I never really read this book when I was young--I started it and thought it was boring. In trying to build a library with the "best books" I bought it and read it this week and I think its beautiful because its an uplifting and sweet story filled with vivid descriptions of the Swiss Alps (which I've been to) and themes I could relate to (loss of one's parents, repentance/redemption, health/sickness, finding happiness and health by living a simple life etc.) I felt happy when I finished this book. I'd like to find more books like this for me....and I wish I could find books like this for my kids who read constantly but read a lot of stuff that isn't as great.
