Reader discussion: Heidi

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

Which English Translation of Johanna Spyri's Heidi Is The Best/Most Accurate?

By CrimsonMole1985

Hey everyone—has anyone here read *Heidi* by Johanna Spyri? I have two English copies, but the translations don’t seem to match. One of them also has typos and it even looks like some words are missing. I’m guessing it’s been translated a bunch of times from the original German, and some editions might be shortened. I’d love to read the most accurate, full, uncut, uncensored version (even though “best” is kind of subjective). If you’ve read it, which English edition did you think was the best?

Some light hearted/happy classic literature?

By Coast_Jar1983

I’m trying to find some classic books that are more upbeat and not totally depressing. I’m in the mood for something engaging with an actual story, not one that turns into a big sad/existential spiral. I do like classic literature, but I end up putting some of it off when it seems like that’s where it’s going. Any suggestions for classic reads like that?

Thoughts on Johanna Spyri’s Heidi?

By StoryGolden1974

My aunt gave me a copy of Heidi when I was about six. I was already reading ahead, so I probably could’ve gotten through it, but it was this huge, picture-less book and I’d only just barely moved past American Girl stuff, so it felt a little intimidating. I basically shoved it in the closet and it sat there collecting dust for more than ten years. Now she’s gone, and I finally pulled it out to read in her honor. But I’m a bit stuck—it feels kind of dry so far. I know it’s supposed to be a beloved classic and I really want to finish it because it was one of her favorites, I just don’t know what I’m supposed to think yet or whether it picks up at all. I’m usually totally into older classics and coming-of-age stories, so I don’t think that’s the problem. Any encouraging feedback, like does it get more interesting?

My next read - Heidi by Johanna Spyri

By gathersStory

Maybe we should focus more on kids’ classics—there are some really great ones.

Should I buy my girlfriend a copy of "Heidi," "A Little Princess," or "Anne of Green Gables?"

By memoryPlanet47

My girlfriend’s birthday is coming up in about two weeks, and I want to get her one of those Rifle Paper Co. Puffin in Bloom books. She already has Little Women, so I’m stuck choosing between Heidi (Johanna Spyri), A Little Princess (Frances Hodgson Burnett), and Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery). We haven’t read any of them, so I honestly don’t know which one’s the “best.” I mean, I’m mostly going off what everyone tends to recommend. She says she wants to read all of them eventually, but for now I can only buy one—so which one do you think is the most loved by everyone?

Has your perception of a favorite childhood book changed when you finally read the UNABRIDGED version as an adult?

By DrizzleCup21

Heidi was stuck in my head yesterday. I kept thinking about the peaceful Swiss scenery, the big piles of cheese and food, and how the whole book feels packed with love—Heidi’s bond with her old family (Grandfather, Peter, and Peter’s Granny) and the newer ones too (Clara, Mr. Sesemann, and even people like Sebastian). It really left a mark on me. I also related to how Heidi just looks at everything with these big, wide-open eyes, and how she genuinely loves everyone around her. When I was a kid, this was kind of my comfort book. Later that day I tried to track down copies and somehow found the exact one I grew up with, and it even had that excerpt from the audiobook read by Jenny Agutter. The second I hit play, I was suddenly 8 again and my eyes got watery. I ended up listening to the whole audiobook that evening and honestly, I was surprised by how well it held up. A lot of the same magic was still there, and it didn’t feel like “kid literature” the way some stories do. It also felt sort of close to the more realistic fiction I’m into now. Now I’m thinking I should finally give the unabridged version the attention it deserves. I did the unabridged thing with The Call of the Wild recently, and it was really nice—like there was way more going on than I remembered, both in what it said and how I understood it. Have you ever preferred the abridged version of something, and then tried the full one later? What was it like coming back with a more mature head on your shoulders?

In Praise of Children('s Literature)

By LaurelLantern

Lately I’ve been thinking about how kids mostly do their own little thing in their heads. They’ll genuinely seem to feel for people who are struggling, they can be super awkward just watching adults and trying to figure them out, like they’re studying us. It’s this kind of fresh wonder that I don’t really get from adults unless I stumble into a conversation that’s actually interesting—though some adults definitely still keep that inner-kid energy. I’ve also noticed that some writers seem really sparked by children for their crazy/funny/scary/imaginative stories—like Roald Dahl and Neil Gaiman. Are there other authors with that same vibe I should check out?

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.