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mtzbookworm64's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting story of the history of the Ozarks. Some of the passages with the local dialect were challenging to read - but very interesting.
onecantlivewhentheotherdoesnt's review against another edition
The language was very clipped, I find it hard to read books like that
jetia13's review against another edition
4.0
haven't read this in about 10 years. it takes place very near where my grandparents live and where my mom spent a lot of time growing up. ive also seen it performed live a bunch of times. a good story, full of memories for me.
sthomas77332's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
karnaconverse's review against another edition
3.0
The book that helped establish the Missouri Ozarks as a travel destination.
I reread this in preparation for a short trip to the Missouri Ozarks. The book belonged to my mom, one of the few souvenirs she purchased on the annual family vacations we took when I was growing up. I was only six or seven years old on this particular vacation—too young to grasp the storyline of the outdoor drama we watched that was based on Wright's book but I was the perfect age to associate the area with forests, horse trails, and the serenity of a slower-paced lifestyle. Wright captured this setting and lifestyle in 1907 but his message of forgiveness—set in the late 1800's—rings true today.
The "trail that no one knows how old" weaves between the homesteads of the Lane and Matthew families and leads a middle-aged man to a community of mountain folk who ask few questions and place little demand on the stranger. Instead, they embrace him, anoint him with the revered title of "Dad," and seek him out for advice. Dad Howitt has a secret and though it becomes obvious to the reader early in the narrative, the underlying force of the secret does not until the final chapters. On its surface, The Shepherd of the Hills is a story of youth and the consequences of young love. But digging deeper, the story behind Dad Howitt, the Lanes, and the Matthews is one that asks readers to pause, to listen to the call of a life that is more real, and to consider the world that is unseen.
Before writing The Shepherd of the Hills, Wright camped in the area for eight years. He based his story on the mountain folks he met and the stories they shared with him. I highly recommend it to anyone who plans to spend time in the Ozarks.
I reread this in preparation for a short trip to the Missouri Ozarks. The book belonged to my mom, one of the few souvenirs she purchased on the annual family vacations we took when I was growing up. I was only six or seven years old on this particular vacation—too young to grasp the storyline of the outdoor drama we watched that was based on Wright's book but I was the perfect age to associate the area with forests, horse trails, and the serenity of a slower-paced lifestyle. Wright captured this setting and lifestyle in 1907 but his message of forgiveness—set in the late 1800's—rings true today.
The "trail that no one knows how old" weaves between the homesteads of the Lane and Matthew families and leads a middle-aged man to a community of mountain folk who ask few questions and place little demand on the stranger. Instead, they embrace him, anoint him with the revered title of "Dad," and seek him out for advice. Dad Howitt has a secret and though it becomes obvious to the reader early in the narrative, the underlying force of the secret does not until the final chapters. On its surface, The Shepherd of the Hills is a story of youth and the consequences of young love. But digging deeper, the story behind Dad Howitt, the Lanes, and the Matthews is one that asks readers to pause, to listen to the call of a life that is more real, and to consider the world that is unseen.
Before writing The Shepherd of the Hills, Wright camped in the area for eight years. He based his story on the mountain folks he met and the stories they shared with him. I highly recommend it to anyone who plans to spend time in the Ozarks.
thequidditymuse's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book was suggested to me by what I thought was a good source, but I will be taking no more suggestions from them. A very mediocre book. I liked a couple characters, appreciated the gist of the book, and it has a very good hook, but gets very bogged down in the middle. Written to adults at a children’s level. Would have been fitting in middle school, but does not have the timeless children’s tale quality of the good children’s books.
linren16's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
csmall73's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Interesting historical read. It was a little difficult to follow as it was imitating the vernacular. I could not puzzle out a lot of it. That was a bit frustrating. I gathered the information of the story line but following conversations and some context was difficult.
wholesome_red's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
jbryson's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This was my grandfather's favorite book. John Wayne's movie version ruined the story.