From the Bookshelf of Never too Late to Read Classics…

The Secret Garden

Frances Hodgson Burnett

Start date: March 15, 2017

Finish date: April 14, 2017

Discussion: Children's Classics Buddy Reads

Discussion leader: Robin

Why we're reading this: YA Classic
British-American novelist
Genre: Children's literature…more
[close] YA Classic
British-American novelist
Genre: Children's literature

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Children's Classics Buddy Reads

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What Members Thought

Jul 07, 2016 Kelly_Hunsaker_reads ... rated it it was amazing

Shelves: classics, coming-of-age, childrens, historical-fiction, favorites, canadian, read-in-2022

Somehow I made it to the age of 53 without ever reading this lovely story. I am so glad that I finally made the time! It is a beautiful & magical story that shouldn't be reserved only for children.

Yes, the book is a bit too predictable and perfect. The snippy and sassy little girl softens; the sickly and angry young boy grows healthy, strong and forgiving; the lonely man learns to love again. Normally I do not like characters who are too good, storylines that are too predictable, or resolutions ...more

12 likes · Like · see review

Mar 23, 2010 Laura rated it really liked it

Shelves: audio-books, british-literature, fiction, read-2010, children-ya, book-and-movie

From IMDb:
A young British girl born and raised in India loses her neglectful parents in an earthquake. She is returned to England to live at her uncle's estate. Her uncle is very distant due to the loss of his wife ten years before. Neglected once again, she begins exploring the estate and discovers a garden that has been locked and neglected. Aided by one of the servants' brothers, she begins restoring the garden, and eventually discovers some other secrets of the manor.

In Frances Hodgson Burne ...more

5 likes · Like · see review

Dec 26, 2017 Karen rated it really liked it

I don't remember how old I was when I first read this book, but I have an old edition of it, with lovely color illustrations. I think this must be the 4th or 5th time I've read it (and seen the movie). It was definitely worth a re-read.

12/14/2022. It was time for a re-read.

...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Mar 13, 2013 Canavan rated it really liked it

✭✭✭✭

1 like · Like · see review

Oct 26, 2012 Jenny rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 1001-children-s-books

I have always thought this was a gorgeous book. I love the Yorkshire accents and the descriptions of how plants grow in a garden. Some of the descriptions of food are wonderful as well -- reading about the bucket of home made currant buns wrapped in cloth napkins, bread with butter and home made preserves, roasted potatoes and eggs, and sizzling ham always makes me hungry.

Its message -- that children need other children, the outdoors and activity to be healthy and happy is also timeless.

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Jul 17, 2010 Kate rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2013, young-adult

"When orphaned Mary Lennox, lonely and sad, comes to live at her uncle's great house on the Yorkshire moors, she finds it full of secrets. At night, she hears the sound of crying down one of the long corridors. Outside, she meets Dickson, a magical boy who can charm and talk to animals. Then, one day, with the help of a friendly robin, Mary discovers the most mysterious wonder of all--a secret garden, walled and locked, which has been completely forgotten for years and years. Is everything in th ...more

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May 16, 2011 Karla rated it liked it · review of another edition

I maybe one of the few adults who have never read this story as a child. I really liked the beginning of the book and overall the message of positive thinking and exercise that can make you feel good and give you a sense of accomplishment. I found the part about chanting and magic a little weird but perhaps I would not think this if I was a child reading it. Overall I think this is 3.5 stars.

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Mar 31, 2013 Mary Paul rated it really liked it

One of my favorites as I was little- my name was Mary and my friend was Colin. This, Peter Pan, Heidi, and Swiss family Robinson were my absolute favs!!

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Feb 07, 2012 Pamela(AllHoney) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: children-fiction-young-adult, classics, books-to-movies

I can easily see why this one is considered to be a favorite children's classic. It is easy to read but not childish. I've seen several movie versions and I loved them all. I feel the movies stayed pretty loyal to the book though I did notice a few differences. This is a book I feel all children should have the chance to read. ...more

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