Celia Garth: Volume 11

This story is a beautiful combination of history, romance and compassion. It is realistic but uplifting. I can't wait to read other books by Gwen Bristow. Her writing is outstanding.

When I was in middle school, I had outgrown the Nancy Drew mysteries. I discovered this book in our school library. It quickly became a favorite. The language and style is easy to read and the descriptions make you feel like you are back in the time of the Revolutionary War. It is the intellectual equivalent of playing "dress-up" -- imagining that you are the beautiful heroine of another time. I guess I just really liked historical fiction because it was so much more appealing to me than modern day. You didn't have to worry about the cliques at school. The book is also just good clean story with an engaging story line. Themes are simple and there isn't the moral gnashing of teeth that seems to be much more popular in more recent books (such as the Luxe series that is currently en vogue). And, being historical fiction, it also gives you a glimpse into history so when you read it -- especially as an adolescent -- you might actually wind up learning some real history... or at least be motivated to explore it some more. I am the mother of two boys so they will never read these books. But I'm so happy to see them released again so I can go back and revisit another time -- in American life and in my own.

At the prompting of my mother, grandmother, and aunt, I first read Celia Garth before I was old enough to even understand half of what Gwen Bristow writes about. Since then, I have read it many, many times, and it remains one of my favorites to this day. Celia is such a vivid character, and getting to see Charleston and the Revolutionary War through her eyes is like being there yourself! I cried my eyes out at the plantation death scene, marveled at Celia's courage through it all, and could barely contain my glee when she finally realizes her true happiness. I would recommend this book to anyone, young or old; if you haven't read Celia Garth, you're missing out. And if you haven't ever visited Charleston, SC--well, need I say more? You can see the harbor as Celia did, walk the same streets, see the spire of St. Michael's, and much, much more. It's not the same Charleston as it was a hundred years ago, but it's close enough and thoroughly enjoyable.

The first time I read Celia Garth was about eight years ago. I found it sitting on a bookshelf in my house, and I couldn't put it down. It immediately became my favorite book, and to this day still is. I just recently started reading Gwen Bristow's others, and I can't put them down either! Her Historical Fiction is amazing, and her ability to combine her fictional characters with non-fictional people and places is the best I have ever seen.

This book rates among my all-time favorites! I love learning about the history of our country, and following the life of a young girl in Charleston in the 1700's provided a real feel for life in that early-American time period. The story is interesting and, at times, intense, although it takes awhile before the action begins. Romance (of an uplifting nature), war, friendship, and courage are all portrayed in this book. It would appeal to most any girl 15-105 years old. Men might enjoy it, too, as there are several male characters in the story, especially as they are involved in the bloody Revolutionary War. I enjoyed learning more about General Washington and other true historical characters. If you like historical fiction, you'll dig this!

I read this book over 30 years ago and have never forgotten the heroine, the locale, or the story. Why JOHNNY TREMAIN has remained on shelves when CELIA GARTH has been allowed to go out of print absolutely astounds me. Together they form a picture of our Revolutionary times which is lively, entertaining, and educational-all in one package, a book. My copy of this book was "borrowed" long ago and never returned and I have been trying to locate it since. I'm taking this opportunity to find it and read it!