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A Gathering of Days: A New England Girl's Journal, 1830-1832
I, Catherine Cabot Hall, aged 13 years, 6 months, 29 days…do begin this book.
So begins the journal of a girl coming of age in nineteenth-century New Hampshire. Catherine records both the hardships of pioneer life and its many triumphs. Even as she struggles with her mother’s death and father’s eventual remarriage, Catherine’s indomitable spirit makes this saga an oftentimes uplifting and joyous one.
Quiet yet powerful, this Newbery Medal–winning book is sure to touch all who read it.
So begins the journal of a girl coming of age in nineteenth-century New Hampshire. Catherine records both the hardships of pioneer life and its many triumphs. Even as she struggles with her mother’s death and father’s eventual remarriage, Catherine’s indomitable spirit makes this saga an oftentimes uplifting and joyous one.
Quiet yet powerful, this Newbery Medal–winning book is sure to touch all who read it.
163 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 1979
155 people are currently reading
4354 people want to read
About the author
Joan W. Blos
33 books14 followersJoan Winsor Blos was an American writer, teacher and advocate for children's literacy. Her 1979 historical novel A Gathering of Days won the U.S. National Book Award in the category of Children's Books and the Newbery Medal for the year's most distinguished contribution to American children's literature. She lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 621 reviews
August 31, 2017
I'm a sentimentalist, especially when it comes to literature, especially children's literature. I love Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables, Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, and Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie. This book is of the same ilk, especially The Little House stories.
This is a simple little book, written as a journal by 14 year old Catherine Hall in 1830-32, spanning just 15 months. Written by Joan Blos and published in 1979, she goes back 150 years and captures an image of rural New Hampshire life, and gives the reader a sense of being right there. That's good wriiting. The prose is simple and sparse, but Blos has captured the essence of the time and place, and of the people.
This book won the Newberry Medal and the National Book Award in 1980 for best childrens literature, and well derserved.
This is a simple little book, written as a journal by 14 year old Catherine Hall in 1830-32, spanning just 15 months. Written by Joan Blos and published in 1979, she goes back 150 years and captures an image of rural New Hampshire life, and gives the reader a sense of being right there. That's good wriiting. The prose is simple and sparse, but Blos has captured the essence of the time and place, and of the people.
This book won the Newberry Medal and the National Book Award in 1980 for best childrens literature, and well derserved.
May 1, 2022
As an older adult who has come to very much enjoy journal-like (as well as epistolary) novels, I very much have loved Joan W. Blos' 1980 Newbery Award winning A Gathering of Days (and in particular, the minute details of early 19th century New England farm life, information both happy and indeed also at times sad and painful).
And yes, Catherine's voice shines naturally and realistically (and I for one also always do feel as though I am reading the words of a typical thirteen year old 19th century New Englander and not in fact the musings of author Joan W. Blos writing as, pretending to be Catherine, which for me is of the utmost importance for an enjoyable first person narrative such as journal novels always are and should be). However, even with my personal enjoyment, I do have to wonder and question whether the journalistic, whether the diary format presented by Joan W. Blos in A Gathering of Days would necessarily be all that textually appealing to many if not even most younger children. As I for one really only started to truly appreciate the minute descriptiveness of the generally rather massive wealth of historical information that is often part and parcel to diaries or epistolary novels as an older teenager, and truth be told, there are bits and pieces of the everyday, of the myriad of depicted simple tasks such as sewing, gathering berries, walking to school, even doing the laundry that if I had read A Gathering of Days as a younger girl (from around the age of nine to twelve or thirteen), I would more than likely have been somewhat bored by certain instances, by certain parts of Blos' featured text.
But all that having been said, I have personally decided to simply and truthfully rate A Gathering of Days as to my OWN enjoyment of the book at this time (as an older adult). And yes indeed, I have indeed absolutely and wholeheartedly loved my reading experience with Gathering of Days and rather massively so (the at first somewhat slow but steady, ultimately joyful acceptance of Mammann as Catherine's stepmother and even the depressing and saddening parts of A Gathering of Days, such as when Catherine is describing the death of her best friend Cassie, and later, when her other best friend Sophy must leave to work in a far away mill in order to make money for her family), with the only reason I am giving A Gathering of Days four stars instead of five is that personally being that I do tend to find the entire episode concerning that runaway slave a bit tacked on (albeit realistic and authentic enough regarding time and place) and not all that well incorporated into the text proper (for yes, the whole scenario with Curtis does at least to and for me feel almost as a bit of an afterthought, as though Joan W. Blos simply felt as though she needed to include such a thematic and kind of pushed it into her narrative for A Gathering of Days without much writing finesse).
