2024-08-19 I read this book in the early 1980s and was able to interact with the author at some Libertarian Party events where he spoke. I really like2024-08-19 I read this book in the early 1980s and was able to interact with the author at some Libertarian Party events where he spoke. I really liked the book and his philosophy - very much in tune with reality....more
2024-09-08 I finished this few days ago. VERY gripping. I fully see why Hugo is considered a Master! Below, I have highlighted many parts of the book 2024-09-08 I finished this few days ago. VERY gripping. I fully see why Hugo is considered a Master! Below, I have highlighted many parts of the book that seemed really insightful to me.
This book is a bit of a roller-coaster, since it is not always easy to see what Hugo is getting at when he goes deep into character description, historical settings, customs, peccadillos and justice/injustices.
The book is about the BRITISH aristocracy and how lower born individuals have a very different life, expectations, difficulties, etc. The author is constantly considering what is the "just" thing to happen or do by the characters and the time.
The writing is mostly beautiful, though Hugo can belabor a point well beyond any need, with almost countless examples and juxtapositions.
If I have time I will review my notes and perhaps add some additional thoughts &/or examples.
Oh, almost forgot, this book has an early section on and deals throughout with a group of people known as the Comprachicos. For those who have read the Ayn Rand essay on this topic, this will be very significant. And for almost anyone, your blood will run cold reading how Hugo describes the and their "craft."...more
2024-07-17 Just finished this today. Excellent. Love the message - Africa needs to rediscover and reimplement it's roots in free enterprise to allow al2024-07-17 Just finished this today. Excellent. Love the message - Africa needs to rediscover and reimplement it's roots in free enterprise to allow all the individuals and countries in the continent to become rich.
Beautiful recounting of a brave and tenacious young African woman's journey of discovery and mission to help her fellow humans.
Grounded in the enlightening historical account of many African countries, but primarily Senegal, where she was born and feels is home. Ms. Wade's entrepreneurial, personal, and righteous experiences are joyous, gut-wrenching, fascinating, and very hopeful.
Though I am not as happy with the ending chapter or two, I devoured this book and think the messages is so timely and important that I highly recommend it.
I read this book in conjunction with my participation in a beloved PPPS (Potato Peel Pie Society) reading group, inspired by the movie and book. Most in the group really liked the book too, but some of the comments and actions of the members kind of took me aback. I'm still trying to figure that out. So neat for me to see the author Magatte Wade given the Julian Simon Award this year by the Competitive Enterprise Institute....more
2023-10-11 I just finished the first story "Ragged Dick" a couple days ago - a rereading for a book club discussion coming up in a few days. Loved it.2023-10-11 I just finished the first story "Ragged Dick" a couple days ago - a rereading for a book club discussion coming up in a few days. Loved it. A few years ago I had first listened to the book and liked it so much I listened 3-4x! See my review on Goodreads of a different (pb?) edition., since there is no Librivox audio edition listed. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... I bought this Kindle book a few days ago so that I would have the actual text, instead of just listening (which I did again anyway on a little car journey a few days ago also.) I chose this edition, since it was cheap and had 10 (out of 70!) of the famous author's top stories - very handy and thrifty.
Wonderful book - highly recommended. Great values promoted in this story: honesty, hard work, perseverance, good humor, charity, respectability, importance of a good education, saving, good habits, self-discipline, positive attitude, good friends and friendship, etc. Luck is acknowledged as helping, but capitalizing on it, and not relying on it, is shown to be the key.
(Reminds me of the quote of a famous attorney in Chicago when asked about his luck in winning trials and becoming generally successful: (paraphrasing from memory - "I somehow seemed to gain more luck in my career the more hours I spent in the law library compared to the golf course.)
Great historical insights on survival (without government welfare mentioned at all). Note the prices for goods/services in the book and compare them to today! Note how easy it is to get a good education at very reasonable cost.
I do see some typos and other glitches in this edition, but they are quite minor, for such a low cost edition, that provides so much value.
