By the Shores of Silver Lake

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

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sblbooks Farmer Boy is my favorite, so far. I've read The Long Winter before and it's definitely a favorite too. 2y

BethM It feels like it should be the last stop. This is the first book I‘ve read! 2y

Bookwormjillk This has always kind of been a meh book for me, but I enjoyed it a lot more this time around. The image of Laura and Carrie backing away from that giant wolf will stick with me for a long time. Plum Creek used to be my favorite but it seemed so dark this time around. Looking forward to A Long Winter. 2y

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AnnR This is one of my favorite books, mainly because Laura's insights are more mature and there is a lot of action going on. I don't think Pa will ever get past his urge to explore and move around though

I loved the two “Almanzo“ encounters, one with Laura admiring his horses 🙂 and the other when Laura & Carrie got lost. I could imagine Almanzo resting on a stack of hay and having a great vantage point of the Big Slough and the Ingall's property. (edited) 2y

AnnR Thank you @megnews for continuing to host the fun discussions. 👍🤗 2y

BarbaraJean For me, my favorite book so far is a toss-up between this one and Plum Creek. As @Ann_Reads noted, Laura‘s voice is more mature. I‘ve really enjoyed seeing her growth in both books. And the nature descriptions were lovely in this one! I feel like clues are pointing to this being the last stop, but then there‘s Pa, so…🤷🏻‍♀️ 2y

mrp27 I hardly had any memories of the details of this book so it felt fresh. It feels like this could be the last stop for the Ingalls family but it wouldn‘t surprise me if it wasn‘t. I don‘t remember much what happens in The Long Winter so from here on out it‘ll all feel new. I enjoyed this installment but for me Little House in the Big Woods is my favorite. 2y

AnnR I put my comment under a spoiler tag, as I just realized I'd jumped ahead into the next book with my comments and observations. Sorry. I'm dealing with a lot of external stressors right now and my brain feels like it is stuffed full. 2y

megnews @BarbaraJean I think this one may be my favorite so far because, like you, I thought the nature descriptions were beautiful. 2y

megnews @mrp27 I am reading these like they‘re fresh too because it‘s been so long since I read them. I like that. 2y

megnews @Ann_Reads no worries! Sorry you‘re going through so much right now. Hope it gets better soon! 2y

AnnR Thank you for understanding, Meg. My reading is erratic and will be for a while. Sometimes I read ahead, knowing other days I won't be able to fit in any reading or my brain won't be able to absorb anything even if I do. 2y

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BethM

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

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I never read these as a kid despite being encouraged to do so. Even though I haven‘t read the others this made sense. Enjoying this group read !

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megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

I thought Pas fiddle playing was an appropriate end to this book. We‘ll have a final discussion tomorrow.

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sblbooks Yes, this was a fitting end to the book. 5 Stars 👏 2y

BethM I had to look up mosquito bar lol. Wes has me read these chapters out loud after his books. He was not happy it was so short tonight 😂 2y

megnews @BethM I had to look it up too! 2y

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mrp27 Agreed! 2y

AnnR A nice ending, with the exception of all the ominous signs an unusually cold winter is coming. ❄️ 2y

julieclair I need some mosquito bar! My husband just found a big nest of them living in an empty flower pot on our deck. 😩 2y

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melissajayne

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

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4⭐️ I have long had a strong dislike for this book in the #littlehouse series, but with this reading I enjoyed it much more than I had in the past. What I noticed more than anything was the maturing of Laura into a young adult. While there are still elements of Laura‘s tomboyish personality, you can start to see her taking steps to taking more adult responsibility. #2023 #bookreview #fiction #boomstagram #basedonatruestory #middlegrade

megnews

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megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

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I think this may have been one of my favorites in the series so far. Perhaps because of the writing and character development. I‘m excited to continue on. #LittleHouse

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AnnR This one is a favorite of mine, too. Thanks for continuing to host the buddy read, which has been a great experience to compliment my rereading of the series. 2y

melissajayne I enjoyed it more this time around and can really start to see the growth in Laura‘s character. And that while she is still a tomboy at heart, she is taking on more household responsibilities. 2y

BethM I‘ve always wanted to read these and one chapter a day is perfect! I wish I had realized to jump@in sooner! 2y

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TheAromaofBooks Yay!! I am enjoying rereading these SO much!! It's making me want to read all the many spinoffs that have come from these - especially the Rocky Ridge books about Laura's daughter, and the Brookfield books about Ma. I've never read any of those! 2y

sblbooks @TheAromaofBooks I've read the Brookfield books! They're really good I think I'm going to read them again too after we finish this. There's also a series about Laura's grandmother that I'd like to read. 2y

julieclair I am so glad to finally be reading these books. I don't know why I never read them as a child. They were very popular with all my friends, but they just never spoke to me for some reason. I wish they had! This one is my favorite so far. 💙 2y

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megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

Grace is found safe and sound.
Has anyone else seen a horseshoe over a door? My grandparents had one. I‘d researched the origins before. I had to hear the song. Thought I‘d share: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XzzDhmmz__I

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Bookwormjillk Yes, we have one! 2y

mrp27 I‘ve heard of it but haven‘t seeing one in person. 2y

AnnR Thanks for posting the link to the song, Meg. Although I'd never heard that song before, I have seen horseshoes hung over a doors (sometimes barn doors) or in one case over a fireplace. Thank goodness Laura found Grace safe and sound, picking fragrant flowers no less. 2y

sblbooks I'm so thankful they found Grace, safe and sound. That was scary! 2y

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megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

Today‘s chapter begins filled with the hopefulness of a new home and tree planting and ends in a cliffhanger. Where is Grace? Is she ok?

