Book in Review: Michael O'Halloran by Gene Stratton-Porter

After I finished Her Father's Daughter I jumped right into Michael O'Halloran, by the same author, with enthusiasm. This book is much longer than the first, but intriguing to me. It's about this boy, Mickey, who lives in the big city selling newspapers. He has a strong sense of right and wrong, which was instilled in him by his loving mother now deceased. He works hard and pays for his room, his food, and also saves for "rainy days". His compassionate nature is shown when he finds a sick little girl who was left by herself after her alcoholic grandmother died. To save her from the "Orphings Home" he took her home with him and took care of her. Her name was Peaches, but she reminded him so much of a lily all white and delicate, that he called her Lily Peaches. She became Mickey's family and he was very protective of her and wanted what was best for her.
As the story continues Mickey meets several nice people who help him in different ways, but who get help from him too. Its not the help they would have expected, but he helps each one to understand the people closest to them. Many of them have intentions of "taking care" of Mickey but he stricktly refuses charity and works hard to earn everything.
I really enjoyed this book, better than Her Father's Daughter. Mickey is of such strong character! Yet he is just a little boy! I wish this were more commonly found in real life. Not just among children but among the young men too! It's not often you can find such a sense of responsibility for family and self! I truly commend the mothers and fathers of today who, so far, are succeeding in this with their sons. Because these sons will be highly desirable and honorable in the sight of God and men.