Showing results by author "Gene Stratton-Porter" in All Categories

A Girl of the Limberlost, a novel by the writer and naturalist Gene Stratton-Porter, was published in 1909 as the sequel to her earlier novel Freckles. The tale unfolds in and around the Limberlost Swamp of north-eastern Indiana and in the nearby town of Onabasha. The main character, Elnora Comstock, lives with her widowed mother, Katharine Comstock, on the edge of the wetlands. The embittered Katharine blames her daughter for the death of her husband, who was swallowed by quicksand.

Freckles is the only name he has ever known. His right hand is missing at the wrist, and he is haunted by not knowing how it happened. Raised since infancy in a Chicago orphanage, he speaks with a slight Irish accent and sings with a beautiful voice. Now, exhausted after many days of walking, he applies for a job with the Grand Rapids Lumber Company, guarding timber in the Limberlost Swamp from timber thieves. His Swamp Angel declares her love for him and promises that she will find his parents and prove that Freckles comes from "a race of men that have been gentlemen for ages."

"Laddie" is Gene Stratton-Porter’s most autobiographical novel, and is titled after her brother, who drowned as a teenager. It is the story of Pamela Pryor and Laddie Stranton. Whilst she is rich, Laddie is but a poor farm boy. Her father opposes the match, and Pamela tries her best to change his mind.

A Girl of the Limberlost, a novel by American writer and naturalist Gene Stratton-Porter. It is considered a classic of Indiana literature. It is the sequel to her earlier novel Freckles. Patricia Raub (Senior Lecturer of American Studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston) notes that Stratton-Porter was "one of the most popular woman novelists of the era, who was known for her nature books and her editorials on McCall's 'Gene Stratton-Porter Page' as well as for her novels.

Michael O'Halloran is the charming Gene Stratton-Porter novel of an orphaned newspaper seller who asks nothing of the world except to "be square". The book presents a vivid description of American life in 1914 and, though the characters suffer many hardships, the overall tone is so upbeat that it's easy to see why this book outsold Pollyanna in 1916. Stratton-Porter's skills as a naturalist make the country scenes especially vibrant. Her ear for dialogue is unsurpassed, demonstrating to the listener that, if life in America wasn't like this, it should have been.

Freckles is a spirited young man raised in a Chicago orphanage, fueled by a dream to find his place in the world despite the challenges of having only one hand. His journey leads him to the enchanting Limberlost Swamp, where he becomes a guardian of its precious timber. Here, he discovers a profound love for the wilderness and the diverse wildlife he encounters daily. Along the way, Freckles meets the captivating girl he affectionately calls the Swamp Angel, igniting a passion for nature that propels him on a quest for knowledge about the birds and plants that surround him. With the guidance ...

Join the heartwarming journey of Michael O’Halloran, a spirited and hopeful newsboy who, despite being orphaned at a young age, embraces life with a simple mantra “Be Square!” This delightful tale captures Michaels unwavering optimism and the way he brightens the lives of everyone he meets. A truly uplifting story that reminds us all of the joy that comes from kindness and connection. (Summary by Mary A.)

Dive into the enchanting world of Harvester, a romantic novel by Gene Stratton-Porter that beautifully weaves together a love for nature, strong moral values, and an engaging storyline. Follow the journey of a young man who lives in the serene countryside with his loyal dog and a menagerie of animals, cultivating herbs for local medical suppliers. One fateful evening, he envisions his Dream Girl, sparking a quest that leads him to discover not just her, but himself. Join him on this heartfelt adventure filled with love, longing, and the magic of the natural world.

In the heart of the Midwest, 26-year-old David Langston, affectionately known as the Harvester, leads a simple life alongside his loyal dog. Devoted to cultivating and harvesting trees, plants, and herbs, David sells his bounty as medicinal ingredients to pharmaceutical companies. Each spring, when the first bluebird returns, he turns to his canine companion for guidance on whether to continue his bachelor lifestyle or seek a wife. This year, for the first time in six years, the dog suggests he should pursue love. Reluctantly, David embraces this advice, and that night, a vivid vision of a ...

Dive into the enchanting world of The Song of the Cardinal, where a spirited male Cardinal makes his home in a tree beside a farmer and his wife. As the Cardinal serenades the skies in search of a mate, the couple finds themselves captivated by his vibrant antics. His joyful melodies not only lead him to love but also breathe new life into the farmer and his wifes marriage. Experience this heartwarming parallel love story that is sure to lift your spirits and leave you feeling uplifted! (Summary by peppersnoodles93)

Gene Stratton-Porter (August 17, 1863 - December 6, 1924) was a pioneering American author, naturalist, and wildlife photographer, with a passion for the enchanting birds and moths of the rapidly disappearing wetlands in the lower Great Lakes Basin. The Limberlost and Wildflower Woods of northeastern Indiana served as both her inspiration and laboratory, fueling her stories, novels, essays, photography, and films. Renowned for her artistic talents, Stratton-Porter is celebrated as one of the first female authors to advocate for conservation, particularly championing the Limberlost Swamp. While...

Freckles is a young man who has spent his entire life in a Chicago orphanage, dreaming of a job, a sense of belonging, and acceptance despite his disability of having only one hand. His journey leads him to the enchanting Limberlost Swamp, where he becomes a guardian of its precious timber. Here, he uncovers a profound love for the wilderness and the diverse wildlife he encounters during his daily rounds. As he explores this new world, he also falls for a girl he affectionately calls the Swamp Angel. This story beautifully captures Freckles courageous spirit as he embraces his role in the ...

Gene Stratton-Porter was a naturalist and fierce conservationist as well as an author, and one of the areas she held dearest was the Limberlost swamp. Indeed, she spent her income and life endeavouring to protect it.

"The Harvester" is a gentle love story, made up of a fondness for nature, high moral ideals and an engaging plot. It is the story of young David Langston, who lives in the countryside with his dog, growing medicinal herbs he then sells in the city. One evening, he has a vision of his Dream Girl and goes searching for her, and in so doing changes the course of his life forever.

This is the story of plucky, optimistic newsboy Michael O’Halloran. Michael was orphaned at a young age and asks nothing of the world but to "Be Square!" In this a warm and joyous story, he makes life sunnier for those around him, bringing joy to all who know him, and to readers everywhere.

Gene Stratton-Porter (1863-1924) was an early naturalist and nature photographer who wrote several best-selling novels. Her novel, Laddie: A True Blue Story (1913), includes autobiographical elements that corresponded to her early life. The story is told by Little Sister, the 12th child of a large family, while the character of the title is based on the author’s older brother, who has a strong connection to the land. The narrative has a country ambiance with lovely descriptions of nature.

"The Song of the Cardinal" by Gene Stratton-Porter is the story of a big male Cardinal bird in the Wabash Valley, Indiana. Living in a tree near the home of a farmer and his wife, the bird sings with passion and joie de vivre to attract a mate, which he finds, and a charming romance develops. Unfolding at a leisurely pace, the story portrays the varied natural settings of the region in a most engaging way. The theme of nature and mankind’s responsibility to care for it, is present throughout the narrative.