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    Something Worth Doing
    Something Worth Doing
    Something Worth Doing
    Audiobook9 hours

    Something Worth Doing

    Written by Jane Kirkpatrick

    Narrated by Christina Moore

    4.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    Some things are worth doing—even when the cost is great

    In 1853, Abigail Scott was a nineteen-year-old school teacher in Oregon Territory when she married Ben Duniway.
    Marriage meant giving up on teaching, but Abigail always believed she was meant to be more than a good wife and
    mother. When Abigail becomes the primary breadwinner for her growing family, what she sees as a working woman
    appalls her—and prompts her to devote her life to fighting for the rights of women, including the right to vote.

    Based on a true story, Something Worth Doing will resonate with modern women who still grapple with the pull
    between career and family, finding their place in the public sphere, and dealing with frustrations and prejudices when
    competing in male-dominated spaces.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRecorded Books, Inc.
    Release dateSep 1, 2020
    ISBN9781705003510
    Something Worth Doing
    Author

    Jane Kirkpatrick

    Jane Kirkpatrick is the author of twenty books and is a two-time winner of the WILLA Literary Award. Her first novel, A Sweetness to the Soul, won the Western Heritage Wrangler Award, an honor given to writers such as Barbara Kingsolver and Larry McMurtry. For twenty-six years she "homesteaded" with her husband Jerry on a remote ranch in Eastern Oregon.  She now lives with Jerry, and her two dogs and one cat on small acreage in Central Oregon while she savors the value of friendship over fame.

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    Reviews for Something Worth Doing

