The Long Winter

The Long Winter is just what it sounds like, the novel based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's experience of a brutal Winter during their "Little House" years. The American Indian neighbors were absolutely right about what was headed their way, and the settlers who listened to them were a little better prepared - but even so, it was challenging and life-threatening! Side note: A Choctaw friend of mine has told me that American Indian is the preferred terminology. The continuing blizzards started in October, and sometimes they would only have a one-day break in between storms. The snowfall was so blinding that they couldn't even see buildings they were in front of, and found out only when they bumped into the walls. Snow piled up to 20 feet around the railroad tracks, so the trains were unable to ship freight for a couple months; thus, everyone was running low on supplies of basic staples like flour. Store could not get new supplies. It was nigh impossible to ever get fully warm, even inside houses that were as well insulated as possible for the times. The saddest moment was when Pa's hands had been so cold that he could not even play his beloved fiddle. But the plucky Ingalls family members all did their parts to help each other and their neighbors, and Laura's future husband bravely went out for supplies for everyone and saved the day - and likely lives. The Ingalls family were as positive as anyone could be, and they enjoyed trying "new" treats like eating things made from wheat. Any time we find ourselves complaining about modern weather, this book would be a good reminder and a dose of reality for us to bring things into perspective!​

I love all of these books they are the best! I love how they talk about the pioneer days!!!