Christy: The Young Readers Edition

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Summary: Summary of Christy
Review: The book Christy by Catherine Marshall is a story about a nineteen year old girl who left home to go teach school in rural Cutter Gap. When Christy arrived she was face with many challenges. First, she had to walk 7 miles uphill in the snow. Then the children didn't have any of the proper clothing, shoes, electricity, and often walked mile to school. Christy was also tested in many different ways. Her physical and emotional endurance were tested. As she saw the children's lifestyles it was very hard for her to deal with because they had so little. Another thing she had to deal with was death. One example is that her good friend Farlight became ill with typhoid she was there watching her die. I think that this was a great book that teaches you about passion and dilligence. Christy's passion for these mountain people was very inspiring. I definetly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a book with passion, adventure, and overcoming hardships.

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Summary: Christy
Review: This is a wonderful telling of a real-life occurrence. Although the work is presented as fiction, the story, and most of the events, are based on the real life experiences of the author's mother. The real-life setting for the book lies in Del Rio, Tennessee, very near to Newport in the beautiful East Tennessee hill country. I re-read the book after visiting the actual site that served as the setting for the book (30 miles from my home); facinating to say the least! For those that enjoy historical fiction, this book is the best of all worlds. It accuratly presents the area and the life of the times. In terms of historical value, the only real fiction I could find is in the form of names (both places and people). Everything else appeared to accurate history written in novel form. If you liked the movie and/or the play, you'll find the book even more rewarding. My visit to the real "El Pano" (Del Rio)and "Cutter Gap" (Chapel Hollow), allowed me to relate the book to the actual place. In combination with Ms. Marshall's wonderful first-person narrative, the book literally came alive for me during my second reading. Not only is this book worthwhile reading in its own right, it is an excellent glimpse of life in East Tennessee in the early part of the last century. If you have the chance, you must visit the actual site. It is unspoiled and if your lucky you'll have the chance to meet the grandson of "Jeb and Fairlight Spencer" who still lives there in one of the original cabins.

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Summary: The Wonderful Story of Christy - My Favourite!
Review: This is my all-time favourite book, exceeding even Lord of the Rings and Jane Eyre. It's a heart-warming story about a 19 year old young woman, who leaves a comfortable and sheltered home to teach in the Great Smokies, where her life is changed forever. I first read this book as a student nurse, one winter night on a very long and lonely graveyard shift, and the message it portrays has stayed with me since then. I gladly recommend this moving and heroic tale to everyone who believes in love.