And yes, Catherine's voice shines naturally and realistically (and I for one also always do feel as though I am reading the words of a typical thirteen year old 19th century New Englander and not in fact the musings of author Joan W. Blos writing as, pretending to be Catherine, which for me is of the utmost importance for an enjoyable first person narrative such as journal novels always are and should be). However, even with my personal enjoyment, I do have to wonder and question whether the journalistic, whether the diary format presented by Joan W. Blos in A Gathering of Days would necessarily be all that textually appealing to many if not even most younger children. As I for one really only started to truly appreciate the minute descriptiveness of the generally rather massive wealth of historical information that is often part and parcel to diaries or epistolary novels as an older teenager, and truth be told, there are bits and pieces of the everyday, of the myriad of depicted simple tasks such as sewing, gathering berries, walking to school, even doing the laundry that if I had read A Gathering of Days as a younger girl (from around the age of nine to twelve or thirteen), I would more than likely have been somewhat bored by certain instances, by certain parts of Blos' featured text.
But all that having been said, I have personally decided to simply and truthfully rate A Gathering of Days as to my OWN enjoyment of the book at this time (as an older adult). And yes indeed, I have indeed absolutely and wholeheartedly loved my reading experience with Gathering of Days and rather massively so (the at first somewhat slow but steady, ultimately joyful acceptance of Mammann as Catherine's stepmother and even the depressing and saddening parts of A Gathering of Days, such as when Catherine is describing the death of her best friend Cassie, and later, when her other best friend Sophy must leave to work in a far away mill in order to make money for her family), with the only reason I am giving A Gathering of Days four stars instead of five is that personally being that I do tend to find the entire episode concerning that runaway slave a bit tacked on (albeit realistic and authentic enough regarding time and place) and not all that well incorporated into the text proper (for yes, the whole scenario with Curtis does at least to and for me feel almost as a bit of an afterthought, as though Joan W. Blos simply felt as though she needed to include such a thematic and kind of pushed it into her narrative for A Gathering of Days without much writing finesse).
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December 2, 2016This book to me was boring because the format it was written in and how she told us mainly everything that happened in her day. I didn't like that because she didn't tell just the important stuff she told the every day events.
January 24, 2008
Catherine, a young lady growing up in New Hampshire, writes in a journal of her days, her routines, her friends and her struggles. This is very well-told. The reader feels they are going back in time, with the descriptions of the area, food, mannerisms, thoughts and the words and phrases. The book focuses a lot on the routine of the era, but the details don’t drag the story down. As well as the everyday, there are undercurrents of the debate on slavery, illness, her father’s remarriage and the death of Catherine’s best friend, Cassie. The characters are well-rounded. Catherine isn’t especially brave; I think many young girls will be able to relate to her inner struggle as to whether or not to help an unknown runaway, and how to handle a new stepmother (who is wonderfully sympathetic, not the “evil” stepmother of far too many stories). My one (very small) nit in this otherwise well-researched tale is the reference to her aunt wearing “bridal white.” I was told during a program in Savannah the concept of a bride wearing the white gown really didn’t come into the social conscious until Queen Victoria’s wedding in 1840, and even then, most people couldn’t have afforded an elaborate (and impractical) white gown. Back then, all but the wealthiest of brides would have worn her Sunday best. I looked up four wedding gowns displayed in museums dating in the 1830s; only one was (off) white. Also, according to other information I have gleaned, it would have been extremely poor taste to wear black at a wedding, even with the recent death. Red would have been the color for mourners to wear. Most children aren’t going to pick up on this, and it is a minor detail. Everything else strikes me as accurate.
December 4, 2016
This book is written as a diary in the 1830's, and sometimes I enjoy diaries, but this book was all over the place. Each day didn't correlate with each other. Now some parts were formatted well and did make me want to read more, but other parts were super boing and made me want to fall asleep. I do not recommend this book. I did, though, learn a little bit more about the 1830' which is a bit of a plus.
May 5, 2022
Read Children's Books group > Newbery Club > May 2022 discussion thread.
I have much more to say there.
Short book. Lots of interesting historical details. Some are familiar from other pioneer stories like Little House, but others are peculiar to the more 'civilized' east, like the stencillers who come around to paint murals and portraits.
Very good. Thoughtful. Not boring.
I have much more to say there.
Short book. Lots of interesting historical details. Some are familiar from other pioneer stories like Little House, but others are peculiar to the more 'civilized' east, like the stencillers who come around to paint murals and portraits.
Very good. Thoughtful. Not boring.
December 1, 2016
This book had a great ending but a super boring beginning and middle.
