Seventeen

Seventeen
A Tale of Youth and Summer Time and the Baxter Family Especially William

By

4.5
(2 Reviews)
Seventeen by Booth Tarkington

Published:

1917

Pages:

185

Downloads:

5,168

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Seventeen
A Tale of Youth and Summer Time and the Baxter Family Especially William

By

4.5
(2 Reviews)
No one but the creator of Penrod could have portrayed the immortal young people of this story. Its humor is irresistible and reminiscent of the time when the reader was Seventeen.

Book Excerpt

terday, though.''

``Well, let her!'' returned William, still severe.

``They said she was goin' to bring a girl to visit her,'' Johnnie began in a confidential tone. ``They said she was a reg'lar ringdinger and--''

``Well, what if she is?'' the discouraging Mr. Baxter interrupted. ``Makes little difference to ME, I guess!''

``Oh no, it don't. YOU don't take any interest in girls! OH no!''

``No, I do not!'' was the emphatic and heartless retort. ``I never saw one in my life I'd care whether she lived or died!''

``Honest?'' asked Johnnie, struck by the conviction with which this speech was uttered. ``Honest, is that so?''

``Yes, `honest'!'' William replied, sharply. ``They could ALL die, I wouldn't notice!''

Johnnie Watson was profoundly impressed. ``Why, I didn't know you felt that way about 'em, Silly Bill. I always thought you were kind of--''

``Well, I do feel that way about 'em!'' said William Sylvanus Baxter, and, outraged by

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A story of infatuated youth. It impacted me most by reminding me how emotionally instable being young is and I’m less regretful that my youth is past having read it.
5
Seventeen-year-old William Sylvanus Baxter falls in love with Miss Pratt, who is visiting some relations in his neighbourhood. His efforts to impress her lead him into hilarious circumstances; at one point he steals his father's evening clothes so that he can wear them when visiting her. The situation is complicated by what he regards as the uncooperative attitude of his family members, who at times seem to conspire deliberately to embarrass him in front of his sweetheart. Highly recomended.