• THE PUZZLING “DOS” AND “DON’TS” Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter VIII of "Just David" titled "The Puzzling 'Dos' and 'Don'ts'" introduces David to a new way of life filled with rules that often contradict his natural inclinations towards beauty and freedom. David finds himself navigating a world where productive tasks are mandatory ("dos"), such as hoeing corn, pulling weeds, and filling woodboxes, while his pleasures like lying under apple trees, exploring the brook, or observing insects are frowned upon ("don'ts"). Farmer Holly, on his part, experiences…
    • Chapter

      JOE

      JOE Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter IX of "Just David," titled "Joe," David continues to adapt to his new life away from his familiar, beloved home in the mountains, painfully aware of his father's absence and the new obligations set upon him by Farmer Holly. Despite diligently trying to meet expectations and work tasks, David feels a strong sense of disconnect and longing for meaningful engagement, something he only truly feels when exploring the world after his daily chores. David’s afternoons are rich with discovery, both in…
    • “THE PRINCESS AND THE PAUPER” Cover
      by LovelyMay He was a man now, with a man's work to do; and though he did it bravely and well, it left no room for colleges, or for studies, or for doing the great things he had dreamed of doing. That is why he grew to be the Pauper." "Couldn't the Princess help?" This from Jill, softly. "The Pauper could not ask help--from a Princess." "But maybe she'd LIKE to help, if she knew," contended David. "And maybe then she'd wave." Mr. Jack shook his head. "No, David, I'm afraid not. You see, the days of the Princess…
    • THE TOWER WINDOW Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter XIV of "Just David," entitled "The Tower Window," David's unwavering curiosity and innocence lead him to venture once again into the domain of his Lady of the Roses. Setting out with his violin, he is initially disappointed not to find her in the garden but is drawn to the majestic house by the allure of unfamiliar music and the architectural beauty he has long admired from afar. Upon entering the house, David is entranced by the opulence and novel surroundings he encounters—a stark contrast…
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      SECRETS

      SECRETS Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter XV of "Just David," titled "Secrets," David is eager to share his experiences from his second visit to Sunnycrest with Jack and Jill. However, upon arrival, he finds only Jill at home. Their interaction is less awkward this time, and they converse freely in the open outdoors. David is disappointed that Jack is not there, as he especially wanted to see him. Jill explains Jack's absence by saying he's "gone pot-boiling," a metaphor for Jack selling garden produce to make ends meet, despite his…
    • DAVID’S CASTLE IN SPAIN Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter XVI of "Just David," the story delves into David's newfound hope and plans fueled by his discovery of gold pieces, which he sees as a means to pursue his passion for violin and to bask in the realm of music that truly understands him. David, elated by his treasure, imagines a future filled with music and joy, contemplating the right moment to share his plans with his friends and caretakers. His daily chores and tasks, even the mundane ones, are now imbued with a sense of purpose and anticipation…
    • DAVID TO THE RESCUE Cover
      by LovelyMay David to the Rescue" encapsulates a poignant night in the life of young David, who transitions from a world of innocence and music into the stark reality of economic hardship and self-sacrifice. On a moonlit evening, haunted by the tale of "The Princess and the Pauper," David is drawn away from his usual enchantment with nature to confront a palpable human crisis at the Holly farmhouse. Here, he learns of the Hollys' financial destitution caused by a bank failure, threatening their home with foreclosure…
    • THE UNBEAUTIFUL WORLD Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Unbeautiful World," David grapples with internal conflicts and complexities of life, stirring from the contradictions between his expectations and reality. After forfeiting his cherished "start" for the Hollys' sake, he oscillates between fulfillment in helping them and longing for the impactful work he envisioned in the wider, beautiful world. This duality of emotions plunges him into a mire of confusion about life's nature. David seeks counsel from Mr. Jack, ignoring discussions about the gold…
    • THE UNFAMILIAR WAY Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter XX of "Just David," David embarks on his schooling journey in the village, where his unique knowledge and unconventional behavior initially disrupt the classroom's peace. His exceptional proficiency in languages contrasts sharply with his limited understanding of U.S. history, showcasing a peculiar disparity that puzzles his teacher. David's unfamiliarity with standard schoolroom conduct, such as staying seated and not speaking out of turn, initially causes chaos, but he eventually adapts to the…
    • Chapter

      HEAVY HEARTS

      HEAVY HEARTS Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter XXI of "Just David," entitled "Heavy Hearts," portrays the deep concern and affection the community feels for young David, who has fallen severely ill. For a week, David has been absent from his usual haunts, causing some distress to his friend, Jill. It is soon revealed that David, beloved for his kindness and musical talent, is dangerously sick with a fever, speculated to be typhoid or scarlet fever, which he allegedly contracted while visiting the Glaspell residence to teach blind Joe how to…
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