Fill the Stage

Daniel Dignan

Fill The Stage

“Character is Destiny”

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Treasure Island

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Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic adventure book is a thrilling read. Known for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Kidnapped, Stevenson is one of the best fiction writers ever.

Jim Hawkins finds a treasure map and sets sail with his friends to find the treasure. However, a group of pirates led by Long John Silver are on the hunt for it, too. Jim’s courage saves his friends’ lives and forces the pirate captain to change course.

Jim Hawkins, Captain Flint (the parrot), and Long John Silver by N.C. Wyeth

The story’s climax occurs when Jim confronts the pirate captain with the truth. His courage saves his life, his friends’ lives, and the pirate captain’s.

The most memorable events of the book are the ship captain’s warning, the fight at the fortress, Jim’s taking the ship, and the climax.

Five striking conversations between the main characters—one between the captain and the main characters and another between the captain and Long John Silver at the fort—are masterclasses in leadership. The captain is a noble and serious leader from whom readers can learn.

The most important theme- and why I recommend the book- is courage. Jim and the pirate captain, Long John Silver, both have it. However, their courage arises from different loves. Jim wants to do what is right, and he loves his friends. Captain Silver loves the treasure and himself more than anything else.

The object of their love contrasts nicely in this story.

I review more of the book here:

I recommend the N.C. Wyeth illustrated edition.

I also recommend the 1934 movie version:

I have not seen the Walt Disney movie version (1950); interestingly, it was Walt Disney’s first live-action film.

The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe

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Many have read Robinson Crusoe, but not as many have read or heard of the sequel. Like the first book, it is full of life lessons and just as thrilling. The reader follows Robinson Crusoe’s travels back to the island and across the world by sea and land, ultimately through China and Russia.

Early in the book, the most striking part is the starving ship. (The effects of starvation are described in detail.) Then, toward the middle, Crusoe is told about the cannibal wars that took place while he was gone and how the inhabitants found wives.

The reader is made to see the difference between the industrious islanders and those who were lazy and treacherous.

After leaving the island, Crusoe has several adventures. The reader witnesses his courage before, during, and after a massacre in Madagascar and during his treacherous journey through Tartar and Russian land.

In the book’s final part, he learns a valuable lesson during a conversation with an exiled Russian prince about contentment.

I read this print-on-demand version. (There is a lot of text on each page, so a Kindle version might be more readable for middle school kids.)

Robinson Crusoe

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If you’re looking for a fiction book for your middle or high school student to read, I suggest Robinson Crusoe. It is one of the most read novels ever; it inspired adventure books like Swiss Family Robinson and movies like Cast Away.

Robinson Crusoe shipwrecks near an island and struggles to survive; he builds a fort, grows crops, and hews a boat using crude tools. The time and effort he spends doing these things is mind-boggling.

The reader feels as though he is on the island with Crusoe. I often wondered if I could do what he did. Would I survive? 

I recommend the book because it is full of life lessons and wisdom, like the importance of parental advice, duty, contentment, thankfulness, and diligence. Moreover, the book is an unforgettable experience. My father read it to my brother and me when we were kids. I have never forgotten the scene of Crusoe laboring to build his house. His agony and persistence are emblazoned on my mind.

Crusoe’s pain, sufferings, and terrors have a transforming effect. The book builds to a page-turning conclusion.

I recommend purchasing an N. C. Wyeth illustrated edition.