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The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

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Brief synopsis (no spoilers): Neglected and eventually orphaned Mary Lennox is sent to live with her Uncle in Misselthwaite Manor. Having been given all that she wants to this point she is spoiled and is constantly yelling and grumpy. However, as she begins to spend time outside and as she learns some of the secrets that Misselthwaite Manor holds she begins to slowly find herself changing. 

Category: Classics

Why I chose this book: It's a classic

My personal opinion: I'm not sorry I read (well, listened) to this story; however, I don't think I'll be recommending it to anyone. The most beautiful and moving parts of the story were the descriptions of the garden coming alive and of Dicken's interactions with the animals.  But the parts about Mary's and Colin's upbringings and and their spoiled brat attitudes became rather annoying (although, I realize they have to start out with bad character traits in order to change throughout the book). The snobby British attitude and degeneration of the natives of India was rather less than tactful as well. 

In the last quarter of the book, the children develop some sort of "spiritualism" about the garden and they begin completing an exercise of chanting and swaying trying to have the "spirit" of the garden in them to strengthen them and give them courage. From my perspective it was a bit unnerving, but most of the characters didn't grow up with religion being a part of their regular lives. And it wasn't too overdone or scary, just something to note.  

Warnings
Language: None
Violence: None 
"Adult" situations: None
Death: Several, off-screen

Movie rating equivalent: PG 

Protagonist description:   

Mary starts out as a proud, demanding, spoiled girl, but goes through a transformation during the story

Dicken is a "creature whisperer" meaning he is good with animals and plants. He seems to know what they say and how they feel and how to take care of them. 

Colin is a sickly invalid boy who constantly throws tantrums when he doesn't get his way. All of the servants, and his own father, are afraid of him. And it's only after another spoiled little girl is willing to stand up to him that he begins to have a change of heart. 

Point of view of story:  3rd Person

Book length: Medium - long

Story flow: Somewhat slow at times

Grammar and spelling issues: None

Character connection (no spoilers): I liked everything I'd heard about Martha (Mary's maid) and Dicken's mother. I'd love to have her as a close friend for her parenting advice and cheerful disposition. 

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