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Thanksgiving: The Pilgrims' First Year in America
Thanksgiving is not a book about a holiday. It s about something that a few dozen survivors did after a year of suffering, death, struggle, and courage.
They bowed their heads to give thanks.
The Pilgrims journey began as a joint venture of business and religion, but soon it became a matter of survival.
With 102 men, women, and children packed into a dim, wet space below the main deck, the Mayflower set out on a terrifying 66-day crossing of the Atlantic. They dropped anchor well north of where they d intended, and just as the New England winter was setting in.
With no choice but to spend the winter in the dank, frigid ship, they took ill. One by one, almost half of them died. The few individuals well enough to work rowed the dead into shore and buried them in graves left unmarked so the Indians wouldn't know how weak they were.
Spring promised only a year of toil and difficulties as they attempted to settle new land in a place they called Plymouth.
But then a miracle walked out of the woods...an Indian who had already crossed the Atlantic four times. He spoke English very well. He showed them how to catch the local fish and grow the local crops. He introduced them to the local people, and in an experience unique in colonial history, Europeans and Indians became friends and allies.
And that autumn, the new and native Americans came together for a feast that lasted three days. Thanksgiving is a book of fact that all but breathes with the human drama of life, death, birth, hope, prayer, work, desperation, and thanks.
Though these few dozen people were hardly the first Europeans to settle in North America, their values and beliefs grew into the American culture. We are what they were.
Every American should read this book before bowing for grace on Thanksgiving Day.
They bowed their heads to give thanks.
The Pilgrims journey began as a joint venture of business and religion, but soon it became a matter of survival.
With 102 men, women, and children packed into a dim, wet space below the main deck, the Mayflower set out on a terrifying 66-day crossing of the Atlantic. They dropped anchor well north of where they d intended, and just as the New England winter was setting in.
With no choice but to spend the winter in the dank, frigid ship, they took ill. One by one, almost half of them died. The few individuals well enough to work rowed the dead into shore and buried them in graves left unmarked so the Indians wouldn't know how weak they were.
Spring promised only a year of toil and difficulties as they attempted to settle new land in a place they called Plymouth.
But then a miracle walked out of the woods...an Indian who had already crossed the Atlantic four times. He spoke English very well. He showed them how to catch the local fish and grow the local crops. He introduced them to the local people, and in an experience unique in colonial history, Europeans and Indians became friends and allies.
And that autumn, the new and native Americans came together for a feast that lasted three days. Thanksgiving is a book of fact that all but breathes with the human drama of life, death, birth, hope, prayer, work, desperation, and thanks.
Though these few dozen people were hardly the first Europeans to settle in North America, their values and beliefs grew into the American culture. We are what they were.
Every American should read this book before bowing for grace on Thanksgiving Day.
284 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 2007
28 people are currently reading
871 people want to read
About the author
Glenn Alan Cheney
91 books64 followersGlenn Alan Cheney is a writer and journalist. He is the author of more than 20 books of fiction and nnfiction and hundreds of articles, op-ed essays, translations, short stories, and poems.
Among his most recent and well known books are "Thanksgiving: The Pilgrims' First Year in America," "Journey on the Estrada Real: Encounters in he Mountains of Brazil," and "Journey to Chernobyl: Encounters in a Radioactive Zone."
Cheney is editor and translator of "Ex Cathedra: Stories by Machado de Assis -- Bilingual Edition."
Cheney's nonfiction uses a strong human element and touches of humor to bring life into subjects that might otherwise be dull or technical.
Cheney has a B.A. in Philosophy, an MA in Communication, an MA in English, and an MFA in Creative Writing.
See cheneybooks.com for free excerpts and discounts on Cheney titles.
Among his most recent and well known books are "Thanksgiving: The Pilgrims' First Year in America," "Journey on the Estrada Real: Encounters in he Mountains of Brazil," and "Journey to Chernobyl: Encounters in a Radioactive Zone."
Cheney is editor and translator of "Ex Cathedra: Stories by Machado de Assis -- Bilingual Edition."
Cheney's nonfiction uses a strong human element and touches of humor to bring life into subjects that might otherwise be dull or technical.
Cheney has a B.A. in Philosophy, an MA in Communication, an MA in English, and an MFA in Creative Writing.
See cheneybooks.com for free excerpts and discounts on Cheney titles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
November 6, 2009
I received this audiobook in the mail - a giveaway directly from the author. His introduction "hooked" me right at the start. Glenn Alan Cheney writes with clarity and wit. His facts are taken from first hand accounts (letters and diaries) of the Separatist Pilgrims who endured the treacherous journey to a new world. As other Goodreads reviewers have noted, the author handles the native Americans, the Puritans, the Anglicans, the Catholics with fairness. He reports on their good attributes but doesn't hide their flaws. He writes with wit, reminiscent of Robert Lacey's dryly humorous style. Cheney spares no one, not Catholic nor Protestant, as he begins with a history of the Protestant Reformation, the origin of the Puritans and Separatists. I wish I had more time for a straight read through. I am enjoying his in depth history as well as his humor...he refers to Bloody Mary, simply as, "Bloody!" ... I'm on the 3rd disc now of the CD version of this book. I highly recommend this book to all history lovers and maybe to adventure lovers. The first hand accounts of the trials and terrors the Separatists endured BEFORE they even left England for Holland are moving. It is amazing that any of them survived the trip across the Atlantic to North America. Cheney writes with clarity, depth and a good deal of wit. An excellent read made all the more enjoyable because it is true. Do get the book rather than the cd as it will flow more smoothly and be a lot quicker "read."
