Discover the favourite childhood classic “People never like me and I never like people,” Mary thought. When Mary Lennox is sent to Misselthwaite Manor to live with her uncle, everybody says she is the most disagreeable-looking child ever seen. It is true, too. Mary is pale, spoilt and quite contrary. But she is also horribly lonely. Then one day she hears about a garden in the grounds of the … garden in the grounds of the Manor that has been kept locked and hidden for years. And when a friendly robin helps Mary find the key, she discovers the most magical place anyone could imagine…
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Today’s question was what was your favorite childhood book. This question reminded me that I loved The Secret Garden as a kid. I even have a copy my aunt gave me when I was about 10. I am thinking I should re-read it some day.
I loved the book as a child and I still love it today.
I read this book for the first time when I was 11yrs old as required reading for school and I fell in love in with the story. I loved the way Mary went from being a spoiled brat to a sweet and loving child that helps Collin and her uncle to learn how to be a family. The garden was a beautiful place for Collin to enjoy and find a connection to his mother. I thought it was fantastic as the main characters learned about each other and began to fill the voids in each other’s lives. Truly a feel good story.
This book has been on my TBR since I was a child myself. I’ve just never gotten around to for some reason. That’s exactly why it picked it for my book club pick this time. It’s always a bit of a peculiar thing to come to a childhood classic for the first time as an adult. Not only is your mindset totally different than that of a pre-teen, but you’re also dealing with change in societal norms from the time the book was first published.
The descriptions of nature in this story are fabulous. I adore the fall, but reading about the birds and green shoots and flowers as the world outside my window is getting ready to hibernate really made me long for spring. The author not only paints a beautiful visual, but I could also could almost hear the sounds of the critters and smell the fresh turned earth.
Mary and Colin are really quite disagreeable children. Due to their upbringing, I was inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt. Which is exactly why I love the Sowerby family, starting with Martha. Although Martha doesn’t seem to get as much credit for the turnaround of the children in Misselthwaite Manor, she was the first one to stand up to Mary, so to speak. It wasn’t so much impudence or sass, but truly not understanding the odd ways Mary had and being outspoken about those things. Mary’s transformation started with Martha, and snowballed once Dickon Sowerby came into the picture. Which then put Mary into the position to be a catalyst for Colin’s transformation.
Because this story was published in the early 1900’s, there were definitely issues with how these children were raised and talked about. These are things I could push aside, knowing it has to do with the times. There were a few things really rubbed me the wrong way, though. Things that I feel I would want to discuss with a young reader of this story. Where I think this read can be wonderful for all ages, some may need some guidance. The lesson that came across to me was how much your attitude about yourself and the world around you can actually change you from the inside out. I believe different people will get different things from this book, and that’s a good marker of what makes a book a classic.
This book is awesome
read, re-read and read agan. a wonderful story
all around.
This author writes in a very visual empowering way. Truths, sometime not so nice ones, are said in a down to earth manner that gives great visualization of character, places, things. You can really get into her time and place. She states truths about people but does not judge, nor does she withhold hope for change for the better.
I enjoyed this book and have read it several times for personal satisfaction as well as to my grandchildren for their pleasure. It really gives the little ones something to think about.
I love this book.
Good for Early teen girls. Easy reading. very real story line. read it when I was 12 and many times since. I am now 80 and doing this makes me want to read it again.
Terrific story to read aloud to your child!
Loved the growth of the characters
I love love love The Secret Garden. I have read and reread it so many times I’ve lost count. I read it for the very first time when I was 11 years old (I’m in my 30s now) and it has stuck with me ever since. The writing is lovely, the characters are the best kind of friend, and come on… Who doesn’t love a Secret Garden? If I didn’t kill any plant that came into my care, I absolutely would have one of my own. Instead, I guess I’ll just have to cherish the novel. Bonus, no weeding necessary!
I love this book! I’ve been rereading it for over 20 years, and it still brings back the same magic! Its a classic children’s book for a reason, and I’m still holding onto the dream of some guy building me a secret garden lol!
I loved this book as a kid. The exotic (to me) settings, the characters, the transformation, all apealed to me. It still is one of my favorites.
It is a timeless story. First read this book in fifth grade, and have owned several copies since that time. I also bought it for my daughter and several nieces when they were children. It is a wonderful story that takes you to those moors and the big, drafty house, and the secret garden. Wonderful to read again and again, even as an adult.
This is always listed as my favorite childhood book.
As a child I loved this book! I still love it and would love to have my very own secret garden! I love story of friendship, love and renewal!
One of the best books I’ve ever read, loved it as a little girl.
I read this book many times. First was at school and later when I started my writing career. The emotion that this tale gave me is the one I hope my readers will have with my stories.
I love this classic story about two children who prove that it takes a brother or sister to help raise a child. I really enjoyed the scene where both Mary and Colin screeched at each other; there is no one like a sibling to let a child know just how spoiled and silly that child is behaving (as I experienced growing up). Childishly sweet without being sickeningly sweet – it is hard to find prose like this nowadays. That is why this is a classic.
I’m probably the last person on the planet who hadn’t read this book up until now. It’s a charming story and I can see why it has had lasting popularity. I listened to the book on audio and my only caveat is that I’m not a fan of accented reading, but that’s a personal preference. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed it and the narration was well done.