Pollyanna

By: Eleanor H. Porter

Narrated by: Rebecca Burns

Length: 5 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's Summary

Pollyanna, an expert at her favorite "Glad Game" of always looking at the bright side in her numerous trials, is one of the most popular and enduring characters in all of children's literature.

As Pollyanna arrives in Beldingsville to live with her strict and dutiful maiden aunt, she exclaims, "Oh, Aunt Polly, I don't know how to be glad enough that you let me come to live with you!" And from this point she begins to bring cheer into everybody's life, including the sick, the lonely, and the just plain miserable. All are transformed, until one day when something so terrible happens that even Pollyanna doesn't know how to feel glad anymore.

American novelist Eleanor H. Porter's Pollyanna series and "Glad Game" generated a popular phenomenon in its day. The improbable heroine remains popular today and the name Pollyanna is well known to be a stereotype for a person who is characterized by irrepressible optimism and a tendency to find good in everything.

©1998 Joss Recordings (P)2005 Tantor Media, Inc.

Redefining Pollyanna

Rebecca Burns has great accent. I can't quite put my finger on the origins but she is perfect for this story. The word Pollyanna has taken on something of a negative connotation, a kind of empty headed happiness despite circumstances, usually said in a sneering condescending tone after the fashion of some college professors or self righteous politicians. I carried away a very different idea of a Pollyanna. For your consideration: Her father died. Her mother died. Her brothers and sisters all died. She is homeless and penniless. She is sent to live with a relative who doesn't love her or want her. She truly stands alone. She took all the hard knocks that the world threw her way. As often as she was knocked down; she picked herself up, dusted herself off and found a reason to smile as she faced the next trial. Even when pummeled with blows which have brought great men to their knees, Pollyanna did not yield. Almost, perhaps, but she never surrendered. Further evidence for your consideration: Who changed? Not Pollyanna; she was the glowing wondering little person at the end that she was when we first met. Nope, it was the adults who were changed by this small force of nature: Aunt Polly, the doctor, Nancy, Mr. Pendleton, the minister, et al, in fact an entire town. So if someone is Pollyannaish, what are they? In my book, brave as a combat Marine, loyal as a Saint Bernard and tough as a Pollyanna Whittier.

16 of 17 people found this review helpful

Fun little book!!!

Although there were parts I lost patience listening to pollyana being TOO GOOD, I love the fact that it is so well described that made me feel as I was living the story caring for Pollyana and her loved ones :)

Read it for your Kids or listen for your entertainment :)

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Old-fashioned, but excellent

Pollyanna is a very, very old-fashioned novel, but it's very well done. It’s very similar to the Disney movie, although not identical. This version was extremely well narrated, too. I loved it!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Still applies today!!

Wonderful story to encourage us to turn our thought patterns around and be positive. I love the simpleness of this story and wish that the other books would become available on Audible. The narration was very good and I listened to the whole thing in one day . so turn off the lights and listen to a great children s story that still applies today..

Quaint novel in this day and age

I had heard of Pollyanna through a work reference - we had a reorganization at work and the incoming leader was asked about the situation. He said he doesn’t want to be like Pollyanna and continued to explain the reorganization logic. I made a mental note at the time to read the book. I found the “game” quite refreshing. It is an interesting outlook on life which would help everyone (almost).

The audiobook version was great with excellent narration

Nice Story

Nice story, lopsided ending. It could be a better narration. It is kind of monotone.

Love it !

I really enjoyed this book . Rebecca Burns did a great job reading , and the story was nice .

Will leave you smiling...

What did you love best about Pollyanna?

Perfect classic, enjoyable story that leaves you happy.

Any additional comments?

If you've never read this classic, do it, you're missing out!

Childhood favorite worth remembering

What did you love best about Pollyanna?

I love the joy that Pollyanna has for life. Her spunk and enthusiasm are why I've always loved this story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Pollyanna?

When Aunt Polly realizes she loves Pollyanna and starts to play the game with Pollyanna and the town.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Rebecca Burns?

Not willingly. I find her voice to be the stereotypical early 1900s female novel, flat and dull.

Any additional comments?

I was pleased with the story and the characters are just as I remembered. I find the characters to be people I can look up to and can model my life after, even as a 21st century adult.

Pollyanna

First time to read the novel. Awesome best story, above all 3 movie versions, I have seen!!

a feel happy 'glad' book

I listened to this book while walking out my dog. ending slightly disappointing otherwise good.