Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge Wrap-Up

What a fun month I've had re-reading the last of the Betsy-Tacy books as well as discovering and enjoying some of Maud Hart Lovelace's lesser-known, but equally good novels!

It is my hope that by hosting the first Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge I have encouraged new readers to the Betsy-Tacy series (and its author) to give them a try and in turn sparked an interest in the books, which I believe will naturally grow into a love for them. As for readers who've enjoyed the books in the past, it is my hope that this challenge gave them a chance to become reacquainted with Betsy, Tacy, and Tib or perhaps to discover some of the other wonderful stories that Maud penned during her lifetime.

Personally I came into this reading challenge already a fan of the Betsy-Tacy books, having read and enjoyed them as a teenager, but now as the challenge comes to a close I realize my enjoyment has grown into a deeper love for the books and a great admiration for the author. I cannot explain the special connection I feel to Betsy Ray and her world, but I can feel it. I will treasure these books all my life and I excitedly await the time when I can share them with my daughter.

To recap my reads for the MHL reading challenge: I read 7 books (6 by and 1 about MHL) during the month+ reading challenge (September 28-October 31), but for the sake of those new to the books I am going to link up all the reviews I've posted about Maud's books, including those from earlier in the year. For those looking for more facts about MHL check out my More About Betsy, Tacy, Tib and Maud Hart Lovelace post. And for those looking to post your own links scroll on down to the Mr. Linky. I cannot wait to read what you have to say!

Books read by MHL:
Betsy-Tacy
Betsy, Tacy and Tib
Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill
Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown
Heavens to Betsy
Betsy in Spite of Herself
Betsy Was a Junior
Betsy and Joe
Betsy and the Great World
Betsy's Wedding
Winnona's Pony Cart
Carney's House Party
Emily of Deep Valley
The Trees Kneel At Christmas
One Stayed At Welcome (with Delos Lovelace)
The Betsy-Tacy Companion by Sharla Scannell Whalen (biography of MHL)

What about you, what did you read? Link to your own reviews, MHL related posts, or your own MHL reading challenge wrap up post here:




In closing, please leave a comment and let me know if you would like to see a return of the Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge next fall, giving you a chance to read more of her books or short stories.

October: A Month In Review

I love autumn. I love the cool days, the colored leaves, and to a small degree, I love the rain. Although I love to read all year I really feel as though Autumn is the start of book reading season. When the weather turns bad there's nothing quite like a quiet evening or a rainy afternoon on the weekend curled up with a good book.

Looking back over the last few weeks I can't believe how quickly October passed, it was a busy month. Still I was able to get in a decent amount of reading. At the beginning of the month I had high hopes to read several books for the Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge as well as a half-dozen other books, but in the end I only managed to finish 7 books, 5 of which were for the Lovelace challenge and only 1 non-Lovelace book that was on my projected reading list for October.

Still, I count it a very successful month. I was able to obtain some rare books through Inter Library Loan, which made my reading that much more fun. Here's a recap of my October reads with links to their reviews:

1. Rochester's Wife by D. E. Stevenson
2. Betsy and The Great World by Maud Hart Lovelace
3. Betsy's Wedding by Maud Hart Lovelace
4. One Stayed At Welcome by Maud and Delos Lovelace
5. Miss Buncle Married by D. E. Stevenson
6. Murder In Mesopotamia by Agatha Christie
7. The Betsy-Tacy Companion by Sharla Scannell Whalen

So that's what I read this month, but what is on my list for November?

Check out my recent What's On My Nightstand post for a preview. And those of you who've been reading for the Maud Hart Lovelace Challenge, be sure to come back tomorrow to link up your posts.

More about Betsy, Tacy, Tib and Maud Hart Lovelace

Before we reach the end of October and in turn the end of the Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge I thought I'd share a few quotes, facts, and links about these books and their much beloved author. Enjoy!

Did you know?

- The real Betsy (Maud), Tacy (Bick), and Tib (Midge) were all present in Mankato for the celebration of Betsy-Tacy Day, October 7, 1961.

- The first four books in the Betsy-Tacy series (Betsy-Tacy, Betsy, Tacy and Tib, Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill, and Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown) increase in reading difficulty so that the child reading can grow up along with Betsy, Tacy and Tib. Likewise each of the last six books in the series (Heavens to Betsy, Betsy in Spite of Herself, Betsy Was a Junior, Betsy and Joe, Betsy and the Great World, and Betsy's Wedding) increase both in vocabulary difficulty and in content.

- The Betsy-Tacy series began in the form of bedtime stories that Maud told her daughter, Merian.

- Maud titled the third Betsy-Tacy book Betsy, Tacy and Tib are Ten, but the publisher didn't like the title. It was instead titled Over the Big Hill and later changed to Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill. Likewise the fourth book was first titled Downtown and later changed to Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown.

- Maud originally planned to stop the series after Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown, but her husband, Delos and daughter, Merian changed her mind. It happened around 1944 when Maud received from her parents a box of her high school memorabilia, which included her diaries. Initially Maud was embarrassed and found them silly and "full of slang and boys, boys, boys." She immediately dismissed the idea of using any of them for potential story plots, but eventually changed her mind after one evening when she overhead Delos laughing. She went into the living room to see what was so funny and discovered him reading her diaries. He said to her: "Maudie, these are rich. You must take Betsy through high school."

(Note: the house pictured above-right is where Maud and Delos lived at the time she was writing the Betsy-Tacy books. All the books, but Betsy's Wedding were written and published while at this home.

- According to the original publisher of Betsy In Spite of Herself, "the Betsy-Tacy series might never have been written if Mrs. Lovelace were not, among other things, one of the most unflagging diarists since Pepys..." (The Betsy-Tacy Companion, page 174)

- Maud titled her diaries "Comedy of Errors" for her freshman year in high school, "Much Ado About Nothing" for her sophomore year, "As You Like It" for her junior year, and "All's Well That Ends Well" for her senior year. They were all subtitled "Monkeyshine of Mankatoman."

- Even though nearly all of the people, places, details and adventures contained within the Betsy-Tacy books are based on facts and actual people, places and events in Maud's life there is a variance between the fictional world and the real world. For example, Betsy meets Joe when they are both entering their freshman year of high school. But in real life she didn't meet her husband until they were both adults. Click here to learn more about The People of Deep Valley(a.k.a Mankato), Minnesota. Or click here to learn more about The Places in Deep Valley (a.k.a. Mankato).

- The working title of Betsy's Wedding was actually Mrs. Betsy.

- And speaking of Betsy's Wedding, the book was dedicated to a Lillian Wakefield, the real-life Eleanor Hawthorne. Both Delos and Maud worked for Mrs. Wakefield just as Joe and Betsy worked for Mrs. Hawthorne. It was Lillian who introduced and lead to the matchmaking of Delos and Maud.

- It was well noted by friends and family that Maud and Delos had an extraordinary successful marriage. A couple days after their 14th wedding anniversary Maud was quoted as saying:

"Delos and I are mutually agreed that marrying each other was giving the perfect answer to life."

