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Feb 2, 2011
Setting the Record Straight: American History in Black & White by David BartonMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mr. Barton has an agenda and it comes through from the first pages of this book. He wanted to set the record straight on which political party has furthered the civil rights of Black Americans throughout our history. He did exactly that. The last quarter of this book is footnotes and supporting documentation of what he has put forth in the preceding pages. Mr. Barton does not like what the Democratic Party historically did in regards to civil rights and Mr. Barton is obviously a Christian. If either of those would offend the reader, do not read this book.
I found many aspects of this history fascinating. As a life-long history buff, particularly American history, I found a lot within its pages to keep me reading on. One aspect that I had only a nodding acquaintance with was the extend to which Black Americans were involved in our national government in the years immediately following the Civil War. Men went from slavery to Congress in literally a handful of years. Only in America! And while the southern states were still under Republican majorities, many Black Americans also served in the southern states' legislatures.
One thing I did not know, had never read about or studied, was the extent to which the Democratic Party was involved with the Ku Klux Klan. I knew that some members of the party had been involved in the Klan, but Mr. Barton presents a strong case that the party as a whole was actively involved. I followed a few of his footnotes on this and will follow up some more when I have time.
I also had not realized that during the almost 100 years when lynching was practiced, one quarter of those lynched were white. The whole issue of lynching and the numerous attempts to stop it was very interesting reading. While it seems like ancient history, it really wasn't that long ago.
If you enjoy history and learning more than what your high school textbook included, if you enjoy reading about brave Americans who dared to stand up for what was right, and if you aren't offended by some obvious writer bias... I recommend this book.
Jan 30, 2011
The Last Full Measure by Jeff ShaaraMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I wish I could give this one a 4 1/2 rating.
The continuation of a story began by his father, "The Last Full Measure" is a very good book. Jeff Shaara did a good job of picking up where his father left off. I enjoyed the story and the history, especially since the last year of the Civil War is not written about as much as the early years. While he falls a little short of his father's story telling genius, it is nevertheless a very good book to read and one I highly recommend. He brought these historical characters to life, gave them breath, and draws the reader into the scenes behind the battles as well as the battles themselves.
Jan 26, 2011
Michigan weather can be as fickle as any feline. Warm and wrapping itself around your ankles one minute, hissing and spitting at you the next. A common phrase here is, "If you don't like the weather, wait 24 hours."
For the last week we didn't have temperatures... we had minus temperatures. It would have had to warm up to get cold! It was what we call in these parts, "booger-freezin'". The goal is simply to get from point A to point B with all your digits their original color and your face still flexible enough for speech.
I suit up for morning chores in the dark, before 6:00 a.m., and this morning followed the normal routine of insulated coveralls, wool hat, chore boots, knit gloves and finally leather gloves. Three steps outside the back door and I knew I was overdressed. I opened the hatch to our outdoor wood burner and discovered not only coals, but logs still in there. Yup, it was warm all night. After hanging the grain buckets for the horses, I pulled off the leather gloves. After feeding the sheep, I stuck my wool hat in my pocket. By the time I'd tossed out the horse hay, I had my coverall unzipped by half. Once the dogs were fed and the grain buckets put away, the knit gloves were off and I was on my way back to the house, pulling the coveralls off my shoulders as I went.
How warm was it to cause this change in attire and reduced amount of wood burned? It was 27 degrees. Honestly! But after the preceeding week, it was the warmest 27 degrees I've ever felt. I'm not ready for shorts yet... but maybe next week we'll up to freezing!
For the last week we didn't have temperatures... we had minus temperatures. It would have had to warm up to get cold! It was what we call in these parts, "booger-freezin'". The goal is simply to get from point A to point B with all your digits their original color and your face still flexible enough for speech.
I suit up for morning chores in the dark, before 6:00 a.m., and this morning followed the normal routine of insulated coveralls, wool hat, chore boots, knit gloves and finally leather gloves. Three steps outside the back door and I knew I was overdressed. I opened the hatch to our outdoor wood burner and discovered not only coals, but logs still in there. Yup, it was warm all night. After hanging the grain buckets for the horses, I pulled off the leather gloves. After feeding the sheep, I stuck my wool hat in my pocket. By the time I'd tossed out the horse hay, I had my coverall unzipped by half. Once the dogs were fed and the grain buckets put away, the knit gloves were off and I was on my way back to the house, pulling the coveralls off my shoulders as I went.
How warm was it to cause this change in attire and reduced amount of wood burned? It was 27 degrees. Honestly! But after the preceeding week, it was the warmest 27 degrees I've ever felt. I'm not ready for shorts yet... but maybe next week we'll up to freezing!
Jan 12, 2011
The Killer Angels by Michael ShaaraMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow. Wow. If you're a Civil War or history buff at all, you need to read this book. Wonderfully written to the point where you smelled the gun powder, heard the cannons, and felt the sweat run down your back. The emotional side of the war was very well presented as well as the depiction of the battles. You felt Longstreet's inner turmoil and Chamberlain's growing confidence. Awesome. Read it.
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Dec 23, 2010
Hometown Legend by Jerry B. JenkinsMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a wonderful story about courage and never giving up. Loved it! Some of the "football talk" was over my head (yeah, I know, but I'm not a fan) and that didn't interfere with the story at all. Highly recommended for an inspirational, feel good, Hallmark moment type of story.
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Dec 9, 2010
Sarah's Christmas Miracle by Ellis, MaryMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a feel good Christmas story not unlike those Hallmark holiday commercials that leave you warm and satisfied. Christmas can often be hectic and stressful, a story like this is a good way to bring it back in focus. Family, faith, and the true meaning of Christmas come through loud and clear. The conflict resolution is the only weak spot, I'm awarding it four stars.
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Dec 7, 2010
Behold the Dawn by K.M. WeilandMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I tried reading this book awhile ago and couldn't get hooked. My son read it and told me to try again, it was worth it. He was right (but don't tell him I said so!). It does start very slow, I was well into the seventh chapter before I found myself hooked into the story. It finishes much stronger and contains a good love story in the midst. I liked the feel and cadence to the story in the second half, it was less wordy and more lyrical, which lends itself well to the medieval theme of the story and makes it a joy to read. Docked one star for the slow start, but I do highly recommend it as a good read.
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