In the Desert of Waiting

by Annie Fellows Johnston

An inspirational story about the value of perseverance along the road to success by the author of The Little Colonel series. Originally published in 1904, this small book relates the story of Shapur, a salt merchant traveling across the desert to sell his wares at the palace of the Rajah. Along the way, misfortune overcomes Shapur and he is faced with decisions that change his life.

36 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1904

About the author

Annie Fellows Johnston (1863-1931) was an American author of children's fiction who wrote the popular "Little Colonel" series, which was the basis for the 1935 Shirley Temple film The Little Colonel. She was born and grew up in McCutchanville, Indiana, a small unincorporated town near Evansville, Indiana.

Reviews

[Megan Walsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful parable of patience and what life truly means. Spend 20 minutes on this lovely enjoyable parable! You won’t regret it!

[Duane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this little treasure at a GOODWILL store. I am drawn to the book that are odd or different in it's appearance. I have reread this gem many times in the 4 years that I have owned it. A lesson in patience, working through adversity and trusting in those that have promised you a reward if only you would fully complete the task(s) assigned to you. This book should be read and discussed in any High School literary class for the life lesson that it holds. Best $1.99 I have spent on a book.

[Mark Isaak · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short and pleasant parable about patience. Take a few minutes to read it if you feel your work is tedious and not leading anywhere.

[Rob Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and potentially helpful parable about one way to think about and interpret the times in life when things don't seem to be going as quickly, or in the direction, you want.

[Rhiannon Bacon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked up a little copy of this book from 1920 at an estate sale because it looked cute. Upon reading it, I discovered it contains a wonderful little parable. While set in the Muslim faith, it contains a sentiment common to all faiths, about faith.