The Princess Diaries, Volume VII: Party Princess (Princess Diaries)

Book Description

Princess just want to have fun . . . And Mia does too, despite the fact that the student government over which she presides is suddenly broke. But Grandmère's got a wacky scheme to raise the money, catapult Mia to theatrical fame, and link her romantically with an eligible teen bachelor who's not her boyfriend. No wonder Michael seems to think she's a psycho, or worse: not much fun. Is it possible that Mia, soon-to-be star of the stage, president of the student body, and future ruler of Genovia, doesn't know how to party?

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Princess just want to have fun

This spring, Mia's determined to have a good time, despite the fact that the student government over which she presides is suddenly broke. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it) Grandmère has an elaborate scheme to simultaneously raise money, catapult Mia to theatrical fame, and link her romantically with an eligible teen bachelor, not her boyfriend. It's no wonder that Michael, the love of her life, seems to think she's a psycho, or worse: not much fun.

Is it possible that Mia, soon-to-be star of the stage, president of the student body, and future ruler of Genovia, doesn't know how to party?

Customer Reviews:

Courtesy of Teens Read Too.......2007-06-09

Princess Mia is back in this seventh installment of the popular PRINCESS DIARIES series, and, as usual, she's facing more problems than she knows what to do with. She's recently been elected student body president, which shouldn't really be that difficult a job since she's been in training to rule her own county someday, but it turns out that the student government is broke.

As if that weren't enough, Lilly starts a new literary magazine, calls it Fat Louie's Pink Butthole, and wants to publish Mia's story about "The Guy Who Hates It When They Put Corn in the Chili," a story that Mia would rather the entire student body not read.

Luckily (or not so luckily, depending on how you look at it), there's Grandmere to the rescue, and she's got a plan to help Mia's financial situation, social situation, and romantic situation all at once (not that Mia was aware she had a romantic "situation" in the first place). Unfortunately, Mia's romantic issues become all too clear when Michael decides to throw a party, and Mia starts freaking out because she's not a "party girl."

Fans of the previous PRINCESS DIARIES books won't want to miss this and will definitely enjoy reading along as Mia shares her crazy high school experiences through her journal. Meg Cabot's writing is light and breezy as always, and perfect for a lazy afternoon.

Reviewed by: Andie Z.

4 stars.......2007-03-23

It may be some time before Princess Mia rules Genovia, but she is already getting a taste of governing as the President of the student body of her school. It is not going well. With three months left until the commencement, Mia is faced with bankruptcy and being unable to pay for the ceremony to be held at Lincoln Center. She does not want to resort to selling candles to make up the deficit, but that is a more appealing idea than having the valevictorian cause her bodily harm, if she can get past Lars, Mia's bodyguard. However, Grandmere has an idea. Unfortunately, when Grandmere or the princess' best friend, Lily, has an idea, Mia knows life is about to get "interesting," in the worst sense of the word. She's already dealing with a mountain of potential fall-out from Lilly's idea of creating a school-based literary journal whose sales will go toward meeting the budget. Now, Grandmere has the bright idea to put on a show. Her delivery of the suggesting somehow lacks the perkiness of Judy Garland telling Mickey Rooney that is what they ought to do. Now that the Queen Mother has spoken, so shall it be done. Being beaten senseless by an irate senior might be a better fate!

**** Mia's trials and tribulations continue to charm and amuse readers of all ages. Her angst has a ring of truth, even in the most ridiculous situations. Subtle in-jokes enhance the humor. If you need a laugh, or just to be reassured that things will get better, pick up a Princess story. ****

