Status Updates From The Perilous Journey of the...

Why do some survivors of tragedy suffer for life. . . while others. . . emerge without lasting emotional scars? Emmy Werner, a psychologist. . . cites four survival characteristics or "roots of resilience." Successful survivors almost always [have] affection from extended family. . . they often have a special talent or skill. . . [they] never lose hope, [have] some sort of faith, in a. . . religion or otherwise. . .

"The Sierra Nevada is rock upon rock, snow upon snow."

"I realized that I must be strong and help mama bear her sorrows."

Almost everyone in the Donner Party was from the flatlands of Illinois and Iowa. A spell of flat terrain might have made them feel better after the torture of the Wasatch Mountains. But they had never seen, felt, suffered flatness like that of the Great Salt Lake Desert.

Excellent and engaging narrative of this small piece of American history that's aimed at middle schoolers and young adults. Relates the facts without being sensational. Review coming soon.