#LittleHouse

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Bookwormjillk So scary, but so relatable. Everyone thinks someone else is watching the baby when no one actually is. I've been there, but luckily it was in my fenced yard, not the prairie. 2y

julieclair Absolutely gut-wrenching. 2y

megnews @Bookwormjillk when my daughter was starting kindergarten we went to a summer bridge program. I was talking with a mom & my husband left with the kids. Or so I thought. When I got home my son was there but my husband asked where our daughter was. I sped back up to the school-only a minute from us. But still. She had no clue we‘d ever left. Getting ready to graduate college in 2 weeks so it turned out all right but 1 of my worst parenting moments 2y

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BethM I had to read the next few paragraphs to find out where she was! 2y

keys_on_fire Always a scary moment! I had to stop and look up the origin of ‘shut up‘ because I was surprised that Laura used that. I couldn‘t remember if she had before. Wikipedia says it wasn‘t heavily used until the 20th century, so I wonder if this was something that ‘snuck in‘ from use later in life… 🤔 2y

mrp27 This chapter scared me but in the end I knew Grace would be found. 2y

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megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

Enter Almanzo.
Reenter the shepherdess.
I thought this tiny section encapsulated the personality of each Ingalls family member perfectly.
#LittleHouse

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Bookwormjillk I was really cheered when the shepherdesses came out! 2y

mrp27 Agreed! I was so happy to see the return of Almanzo even though it was just a sighting. 2y

AnnR It was a relief for the entire family to feel happy, but for different reasons. I did chuckle to myself though because if I was Ma's position, my realistic expectation would be that Pa's wanderlust would kick in again. In a way, it was funny Laura was admiring Almanzo's team of horses, but there was no commentary on Almanzo. It seems the horses were a case of love at a first sight for Laura. :-) 2y

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julieclair @Bookwormjillk Yes! 3 cheers for the shepherdess! It actually made me wonder if the shepherdess has still survived, and might be in a museum somewhere. I‘d love to see her in real life! #sheperdessfangirl 😂 2y

sblbooks I love this quote too! It was so good to see Almanzo again. 2y

BethM I jumped in at this book so I didn‘t get the shepherdess reference. 2y

BarbaraJean That quote really is such a lovely summing up of the family personalities! @Ann_Reads Yes! My favorite part of that glimpse of Almanzo, is that the only thing Laura‘s interested in is the horses. 😂 2y

megnews @BethM ma‘s brought her along on all their moves 2y

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megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

Um what?! Waking up under a foot of snow? That would be it for me.

Also the thought process at the end of this chapter is mind boggling to me. Someone is murdered by a claim jumper so I better hurry up and get my family out there so no one takes our claim. There didn‘t seem to be any consideration of risk to the family.
What did you think?

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AnnR I agree with your thoughts, Meg. This was an aggravating chapter. Rushing out to live in some tiny poorly built shanty, away from people seems dicey. Also, I thought everyone was really good natured about waking up with snow on them. (Somehow, I think the foot of snow would have woken me up during the night, but who knows?) As I read, I wonder if the entire family actually took things in stride, or if that is just the way the story was written. 2y

Bookwormjillk Yeah, this whole chapter was just mind boggling to me. If I ever had to shovel my kids out of bed that would be it. By the way this re-read is inspiring me to go to De Smet this summer. Has anyone ever been? 2y

Vansa @Ann_Reads I think when it's that cold, you tend to sleep even deeper because your circulation slows down. They're lucky none of the children froze to death. I do think they took it in their stride because they weren't being given a choice by Pa and his complete carelessness! 2y

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mrp27 I didn‘t understand the thought process either. Pretty nutty to wake up in bed under snow! 2y

keys_on_fire In addition to what @Vansa said, snow is actually a really good insulator. If the covers were cold enough that the snow didn‘t melt, it would probably keep them quite warm as Laura said. Not to mention that the blanket of snow would‘ve kept the chill air from reaching them! 2y

julieclair Yet another impulsive decision by Pa. 2y

TheAromaofBooks I think the idea behind going out to the claim is that claim jumpers take over claims where the owner isn't living yet. Since you don't actually own the land until you've improved/lived on it for a certain amount of time, a claim jumper could take over an unoccupied claim for himself. The man who was murdered was going out to his claim & the person who stole it was (illegally) defending his position there. So the best way to protect your claim is⬇ 2y

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) to actually be living there - my understanding is that, in general, claim jumpers were much less likely to try and steal a claim where the rightful owner was already living. So I don't think moving out there is any riskier than anything else they've been doing all along haha 2y

BarbaraJean Haha—I felt similarly about this chapter! I also found Laura‘s reaction to living in town super interesting. “She did not feel all alone and happy on the prairie now; she felt lonely and scared.” She‘s fine with wolves, but all those people are a nope for Laura. 😆 @TheAromaofBooks That makes sense. I wondered if Pa was specifically worried about the man who tried to claim that same parcel of land ahead of him. Too bad Mr. Edwards isn‘t nearby! (edited) 2y

BethM I agree with @Vansa . Honestly, Pa irritates the daylights out of me. @BarbaraJean I totally get it- I‘d nope the people too 😂 2y

megnews @Ann_Reads I thought it would wake me too. 2y

megnews @Bookwormjillk other than one trip to Seattle, I‘ve never been west of St Louis. 2y

megnews @keys_on_fire I hadn‘t thought of that. I was thinking Laura felt warm because she was frost bitten. 2y

megnews @TheAromaofBooks I guess I didn‘t really understand this about claim jumping. Thanks!! 2y

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megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

Feels like a lot happened in this chapter. A town was built in 2 weeks. Someone builds a hotel so the Ingalls can finally have some peace again. Pa builds a building in town. And now Pa can‘t hunt because the animals are moving on because of human habitation. How long will he be happy with that?