- Maud considered a few times about writing another Betsy-Tacy book to follow Betsy's Wedding. Maud was quoted as saying once, "In Betsy's Wedding, Betsy's husband went off to the First World War and many letters have begged me to bring him safely home. The letters even offered me titles for another book, obviously in the friendly assumption that when a writer has found a title he is over the hump. Welcome Home, Joe! was suggested by one. Many have asked for Betsy's Baby. And some have even hit upon the title I have selected myself, Betsy's Bettina." Unfortunately though she tried to research and write another book in the series it just never worked out and by the 1970s Maud gave up the idea entirely. In the end she said, "I have always felt that the last lines in Betsy's Wedding were a perfect ending for the series." The only other documented time that Maud might have played around with adding to the series was in 1971 when she penned a two page short story (unpublished) titled, Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Ocean: The Last Story.

- For those wanting to know what happens to Betsy and Joe after the war, Maud cleared things up:

"Most of the letters I get ask two questions. And I always answer them personally to tell the girls that Joe does come back from the war and they do have a daughter they call Bettina." (Maud Hart Lovelace, Minneapolis Tribune, August 25, 1965)

- Although both Maud Hart Lovelace and her husband, Delos W. Lovelace were both authors (Maud short stories and novels and Delos newspaper articles, short stories, novels and biographies) it is Maud whose name is most recognized by today's readers. That being the case it might come as a surprise to learn that Delos not only authored a number of books, but was the author of one of the most infamous thrillers, King Kong. The novel King Kong was written and published in 1932 as a tie-in to the 1933 film by the same name. For a time the novel was credited as being authored by Edgar Wallace and Merian C. Cooper (who were both involved in the making of the film), but today Delos receives credit for his role in making a gigantic ape one of the world's most famous monsters.

- As a side note, Merian C. Cooper was a close friend of Maud and Delos, he and Delos had roomed together in college. The Lovelace's were so certain their second child born in 1931 would also be a boy that they did not pick out a girl's name. (Their first child, a boy born in 1925, died a few hours after birth.) When they discovered they had a daughter, but no name they settled on naming her Merian, after their friend Merian Cooper.

- The Lovelace's once entertained Rose Wilder Lane, daughter of another Minnesota author, Laura Ingalls Wilder. Maud served jellied chicken.

(Note: The picture to the right of Mrs. Lovelace was taken in 1948 while in the midst of writing the Betsy-Tacy books. It is said to be Mrs. Lovelace's favorite portrait of herself.)

Want to know more about Maud Hart Lovelace and the world of Betsy, Tacy and Tib?

First, if you own any of the recently reprinted Betsy-Tacy books you will find some wonderful tributes to the books and their author in the form of Forwards by well-known 21st century authors such as Ann M. Martin, Judy Blume, Frances Hurwitz and the like. The books also include a Post Script section complete with photographs, biographical information, and a "where are they now" section.

Next readers should be sure to check out the Betsy-Tacy Society website. Contained therein is a wealth of information, but if you're looking for basic information check out the short biography of Maud Hart Lovelace, which contains a few photographs, and the Maud Hart Lovelace/Betsy-Tacy Timeline.

Or if you want more details be sure to check to see if your library has copies of the following:
* The Betsy-Tacy Companion: A Biography of Maud Hart Lovelace by Sharla Schanell Whalen
* Maud Hart Lovelace's Deep Valley by Julie A. Schrader

* A Tribute to The Young At Heart: Maud Hart Lovelace by Ken E. Berg (published for ages 9-12)
* Between Deep Valley and the Great World: Maud Hart Lovelace in Minneapolis by Amy Dolnick
* Future in a Handbasket: The Life and Letters Behind Carney's House Party by Amy Dolnick
* Betsy-Tacy in Deep Valley: People and Places by Carlienne Frisch
* The City at Their Feet: Maud and Delos in Manhattan.

Several of those books can also be found at the Besty-Tacy Society Gift Shop. And speaking of which, the Society's online Gift Shop is the place to go for anything Bety-Tacy-Tib or Maud Hart Lovelace related. From books by or about Maud Hart Lovelace to t-shirts, jewelry, stationary and book marks, and a slew of other memorabilia. All proceeds go to the future maintenance of the Betsy-Tacy museum.

And last, but certainly not lest. For the parents, teachers, or book club leaders out there who are looking for help in sparking discussions about the Betsy-Tacy books with young readers or members of a book club, be sure to check out HarperCollins Publishers website. They have posted reading guides to the first two books in the Betsy-Tacy series: Betsy-Tacy and Betsy, Tacy and Tib. The reading guides include story summaries and questions.

The above picture is a copy of the wall mural that can be found in the Maud Hart Lovelace wing of the Minnesota Valley Regional Library in Mankato, Minnesota. As described in Ken Berg's book, A Tribute to the Young At Heart: Maud Hart Lovelace, the mural "depicts Deep Valley and Betsy-Tacy characters as envisioned and painted by Marian Anderson."

---------------
Disclaimer: Please note that the content of this post is a combination of some original content by the author of this blog and a great deal of compiled quotes and facts from various Betsy-Tacy and Maud Hart Lovelace sources, including some of the above listed titles. The photographs likewise were compiled from various sources, but mostly from the Internet, and do not belong to me. The author of this blog received no compensation for this post, it was done purely for the fun of sharing the information with other readers and helping keep alive the treasure that is the Bety-Tacy series.

The Betsy-Tacy Companion by Sharla Scannell Whalen

514 pages
Copyright 1995
Portalington Press
Whitehall, PA

I did not think I could complete my own Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge without first reading a biography of Mrs. Lovelace and without a doubt the best biography out there is The Betsy-Tacy Companion by Sharla Scannell Whalen.

The Plot:
"The Betsy-Tacy Companion is a biography of the author Maud Hart Lovelace. Lovelace is best known for her children's books, the Betsy-Tacy series. These books are strikingly autobiographical, and the Companion focuses on the people and events from the series, revealing the counterparts in Lovelace's own life. Betsy was Lovelace herself, Tacy was her best friend, Frances Kenney, etc.

The Companion begins by describing the time period shortly before that in which the first book, Betsy-Tacy, is set - the years 1883 to 1896. Companion chapters then cover, one by one, each of the Betsy-Tacy books, representing Lovelace's childhood (starting in 1897), taking her through high school a trip to Europe before the First World War, and to the early years of her marriage in Minneapolis, Minnesota. the last two chapters detail Lovelace's later adult life and writing career...

The Companion discusses not only similarities between the fictional Betsy and the real Maud, but equally importantly, reveals events in the author's life which were carefully omitted from the series. An overall picture of Lovelace as a woman and an author results." (Summary courtesy of the publisher, inside dust jacket flap)

My Thoughts:
I thought I had read The Betsy-Tacy Companion several years ago when I was reading through the Betsy-Tacy high school years for the first time, but when I picked it up for the Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge I quickly realized I had not. Perhaps I just flipped through the book and looked at the pictures? At any rate this was my first time reading about the life of Maud Hart Lovelace and how closely it was tied with her alter-ego, Elizabeth (Betsy) Warrington Ray.

