Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
33(33%)
4 stars
34(34%)
3 stars
33(33%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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As I delved into this short story, a sense of familiarity washed over me.

I could only hazard a guess that I had come across it during my high school days.

Nevertheless, it was more than worthwhile to read it once more, as it served as a poignant reminder of a simpler and perhaps more carefree time in my life.

The story had a certain charm and appeal that made it truly engaging from start to finish.

I would highly recommend it to all.

In fact, I would give it a resounding five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!

It's the kind of story that can transport you to another world and leave you with a sense of warmth and satisfaction.

Whether you're looking for a quick escape or a thought-provoking read, this short story has something to offer.

So, don't hesitate to pick it up and give it a try. You won't be disappointed!
July 15,2025
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A Christmas Keeper


I have always had a profound love for The Waltons. It is a show that has touched my heart deeply. Every single year, I make it a point to watch The Homecoming. It is like a cherished tradition that I look forward to with great anticipation.


And then, to finally get the opportunity to read the story behind it was simply amazing. As I delved into the pages, I found that everything was just as I had imagined it in my mind. The vivid descriptions, the endearing characters, and the heartwarming情节 all came to life exactly as I had pictured them while watching the TV show.


What's more, the TV pilot did an outstanding job of capturing the essence of the written story perfectly. It was as if the producers had a deep understanding of the story and were able to translate it onto the screen with great precision and care. The result was a beautiful and touching portrayal that left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside.


In conclusion, both the written story and the TV pilot of The Waltons are truly Christmas keepers. They have the power to bring joy, love, and a sense of family during the holiday season and beyond.

July 15,2025
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This is an absolutely awesome book.

I have a deep affection for it.

It is not only engaging but also quite painful at times.

The reason for this is that I have ancestors who originated from the Appalachians.

Reading this book feels as if I am delving into and learning about my very own heritage.

It provides a unique perspective and connection to a part of my family's history that I may not have otherwise known.

The vivid descriptions and detailed accounts within the book bring the Appalachian culture and way of life to life.

It makes me feel a sense of pride and a stronger connection to my roots.

I am truly grateful to have discovered this book and the knowledge and insights it has given me about my heritage.

July 15,2025
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I have never tired of this story. It has always held a special charm for me, captivating my imagination and touching my heart.

The characters in the story are so vivid and real that I feel as if I know them personally. Their adventures and challenges draw me in, making me eager to follow along and see what will happen next.

The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping me on the edge of my seat. There are moments of excitement, moments of sadness, and moments of joy. Each emotion is so intense that it makes the story come alive.

I love how this story can transport me to another world, a world full of magic and wonder. It allows me to escape from the stresses of everyday life and lose myself in a story that I truly enjoy.

Whether I read it for the first time or the tenth time, this story always manages to bring a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart. It is a story that I will never tire of and will always cherish.
July 15,2025
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As a fan of the TV show, The Walton's, during my childhood, I took great pleasure in reading The Homecoming.

This is the very book on which the TV show was founded. Although not all the characters bear the exact same names, one can clearly observe how the characters in the TV show were evolved.

It is a concise book, yet I would highly recommend it to anyone who had a passion for the series.

The story in the book provides a deeper understanding and background of the beloved characters and their relationships.

It allows readers to immerse themselves in the world of the Walton's even further and gain a new perspective on the show.

Whether you are a long-time fan or just discovering the Walton's, The Homecoming is definitely a worthwhile read.

It offers a charming and heartwarming tale that will surely bring a smile to your face.

So, if you have a love for family-oriented stories and classic TV shows, don't hesitate to pick up a copy of The Homecoming.

You won't be disappointed!
July 15,2025
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I am aging myself by reading this book that inspired The Waltons television show. It's a rather strange feeling, but I don't really care. In fact, as I read, a rather interesting thought crossed my mind. I think I want to bake Olivia's applesauce cake with whiskey frosting. The idea just popped into my head and now it won't go away. I can almost imagine the delicious aroma of the cake baking in the oven and the rich, creamy texture of the whiskey frosting. It would be a wonderful treat, and perhaps a way to connect even more with the world created by this book. I'm not sure if I'll actually go through with it, but the thought is definitely there, lingering and making me salivate at the possibility.