April 5, 2019
I just thought this was sort of "meh". I'm trying to read all the Newbery Medal winning books, and I just didn't find much to distinguish this from the other slow-paced accounts of unhappy children who find quiet, inner strength that litter the Newbery pantheon. The journal format is unique and refreshing, and there are some intriguing conflicts to care about, but there just wasn't much to be thrilled about. The language of the time and historical accuracy are portrayed right on the money, and make the reading experience a bit more enjoyable. If you like New England history, you'll probably love this book.
June 25, 2010
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the author's lovely, honest and sincere voice.
It is the journal of a fourteen year old girl, living in New Hampshire in 1831.
She writes of her family life, her father and sister. She writes of her mother and baby brother's passing years before. She writes of daily life on the farm. She tells of her friends and their adventures.
One thing I really enjoyed about this book was it's believability. Sometimes sad things happen in life. Things that we can't explain or fully understand. Catherine learns, however, the part of growing up is choosing how we will react to those uncontrollable circumstances.
Some of my favorite quotes from the book:
"Mammann says that joyful times should as truly confirm our faith as times of sorrow test it. For good times and ill each have their place; and he who doubts or questions either will only reveal how poor is his trust, how flawed his obedience."
"She lived among us for a while
And brought joy where she went.
We thought she was a gift of God
But learned she was but lent."
This is one of those books that uplifts the spirit and stirs within one a desire to take time to notice all the beautiful parts of life.
And ahh....the language of a by gone era! So lovely, meaningful, and eloquent.
It is the journal of a fourteen year old girl, living in New Hampshire in 1831.
She writes of her family life, her father and sister. She writes of her mother and baby brother's passing years before. She writes of daily life on the farm. She tells of her friends and their adventures.
One thing I really enjoyed about this book was it's believability. Sometimes sad things happen in life. Things that we can't explain or fully understand. Catherine learns, however, the part of growing up is choosing how we will react to those uncontrollable circumstances.
Some of my favorite quotes from the book:
"Mammann says that joyful times should as truly confirm our faith as times of sorrow test it. For good times and ill each have their place; and he who doubts or questions either will only reveal how poor is his trust, how flawed his obedience."
"She lived among us for a while
And brought joy where she went.
We thought she was a gift of God
But learned she was but lent."
This is one of those books that uplifts the spirit and stirs within one a desire to take time to notice all the beautiful parts of life.
And ahh....the language of a by gone era! So lovely, meaningful, and eloquent.
September 12, 2009
You know, I really loved this book. One of the reviews on the back of the book says "Her characters are truly of their times, not 1970's sensibilities masquerading in 1830's homespun, and old-fashioned in teh best sense of the word--principled." True--it seemed very authentic. I could totally believe it was a real journal. I just loved how it seemed so real and I of course love the setting. I love it like I love the Little House on the Prairie books, but I might like this one even more. I only wish there was a sequel where she was a little older.
December 7, 2016
This book was a very confusing book to me. I feel like this book could use a better transition after each diary entry. This book was also not a very exciting book either. This book felt very boring to me and some of the people that I read it with thought the same.
January 15, 2016
I would not recommend this book to anyone who values their sanity. I started this book for a school reading group, it being the only book left on our shelf I hadn't read yet. Turns out, there was a reason for that. Dear Joan Blos, Misspelling teased to "teazed" and abbreviating three letter names like Asa doesn't make you book good. It makes readers want to tear out every page of the novel in frustration. There is no action in this book. I don't even know what the plot was about. I think that it involved quilting and a slave, but I'm not even sure, because most of the book is comprised of describing exactly how Catherine walked to school and what she ate for lunch that day in full detail. There are some uses for this book, however. It would make great kindling, or maybe be used as a sedative for doctors. I can even see dystopian governments using it as an alternate torture method. After reading this book, I started vividly hallucinating about locks of hair and quilting squares. (Spoilers [even though it's on the back cover]) At the end of this book, a girl dies of pneumonia. I wanted to be her while I read. My doctor gave me antidepressants for my suicidal tendencies. A month after this book I ran out of antidepressants and became addicted to several drugs. I sold my daughter into slavery to pay for the only way to forget this book. Now I am in mental institution and writing this on my thirty minutes of computer usage. At least my cell is pretty roomy, although they did have to take away my quilt because it was "triggering me". Final Verdict: Don't make that I did. Never buy this book.
PS: Katie, if you're reading this, how's your new family? I'm sorry, i just couldn't pass up such a good deal. I get my drugs and you get to see the world!
PS: Katie, if you're reading this, how's your new family? I'm sorry, i just couldn't pass up such a good deal. I get my drugs and you get to see the world!
June 11, 2019
Read with my fourteen year old daughter Meredith. She wouldn’t have read it on her own but reading together always makes it special and interesting. Excellent and gentle historical epistolary novel.