At 514 pages The Betsy-Tacy Companion is chocked full of details, pictures, and sketches about Maud, her life in Minnesota and elsewhere, and of course the people, places and events within the Betsy-Tacy series. Of course this is probably much more than the average reader would care to know, but for me a life long fan of the series, I found it absolutely fascinating.

Most of the notes I made while reading I have compiled in a final Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge post which will appear later this week, but for now I have just a few thoughts I want to mention.

Learning more about Maud not only strengthened my love for her books, but also my opinion of her as an author and a person. Like any of us, Maud wasn't perfect, but from all accounts she appears to have been a loving and intelligent woman, who had a strong faith in God.

Towards the end of the biography Mrs. Whalen includes an excerpt from an article that Maud wrote about prayer. I'm including a quote from it here because I think it is an excellent example of who Maud was and what she believed:

"I believe in praying as I believe in breathing. An involuntary procedure, prayer runs along with the day, following the convolutions of work and play, duties, problems, and delights... It is my way to turn to God at any hour, with a small joy as well as with a sorrow, with plans, hopes, thanks - even wishes. Not that I expect Him to stay the course of the planets while He grants my often misguided petitions. But since He is love and is everything, 'nearer than hands and feet,' one may share everything with Him, and there is a blessed release in doing so. What He gives, I earnestly believe, in response to such spontaneous prayers, is strength, insight, appreciations, serenity, but above all a continuing reassurance of His presence..."

In addition to this example of her faith, I found numerous examples of Maud displaying love and kindness to her family, friends and even her fans! Case in point, at one time late in her life Maud considered writing a memoir Living with Writing, but "between answering her ever-arriving fan mail and the many interests she and Delos pursued together, Maud never completed another book." (TBTC, Chap. 14, pg. 475)

Initially I was disappointed to know that Maud had started, but didn't finish a book of memoirs. What rich reading they would have made! But then I realized two things, first as The Betsy-Tacy Companion subtly reveals, the Betsy-Tacy series was in a way her memoirs. Second, I think it says a lot about Maud that she would take the time not only to spend each day with those she loved, but to take the time to respond to those who loved her books. What a treasure those letters must have been to the readers who received them. I wish I had had such a chance.

In closing I want to add the following. The Betsy-Tacy Companion is not for everyone, but it is definitely a fun and extremely interesting read for those who have read and loved Maud's books. I particularly enjoyed getting a closer look at her relationship with Delos -- the real life Betsy and Joe and finding the "Then What Happened" part of Maud/Betsy's story post-Betsy's Wedding.

My only regret in reading and enjoying The Betsy-Tacy Companion so much is that it is not readily available. Published nearly 15 years ago it has fallen out of print and is only available in the form of expensive used copies. Of course I checked with my local libraries, but the only copy they had was listed as "reference" and thus could not be checked out! In the end I was fortunate enough to find a copy at a library near my husband's work that he could borrow for me. All that to say, don't give up if your library doesn't have a copy, or the only copy is catalogued as "reference." Check the ILL system or other libraries within your state.

What's On My Nightstand: October

As you will soon see in my October Month In Review post (appearing Friday, October 30) I have spent most of the month of October reading books that related to the Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge. This meant that half of the books I listed on my September Nightstand List never made it off my nightstand.

Thus continued into the month of November will be:

Jayber Crow by Wendall Barry (I'm reading this for the November 4th meeting of my book club.)

Rainbow Valley by L. M. Montgomery (I'm trying to decide if it is a comedy or a tragedy that this book has now sat on my nightstand for three months...)

New books to be read in the month of November include:

The Two Mrs. Abbotts by D. E. Stevenson (Third in the Miss Buncle series, you can read my reviews of the first two: Miss Buncle's Book and Miss Buncle Married by clicking on the links.)

The Black-Print by Malik Green (This is the first book I have received via a publisher/author to read and review!)

Cards on the Table by Agatha Christie (The next in my personal Agatha Christie reading challenge. I have set the goal to read all her mysteries, by order of publication, which works out to about one mystery a month every year for the next several years.)

As for the other books... I'm sure as time allows there will be additional books added to this list. If one thing is certain it is the fact that my nightstand list is always growing, always changing and always full of surprises. So please come back frequently during the next month to see what I've been reading and if it sounds like something you might enjoy reading yourself.

Meanwhile, what have you been reading? Leave me a comment and let me know. Or head on over to 5MinutesForBooks to leave a link to your own What's On Your Nightstand post.

Tuesday Teasers: One Stayed At Welcome

"Phineas Baldwin's whiskers were a rippling cascade which the growing village of Welcome included among its most arresting sights. In a single week after the theft of the razor they had laid a dusty smudge over Phineas' still enraged countenance. Within a month the smudge was bristling stuble. Two months after that and the stuble was a stiff brush. And still they grew."

(One Stayed At Welcome by Maud & Delos Lovelace, Chpt. 9, page 122)

Miss Buncle Married by D. E. Stevenson

Published 1936, reprinted 1947
Grosset & Dunlap Publishers
by arrangement with Farrar & Rinehart, Inc.

Miss Buncle Married is the second in a series of Miss Buncle stories by Scottish author, Dorothy Emily Stevenson (a.k.a. D. E. Stevenson). Like me, fans of the first novel, Miss Buncle's Book, will not only feel a sense of personal satisfaction in finding out the rest of Barbara Buncle's story, but also a personal connection to the sequel as Miss Buncle Married was dedicated by the author to "those who liked Miss Buncle and asked for more." So what if I wasn't alive when D. E. Stevenson penned these books. If I had been I'm sure I would have been amongst those clamoring for more and thus the dedication is meant for me as well as those living at the time.

The Plot:
The story of Miss Buncle Married begins nine months after the end of Miss Buncle's Book. Barbara Buncle has left behind Silverstream and the scandal and commotion that her two novels caused; she has given up her home and her surname, moved to London, and married her publisher, Arthur Abbott. While Arthur and Barbara are enjoying the bliss of newlywed life, they aren't exactly happy with the pace of life required of those who reside in town.

After a brief discussion Arthur and Barbara realize the only solution to their "problem" is for them to pack up and move to the country. But where in the country? They cannot return to Silverstream, nor does Barbara wish to. Thus begins an intense search by Barbara for a suitable country home; somewhere she and Arthur can enjoy life in peace and solitude. After several weeks Barbara finally finds the ideal location in the small town of Wandlebury. Although her initial visit is met with some peculiar circumstances this doesn't stop her from falling in love with the charming town and the dilapidated, yet promisingly homey Archway House. Barbara convinces Arthur to purchase Archway House and before to long the Abbotts have fixed it up and made it a home.

