it's true or not, to buy groceries and fill their car with gas; where those church-going Christians have drug addicts over for dinner; where strangers who say they need a ride are given one, even if it's hours away; where people do anything and everything they possibly can to show the love of Christ in a practical way and to make a difference in the lives of those around them.
And I know the people whose lives are touched. I know those addicts (many of them now former addicts). I know those men and ladies who are grateful every day for the church-going Christians who cared enough to come spend time every week in the jails where they were incarcerated, telling them about the freedom and the hope to be found in Christ, writing letters to them, attending their court hearings, making sure their families were taken care of.
I know people incarcerated in state prisons who love those church-going Christians who drive two hours for a visit with them, who write regularly and just love them.
Going to church does not make you a good Christian. It just doesn't. But you cannot be a Bible-following Christian without being part of a local church. I mean, the whole New Testament is all about local churches.
It's true that our churches are too often full of people who don't live what they say, but the answer is not to give up on churches. The answer is to become one of those Christians who lives the Bible.
I'm just hugely uncomfortable with the author's portrayal of all but three of the church-going Christians in his book as evil people without a spark of basic human compassion, much less Christ's love.
Another huge red flag was that the author denigrated doctrine. Repeatedly. That is a HUGE red flag. I'm not going to go on and on about that like I have been about the church thing, but any time we're being encouraged to put aside doctrine...well, Houston, we have a problem. Doctrine was basically equated with those church-going Christians in this book. In other words, as a bad thing, which is so completely contrary to what God has to say about it.
As I stated earlier, so much of what he said is true, as far as our need as Bible-believing Christians to live out what we say we believe, to show Christ's compassion, to love with Christ's love and so on. There's truly a desperate need for that in our modern American churches. There's a desperate need for us to love Christ, in which case the rest of this would naturally follow.
But I just can't recommend this book to anyone, and I'm going to pass my copy on to the thrift store. The three star rating would have been much lower but for the entertainment value of the book.
The story line is reminiscent of Sheldon's "In His Steps" and tells of a community full of hypocritical churchgoers and the people they wrong.
Let's be honest: churches *are* unfortunately sprinkled, and sometimes largely populated with, hypocrites.
However, in trying to make his point, the author really demonized Christians who go to church, sometimes literally drawing that line. At one point it was specified that to run their organization to help the down and out, they needed men who were Christians but not connected to any church. That sort of statement was made multiple times throughout the book.
I really don't want this review to be a dissertation, but I find it to be just seriously messed up that this book is so anti-churches. The point the author is trying to make is that we as churchgoing Christians don't walk our talk. I get that. Much of the time, that is true. But that doesn't mean it is true of everyone, and it most certainly does NOT mean that we ditch the church and start other organizations to do the work the church should be doing. After all, Christ "loved the church, and gave himself for it."
That just really bothered me, seeing Christ's church so put down, and by a pastor. I'm not saying that he should have made his characters unrealistically goody two shoes (actually some of them were - just not the church-goers), but I don't see what it benefited to make them unrealistically evil, either.
In his book, church-going Christians leave a young man to freeze (a non-church-going non-believer does everything he can to save him and pays for his burial after he dies), chase a starving young man away because he's looking for a job (in fact, the only person who will help this young man is a fellow non-Christian, non-churchgoer), make their daughter hang out with drunkards instead of the Christian young people from church, throw wild parties, gamble, steal, one church-going Christian young man tricks a girl into thinking they're married, then gets her pregnant and abandons her, and on and on and on. I mean, it's crazy. Obviously, church-going Christians have done every one of these things and worse, but in my personal experience (and I was born into a church-going Christian family and have been a church-goer my whole life) it's just not realistic to insist that that's what all church-going Christians are like. I keep saying "church-going" because the author made that distinction so, so clear. If you go to church, you're a hypocrite. If you are a Christian who doesn't go to church or a non-believer who is a good person, you are likely a noble human being. It's just ridiculous.
My experience of church-going Christians is, yes, we can be very hypocritical. We can tend to look down on the people who we think are worse sinners than we are. We can be oh, so aware of the mote in our brother's eye while unconcernedly smashing people over the head with the beam in our own. That totally happens.
But it isn't the only thing that happens.
I know churches that are places "where a broken heart can mend...where the outcast finds a friend," where the members realize that "the sin that seems so great to us is no greater than our own."
