Wilderness Days

Boston Jane #2

by Jennifer L. Holm

Abandoned on the frontier by her faithless fiancé, Jane Peck prepares to head home, only to learn that the Philadelphia life she once knew is no more. But can a proper young lady find happiness as the only woman in a primitive pioneer settlement? Armed with only a finishing-school education and her natural determination, Jane must endure life with her flea-bitten landlord, a perilous manhunt, and the traps and hazards of a blossoming romance. Will Jane survive the challenges of the wild, uncharted frontiers of friendship, love, and the Washington Territory?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, Fiction, Romance, Adventure, Middle Grade

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

About the author

Jennifer L. Holm is a USA TODAY and NEW YORK TIMES-bestselling children's author with more than 9.8 million books in print She is the recipient of three Newbery Honors for her novels OUR ONLY MAY AMELIA, PENNY FROM HEAVEN, and TURTLE IN PARADISE and a Scott O'Dell Award for her novel FULL OF BEANS.

Jennifer collaborates with her brother, Matthew Holm, on three bestselling graphic novel series -- the Eisner Award-winning Babymouse series, the SUNNY series, and the Squish series. SQUISH is now an animated tv series on YouTube!

For more information, visit her website at www.jenniferholm.com.

Reviews

[Sonja Rosa Lisa ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

1854: Die 16-jährige Jane Peck hat sich mittlerweile in der Wildnis recht gut eingelebt. Mit den Siedlern und den Ureinwohnern kommt sie gut aus und hat sogar einige Freunde gefunden. Doch dann erhält sie die traurige Nachricht vom Tod ihres Vaters und möchte zurück nach Philadelphia. Die Schiffspassage kann sie sich allerdings nicht leisten, doch dann taucht überraschend Mr. Black auf und hilft ihr...
💗💖💗💖
Mein Leseeindruck:
Dieser zweite Band der Trilogie hat mir sogar noch besser gefallen als der erste Band! Jane hat sich gut weiterentwickelt, auch wenn sie noch nicht so ganz von ihren erlernten Benimmregeln lassen kann.
Richtig gut haben mir in diesem Band die Dialoge gefallen - besonders zwischen Jane, Jehu und Keer-ukso. Ich habe oft lachen müssen und konnte mich so gut in die Handlung hineinversetzen. Es hat Spaß gemacht, die drei Freunde zu begleiten.
Der Schreibstil ist auch in diesem Band wieder sehr angenehm und leicht. Das Buch lässt sich flott lesen, und die Geschichte ist sowohl spannend, als auch lustig und romantisch. Einfach schön!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this better than the first. It could also be called "Jane Grows Up" or "Jane Gets Over Herself" b/c that's what happens. The time frame is relatively short, but she grows a lot. Of course, her father died and she spends the whole beginning of the book wallowing in self pity. Then she gets eaten by the jealousy monster with a new woman in the settlement. Her 'woe is me, and poor little me and nobody loves me' attitude is finally broken in the wilderness and she truly becomes the Jane I hoped all along she could be. She's often described as plucky or spunky. Maybe. Certainly not in the first book, but more so here, though I'm still not sure those are the right words. Gotta love Jehu. Patient enough that we know he loves her, but not willing to let her be her worst self. Yeah, he's the best part of the book. I loved it when he told her she was "prickly."

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reading this series at the request of my 13 year old. This second book is a fun and innocent story with a stubborn, yet likable heroine. 3.5 stars.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So... I take issue with people in books not seeing things that are obvious to me. But maybe I'm being unreasonable. So let's look at this in bullet-point fashion.

-I understood from early in book 1 that Jane's father was dying. But maybe Jane was too wrapped up in herself to see the glaringly obvious clues that I saw.
-Also, there wasn't a super convenient time in book 1 to introduce that information to Jane, something that... kind of bothers me.
-But it WAS a plot point in book 2 (kind of a big one, actually), so it's good that she got the letter in book 2.
-Is the death of Mr. Peck supposed to be a huge surprise to the reader? I'm inclined to say no.

Ok, now I've worked through that. Thanks for bearing with me, everyone.

The other thing I take issue with is the mid-book, "I LOVE him! I just never realized it until now!" Except it's more of a "Hey, everyone doesn't hate me! I just never realized it until now!" Also, until Jehu pointed it out, I didn't realize Jane complained so much. But she does, and that kind of got on my nerves.

Sidenote that has nothing to do with anything: I keep pronouncing it "Jeju," because "Jehu" just doesn't work for my mind. Jeju Island, if you were wondering, is an island in South Korea.

[༺Kiki༻ · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you liked this book, you might also enjoy:

✱ Little Town on the Prairie
✱ These Happy Golden Years
✱ Freckles
✱ O Pioneers!
✱ My Ántonia

[Peyton Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, Boston Jane. I loved this series so much as a kid. They're so endearing for how stubborn she is, and how adorably stupid she can be. ("Jane, he loves you, you absolute blockhead," is something I repeated to myself approximately 700 times in the first 100 pages.) What I really appreciate about the writing though is that it's totally from her perspective so while it's obvious to the reader why a character might react the way they are, Jane's only telling it like she sees it. I remember from reading it as a kid that her "unreliable-ness" as a narrator was very validating and easy to empathize with. The adventure in this one didn't resound with me the same way her settling in the first one did, but I still enjoyed it a lot. Can't wait to continue on to read the third!