The rest of the story in Miss Buncle Married revolves around the various characters who make up the town of Wandlebury, including a budding romance, and the humorous scrapes that Barbara gets herself into. As was the case in Miss Buncle's Book, Barbara never intends to get mixed up in the matters of those around her, she just falls into situations which always result in a story filled with humorous and intriguing plot twists.

My Thoughts:
I almost think I liked Miss Buncle Married better than its predecessor. For starters, while I loved Miss Buncle's Book it was really more of a story about the people of Silverstream and their connection with Barbara's book than it was a story about Barbara Buncle herself. I enjoyed the story, but didn't feel that I really got to know Barbara very well. This problem was fixed in Miss Buncle Married. Although it does contain some side stories, most of the novel is about Barbara, her husband Arthur, and his nephew, Sam. Miss Buncle Married really rounds out Barbara's story and left me, the reader, satisfied.

For those curious, John Smith does return in this story in the form of a third novel that Barbara writes. Although this new novel titled There's Many A Slip promises to be her best novel yet, Barbara unfortunately (or rather fortunately for Arthur and their beloved Archway House) decides not to publish it and instead turns her attention to new adventures. Still, the reader gets to enjoy the best parts of There's Many A Slip, so I am glad it was included in Miss Buncle Married.

As I mentioned, there are some side stories, mostly about the towns people of Wandlebury who, like the towns people of Silverstream, are a mix of characters -- some quirky, some despicable, and some quite delightful. Personally I didn't like Barbara's next door neighbors, the Marvels, particularly the children. I found them irritating and well... spoiled brats. I was thankful that their part in the story was minimal and nearly absent in the latter half of the book so I only had to put up with their mischief for a few chapters.

On the other hand, I enjoyed the character of Sam who starts of as a lazy young man, but because of true love becomes a better man. Did I mention Miss Buncle Married is a romance? It is, in fact, it's actually a dual romance. The first romance the reader encounters is that of the older more matured love between Arthur and Barbara. The second is the new and budding love between Sam and a local young woman. While Sam's romance and some of the story's plot might be a little predictable for some readers, it is still enjoyably told and thus makes for an enjoyable read.

In Summary:
Overall I found Miss Buncle Married entertainingly witty with interesting characters, and a clever and fast moving plot. On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate Miss Buncle Married a 5; a book that is worth the time to locate and read. Note: Miss Buncle Married is out of print and used copies run on the high end. However, readers should not get discouraged. I was able to find a copy through my local library's state Inter-Library Loan system. If your library doesn't own a copy be sure to check if the book can be obtained through your library's ILL system.

Related Reads: (If you liked this review you might also be interested in...)

Miss Buncle's Book by D. E. Stevenson
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson
The Making of a Marchioness by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell

Temporary Absence

We have had an exciting surprise visit from family this week, so I am taking a short leave of absence from blogging for the next few days.

In the meantime, have a wonderful week reading and I'll see you back here with more posts and reviews at the start of next week.

Tuesday Teaser

"Barbara happened to be in the tiny slit of a shop which was the Wandlebury Library. She was busy choosing a book, and had looked through several without finding anything adventurous enough to please her taste, when suddenly the doorway was darkened by a massive figure, with a flapping black cloak, flung carelessly round its sholders, and a tragic voice proclaimed: 'Oh dark, dark, dark, amid the blaze of noon!'

'Oh, Mr. Marvell, what a fright you gave me!' exclaimed Barbara. 'It's only dark in here because of you in the doorway,' she added, with her usual commonsense. But she said it kindly because she liked big men, and neer made any secret of her predilection." (Miss Buncle Married, Chapter 14, pages 141-142)

And the Winner of the Betsy-Tacy books is...

First, I just want to say thank you to each of the seven ladies who participated in the Betsy-Tacy book giveaway. I am thrilled that you have joined in the fun of reading the Betsy-Tacy series. I have enjoyed reading your initial posts and look forward to reading the rest as you finish out the Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge.

Second, I want to add that I am so glad I did not have to pick the winner myself! It would have been impossible because I wanted everyone to win this amazing set, including myself. (LOL) But only one person could win, so now without further delay...

The winner of this complete Betsy-Tacy set is:

VERONICA CAMPBELL

Congratulations Veronica! I will be putting the books in the mail to you tomorrow, so watch for them to arrive in your mailbox before the end of the week.

One Stayed At Welcome by Maud & Delos Lovelace

311 pages

Copyright 1934

The John Day Company

New York, NY

As part of the Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge I decided to read some of Maud's adult novels. The first one I picked up was: One Stayed At Welcome, which Maud co-wrote with her husband Delos. Unfortunately One Stayed At Welcome is out of print and thus a difficult book to find. Thankfully I was able to locate a first edition copy through the ILL of my local public library. And honestly, even though I don't get to keep the book, I was really glad I was able to borrow such an old copy. The book smelled incredible. (And as you might have guessed, I just love the smell of old library books.)

The Plot:
"The middle of the nineteenth century was a time when, to thousands of restless men, the newly formed territory was a fairier promised land." (Chpt. 2, page 12)

"One Stayed At Welcome opens with the founding of Welcome by two young men, Larry and Dan, who have made a lasting friendship of the trek from the East. Their little town grows rapidly and within two years many new faces are to be found on the shores of Lake Welcome. Among the varied newcomers is an old school teacher and his daughter Lillie, whom Dan and Larry remember as a little girl playing on the decks of a Mississippi river steamer. Now she is a matured young woman, and before a winter has passed both boys are in love with her. Soon their hidden jealousy flames up in a youthful quarrel and Welcome rocks with the news that Dan and Larry are no longer sharing their joint claim. Their quarrel reaches its climax the night of a great prairie fire, and with it comes a new friendship through mutual self-sacrifice." (Summary courtesy of the publisher)

My Thoughts:
As I mentioned above, One Stayed At Welcome was co-authored by Maud and Delos Lovelace. Of this book Maud once said, "As was usual in our collaborations, I did the research and Delos did most of the plotting. We shared the writing... amicably, too."

It was an interesting experience to read a work by Maud Hart Lovelace that didn't include anything Deep Valley related, to read one of her novels that was intended for an adult auidence (my first), and to read one that was co-written by Delos. From the start of the novel it is evident that Maud was very detailed in her research, right down to the little details like a mention of ads and news articles run in the New York Sun during the early-mid 19th century. (The NY Sun was the newspaper where Delos worked as a journalist for many years.) I also enjoyed watching the story's plot unfold and knowing that Delos was the driving force behind it. I am certain that his input into the book made it that much addition to the book made the story that much richer. As for the writing, I couldn't find where one left off writing and the other began, the story was seamless. Perhaps that is to the credit to the editor, but personally I think it is also equally to the credit to Maud and Delos as a husband and wife writing team.

Although I am not normally a big fan of Westerns, I still thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this read. And I couldn't agree more with the book's contemporary critics when they stated One Stayed At Welcome was a "richly detailed picture of life on the middle frontier" and that it "vibrates with the buoyant spirit of those exciting years."

