Recommendation: Bunker Hill by Nathaniel Philbrick

BUNKER HILL: A City, A Siege, A Revolution*

by Nathaniel Philbrick

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: Viking Adult; 1 edition (April 30, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670025445
• ISBN-13: 978-0670025442

*#2 on Amazon's Best Sellers for the Colonial Period  

My Comments:

If you have read any other books by Nathaniel Philbrick , than you know as I have discovered, his historical narratives are of the highest quality and utterly engaging.  Honestly, I have had this book in my sights since before its release date last year.  One thing about being an avid reader,  the TBR nightstand becomes a precarious pile teetering near collapse.  If not, then your bookshelves are perhaps meticulously organized, or perhaps crammed with two rows deep. One thing is certain, they all haunt this reader as they whisper "read me next."  Is it me, or are there just not enough hours…to savor each book, while new temptation beckons you to the next possibility ---when you have finished?  

Official Book Trailer-You Tube

I have to apologize to the author, as I purchased this book when it first came out.  I bought it because I knew Nathaniel Philbrick's reputation, his compelling narratives and I was anxious to read BUNKER HILL.  I love American History and particularly this period in our country's birth.  I call myself part sentimental, part historian and always part the curious cat. But for whatever reason, Bunker Hill is a riveting narrative about a city. A city which Philbrick calls his main character.  Within the city our history plays out with the famous people we know like,  Joseph Warren, John and Sam Adams, John Hancock, Revere, Washington, Gage and the loyalists and patriots.  The story begins and ends with the role played by a young seven year old witness to the Battle of Bunker Hill, John Quincy Adams.  With tears in his eyes the violence of the day and the death of his beloved family friend, Dr. Joseph Warren, would stay with him for his entire life.  BUNKER HILL:  A City, A Siege,  A Revolution is superb. It has become a best seller, and is now in paperback as well. I only regret that I had not read this one sooner. I have already skimmed back numerous times. A must read for readers of American History- Philbrick is a phenomenal storyteller supported with his dense research.  ~Wisteria Leigh (2014)

Disclosure:  I purchased the copy of Bunker Hill for this review. WL

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2014]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Review-Forgotten Patriots by Edwin G. Burrows

FORGOTTEN PATRIOTS:
An Untold Story of American Prisoners During the Revolutionary War

Edwin G. Burrows (Pulitzer Prize Winning co-author of GOTHAM)
Basic Books
November 17, 2008
Hardcover, $27.50
978-0-465-00835-3




Boldly written history of American Patriots and civilians who suffered inconceivably inhuman treatment on numerous prison ships and sugar houses during the American Revolutionary War at the hands of the British.

Burrows presents his research and unveils the horrors inflicted on over 30,000 captured patriots.  These brave, yet unfortunate prisoners chose to live in retched squalor, close to starvation, surrounded by disease and death, rather than switch allegiance to England.

This is a part of American History that missed the textbooks in school. It was a surprise to me. Perhaps if you live in the area of New York and New Jersey, you are aware of this unspeakable part of history.  Truly, it really has been forgotten. It took over one hundred years to dedicate a monument to these patriots.

Why study history? Many professors would caution, we study history to learn from the past. With our 21st century awareness, it is not hard to make comparisons with our global community and reflect on the human rights abuse and suffering in our country and around the world.

incredible book of timely relevance that will shock and sicken readers.  It is a difficult subject to fathom. The conditions and numbers of dead who suffered are staggering.  Questions may be answered with many more generated.

Edwin Burrows' book is  a valuable and necessary addition to American History shelves. Excellent.



Disclosure:  This book was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.  This review is my honest opinion.

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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Review: Revolutionary Mothers by Carol Berkin

REVOLUTIONARY MOTHERS: WOMEN IN THE STRUGGLE FOR AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE,

Carol Berkin

Vintage Books

February 14, 2006

Paperback, 224 pages,  $16.00

978-1400075324.  

Much praise is given to Carol Berkin for this important addition to our American Revolutionary War history shelves. It is a fascinating history of women that may surprise some readers and raise questions for others.  Often overlooked and forgotten, the women who lived and died while the struggle for our independence was fought are recognized in REVOLUTIONARY MOTHERS: WOMEN IN THE STRUGGLE FOR AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE.

Some may be surprised to learn that Martha Washington and many other officers wives accompanied their husbands in battle.  British and Hessian officers adopted a temporary substitute wife, while the average soldier, had numerous women to pick from the hoards of camp followers who tagged along.  What Berkin points out is that it was only natural for women to follow men into battle, because men needed someone to care for them. Whether to do laundry, cook, nurse the sick or carnal pleasure, the men were better soldiers with their women along, and their leaders knew it.   

