Letters of a Woman Homesteader (Dover Books on Americana)

I found this little book to be one of the most interesting and well written diary/letters books I've ever read - and I have read MANY! Thankfully, the editors resisted the urge to "correct" spelling errors and grammatical mistakes, thus giving the reader a better understanding of the writer. I found myself drawn into the story immediately and couldn't wait to get to the next chapter/letter. Elinore Stewart was indeed a "writer" of the highest degree. Her ability to draw the reader into the story is unrivaled and her descriptions of the West - the sunsets, the mountains, fields of grain, the homesteads - everything she writes about seems to come alive. I found myself becoming extremely disappointed as I neared the end of the book, for I was left wanting MORE. Nothing less than a full NOVEL would have left me satisfied and even then, I'm sure I would have still wanted more. The reading is so enjoyable and flows beautifully so that even a young person doing research for a school project would enjoy this little book as reference material. I was sad to see my small book come to an end and would have loved to read more and more of the letters written to her old employer/friend. I heartily recommend this book to anyone seeking knowledge of women homesteaders in the American West, or to anyone simply wanting an enjoyable read where you are drawn into the life of the writer and her family before you even realize it.

This book was a great read. My maiden name is Pruitt, which is not too common, and is why I chose it in the first place. I would certainly be proud to have Elinore as a relative, as she astounded me with her skills and fearlessness. She takes her child out camping overnight in the woods, where she kills their dinner, dresses it, cooks it over a fire she has started by herself. She does this because she considers it fun, but it was a tremendous amount of work, not to mention dangerous.

I love her sense of humor. And this account tells us just how tough our pioneers were.

A fascinating and thoroughly readable account of an impressive woman's adventure homesteading, from her own letters -- with a surprising end to the story.

I've read many true accounts of homesteading in the 1800's. This was a true joy to read as it is the actual letters written to a friend back east telling of her adventures out west. I lived a few miles away from this homestead many years ago so the names of towns & canyons are very familiar. I plan to purchase more of these books as gifts for others to enjoy. A great accidental find to treasure for years.

Just a fascinating look into the real times back then. Absolutely loved reading it and catching a glimpse of what people did back then... the impossibly hard work and creativeness they had will blow your mind! It is a book I'm sure I'll read over and over again as it's a good reminder of how America started and in comparison to how we do things now... wow. Just sad almost, how lazy we've become and how dependent we are on the fast and easy thing. This sure gave me great insight and new perspective for sure!!!

one of my favorite pioneer accounts. composed as genuine letters so giving a casual, personal touch yet extremely well written. a natural writer. lots of humor, courage and good will. the salt if the earth. The illustrations are priceless.

This small book gives a world of information and an amazing word picture of life, attitudes, personalities, and the cooperation and joy of the time. You also have a view of the challenges and the means to meet them. It's a keeper, since you will want to revisit this book periodically.

What a book. I could not have lived in the early 1900 hundreds. My goodness women had to work like men. Sun up to sun down. Excellent book. This book should be read by all teenagers, they think they have it tough.

Day in day out. How she prospered.

This is a very engaging book. The author of the letters has a very descriptive way of writing. I was reading this book out loud to my residents at both a Skilled Nursing Home and an Assisted Living Home. Both communities were drawn into her life and could visualize what they were hearing. (Per their comments to me). I also enjoyed this book a great deal.