As far as objectionable material, this book has very little and I hesitate to mention it. First, there is a small amount of profanity. This is, after all, an adult novel not a children's or young adult novel like those in the Betsy-Tacy series. The story has more "grit" to it, but the profanity that is present is on the mild side and I think realistic to the type of people using it. Second, some readers might object to the attitudes of some of the characters and to the fact that the Native Americans in the story are referred to as "Indians." However, I want to point out that during the 1930s (when the book was written) and during the early to mid 19th century (when the story is set) it was still politically correct to use the term "Indians" when referring to Native Americans, so this objection should be overlooked. Likewise, the racial tension that is displayed between some of the settlers and some of the Native Americans is realistic to the time and place that the story is set and key to the story and should likewise be disregarded.

In Summary:
I really enjoyed One Stayed At Welcome. On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate it a 4. The story is interesting, the plot keeps moving, the writing is excellent. I probably would rate it higher, but for my own preferences. As I mentioned above, I am not a huge fan of Westerns, but I still would consider buying a copy if they were available. Unfortunately because the book is out of print it is very hard to find and very expensive. (Used copies that I found online ran upwards to $150.) Thankfully I was able to locate my copy through ILL, so if you're interested in reading One Stayed At Welcome I would suggest you start with your library and library's ILL system.

Related Reads:
Readers who grew up reading and loving the Little House on the Prairie books or who are fans of old Western movies are likely to find themselves a delightful read in One Stayed At Welcome.

Thought of the Day

Why don't they make a candle scent that smells like old books? Not that nasty musty smell, but that rich wonderful scent you come across while reading an old book from your library.

If they did, would you buy such a scented candle?

Betsy's Wedding by Maud Hart Lovelace

260 pages
First published 1955, reprinted 1996
Harper Trophy
A Division of HarperCollins Publishers

NOTE: A word of warning to newcomers to the Betsy-Tacy series. There is not really any feasible way for me to properly review Betsy's Wedding (the tenth and last book in the Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace) without giving away a key point to the end of the series, who Betsy marries. If you don't yet know and don't want to know who Betsy ends up with until you get to this book yourself, then STOP reading from the end of this paragraph and skip down to the "In Summary" section of this review. By doing so you will miss the spoiler. If you don't mind knowing ahead of time, then read on my friend!

The Plot:
When Betsy Ray arrives in New York after a tour of Europe, her old flame Joe Willard is waiting at the dock. Before he even says hello, he asks Betsy to marry him. They've been separated for a year, and they're determined never to be apart again. But as Betsy discovers, marriage isn't all candlelight, kisses, and roses. There's cooking, ironing, and budgeting as well--not to mention forging her career as a writer! For Betsy, the writing part comes naturally, but cooking is another matter. It's even harder than algebra--and much messier. Luckily Betsy Ray--make that Betsy Willard--has always thrived on challenge. Her name may have changed, but her life remains as full of love and laughter as it's been since she was a little girl living on Hill Street..." (Summary courtesy of the publisher.)

My Thoughts:
I love, love, love this book. Aside from Betsy and Joe, which is my favorite of Betsy's high school years, Betsy's Wedding is definitely my all-time favorite book in the BT series. When I picked it up to read last weekend I hadn't read the book in over ten years, I loved it then, but I think if it's possible, I enjoyed it even more this time around.

As most readers familiar with the BT series know, Maud Hart Lovelace patterned the characters and happenings in each story after people she knew and things she experienced, including herself and her husband, Delos. The only catch was that unlike Betsy, who meets Joe when they are entering their freshman year in high school, Maud didn't meet Delos until she was 25. So while she patterned the high school version of Joe after what she learned Delos was like at that age, it wasn't until Betsy's Wedding that Maud was able to really base the character of Joe after her own experience and relationship with Delos. And while I think Joe has always been one of my favorite characters in the series he is stellar in this book. As others have said of Betsy's Wedding, "Joe practically walks right off the page."

There are so many aspects of Betsy's Wedding that I love. I find the story both highly romantic and yet very realistic. I love watching Betsy's and Joe's relationship grow deeper and stronger. I love how Betsy, as is the case in all her stories, grows and blossoms. I love that I get a chance to see my favorite characters from the series find happiness and finally reach some of their long desired goals. And while I'm sad that Betsy's Wedding is the last book in the series, I am happy to find that Maud wrapped up her lose ends and I believe she ended the book (and the series) in the best way possible. It leaves the reader room to imagine the future for Betsy and Joe and avoids the heartache and grit that would be addressed had the series continued on into 1917 and the worst of World War I for Americans.

If asked what my favorite part of the book is I'd have a difficult time deciding. This book is a fresh, entertaining, and heart-tugging story of life, love, and the wonderful first few years of marriage. But that said, I think one of my favorite scenes is when Joe and Betsy are in New York City and Joe finally puts into words how he feels about Betsy:

"Betsy,' he said at last, 'I love you. I love you from that cloudy dark hair down to your slender feet. I love your eyes, and your soft hands, and your sweet voice, and the way your laugh chimes out. Everything about you is enchanting to me. But Betsy, it's lots more than that... I can always talk to you,' he said 'I can make plans, or puzzle out ideas, or build castles in the air. I don't need to think what I'm saying or guard my words. You understand my high moods and my low ones. You understand me, I guess. I want to be married to you and have you around all the time. I want to come home to you after work and tell you about my day. I want to hear you humming around doing housework. I want to support you. I want to do things for you. If we were married and I was coming home to you tonight, I wouldn't care if we had just bread and milk. You know, Betsy, we never quarrel when we're together. We never will, I really believe, when we are married. But if we aren't, something might come between us again. Betsy, you fit into my life as perfectly as a rose fits its stem. You and I match like the pieces of a broken coin.' After a long pause, he said, 'Love me always, Betsy! I have given my whole heart to you.' " (Chapt. 2, page 22-23)

In Summary:
I love Betsy's Wedding. There's no doubt that this book rates a 5 out of 5 (excellent) in my opinion. It is the creme to top off the series. Each book builds upon the story and I believe the reader is rewarded for their devotion. What might begin as a curious reader reading about two imaginative five year-olds Betsy Ray and Tacy Kelly, will eventually turn into a devoted fan of the series by the time the girls grow into beautiful and accomplished young women. Yes, the devoted fan is a life-long friend to Betsy, Tacy, Tib... and Maud Hart Lovelace.

I had bittersweet feelings about finishing the last book in this series. I was saddened because I felt like I was leaving behind very dear friends when I closed the last book, but at the same time I was happy because I had enjoyed revisiting them this year as I re-read through the series. The best part of all is the fact that they are never more than a hand's reach away on my bookshelf. Now that's a classic.

Want to read Betsy's Wedding? You can! If your library doesn't have a copy be sure to check out your local bookstore or shop online. HarperCollins Publishers has reprinted Betsy's Wedding along with Betsy And the Great World and they can be purchased in one paperback for $10-15.

