I've Been Thinking; or, the Secret of Success

"I've Been Thinking; or, The Secret of Success" by A. S. Roe is a novel likely written in the mid-19th century. The story centers on two brothers, Jim and Ned Montjoy, who contemplate the future of their farming efforts and the limitations of their small, isolated community. They embark on an entrepreneurial adventure, exploring ways to sell their produce to nearby military personnel at a fort, with the aim of improving their family's circumstances. At the start of the book, the brothers discuss the challenges posed by their abundance of vegetables, leading Jim to propose a plan to sell their produce to soldiers rather than simply consuming everything themselves. As they strategize, they express concern over their situation without a father and the dependency on their mother. Jim's resolve to pursue selling vegetables inspires his brother, and they decide to approach their mother for permission to carry out the plan. The opening chapters establish their motivational dynamics, character backgrounds, and the setting of a socially and economically challenging environment, laying the groundwork for their upcoming adventures and endeavors for success.