Subject
Infants -- Fiction Books
Best books
Laurence Sterne
The life and opinions of Tristram Shandy, gentleman
"The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman" by Laurence Sterne is a humorous novel published from 1759 to 1767. The work purports to be a memoir, but narrator Tristram doesn't reach his own birth until the third volume. Through endless digressions, he recounts four accidents that doomed him to misfortune while depicting conflicts between his irritable father Walter and gentle Uncle Toby. The novel features sexual innuendo, unfinished sentences, and surprising visual elements including blank pages and censored paragraphs, transforming Sterne from obscure clergyman to literary celebrity.
Laurence Sterne
The life and opinions of Tristram Shandy, gentleman
"The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman" by Laurence Sterne is a humorous novel published from 1759 to 1767. The work presents itself as a memoir, but narrator Tristram Shandy begins with his own conception and doesn't describe his birth until the third volume. Through endless digressions, he recounts four accidents that supposedly doomed him to unhappiness, while depicting conflicts between his irritable father and gentle Uncle Toby. The novel features sexual innuendo, unfinished sentences, and surprising visual elements including blank pages and censored paragraphs.
Peter B. (Peter Bernard) Kyne
The Three Godfathers
"The Three Godfathers" by Peter B. Kyne is a novel written in the early 20th century, specifically around 1913. The story follows three outlaws who find themselves in an unexpected situation that tests their character and resolve when they must care for an orphaned baby after the mother dies during childbirth in the desert. The book explores themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the transformative power of love. In the narrative, the three bandits—known as The Worst Bad Man, The Wounded Bad Man, and The Youngest Bad Man—steal a substantial sum from a bank but are pursued by lawmen. As they flee into the desert, they encounter a dying woman about to give birth. After her tragic death, they promise to care for her newborn son, Robert William Thomas. Throughout their arduous journey across the harsh terrain towards safety, the men face both physical challenges and moral dilemmas. Their evolving sense of responsibility towards the child ultimately leads to profound character growth, showcasing how unlikely heroes can emerge in life-and-death situations through acts of compassion and bravery.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
The Color of His Boots
"The Color of His Boots" by W. C. Tuttle is a humorous short story likely written in the early 20th century, specifically in the 1910s. This work can be classified as fiction, weaving elements of adventure and comedy. The narrative follows the misadventures of two characters, Ike Harper and Magpie Simpkins, as they deal with the chaotic aftermath of a train ride incident involving a pair of yeller boots and a mistaken baby. The story unfolds as Magpie buys a new pair of boots which subsequently leads to an uproar when, through a series of comedic mishaps, they accidentally exchange the boots for a baby on a train. As they find themselves in the Bad Lands, the duo faces a series of humorous challenges, including wild cow interactions and narrow escapes from a posse seeking a kidnapper. Their antics culminate in a realization that the baby they carry, named Georgie, has a connection to the porter who ruined Magpie's prized boots. The story cleverly showcases themes of friendship, responsibility, and the absurdity of their predicament, leaving readers with laughter and a light-hearted commentary on the chaos that ensues from everyday follies.
Ellis Parker Butler
The Incubator Baby
"The Incubator Baby" by Ellis Parker Butler is a satirical short story written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of parenting and societal beliefs surrounding infant care during the time, focusing particularly on the challenges of raising a child in a scientifically controlled environment. Through humor and critique, it reflects on the contrast between traditional care and the emerging medical interventions of the day. The story follows Marjorie Fielding, an incubator baby born prematurely, who becomes an experiment in modern infant care as she is monitored meticulously by her parents and caregivers. Initially sheltered in an incubator, Marjorie navigates both the warmth of motherly love and the cold calculations of scientific motherhood. As she grows, her desire for genuine affection clashes with the strict, statistical approach her mother adopts—often leading to comical and poignant moments. Ultimately, Marjorie reveals her innate need for care and emotional connection, leading to a heartwarming conclusion where the importance of love and human warmth triumphs over rigid scientific methods.
Laurence Sterne
Das Leben und die Meinungen von Herrn Tristram Shandy
"Das Leben und die Meinungen von Herrn Tristram Shandy" by Laurence Sterne is a humorous novel published from 1759 to 1767. The narrator Tristram attempts to tell his life story but gets endlessly sidetracked by digressions, not even reaching his own birth until volume three. Through comic mishaps and domestic conflicts between his irritable father and gentle Uncle Toby, Sterne creates a wildly experimental work filled with sexual innuendo, visual tricks like blank and marbled pages, and playful parodies that transformed him from obscure clergyman to literary celebrity.
Robert William Reading
My toughest trip
"My Toughest Trip" by Sergeant Reading is an Arctic adventure narrative written in the early 20th century. As an account from a member of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police (now the Royal Canadian Mounted Police), the book provides a unique glimpse into the challenges faced by officers patrolling the harsh Arctic landscape and interacting with the local Inuit populations. The narrative centers around the intense experiences and responsibilities of a Mountie, particularly during a rescue mission that takes a dramatic turn. The storyline follows Sergeant Reading as he undertakes the task of returning an Eskimo woman, Nuttinook, to her rightful husband after resolving a dispute over her abduction. During their journey, they face unforeseen hardships when a storm leaves them stranded on an island. Compounding their troubles, Nuttinook unexpectedly gives birth to a baby girl, while Reading is left to navigate both the emotional and physical challenges of keeping the newborn alive in the unforgiving Arctic wilderness. Throughout the ordeal, Reading showcases his resourcefulness and determination, ultimately fulfilling his duty and returning the child to her community despite the heartbreaking loss of her mother. The account emphasizes both the difficulty and the nobility of the work done by the Mounties in the Arctic, contrasting romanticized portrayals with the realities of their experiences.
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