Daddy-Long-LegsJean Webster
Imagine being told a mysterious benefactor is going to pay to send you to college -- and all you have to do is write him letters detailing your progress! It must be too good to be true, right? Or maybe some people are just good like that.
DUDE. What if someone was like, "Dear Bibliolatrist. Here is 5k a month. Just read books and hang out, and zip me the occasional email to keep me updated." I'd have to address my anonymous friend as "Dear Best-Human-Being-Ever-to-Live-on-the-Planet." Alas. Best not to think of what will never be.
Anyway, that's the idea behind Daddy-Long-Legs. Jerusha Abbot is a poor orphan who is one day sent to college by an anonymous benefactor. His only requirement? Write him letters. Which, of course, she does, because a) that would be a dick move if she didn't, and b) Webster needs a novel.
Daddy-Long-Legs (DLL being the nickname she calls him) is a delightful little novel that is truly a joy to read. It's a little too perfect, but that's part of the charm. Many thanks to Nymeth, who brought this book to my attention. In fact, she discusses the book in far more detail (I'm too obsessed by my own lack of anonymous benefactor), so head on over there for some excerpts and whatnot.
This edition also includes a "sequel" of sorts (called Dear Enemy), but I am saving it for a rainy day. Or a snowicane, which I'll apparently be experiencing tomorrow. JOY.
In a nutshell: A fast, light read that is truly delightful. Also included are Webster's original illustrations (see the cover), which are equally charming.
Bibliolatry Scale: 5.5 out of 6 stars
FTCBS: Bought this one myself, so my love has no strings attached.
DUDE. What if someone was like, "Dear Bibliolatrist. Here is 5k a month. Just read books and hang out, and zip me the occasional email to keep me updated." I'd have to address my anonymous friend as "Dear Best-Human-Being-Ever-to-Live-on-the-Planet." Alas. Best not to think of what will never be.
Anyway, that's the idea behind Daddy-Long-Legs. Jerusha Abbot is a poor orphan who is one day sent to college by an anonymous benefactor. His only requirement? Write him letters. Which, of course, she does, because a) that would be a dick move if she didn't, and b) Webster needs a novel.
Daddy-Long-Legs (DLL being the nickname she calls him) is a delightful little novel that is truly a joy to read. It's a little too perfect, but that's part of the charm. Many thanks to Nymeth, who brought this book to my attention. In fact, she discusses the book in far more detail (I'm too obsessed by my own lack of anonymous benefactor), so head on over there for some excerpts and whatnot.
This edition also includes a "sequel" of sorts (called Dear Enemy), but I am saving it for a rainy day. Or a snowicane, which I'll apparently be experiencing tomorrow. JOY.
In a nutshell: A fast, light read that is truly delightful. Also included are Webster's original illustrations (see the cover), which are equally charming.
Bibliolatry Scale: 5.5 out of 6 stars
FTCBS: Bought this one myself, so my love has no strings attached.
5 comments:
I totally want an anonymous benefactor too :P Glad you enjoyed it :D
I read this a long time ago, in junior high, and the only thing I remember from that experience is that 1) I liked the book and 2) I wondered for a while at the beginning if this whole scheme was an elaborate ploy on the part of Daddy Long Legs for sex. But I guess, at 13, all roads lead back to that. Anyway, you've inspired me to re-read. Onto the list it goes.
I'm reading this via daily lit right now and am enjoying it - missing out on the illustrations though!
Will look into, thanks!
One of my favorites; based on Vassar as you probably have read elsewhere. I own all her books plus a biography.
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