This is the most fun-filled story I have ever read! This story tells about two children that are abused and have to support themselvs and their sick drunk father . In order to do this they must go claming on their small boat. This story tells about all the troubles they go through. If you want to find out more about this book you will have to read it your-self!

This Depression era story is anything but depressing: rich in hope, humor and intergenerational discoveray, this charmer was originally published as "The Melodeon"--a small household organ. Thirteen-year-old James has been shipped out to his grandparents' farm in Michigan, when his Philadelphia parents can no longer afford to provide for him. This city boy has a lot to learn in a rural setting, but he comes of age that special, unforgettable Christmas Eve, when he discovers that grandparents are people too.

He and Will undertake a difficult enterprise which will bring joy to his grandmother and delight a humble congregation in a rebuilt church. James discovers that Will and Ella are not just his grandparents, but a son and a daugher-in-law; that they are three-dimensional persons with their own emotions, memories, and foibles--unique individuals in their own right, deserving of respect and compassion.

The true Christmas spirit is revealed to James his first winter away from his parents; gifts freely offered from the heart with a personal sacrifice to benefit an entire congregation. Not to mention putting graceful closure to intergenerational distress--the binding of family wounds in loving victory of the soul. A wonderful and truly enjoyable tale for readers of all ages, with a surprise touch of Fantasy near the end!

I was ushered into the wonderful world of reading by a fantastic third grade teacher who read books aloud every day for 30 minutes. TV Thompson was one of the books she read to us. I was so fascinated by the author's creativity. I couldn't wait to sit and hear another chapter of TV's amazing story. TV Thompson travels through the TV and participates in shows for awhile, then he's zapped out of them again. I have never forgotten this book, and am searching for a copy. As I recall, it was out of print even then. TV Thompson reminds me of when I first started enjoying reading. I think it's a great book for all ages, and a wonderful book to start kids on. Thank God for teachers who care enough to introduce students to the wonderful world of books.

This was one of those rare instances when I felt that the film worked better than the book on which it was based. Maybe this was because John Wayne was, in a sense, acting out his own life. Somehow, though, the characters were more convincing in the film and worked together better. Oh, and the book was surprisingly light. I sat down with it, expecting a good read, and was finished in a couple of hours. Not that it was bad - but it should have been a lot better.

If you think about it, its hard to make a western very intriguing and original, but some authors have an awesome way of putting words together for the enjoyment of the reader. The story itself is good but not extraordinary, but the way its put together and that characterization is what makes it special. It is a very good book !!

I would put this book up there with "Lonesome Dove" and "The Vengeance Trail of Josey Wales" as one of the best westerns I've ever read. I have owned several copies of this book since I was in high school (1977) and have always enjoyed reading it. The book has a sad air to it, considering the circumstances of its hero, J.B. Books. I have almost come to tears several times while reading it, when I put myself in Books' shoes.

Some of the best lines in Western fiction are in this book:

"..I would not die a death such as I have described." "No?" "I would not. Not if I had your courage. I would not. And especially your skill with weapons." (conversation between Dr. Hostetler and J.B. Books)

"Day after tomorrow," he said. "When you see me then, in my Sunday duds, there will be no tears." (J.B. Books to Bond Rogers)

To overuse a cliche, if you read one western, "The Shootist" should be it.

I bought this book at a thrift shop,had no idea what it was. As I began reading I thought I knew where it was going, and almost stopped reading. But it intrigued me, and it fooled me, and after three years it still enters my mind at times. It is a wonderful story of a quiet part of our American history, and illustrates perfectly just how heroic the women of that great western migration were. This should absolutely be made into a movie. And please, no 'Star Power' touch-ups. The book jacket said it was soon to be made into a movie--wonder who passed on that deal?

The forgoten part of the western story, that of women children and families, is portrayed in this very human story. If life was hard for men settling the west, it was even harder for their women. Many reached the limits of their endurance and lost their minds as a result. Small comunities at these times engaged a 'Homesman' to escort the unfortunate women back to the eastern states. Mary Bee Cuddy, school teacher, 'plain as an old tin pail', independent means, is the 'Homesman' for her small community. For help on her jouney she engages a 'lowlife army deserter' she manages to rescue from hanging.

