pickA well researched and resonant account of the turbulent months between Abraham Lincoln‘s election and the outbreak of the Civil War. Known for his ability to turn historical nonfiction into page-turning drama, Larson delivers a compelling narrative, but this time, with an even deeper reliance on primary sources and firsthand accounts.
“The sky had cleared, the clouds raveled to tatters, and at four oclock the sun broke through, silver on the bright green of grass and leaves and golden on the puddles in the road; all down the column men quickened the step, smiling in the sudden burst of gold and silver weather.“
#FirstLineFridays
I also picked up some new books at the museum yesterday. I‘ve been trying to track down Combee for the last few months. I was so excited when I saw it yesterday. The other book is about the shooting at the church & Charleston & the aftermath.
Throwing in the towel on this one…I just don‘t have the headspace for it during all the craziness that is May. I‘m not sure if it‘s a DNF or a Not-Right-Now…
It‘s my May #doublespin pick. @TheAromaofBooks
Up next on audio! 🎧
This one is on my 25 books to read in 2025 list!
#bookspinbingo
so-soLarson is a good author. But there was some language that felt wrong. I think it came from primary sources. But it was weird. Using the term “relationship” to describe owners having sex with women and girls they own is a weird, racist, old fashioned soft pedaling of rape. You can‘t consent, if you can‘t safely say “No”.
pickThis factual account of the five months between Lincoln‘s election and the start of the civil war was well-written and absorbing. A non fiction narrative that produced insights on the values, thoughts and emotions of famous people as well as the lesser known characters. The increase of rhetoric and missed opportunities for unity made secession certain. An interesting read but I found it, sadly, very relatable to our current times.
pickGreat story of two brothers from Massachusetts who end up at Gettysburg during Civil War. Has poetic parts but also very gritty. Map is of second day of 3.
pickI found this very interesting. McPherson did an excellent job at providing a good overview of the political, social, economic, and other factors that led to the Civil War. He also did a good job providing a broad overview of the Civil War, as well as the different dynamics working in both the Union and Confederacy. Definitely worth reading.
Starting historical novel about Gettysburg in the Civil War. I am always into that era!