October 7, 2009
First off, I am very glad that I read this book before this coming Thanksgiving. It has shed new light on the our national holiday and why it's important to have a day of thanks. At times in reading the book I felt that the author, Cheney, was a little too tongue and cheek about the events and the history leading up to the pilgrims decision to leave Leyden, England. But, a good overview non-the-less. What an amazing journey. Cheney portrayed the struggles and psyche of the Pilgrims well. The stubbornness and fortitude of the pilgrims definitely is the foundation of grit that Americans have. Unfortunately some of there dealing after their first year and upon the arrival of the later planters also provide foundation of our opportunistic and greedy culture. Overall in enjoyed reading Thanksgiving and would recommend it to anyone interested in out countries history.
December 1, 2018
Thanksgiving is an elegant retelling of the Mayflower journey to the shores of New England. Mr Cheney’s descriptions of everything from medical equipment to the varied foods of the settlers and the natives are vivid and alive. The struggles and discomforts that have come to define our ancestors is lovingly written in a unique voice in this genre.
Highly recommended to all readers.
Highly recommended to all readers.
August 22, 2018
Found this book after recently learning I am descended from 1 of its subjects (not important who, though its fair to say he winds up as the least-respectable of the group!). First read The Wordy Shipmates to learn more about what my 12th great grandfather endured. Good as that was, its focus was on the Boston settlers who followed and not that 1st group at Plymouth. Thanksgiving is squarely focused on the Mayflower group. This book does a great job of blending the record of what we know with that we might presume in order to paint a wonderful picture of the 1st 12 months of these all-important settlers.
It is modern cliche to reduce what we think we know to simplified myths. But this book showed me that, despite what we've reduced the story to for children or our holiday, we pretty much get it right. Puritans (and others) felt their best chance for happiness was across an ocean, many perished as they fought through winter, they survived largely because of a group of kind "savages" and 1 in particular who spoke English, and after about a year they had a big feast to celebrate. It all actually happened! Except I'll be including cod, mussels and lobster in my "Turkey Day" henceforth.
It is modern cliche to reduce what we think we know to simplified myths. But this book showed me that, despite what we've reduced the story to for children or our holiday, we pretty much get it right. Puritans (and others) felt their best chance for happiness was across an ocean, many perished as they fought through winter, they survived largely because of a group of kind "savages" and 1 in particular who spoke English, and after about a year they had a big feast to celebrate. It all actually happened! Except I'll be including cod, mussels and lobster in my "Turkey Day" henceforth.
July 17, 2015
YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!
I never dreamed a book called "Thanksgiving" would be a page-turning, gripping and amazing book. The copy that I read was purchased from the author a couple years ago during the annual "America's Hometown Thanksgiving" weekend event in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Little stacks of this nondescript and modest tome quietly got our attention. This was - no joke - one of the most dynamic examples of "Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover" that I will ever know.
The writing is outstanding, the touches of humor are well-placed and some caught me so off guard that I belly-laughed like I haven't in YEARS. I won't even try to summarize the book because I will betray its outstanding and unexpected story. Nutshell: it's about Thanksgiving and the Pilgrims and you won't be able to put it down.
Here's a tiny piece of the Foreward:
"This book is nonfiction. We like to think of it as "a true story." We have stuck to the facts as best we have discerned them, and we have tried to reflect the truth. Truth, however, is an elusive, if not impossible, ideal."
Bottom line: in the author's quest to bring you the "truth," you will find one of the most enjoyable and unexpectedly delightful books you will ever, EVER read!!!
Mr. Cheney, well done!!!
I never dreamed a book called "Thanksgiving" would be a page-turning, gripping and amazing book. The copy that I read was purchased from the author a couple years ago during the annual "America's Hometown Thanksgiving" weekend event in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Little stacks of this nondescript and modest tome quietly got our attention. This was - no joke - one of the most dynamic examples of "Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover" that I will ever know.
The writing is outstanding, the touches of humor are well-placed and some caught me so off guard that I belly-laughed like I haven't in YEARS. I won't even try to summarize the book because I will betray its outstanding and unexpected story. Nutshell: it's about Thanksgiving and the Pilgrims and you won't be able to put it down.
Here's a tiny piece of the Foreward:
"This book is nonfiction. We like to think of it as "a true story." We have stuck to the facts as best we have discerned them, and we have tried to reflect the truth. Truth, however, is an elusive, if not impossible, ideal."
Bottom line: in the author's quest to bring you the "truth," you will find one of the most enjoyable and unexpectedly delightful books you will ever, EVER read!!!
Mr. Cheney, well done!!!
October 29, 2011
I tried twice to win this book here on GoodReads and then finally bit the bullet and bought the book on Amazon. I have to say it's good!
The author did a great job of research and carefully separates fact, fiction, and myth. I love how he delineates the differences between what is known and that which is conjecture. I especially enjoyed how he chunks up the chapters so neatly. We learn about the Pilgrims, the ship, the time frames. It's such an easy read! Best of all, it was a fun read. There's a sly humor to the story. Glenn Alan Cheney does a great job of making a human story human.
I've already recommended this as a good read to the history teachers in my school. One teacher in particular is interested in borrowing my copy so she can make the Pilgrims' story more human to her 8th grade American History students.
