Harriet Beecher Stowe and the Beecher Preachers

The lives of the twelve children of Lyman Beecher, a fiery New England minister determined that all his sons become preachers, are chronicled in this book. But the primary focus is on his middle daughter, Harriet Beecher, who longed for her father's love and approval. The shy, talented Harriet was overshadowed by her older and domineering sister Catherine after the death of their mother when they were young. Trying to please everyone, Harriet lived her life "doing as she ought" and giving in to the desires of almost everyone around her. During a time of unprecedented upheaval in America because of slavery, it took the urging of her husband, brother, and a dear sister-in-law to convince Harriet to use her pen to change the world. The result was Uncle Tom's Cabin, a novel that, in President Lincoln's words, "started this big war." It was her story that changed the minds of many in America and led to the Emancipation Proclamation and the Civil War to end slavery. The entire Beecher family suffered with bouts of depression in a day when there was no medical help available. In addition, the influence of a harsh, critical father who preached God's wrath and judgment sent his twelve children in opposite directions. Two committed suicide, one was institutionalized for insanity, and others spent their lives meddling in the affairs of their family. The saving grace of the family resulted in Henry Ward Beecher, one of the best known and beloved preachers of New England, three other ministers, and Harriet, whose passion and sense of justice made her the toast of Europe and the conscience of America in the late 19th century. This unpretentious book is a vaulable essay for young ministers especially, but also for anyone who enjoys history and biographies.

When I hear the word `biography', the first thing I think is another boring book of facts. But Jean Fritz keeps her reader's interested, talking in a conversational tone, while weaving the tale of Harriet Beecher Stowe's life during the Civil War. You watch the influential writer and her family grow - facing much hardship and happiness. I would give this book five stars. Anyone who is interested in life during the civil war - well, Harriet's life at least, should definitely read this book. I would recommend it to kids 10-15.

Jean Fritz does a wonderful job with this short biography for young adults. It's easy to read and gives lots of information on Harriet's life without boring you or causing your brain to feel overstuffed. There are pictures as well. I recommend this book for everyone, and it was a big help in my research.

This book was recomended to my by one of my study books after I finished reading Uncle Tom's Cabin. This book gives you insightful information about Harriet and her family, but does not make it dull. It is not to long of a book perfect for those readers who don't want to waste time on extra information. This book made me want to study further on about Harriet Beecher Stowe and learn more about her. I highly recomend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about someone and their part of making history.