Not just for kids..., 20 Feb 2006
As I am a 20 year old woman and am well aware that Alger's fiction was aimed at teenage boys, I thought I may not enjoy this book. However, it's a great read.
It tracks Dick's ascent from a boot black on the streets of New York to a 'respectable' young man who can read, write, has money in the bank and can rent a house. He achieves a very modest version of the American dream, and with it comes happiness.
Dick is incredibly likeable as a character and the book is easy to read - I read it in just two sittings. You quickly become absorbed in Dick's journey, hoping that he will accomplish all he wishes and counting every penny with him.
The only problem is the overuse of coincidence. Dick seems to enjoy a great deal of luck and in a world where Alger insists success is achieved by personality and hard work, it grates a little to rely so heavily on coincidence in his story.
It's definitely worth a read though - a good old-fashioned, relaxing book, like the classic adventure stories that your parents read to you.
However, I would advise you to ignore the introduction, ignore Alger's slightly suspect reputation, and enjoy this book for what it is rather than reading too much into Alger's portrayal of boys. There are no obvious paedophilic parts to this book and to go looking for such things takes away from the simplicity and good-natured atmosphere of the novel.
Not Suitable for pre-college youth, 16 Jul 1999
This may be a good book but the foreword is written by a fellow named Trachtenberg who not only claims Mr. Alger was a pedophile [unsubstantiated] but then he challenges the idea of upward mobility. Apparently Mr. Trachenberg achieved his own success through being born with a silver spoon, nepotism, or his ethnic associates. There is only Alger book available at a moderate cost. It is "Struggling Upward," which is one of the best and most famous.
Horatio has outdone himself., 04 Mar 1999
Ragged Dick is a GREAT book for boys 9-14. I highly recomend it. If you want a good, old-time book here you go.I really injoyed it. Please try it out.You will love it.
Horatio has outdone himself., 04 Mar 1999
Ragged Dick is a GREAT book for boys 9-14. I highly recomend it. If you want a good, old-time book here you go.I really injoyed it. Please try it out.You will love it.
Horatio has outdone himself., 04 Mar 1999
Ragged Dick is a GREAT book for boys 9-14. I highly recomend it. If you want a good, old-time book here you go.I really injoyed it. Please try it out.You will love it.
