Customer Reviews

Christy: The Collectors Edition with Fan Letters and the Author's Personal Photos

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"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.

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!

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.

This book tells a story based on Catherine Marshall's mother's experience as a mission school teacher. In this book, a nineteen year old girl comes to the mountains of Tennessee to teach and she grows into a prayerful woman. Her life unfolds with a romantic triangle, her lovely young students and prayer, her faith in G-d always guides her. It is a beautiful, once in a lifetime book, well worth buying and reading.

This book is one of those rare novels that offers more to the reader after each read. Many delightful, inspirational little nuggets are tucked into the passages. All of the characters are 3D creations that breath off the page: Christy, the eager, passionate, idealistic young teacher, Fairlight, the homespun princess, Little Burl, the lovable student, Dr. MacNeil,the enigmatic physician, David, the confident preacher, Miss Alice, the woman with quiet depth and wisdom, and so many more. By book's end these characters are flesh and blood, their stories being spun out beautifully, but never cloyingly, against the proud, stubborn, hard, life of the mountains. Christy is so many things; a suspense, romance, adventure, religious, and biographical book, yet not one of the plot lines ever seem strained or outrageous. Perhaps because this story is rooted in fact and Catherine Marshall handles her characters and their actions lovingly. The TV show did not hold true to the book in so many ways, Christy was not given the "desire to grab life" as she had in the book, Miss Alice was turned into an officious, plow-ahead kind of character, David fell short of his vigorous, charming, confident portrayel in the book (what happened to the "booming voice"?). All together I felt disappointed when the show would veer into sentimentality and cheesiness, although I'm sure the director never meant it too. But I love this novel and have read it again and again. I will also continue to do so whenever I am in need of a good book.

This is one of the best religious, spiritual books I ever read!

In 1912 nineteen-year-old Christy embarks on a journey to the Appalachian mountains as a "missionary" to the mountain people, hoping to bring them spiritual nourishment and awakening. But in the process, it is Christy herself who undergoes some spiritual awakening.

This story is in some way an indictment of Calvinist theology. Christy asks Alice Henderson, the Quaker missionary from Pennsylvania who God could allow a girl to be raped and a woman to be hanged. In other words, how can a sovereign God of omnipotent power allow His own created being to do evil. Alice responds that God would HAVE TO if He has given us our own free will.

But the greatest test Christy faces is when a typhoid epidemic hits the mountains in early autumn, and her dearest friend, Fairlight Spencer, is the first victim. What were the power of a few germs to that of the Sovereign Omnipotent Ruler of the Universe? Christy rants. ...

This book says a lot about human responsibility and how not to blame God for everything that happens, especially when people do wrong to others.

Christy Huddleston has always enjoyed the life of the privledged in her home in 1911 Asheville, North Carolina. She enjoyed the best medical care, and education, while, only a few miles away many suffer in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains.
Christy, a nineteen-year-old girl, is swept up by the voice of Dr. Ferrand in her church. He asks (he will never beg) individuals to volunteer their time and help teach in these foresaken nooks of her country. Wanting to make something of her life, and not having many options to do so in the presuffrage days, she volunteers against the wishes of her freidns and family. Months later, she finds herself in Cutter Gap, a beautiful but destitute cove in the mountains.
Here, she encounters poverty like she has never seen before. Barely able to deal with it, Miss Alice, a quaker missionary, David Grantland, a young minister, and Ida Grantland, David's possesive sister and an unlikely friend, help her adapt to her job teaching 67 uneducated, unruly, students of all ages.
However, Christy perserveres and helps begin to rid the mountains of feuding (the killing kind, bad sanitary habits that lead to desease (i.e. typhoid), dangerous superstition, and moonshining. This is all done while she creates delicate friendships with some of the mountains most intresting and unique characters including the beautiful and queenly Fairlight Spencer, and learns some dark secrets of Miss Alice's Doc MacNeil (a mountain man) and other's past.

Those who enjoy adventure, suspence, courage, hope, and much more would greatly enjoy this novel. The character development is amazing and the characters, all of whom are unique and three dementional, come to life. You will find yourself crying at their failures and laughing at their triumphs. The Appalacians mountains provide a beautiful and mysterious setting for these conquests.
My only complaint about this story is that it becomes a smidge bit wordy at times and occasionally strays far off topic into boring dialog. However, hese lapses are rare and this is book that anyone should read immediately!!

