This is the definitive account of the Donner Party, covering events that lead up to the tragedy, and the aftermath of the tragedy. It is thoroughly detailed and kept my attention the whole way through. I felt a lot for Sarah and Jay through the whole thing; what they all went through is horrifying, but it's also a good lesson in how greedy grifters might be one of the most destructive forces in society. Always suspect those whose motives are making a buck.