I really do recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about American history and move beyond the myths we were brought up with.
The author did a great job of research and carefully separates fact, fiction, and myth. I love how he delineates the differences between what is known and that which is conjecture. I especially enjoyed how he chunks up the chapters so neatly. We learn about the Pilgrims, the ship, the time frames. It's such an easy read! Best of all, it was a fun read. There's a sly humor to the story. Glenn Alan Cheney does a great job of making a human story human.
I've already recommended this as a good read to the history teachers in my school. One teacher in particular is interested in borrowing my copy so she can make the Pilgrims' story more human to her 8th grade American History students.
I really do recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about American history and move beyond the myths we were brought up with.
May 27, 2010
This is a thoroughly enjoyable telling of the Pilgrims' journey to America and the events preceding and leading up to the first Thanksgiving celebration. The author's style is very readable, almost conversational, but not so casual that you miss the research that went into the book. He makes no secret of the fact that in some instances, we may not know what actually happened, and in those instances, he may exercise a bit of creative intuition to surmise as to how events took place. The book fleshed out what I learned as a child about the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving, and really made me think about what conditions might truly have been like. You can think "cold and miserable", but that doesn't conjure up quite the mental image that a phrase like "sea spray froze on their clothes like iron" does. Thanksgiving was both educational and entertaining, and I highly recommend it.
March 21, 2010
This book is unique. Mr. Cheney's gift for anecdotal and clever writing coupled with in-depth research make this work a "must read" for every American and a fascinating experience for the world of readers!
After reading this author's immersive writing about the Pilgrims you feel like approaching your friends and saying "Did you know that ... ?" For example, the pivotal role that one native american named Squanto played was the key to acceptance of the Pilgrims on Cape Cod and thus assured their survival.
The author's subtle wit and word-craft keep the reader engrossed while learning fact after fact. It seems like the nation's school system could use this book as a tool.
Mr. Cheney's unique writing style is also represented in his other works, too.
Check him out!
After reading this author's immersive writing about the Pilgrims you feel like approaching your friends and saying "Did you know that ... ?" For example, the pivotal role that one native american named Squanto played was the key to acceptance of the Pilgrims on Cape Cod and thus assured their survival.
The author's subtle wit and word-craft keep the reader engrossed while learning fact after fact. It seems like the nation's school system could use this book as a tool.
Mr. Cheney's unique writing style is also represented in his other works, too.
Check him out!
February 23, 2009
This book takes a fairly detailed look at the harsh reality of the Mayflower's crossing and the settling at Plymouth. The narration has an unexpected sense of humor that helps to temper some of the more vile aspects of illness and injury that occur, and ultimately renders the primary accounts and researchers' conclusions into a memorable and thought-provoking tale of lives we can scarcely imagine. I also thought that Cheney handled the "Indian" issue with grace without swooning into fake infatuation for the sake of political correctness. He gives them dignity without putting them on a moral or anthropological pedestal.
November 14, 2010
Having grown up in Massachusetts, the Pilgrims, the Mayflower, and Plymouth Plantation were a large part of my education. After reading this book, I realized how very selective that education had been. Cheney tells the story of the first 102 men, women and children who came to Plymouth from England. He goes back to the very beginning, to their lives in Europe and their reasons for wanting to start over someplace new.
While this book is packed with information, Cheney's writing is never dry or dull. Cheney's research adds depth to the story and we get to know the people we now call Pilgrims. At the end, we know the true story behind the tradition we now call Thanksgiving.
While this book is packed with information, Cheney's writing is never dry or dull. Cheney's research adds depth to the story and we get to know the people we now call Pilgrims. At the end, we know the true story behind the tradition we now call Thanksgiving.
December 3, 2010
I finished Thanksgiving: The Pilgrims' First Year in America last night. I am a pretty slow reader (I like to take my time with books and really absorb everything I'm reading AND I've been working on various projects seven days a week, so I can only read in the late evenings.) Having said that, I need to point out that reading a work of non-fiction (which usually moves slower than fiction) in one week is VERY quick for me. But this work of non-fiction read like an amazing adventure story, and I felt as though I was part of that adventure the entire way through. Glenn Alan Cheney knows how to write about history and take the reader on a wild ride through the historic moments he is writing about. In fact, many of the events that took place in this book are so unbelievable that I had to keep reminding myself that this all REALLY did happen!!
Once in a blue moon, when I finish a book, I immediately want to start it all over again from the beginning and read the entire book all over again. I don't want to leave the world and the characters of the book. That was exactly how I felt when I finished this book last night -- I was not ready to say goodbye to all of these people (Pilgrims and Indians) and the land that they were living on, or the trees, the plants, the animals, the homes they built, the things they made. I will remember the events and adventures of all of these people forever.
Mr. Cheney takes us through this entire adventure right from the very beginning, explaining how the Church of England was formed and how the Separatists (or Puritans) came to be, and the reasons why they would want to take a dangerous voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to start a whole new life in the New World.
Reading about the Mayflower crossing the Atlantic was quite gripping, and that's putting it very mildly. I felt as though I was actually on that boat, and it was a pretty scary experience. I had to look around my small (but very well-heated) Manhattan apartment to remind myself that I was safe at home and not on that cold, wet, crowded, and extremely dangerous boat. Mr. Cheney really is an amazing writer. Here are a few words of his about the Mayflower's journey across the Atlantic: "As wave after wave washed over the topdeck, fear and cold water flooded down to the gun deck, inundating the terrified passengers, soaking everything as it sloshed back and forth across the deck." And believe me, this is just a very small "taste" of his description of that boat trip!