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series! I finished Boston Jane #1 at around 12:00 A.M (I was so intrigued) and then went out to buy Boston Jane #2 because I was so excited! I was not disappointed. I finished this book in 2 days. This book is awesome!!!
Okay, now, I'm editing this review, two years later. I still totally love this book, even though I've outgrown the age group. Vibrant, fun historical fiction. You love Jane because she has SO many faults--she's so real! I love Keer-ukso, and I kind of have a crush on him. But Jehu....oh my gosh he is just so wonderful. Like, seriously, why can't people like him exist in real life? Unfair.
Total fun for kids, teenagers, and adults.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane was abandoned by her fiance in 1800's Washington territory in the last book. As this book begins, she is planning to return to her home, but she receives some news that stops her from doing that. Instead, Jane decides to try to make a go of it in the wilderness.

I really enjoyed this book. Jane is independent and brave, but it is also tempered, so she comes off as human. This one included more of her romance with Jehu, and there was also a mystery side to the story, so it ended up being very fun to read.

[Isidora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Peck is sixteen and living in Shoalwater Bay. Her eyes are set on Jehu, and vise versa. Most of this book is about the dangers of Mr. Black. Mr. Black used to trap beavers for fun with Mr. Russell and a few other men. However, when Mr. Black was mauled by a bear, everyone thought he was dead and left him under some leaves without supplies. This was MANY years ago and Mr. Black is alive. Worse, he is out for revenge! All the men are dead except for Mr. Russell so Jane, Jehu, and Keer-ukso have to go to Mr. Russell (governor's meeting) through the wilderness to save him.

[Janene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second time I have read 2 of a trilogy by accident but both times felt like I still enjoyed the stories and I don't feel like I missed out on what the other of the 3 told. I read the 2nd and 3rd book to this series. I enjoyed both of them. Jane is a silly girl that turns into a strong and brave woman.

[Mercy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never change my 5 star rating on here wether I mentally change it in my head after I reread soon or not but just know this rating is from the 11 (and14 I read it twice) year old girl who ABSOLUTELY DEVOURED this adorable series.

[Kaitlyn S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and easy read, but delightful, nonetheless. I read this book in a few hours -- over two days -- and enjoyed every minute of it.

Yes, it was probably written for younger readers than my 23 years. No, I don't really care, because I do enjoy a good children's story =)

I will caution parents: I wouldn't let my younger siblings read this, even though they are the intended age range, because there is talk about "he loves me, he loves me not" in it. And there are three-ish, mildly detailed, kisses.
And, quite frankly, that is nothing we encourage young girls to dwell on. And it's a shame, because aspects of Jane Peck's character are so lovable, so irritating, and just downright funny, that I really think several of my younger sisters would adore this girl.

So, I recommend this one with parents caution :D Maybe read it aloud to younger children, skipping over scenes that should be omitted -- but overall, it's pretty good, and makes for a quick, light read. Perfect for our warm southern spring weather!

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Boston Jane series. It was an easy and quick read. I was entertained throughout. It was the perfect kind of book to help me get back into reading more and during the crazy busy holiday season.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly thought Jehu was a dreamboat. Yes, the love interest’s name is Jehu. That’ll tell you everything you need to know about this series.

[Sienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give it a 4.5 if that were possible. Such a fun adventure story and the I loved the romance! It's truly interesting to see how Jane copes with the prevalent difficulties of living in the wilderness, including a difficult journey to save a man who has a murderer on his trail! Exciting! I loved the part where her eyes were suddenly opened and she realized how she had been seeing everyone and their intentions the wrong way, and finally decided to open up and be more tolerant and loving. It's a true lesson of how wallowing in your own troubles can prevent you from appreciating others. I can't wait to read the third book in the series! I read this one in only three days so I guess that means I really enjoyed it - and I'm also desperately trying to read as many books as possible before school starts.

[Libby Ames · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, an engaging read with enjoyable characters, but nothing deep or meaningful. I enjoy a little more period detail and education with my historical fiction reading, but this one does give some sense of the period for a young reader.

I am getting a little annoyed with Jane's insecurities. She always seems to be having maturing experiences, but each new difficulty sets her back nearly to where she started. I was especially disappointed by the ending. Enough of Sally Biddle! At some point you should be over your childhood rival even if she reappears in your life. (Which, by the way, is so highly improbable that I am discouraged about picking up the last book.) I will read it and hopefully everything will be resolved.