July 15,2025
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Gifted this little book that inspired The Waltons to my father for Christmas. It was a special moment, seeing the joy in his eyes as he received the gift. He was immediately intrigued by it and couldn't wait to start reading. After a few days, he loaned it to me to read as well. I was excited to get my hands on it, knowing that it had inspired such a beloved show. As I began to read, I was transported to a different time and place. The story was heartwarming and full of life lessons. It made me appreciate the simple things in life and the importance of family. I'm so glad that I was able to share this book with my father and that it brought us closer together.

July 15,2025
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What a beautiful story indeed!

It is truly captivating and enchanting. The Waltons have always held a special place in my heart. Their story is one that is filled with love, warmth, and family values.

I am constantly drawn to their simple yet profound way of life. The relationships they have with one another are so genuine and heartwarming.

Every time I watch or read about the Waltons, I am reminded of the importance of family and the power of love. Their story has the ability to touch my soul and make me feel a sense of peace and contentment.

No wonder I love the Waltons so much! They are an inspiration and a source of joy for me.

I will always cherish their story and the lessons it has taught me.

It is a story that will continue to be passed down through the generations, touching the hearts of many along the way.
July 15,2025
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It was a short and charming book that one could easily read in an evening.

You could see how many years of the Waltons' story sprang from this.

Since it was a small “introduction” to the Waltons, it naturally did not have the in-depth character development that the years of the series had.

However, it was a sweet pre-Christmas read that left you longing for more.

As you turned the pages, you were drawn into the simple yet heartwarming world of the Waltons.

The descriptions of the family's life and their relationships were vivid and engaging.

Even though it was just a taste of what was to come in the series, it was enough to pique your interest and make you eager to explore further.

This little book served as a wonderful appetizer, whetting your appetite for the full meal that the Waltons series would surely provide.
July 15,2025
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Although I truly adored its predecessor, "Spencer's Mountain", my affection for "The Homecoming" was not quite the same.

It is indeed also centered around the Spencer family and is well-written. However, having just completed the first book, I found this one rather confusing.

There was a span of several years between the two, and I couldn't help but wonder if Mr. Hamner had perhaps forgotten some of the details from the first book when he penned "The Homecoming".

Nonetheless, it remains a heartwarming story, with good writing. It's just shorter, and some details, such as the ages of the characters, seemed a bit off compared to "Spencer's Mountain".

Still, it makes for a great Christmas story and is an excellent choice for a read-aloud that the whole family can enjoy.

Note: The made-for-television movie "The Homecoming" starring Patricia Neal and Richard Thomas was based on this very book. Additionally, "The Waltons" TV show was a spinoff from that movie, using "Spencer's Mountain" as its story setting.

This connection between the book, the movie, and the TV show adds an interesting layer to the overall narrative.

It shows how a single story can evolve and be adapted in different ways to reach a wider audience.

Despite my initial confusion with "The Homecoming", I can still appreciate its value as a part of this larger story universe.

Perhaps upon a second reading, I will be able to better understand and enjoy the nuances that I may have missed the first time around.

July 15,2025
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A Charming Book Set in Rural Virginia During the Depression

This is a truly captivating book that takes readers into the heart of rural Virginia during the challenging times of the Depression. The dialogue within the pages is so authentic that it truly sounds like the voices of the people from rural Virginia and North Carolina. The author's descriptions are nothing short of wonderful. They are so vivid that the images seem to swirl and dance in my head, painting a clear and detailed picture of the setting and the characters.

The story is a coming of age tale centered around Clay Boy Spencer. It follows his journey as he searches for his father on Christmas Eve. In many ways, it is similar to the classic movie "The Homecoming" from the 1970's, yet it has enough unique differences to make it an extremely interesting and highly entertaining read. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or simply enjoy a well-told story, this book is sure to capture your imagination and keep you engaged from start to finish.

July 15,2025
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This book served as the inspiration for a movie that, in turn, was the pilot for a TV show.

Certain aspects of the book bear resemblance to the movie, while others do not.

Some of the differences from the TV movie are similar to those found in the earlier movie and book, "Spencers Mountain."

Earl Hamner had no say in the making of the first movie, "Spencers Mountain," unlike "The Homecoming."

With "The Homecoming" movie, Hamner himself penned the screenplay, which is far superior to the book.

Admittedly, Hamner wrote both of his books well enough to merit movies starring famous Hollywood actors. "Spencers Mountain" features Henry Fonda and Maureen O'Hara, while "The Homecoming" stars Patricia O'Neal.

The screenplay laid the foundation for a highly successful television series, in which Hamner was deeply involved.

This shows the significant impact that Hamner's work had on the world of entertainment, evolving from books to movies and finally to a beloved TV show.
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