Arriving in New England was quite an adventure as well, but a completely different type of adventure. On the boat they had to worry about the ocean ripping the ship apart, drowning, germs, running out of food, drink, and supplies. On land they had to worry about freezing to death, attacks of animals or "savages" (as they referred to the natives, until they actually got to know them), and they still had to worry about lack of food, drink, and supplies.
I absolutely loved it when the Pilgrims finally met their first Indian friend, Samoset. Samoset approached the pilgrims "buck naked but for fringed leather around his waist. He came striding resolutely, fearlessly, straight toward the settlement, revealing more male skin than the Pilgrim women had seen outside of their homes. Men rushed out to intercept him. In one of the most astounding moments in American history, this tall, black-haired savage from out of the woods made a gesture of friendship and said in an accent somewhere between Algonquin and cockney, 'Welcome, Englishmen.'"
There are so many wonderful moments in this adventure story, and so many very, very frightening moments. I do want to share more, and I will come back and add more to this review (because I just cannot say enough about this book.) I need to come back to this in a couple of days because I have a terrible cold at the moment and it's becoming difficult to write, but I wanted to at least get something down right away. I hope many more people read this book so that I can discuss it with others. I know that all of the reviews that I've seen so far have been fantastic, so I'm not alone in loving this book.
On one final note before I go, I need to say that although my words above are talking about a great adventure story, this is also a fantastic educational experience. I learned more about this time period in America and in England than I have ever known, and Mr. Cheney allows the reader to see both sides -- the Pilgrims' side and the Indians' side. (By the way -- in the Foreword of this book Mr. Cheney explains that he had discovered that "many native Americans are offended at the exclusionary term Native American" which is the reason I am referring to the natives, who were on this land at least 10,000 years prior to Europeans, as Indians, instead of using the term "Native American" which is the term I have always used in the past.
Thank you to Glenn Alan Cheney for writing such a fascinating book, and thank you to Goodreads for choosing me as a First Reads winner of this wonderful book. The people at Goodreads who choose the books as "First Read" books have really been doing an amazing job. This is the sixth "First Reads" book I've read, and I have really loved all of them -- and please keep in mind that Goodreads does not require First Reads winners to write positive reviews or even to write a review at all. I would have loved this book and given it a glowing review even if I spent a fortune on it -- it was worth it!!!
Once in a blue moon, when I finish a book, I immediately want to start it all over again from the beginning and read the entire book all over again. I don't want to leave the world and the characters of the book. That was exactly how I felt when I finished this book last night -- I was not ready to say goodbye to all of these people (Pilgrims and Indians) and the land that they were living on, or the trees, the plants, the animals, the homes they built, the things they made. I will remember the events and adventures of all of these people forever.
Mr. Cheney takes us through this entire adventure right from the very beginning, explaining how the Church of England was formed and how the Separatists (or Puritans) came to be, and the reasons why they would want to take a dangerous voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to start a whole new life in the New World.
Reading about the Mayflower crossing the Atlantic was quite gripping, and that's putting it very mildly. I felt as though I was actually on that boat, and it was a pretty scary experience. I had to look around my small (but very well-heated) Manhattan apartment to remind myself that I was safe at home and not on that cold, wet, crowded, and extremely dangerous boat. Mr. Cheney really is an amazing writer. Here are a few words of his about the Mayflower's journey across the Atlantic: "As wave after wave washed over the topdeck, fear and cold water flooded down to the gun deck, inundating the terrified passengers, soaking everything as it sloshed back and forth across the deck." And believe me, this is just a very small "taste" of his description of that boat trip!
Arriving in New England was quite an adventure as well, but a completely different type of adventure. On the boat they had to worry about the ocean ripping the ship apart, drowning, germs, running out of food, drink, and supplies. On land they had to worry about freezing to death, attacks of animals or "savages" (as they referred to the natives, until they actually got to know them), and they still had to worry about lack of food, drink, and supplies.
I absolutely loved it when the Pilgrims finally met their first Indian friend, Samoset. Samoset approached the pilgrims "buck naked but for fringed leather around his waist. He came striding resolutely, fearlessly, straight toward the settlement, revealing more male skin than the Pilgrim women had seen outside of their homes. Men rushed out to intercept him. In one of the most astounding moments in American history, this tall, black-haired savage from out of the woods made a gesture of friendship and said in an accent somewhere between Algonquin and cockney, 'Welcome, Englishmen.'"
There are so many wonderful moments in this adventure story, and so many very, very frightening moments. I do want to share more, and I will come back and add more to this review (because I just cannot say enough about this book.) I need to come back to this in a couple of days because I have a terrible cold at the moment and it's becoming difficult to write, but I wanted to at least get something down right away. I hope many more people read this book so that I can discuss it with others. I know that all of the reviews that I've seen so far have been fantastic, so I'm not alone in loving this book.
On one final note before I go, I need to say that although my words above are talking about a great adventure story, this is also a fantastic educational experience. I learned more about this time period in America and in England than I have ever known, and Mr. Cheney allows the reader to see both sides -- the Pilgrims' side and the Indians' side. (By the way -- in the Foreword of this book Mr. Cheney explains that he had discovered that "many native Americans are offended at the exclusionary term Native American" which is the reason I am referring to the natives, who were on this land at least 10,000 years prior to Europeans, as Indians, instead of using the term "Native American" which is the term I have always used in the past.
