An excellent read

The eighth book of the Little House series. It kind of has an undertone of sadness, as Laura grows up, and by book's end, is married and going to her own "little house".

As the book begins, Laura is going away to teach twelve miles away, in the middle of winter, and has to board with an unhappy, miserable family. She recognizes for the first time, how much she appreciates her own home and her happy family.

As much trouble as she has living with the Brewster family and controlling her five rambunctious students, it is not all bad. Almanzo Wilder gives her rides home every Friday to spend with her family, and takes her back to the school each Sunday. This is the beginning of Laura and Almanzo's friendship, leading to courtship and eventually marriage.

You'll read all about the nice things Almanzo does for Laura and how smitten he is with her. Laura is not interested in him at first, but she realizes that she can't stay away from him.

My favorite parts of the book are Christmas and Almanzo's proposal. Also noteworthy is the hilarious buggy ride with Nellie Oleson.

Even though these books are listed as "children's literature", anyone can enjoy these wonderful books. I didn't appreciate them at all when I was younger. Now I count these books among my favorites and would recommend them (especially These Happy Golden Years") to anyone.