This book, written by Chris and Ted Stewart, is pretty cool. Not only did I learn a good deal about history, but the authors made it exciting to read the accounts of nonfictional, and fictional characters, in a narrative form. At times I could feel myself getting tense as they tell the story of unlikely odds then bright triumph.
The premise of the book seemed to say, "Sure, there are problems and bad things in this country, but there is a lot of good being overlooked. Let's remember some of the amazing things that have happened here and think about what could happen in the future."
With that being said, I think you should read it for yourself :) The Miracles described were:
- Columbus' discovery of the Americas
- The rescue at Jamestown
- The Battle of New York and the summer fog
- The act that a Constitution was written and accepted
- The Gettysburg Battle
- The Midway Battle
- Ronald Reagan's accomplishment in bringing an end to the arms race
More than just saying that these were miracles by overcoming great odds they led the reader to consider what the world would have been like if the event hadn't transpired. Consider for a second what this land mass would have been if Jamestown hadn't succeeded? The U.S. as we know it may have originated from Spain or still be their territory. Did the Spaniards treat the inhabitants of the Americas very well? Nope. Anyways, I'll leave those questions for you to toss around.
Something I enjoyed was that this book motivated me and gave me a sense of gratitude for this country. I became a little more patriotic and a little less cynical. Also, I was motivated to learn more about these events and want to study (at least part-time) history.
Now one thing that, in my opinion, could have been better was the structure. The old I'll give you a big enough clue about why we should have hope that by the end you don't need to read the last chapter wasn't very unique. Even with that being said I would give it two thumbs up, four stars, or a high kick.
You can always judge a book by how often you reference it during and after you read it and if you want to read it later. Certainly, I've done the first one--both my wife and coworkers can attest to that--and I'm sure I'll read it again.
Until next time...happy reading!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Starting It Off
Alright...where to begin? I like books! Ok, I really love to read and enjoy reading all types of books. From novels to detail oriented how-to's, I could probably read all day. The only problem is I have a job and other needs to meet. So, what I'm trying to say is that I'll be writing about books that I've read and my thoughts on them.
By no means am I a critique, frankly I wouldn't know how to critique well. I would probably get myself in trouble doing that. But I'll try to give a synopsis and then why I enjoyed the read or why not. Because I'm a religious person sometimes those books will be religious in nature and sometimes they won't.
I'll be posting my first review on the book, "7 Miracles that Saved America" by Chris Stewart. Until then :)
By no means am I a critique, frankly I wouldn't know how to critique well. I would probably get myself in trouble doing that. But I'll try to give a synopsis and then why I enjoyed the read or why not. Because I'm a religious person sometimes those books will be religious in nature and sometimes they won't.
I'll be posting my first review on the book, "7 Miracles that Saved America" by Chris Stewart. Until then :)
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