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i enjoyed this book. It was a light, easy read and brought me out of my terrible reading slump, in which I must have started and abandoned at least 5 books. ( )

"Dorothy and Ros, however, were more bothered by the idea of settling into a staid life of marriage and motherhood without having contributed anything to people who could benefit from the talents and experiences they had to offer.
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Two young Yankee girls from high society New York took teaching positions in rural northwestern Colorado for the school year of 1916-1917. Determined to have an adventure and do something for society along the way, they endured an extremely harsh winter and isolation, only to return with a husband and a greater sense of self. The author, granddaughter to one of the women, retells their journey from the letters, diaries, and interviews that serves as a combined work about the Wild West and the society on the brink of change.

The year is 1916 with two Smith College graduates, Dorothy Woodruf and Rosamond Underwood who are just not eager to settle into society luncheons and charity work as is expected of their station. They spot an advertisement accepting applications for two school teachers for a homesteading settlement in Elkhead, Colorado and are soon on their way west for a year's adventure. Neither had studied to be a teacher but they were eager, bright and willing to try. The story is revealed through the correspondence of the girls with their families back in Auburn, NY. They face hardships but believe them to pale in comparison to those of the local homesteaders. The girls never shirk a challenge and embrace every moment with joy and vigor. Their compassion for their young charges is evident throughout the telling.
This is a wonderful story with lots of historic detail. It can be a bit confusing at times as it goes from one historic vinette to another with little story threading. But overall, this is a most enjoyable read for anyone with an interest in pioneer history. ( )

Nothing Daunted is the true story of two young society girls who simply are not ready to settle marriage and their expected role.

Dorothy and Rosamund grew up as best friends, attended college and toured Europe for a year and then endured all of the usual coming out parties of New York society.

In response to an add from Ferry Carpenter, the girls packed up and traveled to northwest Colorado to begin a school in the Elkhead Settlement. There experiences and enduring humor make this reader feel like a wimp. ( )

I was struck by several things - the age of Rosamond and Dorothy when they set out and the hardships faced by the homesteaders at this time in history. You come to have tremendous admiration and respect for all the people who struck out and made a life in these harsh conditions and who were willing to keep pursuing education. These young women were utterly committed to their task despite being unprepared for the way of life they encountered. I ( )