Christy [Mass Market Paperback]

Catherine Marshall (Author)

Book Description

Release date: June 27, 2006

In the year 1912, nineteen-year-old Christy Huddleston leaves home to teach school in the Smoky Mountains -- and comes to know and love the resilient people of the region, with their fierce pride, their dark superstitions, their terrible poverty, and their yearning for beauty and truth. But her faith will be severely challenged by trial and tragedy, by the needs and unique strengths of two remarkable young men, and by a heart torn between true love and unwavering devotion.

And don't miss another heart-soaring bestseller from Catherine Marshall: Julie

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

When Christy Huddleston leaves a life of privilege and ease to teach in the impoverished Smokey Mountains, her faith is severely tested by her pupils, the love of two men, and the curious customs of the mountain people in her community. Yet she grows to love these people and the simple, fulfilling lifestyle to be found in the heart of God's country. First released in 1967, Christy is based on the life of author Catherine Marshall's mother and was the inspiration for the recent television series of the same name. Beautifully told, this is a charming, timeless tale of love and faith that will appeal to romance readers of all ages. --Maudeen Wachsmith

Review

“Deeply moving...filled with suspense adventure, humor, and even comedy.” (Pasadena Star News)

“Wonderful...an epic novel”. (Dallas Times Herald)

“An affirmation of faith... A clear impression of the proud Scotch-Irish mountaineers and their harsh, lonely lives.” (Library Journal)

“A powerfully moving book of great depth.” (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

“It has something that keeps the reader reading…Relevant and heart-opening…Rich, dramatic.” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

“An inspiring story. With skill, Catherine Marshall has described human qualities common to all people everywhere.” (Boston Globe)

“A novel of celebration…wholesome, inspiring…Enjoyable reading.” (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: Avon (June 27, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380001411
• ISBN-13: 978-0380001415
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (147 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,044 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 67 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "Christy", an uplifting and spiritually filling book! October 12, 2002

By Priscilla Stafford

Format:Mass Market Paperback

"Christy" is the story of 19 year old Christy Huddleston who is in search for something to fill her soul and give her a purpose in life. So volunteering to teach in a mission school, Christy journeys to the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee, more specifically the area of Cutter Gap. Along with her, the other missions workers are a Quaker woman whom Christy looks up to Miss Alice Henderson, the handsome and charming Reverend David Grantland, and the reverend's spinster and dour sister, Ida Grantland. As she begins to get used to living in the primitive surroundings, her heart reaches out the highlanders, especially to the children. Another person Christy begins to bond with is Doctor Neil MacNeil who has a strong desire to help his people. And as Christy struggles through hardships and heartache, joy and victories, she learns to have faith that God will take care of each and every one of them through good times and bad times.

"Christy" was written by Catherine Marshall in 1967. The book is under the category of 'fiction', but in actuality Catherine Marshall had written the story based on her mother, Christy's, life. An extremely uplifting and spiritually filling book, "Christy" is sure to please both young adults and adults.

The characters in the story are what really draw you into the book, making it a turn pager not in the sense that it's suspenseful, but in that you just want to read more and more about the characters. Christy Huddleston has all of the qualities of a young woman, intelligent, charming, yet a bit innocent. She also has a very curious mind and is always pondering about life and God's mysterious ways. Miss Alice Henderson is so well described you can just picture in your mind her 'queenly stature and beautiful poise'. I would sorely have liked to meet her in real life and discuss God with her as she has such a close relationship with Him.

Then there's the two men in Christy's life, the reverend and the doctor, both possessing unique attraction and strength. Reverend David Grantland is everything a girl dreams of, young, handsome, and incredibly romantic. But at the same time Christy finds he doesn't seem to have such a good relationship with God. Whenever Christy tries to ask him deep questions, his answers are vague, unfulfilling, and he also tries to avoid any discussions. Then of course we have Doctor Neil MacNeil, a man of science and not one of God. Though a highlander himself, since he had graduated from a prestigious college he is incredibly smart and sharp. His quick wit, quiet and calm ways, and cool attitude draws Christy towards him. But at the same time she can find him annoying and feels uncomfortable with him. Who is she in love with? I can't tell you the answer though I can assure you that Christy DOES find the love of her life, a man who loves her so very much.