Thank you to Glenn Alan Cheney for writing such a fascinating book, and thank you to Goodreads for choosing me as a First Reads winner of this wonderful book. The people at Goodreads who choose the books as "First Read" books have really been doing an amazing job. This is the sixth "First Reads" book I've read, and I have really loved all of them -- and please keep in mind that Goodreads does not require First Reads winners to write positive reviews or even to write a review at all. I would have loved this book and given it a glowing review even if I spent a fortune on it -- it was worth it!!!
November 16, 2010
This book FINALLY arrived, not in time for a pre-Thanksgiving read, unfortunately, but I am jumping in and will be all well informed and educated for NEXT Thanksgiving :)
Update: Finally, after all the high-demand books I had in my queue at the library started coming available one after the other and several at a time, I am at a reasonable lull to be able to read this offering, and I am so enjoying it! I'm on page 157, middle of Chapter 10, and I just started reading this Saturday. Thus far, I'm finding Mr. Cheney to be very good at delivering a lot of potentially dry information in an entertaining, factual and sometimes humourous manner. I really like his turns of phrase, and while it is impossible to know exactly what happened to the Pilgrims before, during and after their adventures to and in the New World as there is precious little in the way of documentation, Mr. Cheney weaves a believable and informative tale based on what information is still currently available, and what historians know of English and "American" life at the time.
I will likely have this book polished off in a few more mornings of reading and will be thoroughly satisfied and feeling more than equipped to really celebrate the forthcoming Thanksgiving Holiday, duly educated and much more appreciative as to how it very possibly came about.
Will Updated again upon completion.
FINI!!
Very very enjoyable book. I learned things I'd not been aware of prior, and enjoyed the process of the learning :) Well told tale of an historic beginning.
11/1/10 - As promised, in keeping with my new Thanksgiving Tradition, am re-reading this book, but in audible format this time :) THANKS, GLENN!!!
11/10/10 -- Just finished listening to author Glenn Cheney read the tale of The Pilgrims First Year in America, and it was really enjoyable. Reinforced what I learned when I read the hardcover, and I highly recommend this book to everyone who has even for a moment wondered how Thanksgiving came to be - it really is humbling what those early settlers went through just to survive! Thanks for writing this story, Glenn!
Update: Finally, after all the high-demand books I had in my queue at the library started coming available one after the other and several at a time, I am at a reasonable lull to be able to read this offering, and I am so enjoying it! I'm on page 157, middle of Chapter 10, and I just started reading this Saturday. Thus far, I'm finding Mr. Cheney to be very good at delivering a lot of potentially dry information in an entertaining, factual and sometimes humourous manner. I really like his turns of phrase, and while it is impossible to know exactly what happened to the Pilgrims before, during and after their adventures to and in the New World as there is precious little in the way of documentation, Mr. Cheney weaves a believable and informative tale based on what information is still currently available, and what historians know of English and "American" life at the time.
I will likely have this book polished off in a few more mornings of reading and will be thoroughly satisfied and feeling more than equipped to really celebrate the forthcoming Thanksgiving Holiday, duly educated and much more appreciative as to how it very possibly came about.
Will Updated again upon completion.
FINI!!
Very very enjoyable book. I learned things I'd not been aware of prior, and enjoyed the process of the learning :) Well told tale of an historic beginning.
11/1/10 - As promised, in keeping with my new Thanksgiving Tradition, am re-reading this book, but in audible format this time :) THANKS, GLENN!!!
11/10/10 -- Just finished listening to author Glenn Cheney read the tale of The Pilgrims First Year in America, and it was really enjoyable. Reinforced what I learned when I read the hardcover, and I highly recommend this book to everyone who has even for a moment wondered how Thanksgiving came to be - it really is humbling what those early settlers went through just to survive! Thanks for writing this story, Glenn!
May 20, 2011
I didn't win the GR giveaway for this book, and the author contacted me about a discount available to all Goodreads members. Go to his author page for a link.
I got interested in this subject after I had seen the Ashley Judd episode of the celebrity ancestry series Who Do You Think You Are? It turns out she's descended from William Brewster who was on the Mayflower. The episode revealed some interesting things about Brewster and the pilgrims in general. I wanted to know more.
A great deal of meticulous research went into this book. The author misses no opportunities to provide background about any subject he's pursuing. I was also impressed by the extensive use of primary sources such as Mourt's Relation. The book did occasionally seem obsessive in its detail, but it's mostly very readable and tells 21st century readers what they would want to know about the first English settlers in Massachusetts. It explains why they thought and acted the way they did.
The tale of how they managed to maintain peace with the Indians during that initial settlement period is very instructive. It shows that peace between the English and the Indians was possible. Both sides needed to be motivated and put some effort into maintaining the peace.
I sometimes get fixated on certain details. When I learned that William Brewster named a daughter Fear due to the atmosphere of persecution that he had experienced in England, I wanted to find out about the life of a woman named Fear. I discovered on the internet that she didn't arrive until the third year of settlement on the Anne which places her outside the scope of this book. I also learned from the same website that she married Isaac Allerton. While reading this book, I noted that Isaac Allerton had three children. That's undoubtedly why he felt the need to re-marry after his first wife died. So Fear Brewster Allerton had a ready made family. She had no descendants. It's sad to have a name like Fear imposed on you. That's actually worse than Ichabod (which means without respect in Hebrew).
