Kindle Edition Amazon Paula Margulies Communications Paula Margulies Category:  Historical Fiction Publisher: One People Press ISBN-10:  0991354524 Type: Fiction Pages: 213 Copyright: July 21, 2014 ISBN-13: 9780991354528 Price: $2.99 (eBook) A young girl faces a dangerous and changing world… Set in the time of the Jamestown settlement and the English explorer John Smith, Favorite Daughter, Part One recounts the story of Chief Powhatan's daughter, Pocahontas, as she prepares to take her place as one of our nation's earliest leading women. Pocahontas invites readers to experience her native world when strangers appear on the shores near her village. From forging a relationship with the charismatic Smith, to experiencing love for the first time and creating a role for herself in her father’s plans for peace, this young girl takes us on a poignant and harrowing journey through the turbulent events of her life. Eventually betrayed by all of the men she loves, Pocahontas matures into a heroine of tremendous nobility, courage, and heart. Told in first person, in a voice brimming with compassion and wisdom, Favorite Daughter, Part One provides a compelling look at the early days of one of the most remarkable legends in American history. Winner! Best Historical Fiction, 2015 San Diego Book Awards Association Editor’s Choice Award Winner, 24th Annual San Diego State University Writers’ Conference        Excerpt They say that on the eve of my birth, in the Time of Geese Flying, during the English year 1595, a white owl appeared in our tribal village of Werowocomoco. The bird soared across the icy Pamaunk River and flew into the longhouse where my mother, first wife of the Great Chief Powhatan, lay curled on a bed of mats, laboring to bring me into the world. As I finally emerged, bloody and squirming into the capable hands of my mother’s sisters, the owl left its spot in the rafters and escaped into the cold night through a hole in the roof. While the women of our tribe wiped me clean and laid me on a soft piece of deerskin, a single feather drifted down from above. The women say that I reached out and clutched the bit of down in my tiny hand and, afterward, my infant lips relaxed in a calm, knowing smile. My mother named me Matoaka, the word that means little snow feather. The members of our tribe called me by my formal name, Amonute, or sacred daughter. When I came of age, my father gave me my mother’s name, Pocahontas, or playful, wanton one. Many years later, when I became a Christian and married an English man, I was called Rebecca, the word meaning faithful wife. It was a name I carried with me over great waters to my final resting place in the land of the white people. Which one is my real name? They are all mine, and none can ever be separated from the person I ultimately became. But whether I did justice to them, I call on the Great Spirit, Ahone, and my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to render final judgment. Whether I deserved any of them, I leave for you to decide.

A Beautiful Retelling of Pocahontas
By Lauralee Jacks
The legend of Pocahontas is most well-known as an Indian princess who saved the life of an Englishman, John Smith, who was an Indian hostage. Her story was first written by John Smith and has been romanticized through generations. The most popular version of the story is the Disney movie, Pocahontas released in 1995. However, Paula Margulies’s Favorite Daughter, Part One tells the legend of Pocahontas from the Native American perspective. In this story the tale is retold by Pocahontas herself as she tells her side of events of the time when John Smith and his crew first settled in America.

The story starts when John Smith has landed in America and formed Jamestown. Pocahontas and her people are fascinated by these mysterious men whom they have never seen before. When John Smith is suddenly taken hostage by her people, Pocahontas becomes attracted to him and wants to learn more about him. Slowly, John Smith and Pocahontas form a slow friendship and together they teach their language and customs to each other. There, Pocahontas embarks on a mission of peace between the English and her tribe.

I found the setting of Pocahontas’s tribe to be very beautiful. It is clear that the author understands a lot about Native American culture for she writes it eloquently by describing their customs and language. I was fascinated with how she makes their world come alive. I also liked how she portrayed Jamestown, as a town that is starving and does not have enough supplies to survive. Yet, some of these men, like John Smith, are interested in the Native American language and customs and would like to make an alliance with them.

What I found most fascinating was Pocahontas. She is a strong-willed person, who loves her home and respects nature. She is a bit tomboyish and adventurous. She is curious about not only the English settlers, but their home. She wants to go to England and see what it is like. She is also selfless and is willing to give up her life to save John Smith. She is also a woman of influence because her father listens to her advice and follows it. It is clear that Pocahontas is a leader and she never stops working on her mission to make peace with the English.

Overall, the themes of this book are about family, love, honor, and sacrifice. It is about a woman’s never-ending quest for peace. This book shows what a strong person Pocahontas really was. I can’t wait to read Favorite Daughter, Part Two, which comes out in July 2016. I recommend this book to anyone interested not only in one of America’s first leading woman, but also to those interested in learning about Native American culture.

Wonderful book brings Pocahontas alive!
By Emily T.
I received a free copy of "Favorite Daughter, Part One" in exchange for my honest review. When it arrived in the mail, my preschool-aged daughter was captivated by the cover (as was I), and she asked what the book was about. I told her it's about Pocahontas and asked if she knew who Pocahontas was. She said, "Yes, she married Prince John." As I thought about it, that's about all I knew about Pocahontas, too. So, while I was already interested in this novel, I was even more excited to dive into the book to learn more about her.

We definitely do get to know Pocahontas in this well-done, meticulously researched book. The writing style is so pleasant and flows so smoothly, it is easy to be absorbed into Pocahontas' world. The abundant detail about daily life for the Powhatan people is skillfully weaved into the book, and I felt like I was there in the 17th Century watching the events take place in person.

I very much enjoyed the character of Pocahontas. Margulies has created a character who is passionate, intelligent and thoughtful. Accompanying Pocahontas as she works through questions of love, loss, loyalty, friendship and duty is a wonderful journey. But the fact she's flawed makes her such a realistic character. Legends aren't typically remembered for their flaws, but since Pocahontas was a real person, she surely had them. And in this book, she struggles with jealousy, guilt and other real, human issues that make her likeable and believable. I not only liked Pocahontas, I respected her and her honesty, concern for others and bravery. She's someone I enjoyed getting to know.

The book has plenty of action and moves at a quick pace. The book begins with Pocahontas' coming of age (her birth is discussed in the book's introduction) and covers about a year of her life. It's fascinating to see history practically come alive as we meet John Smith, see the European settlers and the Powhatan people brave nature and the elements while they learn to be neighbors (or perhaps not). All the while, we see Pocahontas deal with matters of the heart, family politics and a shocking sequence of events that leads to a devastating loss.

I anxiously look forward to Part 2 when it comes out. I can't wait to see what happens, to learn more about this interesting time and place in our history and to spend more time with Pocahontas. Frankly, Part 2 can't be released quickly enough. I'm dying to know what happens!


The Most Intimate Portrayal To Date!
ByCeeCee Lawson/The Literary Melting Pot/Romancebookworm Reviews
Pocahontas was one of my favorite heroines growing up, as my ancestry carries Native American blood. Her bravery and perseverance through what must have been a nightmare at times is not only heartbreaking, it’s inspiring.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! The author has done a wonderful job of bringing this extraordinary character to life, in a manner that’s believable. The research invested is evident, and shines through with every turn of the page. Although a work of fiction, I found this to be the most intimate and realistic portrayal of Pocahontas to date.