-------------
Related Reads:
Betsy-Tacy (Betsy-Tacy series, 1897-1898)
Betsy, Tacy and Tib (BT, 1900-1901)
Winnona's Pony Cart (Deep Valley series, around 1900)
Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill (BT, 1902)
Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown (BT, 1904-1905)
Heavens to Betsy (BT, 1906-1907)
Betsy in Spite of Herself (BT, 1907-1908)
Betsy Was a Junior (BT, 1908-1909)
Betsy and Joe (BT, 1909-1910)
Carney's House Party (DV, 1911)
Emily of Deep Valley (DV, 1912-1913)
Betsy and the Great World (BT, 1914)
Betsy's Wedding (BT, 1914-1917)

It's Up Again - Betsy-Tacy Book Give Away

Sorry for the delay, I had some technical difficulties last week, but the entry Mr. Linky for the Betsy-Tacy book give away is now once again available. If you wish to enter please click on the picture of the books to link over to the right post.

Betsy And the Great World by Maud Hart Lovelace

321 pages
Harper Trophy
A Division of HarperCollins Publishers
First published 1952, reprinted 1996

Betsy And the Great World is the ninth book in the Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace. Betsy And the Great World is a little special as it has a completely different setting than the books preceding it in the series. The story is not set in Minnesota, but instead in Europe. The only Deep Valley/Minneapolis character that make an appearance is Joe Willard, albeit very briefly. The rest of Betsy's friends and family members only appear in the story through the form of letters to/from Betsy and her conversations with the people she meets and her own internal thoughts.

The Plot:
"It's the trip of a lifetime. Betsy Ray, 21 years old, is heading off for a solo tour of Europe. From the moment she casts off, her journey is filled with adventure--whether she's waltzing at the captain's ball, bartering for beads in Madeira, or sipping coffee at a bohemian cafe in Munich. It's rich fodder for a budding young writer, and Betsy's determined to make the most of the experience. If only she could stop thinking about her ex-sweetheart, Joe Willard... Then a handsome, romantic Italian goes overboard for Betsy, and she has a big decision to make. Marco Regali is passionate, fascinating, and cultured. Could it be that Betsy's heart belongs in Europe instead of Minnesota?" (Summary courtesy of the publisher.)

My Thoughts:
Of course I enjoyed Betsy And the Great World, why wouldn't I? It's a Betsy-Tacy book and I love the series! But I can't say it's my favorite in the series. To me it's a little like what Anne of Windy Poplars is to the other books in the Anne series. A story that is entertaining and interesting, but lacking something of the snap that the previous or forthcoming books contain. In the case of Anne of Windy Poplars I really missed Anne's interaction with Gilbert. In the case of Betsy and the Great World I really missed the Deep Valley crowd and her interaction with the Joe! I really missed Joe.

Still, I think Betsy And the Great World plays a vital role in the Betsy-Tacy series. Betsy has left her high school life and faces the "what next" moment that so many people similarly face. This book provides a bridge from her childhood and high school years to her adult life.

Like Emily Webster in another of Maud Hart Lovelace's books: Emily of Deep Valley, Betsy feels she must attend college after high school, after all everyone else is. But after starting college Betsy encounters some unforeseen difficulties that set her back a year. With her friends a year ahead of her she starts to lose focus of what she really wants and makes some foolish choices, including one that costs her the loss of Joe Willard. Thankfully Betsy's very sensible and loving father encourages her to learn from her mistakes and move on to something else rather than continue spending time and money doing something she isn't meant to do. This results in Betsy taking a tour of Europe where she learns that she doesn't have to study books to become a better writer. She can better herself and her writing through the experiences of one-on-one contact with historical sites, foreign languages, and the unique people and cultures of foreign countries.

Betsy And the Great World is a story filled with entertainment, adventure, and history. When the novel opens it is 1914 and Betsy is seeing ancient historical sites as well as modern (i.e. early 20th century) sites. She is seeing Germany pre-World War I. For a reader from the 21st century I find this absolutely fascinating! I love the depth of detail that Mrs. Lovelace includes in the story. It gives me, the reader, not just an understanding of what it was like, but the feeling of actually having been to Europe with Betsy.

And how very different it was to travel in 1914 than it is today! Not to mention the amount of luggage that Betsy can travel with (albeit by boat not plane). Then there's whole bath/shower aspect. At one point in the story Betsy has to go several weeks (or maybe it's a couple months) without a bath (and showers didn't exist). Eww! And on a lighter note, I couldn't help but laugh when towards the end of the book when someone asks Betsy if she has her passport with her and Betsy replies in the negative as "very few people bothered with passports for a mere trip to Europe." (Chpt. 21, pg. 313) Yes, how very different from today when you not only must have a passport to go from the USA to Europe, but also from the USA to Canada! I also noticed the amount of freedom that Betsy has in her travels. Traveling through Europe in 1914 appears to have been both simplistic and quietly beautiful. The cities still had their hustle and bustle, but not the noise and high-paced life that travelers of this century meet. No bumper-to-bumper traffic, no tourist traps, no cell phones, Web-cafes, and jumbo jets with hundreds of people cramped in tiny seats after paying a large sum of money to check their one bag. Of course, there was a downside to the lack of technology. When she was homesick Betsy couldn't just pick up a phone and call her family and a return trip to the United States took six days instead of the current six hours. Still, I think the experiences Betsy had are harder to come by as a traveler today and, in a way, that's a shame.

Another subject addressed briefly in the book is World War I, at least the beginnings of it. In the closing chapters of Betsy And the Great World war breaks out between Germany, Russia, France, and Belgium. Betsy faces the choice of staying in England experiencing things first-hand that she could write about or heading for the safety of her home back in Minneapolis. While keeping the story historically accurate, Mrs. Lovelace still manages to tactfully keep the grit of the war to a distance. For Betsy and her friends back in the United States the idea of a world-wide war was just not something they considered reality, at least not in 1914 even though it was quickly becoming a reality for people in Europe.

In Summary:
Betsy and the Great World is a wonderful mix of fiction and history. I am so glad I took the time to re-read it. On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate it a 4.5. I loved the book, it's a definite must read for the series, but the best (in my opinion) is yet to come. Stay tuned!

Want to read Betsy And the Great World? You can! If your library doesn't have a copy be sure to check out your local bookstore or shop online. HarperCollins Publishers has reprinted Betsy And the Great World along with Betsy's Wedding and they can be purchased in one paperback for $10-15.

-------------
Related Reads:
Betsy-Tacy (Betsy-Tacy series, 1897-1898)
Betsy, Tacy and Tib (BT, 1900-1901)
Winnona's Pony Cart (Deep Valley series, around 1900)
Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill (BT, 1902)
Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown (BT, 1904-1905)
Heavens to Betsy (BT, 1906-1907)
Betsy in Spite of Herself (BT, 1907-1908)
Betsy Was a Junior (BT, 1908-1909)
Betsy and Joe (BT, 1909-1910)
Carney's House Party (DV, 1911)
Emily of Deep Valley (DV, 1912-1913)
Betsy and the Great World (BT, 1914)
Betsy's Wedding (BT, 1914-1917) -- Review coming soon!