Whether the women were involved in actually fighting, which they were or travelling along side their spouse, women of all races had numerous roles to satisfy.  Chapters detail the various roles women played in Colonial Society and during and after the war. There were those who were left home, others who followed, some were General’s wives, or loyalists in exile, Indian Women, African American Women and many women became spies or couriers.  

This book evokes a penchant to read more about forgotten and omitted women who have historical relevance.  The endnotes and bibliography offer a place to begin. Readers will no doubt recognize famous men from this war, but those who find it difficult to name any famous women, will devour with fervor, REVOLUTIONARY MOTHERS: WOMEN IN THE STRUGGLE FOR AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE.

Wisteria Leigh

December 2013

Disclosure: Self-purchase

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Review: Blood of Tyrants: George Washington and the Forging of the Presidency, by Logan Beirne

BLOOD OF TYRANTS: George Washington and the Forging of the Presidency

Logan Beirne

Encounter Books

April 23, 2013 Kindle Edition

438 pages print version

$27.99 US, $14.99 Kindle

ASIN B00AUZS12E

When Independence Day approached this year, I searched my backlog of TBR books and without hesitation selected BLOOD OF TYRANTS.  Skeptics may question whether another book about our first president would offer new insight.  Logan Bierne has written a dramatic and entertaining history of George Washington pulled from his research.  It is a completely enveloping read,  with lesser known anecdotes and stories about George Washington to satisfy the curious. For example, Did you know his teeth were made from hippopotamus ivory and human teeth, not from wood?  

As our country struggled to emerge as a united collection of states, Congress wanted to micromanage the war through Washington’s leadership. This approach failed miserably.  It became clear to Congress that they needed to delegate full control for the armed services to George Washington, their Commander in Chief. With this decision, the American Revolution changed direction with the outcome destined for success in the hands of George Washington.  That Congress would grant such absolute power to one individual is surprising.  Just imagine how difficult it would be to change the Commander in Chief’s job description today, in the middle of a war.  Had Washington faced our current divisive partisan politicians on Capitol Hill what results might the country have suffered?

BLOOD OF TYRANTS shows how the Presidency of the United States and the role of Commander in Chief  merged as a result of the American Revolution.  When deciding the role of America’s President, the people looked to the brilliant leadership shown by George Washington, a proven success.   According to Bierne, some believed Washington had an immortal bullet-proof  shield of protection that kept him safe.  He was known to be an active inspirational commander, brave and fearless who wanted to protect all Americans, Patriots and Loyalists for the good of the new nation.

Logan Beirne has a deliberate purpose as he presents a focused approach specifically on the role of Commander in Chief in America’s early political theater.  BLOOD OF TYRANTS will astound readers with new awareness. Without a doubt it promises to provide much discussion and reflection among readers, both students and  historians.  One of my best pick reads for 2013.

Wisteria Leigh

July 5, 2013

DISCLOSURE: I obtained a copy of this Kindle edition on Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013]. 

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

 

Review Blog Tour: The Turncoat by Donna Thorland

Penguin Group Blog Tour Presents

THE TURNCOAT
by Donna Thorland

THE TURNCOAT
Donna Thorland

Published by NAL-Penguin

March 5, 2013

Paperback 432 pages

0451415396
List: $15.00, Kindle: 9.99

If you were asked to name a memorable historical romance novel set in the American Revolutionary War, most would find it difficult to name one or two.   THE TURNCOAT, Book #1 in the Renegades of the Revolution series will without a doubt fill that void.

The year is 1777 and Kate Grey, a Quaker and other women of her church are packing up supplies for the Continental Army.  Her father is Arthur Grey, a successful military man who recently departed Grey Farm with important information to deliver.  Among the ladies is Mrs. Ferrers, a widow, who appears to Kate to be out of place, somewhat odd.  

Shortly, a British soldier and company,  requisition the Grey Farm. He has an important dispatch to deliver to General Howe.  The man is Peter Tremayne, Lord Sancreed a Regular in King George’s army.  Tremayne is handsome, more arrogant than not with an air of self-importance and superiority. His uniformed exterior is lined with a sexual allure that is intoxicating.  His eyes are set on Kate Grey, plain and innocent.  He discovers a hidden document left by her father.  With these compromising papers as a lure, Kate agrees to meet him later.  While Tremayne is distracted by Kate, Mrs. Ferrers, who is a rebel spy, switches his documents before he continues on his journey. Tremayne faces court martial and possible hanging, but is given a reprieve with an ultimatum. His mission is to uncover the spy who betrayed him and this leads him to Philadelphia.  When he arrives, he meets up with his cousin Caide, rivals for years and a notorious rake. As they catch up, Caide shares his news of his upcoming nuptials. When Peter turns to meet the lucky woman, he gazes into familiar eyes.  Before him stands a beautiful well appointed woman, who he’d know anywhere as the plain and simple Kate Grey.