I have been part of a church where people actively pour their lives into loving the outcasts of their communities, ministering in the jails, on the streets, wherever they find people like those in this book, who are in need.
I know of churches where it is the norm for a homeless person to be given a job and a place to stay; where people who just got out of jail are given homes (in the homes and with the families of those evil church-going Christians) until they can get on their feet; where the pastors drop everything they are doing to take a stranger who stops by with a sob story, whether it's true or not, to buy groceries and fill their car with gas; where those church-going Christians have drug addicts over for dinner; where strangers who say they need a ride are given one, even if it's hours away; where people do anything and everything they possibly can to show the love of Christ in a practical way and to make a difference in the lives of those around them.
And I know the people whose lives are touched. I know those addicts (many of them now former addicts). I know those men and ladies who are grateful every day for the church-going Christians who cared enough to come spend time every week in the jails where they were incarcerated, telling them about the freedom and the hope to be found in Christ, writing letters to them, attending their court hearings, making sure their families were taken care of.
I know people incarcerated in state prisons who love those church-going Christians who drive two hours for a visit with them, who write regularly and just love them.
Going to church does not make you a good Christian. It just doesn't. But you cannot be a Bible-following Christian without being part of a local church. I mean, the whole New Testament is all about local churches.
It's true that our churches are too often full of people who don't live what they say, but the answer is not to give up on churches. The answer is to become one of those Christians who lives the Bible.
I'm just hugely uncomfortable with the author's portrayal of all but three of the church-going Christians in his book as evil people without a spark of basic human compassion, much less Christ's love.
Another huge red flag was that the author denigrated doctrine. Repeatedly. That is a HUGE red flag. I'm not going to go on and on about that like I have been about the church thing, but any time we're being encouraged to put aside doctrine...well, Houston, we have a problem. Doctrine was basically equated with those church-going Christians in this book. In other words, as a bad thing, which is so completely contrary to what God has to say about it.
As I stated earlier, so much of what he said is true, as far as our need as Bible-believing Christians to live out what we say we believe, to show Christ's compassion, to love with Christ's love and so on. There's truly a desperate need for that in our modern American churches. There's a desperate need for us to love Christ, in which case the rest of this would naturally follow.
But I just can't recommend this book to anyone, and I'm going to pass my copy on to the thrift store. The three star rating would have been much lower but for the entertainment value of the book.
March 16, 2025
Great book full of moral dilemmas. Right v wrong. Christlike v un-Christlike. Judgement v Grace. Definitely a good one to read from time to time. I think this would be an exceptional choice to read with your high schooler and have some great discussions around the story.
July 7, 2009
My husband's grandma owns an antique shop and gave me this book that was published in 1902-1903. So I'm excited to read it.
It is about a Gentleman named Dick who runs into some bad luck and ends up homeless and searching for a job. Back then if you didn't have a job and were homeless you were considered a tramp. After finally finding a printing job; which is his trade. He is finding out more and more that the Churchs aren't living up to what they are preaching. As he becomes a person who is working and has a place he makes it his life to show the people of that town that he isn't a tramp and that they all should be more Christlike in helping the more unfortunate. Therefore they start setting up places for people who need work and a place to stay to get back on their feet.
There is a lot of religious controversay in this book. I found it very interesting. The slang those Arkansasians use is hard to read and understand, but I got the jist of it.
It is about a Gentleman named Dick who runs into some bad luck and ends up homeless and searching for a job. Back then if you didn't have a job and were homeless you were considered a tramp. After finally finding a printing job; which is his trade. He is finding out more and more that the Churchs aren't living up to what they are preaching. As he becomes a person who is working and has a place he makes it his life to show the people of that town that he isn't a tramp and that they all should be more Christlike in helping the more unfortunate. Therefore they start setting up places for people who need work and a place to stay to get back on their feet.
There is a lot of religious controversay in this book. I found it very interesting. The slang those Arkansasians use is hard to read and understand, but I got the jist of it.
April 16, 2025
Dick Falkner was such a gentleman and persevered through all his trials faithfully.
June 9, 2021
Rtc . . .
