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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
I believe it is important to remember that this book was written within a time strongly defined by colonialism and one that was not as sensitive to disability as today is. However, this story is quite heartwarming as it focuses on the power of friendship, nature, and positive thinking. I enjoyed the character development of both Mary and Collin, as they both started completely miserable and became happy, care-free children. The description of nature's effect on people and the beauty of the secret garden was great and soothing to read.
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Although I watched the movie several times, I am not sure I ever read the book. It mostly holds up as an excellent children's book.
Heavily focused on the morals of independent play, fresh air and the outdoors, being a good person and how that affects your look and perception. A bit unsubtle in that area, actually. I love the descriptions of nature - the plants and animals and weather, light, and air. The writing and setting are both old-fashioned. Sometimes comfortably so and other times in a distinctly uncomfortable manner. The movie changed a bit of racist outbursts and removed a lot of overtly classist discussion. If introducing a child to this book now, I would modify parts while reading aloud or be prepared to discuss topics of racism, classism, poverty, abandonment, neglect, abuse, medical decision-making, etc. Overall, a good trip into the past and I enjoyed the read.
Heavily focused on the morals of independent play, fresh air and the outdoors, being a good person and how that affects your look and perception. A bit unsubtle in that area, actually. I love the descriptions of nature - the plants and animals and weather, light, and air. The writing and setting are both old-fashioned. Sometimes comfortably so and other times in a distinctly uncomfortable manner. The movie changed a bit of racist outbursts and removed a lot of overtly classist discussion. If introducing a child to this book now, I would modify parts while reading aloud or be prepared to discuss topics of racism, classism, poverty, abandonment, neglect, abuse, medical decision-making, etc. Overall, a good trip into the past and I enjoyed the read.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
I'll come back to this and update the review, but I got halfway through (DNF at chapter 15) and bored out of my skull. I'm reading this for college, and oh my god the story does not pick up until about page 90 (out of 198 pages), and unfortunately it only does for a short time. Think of that one baby rollercoaster scene from Spongebob. Yes, I know the book came out in 1911, but I'm still going to review it on the same way I'd review a modern book, because I'm woke and DEI or whatever.
It was odd and uncomfortable to read about a young child being "unattractive" and being referred to as a vixen and wench. The racism, good lord I think this book hates India more than the current Internet does.
I like Colin, and I love his friendship with Mary, and the descriptions of the garden are beautiful. That's all I can say really, feels like a whole lot of nothing happened the whole time I was reading it.
Honestly, with all my recent reviews of books being 1-3 stars...I think I just hate books at this point. So much for wanting to be an author. Love writing, but hate reading...sigh. I'm so fucking brainrotted. May as well start watching skibidi toilet and eating dubai chocolate.
It was odd and uncomfortable to read about a young child being "unattractive" and being referred to as a vixen and wench. The racism, good lord I think this book hates India more than the current Internet does.
I like Colin, and I love his friendship with Mary, and the descriptions of the garden are beautiful. That's all I can say really, feels like a whole lot of nothing happened the whole time I was reading it.
Honestly, with all my recent reviews of books being 1-3 stars...I think I just hate books at this point. So much for wanting to be an author. Love writing, but hate reading...sigh. I'm so fucking brainrotted. May as well start watching skibidi toilet and eating dubai chocolate.