Reader discussion: Heidi

Public reader discussion about Heidi in the WeRead Catalog by Johanna Spyri.

Heidi book review.

By LateBeaver

I read Heidi when I was in 7th through 11th grade, and after I was done I kind of left it alone for a while. Still, I thought it was really great and pretty emotional for kids. It also surprised me because it doesn’t get all gory like some other children’s books do—there are some dark parts, but no blood. The age critics suggest is 9+, but I feel like younger kids could probably handle it if it’s read aloud. What I liked most was seeing Heidi learn things while still staying cheerful. I also really enjoyed how wholesome her relationships are with everyone around her, and there are some genuinely funny moments too. If you need something to get away from real life for a bit, I’d definitely recommend it for the Swiss Alps and the whole culture.

Favorite children's classics for comfort/de-stressing?

By page_ropp1979

I usually stick to classics, but I’ve had a pretty rough run lately with some health stuff, and I just can’t focus like I normally would. I tried to read *Beloved* and couldn’t get through it—it felt way too emotionally intense, even though Toni Morrison is one of my favorite writers. Now I’m mostly resting and would rather read than doomscroll. I just finished *The Secret Garden* and *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz* and they were exactly what I needed—light, sweet, and fun. It honestly felt like a warm hug. Any other books that have the same kind of vibe? Edit: Wow, I’m really excited to see everyone’s suggestions! I’m still going through the replies, but y’all definitely got what I was going for. Thanks so much!

A book that deals with the innocence and nostalgia of childhood

By RainScene

I’m trying to find a book that feels a bit like Anne of Green Gables—more of a warm, fun childhood memory vibe, but with some sadness underneath too. If it’s set in a period, even better.

2026 Women's Prize for Fiction shortlist announced

By anchor3239

Anyone got opinions on the full list? - Flashlight by Susan Choi - Dominion by Addie E. Citchens - The Correspondent by Virginia Evans - The Mercy Step by Marcia Hutchinson - Kingfisher by Rozie Kelly - Heart the Lover by Lily King

What's the book you've read that's made the biggest impact on your life?

By orbit-eagle48

It could’ve been the first thing you ever really read. Or the one you still associate with being little, reading with your parents nearby. Maybe it’s the book that actually taught you something, or just hit you at the right moment and stuck. I’ve got a few like that. When I was a kid, I remember being totally blown away by The Hobbit—like, it was my first real fantasy novel and the first time I saw a whole different kind of world. And Singularity by William Sleator was how I got into sci-fi. I was pretty alone as a kid, so reading about someone who just decides to be alone for a year felt kind of huge. Those two really helped kick off a lifelong love of science fiction and fantasy. What books have meant a lot to you?

Weird girl books but make them classics??

By orbitecho

“weird girl fiction” seems super popular lately, and I’ve picked up a bunch of the stuff people recommend. I usually like it, but it’s almost always set in the present day. I’m trying to find older books or those kind of forgotten gems, if anyone has suggestions—especially stories with women who are kind of weird/deranged/lonely/complicated, and maybe not super likable. So far I’ve got: - *The Vet’s Daughter* — Barbara Comyns - *Angel* — Elizabeth Taylor I’ve also already read *We Have Always Lived in the Castle* — Shirley Jackson, which feels pretty close to what I want. Edit: Thanks everyone for the recs! I’ve added so many to my TBR.

Any books that you realized was better than you thought after letting it sit for a while?

By spring-copper1982

Has anyone read something they rated like 1–3 stars at first, then later bumped it up to a 4–5 after it sat for a while? I did that with *Normal People*. Right after I finished it, I gave it 2 stars because the whole setup and the way it was written felt kind of off-putting, and I figured it just wasn’t my thing. But as time passed, I started noticing all the little choices Sally Rooney made, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it throughout the day. So yeah, I ended up moving it up to 4.

Heidi by Johanna Spyri - Best Modern English Translation?

By HawkBirch2001

I’m curious what the best more modern translation of Johanna Spyri’s “Heidi” is. I’ve noticed some newer versions still sound kind of old-fashioned, but others seem to smooth out or downplay the Christian stuff that shows up with one of the characters. Ideally I’d like something that feels current in wording while still keeping the original vibe and those Christian undertones, not watering them down. And I’m reading as an adult, so I don’t really need it to be super kid-friendly or have illustrations or anything. Also, if there’s a version that’s just really nice overall—good quality and a little special, like something you’d actually want to gift—that’d be a bonus.