Historically, the plot weaves around the events of Valley Forge and the two enemy commanders, General Howe and General Washington. The scale tips more toward romance in this passionate  rebellious spy adventure of the 18th century. Kate makes a conscious choice to work for Washington as a patriot spy, knowing her treasonous acts can lead to sudden death.  Her Quaker roots remain, although buried deep below the surface.

Donna Thorland fashions strong determined women characters pitted against men who exude the arrogance of entitled birth with enduring results.  THE TURNCOAT with plenty of sexual passion and perfidious turns promises plenty of hold your breath moments.  It will be a long anxious wait for the second book due out next year.  

Wisteria Leigh
March 10, 2013

 

  The Turncoat ....Book Trailer

 

www.donnathorland.com

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher
to submit an unbiased reviewfor this blog tour.  

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013]. 

Review: Smuggler Nation, by Peter Andreas

SMUGGLER NATION: How Illicit Trade Made America
Peter Andreas
Oxford University Press
February 14, 2013
472 Pages
Hardcover
$29.95
978-0-19-974688-0






Really? America was made through smuggling and other illicit trades? Peter Andreas presents a fascinating view of history in his book SMUGGLER NATION. His purpose is to tell how smuggling and the endless quest to police it have made and continued to remake America through our present day. Perhaps a shocker to many Americans, this compelling narrative is backed up with extensive research and the writer’s skillful logical well planned chronology of events. From the early days of our nascent nation smuggling was inherent in its growth. Beginning with the infamous triangular trade routes to the recent history of drug smuggling, arms smuggling and human smuggling, the evidence is certainly convincing.

Andreas pens a historical narrative of violence, crime, war, greed, corruption and that is a storyboard for an action big screen movie. For example, he documents the stories of smuggling guns and supplies for the American Revolution, smuggling and busting through blockades during the American Civil War and the smuggling of industrial technology from Europe. Astor, Brown, Hancock names of some of the first successful and often multi-millionaire merchants were smugglers or relied on illicit trade to gain advantage. The author notes the irony. “that a country made of smuggling has now become the world’s leading anti-smuggling crusader.”  

SMUGGLER NATION is a remarkably candid history, naked in fact without cover-up, that will undoubtedly stimulate discussion and reflection. Peter Andreas excites his readers with an unexpected and atypical history. Highly recommended as an essential read for American History scholars as well as the curious.  Smuggler's Nation is well written and captivating. The author puzzles together the history of America that makes so much sense, peppered with stirring stories of clandestine operations and rebellious adventure.


Disclosure: A kindle version of this book was provided by Net Galley and the publisher at no cost.
My review is submitted without bias. 


© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013].


 Wisteria Leigh February 14, 2013

2013 Reading Challenge

 

 

Bookworms Dinner will participate this year in.......

War Through the Generations 2013 Reading Challenge

hosted by Anna and Serena

 

 

This year the challenge theme is the American Revolution.  What a fascinating period of history. I can't wait to share some of the books I read throughout the year. I hope to read a broad and diverse selection of genre related to this war. My reviews will be listed here and posted on War Through the Generations as well. Anna and Serena have provided a recommended reading list for anyone who may want to reference their annotated bibliography. 

TLC Blog Tour-The Rebellion of Jane Clarke, by Sally Gunning

THE REBELLION OF JANE CLARKE

by Sally Gunning

Harper Paperbacks (Reprint April 26, 2011)

ISBN 9780061782152

304 pages

Historical Fiction

 Book Description from Harper Collins 

"On the eve of the Revolutionary War, a young woman is caught between tradition and independence, family and conscience, loyalty and love, in this spellbinding novel from the author of The Widow's War and Bound

Jane Clarke leads a simple yet rich life in the small village of Satucket on Cape Cod. The vibrant scent of the ocean breeze, the stark beauty of the dunes, the stillness of the millpond are among the daily joys she treasures. Her days are full attending to her father's needs, minding her younger siblings, working with the local midwife. But at twenty-two, Jane knows things will change. Someday, perhaps soon, she will be expected to move out of her father's home and start a household of her own.

