From the Bookshelf of Catching up on Classics (and lots more!)…

Heidi (Heidi, #1-2)

Johanna Spyri

Start date: January 1, 2016

Finish date: January 31, 2016

Discussion: Old School Classics, Pre-1915

Why we're reading this: January 2016 Old School Group Read
[close] January 2016 Old School Group Read

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Old School Classics, Pre-1915

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What Members Thought

Mar 08, 2019 Kelly_Hunsaker_reads ... rated it really liked it

Shelves: european, childrens, classics, read-the-world, read-the-world-2018-2020, read-in-2019

Here is another charming, sweet, intelligent children's book that I have failed to read until well into my adulthood. What a shame. I think I would have loved this one even more than I do now. Heidi is spunky, lively, smart and brought life to everyone around her. The book is so full of positive messages that the reader cannot help but feel good when reading it. A beautiful hard cover copy of this would be a wonderful gift for a young girl. ...more

7 likes · Like · see review

Mar 11, 2017 Amanda rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Just a delightful book. Even as a jaded, cynical adult, I teared up a couple of times. I do wish I had read it as a kid, only because I think I would have enjoyed it even more.

I do have to admit, the "GOD LOVES YOU!" message is beat into you over and over, but somehow, it didn't annoy me in this book.

EDITED: Unfortunately, I have just learned that this is a vastly inferior translation of the book, not only dumbed down, but also abridged. This is most distressing to me. I look forward to reading ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Jun 20, 2012 Julia rated it it was ok

Shelves: ya, classics, comfort-reads, read-women-2016

It's hard not to judge the books I loved as a child harshly. Heidi is revered above all because she is almost always happy and always obedient - not a book for future feminists! Then, you add in the "God be praised" bits (all good things are thanks be to God) so not a great Atheist choice either. Which doesn't mean it is completely without value, the landscape is lovingly described (much like Willa Cather) and health and nature are linked strongly. In some ways The Secret Garden feels like a sli ...more

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