#81 - Extra Book - Covered Wagon Women

Shoot I forgot one!!  I was going through my 2017 challenge and realized I read another book.  It was originally one I was saving for 2017, but I couldn't wait.  Luckily there is a book #2, so I just replaced it with that.

The book is: Covered Wagon Women

This book is a collection of letters and diary entries made by the women who crossed the Oregon Trail in the 1840s.  They speak of the troubles they came across, the death of husbands, children, loved ones.  They talk about how their wagons overturned, and how they had to lay under their dogs at night to keep warm.  There is a story of a midwife who delivered babies while she was on the Trail - how she would travel back 5-10 miles sometimes to reach a woman in labor.

The collection comes from many museums across the United States.  It was interesting to hear the journey from a woman's point of view.  Very rarely did the woman complain about her dire circumstances, or about the death of her loved ones.  They would bury their husbands and children, and the next day they would start again on their travels.  Most of the women had around 8 children to care for, plus her husband.  They would cook for their families and keep things in order day after day.  Through the snow and rain and across the Snake River.  It was truly remarkable to read.

I really enjoyed this book, and cannot believe I almost forgot to blog about it!!  GREAT book - check it out.  I can't wait to read volume #2.

Stars: 4 1/2