2023-Oct - The 2nd story "Fame and Fortune" shows how corrosive and negative envy and an entitled attitude can be to all. This story was a nice continuation of the main characters in Ragged Dick, with more added and nicely varying plot, action and conflicts.
These stories are 160 years old, from when society was VASTLY materially poorer! Think of the possibilities for today, with the same values, and present wealth levels!
We need many more books like this, written about modern situations, issues and settings.
2023 Nov - 3rd story - "Mark the Match Boy" - another good one, with another poor street boy profession highlighted - selling matches. Good reinforcement of positive values and fighting difficulties in circumstances, bad influences, bad values, etc. The economics of the business is quite instructive for the time and in a timeless way too. Wonderful.
2023-12-5? - 4th story - "Rough and Ready" - Rufus' nickname is well deserved - a bit rough around the edges, but basically very, very good, and super dedicated to his little sister and always ready for opportunities to help her, his customers/employers and himself. The benefits of honesty and hard work/dedication to what is right and good, vs. idleness, envy, sloth, vindictiveness, etc. Great lessons. Neat story, as usual. No one is perfect, which is what life is really like. But some people are so down to earth, basically good, that you can really count on them. And facts matter. And good questions to actually reveal fact from fiction is important. Crucial.
2023-12-07 Just finished the 5th story within this book: "Ben, The Luggage Boy" - another wonderfully uplifting story. This one is about Ben, who left home at the age of 10 due to his wanting to be independent of his father, who had wronged him. He finds out how difficult earning one's way in the world can be for someone that young, but survives. He also learns about the importance of doing more than just surviving day-to-day, and some really important things in life. The basic math skills exhibited in all the stories is great. Even though most of the "heroes" of the stories - the young boys - have had very little formal education, they all seem to understand basic math, and regularly calculate earnings/day (or partial day) and whether it is more profitable to do one thing or the other, how much time is needed to work for meals, or a room, or a cigar or a Bowery show.
2023-12-11 6th story - "Rufus and Rose" - Returning to Rufus (Rough and Ready) and his sister Rose, the continued saga, where the thoroughly nasty "step-father," James Martin, returns to wreck havoc, and he gets nastier and more dangerous with the aid of even more sinister conmen, but Rufus is up to the challenge. The problems of overdrinking or smoking are demonstrated well, so moderation or abstention benefits are made pretty clear.
2023-12-11 7th story - "Tattered Tom, or the Story of a Street Arab" - Well, well - this is the story of a young street girl, with only a mean and worthless "granny" to help her survive. She would rather be a boy, so acts similarly to the boys, and can take on any of them, if they are near her size, if she needs to. I loved her attitude, grit, "pluck" and turns of expression. And so does the ship's captain who has come back to the city to see his sister. He takes a liking to this plucky little gal with the boy's nickname (Did you know the expression Tomboy dates back to at least the 1870s?) and sets her up in a seemingly decent situation, vastly better than she endured with "granny." But things don't go as planned and granny reappears for some pretty tense and hopeless situations. But Tom is up to the trying situations, and never gives up, but rather somehow always makes lemonade out of the lemons she is served.
One little quirk was that at one point the captain's sister called Tom by the name Tom said may have been her real name: Jenny. But then later in the book, without any explanation, all of a sudden she is being called Jane. I dunno what happened.
2023-12-18 8th story (only 3 more to go!) "Paul the Peddler" - has a mother and brother, but their husband/father was killed a year or two before the story begins, so Paul (and his family) had a better beginning than most of the other stories' "heroes", but they are living in much tougher straits than they did previously, and he, at only 14 or 15 is the main breadwinner. His "peddling" is his own invention, and it is kind of mini-lottery. But since it does well, and he's honest, he attracts tough (and dishonest) competition, that makes life very difficult.
Side Comment: One of the extra neat things about these Horatio Alger stories is that honest competition is shown to be natural and lauded, and dishonest competition is shown to be semi-rare and bad for everyone - including the perps of course.