Catherine Marshall puts into her story many instances where Christy questions God's mysterious ways, for example where is God when a close friend dies? How can God's mercy be taught to the people of Cutter Gap who are very poor and whose lives are very hard? Catherine Marshall writes so vividly and so well that you begin yourself to ask questions and as you read find the answers. Also, the end was SOOOOO well-done! I must admit that whenever I read the last two pages, I do get a bit misty eyed and I feel so uplifted! It's not the romance (though it does include romance) but it's the eloquence of this person's (I'm not telling who!) prayer to God. Whenever I finish reading the book, I always think, "that's how much faith I want to have in God!"

I highly recommend this book, probably for teens and adults, mostly for teens older than 14. One reason is because younger children might find the book a bit dull or deep. Also some adult issues are discussed that younger children won't understand and some teens mind find a bit uncomfortable. But I still very highly recommend this book to read for both enjoyment and learning. Also recommended is the "Christy" series in which all the episodes are sold from Volume 1-12 (though unfortunately most are not sold on Amazon, hint hint!). The cast includes Kellie Martin, Randall Batinkoff, Stewart Finlay-Mclennan, and Tyne Daly. Also in the year 2001, PAX tv gave made three Christy movies, "Return to Cutter Gap", "A Change of Seasons", and "A New Beginning". The cast includes Lauren Lee Smith, Stewart Finlay-McLennan, James Waterston, and Dianne Ladd.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The story I always return to January 15, 2004

By Cat

Format:Mass Market Paperback

I read Christy when I was in fourth grade. Even so young, I think enough of
my personality had formed to enable me to recognize myself in her. I
had the same relentless desire to fight injustice, and, like Christy, I
sometimes went about it the wrong way (such as arguing with my teachers,
parents, and principals:)). Fervor is difficult to reason with. I am now
nineteen years old, the same age as Christy was when she left Ashville. I
have recently picked up the book and reread it, and I am astonished to
find all my feelings and thoughts perfectly mirrored in those incredible
pages. True, I am not a teacher in the Smoky Mountains. Instead, I am a
philosophy major attending college. But the story always seemed to me to
be about the elemental feelings and changes in Christy, not merely about
what happened to her. Millions of different circumstances play out in the
millions of different lives every day. But there is unity in humankind's
response to a situation. My best friend has never died, but I've known
sorrow. I don't battle moonshiners, but I've known struggles. I've never
seen the Smoky Mountains in the morning, but I've known joy. I've never
sewn buttons onto a little girl's coat, but I've known growth. When I read
Christy, I don't focus on the events that changed her. I find my greatest
bond to the book to be those very human feelings Christy experiences,
those very human feelings that we all share. All the emotions I
experience when taking in the events of my life, I find echoed back to me
through Christy. And that is why it is the story I will always return to.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Encouraging story! January 29, 2000

By Emma Caroline

Format:Mass Market Paperback

While reading Christy, I couldn't help but wish I could be as bold and courageous as this nineteen-year-old missionary teacher. Christy, a young woman beginning her journey in faith as she moves from a well-respected town into a mountainous chaos, has always felt she was more than just a nice dress at fancy tea parties, and proves herself true in this inspirational story. Defying her parent's wishes, Christy leaves her home and moves to Cutter Gap, a crude community in which the children are in deep need to learn. The people of Cutter Gap are extremely proud of their heritage and wonder about this new woman from the city coming to teach their children. Ms. Alice Henderson, a woman who helps with the mission, is Christy's inspiration to keep going even when she believes failure has beaten her. David Grantland, the preacher of the town, is immediately drawn to Christy's courage and independence. Dr. McNeil, the only doctor in the community, is also drawn to Christy and the light that shines through her as she finally becomes an accepted part of Cutter Gap. As she teaches a classroom full of encouraging young faces, she also learns herself that you have to keep trying and never give up on your dreams. When tragedy hits her with all its might, the love for one man will bring her back to the world, to him. This tale of courage and love will pull at your heart!