All Together in One Place

This is a must read, however I had a difficult time getting to the book. I am so glad that I did not give up. The characters well drawn but at the beginning of the book, it seemed like there were too many characters. The main character was Maisy Bacon who wanted to stay home on her farm rather than go West. She was furious when her husband told her that he sold the farm with telling her. That is so easy to understand. He did not even discuss with her before doing it.

But, i felt closer to Maisy's mother, Elizabeth. I am the same age as Elizabeth and I am just as open to adventure ass she is! Elizabeth did the same thing that I would do if I had the choice. She would join them in a wagon of her own. I loved that she became friends with show more everyone, was a problem solver and knew the value of joy for everyone.

The first part of the book was a struggle for me to get through but then the book captured me and I wondered what would happen next. There were many things to ponder. Like getting rid of things when you move! In the book, it is said that two books are the same as one fire. I have moved many times in my life, and just like people in wagon trains who need to go over a mountain, you need to get rid of heavy and bulky stuff. Then you feel lighter and more able to tackle your challenges. I have done a lot of that. Now I want to read book two of this series. show less

I was handed this title at a book sale. I read the back and decided to throw it on my shelf not always so interested in sad books. I read through my stash and finally decided to, reluctantly, give All Together in One Place a try. Well, for someone that cherishes happy books(life is sad enough) I LOVED this book!! Now one of my favorites and often recommended. Jane Kirkpatrick shines in this true to life tale of the American wagon train. You will weep with the characters, while most importantly celebrating their triumphs. God is always in charge and will shine a light in the darkest of places.

Interesting, but not riveting....

I enjoyed this book. It was a slow read, because it contained a LOT of detail. Though it may not have been accurate in all repects, it gave me a feel for what if might have been like to strike out to the unknown and settle our land. Imagine....clean water is not always available....no shelter from the elements...either extreme heat OR wicked storms...no running to the store when the wagon breaks down....abandon some of your most prized possesions by the side of the road in order to survive. And of course, in the book as well as in our history of westward expansion, many did NOT survive! It gave me a new appreciation for my ancestors and the courage it must have taken to move from the known to the show more unfamiliar. Though I didn't find the book riveting, it was worth reading, and I look forward to continuing the saga. show less

November 17th evening book club. Hillsboro

I had a tough time getting through this one. I didn't mind the preaching stuff too much. I just thought it was too long. So many areas in the book just drug and I couldn't seem to want to get to the end. I had a tough time identifying with any of the women in the book.