Princess Not Fun?! By Ariel Anand.......2007-03-23

Princess Mia has a BIG problem. She is a fifteen-year-old girl living in a loft with her mom, stepdad, and baby brother in New York. She has triangular shaped short hair, a flat chest and a horrible social status. She is commonly called "freak". She goes to Albert Einstein High School and she's the student council president. She's heir to the throne of a small country called Genovia. Most people would think that being a princess is great. You'd get whatever you wanted. But that's so not true. Mia HATES being a princess. But the real problem is, she is completely broke. Or at least the student government of AEHS is broke. But her job as student council president is to keep track over everything. Unfortunately, the treasurer didn't really do a good job of saving money. So now, Mia is stuck trying to raise $5,728 for the Senior's Commencement Ceremony in June. Amber Cheeseman was going to kill her for losing all the money. Amber was the senior valedictorian and she was a black belt in karate. She was going to destroy Mia. So Mia has to star in her evil grandmother's musical or else her grandmother would tell Amber about the money problem. All the money raised from the musical would go towards the student council fund. And of course, Mia gets the lead. Could her life be any more difficult? Oh yeah, her boyfriend asked her to go to a COLLEGE party. Mia has never truly been to a college party before. She has no idea what to do. She tries to convince herself that she's a party girl but inside, she knows she isn't. She goes to seek advice on how to party like Paris Hilton. She tries hard to cheer herself up by making snacks for the party and dressing great. But when she does go to the party, she makes a complete fool out of herself. She has a beer and is completely ashamed of what happens. Mia thinks that her boyfriend, Michael, won't like for what she's done. Michael doesn't talk to Mia for days. But that's only because Michael's parents are splitting up and Michael is going through a bad time. But in the end, Michael forgives Mia for humiliating him and her, too. He explains to her what was wrong with his family and she really understands. Also, the student government makes enough money to fund the Senior's Commencement Ceremony and Amber doesn't know anything. Mia's grandmother gives her the check for $5,728. Even her grandmother says that Mia did an amazing job performing onstage. Mia is very pleased and happy. The musical turns out to be a hit! Her grandmother got off her case and Mia is finally free from it all. Now she doesn't have to worry about anything... for only a little while, though.

Princess Not Fun?!.......2007-03-23

GRANDMERE TO THE RESCURE.......2007-03-01

Just when you think Mia has done it all in the past six books Meg Cabot can prove you wrong! Mia finds herself in a stressful situation after she realizes she has spent all the money of the student government on High tech Recycling bins, Mia realizes she may end up going door to door to selling candles! THE PRINCESS OF GENOVIA Selling candles! Now that's a pretty picture! Grandmere decided to take it one step ahead and help Mia with her financial problem! Grandmere decided to embrace her creative side and give a chance to students of AHEAS a chance to shine!
To give the story a bit of spice Meg Cabot added another male in Mia's life that could stir some problems between her and Michael.
I have grown up reading this book and I still find it more interesting than the previous. If any fan has felt the books have began to get to repetitive this book will change your judgment, it's a well recommended book to any Meg Cabot fan.

Sweet Sixteen Princess (Princess Diaries, Vol. 7 1/2) (Princess Diaries)

Average customer rating:

Very Cute
Too good, too short
A must-read for all ages.....
Sweet, but too short
Sweet Sixteen Princess

Sweet Sixteen Princess (Princess Diaries, Vol. 7 1/2) (Princess Diaries)
Meg Cabot
Manufacturer: HarperTeen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060847166
Release Date: 2006-05-23

Book Description

Sixteen is the magic number

Mia doesn't always have the best luck with parties, so even though it's her sweet sixteenth, she doesn't want a birthday bash. As usual, Grandmère has other ideas, and thinks a reality TV special is just the thing in order to celebrate royally. The whole scheme smacks of Lilly's doing -- Lilly, whose own TV show is still only limited to local cable viewers.

Will Mia be able to stop Grandmère's plan? Will her friends ever forgive her if she does stop it, since it involves all of them taking the royal jet to Genovia for an extravaganza the likes of which would turn even Paris Hilton green with envy? Why can't Mia get what she really wants: an evening alone with Michael?

With a little luck, this sweet sixteen princess might just get her wish -- a birthday that's royally romantic.

Customer Reviews:

Very Cute.......2007-01-22

This is a very short story about Mia's 16th birthday. It is very cute and filled with lots of moments between Michael and Mia that make you feel warm and fuzzy. Very Cute!!