[KidsFiction Teton County Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teton County Library Call Number: J Holm J
No rating

This book takes place in the late 1800's in Philadelphia.
Jane does not act like a lady. She spits with the boys, eats Mrs. Parker's cherry pies, and ends up with cherries all over herself. When William arrives to live with Jane and her father, he encourages her to attend a school that will teach her better manners-to mold her into a quiet lady who is proper. When William sets sail from Philadelphia to explort eh new frontier, all the way to the Northwest coast, will Jane follow? Will she leave civilized Philadelphia and her father to live among "savages?" This is an adventure by Newbery Honor autor of Our Only May Amelia, Jennifer Holm. Highly reccomended.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is entertaining, and I suppose I learned a bit from it too. There are a few people and events grounded in historical fact, such as the Stevens negotiations where the governor tried to get the area's Indian population to move onto a reservation (and failed miserably).

Jane herself is a real pip. She acts like such an idiot at times... but I keep having to remind myself that she is only 16. Some of it is so cringeworthy - I'm sure we have all done things equally stupid in our time. Even so, the scene with the canoe just had me cracking up and cringing at the same time.

Looking forward to book 3.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book in this series is by far the best! Although there are some unbelieveable elements in the first book, much more implausible things occur in the second book, such as the whole deal with the "ghost-murderer." Also, I did not enjoy the second book as much because Jane acts like an immature brat. She storms off when she doesn't get her way or is misunderstood, and she automatically assumes that people are out to get her. She's a very belligerant person. I would definitely recommend this book for younger audiences because older readers will find Jane's petty arguments and misplaced anger a bit irritating.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would probably give the whole series more like a 2.5 stars, I liked the idea of the story , but there wasn't very good dialogue between the main characters and she didn't finish ideas or thoughts in the story so it made you just wonder what happened next , I don't like that. I just don't think it was written very well, the author had to remind us of little things that happened in the first book literally every few pages like we were stupid and couldn't remember what we had just read 5 pages ago, because she said the same things over and over ! It's like she couldn't think of anything else to say . too bad :(

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not like the character as much in the second book, but still enjoyed the adventure of the story as it continued from book one. I recommend having all three books(Boston Jane: Wilderness Days and Boston Jane: The Claim) at the same time so you can read them all as one book. For me the three need to be read as one so you get the feel you read a good story from beginning to an ending. You will especially want to have book 3 after reading book 2 because of the ending of book 2 will leave you hanging. Personally, I thought the first and third were better than the second.

[Renae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was always my favorite of the trilogy. Jane deals with her decision to stay in Washington Territory and the news of her father's loss, and also with feelings of under appreciation by the frontiersmen of the settlement. There's a misunderstanding with Jehu, the handsome sailor, and also a mysterious stranger who threatens Jane's good friend and nemesis, Mr. Russell. Pretty short timespan, but I liked seeing Jane grow over the course of the novel. She learns more about what makes a person and that polite exteriors don't equal quality.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soooooo, I read it. I liked it. Maybe 3.5 stars. But there were things in it that left me a little flat. Her relationship with Jehu didn't feel "authentic" to me -- it was too hot and cold. Hard to explain. I know my daughter and teenage niece just ADORED this book, and I can see why. But it just didn't work as well for me. Maybe my tastes are growing up. Sad.
Still, a very cute and fun story: good adventure, fun plot, and interesting character development. Not a bad read. And yes, I am currently reading the last book in the trilogy...I gotta see how it all ends.

[Aasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, ive read it like three times now, and im reading it again. right now. its part of a trilogy, of a great adventrure of a little girl who grows up unkept and unproper, but one day goes to a school to become proper. So this girl finds herslef in the wilderness in oregon, where she is the only lady besides the indians, all three books are about the trials of living in the wilderness with no husband. its a love story, adventure, and a great easy book to read.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the first book, I had no idea it was a trilogy. I didn't like the ending but thought it would do. Then one day I found this book and the third one.
To my suprise I really enjoyed this one. There isn't as much back story ( because the author assumes the reader has read the first book) and the whole plot is amazing.
I was especially glad that my least favorite person in this book series was put in his place by Jane of all people.
Enjoy and on to the next book

[Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my least favorite of the three, but I still couldn't put it down. I disliked how much review the author gave at the beginning but of course understand this is important to new readers to the series. I enjoyed watching the town flourish and become established, especially since it is a time and place in history I know little about.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story, great sequel, though it did fall short of my expectations with the strong beginning.
However, it was still good, and I felt that it added to the beginning book nicely.

I would say more, but it has been too long since I last read it...guess I might have to revisit the old bookshelf!

[Kstewart5362 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another satisfying read. Jane is an interesting, flawed character, which makes her all the more appealing. She's complicated and fiesty, and torn about what direction she wants her life to take. That, coupled with the survival aspect and the fact she's become and accomplished pie-maker, what could be better?

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I LOVED the first book so much and then this book, I felt that Jane hadn't really made a full change. She complained a lot and basically acted like I probably would, which was frustrating because I wanted to be inspired by someone who could rise above it. Even so, Holm is a fabulous author and I enjoyed the story immensely.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second book in the trilogy even more than the first. I would definitely recommend this series for middle school girls and up. Much fun and adventure. I read it all outside in the "wilderness" while hubby was fishing. It was a great environment in which to read it. I didn't think I'd get "hooked" on this series, but off I go to get book three :-)