Staff Reviews

From the pen of a bestselling journalist, Denise Kiernan focuses on a richly drawn slice of American cultural life, portraying it through the concept of gratitude. Tracing the celebrations of gathering for 'giving thanks' from the time of the Romans into the 21st century, Kiernan's expansive narrative is enlightening in its abundance of anecdotal details. Most notably, the author rescues from 19th century American history the under-recognized backstory of Sarah Josepha Hale, a widow with five children, who, in spite of little formal education, for 40 years served as the 'editress' of Godey's Lady's Book, a 19th century magazine that became the arbiter of good taste and influence. Hale early on recognized that the regional celebrations of 'thanksgiving' needed to be elevated to a national observance. Through four presidential administrations, Hale steadfastly petitioned this effort until President Lincoln responded in 1863 by officially proclaiming an annual national day of Thanksgiving, hoping that it could unify a nation deeply divided by the Civil War. Sarah Josepha Hale's remarkably inspirational effort continued beyond her death in 1879 as the national celebration of Thanksgiving became more legislatively formalized. Engaging readers for not only its meticulously researched content, this is a fascinating chronicle that serves as a reminder of the endlessly yielding power of gratitude.