Things get sorted out in all the stories with mostly private actions and a minimal amount of government police/courts action, kept to just the basics of justice. No government "regulators" are involved at all, except just one (so far) that stifles honest trade with prohibitively expensive licenses/taxes.
Such a simple, reasonable and accurate description, yet how many books, movies, high school and college classes, TV shows, political speeches or laws have it all backwards these days?
The story continued by plowing some new as well as reinforcing some existing fertile ground. Entrepreneurial thinking, economic calculations, financing a new business and the importance of trust, friendship, high morals and fast, decisive actions. Reputations and the different profit levels/needs of varying businesses (pawn shops vs. big name jewelers in particular), which included hints on discovering fair vs. foul dealing, were all very valuable to this reader, and probably most anyone who reads the story
However, there were several little, somewhat unbelievable, lapses too, which made it less real and much more reliant on luck as a key device.
2023-12-24 The 9th story "Phil the Fidler" - Filippo, the young Italian immigrant was "sold" by his poor father in Italy to a "Padrone" who treats him and the other boys he has "bought" like a slave. They are all forced to work for their living on the streets of NY, fiddling for hand-outs, provided little to eat and required to turn over all their money to the Padrone, to repay the money he gave to their fathers (but not to them). Very tough life. One of Phil's friends dies of exposure, sickness and the resulting ill-treatment. But Phil succeeds by his wits, perseverance, strong character and some luck, of course, though he had his ill-luck too and close-calls, but persevered. Kindness and open-hearts by a couple who were also gravely treated by fate was another warm and fuzzy aspect to the story. Another excellent story.
2023-12-26 The 10th & last story in this book: "Slow and Sure: THE [continuing] STORY OF PAUL HOFFMAN THE YOUNG STREET-MERCHANT. Excellent ending story to this wonderful volume. Paul's rise is by no means a sure thing, but his strong work ethic, seizing of opportunities when they present themselves, attention to his family and friends and even strangers all help him along. Remembering his humble beginnings and treating others with kindness pays off in more than just feeling good about himself. The plucky and dirt poor character Julius is introduced to very good effect. He and Paul both benefit from dealing straight with each other.
2023-12-30 Just received a GREAT compliment on my review and what I think about this book from a dear and very learned friend: "This [book] is what I need to read to [her granddaughter] when she’s a little older!" WOW!!!! YES, indeed. It is going on my list for my reading to our grandkids, if/when we ever have any....more
2023-07-30 Just finished this little gem. The poems focus on so many people, issues, and ideas that affect me that I am amazed that I did not come acro2023-07-30 Just finished this little gem. The poems focus on so many people, issues, and ideas that affect me that I am amazed that I did not come across this book before - especially since I consider myself a good friend of the author. But busy lives and separation of thousands of miles for the last 25+ years or so contributed.
In any case I finally got to it the last few days and just loved it. I am a big fan of rhyme and witty wordplay - so this was perfect. I am not a poetry aficionado, but that did not stop me from appreciating and understanding the power &/or humor of most of the poems. The intimacy of the love poems was profound. The heart-wrenching pain of the grieving poems was difficult, but understandable and a great tribute. I had always wondered how he dealt with such a difficult blow.
For those interested here are just some of the many topics, people and ideas the author writes about:
Emily Dickenson Walden/Thoreau Romanticism/Romance Ayn Rand Marilyn Monroe The Statue of LIberty Salvador Dali Aristotle Rock and Roll Michigan Dunes Valentine's Day John Lennon/The Beatles Halloween Robie House/Frank Lloyd Wright Health Care economics/politics/quality and many more...
2023-06-29 I read this in the early 1990s after seeing a video of the author on the topic, that my wife had shared with me, after she was required to 2023-06-29 I read this in the early 1990s after seeing a video of the author on the topic, that my wife had shared with me, after she was required to watch it for her work.
I was quite captured by the concept of paradigms and their sometimes unconscious power.
I even corresponded with the author and tried to publish an article about the book.
