Customer Reviews

Michael O'Halloran

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Because of my name, many have asked me over the years if I was familiar with Gene Stratton-Porter's book, "Michael O'Halloran". As a boy, I was given a copy containing the pen and ink drawings and stills from the "photoplay" and have treasured it since (I do not know if modern editions contain either set of illustrations). Re-reading it as an adult, I am still charmed by this tale of an orphaned newspaper seller who asks nothing of the world except to "be square". It is easy to overlook major holes in the plot (for example, we never do know what is wrong with Peaches other than she is sick and can't walk), when we are presented with such a vivid description of American life in 1914 - even if some of the city scenes don't quite ring true. Though the characters suffer many hardships, the overall tone is so upbeat that it's easy to see why this book outsold "Pollyanna" in 1916. Stratton-Porter's skill as a naturalist make the country scenes especially vibrant. Her ear for dialog is unsurpassed showing the reader that, if life in America wasn't like this, it should have been. Having read this book, I am ready to believe that children and adults did speak this nicely to each other once upon a time. You, too, will wonder if the world wouldn't be a lot better off if everyone could just "be square".

Because of my name, many have asked me over the years if I was familiar with Gene Stratton-Porter's book, "Michael O'Halloran". As a boy, I was given a copy containing photo stills from the movie and have treasured it since. Re-reading it as an adult, I am still charmed by this tale of a young newspaper seller who asks the world to "be square". It is easy to overlook major holes in the plot (for example, we never do know what is wrong with Peaches other than she is sick and can't walk) when we are presented with such a vivid description of American life in 1914 - even if some of the city scenes don't quite ring true. Through many hardships, the tone is so upbeat that it's easy to see why this book outsold "Pollyanna" in 1916. Stratton-Porter's skill as a naturalist make the country scenes especially vibrant. Her ear for dialog is unsurpassed showing the reader that, if life in America wasn't like this, it should have been. Having read this book, I am ready to believe that children and adults did speak this nicely to each other once upon a time. You, too, will wonder if the world wouldn't be a lot better off if everyone could just "be square".

I loved this story! I read it first when I was 17 or so and had already read many of the author's works. Michael has such an appreciation for life, and his "squareness" and determination to keep his family together in the face of poverty, illness, and wellmeaning interference really brings home how important family is. This story contrasts city life and country life--and makes you long for the country! The fresh, homegrown food, the clean breezes, the room to stretch and grow, the creeks with gravelly bottoms and nibbling minnows! This book will appeal to anyone who yearns for the simple life.

Mickey is an orphaned newspaper boy who finds a little crippled girl and befriends her. He has such a strong desire to be the boy his mother taught him how to be, that he wins the hearts of everyone he touches. Will he find "Peaches" a family? And what of his young lawyer friend? How does a fatherless boy of the inner city discover happiness in teaching others to "be square" is a tale you'll love to read to your children.

Michael O'Haloran, an orphan, makes a living delivering papers and anything else honest he can find to do. When he discovers a younger girl dying of malnutrition, he brings her to his room and cares for her. His dream is for Dr. Carel (a real-life surgeon) to come and heal Peaches, and he never gives up.

In the book are sub plots of potential ruination of a good man due to a mistake, a couple of people who have lost the love and understanding they had and who desperately need it back, and of course, Michael and Peaches.

A wonderful tale of humanity.

I love this book, I was only eight years old, I thought there were only 4 books in the whole world, all in my room, I read and reread it, this book gave me a love of reading that has stood the test of time, I first read this book 50 years ago, I am so glad to find it again. Thank you so much. Maureen Philips, New Zealand

I'm 28 and love "feel good" books. This wasn't my favorite of Gene Stratton-Porter's books but it was upbeat and has really sweet moments. There just seemed to be a few repetetive and pointless conversations. Sometimes too, I didn't know exactly where it was going - even though though that's not all bad. All and all, when I was through reading it I felt satisfied.
Try "The Magic Garden". I loved it!

Michael O'Halloran is another of G. Stratton Porter's great books! It is definitely worth reading!

I found this story simply packed full of the charm and sense of beauty that Gene Stratton-Porter's books are known for. Michael O'Halloran stole my heart, and I hoped that there really were boys in the world like Michael; chivalrous, "square", hardworking and cheerful. I recommend this lovely book to all boys, girls who like boys, and adults who love children.

This book is about an orphan growing up in a big city, how he supports himself and his adopted sister. Michael believes in being honest and true no matter what, not because everyone tells him to or just to seem respectable, but because it is the right thing to do. So he can look himself in the face(mirror) without guilt or regrets. In his words, "Be square!"