Too good, too short.......2007-01-02

I'm not going to go over the plot with you,I'm just here to tell you what I like and dislike. What I like? That's easy. Meg Cabot has once again outdone herself with this novel. Like I said, I'm not going to go over the plot, so you will have to read it or wonder for the rest of your life(okay, exaggeration). Dislikes: Just one. IT IS NINETY-SIX PAGES! I know, I know. Book 4 1/2 was fifty pages. What is the problem here? I'll tell you: This isn't a in-between book. It is supposed to be equivalent to 150 page novels previously written by Meg Cabot. Not to mention the fact that 4 1/2 had pretty much NO plot, whereas this one has a real setting, story, and more than ten characters.
That is all I have to say. Oh, yeah, one more thing:
READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A must-read for all ages............2007-01-02

This book was great! Meg Cabot really outdid herself. However, I wish it were longer. There is certainly enough plot, but only 96 pages? Really.
All in all, I would say it is a great book. You would be best getting it at a public library, because for $9, you only get 96 pages[hardcover].

Sweet, but too short.......2006-11-10

I won't delve into the plot, since many other reviewers have already done so. Instead, I'll say that Mia is progressively coming into her own, as this installment proves. She may be nervous addressing parents and school officials, but finally she has learned to emphatically lay down the law with her friends, something she certainly had trouble with at the beginning of this series. However, I found it frustrating that the book was over so quickly, especially at full cover price. I highly suggest you purchase a used copy if you don't have lots of money to burn.

SPOILER!
.
.
.
I also wonder if this book is setting up a possible future romance between Mia and another guy...

Sweet Sixteen Princess.......2006-09-11

Happy Birthday Mia!
Sixteen years old now, but she doesn't want a huge party. She just wants a night alone with Michael, which doesn't happen often with her being a princess and all. But Grandmere tries to get her on a special episode of My Super Sweet Sixteen.
How will she get a night alone with Michael? HOW! This was a sweet, short book that makes me ache for the next one.

Princess Buttercup: A Flower Princess Story (All Aboard Reading)

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Wonderful book for young readers

Princess Buttercup: A Flower Princess Story (All Aboard Reading)

Manufacturer: Grosset & Dunlap
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 044842472X

Book Description

When Princess Buttercup goes into the meadow to gather flowers, she follows a butterfly and gets very, very lost. The sweet, super-simple text and charming illustrations will delight emergent readers as they learn how Princess Buttercup cleverly finds her way back to the magic garden.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful book for young readers.......2007-07-23

My daughter loved this book! It has precious pictures and a nice story line. It doesn't feel contrived like many of the early readers do. My 3 year old daughter enjoyed listening to her big sister read this story. The story is about a flower fairy (Princess Buttercup) who follows a butterfly and ends up getting lost. The butterfly gives her a ride back home, just in time for a party the princess flower fairies are throwing to celebrate the beginning of spring. I wish there were more stories about these flower fairies for early readers.

SDP: The Birth, Life and Death of the Social Democratic Party

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SDP: The Birth, Life and Death of the Social Democratic Party
Ivor Crewe , and Anthony King
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0198293135

Book Description

Launched on a wave of euphoria in 1981, the SDP aroused the hopes and enthusiasm of millions. Promising to break the mould of British politics, its leaders included four of the most respected figures in British public life - Roy Jenkins, David Owen, Bill Rodgers, and Shirley Williams. But the SDP failed. Despite winning with the Liberals a quarter of the vote in two general elections, by the autumn of 1987 it had disintegrated amidst acrimony and bitter in-fighting. Ivor Crewe and Anthony King draw on unprecedented access to the SDP's archive and extensive interviews with all the leading players to chronicle the party's short but turbulent history and analyse in detail the reasons for its early success and its ultimate demise. Reviews of the hardback: `It is British political science at its best, combining intimate knowledge of the players with a firm grasp of the numbers, all gracefully and thoughtfully presented.' Nelson W. Polsby, Choice `This study of the SDP is a classic of its kind, accurate, detailed, perceptive, mercilessly honest.' Shirley Williams, Times Higher Education Supplement `Professors Crewe and King have produced a masterpiece of contemporary history. They marshal complex arguments and masses of detail with the art that conceals art. Their narrative sweeps forward with captivating energy and style, and bristles with mordant phrases.' David Marquand, Observer `If there were a Booker Prize for social sciences, here would be the obvious nomination.' Kenneth O. Morgan, New Statesman `This brilliant history - definitively researched, graced with wit, insight and countless pungent anecdotes.' Gerald Kaufman, Sunday Telegraph `Our two professors ... write clearly, sometimes wittily and without academic jargon. They are masters of their material.' Douglas Hurd, Daily Telegraph

A Party for the Princess #2: Angelina's Diary (Angelina Ballerina)

Average customer rating:

A Wonderful addition to the Angelina Ballerina books.

A Party for the Princess #2: Angelina's Diary (Angelina Ballerina)
Katharine Holabird
Manufacturer: Grosset & Dunlap
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0448440172

Book Description

The Queen of Mouseland is throwing a big party for Princess Sophie's birthday, and Angelina has been invited! But Angelina isn't having that much fun—the food is yucky, Priscilla Pinkpaws is being mean, and Angelina is missing Alice. She's determined to find a friend somewhere in the palace, but who?

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful addition to the Angelina Ballerina books........2006-03-10

The reader will enjoy the entries. My daughter enjoys these diaries. We read an entry every night before she goes to bed.

Average customer rating:

Counting on fun

Fiesta! Board Book
Ginger Foglesong Guy
Manufacturer: Rayo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060092637

Book Description

Horns, airplanes, and tops. Whistles, gum, and rings.

What should the children choose?

And what will they do with all the things they buy?

Open this book to find out and to count with them -- in English and in Spanish. It's easy!

Trompetas, aviones y trompos. Silbatos, chicles y anillos.

¿QuÉ deben escoger los niÑos?

¿Y quÉ harÁn con todas las cosas que compran?

Abra este libro para averiguarlo, y para contar con ellos -- en inglÉs y en espanol. Es fÁcil.

Customer Reviews:

Counting on fun.......2006-06-07

A bilingual counting primer, this colorful and energetic book follows three children to market one sunny day; there they fill one (uno) basket with exactly what they need for a special surprise, two (dos) horns, three (tres) little animals, four (cuatro) airplanes, five (cinci) tops, etc, all the way to ten (diez) streamers. Next the children call the neighborhood ninos to a back yard party (fiesta), where they have fashioned a beautiful piñata from the things purchased at the market that morning. As soon as the piñata breaks, toys and candy scatter, everyone enjoying an impromptu afternoon fiesta. The illustrations encourage curiosity as the three children explore the market stalls, choosing exactly what they need, counting higher with each new addition to the basket. Bright and attractive, the vivid colors emphasize the happy faces of the children as they prepare their surprise in a bilingual counting primer to share with young readers in both English and Spanish, a fiesta of language and numbers. Luan Gaines/ 2006.

Mrs. Twiggenbotham Goes to a Party (Twiggenbotham Adventures)

Average customer rating:

My kids love this book!
Learning the Joy of Generosity

Mrs. Twiggenbotham Goes to a Party (Twiggenbotham Adventures)
Emily King
Manufacturer: Kregel Kidzone
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0825430658

Book Description

The misadventures of a day with Mrs. Twiggenbotham teach Felicity that giving is much more fun than getting. Includes Mrs. Twiggenbotham's original recipes.

Customer Reviews:

My kids love this book!.......2004-05-15

This delightful story tells about a little girl who learns the joy of giving. Even my boys pull this book off the shelf and ask me to read it over and over. Mrs. King's descriptive writing keeps the story interesting for adults as well as capturing the attentions of children. I especially like the lesson it teaches and the easy recipes in the back encourage more quality time together as you cook with your children. The illustrations are brightly colored and beautifully drawn. Definitely kid-tested and mother-approved!

Learning the Joy of Generosity.......2004-05-14

We've all heard the saying "It's better to give than to receive," but for children this can be a difficult lession to learn. In Mrs. Twiggenbotham Goes to a Party, Mrs. Twiggenbotham teaches her granddaughter Felicity first hand that "God's greater joy is in giving."

This hardcover book, released in June 2003 by Kregel publications, tells the story of an evening that changes little Felicity's perspective on the many blessings she has in her life. As the story begins, Felicity is passing a quiet evening at Grandmother's, and is lamenting the fact that she has fallen in love with a new doll she's seen in the window. Her parents have informed her that she may have the doll (the sixth in the series and one she feels she just must have), but that she will have to wait until her birthday.

Grandma/Mrs. Twiggenbotham, involves Felicity in baking a special dessert for a needy family nearby and the two set off to deliver the dessert. As the evening progresses, Felicity learns that indeed "God's greater joy is in giving."

As a bonus, the book features two special recipes that young readers can prepare and enjoy with the help of their families.

Book Description

The civil rights movement was first and foremost a struggle for racial equality, but questions of gender lay deeply embedded within this struggle. Steve Estes explores key groups, leaders, and events in the movement to understand how activists used race and manhood to articulate their visions of what American society should be.

Estes demonstrates that, at crucial turning points in the movement, both segregationists and civil rights activists harnessed masculinist rhetoric, tapping into implicit assumptions about race, gender, and sexuality. Estes begins with an analysis of the role of black men in World War II and then examines the segregationists, who demonized black male sexuality and galvanized white men behind the ideal of southern honor. Later, he explores the militant new models of manhood espoused by civil rights activists and groups such as Malcolm X, the Nation of Islam, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Black Panther Party.

Reliance on masculinist organizing strategies had both positive and negative consequences, Estes concludes. Tracing these strategies from the integration of the U.S. military in the 1940s through the Million Man March in the 1990s, he shows that masculinism rallied men to action but left unchallenged many of the patriarchal assumptions that underlay American society.

Customer Reviews:

Black masculinity is a political force.......2005-09-09

Borrowing from a research model pioneered by feminist scholars,
Steve Estes examines the history of African American men in a racialized-gendered context to argue that black men's masculinity was at stake throughout these struggles.

The assistant professor of history at Sonoma State College produces an interesting and readable account of state politics. Examining the politics of representing black men's bodies, he argues that appearance can and does effectively influence civil rights.

From the days of slavery to the civil rights movement, black men being too assertive in the public sphere was a breach of the 'social order' established by racist white society.

Even people who were allegedly on their side (white abolitionists) depicted black men as 'begging' for their freedom, inferring dependence and weakness--decidedly 'unmasculine' traits.

Alternately, black men's sexuality was portrayed as a threat to the established order. A black man who had any degree of contact with a white woman in any context risked being perceived as the 'rapist' an ultra-masculine stereotype. Ironically, the white individuals and their organized hate groups claimed to only be protecting white women with the subsequent lynching being through `white masculinity's' obligation to `protect' the women of `our community'.

Because it was safer for black men during those times, they consequently adopted a position of subservience to the 'larger world'. Black women took an active lead in the earliest civil rights movements out of practicality.

Whether they had all of the theories our society now has access to, the Black Panthers also articulated a critique of black masculinity and political legitimacy. Sharply contrasting against the buffoonish 'Jim Crow' their ideal black man was an articulate, proactive, solider fighting on behalf of himself, his community, and his people.

Estes is passionate about his work and makes a generally convincing case for his thesis. I am curious that his manuscript did not include a more extensive examination of the Black Pather's articulated desire to build (then-unprecedented) alliances with homosexuals and women. There's some information about each group in this book, but nothing about this earliest coalition building attempt and nothing how that action had challenged heterosexism within the Black Panthers, or the after effects for black masculinity as a political force.

Average customer rating:

Okay, but not great
Perfect book for babies!

Princess Party (Rainbow Foils)
Michelle Knudsen
Manufacturer: Little Simon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

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Princess Fun: Count 10 to 1

ASIN: 068985630X

Book Description

Come one, come all, to a shimmery royal princess ball!

Customer Reviews:

Okay, but not great.......2004-02-23

I bought this book for my daughter thinking that it was going to have actual 3-D holograms (she has another book that actually does have this). I was disappointed when it arrived and only has shiny paper for details in the pictures. The story is cute, but not anything special.

Perfect book for babies!.......2003-12-02

This book is wonderful. All the pictures are holographic and really hold a child's attention. This is the only book that my 12 month old daughter wants me to read to her. It even interests my 3 year old son!

Winter of Entrapment: A New Look at the Donner Party

Average customer rating:

Scholarly Analysis, Fascinating Subject - Winner!
A FRESH LOOK AT THE DOOMED DONNER PARTY...
A historic look at a tragedy 150 years years ago.
A highly accurate if somewhat dry account of the tragedy
This was a great book

Winter of Entrapment: A New Look at the Donner Party
Joseph A. King
Manufacturer: K & K Pubns
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0960850090

Book Description

During the winter of of 1846-47 over eighty men, women and children of the Donner Party wagon train were trapped in the snows of California's High Sierras. thiry-nine perished on the trail or in the mountain camps. Some survived by eating the dead. This book gives a thorough and readable account and corrects many misconceptions of previous writers.

Customer Reviews:

Scholarly Analysis, Fascinating Subject - Winner!.......2005-06-13

The Kings' wonderful historical account of the Donner Party disaster is not a bit dry - and it's not revisionist either! You may disagree with me, so like the Kings I will explain my reasoning.

To be revisionist, the book would have to refute prior historical analyses - but there are none.

The authors summarize the nature, general treatment, and key theses of earlier accounts. If these summaries are accurate, theirs is the first serious, full-length scholarly treatment of the subject. The works they cite consist of some combination of wide-eyed tabloid-worthy speculation, uncritical rehashing of selected contemporary accounts and ruminations on their import, and/or imaginative, fictionalized scene-setting, in some cases with fabricated dialogue. None of this qualifies as historical analysis, which requires thorough, critical consideration and comparison of all relevant documentation.

As for "dryness" - whether the book is sufficiently juicy depends on what sort of beverage you're looking for. This is not byte-sized infotainment in a pop-top. Nor is it a frothy, yeasty TV-tailored morality play that titillates with scenes of human depravity peopled by halo'd heroes/heroines & and deliciously bestial villains. And, if you dig Donner Party mythology as an American "Lord of the Flies" that's better `cause it's "real" - this book's not your cup of tea.

So what is it then? Just a series of thoughtfully reconstructed glimpses into the lives of a group of very ordinary people who lived and struggled with extreme hardship in a world we can never really know - except through accounts like this, and through application of the insight we gain as we age and pass in our turn into the realm of history.

The Kings' analysis makes clear that while our technology has evolved and advanced, in many ways our culture has not. The authors show us aspects of that earlier time that can only disgust and shame us when we reflect on how little we have advanced in some respects - instantly recognizable is our own ravening appetite for news nuggets, heavily spiced with someone else's pain and loss.

But they also give us factual evidence, cleansed of lies and willful distortions, that can inspire hope. We too can survive and transcend painful circumstances - not just the physical and mental challenge of extreme deprivation, but the spiritual challenge of living a worthy life despite injustice and disrespect.

Personally, I love the way the book presents these people to us because I find ordinary people - the tragedy and nobility of our neverending struggle with human weakness and harsh circumstance - endlessly fascinating and inspiring. If you agree, you'll probably love it too.

If you're a "just the facts Ma'am" type, you'll like it because the authors cite their sources and explain their reasoning throughout the account so that you can judge for yourself if their conclusions are sound. There are also detailed references you can use to check out the original material.

And there's more. The authors do not just expose the vicious slanders and misrepresentations that persist to this day regarding some Donner Party survivors, they also explain the contemporary conditions that made this possible (maybe even inevitable).

The small-mindedness, hostility, and willful ignorance that feed racism and prejudice cannot be news to any contemporary reader; but the historically diverse range of targets, the virulence of contempt which each endured in turn, and the general acceptance of these hateful attitudes and resulting injustices, may be an eye-opener for some.

The Kings provide a window into a world that sometimes doesn't look pretty - in fact it looks quite a lot like ours on a bad day. The treatment of the Indian and French/Indian members of the party is especially shameful, both during the ordeal and after the rescue. The Irish and Germans fared better in the sense that (as far as we know) none of them were murdered outright for the cookpot. But those who survived had the pleasure of being pilloried and demonized in the popular press, down to this very day; while their "racially superior" companions are still hailed as heroes and heroines.

If we knew nothing but the raw facts of their plight - days in isolation, available calories and resources, original roster vs. final death toll - common sense should tell us that everyone suffered greatly, that survival demanded considerable stamina and resourcefulness - and that folks in a rush to trash their companions the moment they reach safety may not be the most sterling characters humanity has ever produced. But when we're salivating over a virtual smorgasbord of hot, steaming scandal, cool reason can't command much market share, can it?

It's unfortunate that while there's little hard evidence of depravity on the part of the "racially inferior" survivors, there is not always much in the way of contradictory evidence either. But in the case of the Breens, the irrationality and gross injustice of the characterizations that made a mockery of their strength, courage, and generosity is clearly revealed by the historical record.

The Kings' defense of the Breens is made credible not only by a lack of evidence supporting their demonization, but also by contradictory journal entries and other documentary sources.

To me, the most convincing contradiction is the manner in which they lived in the years following their rescue. Indeed, once we know the facts, they seem exemplary of the best characteristics we associate with our pioneer forebears - willingness to start anew from humble beginnings, great hardships surmounted, a new land made their own through hard work, sacrifice and thrift, and generous hospitality offered to any in need of it. The vision I get from the Breen record is of faith, honesty, and simple, open enjoyment of the well-earned pleasures of family and community.

-----------
NOTES:

To put the slander of the Breens and other Donner Party immigrants into context, remember that one of the intellectual fads of the period among the eastern elite was a bastard adaptation of evolutionary theory applied to the social/political realm - so-called "Social Darwinism."

This pseudo-science was used to justify ruthless exploitation of - among others - immigrants, impoverished urbanites, and Midwestern small farmers frozen out of the market by artificially inflated transportation costs.

Blatant injustice and exploitation resulted in the rising popularity of socialist and communist movements that culminated in the Populist movement. Eventually, political elites bargained for stability by adding Populist-inspired planks to their party platforms - these eventually evolved into key social welfare components such as Social Security, Medicaid, federally-guaranteed student loans, etc.

Once the political necessity of placating the working class and courting their votes was recognized, overt cultural elitism was largely consigned to a subcultural underground. Racism survived in a variety of ugly regional manifestations however, most notably and openly as practiced in the South against persons defined as Negro or colored.

It never really went away anywhere though - as shown by the poisonous blossoming of concentration camps for citizens of Japanese descent during WWII.

Another particularly nasty example of racism's survival was the forcible relocation of Native American children to boarding schools where they were "educated" (with indifferent results). The children were not allowed any contact with their families for years - and were beaten if they spoke their own language or referred in any way to their traditions or culture. Many of them were sexually abused with impunity. The entire vile enterprise was state-sponsored emotional abuse of almost unparalleled cruelty.

Incidentally, if you are discouraged by the vicious mudslinging, anti-intellectual demagoguery, shameless pandering/outright lying, tacky consumerism, and coldhearted "got mine, #@% you" attitudes of some of our leaders & fellow citizens, don't despair!

Read up on the stuff that was going on during the period of American westward expansion! It makes our bad boys and girls look like a bunch of amateurs.

This should cheer you up, because the grasping vulgarity of that time did not permanently define our nation. We went on to score world-class achievements in science, scholarship, politics, arts, and more. Better yet, we took on the conscience-driven task of painful self-examination and reform - something we can all be proud of.

We can do it again, if we care enough to make the effort.

A FRESH LOOK AT THE DOOMED DONNER PARTY..........2005-01-16

Winner of the Award of Merit from the California Historical Association in 1994, this book chronicles the travails of the infamous Donner Party, a wagon train of about eighty-seven people who in July 1846 started off for California via a new, untried route through the Sierras. Unfortunately, this particular wagon train of pioneers would go down in history due to the horror and tragedy that it was to meet along its way. Stranded in the Sierras amidst its harshest winter in years, with unparalleled snowfall and frigid temperatures. A little more than half of them, mostly women and children, were to survive their unbelievable deprivation and suffering.

