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Another gem found in a neighborhood #LittleFreeLibrary ! I‘d never even heard of this one, but if Everett writes it I will read it. Grateful today to be outside in the currently fresh air in San Diego, even as I‘m feeling so much sadness for our northern neighbors, including some good friends who lost family homes. 💔

This author‘s work is reminiscent of that other western historian, Richard White, and more generally both of these were perhaps forerunners of the Howard Zinn style of historical narrative with a focus on the experience of the people who lived it instead of the deeds of conquering Europeans and later US officials. One of the great tasks of this book is to dispel the mythical western imagery from film and literature that became historical stand-in.

The first half of the book is really about the Civil War in Missouri, but that history of division and its creation of the bushwhackers is what led to James' life of crime. The author does an incredible job unpacking the story. I loved learning the story behind his eventual crime spree. This was my Missouri nonfiction book and it's perfect for the category. I'll certainly be reading more from this author as well.

The Lamar and Hayden Valley areas are known a the American Serengeti. The open plains, the wildlife, the understanding of America as an amazing landscape. If you have seen this, it can be hard to believe that we almost lost it in the late nineteenth century. George Bird Grinnell is one of the men we can thank for saving this precious resource. He recognized that without proper conservation, the American West would be plundered into devastation.

Good account of the Mormon Trail from out of Nauvoo in 1846 through the Handcart painfulness of 1857 and almost to the Railroad era. He does use some questionable sources but mostly it is well written and tries to be somewhat unbiased.

I can‘t figure it out; why isn‘t Percival Everett a household name? This is the 4th I‘ve read. THIS title won the PEN USA 2006 award. His next up is getting TON of buzz… anyway, this was brutal and amazing.

Starting one of Stegner‘s histories I have never read. I mostly like his writing.

Next up! Did I choose a book by a favorite author that was few pages? Yes, yes I did. Did I choose a pie recipe based on what fruit was on sale at the grocery store? Yes, once again, YES. #CaresPieShow #iLovePie

I‘m posting one book a day from my massive collection. No description, no reason for why I want to read it (some I‘ve had so long I don‘t even remember why!). Feel free to join in!

#ABookADay2023