Daddy Long-Legs
Jean Webster
first published 1912
239 pages
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Hey FTC: Here’s a new one for you. I downloaded this onto my nook. And it was free! But I did it through B&N, so it’s gotta be legal, right?
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Isn’t that the cutest cover? There are other sketches throughout the book, too. The story and the sketches are totally charming. Of course, I probably think that because they’re on par with my drawing ability. 
Jerusha “Judy” Abbott was raised at the John Grier Home, a dour place that did little to dampen her spirit. Judy is very reminiscent of Anne Shirley…she’s got spunk. A wealthy patron of the orphanage offers to send Judy to college, and the only thing required in return is that Judy write him letters. Daddy Long-Legs is the collection of letters from Judy’s four years in college (plus a few after she graduates), and they are both hysterical and introspective. A few excerpts:
I must say, however, that when I think about you, my imagination has very little to work upon. There are just three things that I know: I. You are tall. II. You are rich. III. You hate girls.
I suppose I might call you Dear Mr. GirlHater. Only that’s sort of insulting to me. Or Dear Mr. Rich-Man, but that’s insulting to you, as though money were the only important thing about you. Besides, being rich is a very external quality. Maybe you won’t stay rich all your life; lots of very clever men get smashed up in Wall Street. But at least you will stay tall all your life! So I’ve decided to call you Dear Daddy-Longs. I hope you won’t mind.
I haven’t mentioned any lessons of late; but we are still having them every day. It’s sort of a relief though, to get away from them and discuss life in the large – rather one-sided discussions that you and I hold, but that’s your own fault. You are welcome to answer back any time you choose.
I know lots of girls (Julia, for instance) who never know that they are happy. They are so accustomed to the feeling that their senses are deadened to it, but as for me – I am perfectly sure every moment of my life that I am happy. And I’m going to keep on being, no matter what unpleasant things turn up. I’m going to regard them (even toothaches) as interesting experiences, and be glad to know what they feel like. “Whatever sky’s above me, I’ve a heart for any fate.”
I first saw this book mentioned by Nymeth (aka She Who Wreaks Havoc With Our TBR Lists). Since then I’ve discovered I’m not the only one she convinced to read this story. And everyone who has read it has loved it (at least the reviews that I’ve seen).
And get this…while I’d never heard of this book prior to Nymeth’s review, last week I got a flyer in the mail for the musical Daddy Long-Legs. But it’s playing in the Bay Area, so no, I’m not going. Still, I thought that was the weirdest coincidence.
I hadn’t realized the narrator was in college. I was told this was a children’s book by the person who recommended it to me (my friend Karen, who reviewed it a month or two before Ana). Does it read like an adult book then?
I too read those reviews and re read Daddy Long Legs which I had read a few years back. Now I am reading Dear Enemy it’s sequel and I love that too
Shweta´s last blog ..Fire by Kristin Cashore
Great title for Nymeth. I remember her review of this, too and thinking then that it sounded intriguing. Still does.
Care´s last blog ..The Princess Bride
Yay, I liked this one a lot, too (and I agree with your nickname for Nymeth- so true)! It was such fun to read, though I didn’t like the sequel as much.
Aarti´s last blog ..Review: Under Heaven
This sounds good. I have read this one and now feel like you are adding to my TBR.
Way to pass the torch!
Sheila (Bookjourney)´s last blog ..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?
I saw this on Nymeth’s blog too. Between the two of you, I’m finding it hard to resist!
Kathy´s last blog ..Our Life in France – banking, money and numbers
You must love the instant gratification of your Nook!
Trying to think of a Daddy Long Legs joke now ….
Dawn – She is Too Fond of Books´s last blog ..Book Review: *The Postmistress* by Sarah Blake
“Of course, I probably think that because they’re on par with my drawing ability.”
I dunno . . . I used to think that about manga too (specifically, Yu Watase), until I actually tried to draw it.
EL Fay´s last blog ..Diversify Your Reading!
The FTC’s head is spinning.
And this sounds charming.
Jenners´s last blog ..Reading with the Little One: "Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch
I can not wait to get this from the library! Thanks for the lovely review. Nymeth does have a way of adding things to TBR lists.
I’ve seen the movie version of the book with Fred Astaire. It’s totally creepy because Fred’s reeeeally, really old, and he totally lusts after Leslie Caron. Anyway, I decided to read the book when I was in middle school because I thought that the movie would make a good book. I suppose I was expecting something more… I don’t know, lusty.
heidenkind´s last blog ..Urban/e Vampires
Okay are you and Nymeth in cahoots? This is BLOB month. I must resist buying or acquiring. Back I say (holding up crossed fingers)!
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Sounds very charming!
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*giggles* I feel so mighty – I was one of the people that recommended Nymeth read this, and now I’m seeing reviews of it pop up everywhere. It is a lovely book, and the sequel is rather sweet too (though maybe not quite as good). Glad you enjoyed it!
Jenny´s last blog ..Peter and Max, Bill Willingham
I read this book when I was a pre-teen and always loved it. It also reminds me of Understood Betsy . . .
M Denise C´s last blog ..Creative Coworker: Photography by Tom Marusa
yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed this
Jenny’s totally right, btw – the blame is originally hers 
Nymeth´s last blog ..Orlando: A Biography by Virginia Woolf