The Shepherd of the Hills [Paperback]

Harold Bell Wright (Author), Michael R. Phillips (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1988

From One of America's Best-Loved Writers of the Early Twentieth Century -

Harold Bell Wright was truly one of America's master writers of the early twentieth century. His books have sold millions of copies. He possessed an amazing ability to capture a slice of memorable history, to introduce unforgettable characters, and through it all to weave meaningful truth and spiritual significance.

The Shepherd of the Hills is the classic story of the stranger who takes the Old Trail deep into the Ozark mountains, many miles from civilization. His appearance signals intellect and culture, yet his countenance is marked by grief and disappointment. He is a man with a mission, yet one which no one understands. What is his purpose in taking on the lowly work of tending local sheep? And how is it that he befriends these simple hill folk, despite his coming from the world beyond the ridges?

Mystery and romance envelop this gentle yet compelling story as the identity and purpose of the strange-turned-shepherd is gradually unveiled.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Here and there among men, there are those who pause in the hurried rush to listen to the call of a life that is more real. He who sees too much is cursed for a dreamer, a fanatic, or a fool, by the mad mob, who, having eyes, see not, ears and hear not, and refuse to understand." ---"The Shepherd of the Hills" --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

size : 5.2 x 8

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (July 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0871239167
• ISBN-13: 978-0871239167
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,251,257 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Shepard, February 19, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Shepherd of The Hills, The (Paperback)

This book was so good. I first read it when I seven and have read it a million times since. My parents have gone to see the play of it and they say the book is better. This book is truly better than any one of the many books I had to read in school. I wish they would make it part of the reading list in schools. Kids would enjoy it so much. If you are looking for a great all around book. This one is it. It has action, suspense, love, comedy, and of course drama. It is neither too long of a novel or too short.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Book outshines movie, play, May 30, 2002

By 

SLO (Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shepherd of The Hills, The (Paperback)

Once I read this book a few summers ago, it quickly became my all-time favorite book. I had seen the play, which is spectacular, and I had seen the movie (a bit disappointing to me), but nothing could prepare me for the book.
Harold Bell Wright creates a masterpiece. And that is an understatement. Several plots develop throughout the story, each one seeming irrelevent when compared to another, yet they are all interwoven masterfully by the end of the book. There is the lonely stranger, who wanders into the hills, and changes the community and then learns something about himself and the meaning of life. Readers then watch Sammy Lane struggle to become a "sure 'nough lady," and will most likely cheer on Young Matt as he fights to steal Sammy's heart from Ollie Stewart, though he knows Ollie promises Sammy a rich city life. Readers are also involved in Young Matt's and Wash Gibb's struggles to the title of "Strongest Man in the Hills." And Old Matt, Aunt Mollie and the Shepherd are forced to relive the past and learn from it, no matter how strong the pain is.
In conclusion, I just want to recommend this book to all people looking for some quality summer reading. The book may seem somewhat long, but it is hard to put down and you'll go through it quickly, wishing it would never end. Read this book and enjoy!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Some people take the high road, and some take the low road., November 23, 2004

By 

Kevin M Quigg (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Shepherd of The Hills, The (Paperback)

This is an inspirational message. I recently visited Branson, Missouri and picked up a copy of this book. Branson residents assure me this book is true and is based on Wright's visit to this region in the late 1800s. At the end of the story, Wright's image appears as the artist painting the Ozark mountains. I saw the cabin where much of the story takes place.
For those interested in a book that is as lively as Tom Sawyer or Huckleberry Finn, this is a good addition. Why, because the language is much the same as what Twain uses in his book. The author was once a minister, and the main character in the book is a former minister working as a shepherd of a flock of sheep.
The reader should understand there are plenty of references to God in this book, but this is not the main tenet of this book.

This is a pleasant read and there is an inspirational message in the story. I read this 250 odd page book in less than a day, so the reading is light and at first difficult due to the language used. However, I would recommend this book to anyone desiring to read about the endless conflict of right versus wrong. This book is based on true events.