The concept of paradigms not long after became SUPER NOVA HOT nation(world?)wide, in the business area, so it was additionally great to have absorbed the concept earlier.
As I remember, the author unfortunately used some political/economic examples &/or held some beliefs that he himself could not quite see fit a "statist" paradigm of what are and are not appropriate roles for government and what those things mean to many people (their being coerced).
So, with that little warning aside, I highly recommend the book.
Oh, one more thing: I have a recollection that I have already written a review of this book on Goodreads. But due to the fact that there are many editions of this book, and I have not checked them all, it may still be available... But I don't know....more
2023-07-04 Finished this yesterday. Really good, but pretty narrowly focused on the theory of prison order and the factors that promote or disrupt orde2023-07-04 Finished this yesterday. Really good, but pretty narrowly focused on the theory of prison order and the factors that promote or disrupt order in prisons, with a few comments at the end on how this relates to the non-prison world.
So, if you are into this topic, the book is highly recommended.
The author is a very good writer, very clear, very compelling and fair/objective.
Impressive work.
I liked the author's first book: The Social Order of the Underworld better, since it was more broad-based and appropriate for laymen. This book demonstrates the incredible expertise of Skarbek and the general applicability of his theory on governance. Adds depth and breadth to his ideas in The Social Order of the Underworld....more
2023-09-20 I'm about 60% into this and it is very riveting. Of course I have seen several times, the movie "The Miracle Worker" which is based on part 2023-09-20 I'm about 60% into this and it is very riveting. Of course I have seen several times, the movie "The Miracle Worker" which is based on part of Helen Keller's story with her great teacher Ms. Sullivan. So I have wanted to read this autobiography for a very long time (>50 years), but not made time to do so till now.
The story is proving well worth the time to read it, and quite insightful in several ways: - how deaf & sightless individuals can be taught with minimal - no extra technologies - how important motivations are, as well as early memories of sights & sounds - how crucial a parent's love and touch can be to help a child
2023-05-20 Just finished this book today. Fascinating. I loved the personal history/experiences the author described and how she figured out that poli2023-05-20 Just finished this book today. Fascinating. I loved the personal history/experiences the author described and how she figured out that political correctness was controlling what she was supposed to think and how she should act about too many issues.
How she escaped that box and why was really revealing and seemed right on the money to me.
Independent logical thinking, I love it.
Her research in many areas is very impressive.
Her writing style is really fun, informative, funny, and helpful. A little unclear in some minor ways, and I have lots of follow-up questions for her, but that is part of the joy of this book. She even invites readers to start a conversation with her, giving out extra free resources on her website, titles of her previous books, strategies for coping with basic biological/evolutionary facts and good cheer.
I look forward to reading and conversing more on this very neat book....more
2023-05-20 Just finished this a couple days ago. Very interesting book about a topic I new almost nothing about previously: a genre of books as the ti2023-05-20 Just finished this a couple days ago. Very interesting book about a topic I new almost nothing about previously: a genre of books as the title describes.
The author has an alternative title for the genre: "Female appeal memoir," since the authors are appealing to the reading public for sympathy for their situation, because they have been wronged by either their husbands, fathers, friends, and/or general circumstances.
The last chapter was of particular interest to me, since it dealt with a sub-genre, the "political appeal memoir" dealing with one memoir in particular that combined the author Margaret Coghlan's insights from both the American as well as the French Revolutions, on various political issues, with which I have some familiarity.
The writing is lucid and became even better for me as I went along, getting used to the various books, authors and specific issues and terms Breashears dealt with: - political and domestic rebellion because of political and domestic tyranny - the connection between happiness and political freedom - connection between political freedom and justice toward women - flawed principles leading to abusive relationships - etc.
At only 103 pages (not including the last chapters notes, the Bibliography nor the Index) the book was a size that was very manageable for my first dip into this book on this topic. ...more
2023-02-05 Finished this book two mornings ago. Very cool book. Great observations and arguments for seeing reality as objectively as possible. Lots of n2023-02-05 Finished this book two mornings ago. Very cool book. Great observations and arguments for seeing reality as objectively as possible. Lots of neat discussion on how to get around natural/biological and other accumulated and popular biases one has that defend and promote the "Soldier" mentality, the way of operating that takes orders, that is very "rah-rah," and does not worry too much about what the truth really is.
