Desperate Passage

Author: Ethan Rarick

One-sentence summary: A group of California-bound pioneers face hardship and tragedy as they attempt to cross the continent in 1846 by wagon.

B.A.D. Girls (and Nasta Boyz) Book Rating: 6

Our favorite thing about it: We all enjoyed learning the more intricate details of the Donner Party’s journey as well as some history into the westward movement of the 1800s.

Our least favorite thing about it: We didn’t like the writing style or the flow of the narrative since it was not entirely linear or reading about some of the more troubling parts of the party’s suffering.

Main Topics of Discussion: Westward movement in America, Starvation, Decision-making, Snow / Cold, Survival, Character

Our favorite quote: Sorry, I have no clue…anyone have one? This book is not very quotable.

Notes: Since our husbands were with us for this meeting and discussion, there was a different angle on the discussions concerning the decisions that were made within the party as well as some of the familial issues in the story. We all agreed that we might never have even set out for California and that these people would have been, by nature, much more adventurous than us. We questioned their decisions along the way as well, but acknowledged that at least in some cases, we could see how the circumstances and their knowledge would lead them to such decisions. We were amazed at the bravery of John Stark and his character considering he did not have any personal relationships with those he saved. We all agreed that despite the author’s details, we did not develop an attachment to any of the characters; this was something we missed about a fictional novel since this is a historical account. We wondered why there was not more discussion of hypothermia or why those trapped or traveling over the Sierra Nevada did not have to combat this more. We were all a little surprised that Stanton died since it was his stamina that brought him to California and back to the camp as a rescuer. A big part of our discussion was placing ourselves in their shoes and imagining what their journey and trial would have been like. It was interesting discussing the way we would have felt or acted in certain situations.

Memorable Meeting Moments: As detailed in the previous post, Josh made us a delicious gourmet meal and we played three games with our husbands. And the Nasta Boyz received bookmarks to commemorate their time with us.