THE LONG WINTER

THE LONG WINTER by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Illustrated by Garth Williams

Winter can feel like a long season that seems very restrictive in our activities and outings, but the truth is in our day and age, modernization has opened this season up for us much more than how things used to be, especially when a blizzard would hit.

Set in the Dakota Territory (modern day South Dakota), The Long Winter is the story of the Blizzard of 1880-1881. Laura and her family (the Ingalls), along with the entire town, are on the brink of starvation when it becomes impossible for the trains to come due to the snow. Knowing that people's lives are hanging in the balance, Almanzo Wilder comes up with a daring plan, understanding full well that by carrying it out, his own life is at risk, but if he doesn't, there's an entire town who won't make it to spring.

There is no doubt as you read through The Long Winter, you find yourself grateful over and over not to be in the same predicament as the townspeople of De Smet. Courage and endurance are showcased throughout the pages, and it can give all of us that little extra umph to endure these cold, snowy days!