Rochester's Wife by D. E. Stevenson

320 pages
Published: 1940, reprinted 1967
Buccaneer Books
William Collins Sons & Co Ltd

After thoroughly enjoying Miss Buncle's Book (reviewed) I knew I had to read more of Scottish author, D. E. Stevenson's works. However I've learned that most of her books are connected either in a series or through characters that make reading the books in order of publication definitely preferable, if not a must and since nearly all of her books are out of print I found myself at a loss of which book to read next. After some digging I decided to read Rochester's Wife. It was available at my local library AND it was a stand-alone story.

The Plot:
Rochester's Wife is a story about a young doctor, Kit Stone, who returns to England after years abroad. Upon Kit's return his brother Henry and Henry's wife strongly encourage Kit to settle down somewhere nearby. They've even got a job possibility lined up thanks to Mrs. Rochester, the wife of one of Henry's business partners.

Initially Kit is hesitant, but agrees to try the job as assistant to a country doctor for thirty days. He heads to the town of Minfield and immediately feels at home in the town and with his boss, Doctor Peabody and forms a special bond with Peabody's imaginative and joyful young grandson, Jem.

The plot thickens when Kit meets Mrs. Rochester, the woman who recommended him for the job. Kit wonders why would a woman he'd never met be so determined that he get the job?Although the answer to that question remains a bit of a mystery Kit does discovers for himself a special bond with Mardie Rochester and before he knows it he has found himself in love with the woman... who appears to be unhappily married. But after a chat with Doctor Peabody Kit decides to take the honorable route and not confess his feelings to Mardie.

It is only after it is learned that Mardie's husband, Jack Rochester, is actually insane and mysteriously disappears that Kit and Mardie find themselves admitting to each other their feelings and struggling to do what is right. And yet Kit maintains his honorable position and does not push Mardie to begin a relationship with him. His desire is for Mardie's happiness above all, even if that means the possibility of Jacks' return.

Meanwhile, Mardie, believing her husband is still alive and will come home some day, heads to her homeland in the Scottish Highlands where she will wait for Jack's return and hope that Kit will forget her and move on with his life.

What unfolds is a story of romance, mystery, and the day to day adventures of an English country doctor during the early 1940s.

My Thoughts:
When I first began reading Rochester's Wife I was reminded of two very different books. First, the whole concept of a young doctor coming to a country town to work with an older doctor reminded me a little of the All Creatures Great and Small series by James Herriot. (Yeah he was a vet, not a doctor, but still there was a very fine connection that I couldn't help but notice.)

The other book was Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre. In that story there is a Mr. Rochester who falls in love with the protagonist of the book, Jane Eyre, but can't marry her because of his marriage to Mrs. Rochester, who happens to be insane.

Although it deals with some serious topics I found Rochester's Wife still an entertaining read. There were parts of the book that were very funny, especially where Jem was involved. He was my favorite character -- a cross between Davie Keith and Paul Irving in Anne of Avonlea (reviewed). His personality is to lively, so imaginative, and says the funniest things. As for the serious aspects, I felt that Ms. Stevenson handled them tactfully and yet realistically.

Overall I enjoyed Rochester's Wife. It was hard to put down. For a while I thought it might be an inverted take on Jane Eyre, as I mentioned above, but in the end it wasn't. The ending to the story is bittersweet and realistic, which for some readers might make it a bit disappointing. But one thing is for certain, the ending is not predictable.

On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate Rochester's Wife a 3.5 to a 4. I liked the book, but didn't really like how D. E. Stevenson wrapped up the story. It might sound a bit arrogant for me to say this, but if I had written the book I'd have chosen a different ending. Still, I am glad I read it and look forward to reading other works by the author.

Happy Betsy-Tacy Day -- Now Let's Give Some Books Away!

Forty-eight years ago today the the city of Mankato, Minnesota (the real Deep Valley) declared October 7th "Betsy-Tacy Day." And so in honor of this special day I have a very special announcement to make.

As part of my Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge, here at A Library is a Hospital for the Mind, I am giving away a complete set of Betsy-Tacy books. That's right, you could be the proud owner of the entire series (ten novels combined in seven books) from Betsy-Tacy to Betsy's Wedding, as published by HarperCollins Publishers.

What's more each book contains a forward written by 21st century authors (i.e. Judy Blume, Johanna Hurwitz, Ann M. Martin, Meg Cabot, etc.) who are fans of the series and have a special memory or connection to the books. These are fun to read and my favorite, at least from the glance I took, was the forward written by Ms. Hurwitz. In addition to the forwards there is a post script of sorts at the end of each book. This "post script" contains biographical information, fun facts, quotes, and photographs linking Maud and her friends and family in Mankato with her fictional counterpart, Betsy Ray and her friends and family in Deep Valley. Definitely a fun addition to the books.

So have I captured your interest? Here's what you need to do in order to enter the giveaway, participants must:

1. Be a resident of the United States.
2. Subscribe to A Library is a Hospital for the Mind (via google reader, bloglines, blogger, etc.)
3. Be a participant in the Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge (Join before October 10)
4. Not already own the Betsy-Tacy books.
5. Blog about the Betsy-Tacy books: why they are special to you, which is your favorite book and character in the series and why. Or if you've never read them please post how you first heard of the books and what appeals to you most about the series. (If you don't have a blog then leave your answer in the comments of this post with a way for me to contact you.)
6. Link that post to the Mr. Linky below no later than next Saturday, October 17th.

On Sunday, October 18th I will select the winner with the help of a random generator. Check back here later that day to find out who the winner is.

In closing, I would like to extend a very special thanks to Jennifer over at BookClubGirl for arranging the donation of all seven books to this reading challenge. I am truly honored to be asked to host this giveaway. (I am also really excited to see who wins!) I would also like to encourage each reader of this blog to check Jennifer's website. She's stocked it full of Betsy-Tacy information and I've found it to be a great resource and a fun read.

The Trees Kneel At Christmas by Maud Hart Lovelace

112 pages
Published 1951, Reprinted 1994
ABDO & Daughters Publishing
Edina, MN, USA

Until I started planning out what I would read as part of the Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge I had never paid any attention to this little-known children's Christmas story. Perhaps it's a little early to review a Christmas story, but as it is for the reading challenge I hope you'll understand.

The Trees Kneel at Christmas was written shortly after Mrs. Lovelace completed Emily of Deep Valley. At the time Mrs. Lovelace was having trouble getting started on the next Betsy-Tacy book (Betsy and The Great World) so she turned her attention to an idea that had was sparked while visiting with a Lebanese family in New York City (as a result of the Syrian/Lebanese thread in the Emily of Deep Valley book.) As Mrs. Lovelace's daughter, Merian Lovelace Kirchner recalls in her introduction to the 1994 edition of The Trees Kneel At Christmas: "On August 23, my mother wrote in her diary: 'Decided today to write The Trees Kneel At Christmas. The theme is faith, and I have faith that I can write, although I don't know yet the characters, setting or plot.' "

It's a good thing Mrs. Lovelace had faith to start writing even though she didn't know where the story was going because when The Trees Kneel At Christmas was finished it was a beautiful holiday story of faith and family simply told so that even young children could enjoy its magic.

