The 400th anniversary of the Mayflower crossing and First Thanksgiving provides the perfect occasion for 35 million living descendants and all Americans to reacquaint with their deepest roots. To do this, "To Give Thanks" goes beyond a well-informed history lesson to deliver the personal quests of 102 Pilgrims in one story. In the 17th century, new ways of thinking were challenging every global empire with tides of political, religious, and social insurrection. The Pilgrims' mission to America contained all of these elements and staking claims in the American wilderness was a game of winner takes all. Those who came out on top would define the new land's future. Readers will appreciate learning these stories through the Pilgrims' eyes as "To Give Thanks" blends all 102 experiences into one fascinating novel. The story begins by introducing the origins of the Pilgrims' mission and the first layers of eye-opening subplots to come. The reader will be introduced to their personal agendas and the subtle - yet critical - twists of fate leading to departure. The Mayflower crossing posed dire hardships and dangers. Perilous events during sixty-six days at sea reflect this with several life and death dramas. Then when land is sighted, they will endure the worst nightmares and most triumphant moments imaginable. Here are just some of the highlights: - Impoverished religious refugees desperate for asylum - Aristocratic children orphaned in shame - Powerful merchants use Pilgrims as new world pawns - Managing unfathomable obstacles and setbacks - Contentious factions create discord during crossing - Perilous life and death ordeals at sea - Mutiny inspires the Mayflower Compact - Love triangle of Myles Standish, Pricilla Mullins, & John Alden - Details of wilderness marches to find a settlement - Rampant sickness claims half the Pilgrims ' lives - Struggles over forming a capitalist vs. socialist society - Indian interactions with the Pilgrims - Celebration of the Harvest Festival. Along with original maps designed to supplement the storyline, "To Give Thanks" provides short chapters for easy stop and go reading. An appendix offers readers detailed passenger lists, Indian profiles, and a glossary of 17th Century terms and meanings. There is no better time than now to become intimately acquainted with The American Dream, its genesis, and the Pilgrims of 1620. Discover the stories our ancestors would have liked us to remember. Learning them will provide a pure understanding of the holiday meant for giving thanks.