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55 pages 1 hour read

These Is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998

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Book Brief

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Nancy E. Turner

These Is My Words

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Arizona Territory • 1880s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

Lexile Level

1110L

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Super Short Summary

These Is My Words by Nancy E. Turner follows the life of Sarah Agnes Prine, a 17-year-old girl who documents her family's journey to the Arizona Territory in her diary, detailing their struggles and triumphs as they settle in a new land. The narrative captures her growth in literacy, maturity, and resilience as she survives hardships, including family deaths, all while seeking love and stability amidst frontier challenges. The novel includes instances of sexual violence and murder.

Emotional

Inspirational

Adventurous

Bittersweet

Romantic

Reviews & Readership

4.5

84,533 ratings

88%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

These Is My Words by Nancy E. Turner captivates with its vivid depiction of pioneer life, strong character development, and compelling narrative voice. Reviewers praise the authentic emotional journey and historical accuracy but note occasional slow pacing and predictability. Overall, it’s an engaging read that resonates with historical fiction enthusiasts.

Who should read this

Who Should Read These Is My Words?

Readers who enjoy These Is My Words by Nancy E. Turner are often captivated by historical fiction with strong, pioneering female protagonists. Fans of Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder and Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry will appreciate the vivid depiction of frontier life and personal resilience.

4.5

84,533 ratings

88%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Sarah Prine

The determined protagonist who evolves from a 16-year-old girl in New Mexico Territory into a woman who confronts various life challenges while striving for self-education and emotional growth.

A brave and respected soldier whose military service and complex personality impact his relationship with Sarah; his presence fills and empties the spaces he occupies.

Sarah's best friend and sister-in-law, whose gentle demeanor and insight contrast with Sarah's bold nature while offering guidance and support through the narrative.

Sarah's mother, who, despite being a relatively silent and practical figure in the story, provides support and stability, and insists on her children's education.

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Arizona Territory • 1880s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

Lexile Level

1110L

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