    4.5/5

    50 ratings18 reviews

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    • 5/5
      This was a wonderful historical book read it all in one setting; while I cleaned the porch. Clean and beautiful
    • 4/5
      Being that I live in Oregon, I found this to be a good read. I always enjoy reading about the history of Oregon and the history of suffragettes.
    • 5/5
      Abigail is a strong character who has taken up the fight for suffrage. It is not an easy task but one she believe in. The author gives us historical facts that make the story realistic. I loved how Abigail stood up for the rights of women. It’s hard to believe at one time, women weren’t allowed to vote or have jobs that were considered for men only. Her husband was a big supporter of hers and she raised her children with compassion. I think a Abigail needed to be reminded that her husband loved her and was a big supporter of her. It was hard to fight against the people who thought women should do laundry, wash dishes, cook and tend to children. It’s like she had no voice and she was determined to change things. I admired her ability to stand up for the rights of women and continue on with the knowledge that she would someday make a difference. I love reading about the pioneer days and the hard work that was involved to survive. The author gives a beautiful description that places readers right there in the story.I loved everything about the story and appreciate the lesson on standing up for your rights, I never want to take for granted the rights we have and never forget those before us that lead the way to more fair treatment of everyone, I received a copy of this book from Librarything Early Reader Program. The review is my own opinion,
    • 5/5
      The author never ceases to amaze me with the fascinating little known women of history she finds to write about. Her talent is extraordinary in how she takes the facts and adds fictional details to weave a story that brings the woman to life. All of her women are not only distinctive but also strong and persevering. This novel is about Abigail Scott Duniway. A suffragist in the late 1800’s who worked tirelessly to win the right for women to vote. She also was advocate of women’s equality in other areas they faced discrimination during that era. I certainly found her a feisty one, even to the point at times of being aggravating with her bold opinions and out outspokenness. Those traits during her time were considered stepping over the line and inappropriate for women. Yet I have to admit, with the prejudice that prevailed, a strong approach would be the only way to break through and make progress. While being this revolutionary woman, she was still filled the gender roles of wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Her duties were not as easily dealt with as we do now. House work and childcare were hard and arduous. While she loved her family she chafed against the restrictions their care put upon her and the work itself. Just like all women she struggled with laundry and housework. My heart ached for the many tragedies and setbacks her family faced. I admired though how she put aside her disappoint and pain, facing the problems head on. I felt her gentle laid back husband was a perfect match for her. His unending patience, love and sense of humor were rare, especially in that day and time.At the end of the book (as in all Ms. Kirkpatrick’s books) you can read the historical facts from her research that makes the “bones” of the book. You will find she really does her homework! I always like to do my own exploration on the “Kirkpatrick women”, finding pictures of them and even reading their biographies. Another outstanding book by Jane Kirkpatrick! I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.
    • 4/5
      This story begins in 1852, when seventeen-year-old Abigail Scott hears her brother proclaim that "You can't control anything, you females. Not a thing. Lucky for you us men protect you." What follows is the chronicle of her efforts to prove that women were very capable, they could take care of themselves, they deserved respect, and they needed the chance to voice their opinions. Women needed the right to vote!There are several pages of author's notes that relate many of Abigail's accomplishments and Kirkpatrick has been able to incorporate these facts into an engaging and entertaining fictional story based on biographical facts. Abigail experienced the hardships of traveling the Oregon Trail in the mid 1800s and she entered the work force while while raising her small children. As she pursued her passion to advance the rights of all women, Abigail even worked as a novelist and a newspaper publisher so that she could make sure that the word was being spread. Yes, Abigail Scott Dunlevy was a true pioneer and she paved the way for those of us who have followed! Kirkpatrick has once again proven her exceptional ability to find unique topics and then create stories that we all want to read. I recommend Something Worth Doing to all who enjoy Christian historical fiction. I give it 4.5 Stars!I received a copy of this book from Revell. There was no obligation for a positive review, I am voluntarily sharing my own thoughts.
    • 5/5
      “To move forward, she’d have to believe that something was worth doing no matter how it turned out.”Compelling and thought-provoking, Jane Kirkpatrick’s “Something Worth Doing” presents a fictional but reality-based depiction of suffragist Abigail Scott Duniway. In all honesty, this is the first that I recall ever hearing about her, despite her decades of work toward women’s enfranchisement. Kirkpatrick mentions in her author notes that she chose to focus more on Abigail’s personal life, and this is what gives the book its distinctive tone, in my opinion. It actually took me much longer than usual to read, and I think that the complexities of Abigail’s character and the extraordinary details of her life’s journey are the reason. Even though she is clearly modeled after a famous historical figure, I have to credit Kirkpatrick with truly tapping into Abigail’s personality and lifting her from the pages of history—faults, assets, and all.In a larger context, “Something Worth Doing” applies to struggles beyond that of women’s suffrage and women’s rights. Whereas most historical fiction includes a happily-ever-after preceded by a standard plot structure, this one diverges. The solemn tone throughout reflects the hardships of life, and particularly women’s lives, in the nineteenth-century, highlighting their inability to own property, influence laws through voting, and have careers outside the home and their subsequent status as dependent on the men in their lives. Many of the controversies in the novel remain prevalent today in some form, emphasizing how progressive Abigail and her compatriots really were. In my opinion, part of the reason that she was able to retain her reputation in the midst of her outspoken platform was in her approach: “My way is a ‘still hunt.’ Quiet coercion of men in power and men in general to be less frightened by women.” I was intrigued by her speculation about how equality between men and women would have been the result had Columbus landed on the West Coast, rather than the East, and her persistence through so many setbacks and even outright failures is quite remarkable. Abigail’s story as told by Kirkpatrick invites reflection and contemplation, aided by engaging chapter titles and a set of discussion questions at the end of the book. While I admire Abigail’s tenacity and dedication to the cause, I also feel a great deal of sadness for her because she sacrificed tenderness and stronger relationships with her family on behalf of her suffrage work, a forfeit that she did choose willingly. She acknowledges as much by noting that “The married women and mothers working in the cause bore an extra burden to make sure their own daughters weren’t set aside for the larger effort. Advocacy had its price, even with occasional privileges.” Such is the case with any passion or cause that we take up today as much as it was a century ago, and thus this story resonates so profoundly. Perhaps this is why I enjoyed Ben’s supportive presence so much, reminding us all that “Things didn’t always turn out well, as Ben proposed, but some things were worth doing, regardless.”I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