June 23, 2010
Diary of a 13-year-old in 1830 New Hampshire. No conflict or character development. Best friend's death is foretold on page 1. I don't know how this one won the Newbery.
August 24, 2020
3.5 stars
This was a simple, yet deep story of the early 1830s. Written in the form of a girl’s journal, I enjoyed getting to know different characters as seen through Catherine’s eyes. Some political situations showed different sides as not everyone agreed on things. There were times of joy and sadness, excitement and everyday life.
This is a story I can recommend.
This was a simple, yet deep story of the early 1830s. Written in the form of a girl’s journal, I enjoyed getting to know different characters as seen through Catherine’s eyes. Some political situations showed different sides as not everyone agreed on things. There were times of joy and sadness, excitement and everyday life.
This is a story I can recommend.
November 20, 2025
Beautifully simple and emotionally restrained with more being said in subtext. Very glad to have read this iconic book.
November 19, 2011
Continuing on my quest to read all Newbery medal and honor books, I randomly selected this one from the green cabinet where I specifically store all the Newbery books I own.
It is just what my weary spirit needed. This is a simple tale told from the perspective of 13 year old Catherine Hall, set in pioneer days of New Hampshire during the dates of 1830-1832. With a feel similar to the books of Laura Ingalls Wilder, this book has a lyrical rolling quality while depicting the joys and hardships of pioneer days.
It harkens back to a time when children respected teachers and parents, when everyone shared responsibility of maintaining components of survival and when what would now be considered simple pleasures, held so much meaning then.
Here is a snipet:
"Teacher Orpha sometimes permits the conduct of school out of doors. On these days we convene near the tree, the littlest ones gathering close to her, and some times, even, one of the babes will lay his head in her lap "Poor little thing," she'll say with a smile. Or maybe, "Pretty dreamer!"
Then does the droning of our voices rival that of the somnolent bees while off to one side, the more wakeful infants intone their little verses, and their abc's."
Recommended for a fall day when the air is crisp and the frost is on the pumpkin.
It is just what my weary spirit needed. This is a simple tale told from the perspective of 13 year old Catherine Hall, set in pioneer days of New Hampshire during the dates of 1830-1832. With a feel similar to the books of Laura Ingalls Wilder, this book has a lyrical rolling quality while depicting the joys and hardships of pioneer days.
It harkens back to a time when children respected teachers and parents, when everyone shared responsibility of maintaining components of survival and when what would now be considered simple pleasures, held so much meaning then.
Here is a snipet:
"Teacher Orpha sometimes permits the conduct of school out of doors. On these days we convene near the tree, the littlest ones gathering close to her, and some times, even, one of the babes will lay his head in her lap "Poor little thing," she'll say with a smile. Or maybe, "Pretty dreamer!"
Then does the droning of our voices rival that of the somnolent bees while off to one side, the more wakeful infants intone their little verses, and their abc's."
Recommended for a fall day when the air is crisp and the frost is on the pumpkin.
April 14, 2024
➳ 1 ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
╰┈➤ ”she lived among us for a while and brought joy where she went. we thought she was a gift of God but learned she was but lent.”
so, as you can see, i gave this book one star. now, i read this book over 3 years ago, so i gave it one star based off of how i remember feeling about it at the time. this review may not be the most accurate, but i’ll inform you on what i remember. take this with a grain of salt.
from what i recall, this book was boring. it had no clear plot line and the spacing was very scattered and random. there would be major plot points that would never be completed and were instead replaced by scenes of our mc sewing her quilt, doing her chores, etc. it had no clear storyline and for that it was extremely confusing.
i can’t even remember any of the characters names. all i can say is, i read this for school, and all of my classmates despised it as well and couldn’t fathom how it one awards. so there, strength in numbers.
anyway, this is a “diary” so maybe that’s why the story was scattered. i just think they should have picked some plot lines and stuck with them instead of abandoning ones and leaving them unfinished.
i do not recommend unless you would like to be bored out of your mind. and this coming from me, the historical fiction enthusiast.
୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆
╰┈➤ ”she lived among us for a while and brought joy where she went. we thought she was a gift of God but learned she was but lent.”
so, as you can see, i gave this book one star. now, i read this book over 3 years ago, so i gave it one star based off of how i remember feeling about it at the time. this review may not be the most accurate, but i’ll inform you on what i remember. take this with a grain of salt.
from what i recall, this book was boring. it had no clear plot line and the spacing was very scattered and random. there would be major plot points that would never be completed and were instead replaced by scenes of our mc sewing her quilt, doing her chores, etc. it had no clear storyline and for that it was extremely confusing.
i can’t even remember any of the characters names. all i can say is, i read this for school, and all of my classmates despised it as well and couldn’t fathom how it one awards. so there, strength in numbers.
anyway, this is a “diary” so maybe that’s why the story was scattered. i just think they should have picked some plot lines and stuck with them instead of abandoning ones and leaving them unfinished.
i do not recommend unless you would like to be bored out of your mind. and this coming from me, the historical fiction enthusiast.
୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆
January 13, 2015
When you decide to read all the Newbery Medal winning books, you discover some truly great stories. It doesn't matter if you like mysteries, science fiction, historical fiction or just a regular old fiction, there's something for everyone. Unfortunately, A Gathering of Days: A New England Girl's Journal, 1830-1832, just wasn't a great story.
Credit must be given to Ms. Blos, she did find a unique voice in her narrator and she really did evoke the feel of what I imagine a small 1830's New Hampshire town might have been like, but, man was this story all over the place. She's helping freed slaves, making quilts, having friends die, getting a new mom and brother, trying to live the good Christian life and survive the tough New England winters. The ending also seemed to come out of nowhere and didn't really add to the story or have the impact the author may have intended.
If one sets out to read all the books that have won a certain medal, there will be some stories that really resonate with the reader, while others will, unfortunately, not make any impact. A Gathering of Days, for this reader, while well written and unique, just didn't have a story that will stay with me very long.
Credit must be given to Ms. Blos, she did find a unique voice in her narrator and she really did evoke the feel of what I imagine a small 1830's New Hampshire town might have been like, but, man was this story all over the place. She's helping freed slaves, making quilts, having friends die, getting a new mom and brother, trying to live the good Christian life and survive the tough New England winters. The ending also seemed to come out of nowhere and didn't really add to the story or have the impact the author may have intended.
If one sets out to read all the books that have won a certain medal, there will be some stories that really resonate with the reader, while others will, unfortunately, not make any impact. A Gathering of Days, for this reader, while well written and unique, just didn't have a story that will stay with me very long.
July 12, 2025
This book started at a slower pace than many Newbery Medal winners, but became bigger and more magnificent until it was right there in the discussion of best books I have read.
Joan W. Blos has a gift for making one feel solidarity with characters whose lives are totally different from one's own.
What vaults A Gathering of Days into the five-star range is the strong emotional resonance of the story near the end. It's a deeply felt experience, and I loved it. I am blessed to have read this book.
Joan W. Blos has a gift for making one feel solidarity with characters whose lives are totally different from one's own.
What vaults A Gathering of Days into the five-star range is the strong emotional resonance of the story near the end. It's a deeply felt experience, and I loved it. I am blessed to have read this book.
August 5, 2019
For my "car book" I gave up on Mistress Pat by LM Montgomery, I've not read the first one, and it is not capturing my interest and am going to start this one, which I remember so fondly from my childhood.
Since I now have a Smart Phone with a Kindle App, I decided to bring this in and finish it up. I love it, it was interesting that only a couple of things stayed with me, one of which was the cover. It was a delightful re-read, historically accurate, and gave a good picture of life in 1800s America.
Since I now have a Smart Phone with a Kindle App, I decided to bring this in and finish it up. I love it, it was interesting that only a couple of things stayed with me, one of which was the cover. It was a delightful re-read, historically accurate, and gave a good picture of life in 1800s America.
August 6, 2018
I liked it okay, to be honest. I didn't love it. There wasn't really a strong plot to the book, which is probably why it took me like two months to finish. I did appreciate all the historical details about daily life, people's attitudes toward issues like slavery, and so on.
May 15, 2015
This book was a somewhat boring account of a girl's childhood in New England written in diary form.
The best part was the use of the word abecedarian.
The best part was the use of the word abecedarian.
February 23, 2022
Yes, I rated three stars, even though it was boring.
Why?
Well, here's why.
1. Honestly, there were a lot of parts, particularly near the end, that I liked.
2. Going into this book, my siblings kept telling me how monstrously boring it was. And, honestly, at parts, it was. But starting this book I had VERY low expectations. Everyone in my family hates this book. But, really, it wasn't THAT bad.
3. When I have to write an essay on a book for school, I like it when the book has essay-able (it's my word, don't take it) content. This one, in my opinion, did indeed have that.
So yeah. I didn't completely hate this one. I didn't love it, it's not one of my new favorites, and I probably won't read it again (but maybe I will!), but I didn't hate it like I expected myself to.
Alright, I'm gonna go get roasted by my sister and cousin for actually kinda liking this~
(they all swear it's the most boring book ever)
Why?
Well, here's why.
1. Honestly, there were a lot of parts, particularly near the end, that I liked.
2. Going into this book, my siblings kept telling me how monstrously boring it was. And, honestly, at parts, it was. But starting this book I had VERY low expectations. Everyone in my family hates this book. But, really, it wasn't THAT bad.