I got interested in this subject after I had seen the Ashley Judd episode of the celebrity ancestry series Who Do You Think You Are? It turns out she's descended from William Brewster who was on the Mayflower. The episode revealed some interesting things about Brewster and the pilgrims in general. I wanted to know more.
A great deal of meticulous research went into this book. The author misses no opportunities to provide background about any subject he's pursuing. I was also impressed by the extensive use of primary sources such as Mourt's Relation. The book did occasionally seem obsessive in its detail, but it's mostly very readable and tells 21st century readers what they would want to know about the first English settlers in Massachusetts. It explains why they thought and acted the way they did.
The tale of how they managed to maintain peace with the Indians during that initial settlement period is very instructive. It shows that peace between the English and the Indians was possible. Both sides needed to be motivated and put some effort into maintaining the peace.
I sometimes get fixated on certain details. When I learned that William Brewster named a daughter Fear due to the atmosphere of persecution that he had experienced in England, I wanted to find out about the life of a woman named Fear. I discovered on the internet that she didn't arrive until the third year of settlement on the Anne which places her outside the scope of this book. I also learned from the same website that she married Isaac Allerton. While reading this book, I noted that Isaac Allerton had three children. That's undoubtedly why he felt the need to re-marry after his first wife died. So Fear Brewster Allerton had a ready made family. She had no descendants. It's sad to have a name like Fear imposed on you. That's actually worse than Ichabod (which means without respect in Hebrew).
December 28, 2023
A Must Read
Absolutely loved Mr. Cheney’s style of writing. A great amount of research and a little conjecture make the Pilgrims adventure a very interesting read. Began the book on the first of the month and read a chapter a day. Not sure I could have survived, but so glad my ancestor did.
Absolutely loved Mr. Cheney’s style of writing. A great amount of research and a little conjecture make the Pilgrims adventure a very interesting read. Began the book on the first of the month and read a chapter a day. Not sure I could have survived, but so glad my ancestor did.
June 3, 2011
Much more than a terse, cursory nod to this period in our early history, Thanksgiving: The Pilgrims' First Year in American takes the reader back in time when the hardships were almost unfathomable to 21st century readers. With a dose of humor and a heaping helping of empathy, Cheney paints a picture for us that is almost surreal, yet comes alive with descriptions of historical characters, events, and places.
Not being much of a history buff myself, I did however read this offering with relish since the narrative was incredibly interesting. I learned much more than I ever knew before...something that every American should do.
Following is my favorite quote from the book:
"The European settlers did not teach the Pokonoket about
thanks-giving. In fact, the giving of thanks among In-
dians was as constant and ongoing as the manipulation and
harvesting of nature. The taking of life, be it that of a
clam or a chestnut tree, was a moment for a prayer of
thanks. To fail to use any part of that life was something
like a sin. They used it all, wasted little, lived well,
and didn't need a holiday to give thanks."
I encourage all history buffs and non-history buffs alike to read this book and revel in the determination, fortitude, and vision these early settlers came equipped with from England. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Not being much of a history buff myself, I did however read this offering with relish since the narrative was incredibly interesting. I learned much more than I ever knew before...something that every American should do.
Following is my favorite quote from the book:
"The European settlers did not teach the Pokonoket about
thanks-giving. In fact, the giving of thanks among In-
dians was as constant and ongoing as the manipulation and
harvesting of nature. The taking of life, be it that of a
clam or a chestnut tree, was a moment for a prayer of
thanks. To fail to use any part of that life was something
like a sin. They used it all, wasted little, lived well,
and didn't need a holiday to give thanks."
I encourage all history buffs and non-history buffs alike to read this book and revel in the determination, fortitude, and vision these early settlers came equipped with from England. I promise you won't be disappointed.
April 5, 2011
Won this book from First Reads! Thanks!
I never really liked history growing up...all of those dates! I thought of trying this book because it was ONLY ONE YEAR...I could handle that!
But seriously, this book was fantastic! It is not your grandfather's Thanksgiving tale. It is much richer. Painful at times to read what the Mayflower inhabitants endured to make it here. And that first year was truly challenging and tested the very faith of the pilgrims.
I really enjoyed learning about the role that the Indians played in the successes of the pilgrims, and the relationship and bond that formed between them. At first adverse, then virtually symbiotic, it amazed me how they were able to do away with their preconceived notions about each other and forge a workable system of mutual respect.
This book was very easy to read, not stuffy or overly academic, much information presented clearly, a great story told as an oral history might be presented.
I would recommend this book to fans of American history and even those who are not huge history buffs because it is such a great story. Easily 4.5 stars.
I never really liked history growing up...all of those dates! I thought of trying this book because it was ONLY ONE YEAR...I could handle that!
But seriously, this book was fantastic! It is not your grandfather's Thanksgiving tale. It is much richer. Painful at times to read what the Mayflower inhabitants endured to make it here. And that first year was truly challenging and tested the very faith of the pilgrims.
I really enjoyed learning about the role that the Indians played in the successes of the pilgrims, and the relationship and bond that formed between them. At first adverse, then virtually symbiotic, it amazed me how they were able to do away with their preconceived notions about each other and forge a workable system of mutual respect.