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Bookwormjillk Pa most definitely will not be happy with that. 2y

sblbooks Not long at all, but Ma won't leave again. 2y

AnnR There seems to be a pattern here. I really wondered what Pa thought would happen with a bunch of other people showing up to file claims? Different place; same thing. 2y

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keys_on_fire Wonder if Pa would‘ve been an astronaut if he‘d been born in the 1930‘s instead of the 1830‘s? He seems like someone who has a wanderer‘s or an adventurer‘s spirit, as does Laura! 2y

mrp27 I don‘t think Pa could ever be happy living in a town. It‘s funny how Laura was so uncomfortable and discombobulated in a town setting. I feel that way when I‘m in a setting too long that is too rural. 2y

BarbaraJean @Ann_Reads Same old Pa! He is always so optimistic that everything will work out and then reality sets in! @keys_on_fire I love the idea of Pa as an astronaut! Definitely an explorer and an independent spirit at heart. It seems like Pa gets restless as soon as there's stability or limits to his independence. 2y

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staci.reads

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

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This is the one I think I remembered the least about, and I'm not sure why. It's a great adventure just like the others. Laura is really forced to mature in this one as she steps up to help Ma now that Mary is blind and baby Grace joins the family. I really enjoyed reading about the town of DeSmet being established from nothing. Loved this one! #LittleHouse @megnews

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megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

After some tense moments, Pa staked his claim on the desired homestead.
Was anyone else surprised at how old this saying is? I sure was. It is apparently attributed to a letter Ben Franklin wrote to a friend. I had no clue.

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Bookwormjillk That‘s interesting! I had no idea! 2y

julieclair Ben Franklin! How interesting! And I love that Mr. Edwards showed up to save the day. He‘s like a superhero in a coonskin cap! 2y

megnews @julieclair he is! Great description! 😊 2y

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mrp27 Very interesting! So glad Mr.Edwards made an appearance. 2y

sblbooks That was a close call... Mr Edwards saves the day. 2y

BethM I was definitely surprised by the saying! 2y

KadaGul @megnews Quote 💬 fits our current financial situation 🫣😱😑 2y

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megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

Rev Alden returns and homesteaders keep coming. Ma and Pa both aggravated me in these chapters and so did the men. Why do they feel obligated to help them? Let them sleep in their wagons. They should have brought their own food. How could they count on that anyone would be there to house and feed them? It‘s ridiculous. I only felt a little better when Ma insisted on payment.

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Bookwormjillk These chapters did seem weird. I agree it was better when Ma asked for payment but of course they were using someone else‘s pantry so that was weird too. Laura must have hated being around so many people. 2y

TheAromaofBooks Like it made sense that they were happy to have Rev. Alden stay with them, but letting all these strange men run all over the house and eat all their food felt odd. I really doubt they were all going to freeze/starve to death if they didn't stay. I'm glad Ma started charging them - so much extra work involved! She didn't sign up to run a boarding house! 2y

mrp27 Agreed, so hard to imagine where anything like this would have been ok. I wonder if most people would have done this too or if it was just the Ingalls. I was so glad when the men stopped coming and the extra work stopped. 2y

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BethM So ridiculous. And Pa just dragging his feet 2y

Vansa Actually,it seems like according to historical record,the Ingallses ran a hotel before moving to Silver Lake,in the year she didn't write about,so maybe she conflated those two events and they didn't really happen this way? 2y

megnews @Vansa possibly. I always have to remind myself she wrote this as fiction rather than memoir. 2y

sblbooks I understand that she would let Rev. Alden stay. The strangers however, is another story. Could she not have told them that this was not their house, so they'd have to keep going to the next city. Pa definitely waited too long to file on the homestead. I hope it's not too late. 2y

BarbaraJean I could see how Pa felt sorry for the 1st group who were “greenhorns“ that he thought would actually be in danger if they continued on. But the flood of people afterwards made me so mad. I kept wanting Pa to just LEAVE already, when it was clear there was a rush ahead of him!! I'm glad they ended up making money off it, but it did feel strange to me that all these people felt entitled to just waltz into a stranger's home and be housed and fed. 2y

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megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

Happy Winter Days is the type of chapter you want to curl up with a warm cup of cocoa, coffee or tea while reading. I have been reading along but decided to listen to this chapter in audio. It was the perfect chapter to do so as I got to hear all the songs Pa played. I hadn‘t thought to do this before. Definitely recommend it.

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Bookwormjillk It‘s nice that they have neighbors. It‘s nice to see them comfortable again. 2y

mrp27 Oh that‘s a good idea. I feel like there are a lot of songs in this one. 2y

julieclair I have been listening on audio too, and have been surprised at how few of the songs are familiar to me. On another note (hah! punny), I think I would like to have a whatnot shelf! 2y

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megnews @julieclair my grandma had one 2y

julieclair @megnews How fun! What kind of things did your grandma display on it? 2y

megnews @julieclair I thought I answered this and just realized I hadn‘t. Just little knickknacks. It‘s been so long I can‘t recall the details. But I‘m sure some were owls because she loved owls. 2y

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megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

The Ingalls celebrate another Christmas. What were your thoughts on the last few chapters? #LittleHouse

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julieclair I just love their Christmas celebrations. Filled with love and the joy of giving. I really enjoyed listening to them as they reminisced about past Christmases… all of which we shared with them! 2y

sblbooks I love the Christmas chapters! I was glad that Mr and Mrs Boast came back in time to spend Christmas with the Ingalls family. It will be good they have some close neighbors through the winter. 2y

mrp27 Of course the Christmas chapters are the best and they always end so happily. Even though I don‘t think I‘d like to eat their Christmas dinner I love the food descriptions. 2y

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BethM I felt all the love in the Christmas chapter ! 2y

Vansa Not being from America,can someone provide some historical context to this?The entire...settlement of the Midwest seems absolutely fraught with terror.Pa had to sleep all night outside the registry?People got shot because of squatters?!Anyone with stories from their ancestors about this? 2y

Vansa This book makes a lot more mention of the ecology of the land - disappearing buffalo wolves, bison and so on. 2y

keys_on_fire @vansa The country is so vast and at the time so sparsely populated that it was really hard to keep the law enforced. There was definitely a reason why it got called “The Wild West”!! 2y

keys_on_fire For me, the things that stuck out was the codfish gravy (🤢) and Pa saying that ‘tea was a man‘s drink). Times have changed 😂 2y

megnews @keys_on_fire yes times have changed. I found that funny too. 2y

megnews @vansa none of my relatives settled out west but like @keys_on_fire said there was no law enforcement yet so it was definitely different. 2y