3. When I have to write an essay on a book for school, I like it when the book has essay-able (it's my word, don't take it) content. This one, in my opinion, did indeed have that.
So yeah. I didn't completely hate this one. I didn't love it, it's not one of my new favorites, and I probably won't read it again (but maybe I will!), but I didn't hate it like I expected myself to.
Alright, I'm gonna go get roasted by my sister and cousin for actually kinda liking this~
(they all swear it's the most boring book ever)
March 18, 2018
This book is the 1980 Newbery Medal winner, and I have all of the winners on my TBR list (I have already read quite a few). I almost gave up on this one, but in the end, I'm so glad I didn't. The reason that I almost gave up on it is because it's written as if it were actually a journal written in the 1800's and sometimes the flow of the language was hard for me to follow. The reason that I'm glad I didn't give up on it is because it made me think of simpler times and what life was like.
Families endured a lot but had to stick together and rely on each other for their food, clothing, ways in which to keep warm (making blankets & wood for the fire), etc. They also relied on their neighbors and helped each other out and had lessons of values and morals in every day life. Times were so much simpler and in some ways better back then. I'm glad I stuck with the book until the end.
Families endured a lot but had to stick together and rely on each other for their food, clothing, ways in which to keep warm (making blankets & wood for the fire), etc. They also relied on their neighbors and helped each other out and had lessons of values and morals in every day life. Times were so much simpler and in some ways better back then. I'm glad I stuck with the book until the end.
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February 28, 2024It was a good book, I read it for schooling so even though I wouldn't have chosen it to read for fun and it's not my favorite, I am glad I read it!
March 28, 2025
Good writing, but I didn't enjoy the actual story much. 3.5 ⭐
May 6, 2022
Catherine Cabot Hall, of Meredith, New Hampshire, starts her diary in 1830 at the age of 13 years 6 months and 29 days after her Papa brings it back from a trading expedition in Boston. For 17 months Catherine shares her daily thoughts on farm life in rural New England, her family, her friends and the stories they exchange with one another. Then one day she realizes her school copybook has gone missing and when her friend Asa tells her where it is, they discover a note attached from someone who needs help. Asa believes the person is a runaway slave but Catherine wonders if he is just another runaway indenture who will eventually give up and return to finish his time. Catherine's community is divided on the issue of slavery and she is torn over what to do. Should she help this runaway? As the seasons change, Cassie must cope with changes to her family and her schoolhouse. She wrestles with her conscience, her feelings and her thoughts on slavery.
I've read many, many diaries written by 19th-century New Englanders. Most of them are not at all as detailed as this fictional diary. It definitely reads like fiction and the writing is clunky in spots where the author's source material shows. The only realistic entries are the two one liners at the end! As a diary, I don't believe in it, but as a story told in the first person, it pulls me in and makes me believe in it. I enjoyed this as a piece of historical fiction in the vein of the Little House on the Prairie series.
I liked Catherine and her voice sounded suitable for a teen girl but not a girl of the 1830s. As an adult, I can see that Catherine had her childhood partly taken from her when her mother died and how her stepmother seeks to return Catherine's youth by taking over some of the household duties. I can see that Catherine resents that and feels Mammanna is being critical. Some of their issues could have been resolved by talking about things and sharing memories of Catherine's mother so Catherine doesn't feel her mother has been forgotten.
Catherine and Cassie's friendship with each other and with Asa is really nice. Yes children died all the time and yes people were stoic about death and sentimental about child deaths but not overly emotional.
What is different and especially compelling about this fiction story is the debate about slavery. Catherine's father and her uncle are both wrong, of course. I like the teacher being subversive and teaching The Liberator after school hours and how it inspired the boys. Asa is a good person and a good friend for doing what is right. I was happy Catherine came to the decision she did even if it meant giving up a tangible reminder of her mother. I wanted to know more about this mysterious fugitive! Good for them for trusting the children NOT to tell!y.
Sophy's story is also interesting. If I HAD to work in the mills, I'd go work at Lowell because they had a better system to encourage young women to work and to learn. That was NOT, however, the first strike by women in the textile mills!
Catherine's letter to her granddaughter was not satisfactory and I want to know more about what happened to her after the events of her diary! Obviously she married someone but not Asa or Josh or anyone from New Hampshire she grew up with. This is where real diaries are better! It was my job to research the person and find out who they were and what their story was.
The author needed to provide more information about her sources.
I'm glad I reread this but likely I'll forget I read it and pick it up again. If I do, I will probably remember it once I start reading.
