Read this book WAY back in the day, along with the rest in the series. I figured since I read the entire series, I probably loved it. The ONLY things I remember from this series, though, is that, overall, it's a snapshot of life back in the... early 1800s? Times are simpler, but not less busier. Children do chores, there's no television/computers, tales are told around the fire, etc. etc.
So.
This is the first book in the series. What do I think about it now that I'm revisiting this almost thirty years later? My thoughts are...
It's alright. I definitely don't love it, and I think these old classics are going to fall away from being classics (and already have, actually).
I can see how younger me might have gotten more wrapped up in this story (I LOVED pioneer/prairie stories as a kid), but as an adult, the lack of plot didn't excite me. It makes one wonder: In this world of technology, where things are always on-the-go, have I lost my ability to appreciate a more relaxing, lolling tale of a family in the woods? To be honest, I do think so.

The Good:
I appreciated the detail Ms. Wilder went into when describing the bullet-making, the rules of the Sabbath, meats preservation, etc. I also did enjoy the little stories Pa and Ma told to the children. Despite my previous critique about lack of plot, I did like the meandering, slow pace.

The Bad:
There's a song that Pa sings that is... uh, rascist. Not sure if this was well-known about this book/series or not, but it threw me off-guard and I did a double-take, so thought I'd mention it in my review. (I was not expecting something like that in a 'wholesome book' at all)

The Middle-Ground:
For ME, the neutral parts of the book would include the religious teachings/obvious controlling of future generations using religion. I have mixed feelings on their presence in this book, but probably like their presence more than I don't. Traditional teachings were a bit more extreme than they are today so on one hand, it was sort of nice seeing the differences in how much stricter things were in older days... but on the other (and on a personal level) it was a bit hard for me to read about kids have to be silent walking to church and there's no laughing or smiling on the day of the Sabbath. Poor kiddos.

Overall, I enjoyed stepping back in time to see just how much our society has changed. People long for 'simple times', but I dunno.. Little House in the Big Woods paints an idyllic image of a family, wrapped up in all the blankets and gathered around a family fire, but alongside it - written blatantly - you'll read things that really make you grimace and your nose crinkle. Ms. Wilder is not hiding this - it's most likely a product of her time (and not just her own feelings). It's interesting... but also icky. I'm rating it three stars because I'm of the opinion that this book does preserve a little slice of history within fiction - the good, the neutral, and the bad.

Overall? This book, unfortunately, does NOT hold up to my test-of-time re-read-a-thon challenge of books I read a a kid. I most likely will not continue with the series.
Also! There's just SO MANY good children's books and middle-grade books out there now. For any child, I'd recommend a different book/series. The times have changed, and I don't think dwelling on old traditions and outdated thoughts is going to be beneficial (or enjoyable) for children. If teenagers or adults want to explore a slice of history, I still think this book (and series probably) is worthwhile.......... if said teen or adult can get past the lack of plot.


Overall, I see this series continuing to fade by the wayside.