Ruth Livingston Hill (1898–2001)

I’ve been telling people for a while now that this book saved my life when I was thirteen. I wouldn’t put the details of that experience into a book review, but it’s important to note that this is the book that first opened my eyes to the power of literature, beyond its uses for education and pleasure. John Nielson Had a Daughter may not be placed on the shelf of any prestigious Hall of Fame for literary merit, but its story of hope was exactly what I needed, when I needed it. Yes, it’s expressly Christian as well as old-fashioned reading, but it’s only a matter of time, a lifetime or two, before every book becomes old-fashioned. I don’t think “old-fashioned” is just the same as “out of fashion” or “obsolete,” and hope never goes out of style. Humanity would do well to hang on to this story, and other stories like it.

As a reader, I now count this novel to be my all-time favorite book for the importance of the purpose it has served in my life.… (mere)