In my attempts to find enjoyable, clean, and well-written literature for young men, I have been troubled and unsure of where to turn to being my searches. Fortunately, I didn’t have to look far; in fact, I didn’t have to look at all.
I listen to audio books with a subscription on the app Scribd. After saving lots of books that I was interested in and listening to several, it began to make recommendations to me of books I might enjoy that were similar to the genres and styles I had already chosen. Among those recommended were two books by Don Alonzo Taylor.
The old-style covers are initially what drew me in, but what kept my attention were the titles: Old Sam, Thoroughbred Trotter and Old Sam and the Horse Thieves. My interest was piqued enough that I decided to inter-library loan these books so I could physically read them. I’m glad I got the physical copies!
At first glance, they seem a little too old to be of interest to many these days; however, that assumption is incorrect at best. Stories of pioneering on the Dakota prairies from an adolescent boy’s perspective may hold no practical help, but deep down the adventurous hearts of young men haven’t changed much in the last 150 years.
These books are based on the life experiences of Taylor when he was a boy.
Though not announced as autobiographies, a note from Taylor’s daughter in one of the books, and this author summary from Bethlehem Books tells us they are indeed the childhood remembrances of a man who wanted to share his stories with his children.
The stories themselves are funny, interesting, and I would even say engrossing. I read both of these books quickly: one took me two days only because work was busy and required my attention. The chapters are relatively short and each contain a comedic anecdote or character-maturing circumstance that keep the story moving at a balanced clip.
Writing style stands high on the list of important factors when choosing books for boys and young men. Their attention span is naturally shorter than a woman’s (at least from my perspective, don’t quote me on that!) and have a tendency to desire to be outside or working with their hands rather than sitting quietly with a good book. To sit them down on the couch with a long book that is overly academic (especially in an area of study they do not care for), stuffy, verbose, full of frilly or unnecessary descriptions or characters will ultimately backfire if you are attempting to make them like reading. Yet, fear not!
The writing style of Don Alonzo Taylor impressed me greatly in its smooth and relaxed style while preserving a quality of tone that will captivate almost any reader. The relaxed style will more easily please adolescent boys, which is often hard to achieve. Catering to an audience of young boys often ends in content issues such as unacceptable (and not recommended!) childish behavior, bathroom humor, etc. While Taylor’s intent was not to write a book for young men, he still accomplishes this with ease without compromising the content or quality. The chapters, as mentioned already, are manageable. Both books are around 180 pages with a slightly larger font and a few sketches throughout which causes the reader to feel that it is shorter.
I will boldly say, I myself found no content issues here.
There is certainly not a Christian message being delivered in these books. Religion holds no place or part in these stories; however, that does not make a book wrong or “unChristian”. Horse thieves are encountered and dealt with, guns are handled, and a few men die. Still, I wouldn’t classify these books as violent in any way. Circumstances are dealt with matter-of-factly as they had to be back in those days.
Ultimately, these books were a fun romp about a good horse and two boys itching for an adventure. I am pleased to once again prove that the old classics don’t usually disappoint!
Enjoy your Tuesday and go read a book!