This book was very easy to read, not stuffy or overly academic, much information presented clearly, a great story told as an oral history might be presented.
I would recommend this book to fans of American history and even those who are not huge history buffs because it is such a great story. Easily 4.5 stars.
October 24, 2010
Review of Thanksgiving: The Pilgrims' First Year in America
Let me begin by apologizing to Glenn Cheney for posting this review so late. Unfortunately I allowed life happenings to get in the way. I did share this book with family and friends; and so it was mailed back and forth several times.
Reading Thanksgiving: The Pilgrims ‘ First Year in America, made us all realize that there was much more to Thanksgiving at that time, than just being friends with a few Indians and sitting down to a meal with them to celebrate friendship.
Many of us know a basic story of Thanksgiving. Glenn Cheney tells a historically accurate story of a group of Pilgrims that wanted the opportunity to worship as they chose. The story is a detailed account of the necessary preparations, hardships, losses, and many setbacks these people endured.
What Glenn Cheney has done is to tell the rest of the story by describing in details the true lives, journeys, and endurance of the Pilgrims’ experience. This is indeed a story everyone should read.
Let me begin by apologizing to Glenn Cheney for posting this review so late. Unfortunately I allowed life happenings to get in the way. I did share this book with family and friends; and so it was mailed back and forth several times.
Reading Thanksgiving: The Pilgrims ‘ First Year in America, made us all realize that there was much more to Thanksgiving at that time, than just being friends with a few Indians and sitting down to a meal with them to celebrate friendship.
Many of us know a basic story of Thanksgiving. Glenn Cheney tells a historically accurate story of a group of Pilgrims that wanted the opportunity to worship as they chose. The story is a detailed account of the necessary preparations, hardships, losses, and many setbacks these people endured.
What Glenn Cheney has done is to tell the rest of the story by describing in details the true lives, journeys, and endurance of the Pilgrims’ experience. This is indeed a story everyone should read.
November 26, 2009
What a fantastic book to finish reading on Thanksgiving Day. I really and truly enjoyed this refreshing book. I was able to look at the events leading up to the event, the actual event, and what happened to the participants afterward through unbiased eyes.
Mr. Cheney has done an excellent job of keeping this book on track historically without the text becoming dry facts. I was always interested throughout the book and never got sidetracked other than with my school work, which of course comes first.
I thought the subject matter was thoroughly covered without being over worked. Mr. Cheney does a good job of sympathizing with the settlers and their problems without getting weepy.
Overall, this is one of my favorite books, one that I will be rereading more than once. I highly recommend Thanksgiving to all of my friends!
Mr. Cheney has done an excellent job of keeping this book on track historically without the text becoming dry facts. I was always interested throughout the book and never got sidetracked other than with my school work, which of course comes first.
I thought the subject matter was thoroughly covered without being over worked. Mr. Cheney does a good job of sympathizing with the settlers and their problems without getting weepy.
Overall, this is one of my favorite books, one that I will be rereading more than once. I highly recommend Thanksgiving to all of my friends!
April 8, 2010
A wonderful recounting of the first year of the pilgrims in America.
The author goes in to more informative detail about the year leading up to the first Thanksgiving than any history book used in schools today. The hardships are not glossed over.
The book is very well written and takes the reader to what went on long before the official landing. Not really much is know of the ocean voyage, but through research and what information Mr. Cheney has obtained, the reader is given a very good idea of what voyage and life was as experienced by some of the first pilgrims.
It was interesting to learn who these first settlers were, what they wore, what they ate, and what friends/foes they made along the way.
Once again Mr. Cheney has come through with a great and entertaining story. This history is one everyone should know, and to remember the deaths and struggles of this country.
The author goes in to more informative detail about the year leading up to the first Thanksgiving than any history book used in schools today. The hardships are not glossed over.
The book is very well written and takes the reader to what went on long before the official landing. Not really much is know of the ocean voyage, but through research and what information Mr. Cheney has obtained, the reader is given a very good idea of what voyage and life was as experienced by some of the first pilgrims.
It was interesting to learn who these first settlers were, what they wore, what they ate, and what friends/foes they made along the way.
Once again Mr. Cheney has come through with a great and entertaining story. This history is one everyone should know, and to remember the deaths and struggles of this country.
April 25, 2011
Factual history of the Pilgrim's decision to come to America, their voyage and life during the first twelve months in Plymouth. Gave me a new respect for the extreme hardships of that first winter and the critical importance that strong, positive and mutually-beneficial Indian relationships played in the Pilgrims' survival. A story of unbelievable courage, bravery, trust and belief in their God and their fellow travelers. Every school should adopt this as required reading during their study of American History. A short, well written, easy to read/understand, factual report of what happened and why...exciting, inspiring and filled with timeless lessons as applicable today as they were 400 years ago. Really enjoyed this book and can easily see myself rereading it...which is something I almost never do.
November 4, 2014
It is not very common to find a book so full of facts and information that flows so beautifully. Cheney is at heart a story teller. Yet when the story is done, you realize just how much information he also imparted. Both the Pilgrims and the Natives are fleshed out individuals, not symbols or stereotypes. If ever a group found themselves in over their heads, it is the Pilgrims. We see the forces, political and religious, climatic and cultural, that influenced their decision to come to Cape Cod and make their home there. Cheney waxes a bit poetic (my only mini complaint) about the simple yet idyllic lifestyle of the Natives already in the area, yet we also get a feel for how badly their lives have been affected by prior encounters with Europeans, including kidnappings and disease, and yet how those very factors made the Pilgrims settlement in Plymouth possible. A very good read.
October 28, 2009
I enjoy reading about history, and not the bright, shiny, antiseptic treated and germ-free version either. I like to hear the facts, at least as close to the facts as may be known, regardless of how distasteful and graphic those facts may be.
Mr. Cheney's "Thanksgiving: The Pilgrims' First Year in America" is just such a piece. "Thanksgiving" is a quintessential historical delve into the Pilgrims' struggle to survive in a new and often unforgiving terrain.
Cheney's writing is straightforward and informative, while pulling the reader in with well described settings and events.
A must-read for history lovers as well as those who want to learn more about what has become one of the most celebrated American holidays.
Mr. Cheney's "Thanksgiving: The Pilgrims' First Year in America" is just such a piece. "Thanksgiving" is a quintessential historical delve into the Pilgrims' struggle to survive in a new and often unforgiving terrain.
Cheney's writing is straightforward and informative, while pulling the reader in with well described settings and events.
A must-read for history lovers as well as those who want to learn more about what has become one of the most celebrated American holidays.
November 12, 2009
I received this book as a Goodreads win directly from the author. I thought it was fascinating. It was well researched and easy to follow.
The book described the history of religious persecution that drove the pilgrims to leave for America. It described the journey and how dangerous it was and what kind of conditions were on board. And then what it was like for them when they landed in the new world in the middle of winter with no housing, food, warmth and lots of disease. By spring half of the passengers on board had died. And most families were left without at least a mother or a father and several children.
These people were brave and if they didn't do this we wouldn't be here today.
The book described the history of religious persecution that drove the pilgrims to leave for America. It described the journey and how dangerous it was and what kind of conditions were on board. And then what it was like for them when they landed in the new world in the middle of winter with no housing, food, warmth and lots of disease. By spring half of the passengers on board had died. And most families were left without at least a mother or a father and several children.
These people were brave and if they didn't do this we wouldn't be here today.
November 30, 2009
This book is probably the best I have read about the earliest Pilgrims. Written with humor and an earnest desire to give a well-rounded view of the factual and probable situations faced by those early settlers, the book is a pleasant and informative read. I heartily recommend this book to anyone. It is well worth the price to add it to your personal library!
I like the note that this book shows what the people did, not some dry historical event. Exactly!
Additional note: For some reason, I was expecting a children's book. It is not. There are no pictures. It has 284 pages with an additional 5 page bibliography.
I like the note that this book shows what the people did, not some dry historical event. Exactly!
Additional note: For some reason, I was expecting a children's book. It is not. There are no pictures. It has 284 pages with an additional 5 page bibliography.
December 12, 2009
LOVED this book! It's a nonfiction, which I'm not used to reading and usually isn't the type of book I'd normally choose reading, but it was so educational that I loved my time reading it. Throughout the book I kept telling Joe interesting new facts that I'd learn and now he wants to read it! This is saying a lot because he's not much of a reader. I was amazed at how I really had no clue about the Pilgrims and first Thanksgiving. I thought I knew what had happened, but I didn't really. Like the book 1776 by David McCullough, this is a book that every American should read.
June 2, 2010
I really enjoyed reading this book. Unfortunately, my knowledge of the Pilgrims is what I have read in textbooks and children's books through the years. This book gave a real perspective of just how difficult life was for the Pilgrims while trying to make a new life in the U.S.A. The book, with names and ages of pilgrims, also really gave a personal viewpoint to the people on the Mayflower. I definitely recommend this book for anyone that wants to understand the real life story of the pilgrims, as well as the Indians, during this time in History.
February 9, 2012
This is the story of the Pilgrims that the text books didn't address and that your history teacher probably wished he/she knew. This small book was clearly well researched and written in clear language with a touch of humor that still maintained the dignity of the Pilgrims themselves. Imagine a group of regular people leaving the world they knew for one that was literally a blank slate. Mr. Cheney brings these people to life right before your eyes. If you love history this is a must read; if you don't then this is definite must read. Bravo Mr. Cheney!
November 27, 2014
This book is to the first Thanksgiving, as Undaunted Courage is to the Lewis and Clark expedition. The prologue alone is the best concise description of the political and religious issues gripping England and Europe and ultimately forcing the Pilgrims to seek refuge in the New World. The story of these courageous people is an action adventure tale of the highest order that has always been shortchanged until now. Reading this book has become an annual ritual for me and I'm sure it will become one for you too.
November 25, 2009
I won this book on Goodreads, and I really enjoyed it. I always enjoy reading new perspectives on historical events and I also really liked how the religious history of England was included at the start of the book. It was especially good because it not only gave a historical account, but also gave a glimpse into a more personal side of the settlers. I also enjoyed seeing Monhegan Island mentioned! A great read for this time of year.
April 1, 2012
This is a great book! And one I think everyone will enjoy as well. It is way more than just a history of the holiday, as it goes into the probable feelings of the pilgrims. And though we will never know those, we all do know they had it rough. Mr. Cheney just adds the words for us. It ended up being a real page turner for me, and one that I will reread again a few times in the future. Here is also the link to my review at Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/review/RA751CIM...
Great book!!!
http://www.amazon.com/review/RA751CIM...
Great book!!!
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