Wow!!!
This was a fascinating account of the Donner Party as they risked life and limb to cross over the Sierra Nevada mountains into the “land of opportunity”, California.
Growing up in Sacramento California, all of us kids from kindergarten on, learned about the Donner Party, and the part that caused a lot of our “eyes to bug out”, the stories of cannibalism.
Nearby Sacramento, are the cities of Truckee, Donner’s Pass and also Sutter’s Fort. These are local historical landmarks, that most school-age children take school trips to while they learn about the history of California.
This book was written by C.F. McGlashan, as he interviewed survivors of the Donner Party, studied the artifacts and put together a tremendous amount of secondary information, which makes this book, one of the most definitive accounts in American history.
Great reading, great storytelling, in a way that takes you right to the action, and you can actually envision the wagon trains and oxen, being bogged down in snowdrifts that were 8 feet high. Food that was in short supply, wood to burn for heat and fire, in very short supply, all the while, the energy reserves of the party, gradually running out, as they suffered from famine, starvation, and ultimately resorted to the last ditch effort, of cannibalism.
If you like history, you’ll enjoy this one!
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
