588. Four Winds Farm. By Mrs. Molesworth. (Macmillan)
One of the best of Mrs. Molesworth’s dream-like tales.
589. Down the Snow Stairs. By Alice Corkran. (Blackie) 6s.
Of the same type.
MOTHERS’ MEETINGS.
Weary, hardworked women thoroughly enjoy a bit of interesting reading, whether pathetic or droll. Foreign tales or those of adventure do not, as a rule, interest them, and the old-fashioned book, where a preternaturally wise dame instructs her neighbours is too much a lecture in disguise. By all means, let there be some religious reading, then if possible some on sanitary habits, domestic economy and management of children, but not under the disguise of a story. A good, genuine fiction gives them a real interest and something to talk of. It should not appear to be a child’s book or they will feel insulted, but they like nothing better than when the joys or sorrows turn on an infant; and there is no better mode of conveying indirect lessons—to some persons, that is to say, for there are others who have no notion of applying what they hear to real life. Still, wholesome amusement is a thing of which they get all too little, and the pleasure of being read to is one they thoroughly appreciate. Of course these books are specially fitted for lending to old or young. They are only classed under the category of books for Mothers’ Meetings because eminently fitted for that purpose as well as for Lending Library shelves.