Vansa I find her books a valuable alternate perspective of the Wild West-from the perspective of settler families and not of gunslingers. You never get this side of the story from any Western, that are all about gold or bank heists. 2y

Vansa Fascinating to read about how the Homestead Act actually worked in practice. 2y

julieclair I am so worried that Pa may not get the land he wants. I‘ll feel better once he has filed the paperwork. We know from past experience that this family sometimes has bad luck. 🤞 2y

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megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

In these two short chapters Pa finds the wolves‘ home as well as theirs. And it fulfills ma‘s hopes for the girls to go to school. How long might it last?
So glad the girls weren‘t hurt. #LittleHouse

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julieclair That wolf scene! Terrifying! 2y

batsy I've never forgotten the wolf scene! Something that has stuck with me from young. 2y

sblbooks It's a miracle those wolves didn't chase them! 2y

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mrp27 Pretty scary but must have been so neat to see. 2y

Bookwormjillk @batsy agree, that was one of the most memorable scenes 2y

BethM I loved the descriptions. 2y

AnnR Although this made for an exciting chapter, I was with Ma on this one, as I also sometimes wonder “what gets into“ Laura when she goes on these escapades. I was surprised they let her and Carrie go wandering about in the evening hours. 2y

keys_on_fire Was I the only one who was wondering about the ice itself? 😂 I was actually relieved when it turned out to be the wolf. My brain is so weird 🤣 2y

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megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

Is it me or did Pa quit playing because Laura could beat him?? 😂 #LittleHouse

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mrp27 Lol I was thinking the same! 2y

BethM Exactly what I was thinking! What a man 😂 2y

julieclair I can‘t believe no one else wanted to play. It‘s not like there were many other things to do. 2y

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Bookwormjillk Haha I bet you‘re right! 2y

AnnR Could be Pa was a sore loser. He went to an awful lot of work to make the checkers set, just to make up an excuse not to play anymore. 2y

megnews @julieclair it is odd. 2y

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megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

I was so happy for Ma and the girls for having a lovely place to lay their heads and plenty to make it through the winter without worry. Pa has kind of drug them through a lot and they deserve it!
I am going to have to apologize if I miss a day here & there. The year my Gran died was my worst reading year. I just couldn‘t concentrate on reading. And something similar is happening since I lost my dad. So my apologies if I miss a day. #LittleHouse

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BethM You take what you need- we‘re here for you! 2y

BarbaraJean No worries if you miss days! Grief affects so much. Since I lost my mom last year, I go through stretches of time where I just cannot engage others outside of what‘s absolutely necessary. Email and social media have to be spectator activities, because writing/engaging stresses me out too much. I‘m learning to give myself the space I need—hope you can take that space, too. We can read along for you in the meantime. 💜 2y

mrp27 Agreed, no worries and do what you gotta do! 2y

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mrp27 In this chapter I was just as excited as Laura to have a a real house. How luxurious it must have felt. 2y

Roary47 I agree no worries at all! I need to catch up on reading this soon. I‘ve been pretty slow at everything lately, but slowly getting things done. 2y

PaperbackPirate 💙 2y

Vansa Pa seems to lurch from crisis to crisis-hes lucky the surveyors let him stay to oversee their supplies!I don't know if I missed a discussion earlier,but any thoughts on the child bride situation she writes about in the earlier chapter? 2y

Bookwormjillk Take the time you need @megnews We‘ll be here. Loved this chapter for Ma and the girls! 2y

sblbooks I agree. I was so happy for Ma and the girls. They were dreading going back east, this is just what they needed. Don't worry about missing a day here or there. Hugs 🤗 2y

AnnR Meg, please don't be worried about missing a post every once in a while. (My reading has been erratic so it gives me a chance to catch up.) We appreciate all you are doing.
I really did like this chapter. For once, it seemed every one was pleased with the situation for the most part. As in some past dicey situations, Pa seemed to have had a bit of luck or divine providence on his side. He really had no other good plan for the Winter. Sigh. 2y

megnews @BethM @BarbaraJean @mrp27 @Roary47 @Bookwormjillk @sblbooks @Ann_Reads thank you all for understanding. I agree Pa had no good plan and got lucky when this happened along. @Vansa I remember reading that but forgot about it when I posted. That was pretty crazy but sadly the way it was then. 2y

julieclair No apologies needed, @megnews . Skip days when you need to. Grief can be so random, sneaking up and walloping you when you‘re not really expecting it. All we can do is ride the roller coaster and give ourselves Grace. 💝 As for this chapter, I loved it! It made me so happy to see them living in such luxury, with plenty of food to eat. 2y

42 likes12 comments

megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

An interesting chapter about the many birds that pass by Silver Lake on their journey south for the winter. I didn‘t know what a hell diver was so I had to Google and found it is a Grebe which looks like a duck but doesn‘t fly much.
This is also the chapter in which Laura finds out she must fulfill the family legacy and become a teacher.

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Bookwormjillk That was interesting. Are there still pelicans in South Dakota? 2y

AnnR Thanks for the information about hell divers, as I had no idea what they were either. Beyond all the abundance of wildlife around the lake, there were two notable things to me. One was having to pluck and save all those feathers to make a mattress. Could you imagine? The other was Laura's heart sinking at the end of the chapter. How unfair for a person who loves the outdoors to be expected to take up a profession that keeps them cooped up inside. 2y

mrp27 The bird stuff was interesting, wondering if and how much the bird population has changed in the area today. My heart broke for Laura though. It‘s a challenge to fulfill what‘s expected of you when you want to do your own thing. 2y

