GIRL OF THE LIMBERLOST BOOK CLUB - WEEK 3 - CHAPTERS 3-4
A GIRL OF THE LIMBERLOST by Gene Stratton-Porter
Despite Elnora's home situation, I can't help but notice how responsible she is. Isn't it amazing that when we take a moment to examine character traits, often times there is a positive and negative surrounding them? In this case, the negative element is that because of her mother, Elnora has been forced to take responsibility for herself. The positive is that she truly developed responsibility. How easy it would have been for her to develop a passive "I quit" mentality towards difficulties, as they arose in her life.
Elnora knows she needs her books, so the focus of her day becomes how to get her hands on some. The bookstore won't let her have the books without paying. She sees a sign in the bank window for caterpillars, cocoons, chrysalides, etc. I have to pause here a moment for a rabbit trail. When I read this part in the book, I was overwhelmed with the fact that God prepares us in our lives for what's ahead. He gives us the passions and desires that often times work there way into what we do long term. In this case, Elnora has a love for all of these beautiful treasures in nature, and they become her verhicle, her way, to be able to make her hope of an education come to fruition. I paused after reading this scene and reflected back on my own life, on the ways God prepared me for where I am today. It's a beautiful exercise for us to do, because it helps to build our faith and trust in God.
Before I jump to the meeting with the Bird Woman, I want to touch on two things that happen in school. I loved the moment the professor met with Elnora after securing books for her. Again, it caused me to reflect back on my own life to moments were I felt supported and cared for by people. Those are beautiful memories to review, and it challenges us to do the same for others. The second item I wanted to mention is the different experience Elnora has walking into the auditorium. Now, the girls smile and mover over, offering her a seat. What a completely different experience for Elnora.
With the Bird Woman, Elnora has the blessing of someone who understands what she's going through. The Bird Woman was once a country girl who entered a city school. She tells Elnora that if she's not lazy and works hard, she can accomplish what she sets her mind to. She encourages her to forget about her dresses and clunky shoes and to dig into her studies. If she does, one day her classmates will brag that they went to school with her. This is somewhat comparative to the talk that parents sometimes give their kids about certain classmates pumping gas at the gas station or flipping hamburgers while others go on to more successful careers. To the Bird Woman, those who grow up in the Limberlost experiencing God's creation are far richer than city folk. My country heart agrees with the Bird Woman.
Elnora makes her first tidy sum for her specimens. She is paid $59.16 which has a current worth of about $2,147,24, and she has more in her case in the Limberlost. Elnora has found her answer to her money difficulties.
CHAPTER 4
I have one question for you about the first part of the chapter when the Sintons bring all the wonderful gifts to Elnora. Who won the battle of wills, Kate or the Sintons? Score one for Kate when she says Elnora would only take what she could pay for. Score one for Maggie when she sees that the whole point was for Elnora to have the things, and she now does, thanks to them. Score one for Kate when the Sintons leave with Maggie in tears. Score one for Maggie when she gets Kate involved in something that includes her daughter. Obviously, the true victor is Elnora, but man, you have to hang on tight for the struggle happening between the adults!
Whew! I've got to add one more thing for discussion before signing off-Pete. He steals Elnora's money, goes to the house, climbs the tree by her window, looks in, and hears her pray. I think that scene gives every person that reads it the creeps, but he hears her prayer. He hears that she offers up thanks for the money and what it means for her life. Then, he goes back to the Limberlost and returns the money to the case, along with a note.
Alright, I'd love to hear from you about your thoughts on these two chapters!