Slow and Sure: The Story of Paul Hoffman the Young Street-Merchant

"Slow and Sure: The Story of Paul Hoffman the Young Street-Merchant" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Paul Hoffman, a resourceful fifteen-year-old street merchant in New York City, who works diligently to support his mother and younger brother, Jimmy, after the death of his father. The narrative delves into themes of perseverance, the struggles of impoverished youth in urban environments, and the importance of integrity and ambition. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Paul's family dynamics, showcasing his hardworking nature and the loving relationship he shares with his mother and brother. Mrs. Hoffman is proud of her sons’ talents, particularly Paul's business acumen and Jimmy’s artistic abilities, though they live in modest circumstances following a fire that destroyed their home. As the plot unfolds, Paul reveals his entrepreneurial spirit by managing a necktie stand, striving to improve their quality of life amidst the harsh realities of street life. The opening chapters establish a foundation of hope and determination as they seek a new home, setting the stage for Paul's journey and the challenges they will face together. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Horatio Alger Jr. was an American author who wrote young adult novels about impoverished boys and their rise from humble backgrounds to middle-class security and comfort through good works. His writings were characterized by the "rags-to-riches" narrative, which had a formative effect on the United States from 1868 through to his death in 1899.