An Interview with My Sister Liberty

Having been asked many times about girls reading so called "boys fiction" I thought I would do a short interview with my sister Liberty on the books she has been reading. The main topic today was G.A. Henty.

JTP: Liberty, what types of books do you like to read?

L: I like to read a variety. My favorites are history books, historical fiction, and biographies.

JTP: What was the first significant series you read?

L: Well, on my ninth birthday, Mom and Dad gave me the Elsie Dinsmore series, and I really enjoyed reading it. In fact, I read it several times!

JTP: Now that you are twelve, what are you reading the most?

L: Currently I am working through the Henty collection.

JTP: I have a pretty good guess, but for the readers of BTB, how did you get started on Henty?

L: Well, you were always talking about how much you enjoyed reading them, and you were constantly telling us [the Phillips family] about all the historical information you were learning from them, and so I wanted to read them for myself.

JTP: So, how many books by Henty have you read now?

L: I have read 25, and I am working on three others.

JTP: Well, you are definitely on your way to catching up! What are two or three of your top favorite Henty books?

L: 'Beric the Briton' and 'In Freedom's Cause' are my top two favorites, and I also like 'In Times of Peril' and 'Under Drake's Flag'. I listened to 'For The Temple' on audio, and lots of girls I know like that one, so I would recommend it, too. But it's really hard to pick a top favorite, because I like so many of them.

JTP: Well, I'm not very surprised by that. I think that is a common feeling among Henty readers. Have you read any of the new ones that were recently added to the Vision Forum set?

L: I have not, but I cannot wait to read them! I would like to start with 'A Chapter of Adventures,' but I really want to read them all!

JTP: Do you have anything to say to girls who might never have read a Henty before?

L: Well, I know lots of girls, besides me, who have read Henty's books and really enjoy them. They are full of adventure; they are a great way to learn history; and I highly recommend them!

JTP: Thank, Lib. Now, can you give me one comment on your opinion of Ballantyne.

L: I like Ballantyne almost as much as Henty, in particular the Christianity of his characters. They are inspiring.

JTP: Thank you Liberty for this interview! I think the gents and ladies reading BTB will appreciate it.

P.S. liberty has read a total of 25 Henty books and 8 Ballantyne books now. -JT