The book promotes the "Scout Mindset" that puts a premium on seeing reality the way it really is, coming back with an accurate map, not necessarily one that is what the boss (or your psyche), just "wants" to be there, but isn't.
The author works hard to show the benefits of this mentality that focuses on finding out what the truth is all about, not taking things for granted. I really like that and hope it helps more people develop that skill. It will do them much good in achieving a better life, as well as contributing to a better society.
Super commendable book. I find it really in tune with Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism that puts the focus on reality and reason. No mention of Rand in the book at all. In fact, the author uses a fairly wide variety of ideological examples to highlight her various points about the benefits of the scout mentality vs. the soldier mentality. I appreciated that, even though I cringed at some of the them, since they did not ring as true to my experience as the author implied they should.
So - I highly recommend book, and cultivating your own "scout mentality", BUT do not take the examples for granted as being true. Do your own diligence....more
2023-02-20 Finished early this morning. The book ended very strong. I was quite impressed. As the author said in the preface, anyone can and should rea2023-02-20 Finished early this morning. The book ended very strong. I was quite impressed. As the author said in the preface, anyone can and should read Atlas first. This book is not really meant to read before one reads Atlas, but actually after, to get more out of the complexity, the richness and classic nature of the book. I agree.
I wish more people would actually read Atlas. This book gives a HUGE number of great reasons why Atlas is a simply amazing book.
One of the best things it did for me, was it's stress of how Atlas Shrugged is a book that does not try to "predict" the future, but rather is a book to try to prevent a bad future, and encourage a much better future.
I could, and might at some point(s), say more about this book, but for now, I just want to again, encourage you to read Atlas Shrugged, and if you want to know more about Atlas (before or after reading it) this book is great for that too.
2023-02-15 I'm about 55% into it so far. Continuing to be well written and worthwhile. Excellent debunking of the negative reviews and many themes of many of Ayn Rand's critics. The book covers more than just Atlas Shrugged, by weaving in characters, themes, plots, settings, etc. from Rand's other fiction (and sometimes even non-fiction works.
2023-02-08 VERY good so far (10%?) ... except for the gratuitous (minor) slam on libertarians, of all groups, for not appreciating some points of Rand.
But I have enjoyed the points where other foolish or malevolent attacks on Rand are called out. And some of the themes in Atlas are highlighted that probably too many people may have missed.
I will be interested to see if the author deals with some of the things I noticed upon my rereading of Atlas re: Rand's use of "violence" with sex and her (minor) attack on modesty as a virtue....more
2022-07-21 I finished this last Friday and was all set to review it right away, when some big events happened to our family which took a while to work2022-07-21 I finished this last Friday and was all set to review it right away, when some big events happened to our family which took a while to work out. But now I can start again.
Really liked the book. Very cool method of dealing with people's love/hate relationship with money. Delves into many different issues that people have when they think of money. Some pretty basic emotional issues come up - anger being the main one.
I have gotten to know the author for several years and really come to respect him and his approach as quite enlightening, as long as someone is willing to engage. His honesty, goodwill, insights and kindness shine through. His experience in dealing with money personally and professionally are in synch with the book's method and help.
The humor in the dialogs in the book is fun and keeps the tone more believable and light than it might otherwise be. Some very evocative references for me: - "The voice of Lurch" (from the 60s "Adams Family" TV show). - “I feel a great disturbance in the Force, Luke. What’s up?” (does anyone NOT know that reference?) - "It doesn’t take a sensate to feel this dark hole.” - Some great sarcasm in the book - "Who knew" was used perfectly - Dialog: “So,” he said, “what can I do to repay you?” “I’m a fiend for foot massages.” “I’ve never given one. But if there’s a school, I’m all over it.” “You’re in luck. It so happens I am the founder of Foot Massage Mentors. We mentor up-and-coming young men on how to give the best foot massage in the world.” ... “Well, it’s a very young organization.” “How young?” “Two minutes.” Which leads me into:
The love interest in the book, which made the book almost read like a short romantic novel. It was VERY catchy and a great device to help the conversation deal with the importance of the ideas. And it added suspense too. Super technique for intensifying the book's ideas. It made me really care much more about whether the main character could actually change his debilitating and off-putting habits.