The Plot:
The Trees Kneel at Christmas is set in Brooklyn, NY during the last few days leading up to Christmas Eve, the most important holiday for Lebanese families. The story centers around a seven-year old Lebanese-American girl named Afify and her 5-year old brother, Hanna.

One evening Afify's grandmother tells her the story of three Lebanese sisters who witnessed a miracle on Christmas Eve when they found the trees of Lebanon kneeling in memory of the Christ child's birth.

Awed by this ancient tale, Afify immediately wonders if the trees in Brooklyn kneel too, but her grandmother reminds her that it takes great faith to see the trees kneel and that the people of New York do not have enough faith to witness such a miracle.

Undeterred, Afify secretly vows to be as good as a saint all day so when she travels to Brooklyn's Prospect Park on Christmas Eve she will have a chance to see the trees kneel. What ensues is a story that is sweet and thought provoking and a reminder that Christmas is so much more than Santa Claus and Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer.

My Thoughts:
Overall I found The Trees Kneel At Christmas a charming and thought provoking read. Some might consider it dated, but I think it's still a worthwhile read. Life for children in Brooklyn during the 1950s was very different than it is for children of the 21st century. The rich detail, especially those surrounding the holiday customs of Lebanese families make this a nice piece of historical fiction for the holidays. On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate The Trees Kneel At Christmas a 4.

Note: Although the book has been out of print for several years I have found several public libraries still possess at least one copy and used copies of the 1994 edition can still be bought online for a relatively low price. On the other hand, original printings (1951) are harder to come by and more expensive.

New Release: Return to the Hundred Acre Wood

Return to the Hundred Acre Wood
by David Benedictus
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile/Penguin Group
Released: October 5, 2009
Pages: 160

Think you've read all there is about Winnie-The-Pooh, Christopher Robin, and the rest of the gang from the Hundred Acre Woods?

For the last 80+ years the answer to that question would be a resounding, yes. But after today that answer is no longer true. Publishers Penguin Group have released a new addition to the Winnie-The-Pooh series titled, Return To the 100 Acre Woods by David Benedictus

Of course Winnie-The-Pooh purists may object to this book as it isn't by A. A. Milne, still many critics are already claiming it is equally as good and a delight to read.

Curious to find out more? Check out this link to Penguin Group, or the write-up in the NY Times, or click on the picture of the book to view it on Amazon.

I still have to finish reading The House at Pooh Corner, but I am seriously tempted to check out this book when it arrives at my local library. What about you? If you've found a copy please be sure to come back and leave a comment after you've read it. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Emily of Deep Valley by Maud Hart Lovelace

290 pages

Published 1950, reprinted 2000

Harper Trophy of HarperCollins Publishers Inc.

New York, NY

Emily of Deep Valley is the middle of three books in the Deep Valley series by Maud Hart Lovelace. As was the case with Carney's House Party for some reason I never got around to reading this book when I was reading and later re-reading the Betsy-Tacy series. I was thrilled to find my local library owned a copy as this book has been out of print for several years.

The Plot:
Emily Webster, an orphan living with her grandfather, is not like the other girls her age in Deep Valley, Minnesota. The gulf between Emily and her classmates widens even more when they graduate from Deep Valley High School in 1912. Emily longs to go off to college with everyone else, but she can't leave her grandfather.

Emily resigns herself to facing a "lost winter," but soon decides to stop feeling sorry for herself. And with a new program of study, a growing interest in the Syrian community, and a handsome new teacher at the high school to fill her days, Emily gains more than she ever dreamed... (Summary Courtesy of the Publisher)

My Thoughts:
Although set in the same town as nearly all of the Betsy-Tacy books and the first two Deep Valley books, Emily of Deep Valley is a different type of story. That is to say, it has the basics that readers find typical in the Betsty-Tacy and Deep Valley books (i.e parities and dances, interesting historic details, and of course a host of familiar faces), but it also takes on a deeper, more serious tone. Emily of Deep Valley is a coming-of-age story that is particularly rich in detail, character development, and girl power.

As the reader I really felt for Emily as she struggled through loneliness and broken dreams. And I couldn't help but cheer for Emily as she "musters her wits" and takes on new challenges, reaches out to those around her in love and friendship, and stands for what is right.

Which brings me to the historical detail in this book. There are many cultural and social references, but what really stood out to me was the role that the nearby Syrian community plays in this story. It is a much larger role than was seen in Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill. In Emily of Deep Valley several members of Deep Valley befriend the families from Little Syria and Emily herself sets out a plan to help the women through language and civics classes in her home. While the story doesn't delve into detail about immigration laws and statistics during the early 1900s, it is very clear that Americans were just as much divided in their views of immigration as they are today.

What surprised me was how applicable this story is to readers today. I had no idea when I picked up Emily of Deep Valley that I would be pondering immigration laws, racial and social discrimination, and the like. Who knew that a book written nearly sixty years ago could address and connect the same concerns Americans have today as they had one hundred years ago! I found this fascinating.

My Summary:
Emily of Deep Valley is a gem of a story and a wonderful way to round out the Deep Valley/Betsy-Tacy series. I still have to re-read Betsy and the Great World and Betsy's Wedding, but as this was the last first-time read for me I was rather saddened when I reached the end. I loved the Deep Valley stories. I loved reading about Betsy's, Tacy's, Tib's, Winona's, Carney's, and Emily's worlds. They aren't just fun reads they are books that can stir imagination and self-reflection. There's no hope, I am a life-long fan of Maud Hart Lovelace.

On a scale of 1-5, 1being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate Emily of Deep Valley a 4.5 to a 5. Although this book is out of print your library may still have a copy from when it was reprinted in 2000. I hope that with the successful reprint of the Betsy-Tacy series, HarperCollins Publishers will reprint the Deep Valley series.

---------------
Click on the links for reviews of related reads:
Betsy-Tacy (Betsy-Tacy series, 1897-1898)
Betsy, Tacy and Tib (BT, 1900-1901)
Winnona's Pony Cart (Deep Valley series, around 1900)
Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill (BT, 1902)
Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown (BT, 1904-1905)
Heavens to Betsy (BT, 1906-1907)
Betsy in Spite of Herself (BT, 1907-1908)
Betsy Was a Junior (BT, 1908-1909)
Betsy and Joe (BT, 1909-1910)
Carney's House Party (DV, 1911)
Emily of Deep Valley (DV, 1912-1913)
Betsy and the Great World (BT, 1914) -- Review coming soon!
Betsy's Wedding (BT, 1914-1917) -- Review coming soon!