January 8, 2025
“If the ministry had spent one-half the time in studying this question and trying to fulfill the teaching of Christ, that they have wasted in quarreling over each other’s opinions, or in tickling the ears of their wealthy members, this problem would have been solved long ago. Different localities would require different plans, but the purpose must always be the same. To make it possible for those in want to receive aid without compromising their self-respect, or making beggars of them, and to make it just as impossible for any unworthy person to get along without work.” -Quote from the character Dick Faulkner.
“Wow” is all I could say or think after reading this book. Upon seeing the new Reagen movie(which I recommend to all!) we took note of the scene where young Ronald’s mom gifts him this book called “That Printer of Udell’s.” My Mom searched for the book online and purchased it right away. We both read it in under a week and felt this struck a chord deep within our hearts as it did for the late-great former President.
This book is a story, a message, a treatise, and a manifesto for what real community change looks like. Is the churcht the answer? Is the government the answer? Are the local businesses the answer? Suffice it to say, none are the answer alone and this rings true for the setting of the book as well as innumerable towns across America. Of course, It is my belief that Jesus is the answer for the many problems local communities face today but how does Jesus tend to work? How does God answer prayers for revitalization of communities and the salvation of the youth from debauchery and prodigal living? The answer is simple, he finds someone willing.
It truly is something extraordinary when a book or a character in a book speaks to an issue the same exact way that you have been speaking about it for quite some time. Harold Bell Wright brilliantly and realistically highlights the pitfalls of the church with an increased devotion to status, theology and wealth alongside a decreased heart for the “least of these” and a stone-cold reluctance to help those who come in need. What have we become?
As far as the story goes, this one is a page turner in every way possible. There are moments and quotes of amazing discourse and philosophical/theological banter between the characters. Themes of romance, brotherhood, charity, selflessness, conviction, and character development are ever-present here as well. The struggles and turmoil of the characters will make you elated with joy, teary-eyed, and moved with compassion. All the while, reshaping your whole idea of what ministry is and what one should do to bring about a positive change in his or her community.
So many books with a message tend to lean to heavy on the practical side, or the inspiration side but this one balances each perfectly in a story that you won’t be quick to forget. Here is a book that is sure to change lives as it did for Ronald Reagen. Do not waste a single moment in getting a copy of this book in your hands. You will be so thankful and moved to make everything in your life count for Christ and count for your community, leaving a legacy that outlasts us which is what God wants all of us to leave.
“Wow” is all I could say or think after reading this book. Upon seeing the new Reagen movie(which I recommend to all!) we took note of the scene where young Ronald’s mom gifts him this book called “That Printer of Udell’s.” My Mom searched for the book online and purchased it right away. We both read it in under a week and felt this struck a chord deep within our hearts as it did for the late-great former President.
This book is a story, a message, a treatise, and a manifesto for what real community change looks like. Is the churcht the answer? Is the government the answer? Are the local businesses the answer? Suffice it to say, none are the answer alone and this rings true for the setting of the book as well as innumerable towns across America. Of course, It is my belief that Jesus is the answer for the many problems local communities face today but how does Jesus tend to work? How does God answer prayers for revitalization of communities and the salvation of the youth from debauchery and prodigal living? The answer is simple, he finds someone willing.
It truly is something extraordinary when a book or a character in a book speaks to an issue the same exact way that you have been speaking about it for quite some time. Harold Bell Wright brilliantly and realistically highlights the pitfalls of the church with an increased devotion to status, theology and wealth alongside a decreased heart for the “least of these” and a stone-cold reluctance to help those who come in need. What have we become?
As far as the story goes, this one is a page turner in every way possible. There are moments and quotes of amazing discourse and philosophical/theological banter between the characters. Themes of romance, brotherhood, charity, selflessness, conviction, and character development are ever-present here as well. The struggles and turmoil of the characters will make you elated with joy, teary-eyed, and moved with compassion. All the while, reshaping your whole idea of what ministry is and what one should do to bring about a positive change in his or her community.
So many books with a message tend to lean to heavy on the practical side, or the inspiration side but this one balances each perfectly in a story that you won’t be quick to forget. Here is a book that is sure to change lives as it did for Ronald Reagen. Do not waste a single moment in getting a copy of this book in your hands. You will be so thankful and moved to make everything in your life count for Christ and count for your community, leaving a legacy that outlasts us which is what God wants all of us to leave.
March 23, 2025
Absolutely Amazing Book
April 14, 2025
In short, a book from Matthew 25:40 "And the King will answer them, Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."