BarbaraJean The stuff about the pelicans was so interesting—that they smelled of rotten fish! I was curious & looked up pelicans on Wikipedia—it said they don‘t actually store fish in their pouch, calling that idea “folklore.” 🤷🏻‍♀️ @Ann_Reads @mrp27 I felt the same way about the expectation for Laura to be a teacher. I kept wondering why they couldn‘t wait to see if that was something Carrie or Grace wanted—Laura isn‘t the only other daughter, after all! 2y

julieclair The birds must have been an amazing and beautiful sight! The mention of pelicans sent me to Dr. Google, who knows all, lol. I live in coastal South Carolina, and we have pelicans year round. Ours are brown pelicans, and evidently their migration patterns are unpredictable. Some colonies migrate, and others don‘t. So interesting! As for poor Laura having to become a teacher, my heart just broke for her. How could Pa and Ma require this of her? 2y

39 likes5 comments

megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

I don‘t envy Pa his job. Or Ma and the girls for having to worry about him. He handled himself well but I worry what would have happened if Big Jerry hadn‘t come along or the men hadn‘t been distracted by the news of what was happening in another camp. What were your thoughts on this chapter? #LittleHouse

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Bookwormjillk This chapter stressed me out 2y

sblbooks People get so nasty when it comes to their paychecks. I'm with you @megnews I don't envy Pa either. You would think they would have explained that checks are always a pay period behind when the men were hired. 2y

BarbaraJean Ugh, yes. There are so many ways this could have ended in tragedy for the Ingalls. I'm worried about the fallout in the future--if the men demanded early pay and received it at the other camp, how will that impact the next payday? It seems like this isn't over. But maybe that's just the lingering grasshopper foreboding I have left over from the last book...😅 2y

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mrp27 Agreed! I was stressed as well and found myself longing for Indian territory, feels safer. Just the idea of the camp had me nervous for the Ingalls family. I certainly didn‘t understand this when I was a kid! I also don‘t understand why pay periods was such a hard concept to grasp. 2y

BethM I would agree it‘s not over. I don‘t like the vibe of the camp. 2y

julieclair This chapter was so scary. Thank heaven for Big Jerry. Things could easily have gotten ugly for Pa. Once again, I‘m reminded of how devastating it would be if anything happened to Pa. 2y

34 likes6 comments

megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

I‘m with Mary for once. I‘d rather stay home. You?

#LittleHouse

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keys_on_fire I have to admit, I skipped over a few pages in this chapter. The descriptions of the grading really didn‘t interest me. I would still rather go out with Pa than stay in the shanty though! I find it really annoying that Mary always puts a damper on things. Can you imagine with Laura‘s adventurous spirit if she had been the one who ended up blind? 2y

Bookwormjillk @keys_on_fire she annoys me too, and then I feel bad about it 2y

TheAromaofBooks I think it would be more interesting to see the men building the railroad than it was to read about it 😂 2y

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sblbooks @Bookwormjillk @keys_on_fire I agree. Mary is always a party pooper.🙄 2y

AnnR My 1st thought is I would have rather stayed inside & quilted. Maybe my childhood curiosity would have gotten the better of me in this instance though. It was wise of Pa to take Laura, just so she could see for herself and not make it turn into something 'forbidden.' Ma was also wise to not include Lena in Pa & Laura's outing. ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️ 2y

AnnR Otherwise, I don't know if Mary was (unintentionally) annoying or if it is just the way her character is written that makes her come across that way. How frightening & bewildered she must have felt to be in a new environment among a lot of strangers, while trying to rely on all her other senses except sight. 2y

BarbaraJean Hahaha... I'd probably rather stay home and hear Laura tell about it! But I was annoyed at Mary's response. Let Laura enjoy what she enjoys! @keys_on_fire @TheAromaofBooks Yeah, I didn't find the descriptions of the grading very interesting. It felt like Farmer Boy, with its detailed descriptions of building sleds! 2y

megnews @keys_on_fire I wanted to skip over some pages too. Mary is so much like Ma and Laura like Pa. Like @TheAromaofBooks said, it was probably more interesting to see than read. 2y

mrp27 As an adult I surely would have wanted to see the men work but as a kid I probably would have stayed home. I agree that it‘s annoying when Mary just can‘t let Laura be Laura. 2y

Vansa I find these bits absolutely riveting.That sense of history and scale,of how these were built,and a land was crossed.Also I find it fascinating that they're called "Teamsters",the men with the team of horses-is the truckers union a nod to these early logistics pioneers? 2y

julieclair I would have loved watching the railroad being built! But I must admit the detailed description was a bit over my head. I‘m listening on audio and I found myself zoning out. 2y

41 likes11 comments

megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

Another beautiful quote for today.
I was a little confused about what happened with Big Jerry. Why does Pa pronounce there will never be a horse stolen near Silver Lake?
#LittleHouse

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Bookwormjillk I was confused too. Did he warn Big Jerry? I couldn‘t figure it out. 2y

TheAromaofBooks I thought that there would be more of an explanation in the next chapter, but it looks like it's on to something totally different. I have literally no idea what went down. Was Big Jerry actually stealing horses? 2y

AnnR I was confused too, in the following chapter. I assumed either Big Jerry was forewarned, or that Big Jerry knew who the thieves were and made sure they didn't come back. 2y

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AnnR @megnews A lovely photo and quote for today. (edited) 2y

BethM Im@with @Ann_Reads and think it was for warning 2y

mrp27 Same. I just wonder if Charles and the others have him a warnings or because of how Caroline too care of his friend. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 2y

BarbaraJean Confused here, too. I wonder if it was a mystery to Laura as well! 2y

megnews @Bookwormjillk @TheAromaofBooks @Ann_Reads @mrp27 @BarbaraJean im glad I wasn‘t the only one who was confused. Maybe Laura included the story because it stood out but didn‘t understand what had happened either. 2y

julieclair I was confused too! I‘m hoping that Pa warned Big Jerry to keep him safe, and Big Jerry somehow stopped the thieves from coming. 2y

33 likes9 comments

megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

I loved this quote. The books all blended together a little from childhood but this one must be the one I really loved. Laura late with the water because she just had to see the sunset. Laura wishing she could hear rough language just once. Laura running along without her bonnet. This is the Laura I remember & love.
I also like how Ma takes a stand making it clear she expects to move to a real house soon by not putting the shepherdess out.

