When I was a little girl, my parents chose not to have a TV in our home until I was ten years old. Even after we purchased a TV, my mom would read aloud to our family at night. One of my favorite books she read was a story called Tree Wagon by Evelyn Sibley Lampman. (Amazon link HERE.) Though the book was for children, it was an unforgettable (at least for me, anyway) adventure about a covered wagon train on the Oregon trail.
Ever since then, the westward migration of settlers to the early west has always fascinated me. According to History.com, the first wagon trains began the grueling journey around 1841, and over 180,000 people attempted the journey over the next 28 years, until the first transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869.One out of every ten people who attempted the trip would die trying.
I've decided my next series will be a historical saga, based on the Oregon trail. As any writer knows, a historical series takes TONS of research. So I wanted to share some of the books I've been reading to make my new series come to life.
Days on the Road by Sarah Raymond Herndon (Amazon link HERE.)
So far, this book has been my favorite. It's an actual diary of a 23-year-old woman who faithfully recorded every day on the trail. The details of life and survival are amazing, and though it was a personal diary, the author has a gift of writing that leaves you hanging on to every word and flipping the pages to see what happens next.
Covered Wagon Women by Kenneth L. Holmes (editor) (Amazon link HERE.)
An unpublished selection of letters by women who traveled the Oregon trail, including a fascinating handful of letters by Virginia Reed, a member of the fated Donnor party. This is the first of a several-volume series.
Written by women of all ages and stations in life. You can feel the sorrow, joys and agonies of these women, and join in the triumph of those who actually made it into 'the promised lands' of Oregon and California.
The Best Land Under Heaven, The Donnor Party and the Age of Manefest Destiny by Michael Wallis. (Amazon link HERE.)
An account of the tragic Donnor Party story. I found this book to be rather tedious at times, but it has a wealth of information about westward migration and the mindset of people who set out on this harrowing journey.
I've decided my next series will be a historical saga, based on the Oregon trail. As any writer knows, a historical series takes TONS of research. So I wanted to share some of the books I've been reading to make my new series come to life.
Days on the Road by Sarah Raymond Herndon (Amazon link HERE.)
Covered Wagon Women by Kenneth L. Holmes (editor) (Amazon link HERE.)
An unpublished selection of letters by women who traveled the Oregon trail, including a fascinating handful of letters by Virginia Reed, a member of the fated Donnor party. This is the first of a several-volume series.
Written by women of all ages and stations in life. You can feel the sorrow, joys and agonies of these women, and join in the triumph of those who actually made it into 'the promised lands' of Oregon and California.
The Best Land Under Heaven, The Donnor Party and the Age of Manefest Destiny by Michael Wallis. (Amazon link HERE.)
An account of the tragic Donnor Party story. I found this book to be rather tedious at times, but it has a wealth of information about westward migration and the mindset of people who set out on this harrowing journey.
So that's what I've covered so far . . . with lots more to go! I'd love recommendations if any of you have read a good book about westward migration in the United States. Please comment with the links!
Oh, and look for the first book in my covered wagon series sometime in summer 2019!
Go for it!!! Sounds like a great idea. I'll be watching for the release. Jay Joyce Stevens
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