I just finished a book that feels like a warm hug and a clever mystery all rolled into one. Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster is an absolute gem, told entirely through letters.

The Story

We meet Jerusha 'Judy' Abbott, a sharp and funny orphan who's about to age out of the home. Out of the blue, a rich trustee offers to send her to college! The catch? She has to write him letters about her progress, but he'll never write back. All she knows is he's tall—hence her nickname for him, 'Daddy-Long-Legs.' The book is Judy's one-sided conversation with this shadowy figure. Through her letters, we watch her grow from a grateful girl into a confident, independent young woman, navigating classes, making friends, and discovering the world beyond the orphanage.

Why You Should Read It

Judy's voice is the star here. She's hilarious, observant, and so relatable. You'll laugh at her witty takes on college life and feel for her as she grapples with her past. The format makes it a quick, delightful read. But it's more than just a cute story. It's quietly powerful, showing a young woman finding her own strength and ambition long before that was a common theme. The mystery of her benefactor adds a lovely layer of suspense that keeps you turning pages.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone who loves a classic with heart, a dash of romance, and a fantastic female lead. If you enjoyed Anne of Green Gables for its spirited heroine or 84, Charing Cross Road for its epistolary charm, you'll adore Judy's letters. It's a short, uplifting escape that proves some stories from 1912 feel fresher than ever.