- The time period The gold rush was such an interesting time in American history. I liked learning more about the hardships these people endured as they sought their fortunes. Their pain and loss really touched me, and made me ponder how much easier we have it now. It also motivated me to google some stuff, and I learned a few new and interesting things.
- Leah One thing I love about Rae Carson is that she does heroines well. Leah is every bit the amazing woman you expect in a Carson book and more. She is strong and resilient, but also vulnerable, and she has needs. She wants to be loved and wanted, just like everyone else, and that makes her so normal. At the same time, she is so self sacrificing. She consistently put others before herself, showing that beautiful heart of her's time and time again.
- The "family" element There is nothing like a painful experience to bring a group together, and this group suffered together for months, over and over again. By the end, Leah had a new family, and that ending really touched my heart. I must also state, that this group is full of some very interesting characters. They were multifaceted and well well developed. And man, oh, man, when little Andy has that talk with Mr. Hoffmann, tears sprung from my eyes.
- The writing Rae Carson is a wonderful writer. She beautifully told me this story, and projected the imagery and emotion perfectly.
"Not bad for a girl," says Jonas Waters. "It's not bad for anyone," Jefferson snaps.
A great read. I enjoyed my cross country journey and cannot wait to see what is in store for this bunch now that they are in California.