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BkClubCare Great quote indeed 👍 2y

Bookwormjillk I laughed when Laura said she wanted to hear the rough language. And Ma certainly made point! Good for her! 2y

mrp27 Agreed! I laughed out loud when Laura said she wanted to hear the rough language. Beautiful descriptions in this chapter. 2y

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BethM So descriptive! 2y

AnnR The reader gets a feeling for the landscape and environment, told through the exploration of the sisters. That was a clever way to write this chapter. 2y

BarbaraJean @Ann_Reads It really was a clever way to write this chapter. I'm really loving the way Laura “sees“ things for Mary - I wonder how much of her writing was impacted by paying attention to things and describing them for Mary. I feel like that would have enhanced her skills at observation as well as description. 2y

julieclair The descriptions in this chapter were beautiful. I have never seen a prairie, but I would love to. 2y

38 likes7 comments

megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

I have some opinions about this chapter but I‘m curious to see what you all think. #LittleHouse

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Bookwormjillk I was annoyed with Mary again 😔 Also didn‘t love some of the terms. I do like that they have some relatives around again. 2y

sblbooks The Prairie was so empty and desolate because the buffalo were killed and the Indians removed. 😞 I Agree with @bookwormjk, Mary can be so difficult sometimes. I like the surprise at the end of the chapter though. 2y

keys_on_fire Honestly? My biggest wonder was why Laura and Mary had to share a bunk as the two biggest girls. You‘d think if they each took one of the littler girls, they would all have had more room to sleep! 😆 2y

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keys_on_fire @sblbooks You are probably right. That‘s so sad 😭 2y

megnews I feel like Ma has had just about enough of traveling but I didn‘t like how Laura had internalized that “Ma couldn‘t say anything.” I‘m glad to see her take a little stand in the next chapter. 2y

Vansa I find it fascinating that the last 2 books,much more than the others,have the feeling of depicting how this part of America was settled,the sacrifices,the vastness of the land.While it omits the aspect of settler colonialism involved,I now see why there are thousands of scholarly works about these books-as a chronicle(albeit subjective)of a time,they're quite invaluable 2y

Vansa Also Ingalls Wilder is writing about ecology and the environment years before those were material concerns. Interesting that she realised the effect over hunting had on the land. Also, it's interesting that she chronicles Ma's bigotry, and Pa's responses,. 2y

29 likes7 comments

megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

Sorry I‘m behind posting yesterday‘s post. I loved this quote. It‘s so typical Laura. I feel like it sums her up perfectly. I‘ll post today‘s chapter in a bit. #LittleHouse

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AnnR It was great she had a day just to have fun! 2y

Bookwormjillk I was so happy for the girls and their day off. 2y

mrp27 Yes, glad she got to be a kid for the day. But gosh, she was so brave to ride the horse. 2y

sblbooks You're right that quote sums up Laura. She definitely has an adventurous streak. I'm glad she got to spend some time with her cousin just having fun. 2y

julieclair I loved this quote! And I agree, if I had to sum up Laura in one sentence, this quote would be perfect. 2y

39 likes5 comments

megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

First I love this illustration. Second I love how Mary and Laura think of it as Laura “seeing out loud” for Mary. Finally it‘s interesting that Laura prefers the wagon to the train. As a young person you‘d have thought she‘d like modern inventions more. What did you notice in this chapter? #LittleHouse

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BethM Yeah but modern would‘ve been scary and the wagon was comfort. I disliked how the two girls had to suffer for mary to ride in the middle. 2y

sblbooks I thought Laura would like the train better than she did too. 2y

AnnR I guess Laura is outdoorsy and the train was too confining for her maybe. Laura describes how the wagon is uncomfortable and cold toward the end of the journey but she still preferred it. When she finally met Lena, I thought the girls were probably kindred spirits. Mary comes across as annoying but I'm guessing she's trying to find her niche within all the chaos and is probably feeling left out of a lot of things. 2y

mrp27 I noticed how she really roughed it in the tent with Lena. No pj‘s l, no made up bed, just a shared blanket. I‘m a camper and I can‘t imagine sleeping like that outside! 2y

31 likes4 comments

megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

Longer chapters with only one illustration as the books grow along with the reader, as was pointed out before. It‘s jarring to hear the waitress comment on Mary‘s blindness but we know that‘s how it was then. Still cases of this but hopefully getting better. Anyone else feel grossed out about the roller towel? I‘m old enough to remember using them on occasion. Thinking on Pa and Laura‘s awe at never before seen wonders of the world, I can‘t 👇🏻

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megnews Help but wonder what they‘d think if they time travelled to todays world. What wonder would you show them first? 2y

TheAromaofBooks What's crazy to me is that Laura didn't die until 1957 - she saw SO much change and so many inventions in her lifetime! 2y

mrp27 Yes! I was grossed out by the towel and single drinking cup on the train. 2y

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Bookwormjillk Roller towels are so gross. I remember reading something about Laura flying on a plane later in life and just couldn‘t imagine what that was like for her. 2y

sblbooks I don't think Pa would like it if he time traveled to today. Everything is so built up and congested. He might want to travel to outer space. So, I would show him NASA. I remember roller towels when I was a kid. (gross) 2y

AnnR There are so many germy gross out parts so far. I am amazed people weren't constantly ill with community use glasses/dippers, roller towels and outhouses. Adventuresome Laura still seems excited about the travels but I feel badly for Carrie. I can understand why she was scared and tired. (edited) 2y

BethM I‘ve still encountered roller towels within the last year! Also I can‘t believe she died in 1957-what a life! 2y

keys_on_fire I remember roller towels in the country churches that my father was pastor of when I was a kid. I never thought about them being gross, cuz I guess I figured your hands should be clean by the time you‘re using it! 😂😂 2y

megnews @mrp27 I forgot about the cup! Yep gross. 2y

megnews @sblbooks very true. Pa would have a new frontier to visit. 2y

megnews @keys_on_fire you are right but I just don‘t trust everyone to clean well I guess. I‘ve seen some pretty gross ones. 2y

julieclair I totally remember roller towels. They grossed me out, even as a kid. 2y