    • 5/5
      Abigail Scott Duniway was a suffragist in Oregon starting in the mid-1800s. This novel is based on her life, emphasizing not only her constant pursuit of rights for women but also her dedication to her family overall. Being part of a pioneering community, there were many hardships that I would have found hard to believe if they hadn't all actually happened to her and her family. To endure those hardships and still care for women's rights is almost beyond comprehension to me. I admire her spirit and determination. I enjoy any book that also broadens my knowledge, and this book did just that. I learned a good deal about life for those living in Oregon during these years, plus I got a clearer picture of the early days of seeking rights for women. My only real complaint is that when laws were finally passed to give women property rights and control of their own money in Oregon, it was glossed over quickly. I almost overlooked it. Abigail worked so hard for these to happen, yet I got a sense that there wasn't much celebration around it. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone interested in this time in our history. **I received a free copy of this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review. **
    • 3/5
      The summary and cover of this book definitely drew me in when I first saw it. The fact that was historical fiction definitely drew me in as well. In this book we meet Abigail Scott who is the main character and who the book is all about. She is an independent woman with big ideas and big dreams. She is not interested in marriage or having someone telling her what she can and cannot do. She starts out life trying to set to map out her life but it doesn't go according to her plan. We meet Ben who definitely falls in love with Abigail and courts her. Due to a circumstance with her father she has to move the wedding to Ben a lot sooner than she expected. He is truly the ideal mate for her. He supports her every idea and doesn't stifle that independent heart that she has. This was my first book by Jane Kirkpatrick. She definitely does an excellent job in her research and even adding her fictional characters and fiction themes was flawless. Especially this being a historical biographical fiction she really made sure that everything was correct which I appreciate when reading this genre. But I have to admit that I did not enjoy the main character at all. I feel like she focused so much on being independent and pursuing her dreams I felt like she completely ignored her husband and children and it broke my heart for them. If you enjoy real-life historical fiction then this is definitely the book that you may want to pick up. I received this book from Revell . I was not required to post a review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion
    • 5/5
      I love that Jane Kirkpatrick can find a historical person and tell their story with all the feelings that they would have while they were actually living these good things and bad. I really felt the pull that Abigail would have had when she wanted to have children but she also wanted to have a business of her own. I think that the author really showed how she must have felt and how her family felt during their lives. I laughed and cried and did not want to put the book down. This also made me want to know a bit more about suffrage and prohibition. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
    • 5/5
      Something Worth Doing, by Jane Kirkpatrick, is a powerful story based on Abigail Scott Duniway, a real true character in our countries history. This story focuses on Mrs. Duniway as a woman, wife, mother, sister, friend, business owner, and writer as well as her many decades working diligently for women's rights. For fiction readers interested in learning about our fore-mothers who worked so hard to earn us our many taken for granted rights, this is a must read.I struggle with writing this review. Only God could have had a hand in current events happening at the time of the release of this book. The story is so well written it is so easy to get caught up in it. At times I got really frustrated with Mrs. Duniway for putting her work for women's rights before the needs of her family. I strongly feel this is a must read, especially for those who do not read non-fiction. The author contains a chapter at the end of the story outlining her extensive research and how she kept true to events in the story.I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads Blogging Program. This is my honest review.
    • 3/5
      This book is a fictionalized biography of the suffragist Abigail (Jenny) Scott Duniway. She was on a wagon train from Illinois to Oregon in the 1800s. Her mother died and she had a great influence on Abigail. I enjoyed the first half to three-quarters of the book, but after that, it just seemed to run on and on. It didn't seem to change very much and I felt that a lot of the book could have easily been eliminated. A lot of it felt more like a history book of details and not truly a story.The main character, Jenny, seemed like a very self-centered person. Her whole goal in life was to make women equal to men. This isn't a bad goal, but it seemed like it was put above everything, including her family.The characters, in general, were not deeply developed. Abigail/Jenny was more developed than the others but even her character seemed shallow.I thought this was going to be a Christian book since Revell is the publisher. I would not call it a Christian book at all. In fact, I was totally offended by Abigail continually saying "Holy cow chips". Only God is holy. Pray or church was rarely mentioned and I would not consider Abigail to be a Christian by the way she was developed in the story. This is my opinion and others may not feel this way at all.Overall I would give this a 3 out of 5-star rating. I probably would not recommend it to anyone unless they were wanting to learn more of the Northwest's suffragist movement.I was given this book to read and review through the Revell Reads Blog program. This opinion is fully my own opinion.
    • 5/5
