TheMommyBlog

Friday, December 26, 2008 Other people who write, Fun Finds

Now that the end of the year, the end of one presidency, and the beginning of another (not to mention the end of the election process, thanks be to all that’s green and goodly) are all happening at once, I have a few great book recommendations.

I love history, real or imagined, and have loved going back and forth between Kenneth C. Davis’ American’s Hidden History and Real Life at the White House by John Whitcomb and Claire Whitcomb.

American’s Hidden History has the feel of an old, forgotten volume full of anectdotes and behind-the-scenes goings-on. Much of the content is derived from letters and other personal accounts, and is rich with context—particularly the bits about the war and Paul Revere’s ride. Incidentally, I’ve recently finished Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point, in which Paul Revere’s ride was compared with that of the guy covering the rest of the territory. You don’t hear much about him, do you? He didn’t know how to find the right houses and make the right connections and make the same compelling call to action, so his ride is practically forgotten while every school child knows about Paul Revere’s famous message.

All of these books taken together give a rich contextual background to this dramatic change in leadership and begs all sorts of questions about who we are now and where we’re going as a country.

American’s Hidden History
Spanning a period from the Spanish arrival in America to George Washington’s inauguration in 1789, America’s Hidden History details these episodes, among others:

• The story of the first real Pilgrims in America, who were wine-making French Huguenots, not dour English Separatists
• The coming-of-age story of Queen Isabella, who suggested that Columbus pack the moving mess hall of pigs that may have spread disease to many Native Americans
• The long, bloody relationship between the Pilgrims and Indians that runs counter to the idyllic scene of the Thanksgiving feast
• The little-known story of George Washington as a headstrong young soldier who committed a war crime, signed a confession, and started a war!

Real Life at the White House

• Real Life at the White House is more than just a probe of presidential families; it provides in-depth White House history and examines the role of the First Lady as it changed over the decades. An intriguing presentation.—The Bookwatch
• Well-written ... should be read not only to discern the personal impact of each administration on a famous residence but also to observe the evolving nature of the presidency itself and its relation to the citizenry. Recommended for public and academic libraries.—Library Journal