A positive and challenging story (with points often made at the expense of doctrine, but still a good message). Most-likely a necessary counterpoint to popular Christianity of the late 1800s/early 1900s. However, the plot was as believable as the worst Hallmark movie you've ever seen.
A positive and challenging story (with points often made at the expense of doctrine, but still a good message). Most-likely a necessary counterpoint to popular Christianity of the late 1800s/early 1900s. However, the plot was as believable as the worst Hallmark movie you've ever seen.
May 23, 2023
This is a hard book to write a short review for. It is a great book that promotes being a hardworking, reliable, chaste, man who doesn’t just talk about the Bible but uses his wits and experience to live out Christ’s commands and transform your community. It challenges the church to not hypocritically preach the love of Christ while ignoring those on the streets who can and would not be there if given a genuine chance.
That is great and is why the book is worth reading but it also gets some important things wrong. While the book doesn’t condemn the church completely, the view presented is that it is better to not be associated with the church or a specific denomination and instead to operate as a freelance follower of Christ. The book also presents a Victorian view of Christianity which tends to overemphasize works and underemphasize one’s relationship with Christ.
In conclusion, it is a book worth reading that sparks needed conversations and calls for those conversations to be turned into actions. But I would recommend reading the book with a young child, rather then letting them read it themselves, in order to point out where the book comes up short.
That is great and is why the book is worth reading but it also gets some important things wrong. While the book doesn’t condemn the church completely, the view presented is that it is better to not be associated with the church or a specific denomination and instead to operate as a freelance follower of Christ. The book also presents a Victorian view of Christianity which tends to overemphasize works and underemphasize one’s relationship with Christ.
In conclusion, it is a book worth reading that sparks needed conversations and calls for those conversations to be turned into actions. But I would recommend reading the book with a young child, rather then letting them read it themselves, in order to point out where the book comes up short.
April 25, 2010
Another very good book revealing the journey of a man growing in greatness. The side stories along the way reinforced all lessons learned through our main character's trials and successes. Could be one of those thought/idea changing books for some. Reminded me of In His Steps by Charles Sheldon; another must read with the same theme.
I appreciated the author's technique of not telling every detail, but using subtle innuendos. He was so subtle in painting a picture that at times you needed to re-read a portion to make sure you understood correctly. This highlighted important points allowing the reader to reflect on the importance of the moment. It was a pleasure, in my daughter's teen girl book club, to watch this subtle painting play out in their discussions. The girls that had missed a portion here or there because of their youthfulness, lit up with new understanding when the full picture was revealed.
A great book for any book club.
I would highly recommend Shepherd of the Hills another outstanding book by Harold Bell Wright
I appreciated the author's technique of not telling every detail, but using subtle innuendos. He was so subtle in painting a picture that at times you needed to re-read a portion to make sure you understood correctly. This highlighted important points allowing the reader to reflect on the importance of the moment. It was a pleasure, in my daughter's teen girl book club, to watch this subtle painting play out in their discussions. The girls that had missed a portion here or there because of their youthfulness, lit up with new understanding when the full picture was revealed.
A great book for any book club.
I would highly recommend Shepherd of the Hills another outstanding book by Harold Bell Wright
April 8, 2013
Harold Bell Wright was a brilliant critic of the church a century before the likes of Kinneman (unChristian), Platt (Radical), and Idleman (Not a Fan). His ability to diagnose hypocrisy and pretension in the common church through his works of fiction is incredibly refreshing, and his heroes and heroines are always well developed and awe inspiring as examples. But HBW is hit or miss as far as the literary value of his stories go. "The Shepherd of the Hills" was a story of naturalistic beauty and simplicity akin to Wendell Berry (though HBW is not Berry's equal as an artist). "That Printer of Udell's" oversimplifies the issues at hand, unfairly portraying certain church members so as to dehumanize the villains and in the end it all comes across as unrealistic in terms of the good people are good and the bad people are bad, unless they see the light, the end.
February 1, 2021
The best known thing about this book is what Ronald Reagan had to say about it: “That book had an impact I shall always remember. I found a role model in that traveling printer whom Harold Bell Wright had brought to light. He set me on a course I’ve tried to follow even unto this day. I shall always be grateful.” What a recommendation! The traveling printer he references is the main character, Dick Falkner, who leaves a wretched home in the hills and becomes a hobo of sorts. Along the way he learns to set type, and when he finally settles down to a responsible job as a printer, people still call him “that tramp.” Naturally the woman who loves him overlooks his past, but her father doesn’t! So how does a former hobo redeem himself? That’s the theme of this terrific story. I recommend it highly!
