Now or Never; Or, The Adventures of Bobby Bright: A Story for Young Folks

"Now or Never; Or, The Adventures of Bobby Bright: A Story for Young Folks" by Optic is a novel aimed at young readers, likely written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a clever and brave boy named Bobby Bright, who faces various challenges and moral dilemmas as he navigates his youth, emphasizing the importance of integrity and character over material success. At the start of the narrative, we meet Bobby fishing with his friend Tom Spicer when they encounter a runaway horse pulling a chaiss with a terrified lady. Bobby’s quick thinking leads him to risk his own safety to stop the horse, demonstrating his bravery and strong sense of duty. After saving the lady, Bobby receives a generous reward that could greatly impact his family, struggling under debt. This opening sets the stage for Bobby’s adventures as he grapples with issues of morality, responsibility, and selflessness, while also hinting at his aspirations to help his family financially. The tone is adventurous and uplifting, inviting readers to root for Bobby as he learns life lessons on his journey toward adulthood. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Taylor Adams, pseudonym Oliver Optic, was an academic, author, and a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.