Subject
Newport (R.I.) -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Harry Castlemon
Tom Newcombe; Or, the Boy of Bad Habits
"Tom Newcombe; Or, the Boy of Bad Habits" by Harry Castlemon is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Tom Newcombe, a fourteen-year-old boy from a wealthy family who struggles with numerous bad habits and a discontented attitude despite having every material comfort available to him. As he contemplates his future, Tom frequently shifts his ambitions between various careers, most prominently a life at sea, indicating a deep-seated yearning for adventure overlayed with his aversion to the hard work that accompanies it. The opening of the book introduces us to Tom, lounging in his yard and lamenting his lack of good fortune, which he largely attributes to his inability to focus or apply himself. Although his father, a successful ship owner, has provided him with every conceivable luxury, Tom's careless habits make him increasingly unhappy and lead to struggles with academia. Despite his grand dreams of becoming a sailor, his father's insistence on education stands as a barrier. After persistent pleading, Tom eventually secures grudging permission to go to sea on one of his father's ships. However, he quickly discovers that the reality of ship life is markedly different from his romantic notions, fraught with hard labor and bullying from the crew, setting the stage for a lesson in humility and responsibility.
Harry Castlemon
No Moss; Or, The Career of a Rolling Stone
"No Moss; Or, The Career of a Rolling Stone" by Harry Castlemon is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows the adventures of Tom Newcombe, a young boy marked by his mischievous and rebellious spirit as he navigates his way through various escapades at an academy and his encounters with former friends who present both challenges and opportunities. As Tom becomes more embroiled in schemes involving a secret society of boys, conflict arises with authority figures and old foes. At the start of the book, readers are introduced to Tom and his life at an academy, where he is both a student and a member of the crew aboard the yacht Storm King. His rebellious nature leads him to plot against his rivals and the authority of his instructors, though he often faces retaliation and consequences for his actions. The opening chapters depict Tom's interactions with a group of fellow boys, hinting at a secret society that mirrors themes of camaraderie and conflict. Tom's character is a mix of ambition and recklessness, setting the stage for rising tensions that promise further adventure as he pursues his plans amidst the backdrop of naval life and youthful rebellion.
Laura Dent Crane
The Automobile Girls at Newport; Or, Watching the Summer Parade
"The Automobile Girls at Newport; Or, Watching the Summer Parade" by Laura Dent Crane is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the adventures of two sisters, Barbara and Mollie Thurston, as they embark on a transformative journey shared with their newfound friends, Ruth Stuart, Grace Carter, and a group of adventurous young men. Through themes of courage, self-reliance, and youthful exuberance, the narrative explores the girls' experiences and friendships as they navigate social dynamics and personal challenges in a novel and changing world. At the start of the story, we meet Barbara and Mollie, two spirited sisters living modestly after the untimely death of their father. Their lives take a thrilling turn when they learn they may attend a grand summer party hosted by their wealthy friend Ruth. The opening chapters set the stage for excitement, showcasing Barbara's fearless nature as she rescues Ruth and her friends from a runaway carriage, establishing a bond that leads to the promise of further adventures. With the opportunity to travel to Newport in an automobile, the sisters are filled with anticipation about their journey and the experiences that await them in a world far removed from their everyday lives, blended with mystery and a touch of magic.
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