October 22, 2012
I really enjoy how Harold Bell Wright illustrated the uncaring attitude that many Christians have for their fellow man as well as showing practical ways to care for others in this story. It was reprinted under the name The Least Of These My Brothers, and some of the ideas I shared from this story became the foundation of an actual study room created by a good friend of mine. The general idea was to provide a place were all were welcome to study, talk, sing, play, eat, drink, and most importantly feel welcomed and safe while having the opportunity to learn more about God. In my mind, a book of any value should have a visible effect on life in some way to be really worth my time. This one did.
March 21, 2009
Had high hopes for this book. This was Ronald Reagan's favorite book. Turns out it's a cross between Tom Sawyer and an evangelical text. The characters are presented without great depth, and I'm not sure the accents are that authentic, either. Basically, a Horatio Alger story draped over a church life commentary. It's a morality play, where evil doers are never quite given believable motivations, and the evils of drink are way over-wrought. I sorta see why Reagan liked it, but am not sure that it's applicable in the nuanced new century.
Not recommended unless you love evangelical stories.
Not recommended unless you love evangelical stories.
March 23, 2025
Published in 1902 and still applicable for our day. It is an engaging social commentary on Christianity. I chose to read it because of its noted influence on President Ronald Reagan. Honestly, I couldn't put it down. The storyline kept me captivated. The character development is intriguing. The twists and turns trap you into saying, "Just one more page, just one more chapter". The finale was hard to accept. But the impact will stay with me. Harold Wright was brilliant in painting his argument. Faith matters.
November 21, 2024
Old fashioned, but inspiring
Wright’s style is similar to the works of George MacDonald. Virtue and godliness weave into a fascinating story of heroic individuals made bigger than life by the magic of Wright’s vivid narrative.
If you do not want Christianity, this book is not for you. But if desire to learn about god’s work through everyday people, then you will not put it down until you read the final chapter.
Wright’s style is similar to the works of George MacDonald. Virtue and godliness weave into a fascinating story of heroic individuals made bigger than life by the magic of Wright’s vivid narrative.
If you do not want Christianity, this book is not for you. But if desire to learn about god’s work through everyday people, then you will not put it down until you read the final chapter.
February 15, 2025
I really enjoyed reading a Christian moral fiction, discussing the real life tension between how those who would be of the faith if it were not for those who proclaim it as a social status rather than the true relationship God has intended for us.
Only a 4 because it is a little difficult to ready due to pacing and structure. Also, the end seemed to try and tie up ends that didn't necessarily need tieing.
100% recommend
Only a 4 because it is a little difficult to ready due to pacing and structure. Also, the end seemed to try and tie up ends that didn't necessarily need tieing.
100% recommend
June 7, 2021
This was a very interesting story!
I really liked the writing style, surprisingly. I didn't think I would like it because at first it sounded stuffy and descriptive. But I really did like it.
The characters were wonderful! Dick is a great role model and I really loved his character.
It's a great read if you're looking for something like Christian historical fiction.
4/5.
I really liked the writing style, surprisingly. I didn't think I would like it because at first it sounded stuffy and descriptive. But I really did like it.
The characters were wonderful! Dick is a great role model and I really loved his character.
It's a great read if you're looking for something like Christian historical fiction.
4/5.
September 8, 2024
There are so many angles to this book and so many lessons to be learned. I can certainly understand why it would have impressed a young Ronald Reagan. Some of the language is offensive in today’s enlightened terms, but discuss it with your young adolescents and have them read this book. This should be required reading for all Christians.
November 12, 2024
After watching the Reagan movie, I had to read this book. I was not disappointed!
Today’s society could solve many problems by reading and applying the principles in this book. I understand why Ronald Reagan said this was life changing for him!!
Today’s society could solve many problems by reading and applying the principles in this book. I understand why Ronald Reagan said this was life changing for him!!
November 27, 2024
LOVED THIS BOOK!
December 13, 2024
Very good, thought provoking book. Are we being good church members or are we good Christians? Are we doing "unto the least of these" as we would to Jesus? Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews