I was impressed by the simple yet poignant ways the author connects to world events at the time period.The story includes discussions about runaway slaves, the slavery versus abolition debate, Independence Day in early America, and the build up to the Civil War. I would have enjoyed even more journal entries or a longer time period. But I also loved the simple way Catherine sees her world and the ways she build relationships and finds the good in her life. I would have loved more details about the escaped slave or a perspective from Catherine’s step mother on certain scenes. Additionally, it offers a limited narration of events which both intrigued me and left mysteries unresolved. It offers a more unique perspective on the events in the book. We hear about what happens second hand as Catherine is writing about it. But it also gave a fun spin on the events of the book. It was easy to read a bit everyday because of the quick entries. I enjoy unique styles in novels and this journal entry style was quite fun. Quiet yet powerful, this Newbery Medal–winning book is sure to touch all who read it.” Even as she struggles with her mother’s death and father’s eventual remarriage, Catherine’s indomitable spirit makes this saga an oftentimes uplifting and joyous one. Catherine records both the hardships of pioneer life and its many triumphs. So begins the journal of a girl coming of age in nineteenth-century New Hampshire. The journal entries and historical setting puts this in the same sort of genre as those books.Īccording to Goodreads, “ I, Catherine Cabot Hall, aged 13 years, 6 months, 29 days…do begin this book. This book reminded me a bit of the Dear America book series which I loved when I was younger.It was a good ebook experience with all the chapter breaks and breaks between journal entries. I read this book on my Libby app on my phone.I loved this story and the journal style.

Written as a journal of 14 year old Catherine, the story is told through her entries of an important year in her life.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this Newbery winner from 1980. This novel won the Newbery Medal in 1980. I’m excited to be back today with a review of A Gathering of Days: A New England Girl’s Journal, 1830-32 by Joan W.

A gathering of days by joan w blos