An essential, core title for any personal or academic Norwegian-American history or genealogical reference collection, Judy Jacobson's Norwegian Connections From Arctic Fjord To American Prairie covers a wide range of issues and areas ranging from the fjords of Northern Norway to such United States emigration destinations as Iowa, Nebraska, and the Dakotas. The heart and core of Norwegian Connections From Arctic Fjord To American Prairie is dedicated to a series of Norwegian families. Enhanced with maps of Southern Norway and the Senja Island region, Norwegian Connections From Arctic Fjord To American Prairie also features invaluable appendices offering a wealth of supplemental information including a glossary, lists of Norway and United States place names, and a great deal more. Highly recommended.

This compelling saga of torrid passion, blood-curdling murder, and greed immediately seized my attention, and I am convinced that Willa Cather's adroit rhetoric will have the same effect on all the other skeptical readers out there. Ingeniously composed O Pioneers paints an ineffable vignette of the backdrop of the enigma more commonly known as the prairie. Growing up in this environment is Alexandra and her three brothers, who have struggled against the hardships and toils of the untamed land all their lives. It is through these afflictions and all of life's tribulations that the Bergsons grow robust in the soul as well as in the body.

The realistic fiction novel begins thirty years ago in the provincial town of Hanover, anchored on the outskirts of the Nebraska tableland. Here, two protagonists are introduced: Alexandra, a headstrong adolescent and her frail, five-year-old brother Emil who, at the time is fully dependent on his sister. The latter shows so much compassion for a kitten clutching the top of a pole in fear that he brings his tender heart and vulnerability into awareness. The sister on the other hand is completely different. " . . . His sister was a tall, strong girl, and she walked rapidly and resolutely, as if she knew exactly where she was going and what she was going to do next." When the father, John Bergson dies, it is with this sort of resolution that Alexandra makes the fateful decision to purchase two homesteads by the money collected in selling their cattle and crops. "Under the shaggy ridges, she felt the future stirring."

It is now sixteen years after John Bergson has died, and the white shaft beside his grave signifies that his wife now lies beside him. Were he to rise from the shaggy coat of the prairie, he would not know the "country under which he has been asleep" for it has vanished forever. " . . . One looks out over a vast checkerboard, marked off in squares of wheat and corn; light and dark, dark and light . . . The rich soil yields heavy harvests; the dry, bracing climate and the smoothness of the land makes labor easy for man and beasts." The previous passage conveys the effect that barely two decades makes on the unpredictable land as well as Cather's virtuoso storytelling skills and unique way of adding life and color to her words. The inevitable time takes its toll on the inhabitants of this country as well. Emil Bergson is now barely recognizable for his stormy gray eyes peer out from under an intent brow. He is not quite the delicate child he was years ago, because now he is a splendid figure of a boy, with a body as stocky and built as a young pine tree. Though caught up with Emil's transformation, one should not forget Alexandra, though she has changed very little. In spite of turning into a sunny, vigorous woman, one can sense in her eyes that she is still the deliberate and placid girl she used to be. Marie Shabata was once Emil's favorite playmate in their childhood, and their friendship has remained even after all those years. Jovial Marie's dancing tiger-lily eyes and delightful nature has earned her the adoration of all that knows her. Formerly Marie Tovesky, the cheerful girl is now married to Frank Shabata. Though quite a handsome man, even in his agitation, Frank is a rash and violent man and altogether the contrary of his charming wife. In this section of the book, we are also introduced to a long-lost friend, Carl Linstrum, who is travelling back from St. Louis. Out of the group, this young man is probably the most changed. One distinctly recognizes the many rings under the boy's eyes, marking trouble and desperation. Carl almost appears to "shrink within himself" as if to hold something back that is too painful to be divulged.

Throughout the book, the reader may sense an obscure barricade between Marie Shabata and Emil Bergson that are restraining them from one another. That certain barrier is Frank Shabata. It is not difficult for one to conjecture why that barricade is there in reading this passage: "Marie, when she was alone or when she sat sewing in the evening, often thought about what it must be like down there where Emil was . . . 'And if it had not been for me,' she thought, 'Frank might still be free like that . . . Poor Frank, getting married wasn't very good for him either . . . It seems as if I always make him just as bad as he can be.' " Willa Cather has such an extensive knowledge of life's inexplicable emotions that she makes this novel all the more realistic. The author portrays such tenderness, desperation, and resolution, and she words her passages so powerfully and effectively that a reader is fully convinced by the end of the book that the events actually took place. So what happens at the end of this highly esteemed novel? One might be pondering after reading this review: How does Frank react to Emil and Marie's bond? What becomes of them? Well, patient reader, the conclusion of O Pioneers! Is up to you to unravel, and do not be surprised if it catches you off guard.