This wagon train was a loose confederation of strangers who originally were part of another wagon train, but who collectively branched off by consensus to try a new, though untried and unproven, overland route through the Sierras that was alleged to be shorter. Their decision to take this new route was one that would haunt them for the rest of their journey, as it was not what it was purported to be. The inexperience of these travelers, the poor decisions that were sometimes made, and their seeming inability to truly unify as one entity contributed to their ultimate debacle. They were, after all, representative of humanity at large. Some of them were good, brave, and unselfish. Some were just the opposite. As a group, they were pretty much reflective of humanity in general.

Beleaguered by thirst as they trekked across a desert, marauded by Indians along the way, plagued by the loss of necessary oxen and cattle, beset by accidents and personal squabbles that would sometimes turn deadly, they would finally reach the Sierras and begin their perilous crossing, only to find themselves snowbound at the summit while within sight of the pass that they needed to cross to be home free. Trapped by the weather in early November, they would set up a make-shift camp, never thinking about just how long their encampment would last. With minimal food supplies at their disposal, these intrepid, westward-ho emigrants would find themselves trapped for months, facing incredible hardships that would tax them beyond human endurance. Some would resort to cannibalism in order to survive.

This is a well-researched book that offers a fresh look at the ordeal of the Donner Party. It probably would be better for the reader, if the reader were to have some prior knowledge about the Donner party, as this is not a strict chronological telling of the tale. Rather, it is a dissection of many of the issues that were to arise during the journey of the Donner Party with many digressions, while focusing on one family in particular, the Breens, as the author believes this family to have been very much maligned by earlier accounts of the Donner party.

The author is evidently quite critical of the classic book on the subject, "Ordeal by Hunger", written by historian George R. Stewart. This author, also a historian, spends quite a bit of time chastising Mr. Stewart and his research, which the author finds to be quite sloppy. He is particularly critical of Mr. Stewart's sometimes florid prose, claiming that Mr. Stewart's book reads more as if it were fiction, being more mythical rather than factual.

The author spends quite a bit of the book fervidly de-bunking some of Mr. Stewart's assertions of fact. The author also takes exception to Stewart's offensive characterization of some of the individuals in the Donner Party. These characterizations, while undeniably offensive, are reflective of the times in which the pioneers lived, as well as reflective of the time during which Mr. Stewart lived. To change it, would be to indulge in revisionist history. Moreover, at times, the author sounds almost petty with respect to some of his criticisms.

Still, for those who are interested in the Donner Party, this is, indeed, a book well worth reading. It is written in an easy, straightforward, no-nonsense style. It is a very carefully researched book and is given to less flights of fancy than is Mr. Stewart in his book. Both, however, are important works with respect to the doomed Donner Party, and each has earned its place in the body of work devoted to that tragedy. The book also contains about twenty five pages of photographs and illustrations that will enhance the pleasure of the reader.

A historic look at a tragedy 150 years years ago........1998-12-27

I had the opportunity to know Joe King and know the accuracy of his work and the tenacity of his searches. My family traveled to California in 1846 and were rescueres of the Donner survivors. Joe received hundreds of personal and family letters and diary entrys from living family decendents and opened new ground in this story. Most of the previous works were penned shortly after the Donner Tragedy and were very pointed in that they tried to soften some of the controversy. Many of the survivors were still living and no one wanted to talk about the gastly events at Truckee Lake. Joe King sought out the facts from family members like myself, the Donner/Houghtons, the Breens and Reid decendents. His work was reviewed by the true historians and deemed to be one of great accuracy without the myth that surrounded this topic for a century.

A highly accurate if somewhat dry account of the tragedy.......1998-12-17

King's work is largely a response to the most famous work on the subject of the Donner Party, Stewart's "Ordeal by Hunger." King's book focuses on details of the tragic story, and leaves the reader with a depth of knowledge on the subject. More casual readers may wish that King had provided a chronological overview of the events. This work seems to be aimed at readers already familiar with the basics of the Donner Party story, and criticizes Stewart's work on so many occasions, it is hard to see the work as anything but an effort to correct Stewart's errors.

This was a great book.......1998-12-02

As a person fascinated in western history, I can say without reservation that this is the best book I have read on the Donner Party tragedy. Not only has the author given us the interesting tale of the Donner Party saga, and he has done that well, but he has also related the moral and ethical dilemnas to our own times and our own perspectives. I could not put this book down!

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