46 pages • 1 hour read
A Gathering of Days: A New England Girl's Journal, 1830-32
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Book Brief
144
Novel • Fiction
New Hampshire • 1830s
1979
Middle grade
10-14 years
960L
Super Short Summary
A Gathering of Days by Joan W. Blos, presented as the fictional journal of young Catherine Hall in pre-Civil War New Hampshire, portrays her two-year journey through personal loss, friendship complexities, and aiding a self-emancipated individual. The narrative captures daily life and transformative events, culminating in Catherine's departure to assist family. The novel discusses death, enslavement, and racism.
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
8,854 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
A Gathering of Days by Joan W. Blos is lauded for its authentic portrayal of 19th-century New England through a young girl's diary. Readers appreciate the historical accuracy and emotional depth, though some find the narrative pace slow. The book's educational value is praised, but its period language can be challenging for modern readers.
Who Should Read A Gathering of Days?
A reader who enjoys A Gathering of Days by Joan W. Blos would likely appreciate historical fiction with strong female protagonists and coming-of-age themes. Fans of works like Little House on the Prairie and Sarah, Plain and Tall may find this book particularly engaging. The narrative provides rich historical context and emotional depth.
8,854 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
144
Novel • Fiction
New Hampshire • 1830s
1979
Middle grade
10-14 years
960L
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