In conclusion to my book review, I would like to quote my favorite lines from the novel. "They went into the house together, leaving the Divide behind them, under the evening star. Fortunate country, that is one day to receive hearts like Alexandra's into its bosom, to give them out again in the yellow wheat, in the rustling corn, in the shining eyes of youth!" This fictitious anecdote of French, Bohemian, and Swedish settlers in America is truly appealing. It draws its readers into the world of farming and frontier life, while offering an authentic and at times amusing glance at the dynamics of pioneer life. While providing a historical background, O Pioneers! Also relates to the turmoil of one's mind in troublesome times and predicaments. I can relate to and learn valuable lessons from this book though it takes place approximately one hundred years ago. This quality makes the novel so much more realistic and engrossing to read. Willa Cather stressed much of the book into analyzing the differences in personality in each of the characters as time went on. Now, I understand the purpose of this - indistinguishable "gears" are silently turning to lead up to the explosive culmination of this saga. Packed with warmth and poignancy, both children and their parents are privileged to step into the rich world of the Bergsons as the hardships they endure strengthen their souls. Filled with moving descriptions, vibrant settings, and strong characters, O Pioneers! will be the ideal book for readers of different styles. Seldom can one say that a book is destined to become a classic, but in O Pioneers! 's case, that problem is not presented because a classic is what it already is!

My kids in my classroom loved this book. Other children I showed Peeking Prarie Dogs to, loved it as well. This book is full of carefully worded information on prarie dogs with warm and fuzzy photos to keep any childs interest. I'm completely delighted with this book and highly recomend it to any teacher or parent!

This story could only happen to a dedicated lover of all creatures. A biology teacher with a passion for his work comes across a baby Prairy Dog. The mother was dead, so he takes it home and gives it the care necessary to keep it alive. When the baby was strong enough he took it to school and shared the experiences with his students. This tale is so fascinating that I was happy that it was a short story, because I couldnt put it down until I read the entire story. What a life this Prairie Dog led. Great story I recommend it to everyone, regardless of their age.

Pilot From The Prairie is the personal memoir of Edgar Allen, a World War II bomber pilot. Edgar memorably relates the danger and horror of war, and the critical importance of courage and keeping one's cool to survive in the midst of dangerously lethal situations. A raw and vivid account that pulls no punches and makes the reader feel what it was really like to survive the thick of devastating war, Pilot From The Prairie is a welcome and highly recommended contribution to the growing library of World War II autobiographical accounts -- which is all the more appreciated as that generation of men and women leaves us through the inevitable passage of the years.

I found this book to be an engaging and insightful read. The range of essays are both wide and informitive. In particualr, I was taken by Bruce Dawson's essay "Better than a few Squirrels" to be the best. Help me the most towards my BA. If this topic is any interest to you: BUY THIS BOOK! You won't regret it.

It only takes 30 minutes to read this charming book of 20 pictures, with text on the opposite page, but do yourself a favor and savor it longer. Don't expect any plot, theme or character development, yet this gem charms by its honest simplicity, as it celebrates a by-gone era of farming on the Canadian prairie.

The famous Canadian author/illustrator has captured the flavor of carefree, rural childhood in the 1930's and preserved it for future generations to discover and enjoy. Kurelek treats each topic with quiet dignity: chores, games, weather, special occasions, and adult life as viewed by irrepressible children. Both text and illustrations are rich in detail. This volume is a companion to his "A PRAIRIE BOY'S WINTER," one of the New York Times' Best Illustrated books of 1973. A relaxing read for those who want to escape the hurried 90's and nestle into a time of agrarian innocence.

I am the mother of a two year old daughter and was delighted to find the magic of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books captured in a format that is perfect for small children. As a child, I became fascinated with the adventures of Laura, Mary and their baby sister Carrie. Prairie Day is a synopsis of the Little House on the Prairie book. With vivid drawings that have been inspired by the artwork on the original covers by Garth Williams, Renee Graef manages to convey the story in pictures that have captured the imagination of my daughter. I look forward to sharing with her the original books in the future, but meanwhile we will continue to enjoy the series of books that Prairie Day is a part of.

It was a rare moment with my daughter, nestled under the covers. "Praire Dog Pioneers" was not a mere story--it was an adventure that soothed us after a full day. It was so relaxing and interesting. My daughter, a five year old, was truly delighted with the characters and tale. We went back through time to join a family relocating. My daughter immediately identified with the youngest character, and was so caught up with her character and feelings, that she rooted for her all along. In quite a natural way, this book emphasizes the importance of integrity, acceptance, love, and family values. It also deals with some realities we all face. It is educational, colorful, historical, and positively inspiring. The text and illustrations are both truly a work of Art. The story encouraged us to sing a folk song together afterwards, which was the perfect bond for parent and child right before bedtime. This is a must for every family!

Prairie Dog Town by Janette Oke is a well written piece of literature. The characters were so life-like. I felt like I was part of the prairie dog family as they grew and learned the ways of life on the prairie.