I simply adored this book!
Jerusha Abbott is an orphan who is sent to college by an anonymous benefactor. In return, she is asked to write him letters updating him on her progress. Though she is told to address her benefactor as "Mr. John Smith", she actually decides to call him "Daddy-Long-Legs" because the one time she saw him, he was silhouetted against a bright light, and his distorted shadow made him look like he had comically long legs.
I was inspired to read this book because it was mentioned in another book I read, Dear Pen Pal, which included an intriguing quote that really spoke to me: "It isn't the big troubles in life that require character. Anybody can rise to a crisis and face a crushing tragedy with courage, but to meet the petty hazards of the day with a laugh - I really think that requires spirit." (Page 49)
And Jerusha Abbott sure does have spirit! She is optimistic and light-hearted, witty and funny. She is social and outgoing, but also introspective and morally grounded. This book is perfect for young girls, and the epistolary format makes it an especially fun read, I think. After a brief third-person introduction to Jerusha, the rest of the book consists entirely of the letters Jerusha writes to Daddy-Long-Legs.
I can't wait to read more books by Jean Webster!
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