Snowbound

by David Lavender

The ordeals faced by a group of pioneers journeying from Illinois to California in 1846. Jacob and George Donner knew that the trip from Illinois to California would be long and difficult, but they had read a bout a newly discovered shortcut that would make the trip somewhat easier. Even so, the going was rough. The group had to contend with sickness, quick tempers, and hostile bands of Indians. But, they were determined to reach their destination by winter. At the end of October, they found themselves stranded on the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada with little food or supplies. The snowy winter had already begun, and help was nowhere to be found.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Historical, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1948

About the author

David Sievert Lavender was a well-known historian of the Western United States, nominated twice for the Pulitzer Prize, who is best remembered by many for his River Runners of the Grand Canyon.

Lavender spent most of his life in Ojai, California. An articulate and deeply knowledgeable speaker on the political and social history of the American West, he often spoke at the annual Telluride Film Festival.

Reviews

[Caren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't care for the writing, and we all know the story. What I found interesting was the stinginess, dishonesty, greed, lack of cooperation, and selfishness that permeated the company and its splinter groups. Such a contrast to the Martin party who were kind and compassionate toward one another, who helped and shared and sacrificed--even their own lives for their family members and the members of their company. So it was worth the short read to note the differences in the parties that traveled under similar circumstances.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a children's book of the story of the Donner Party - a party of settlers who were traveling to California and got trapped in a snowstorm. It is a story of greed, heroics and tragedy. I love history and trivia books, and my daughter knows that the history that I like to read is usually contained in children's books. I found this story was heartrending and give it an A!

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a rather gruesome fascination to stories of survival that we as humans have had to face but the further we get away from such need the more we become judgmental to our ancestors. Never in our own imaginations can we comprehend what it may have taken to get there yet we are assured with our levels of technology we are much more advanced in our own choice-making.

Snowbound is probably one of the best books to come out for the Donner Party that I have found in quite a while. Why? It is since of the facts that David delves into. The reader is introduced to the events that were occurring nationwide as influences, he introduces us to the people that we only have heard the stories about and helps the reader to understand the events on a full faceted front as they unfolded. As such the showing of the red flags that make us shake our heads is quite clear to the reader as they slowly make to a crescendo that will be remembered for all of history.

The book itself is easy-to-read and understand while giving readers with black-and-white illustrations. These illustrations provided the reader with maps, portraits, artifacts and snapshots of the landscapes that appear in this live image of immigration. And it helps the reader to put themselves into the retelling of history.

But what I love the most about it is the fact that the author makes a case of humanity for the Donner Party even after they had been monsters to each other and reminds the reader to not think of these events so narrowly. Instead of calling them cannibals, he suggests that we see them as the extreme survivors that they were and to view the good that they brought just as much as we view their darkness.

[Marty Solotki · Rating 4 out of 5]

“There would be other casualties later on; but of course, the Donners didn’t know that…yet.”

Hey gang: remember playing Oregon Trail? Wanna listen to a tutorial on how to absolutely SUCK at the game? The tale of the Donner Party is at times more fable than facts, but this quick and easy listen delves into what is known (mostly about everyone BUT the Donners), and shows how hard this travel was…and how greed and jealousy can ruin even the best laid plans.

Don’t get me wrong: this trip wasn’t remotely the best load of plans: not by a long shot! George Guidall is a very talented narrator and helps make this tragic tale fly by.

[Elizabeth Ricks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another Donner Party book.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very brief overview of the Donner Party tragedy. Audiobook - 3.75

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

A remarkably thorough, considering its brevity, synopsis of the Donner tragedy in the Sierras, winter of 1845-46.

[Geo Hendrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew about the story for years. I had never read anything for myself. Very tragic, and awful! Worse than I had imagined it would be.

[Jacki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short book I read for an upcoming assignment in my seventh grade classroom. It details the beginning of the journey, how the Donner's were mislead by a printed book, the journey itself, and the outcome of the journey because of the snow and the late start the party had. It's a sad part of history, but this book gives us the facts, as much as are known. Hopefully the students will respond to this book positively and learn something new!

[Kenyan · Rating 2 out of 5]

skimed through,

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A vivid tale of a tragic event in American history. Includes a map and numerous well-chosen photographs.

[Katelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and to the point. Good information that I was not aware of.