March Book 1: These is my words

These is my words~The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine
by Nancy E. Turner

This book was recommended by Scott's cousin Heather, and I think possibly someone else, but I can't remember who. Maybe Debbie? I don't know

This book is a fictional story of a young woman who lived a hard life in the Arizona Territories in the late 1800's. It is told through the diary of Sarah Prine and starts when she is just 17 years old. She was a pioneer (not a mormon pioneer, in case you were wondering) who trekked in areas surrounding the Arizona Territories with her parents and siblings until they finally settled there. Along the way they encounter Indians, wild animals, and many other trials, and witness a lot of death and mayhem. The trouble doesn't stop once they settle down as they still encounter trials when they have to make a trip into the nearby town of Tucson every so often, and they still end up fighting the Indians on their land. Sarah experiences many hard things in her life, like the deaths of children, spouses, parents and neighbors, and we get to witness these things through her words.

I have to be honest, I was not really looking forward to reading this book. I thought it sounded kind of boring, but I put it on hold at the library anyway. While I waited for it, I read other books and heard from many other people that it was a great book, and I got a little intrigued, but still not totally interested. It must have sat on hold for 2 months before my turn came up. So I decided to read it fast, so I could return it quickly and give someone else a chance.

I got sucked in on page 1! I couldn't put the thing down! I read and read and neglected my housework and children again......and poor Scott. I know he was so annoyed that I couldn't put the book down when he got home from work. I gave him a kiss and went right back to reading! Well, I finished it in a day and half (would have been sooner if I didn't have to stop for an appointment with the Phys. therapist, or take Corbin to and from School and kindergarten registration). Anyway, I was sad when the book was over and felt like I could have kept reading it forever.

I can't even say why, but I LOVED this book. It sounds sappy, and cheesy, and girlie, but I think the main reason I loved it was because of the romantic element between Sarah and Captain Elliot. I found myself blushing and embarrassed right along with her, and I think got a little crush on the captain myself! I'm not normally a fan of romantic stuff like that, but really enjoyed it. I was embarrassed to read in front of Scott (although that wasn't enough to stop me) because I know I always had a smile on my face or tears in my eyes (or both). It was funny, and sad, and interesting and totally great. I feel like I really related to Sarah, and wished this was a true story so I could do some genealogy and find out we're really related somewhere down the line! Just kidding, but she was tough and feisty and my kind of girl. Thanks for the recommendation Heather, (and those of you that may have, but I don't remember), it was a great book. I give it a 10 and an A- (the minus is because I cried too much!).