The story becomes an multi strand tale of the hardship of the trail and the personal harships of loneliness and isolation. For Mary Bee the issues of her life as a woman overwhelm her with unfortunate outcomes.

Not a grand novel, it doesn't have the scope of 'Lonsome Dove' nor is deft and complex like the work of Peter Mattiessen ('Lost Man River', 'Bone by Bone'). Never the less, a well crafted piece of work, very touching and very readable. Worth finding secondhand, probably worth a reprint........why hasn't anyone made it into a film over there?

Glen Swarthout gives us the story of two old men looking for one last adventure and their glory days.The author makes both men seem real and if the plot seems implasable at times so is real life. The book is a good read and very enjoyable.

Back in the 60's when student leaders had as one of their standard chants "Don't Trust Anybody Over 30", they were specifically refereing to English teachers who, trying to relive their glory days assign insipid, heavy handed books like this that beat readers over the head with symbolism to make up for basic lack of plot or any entertainment value. The assigning of this book to students, rather than achieving the teachers of goal of trying to instill a 60's mindset in their studetns will more probably result in loathing for that teacher and in the English language as a whole for producing words that could be put together in so unappealing a form as this story.

The book is typical, misfits and bedwetters, go to camp, get picked on, see Buffalo slaughtered, sneak out, try to let them go, then of course since the author wants to make SURE that we understand the viewpoint that Group A is bad and Group B is good, has one of the children shot while trying to free the buffalo. Yeah, thats worth skipping class for.

Buy this book if you want to become a misfit bedwetting animal activist.

I chose to read Bless the Beasts and Children as a novel in my English II class. I chose this book not knowing what I was going to be reading. After I began to read the introduction I knew I would enjoy this story.

The way Glendon Swarthout chose his words for each individual character made it seem like they were appropriate for the characters age. He didn't seem to put himself in the characters, it seemed realistic. I enjoyed the way Swarthout put flashbacks, a little more detail and thoughts in italics. I thought that was new.

The book didn't seem boring to me at all. I know how some books the tempo of the book goes up and down, up and down, but this book seemed to keep its rhythm. The way the kids worked together in the worst of times and how Cotton took the lead when the "bedwetters" were uneasy, was a great thing to see throughout the entire book. There were many lessons that you could learn from the "bedwetters". I really enjoyed this book and I would definately read it again.

This book is good for teenagers. I felt a connection to the characters becuase they were around my age and the things they did would seem like some of the things I would do if I was in that situation in that enviorment.

I chose to read Bless the Beasts and Children as a novel in my English II class. I chose this book not knowing what I was going to be reading. After I began to read the introduction I knew I would enjoy this story.

The way Glendon Swarthout chose his words for each individual character made it seem like they were appropriate for the characters age. He didn't seem to put himself in the characters, it seemed realistic. I enjoyed the way Swarthout put flashbacks, a little more detail and thoughts in italics. I thought that was new.

The book didn't seem boring to me at all. I know how some books the tempo of the book goes up and down, up and down, but this book seemed to keep its rhythm. The way the kids worked together in the worst of times and how Cotton took the lead when the "bedwetters" were uneasy, was a great thing to see throughout the entire book. There were many lessons that you could learn from the "bedwetters". I really enjoyed this book and I would definately read it again.

This book is good for teenagers. I felt a connection to the characters becuase they were around my age and the things they did would seem like some of the things I would do if I was in that situation in that enviorment.

i work in a library i found the book when i was put away books it was on the wrong place. anyway i looked at it and thought it sonded intresting. i my self have learning diabilties. at frist i liked this book somes of the terms used are outdated but i thats bescause the book was written in the 70s. but what really killed the book for me was the reaction of the too kids in the normal class at the end. i want the book to end hapy for john and deedee. however if you can find the book read it because you might like it.