Have you read Gene Stratton Porter's books Freckles or Girl of the Limberlost?

[bobbieinok]

These were 2 of my mom's (b 1913) books she gave me when I was in 3rd grade and we visited her childhood home in Pine Lawn MO near St Louis.

The home decorating depicted in Girl and in The Harvester is surprisingly modern.

I always liked her books until I read Her Father's Daughter. The anti-Japanese prejudice that is a central part of the story-line is appalling. And the conviction that the girl must not marry her sweetheart because males are only permitted to marry after they have completed their advanced education and are established financially and able to support a wife comfortably.*

The book really brought home to me the anti-oriental prejudice of the 20s.

ETA - * Thus the father approves her marriage out of high-school to a man in his mid 20s who admires her. After kindly but definitely explaining 'real life' to her high-school friend and comrade.

[irisblue]

1. I do remember Girl of The Limberlost.

A long time ago.

[bobbieinok]

2. Try Freckles. I liked it better. Both, and other of her books, are free at Gutenberg Project

[Paladin]

5. I remember my mother really liked that one, as well.

[Silver Swan]

3. I did enjoy A Girl of the Limberlost.

My grandmother liked that book a lot. I had a copy at one time, but it seems to have disappeared. I do have a Kindle copy. (It's available free.)

[TuxedoKat]

4. Haven't read Freckles

But did read Girl of the Limberlost. Will check out Freckles. Haven't read anything else by this author.

Years ago I read My Antonia by Willa Cather and being annoyed at the way immigrants were portrayed in it so I can relate to your dismay at the anti-Japanese sentiment. You might like this book, The Hidden Flower by Pearl S. Buck.

[bobbieinok]

6. The Harvester is free online. Interesting to read as a reflection of Porter's love of nature

It's very much a period piece reflecting the professed ideals of the appropriate relationship between men and women. Some might not be able to block their own beliefs and read it for what it is. I personally enjoy all the nature and herbal lore and the description of how the man decorates the house for his bride -funiture, colors, curtains and rugs, dishes. In many ways I found the decor interesting and appealing.

[Glorfindel]

7. I read them both many years ago at my parents' suggestion.

Very enjoyable, though I don't remember a lot about either of them. Several more from that era that my parents liked and recommended to me..."Lamb in His Bosom," "Shepherd of the Hills," "The Prince of Graustark," any anything by Booth Tarkington.