I recommend this to fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder, Caddie Woodlawn, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, Kirsten Learns a Lesson: A School Story and classics in that vein that depict farm life in the 19th-century. If you're looking for an adventure story, look elsewhere.
I've read many, many diaries written by 19th-century New Englanders. Most of them are not at all as detailed as this fictional diary. It definitely reads like fiction and the writing is clunky in spots where the author's source material shows. The only realistic entries are the two one liners at the end! As a diary, I don't believe in it, but as a story told in the first person, it pulls me in and makes me believe in it. I enjoyed this as a piece of historical fiction in the vein of the Little House on the Prairie series.
I liked Catherine and her voice sounded suitable for a teen girl but not a girl of the 1830s. As an adult, I can see that Catherine had her childhood partly taken from her when her mother died and how her stepmother seeks to return Catherine's youth by taking over some of the household duties. I can see that Catherine resents that and feels Mammanna is being critical. Some of their issues could have been resolved by talking about things and sharing memories of Catherine's mother so Catherine doesn't feel her mother has been forgotten.
Catherine and Cassie's friendship with each other and with Asa is really nice. Yes children died all the time and yes people were stoic about death and sentimental about child deaths but not overly emotional.
What is different and especially compelling about this fiction story is the debate about slavery. Catherine's father and her uncle are both wrong, of course. I like the teacher being subversive and teaching The Liberator after school hours and how it inspired the boys. Asa is a good person and a good friend for doing what is right. I was happy Catherine came to the decision she did even if it meant giving up a tangible reminder of her mother. I wanted to know more about this mysterious fugitive! Good for them for trusting the children NOT to tell!y.
Sophy's story is also interesting. If I HAD to work in the mills, I'd go work at Lowell because they had a better system to encourage young women to work and to learn. That was NOT, however, the first strike by women in the textile mills!
Catherine's letter to her granddaughter was not satisfactory and I want to know more about what happened to her after the events of her diary! Obviously she married someone but not Asa or Josh or anyone from New Hampshire she grew up with. This is where real diaries are better! It was my job to research the person and find out who they were and what their story was.
The author needed to provide more information about her sources.
I'm glad I reread this but likely I'll forget I read it and pick it up again. If I do, I will probably remember it once I start reading.
I recommend this to fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder, Caddie Woodlawn, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, Kirsten Learns a Lesson: A School Story and classics in that vein that depict farm life in the 19th-century. If you're looking for an adventure story, look elsewhere.
December 31, 2013
55 1980: A Gathering of Days: A New England Girl's Journal, 1830-1832 by Joan W. Blos (Scribner)
7/14/13 144 pages
I wonder to myself why so many of the Newbery Medal winners are sad or at least bittersweet. Is it not possible to gain meaning without sadness.
The story starts with a letter from Catherine Hall Onesti to her great-granddaughter and namesake as she turns 14. In the letter, she explains that she is giving the girl the journal that she kept when she was a girl of 13 and 14. She foreshadows the trials of that year and advises the girl:
"Once I might have wished for that: never to grow old. But now I know that to stay young always is also not to change. And that is what life's all about - changes going on every minute, and you never know when something begins where it's going to take you. So one thing I want to say about life is don't be scared and don't hang back, and most of all, don't waste it." p. 3
The book continues as a journal of her days that year. Her mother was dead along with an infant brother. She, however, was doing a good job of keeping house for her father and younger sister and commented several times that "we do all right." During the journal she shares her thoughts on school, her neighbors, a mysterious stranger, and life. Spoiler: She learns to accept her father's new wife and the death of her best friend and, in the end, accepts her parents' decision for her to move and help out another family.
As an afterword, Catherine writes another letter to her great-granddaughter to answer some questions that she had about that year. In that letter, we have the ability to find out more about how things turned out in the end.
"Once she paused, looking out at the hills, and spoke so softly as to make me think I was not meant to hear: "Let me remember this thankful moment later, when I've doubts." p. 78
"A soldier's prayer is even more forceful than one by a minister. (Perhaps 'tis the unexpectedness of some-time strength so sweetly gentled? I am reminded of that day when Father insisted that he alone would attend the cooking.)" p. 92
"Mammann says that joyful times should as truly confirm our faith as times of sorrow test it. For good times and ill each have their place; and he who doubts or questions either will only reveal how poor is his trust, how flawed his obedience." p. 99
"She lived among us for a while
And brought joy where she went.
