Life of Muslimah

Farmers Boy 

(Laura Ingalls Wilder)

Book Review

🚀 The Book in 3 Sentences

1. A year in the life of Almenzo Wilder, a 10 year old little boy living on a farm with his family.
   The book describes the way of living of an average family in the 1860 near New York.It starts when he is in school and the story unfold over the coming seasons until a year is completed. The purpose is to show the way of living. How kids were taken out of school to help on the farm. How sometimes the whole family had to wake up before dawn to help save the crops and many more memorable moments in Almenzos year.

🎨 Impressions

This book is second in the series of "Little House on the Prairies". The first one describes Laura Ingalls own life when she was a little girl, this time around it was written from the viewpoint of a boy. Genders played a big role in that era. The girls used to help the mothers in the kitchen, while boys were working outside with their fathers. This was an excellence read after Little House on the Prairie, in terms of understanding both gender roles.

How I Discovered It

I came across these series by following Jennifer L Scott on Youtube.

Who Should Read It?

Even though it is a children's book I think those who value family life, homemaking and simple living will enjoy this read a lot. I especially plan on reading these books with my children when they are a little bit older. It is just such a beautiful view into a family centered life, the morals and values that are being taught through stories is amazing.

☘️ How the Book Changed Me

How my life / behaviour / thoughts / ideas have changed as a result of reading the book.

The sense of family-life that has been described in here is something I aspire to create in my home. Almenzo knew he was a valued and loved family member. He was proud of his dad's hard work and his mothers care.
Almenzo was trusted with proper responsibilities and chores, despite his young age. The way he was entrusted with challenging tasks, trusting in him, that he will grow into those challenges. Nowadays when we look at chores within the home, we see them as something negative or as some pay their children to do their chores as a reward for work.
In Almenzos time a 10 year old boy is been given the task to care care of a horse by himself, which is not an easy task at all. But Almenzo takes the responsibility up with pride, knowing his parents trust him and value his participation.
Giving your children chores is not a burden on them, it makes them feel involved and valued.
This book describes beautifully how every member of the family plays a big role. Everyone needs to chirp in, to make the dream work.
I enjoyed the rhythm of their days, that started at the crack of dawn, rising with the sun and then slowing down to rest and recharge when the sun went down. Slow living, frugality & resourcefulness.
Living on a farm is hard work, but it is gratifying. In tune with nature and the rhythm of life.