What Katy Did

   Scythrop Glowry on Jan 4 08:30:44

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What Katy Did by "Susan Coolidge" (1873) is a delightful little book that has been used as, very wisely, a children's book though I think it was originally meant as a nostalgic story for adults. It is easy to read, and fun. It has great moral values including such that induce me to call it "The Cynic's Pollyanna". If you like Pollyanna, Anne of Green Gables, and/or The Secret Garden* you should like this. Two movies were made of What Katy Did. I watched the one with Megan Follows (because I like her) and enjoyed it immensely. I watched it before reading the book. Both are delightful stories with good values, though they are quite different. In this case I liked that they were different because I could enjoy each separately. I suggest watching the movie first so that you don't get indignant about how different it is from the book, but don't take watching the movie as an excuse not to read the book. The book is not extremely eloquent, but its simple, nostalgic style is enough. It is interesting to hear of the Victorian children doing things that remind me of my own childhood. Wholesome and Christian without the least preachiness, it's just what you need for a break from the obstreperous side of the world.

What Katy Did

*I only read a little bit of The Secret Garden because, at least at the time, I didn't like it very much. I liked the movie better. What Katy Did is better than either the book or the movie, in my opinion.

Also, "Susan Coolidge" (Sara Chauncy Woolsey) wrote several other books including more in the Katy series. I only read What Katy Did and stopped there because other old books were calling me. I hope to someday read the rest of the Katy series. Please, tell me if you've read any of the others, but don't give any spoilers!

#1

Scythrop Glowry on Mar 14, 2023 12:16 PM
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I have now read What Katy Did at School and enjoyed it.

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