Yet some things—including the bitter feud between her father and a fellow miller named Winslow—appear likely to remain the same. When the dispute erupts into a shocking act of violence, Jane's lifelong trust in her father is shaken. Adding to her unease is Phinnie Paine, the young man Jane's father has picked out as son-in-law as well as business partner. When Jane defies her father and refuses to accept Phinnie's marriage proposal, she is sent away to Boston to make her living as she can.

Arriving in this strange, bustling city awash with red coats and rebellious fervor, Jane plunges into new conflicts and carries with her old ones she'd hoped to leave behind. Father against daughter, Clarke against Winslow, loyalist against rebel, command against free will—the battles are complicated when her growing attachment to her frail aunt, her friendship with the bookseller Henry Knox, and the unexpected kindness of the British soldiers pit her against the townspeople who taunt them and her own beloved brother, Nate, a law clerk working for John Adams.

But when Jane witnesses British soldiers killing five colonists on a cold March evening in 1770, an event now dubbed "the Boston Massacre," she must question seeming truths and face one of the most difficult choices of her life, alone except for the two people who continue to stand by her—her grandparents Lyddie and Eben Freeman."~Harper Collins

 

Sally Gunning

www.sallygunning.com

My Review

Anyone who has read The Widow’s War and Bound will be immediately drawn into the story of Jane Clarke.  Gunning once again presents a strong women in a historical fiction setting whose beliefs and actions run contrary to the accepted norms of the time period and culture.  Jane is a recalcitrant daughter, strong willed and unable to submit to the future married life her father has planned for her.  As a consequence she is banished from the comfort and security of her home in Satucket, Cape Cod. Jane travels to Boston to live with her aunt. She is determined to maintain her independence and form a life based on her convictions, at all costs.

Sally Gunning weaves a quick moving story that is entertaining as it meanders among the lives of famous statesmen of the day. Jane Clarke becomes a witness to The Boston Massacre and replays the events over and over to try and lift the clouds of doubt. When Jane is called to testify at the trial of the accused, she is faced with her own trial. The author puts her character to the test as she is faced with a difficult and ethical decision. The Rebellion of Jane Clarke becomes her internal struggle of right and wrong as much as her outward struggle for independence.  Without detailing too much of the story, no spoilers here....what ensues is a highly visible political debate with passionate opinions on either side of the trial bench.

Sally Gunning seeks out interesting snippets of history and puts together a well blended cast to produce an enhanced drama that will engage readers of historical fiction. Her author notes add clarity to the historical events in her book.  The Rebellion of Jane Clarke offers an ethics lesson that is timeless with relevance today.  The author’s image and vision of Jane, an obstreperous heroine is memorable and no doubt modern women will cheer her strong will.     

         

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2011].

Review-The Fort, by Bernard Cornwell..A Novel of the Revolutionary War

THE FORT
By Bernard Cornwell
Harper Collins Publishers
$25.99, 480 pages, Hardcover
978-0061969638
September 2010

This video snippet provided by Harper, features the author, Bernard Cornwell as he discusses his latest historical novel, THE FORT.

I was shocked to learn about this devastating naval defeat. It is considered one of the worst naval disasters in American History, second only to Pearl Harbor. It took place in the summer of 1779 at Penobscot Bay in Massachusetts, now a part of Maine. The British with only three small ships faced the enormous fleet of American naval power consisting of some forty ships at Majabigwaduce. Despite the odds in favor of the Rebels, they were defeated. Financially the loss today would is estimated to be the equivalent of about $300 million dollars. Further, Paul Revere is portrayed as an arrogant and obdurate general who would later be condemned and disgraced because of his conduct during this expedition.

What I value in Bernard Cornwell's historical novels is his persnickety predisposition to uncover the history behind the story. The framework for THE FORT begins with the history of the people and events. Then, he reassembles the facts with some embellishment, adding his unique vision resulting in absorbing and astonishing story. He takes a bold position in his novels, even when they are contrary to popular sentiment. After all, Paul Revere is legendary, a Revolutionary War hero in the minds of most Americans. Even though we have come to learn that Longfellow's poem of his midnight ride is a blurred truth, Revere's memory is still somewhat iconic.

I trust Bernard Cornwell's novels and consider them important narratives that add depth to the body of historical literature in print. Character point of view is essential in the overall understanding what happened during the Penobscot Expedition. What really happened? What went wrong? Whose to blame? Each character whether Rebel or Loyalist has a perspicuous role and Cornwell is able to portray both sides without a biased judgment.

Historical notes provide clarification and further details from the author’s research including additional resources for further study. THE FORT is historical fiction at its best, masterfully told with relentless intensity. Highly recommended.

Disclosure: A copy of this book was provided free of charge by the publisher. My review is my honest and unbiased opinion.