Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm

 Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm

Me. Well, not me exactly. 

My name is Rebecca. One boy in high school called me Sunnybrook. It was my nickname for a while. And back in the seventies when CB radios were all the rage, my “handle” was Sunnybrook. 

Though I never read the novel Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin until recently, I remember seeing the old black and white movie starring Shirley Temple on television.  

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm was spunky, caring, smart, and above all, positive. I’ll take that.

This week, my sister-in-law happened on a 1960 edition of the novel in a thrift store. (The original was released in 1903) She bought it and gifted it to me, knowing my love of literature and the fact my name is Rebecca. 

And maybe a bit because I tend to be bent on the side of “positive” in nature. 

Whatever her thinking, I treasure the gift. I started reading the story right away. Carefully, as the book is somewhat fragile.

Though the writing style differs greatly from what we expect today, the story resonates with readers across time and circumstance. It has all the elements we crave in a story: 

·      A character with whom we can identify is in a tough situation. 

·      We trust she will overcome because of her positive attitude and good nature.

·      Change. Our character grows and so do the people around her. And as readers, we grow, too. 

What book/story influenced you? Have you ever read something that caused you to change your perspective or gave you courage to try something new? 

I'm serious. I want to know.