We thought she was a gift of God
But learned she was but lent." p. 111
"Perhaps 'tis better, after all, that our last parting was filled with joy, confident of the morrow." p. 112
"Father has learned that it is being said we've the best kept school in the district. Thereare are the committee pleased; who would be less so, I stoutly maintain, were theirs the scholar's place." p. 130
"'It was an apt choice,' he began, 'for are we not, all of us, wand'rers and strangers; and do we not, all of us, travel in danger or voyage uncharted seas?' At once I saw he meant my stranger - who was safe, all hazards survived. And Cassie, too, who had been called on a greater journey, to rest on the opposite shore." p. 135-6
"At the start of this journal I wrote of my wish to stay here for ever and ever; also that I wished to become better and more gladly able to do what I am asked. Today, reflecting on Aunt Lucy's letter, I know I shall find good consequence in what ever is decided by Father and Mammann. Thus it now appears to me that trust, and not submission, defines obedience." p. 139
"This year, more than others, has been a lengthy gathering of days wherein we lived, we loved, were moved; learned how to accept." p. 140
"I am to leave at daybreak and can not sleep tonight. Thus I have stolen down the stairs - their every, rough edge known to me - to sit by a single candle's light with this, my companion, my journal. I wonder if it is common to feel that never is a place so loved as when one has to leave it." p. 142
My personal Newbery scale:
Meaning ^
Read-aloud ^
Ages Any
Length Medium - but not difficult
Me A bittersweet sadness, yet good
7/14/13 144 pages
I wonder to myself why so many of the Newbery Medal winners are sad or at least bittersweet. Is it not possible to gain meaning without sadness.
The story starts with a letter from Catherine Hall Onesti to her great-granddaughter and namesake as she turns 14. In the letter, she explains that she is giving the girl the journal that she kept when she was a girl of 13 and 14. She foreshadows the trials of that year and advises the girl:
"Once I might have wished for that: never to grow old. But now I know that to stay young always is also not to change. And that is what life's all about - changes going on every minute, and you never know when something begins where it's going to take you. So one thing I want to say about life is don't be scared and don't hang back, and most of all, don't waste it." p. 3
The book continues as a journal of her days that year. Her mother was dead along with an infant brother. She, however, was doing a good job of keeping house for her father and younger sister and commented several times that "we do all right." During the journal she shares her thoughts on school, her neighbors, a mysterious stranger, and life. Spoiler: She learns to accept her father's new wife and the death of her best friend and, in the end, accepts her parents' decision for her to move and help out another family.
As an afterword, Catherine writes another letter to her great-granddaughter to answer some questions that she had about that year. In that letter, we have the ability to find out more about how things turned out in the end.
"Once she paused, looking out at the hills, and spoke so softly as to make me think I was not meant to hear: "Let me remember this thankful moment later, when I've doubts." p. 78
"A soldier's prayer is even more forceful than one by a minister. (Perhaps 'tis the unexpectedness of some-time strength so sweetly gentled? I am reminded of that day when Father insisted that he alone would attend the cooking.)" p. 92
"Mammann says that joyful times should as truly confirm our faith as times of sorrow test it. For good times and ill each have their place; and he who doubts or questions either will only reveal how poor is his trust, how flawed his obedience." p. 99
"She lived among us for a while
And brought joy where she went.
We thought she was a gift of God
But learned she was but lent." p. 111
"Perhaps 'tis better, after all, that our last parting was filled with joy, confident of the morrow." p. 112
"Father has learned that it is being said we've the best kept school in the district. Thereare are the committee pleased; who would be less so, I stoutly maintain, were theirs the scholar's place." p. 130
"'It was an apt choice,' he began, 'for are we not, all of us, wand'rers and strangers; and do we not, all of us, travel in danger or voyage uncharted seas?' At once I saw he meant my stranger - who was safe, all hazards survived. And Cassie, too, who had been called on a greater journey, to rest on the opposite shore." p. 135-6
"At the start of this journal I wrote of my wish to stay here for ever and ever; also that I wished to become better and more gladly able to do what I am asked. Today, reflecting on Aunt Lucy's letter, I know I shall find good consequence in what ever is decided by Father and Mammann. Thus it now appears to me that trust, and not submission, defines obedience." p. 139
"This year, more than others, has been a lengthy gathering of days wherein we lived, we loved, were moved; learned how to accept." p. 140
"I am to leave at daybreak and can not sleep tonight. Thus I have stolen down the stairs - their every, rough edge known to me - to sit by a single candle's light with this, my companion, my journal. I wonder if it is common to feel that never is a place so loved as when one has to leave it." p. 142
My personal Newbery scale:
Meaning ^
Read-aloud ^
Ages Any
Length Medium - but not difficult
Me A bittersweet sadness, yet good
July 14, 2021
Fast read, highlighting life and history in New Hampshire in 1830-32 through the eyes of a young teen. Discovered I live and work very near the location of this story and appreciated the place names, weather and more. A lovely historical fiction selection for junior to adult readers.
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