32 likes12 comments

megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

I love this chapter. I love a train ride and the fancy old trains. There were so many new things for the girls to take in and I felt like Laura could savor it even more by not only seeing but also describing it all to Mary. What did you like most about the journey? #LittleHouse

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TheAromaofBooks Reading this chapter made me wonder if part of the reason Laura was so good at writing descriptions is because she taught herself to be “Mary's eyes“. 2y

sblbooks @TheAromaofBooks I haven't thought of that. You're probably right. I like trains too,I although I've never ridden on one. I hope I have the opportunity one day. 2y

AnnR I thought it was a good life experience for the girls. Although they had been through horrific things, in other ways they were pretty sheltered. I was glad Ma bought the girls 10 cents worth of candy to celebrate the train ride. 2y

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Bookwormjillk @TheAromaofBooks good point. 2y

Bookwormjillk I know I shouldn‘t be mad at Mary, but I was so annoyed when she was complaining about Laura and Carrie fidgeting. I cheered when Ma bought the candy! 2y

BethM @TheAromaofBooks that was the first thing that I thought of too! (edited) 2y

Vansa @TheAromaofBooks that is a lovely thought. Never struck me till now! 2y

Vansa I thought Laura's astonishment at the tap was absolutely adorable. 2y

mrp27 Loved this chapter and all the descriptions and Laura‘s wonder. 2y

julieclair @TheAromaofBooks I had the same thought! I thought this chapter was so interesting. It made me want to take a ride on one of those old restored trains. But I must admit I was freaked out at the idea of all the passengers using the same tin water cup! 😳😷 2y

37 likes10 comments

megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

Poor Jack 😢 Is everyone ok hearing this news?
#LittleHouse

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Bookwormjillk So sad. I really don‘t remember these books being so grim. 2y

mrp27 Another chapter full of heartbreak and change. As a dog owner you know this is inevitable but doesn‘t mean it still doesn‘t hurt when it happens. 2y

TheAromaofBooks I was so glad that she got to spend the day making sure he was happy and well-loved! Sooo sad!!! 2y

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AnnR Have a tissue handy for chapter two. As soon as I started reading the chapter, I remembered what happened and almost skipped the remainder of it. Such a devastating thing to happen for Laura, especially on top of everything else. I don't know how the family managed to cope. 2y

sblbooks I knew it was coming, but still so sad.💔 2y

BethM Ooof. I can‘t do dog deaths, it breaks my heart. 2y

BarbaraJean I am not okay! I got really attached to Jack over the last book, and this broke my heart. And what Laura says about having to take care of herself now…😭Poor Laura. 2y

julieclair This was so sad! And to think that he died on the very day he was to be taken away in the wagon with Pa. What timing. Poor Laura. 2y

39 likes8 comments

megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

Another thank you to @Ann_Reads for hosting the last book! Much appreciated!
This one opens after the family suffered from scarlet fever and Mary has gone blind. Why do you suppose Laura skipped writing about this time period?
I‘d forgotten Aunt Docia shows up. I‘m sure no one in this group is surprised to see Pa jump at the chance to move further west. What do you think of his master plan for Caroline to follow with the girls to follow him 👇🏻

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megnews In a few months? What could go wrong? 2y

BarbaraJean Anything and everything could go wrong, as we have learned!! I was really surprised that the scarlet fever, Mary‘s blindness, and the arrival of a new baby sister all happened between books. I wonder if she found it too difficult to write about Mary going blind. 2y

megnews @BarbaraJean i Wonder that too. 2y

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BethM I‘m betting it was too traumatic to write about. I feel like if they‘re going by train anyway they should just go now. Seems like train travel takes the weakness aspect out of it. 2y

Bookwormjillk This chapter was kind of jarring with all of the change that was stuck in there without any backstory. 2y

megnews @BethM i thought similarly. If going by train, why not go together? 2y

megnews @Bookwormjillk i agree. It really was. 2y

AnnR I found the first chapter jarring. As several have already commented, I thought describing the scarlet fever in detail would have been difficult and painful. Well, maybe not the most optimistic way to start the book. Since Pa had to accept the job right away, he probably also wanted to hang onto the wagon and horses. If Mary had been feeling better maybe they all would have left together.

(Thank you Meg & everyone for your appreciative words.) 2y

keys_on_fire At the beginning of the chapter, it said that only Pa and Laura were well. I think Mary was probably the worst off, but I bet everyone else needed to rest more too. But poor Laura is about to get stuck taking care of everyone while Pa goes on ahead! 2y

Vansa This chapter! What an explosive start.One shock after another!A sudden baby!Scarlet fever! Mary's blind!And one more move! 2y

Vansa Interesting that in Plum Creek,she mentioned PA scoffing multiple times at the supposedly incompetent people who farmed the land before him,and how easy it would be to get a good harvest.The first chapter of this book,they're on the brink of poverty and massively in debt,and Pa hasn't been able to get a good wheat harvest either.Living off the land is HARD. 2y

Vansa Also Pa claims that "Uncle Sam" took land away from them on "Indian territory"- he acknowledges it's Indian territory,but still feels he has more of a right over it?! Fascinating to see this line of thinking emerge 2y

mrp27 @Vansa That bit irked me too. This book sure started with a bang. So much change and not all of it good. 2y

TheAromaofBooks I feel like I read somewhere in the mists of time that the section of time between Plum Creek and Silver Lake were the hardest of Laura's childhood, to the point that she couldn't find the little sunny bits the way she has through other difficult times. I could be wrong - wasn't there a baby brother who also died during that time? 2y

megnews @keys_on_fire yes Laura always has so much more responsibility than it feels she‘s ready for and always tries to live up to the challenge. 2y

megnews @TheAromaofBooks interesting I‘m going to have to look into that. 2y

megnews @vansa agree with all your insights. Definitely a lot to absorb. And the next chapter even more. 2y

sblbooks @TheAromaofBooks Yes, there was a little boy Frederick. I guess it was too hard for Laura to write about. It was discussed in the following book though Mary's blindness was not.