City living just doesn't hold the allure that young CHRISTY is looking for in life. Then the opportunity to teach school in a small Appalachian village provides her with more adventure than she bargained for!
She soon develops her own special brand of courage and through many battles (physical and mental) becomes the wonderful friend, mentor and teacher to a delightful cast of characters.
Written as fiction, this is based on a true story.
I am looking forward to the sequel.

Christy
By Catherine Marshall

Christy, by Catherine Marshall, is about nineteen year old Christy Huddleston, who gives up her life of comfort in Ashville, Tennessee to serve as a teacher in the impoverished community of Cutter Gap, Tennessee in the early nineteen hundreds. In this book, Christy Huddleston learns to love the people of Cutter Gap unconditionally, and to serve others around her. Christy also struggles to sort through the romantic feelings she has toward the doctor and the minister.

After hearing a presentation by Dr. Ferrand, a non-denominational Christian missionary, Christy was challenged to move to Cutter Gap to teach at the mission. After packing her bags, Christy moves to Cutter Gap, Tennessee to find herself surrounded by the superstitious, poverty stricken, and illiterate people of the cove. Christy is determined to improve their way of life.

While struggling to gain respect from the school bullies, and dealing with the unsanitary ways of the people, Christy finds herself looking at her new life in discontent. She is overwhelmed by the duties and responsibilities she encounters. Christy questions if she made the right decision by coming to Cutter Gap. Miss Alice, a Quaker woman who is there to help run the mission, is always filled with advice and encouragement and helps Christy realize that she did not come here seeking a better life for herself, she came to serve others so that they might have a better life and also have a chance to be eternally redeemed. She learns patience by waiting for opportunities to serve, and develops a sense of victory every time she knows she is useful to someone.

Besides gaining a friendship with Miss Alice, Christy also gains friendships with the stubborn minister, David Grantland, and the prideful, Scottish-Irish physician, Dr. Neil McNeil. Christy expands her insight and gains clues to the destitute mountain people through the minister and the doctor. As Christy learns more, and knows more about the two men, she begins feel affection for both of them, and Christy must sort through her feelings to see if she is in love with either of them.

Christy Huddleston's faith is severely tested when Fairlight Spencer, Christy's closest friend, dies of typhoid and pneumonia. Christy can't understand why God can let there be so much pain and suffering in the world. She questions God about how He, the creator of the universe, can let Fairlight die. Christy struggles with her belief in God, but when she seeks Him in the words of the Bible, those words speak straight to her heart. Christy is assured that God is real, and that He works in mysterious ways.

This book also shows how God can use something negative to bring others to Him. Birdseye Taylor, a cold-hearted man who lives in the cove, and several other men, become mixed up in illegal distilling of whiskey. While a typhoid epidemic spreads through Cutter Gap, Birdseye is accused of murdering a man who was also tangled in the bootlegging. Birdseye retreats into hiding. When he finds out that his son, Lundy, is ailing with typhoid, he returns to the cove to see him. Lundy Taylor, dies, but through the tragedy, the Lord uses this situation to change Birdseye's heart and to eventually bring Birdseye to Him.

I recommend this book because it shows, through the eyes of a young teacher, how God can work mysteriously to turn something negative into something positive. It also shows how someone can unconditionally love even the unlovable. I'm convinced that this book will change your outlook on life. I was challenged to be a more unselfish, humble person.

This is a wonderful telling of a real-life occurrence. Although the work is presented as fiction, the story, and most of the events, are based on the real life experiences of the author's mother. The real-life setting for the book lies in Del Rio, Tennessee, very near to Newport in the beautiful East Tennessee hill country. I re-read the book after visiting the actual site that served as the setting for the book (30 miles from my home); facinating to say the least! For those that enjoy historical fiction, this book is the best of all worlds. It accuratly presents the area and the life of the times. In terms of historical value, the only real fiction I could find is in the form of names (both places and people). Everything else appeared to accurate history written in novel form. If you liked the movie and/or the play, you'll find the book even more rewarding. My visit to the real "El Pano" (Del Rio)and "Cutter Gap" (Chapel Hollow), allowed me to relate the book to the actual place. In combination with Ms. Marshall's wonderful first-person narrative, the book literally came alive for me during my second reading. Not only is this book worthwhile reading in its own right, it is an excellent glimpse of life in East Tennessee in the early part of the last century. If you have the chance, you must visit the actual site. It is unspoiled and if your lucky you'll have the chance to meet the grandson of "Jeb and Fairlight Spencer" who still lives there in one of the original cabins.