Dear America

I am just loving this Dear America book series. Each book is written in the form of a diary of a young woman's life during an important event or time period in American history (wikipedia)

When I look for books to read, historical fiction is always my genre of choice. This particular series in this genre appeals to me because each book gives interesting details about daily life during the span of one year in these young womens' lives. They are written like diaries, but are works of fiction. However, they are always based on true events and circumstances and often about people who really lived during these these periods of time.

These are three that I have read so far, but I hope to work my way through the whole series.

Because this is a series written for young adults, they are generally quick reads, and so far it has been my experience that I just can't put them down. Each one has a different author, but I have been impressed with all the writing.

More than anything, these kinds of books make me realize how difficult and not always pleasant were womens' lives in previous generations. The daily tasks and responsibility of feeding large families, sewing and washing clothing, growing and preserving food for winter months, birthing children, and trying to keep warm and healthy required constant attention and left little time for pleasure.

When I get little glimpses into the lives and situations of women and men who blazed trails and settled America; suffering through flu epidemics, Indian attacks, arranged and often abusive marriages, and extreme poverty, I am amazed and thankful for the comfort and ease of our contemporary lives.