Old Town in the Green Groves

TheAromaofBooks @sblbooks - I was also surprised to see that grasshoppers destroyed ANOTHER crop during that time period also! My goodness! 2y

sblbooks @TheAromaofBooks I guess that's before they sprayed for pesticides. 2y

julieclair Just now starting this book, but my goodness, what a start! I‘m listening on audio, and had to replay it when Grace was mentioned. I was like wait, who is Grace? 😂 And Mary‘s blindness. So so very sad. I can understand why Laura wouldn‘t have wanted to write about this period. 2y

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LitsyEvents

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

repost for @megnews:

#LittleHouse chapter a day #buddyread

original post:
https://www.litsy.com/web/post/2562546

28 likes

megnews

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

#LittleHouse chapter a day

TheAromaofBooks This is probably the book I remember the least about. I'm so interested to reread it! 2y

BethM I‘d love to jump in on thsi! 2y

Vansa I would want to be tagged! I love this read along so much 2y

melissajayne Not my favourite book, but I‘ll join in; don‘t have my copy with me, but I‘ll start reading when I get home. 2y

34 likes4 comments

JuliaTheBookNerd

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

I loved the Little House series when I was a kid 😊 My mom used to read a couple chapters a night to me before bed 😴 #Lake 💧 #SavvySettings 🍀💚

#BookNerd 🤓📚📚

Eggs, Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Eggs Great pick❣️ 3y

Wonderwoman89 I recently bought the whole series to read to my granddaughter when she gets older. 3y

52 likes2 stack adds2 comments

KaraAnn90

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

pick

Great

Susanita

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

#lake #litsyspringbreak

TheKidUpstairs, Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Ruthiella I chose this one for the prompt too!😊 4y

Susanita @Ruthiella 👍🏻 4y

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 📚👍🏻 4y

TheKidUpstairs A couple of people have chosen this classic! Great minds! 4y

SpiderGoddess Such memories.... 🖤 4y

44 likes5 comments

Ruthiella

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

“The sun had not yet risen next morning when Laura let down the pail into the shallow well by Silver Lake. ... A wild goose rose from the water with a ringing call, and one after another the birds of his flock answered him as they rose and followed. A great triangle of wild geese flew with a beating of strong wings into the glory of the sunrise.”

#LitsySpringBreak. Lake

TheKidUpstairs, Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

TheKidUpstairs A classic! 4y

Ruthiella @TheKidUpstairs A classic childhood favorite! 😀 4y

batsy That cover 😍 4y

Ruthiella @batsy I know, right? It‘s from the first edition. I didn‘t even know that someone other than Garth Williams had illustrated the books. 4y

39 likes4 comments

Andrea313

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

This wasn't a favorite of mine when I read Little House as a kid, but I've come to really enjoy reading it as an adult. I love the scene when they first arrive at the Surveyor's house, and the scene of Silver #Lake by moonlight- the writing in both evoke such a specific sense of place! #LitsySpringBreak
@TheKidUpstairs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

TheKidUpstairs Classic choice! 4y

26 likes1 comment

catiewithac

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

Thank you @iread2much for the lovely & thoughtful #litsylove care package!!! I‘m really excited about taking these honey sticks to work since none of the hospital units have honey available for tea (which I love to drink at work). Thanks for trying to take care of me from afar. Your kindness and support means more than you know!! 💜🖤

AmyG How lovely! 4y

MemoirsForMe How sweet! 4y

iread2much You are so welcome! I am so glad that the gifts are helpful! 4y

60 likes3 comments

MaggieCarr

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

pick

I wouldn've had the poise or courage to take belongings, 4 daughters on a train alone to join Charles. The explainations of food and preparations, along with intermittent pictures, and occassional internet & YouTube searches have helped us make connections and fully grasp what is happening. I'm fairly certain my daughter and I both audibly gasped when there was a mention of Royal and Almanzo. We can feel their eventual meeting coming. Sigh.

35 likes1 stack add

wideeyedreader

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

#letstravelaugust #lakeside Of course I had to go back to a childhood favorite for today!

OriginalCyn620, Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks ❤️❤️❤️ 6y

OriginalCyn620 👌🏻📚💙 6y

18 likes1 stack add2 comments

Eggs

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

#lakeside #letstravelaugust

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @OriginalCyn620

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks ❤️❤️❤️ 6y

OriginalCyn620 👌🏻📚💙 6y

58 likes2 comments

AvidReader25

By the Shores of Silver Lake | Laura Ingalls Wilder

pick

This might be my favorite of the series so far. From the start of the book we know this is a time of change. Mary has gone blind from scarlet fever, the family rides a train for the first time, they move into a shanty in a railroad town, etc. I love Laura's adventurous spirit.

I'm continually impressed with Pa's moral compass and the way he treated his wife and daughters. Even though Ma is quiet, he looks to her before making big decisions.

Tamra Brings back childhood memories, especially if my grandmother who gifted me the books. 💜 6y

Hoopiefoot My mom and I visited DeSmet a few years ago and now I love that book even more 💙 6y

AvidReader25 @Tamra I can‘t believe I missed reading the series as a kid! I was such a big reader, but somehow never read these books. I am so happy to experience them with my daughters now. 6y

See All 6 Comments

AvidReader25 @Hoopiefoot That‘s awesome! I would love to do that. 6y

Tamra @Avidreader25 I need to try them with mine, though I‘m afraid my son would be bored. 😖 Louise Erdrich as a comparable series that features a Native American girl and her family that I‘m intending to read as well.

The Birchbark House

AvidReader25 @Tamra That‘s a wonderful idea! I love the balance that would provide. I‘ll check them out! 6y

33 likes6 comments

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