#horatioalger

[thefullerview]

Philadelphia. My father had a fondness for what he called “Horatio Alger” stories. Any narrative demonstrating that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles would puddle his eyes. The Eagles’ victory last night was his kind of story. #determination #hardwork #honesty #horatioalger #eagles #superbowl #notmyphoto (at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

[montanalocal]

ana

[bookeatingbeast-blog-blog]

Ragged Dick

A little over two weeks ago, I finished reading Ragged Dick by Horatio Alger, Jr.

A charming tale of a young boot-black finding friends and a better situation in late 19th-century New York, Ragged Dick is a wonderful example of early young adult fiction. True, there are no supernatural beings and there is a great deal of silly, out-of-date slang, but this story is a great and accessible example of classic literature. 

Ragged Dick is a boy who shines boots for a living. Orphaned at a very young age (seven, I think it was?), he has found a way to get by day to day in New York City. After meeting a young well-to-do country boy and giving him the tour of the city, Ragged Dick becomes inspired to seek a better "situation" for himself. He meets wealthy gentlemen who assist him, make him want to be a better person, and it's all uphill from there.

This book is essentially a moral story for youths, intended to show them that saving one's pennies and attending church, generally making oneself 'spectable, is a good idea. You'll get places, you will, and you just might save the right rich kid and get yourself a sweet job.

Dick has ridiculously good luck. That's all I'm gonna say about that, unless you want me to rant and rave about it. I don't really want to either, so I'll stop there.

I gave Ragged Dick 3 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. Officially, in my lovelylovely YA book club, I gave it 2.75, but let's not split hairs. I not-quite liked it. Almost, but not quite. I'd be more than willing to recommend it to the right person, but let's not get carried away.

If you're looking for a quick piece of classic literature that drags on a bit but ensures that a charming and capable boy gets just what he deserves, knock yourself out with this one.

[atlcatblack]

MY LIFE STORY

I want to live to be GREAT.supose it is vain all GREAT men are vain.what have they got that i need to be like them?whatever it is i will see. If i insist with myself why shouldn't i be ,as well as the rest of them?It is something that grows inside and i can feel it just as surely as i am writing.It seems to depend on doing what you want because all of them are that way.i will do what i want hereafter,least i can do is try.they say true genius has no bounds as to conventions.Genius has prerogatives .than i will have prerogatives too. HORATIO ALGER