Shabby Sunday Meme
I have a lot of old vintage books and one of my plans when I first started blogging was to do a post every week or so that shared one of my cherished vintage books. Then I thought that maybe there might be other book bloggers out there that have some vintage books, heirlooms, or maybe some old books from childhood that they might want to share. I decided to start a weekly meme titled ‘Shabby Sunday’ for those who would like to participate and share some of their old vintage books. Do you have some shabby books you’d like to share? Please feel free to participate. Feel free to use the picture I’ve provided if you’d like to. If you decide to do this meme, please consider linking back to me so that I can see the book you’re sharing.
Today’s shabby share is:
Animal Farm (A Signet Classic)

As ferociously fresh as it was more than a half century ago, this remarkable allegory of a downtrodden society of overworked, mistreated animals, and their quest to create a paradise of progress, justice, and equality is one of the most scathing satires ever published. As we witness the rise and bloody fall of the revolutionary animals, we begin to recognize the seeds of totalitarianism in the most idealistic organization; and in our most charismatic leaders, the souls of our cruelest oppressors. – Amazon
My Thoughts:
I read Animal Farm when I was in college and it was one of those reads where you think it’s going to be boring, but it turns out to be a favorite. It’s an allegorical tale representing the Russian Revolution where the characters in the book represent people during this time.
I won’t go into the plot too much, but in a nutshell, this story is about a group of farm animals who rise up against the evil farmer who cares for them. They basically take over the farm by cause of Old Major (Marx/Lenen), the pig all about change. He get’s all the animals together into an uprising against Mr. Jones, the farmer (Tsar Nicholas II). The animal characters then run the farm themselves and develop their own hierarchy being lead by Snowball (Trotsky) and Napoleon (Stalin). In a way, the story reminds me of an Aesop’s Fable because the animal characters in the book have human characteristics and there are morals and messages that are quite obvious. Young readers can read it and they won’t pick up on the meaning–they’ll just think it’s a story about a group of rebellious farm animals against humans, but I believe the message that Orwell wanted to express is that power corrupts. Also that people need to think for themselves, educate yourself and make your own decisions. Don’t let others think for you.
Someone recently asked me who my favorite character was in the book which is a really difficult question to ask, in my opinion. I liked a handful of the characters including Boxer, Snowball, Benjamin, and Clover, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would have to be Snowball. Snowball’s ideas were in the best interests of the animals and he was always fair. He wanted to educate the other animals and make life easier for them. He was intelligent, brave, and stood up for his beliefs which is why he’s my favorite character in the book.
I’m not sure exactly how old my edition is of Animal Farm because no publication date is given, however, Goodreads seems to have this Signet Classic published in 1956. This thin paperback is in great shape for it’s age with clean, crisp pages.
My rating on this one is 5*****
Here’s the song “Beasts of England” passed on to the animals by Old Major:
Beasts of England





- Mass Market Paperback: 128 pages
- Publisher: Signet Classics (March 1, 1956)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0451510283
- ISBN-13: 978-0451510280
Other blogs who have participated in Shabby Sunday:
That is the same cover as the copy I had and read as a teen.
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How cool! I noticed there were a lot of these published, so I’m not positive what year it is. It says 46, but I’m thinking it’s probably in the 50s. Thanks for sharing, Nancy! ❤
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Now that is one decent treasure! I love that cover for the book!
Just before xmas on a work social night I steered the discussion to books (as I always do.. haha.. it can be weird among a bunch of IT guys but so interesting! 😀 ) and of the 4 of us, 2 had read Animal Farm and I really recommended the book to a 3rd person because they said they’re currently reading Brave, New World… I am so proud of my colleagues- they do make a literary effort… This is one of my favourite classics and my parents grew up under Soviet rule so going by their stories and grandparents stories this book really hits home!
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Wow! I’ve heard from a lot of people that they’ve never read it, and I would recommend it too. It’s worth a read!
That’s very interesting about your parents, Liz. I can only imagine the stories. Would love to sit down and have some conversation with them.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Have a great day! 💖
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What a wonderful pick and I love your copy!
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Thank you! 😊💖 I appreciate your thoughts.
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You’re welcome 😊💖
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I had that same exact one when I was young! Great read, and sadly, very timely, as is Orwell’s other masterpiece 1984. Great choice.
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We’ve had a lot of the same books! That’s so cool. 😉 1984 is another favorite and I agree–It’s just as relavant today as it’s been in the past . Thanks, Vanessa. 💖
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That book is in really great condition! Another one that’s on my list of classics for this year. Not sure how I never had to read it while at college. If I get through the first three I have down for this year, Animal Farm will be next.
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I can’t remember if it was required reading, but I know it was on the syllabus in one of my literature classes. It’s so worth the read in my opinion.
What other classics do you have plans to read? 💖
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I think so too. I always meant to get to it. After I finish with the other three I have planned, I wasn’t to do Animal Farm and Cat’s Cradle.
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I need to read Cat’s Cradle!
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It does look good 😄
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Wow, what a great find! I love this book and it’s so lovely that you have such a clean vintage copy of it.
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Thanks, Lucinda! 🙂 Glad you like the book too. 💖
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It’s a great read! Two observations: 1) The Russians are back to living under a czar and, 2) The good and bad instincts that motivated the animals can be found right here in the USA.
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So true, David. I just read an article about that over the holidays. Interesting!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it. I’ll probably reread 1984 next. 😉
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I felt the same way about this book. I read it because I was tutoring high schoolers who had to read this book and I’m so glad I did! I too thought it sounded boring and ridiculous with talking animals, but once I read it I loved it!!! I have a thing for dystopian books.
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That’s so neat! I love it when books turn out this way. Have you read 1984? I’m thinking about rereading it because I haven’t read it for like two decades, lol. 💖
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I loved 1984. It’s a book I also need to reread. I liked it better than Brave New World, but I liked that book also. I need to read Logan’s Run because I’ve only seen the movie.
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I need to read both of those too. Maybe this year. 😊❤
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I have never read Animal Firm and I didn’t even know the synopsis!😂 Thanks for sharing the book, Mischenko! Great review😘📚
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Thanks, Noriko! I hope you get to read it one day. It’s worth it. 💖 Chat soon. 😉😗
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Wasn’t this a movie? I feel like this is one of those where I saw the movie but didn’t read the book but then again it is a classic and I probably did read it in school long ago and just don’t remember 😂
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I believe it was. Someone on Goodreads mentioned it. I think it was a cartoon? I need to look into it. ❤ Thanks, Nel!
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All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others….
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☺
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It’s probably my favorite literary quote ever!
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What a neat idea! I may have to join in at some point. I’ve recently started collecting a series I had as a child. They’d be perfect to share 😀
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Thank you, Aislynn! I would absolutely love seeing your books. ❤💗❤
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I read this in English while I was in highschool. It is one I probably should re-read now without someone else telling me what it is supposed to mean.
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It’s a quick one for sure! Let me know your thoughts if you reread it again. 🙂 ❤
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Such a good book! 😀 This was one of my favorite reading assignments in high school. I also really liked watching the film adaptation when I was younger. Haven’t thought about that in quite some time, actually.
Great post! ❤
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Thank you! I need to see the movie now. Thanks for your thoughts on it and glad you enjoyed! ❤
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On my TBR. I recently re-read 1984 since I started in in high school and really never appreciated what it had to say or what it was about. I also have Brave New World on my TBR. I like George Orwell as an author. Great post!
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I need to read Brave New World as well. Glad you like this author. You should definitely try this one! 😀
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Happy Bday to Orwell 6/25!
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