A Gathering of Days : A New England Girl's Journal, 1830-1832

Rating:
Summary: "Gathering" Just Doesn't Get There
Review: "A Gathering of Days", which tells the story of Catherine Hall, a girl growing up in 1830s New Hampshire, tries hard to make an impact. It really does. However, it just comes up a bit short. The language is quite difficult, and sometimes exaggeratedly old-fashioned. It is also done in journal style. As a result, it is often hard to find the true storyline. In addition, it is not by any means the most exciting book I have ever read. I understand that it is supposed to be low-key and serious, but this is one area where it overachieves its purpose. Many people will say that since I am a male teenager, I missed some of the subtleties and meaning that a girl might have picked up. Well, I first read this book as an assignment in fifth grade, and very few people in my class (in an educationally strong private school) enjoyed it, regardless of gender. Some may still argue that I was too young to appreciate it then. I have also read it since then, hoping that a change in perspective that comes with a different age would give me a different take on it. Sadly, I had the same feelings the second time around. In conclusion, the story has potential, but it is just not carried out right and doesn't provide any "hook" to catch the reader's interest.

Rating:
Summary: great, old-fashioned book
Review: I love history, especially the 1800s. I've always enjoyed non-fiction more than fiction, but I do enjoy reading historical fiction. This is one of my favorite books along with The Witch of Blackbird Pond. I read both books as a pre-teen and have never had a problem understanding the vocabulary. As far as whether the vocabulary is too difficult, people need to expand their vocabularies. I think for those who love history, have a good vocabulary from being well-educated and well-read, and who are willing to use a dictionary, I don't think this book should be a problem. Also, this book is about life in the early 19th century in a New England town. For kids who grow up watching lots of fast-paced, action-filled shows, movies, etc., this book may not be appealing. But, I have always enjoyed it and have read it several times over the years. (Pardon me getting on my soap-box.) By the way, I am a teacher also.

Rating:
Summary: A tough read
Review: I'm a middle school teacher and have read loads of teen lit. This is probably the most difficult teen lit book I've ever encountered. The language was so stilted, trying (overtrying really) to sound like "old-fashioned" diction. While the story was passable, I found the language to be a major impediment (and I'm an English major, used to the likes of Shakespeare and Milton). I can't imagine any of my students getting out of this book what is actually in it. Unfortunately because of its brief length, well-spaced print and short chapters, I'm afraid my struggling readers will be drawn to it thinking it easy. As a result I'm taking it off my choice book shelf. I can't imagine what the people who set reading level, or who award the Newberry Medal were thinking.

Rating:
Summary: Highly Decorated and Very Good
Review: This story centers around Catherine Hall, a thirteen-year-old young girl growing up in New Hampshire. The journal format of this novel makes it easy to read and wonderful to share with school age students. Catherine is a tender girl that has lost her mother and must gain instruction on housekeeping skills from her neighbor who is her best friend's mother. Because of the loss of their mother, Catherine keeps house for her father and younger sister, Matty. The main happenings of Catherine's exciting year are that her father remarries and brings a new stepmother and stepbrother to come and live with them, interesting events at school, the issue of slavery and runaway slaves, and a loss and new love interests close to home. One of the most interesting parts of the story is when Catherine encounters a "phantom" of sorts that she aids along his travels. The correspondence of Catherine to future generations is an interesting beginning and end to the book. This is a highly praised and decorated book from the Newberry Medal, School Library Journal's Best Books of the Year for 1979 to the appointment of an American Library Association Notable Children's book. I would highly recommend this book for any read aloud in an age appropriate setting or as a trade book integrated in a social studies curriculum on the time period.

Rating:
Summary: Highly Decorated and Very Good
Review: This story centers around Catherine Hall, a thirteen-year-old young girl growing up in New Hampshire. The journal format of this novel makes it easy to read and wonderful to share with school age students. Catherine is a tender girl that has lost her mother and must gain instruction on housekeeping skills from her neighbor who is her best friend's mother. Because of the loss of their mother, Catherine keeps house for her father and younger sister, Matty. The main happenings of Catherine's exciting year are that her father remarries and brings a new stepmother and stepbrother to come and live with them, interesting events at school, the issue of slavery and runaway slaves, and a loss and new love interests close to home. One of the most interesting parts of the story is when Catherine encounters a "phantom" of sorts that she aids along his travels. The correspondence of Catherine to future generations is an interesting beginning and end to the book. This is a highly praised and decorated book from the Newberry Medal, School Library Journal's Best Books of the Year for 1979 to the appointment of an American Library Association Notable Children's book. I would highly recommend this book for any read aloud in an age appropriate setting or as a trade book integrated in a social studies curriculum on the time period.