      Little did I realize how timely this book would be---all about the effort it has taken and even now....getting the right to vote to women but even more so now.....the right and responsibility for everyone to vote. Kirkpatrick did an amazing amount of work to produce this historical fiction account of Abigail Scott Duniway's life's work! I was overwhelmed with what this one woman managed to do in one lifetime! The book is incredibly thought-provoking with where we are now in terms of the rights of not only women, and finally, black women, but of all people. Abigail worked so hard but not without just incredible personal struggles---she was so many things to so many people, from her family obligations to her professional ambitions and at a time when everything from housing, cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, gardening, writing, and just on and on---how did she accomplish so much but at the same time, how did women in general do so much? It was just "expected" of them. In some ways, have we gone backwards? I was fascinated and impressed with not only the story version but with the facts of one woman's life and what she managed to do in her years on this earth.
    • 5/5
      First of all, I must disclose that I received this book from the publisher as an ARC. I am not required to give a glowing review of any review at all for that matter.I have been a Jane Kirkpatrick fan (groupie?) since reading "All Together in One Place". I became a fan because of her ability to put the reader into the story and become a part of it. Her "writing-voice" is at once entertaining and very descriptive. One can see the landscape and all its color. One feels the emotions the characters are experiencing and understanding thought processes.In "Something Worth Doing", we experience the highs and lows, blessings and trials, of one of the country's first suffragists. This novel comes out at the perfect time to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment. Abigail preferred to use words (in writing and in verbal persuasion), while the women in the East preferred more physical methods. This book is very informative about the life and times of the early Western settlers. While at the same time is very entertaining and has you rooting for the heroine!
    • 3/5
      This was quite an interesting book, though somewhat unsatisfying. It was an illuminating look at Abigail Scott Duniway, and early supporter of Women’s Suffrage from Oregon, who was just as dedicated, but somewhat less well known in modern days than her Eastern counterparts such as Susan B. Anthony. She certainly lived an eventful life, very involved in the issues of the day. The writing style, however, I found to be overly simplistic. To me, it read as if it was intended to an inspirational story for schoolgirls. If this is the intended audience, it is quite successful, but it seemed rather emotionally superficial for the more mature reader. I understand and quite agree with the author’s point that being a single minded crusader can be difficult for the crusader’s family and cause many personal sacrifices and disappointment. This point was, however, made over and over until it was beat right into the ground. It was rather repetitious.Overall, a good read, but not a great one.I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
    • 5/5
      Something Worth Doing by Jane KirkpatrickPublisher: RevellReviewed by mrsboone1, Green Forest, AR, USAThis book is about an early suffragist named Abigail Scott Duniway. Mrs. Kirkpatrick takes the facts of a true story and weaves fiction with it, to make a complete novel.Abigail knew from a young age that she was meant to help change women's plight. Women at that point in our history had no rights, were not able to vote and could not own anything. If they came into a marriage with property, their husband could take it and do what he wanted to do with it. Abigail knew several women who were divorced by their husbands and were not allowed to keep their children.Abigail lived in Oregon with her family. She had planned on not getting married for a long time and certainly didn't want to be made old before her time from having too many children. She was married by 18. She had 5 boys and one girl. She did everything in her power to provide for her children and to keep her daughter from working too much.Abigail traveled nationwide to promote women's rights. She gave speeches and led demonstrations. She worked extra hard in her home state and had a column in the local newspaper called "The Farmer's Wife" where she told about the issues that women face and how she dealt with them.It is much different from how women are treated in today's times. The book covers more of the suffragist side, I like the history side. Many thanks to Goodreads and Revell for the complimentary copy and I was under no obligation to post a review.
    • 3/5
      The book is based on the true story of Abigail Scott, an early activist for women’s rights.
    • 4/5
      Something Worth Doing is a fictionalized novel about early suffragist Abigail Scott Duniway. She is another strong historical person who is new to most of us. She was an early suffragist who worked hard to get women the right to vote and questioned women's roles during the later part of the 1800s. Along with working for women's rights, Abigail was a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, novelist, newspaper woman who spent over 40 years working for equality for women.As the novel begins, Abigail and her family are travelling to Oregon to have a better life. She is aware of the hardships women faced even though she was still young and her beliefs grow even stronger as she ages. She wasn't sure that she wanted to marry and have children but when she met Ben who believed their marriage should be a partnership unlike most men who believed that they were the boss. It didn't really turn out that way in the beginning - she stayed at home, took care of babies (6 of them), cleaned house, cooked meals, churned butter etc while he worked outside and spent time with his friends. Even with the inequality of the work in their every day lives, he still supported his wife as she began to write poetry and articles for the local newspapers. As she grew older, she became more outspoken about the need for women to be equal to men and to be able to vote. She had a lot of detractors but that only made her fight harder for her beliefs.Her speeches took her all over the country and she even spent time with Susan B. Anthony. Despite the hardships she faced, she never gave up on herself and her fight.Even though Abigail lived over 150 years ago she faced some of the same problems that women face today -the pull between career and family and the prejudice women encounter when they compete in a male-dominated world. This is also a timely book to celebrate 100 years since women gained the right to vote when the 19th Amendment was ratified. Thank you to all the women who faced scorn and ridicule for fighting for what they believed was right.Thanks to LibraryThing for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
    • 5/5
      The wisdom of a mother that is passed down to a daughter that in the end, benefits all of the woman of this country. We need to be grateful for the sacrifices woman like Abigail Scott, and other's who fought throughout their lives for woman's rights, including the right to vote.We follow Abigail from her first year of teaching until the end of her life, through life's tribulations of joy and sorrow.God put a wonderful man named Ben in her path, and we journey with them as they survive in the newly established Oregon, through the birth of their children, and with Abigail and her activism, with their extended family and friends.A book of history, in a way, but also the backbone of what makes this country so special.You will be page turning, and we know the outcome, but how the war was fought we are along for the ride.I received this book through LibraryThing and the Publisher Revell. and was not required to give a positive review.