Side note: I think the reader of this book would have a great complementary read in "The Virtue of Happiness" by Joel Wade. See my review of that book, if curious.
The author's use of the technique of "reframing" statements was brilliant and I believe really helps get to the heart of issues that many people just can't do on their own. And that is key to why this book is so important. It could help you reframe issues in your life that have kept you from thriving, so that you can break free, see the world the way it really is, and begin to succeed in the attainment of your own true and worthy goals.
There are many references to extra, freely accessed, practice sessions on the author's website, throughout the book. I did not try these, since I was a bit pressed for time in reading the book, but I bet they could be quite helpful. The author is also available for consulting, if the reader is really serious and might like that kind of extra help. Since I have already seen and practiced the benefits of many of the key ideas in the book, I have not felt the need for that professional help.
A few gems from the book for me, and perhaps for you:
"The best way your life will improve is by you making choices based on beliefs and behaviors that are aligned with reality."
“You’ve adopted a view of the world that filters everything through the lens of victims and perpetrators. If you want to leave victimhood, there is only one place to go.” “Yeah,” Joe interrupted, “becoming a perpetrator. And that’s what I most fear.”
“Can you feel ‘weird’ and still consider a new possibility?” “I’ve felt weird since your first email, and here we are still talking.”
"doom-scrolling" - I had not heard of this before, but it does capture some unproductive behavior. Google it if you have not heard of it.
"The struggle you’re experiencing is perpetuated by seeking money, for yourself or others, without creating and delivering value.”
"If a lot of good people eschew money because it’s associated with evil rich people, we leave a vacuum that diminishes voluntary cooperation. That vacuum is a magnet for people who love power." And if this idea is new and intriguing to you, I have other books you might like to check out.
"Without that voluntary exchange, evil people introduce the currency of force.” Ditto my comment above.
“Now, Joe, imagine summarizing our conversations for a group at your next event. What would happen?” “How should I know?” “You know.” “Yeah, I know… I would get…” “Get what?” Joe’s face darkened as he created the movie in his head. “It would get me… you know… canceled.” - So, taking the ideas in this book seriously and implementing them will take COURAGE. But what significant acts in this world don't, at some level?" - How's that for a challenge?
"Wealth redistribution is like killing the cow for the meat and depriving the yet-to-be-born children of milk. Once the wealth is distributed, investments in new technology, infrastructure, medical advances, farming, and human well-being are reduced."
"Capitalism isn’t a competition for wealth or money. Capitalism is a competition to deliver value on the terms of the recipients." - And who are those "recipients?" You, me, everyone... NOT just the rich - everyone.
"Government and Money Rules The rules for a civil society that Joe and Money settled on are as follows: All monetary transactions are voluntary and exclude the use or threat of force. All transactions are transparent and honest. Each individual determines the value of every transaction for themselves."
"How can we apply these rules to every governmental structure as completely as possible? How much process can we move from the force of government to the cooperation of civil society? How can we best create a government process that is transparent and honest? How can we give each citizen as much agency as possible over their own lives and allow them to determine their own values and what is of value? How do we measure the cost of violating these rules against the benefit? By asking these questions, we will come up with a world of creative cooperation."
Can you tell from above quotations and comments that I really liked the book and highly recommend it?
That said, I have a few questions about some parts of the book which I will be talking to the author about. Depending on the feedback, I will report back here. But one point bugs me: The subtitle says "10 Keys to Financial Freedom" - but inside the book, I never saw a list of "10 Keys." "3 Keys" were repeated several times. And there may well have been other keys that made the total add up to 10. But I never saw a list of ten, other than in the title. - 2023-11-20 When I contacted the author on this he acknowledged to me the confusion and said he would update it to be much more clear in the next edition. I have not had time to read a newer edition, so I can't comment on how well he did that....more
2022-06-27 Finished this hair raising book yesterday. This book will infuriate most anyone. It is about a crime that is so disgusting, and potentially p2022-06-27 Finished this hair raising book yesterday. This book will infuriate most anyone. It is about a crime that is so disgusting, and potentially preventable, if only some politicians, other government officials, most news media, and others who are complicit in supporting certain "gun control" laws would realize what they were supporting.
I had seen the author in several video presentations with Q&A and bought the book because I was very much impressed with her courage and intelligence on the issue of dealing with the murder of her husband.
If you support the following, you really need to read this book: - gun free zones - red flag laws - "doing something" about "gun crimes" and wanting more "gun control" laws
The author is very supportive of the death penalty. I am not. That is a weakness of the book, in my opinion. But considering her situation, I can certainly see how she feels the way she does.
How would you feel if you saw a man murder your spouse, with other witnesses and additional irrefutable evidence galore, then see him get only 23 years in prison, yet also see him continue to stalk you via letters and know that he will get time off his sentence for "good behavior" - all the while you count down the time when he is out to stalk you again, and threaten your own life again?...more
2022-04-13 I just read a friend's review of another book in this genre and thought of this one. Though I only read part of it, I really liked it and WI2022-04-13 I just read a friend's review of another book in this genre and thought of this one. Though I only read part of it, I really liked it and WISH I had read/studied it all.
Since our son is now 23 and far from interested in hearing lessons from me, or a book like this, my regrets show how too late I am.
The parts I did read were valuable, useful and sometimes very funny.
Not sure why I did not make more effort to read/study it.
Perhaps because when I did share some sections with my wife and son, they were kinda, NOT interested. Not sure why though....more
**spoiler alert** 2022-03-26 Just saw this in a friend's books read list and so many positive memories flooded my mind!
I must have read this or had it**spoiler alert** 2022-03-26 Just saw this in a friend's books read list and so many positive memories flooded my mind!
I must have read this or had it read to me 5-10-20 x when I was growing up. I loved it. What a great story of perseverance. So important for kids to learn.
2021-12-19 I listened to this (Librivoxorg) audio book in June and really enjoyed it. Great to finally get to it after hearing about it many times in 2021-12-19 I listened to this (Librivoxorg) audio book in June and really enjoyed it. Great to finally get to it after hearing about it many times in school, college and other places, over many, many years (>50).
I love the morals of Ragged Dick, the main character - No stealing, good humor, perseverance and to always treat others reasonably. The story wove in lots of good humor - He was quite a wit.
The history/sociology of the book, set in New York City in the mid-1800s, is fascinating - and how the boys/orphans in the book survived in NY City on their own. HUGE difference with today's situation... and perhaps showing some advantages of the structure and possibilities of the 150+ years ago situation vs. today, at least in some respects.
Good morals, hard work, persistence, positive outlook, creativity, courage and good humor, combined with some good luck can do amazing things. These qualities are too often scoffed at these days, and for quite some time.
This book and others with similar themes and stories by Horatio Alger are far too often put down as unrealistic. But I beg to differ and believe they are far better aids to human thriving than coercive government welfare, and the mentality that feeds it, which has had so many deleterious effects. The increase in wealth of society overall, since the time of the book, should make the lessons in this book even MORE important, and easier to understand how they work in real life, rather than less.
I highly recommend this book and especially this Librivox org recording that I listened to, not just once, but 3-4x, it was so good.
---- I liked this so much that I recommended it for a book group I am in and everyone in it loved it too. Upon rereading, I started reading the sequels and hence bought an e-book edition with 9 additional stories about Ragged Dick and other Horatio Alger characters. See my GR review of that for more on each of those stories. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show......more
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