Wanted to provide a book review of various books I have read over the past 6 months. About 6 months ago, I became burned out on tv and started a book reading binge on American history.
As it turns out, not by intention, all these books are by David McCullough. Amazing that one person could right so many books of this quality.
I have provided a rating and ranked them in descending order. They are all quality reads, and I would put the first two in the “must read” group. The Truman book may be the best book I have ever read. Keep in mind that biographies are not just about that person, but all the things that happened during that time.
Biography of Truman (5) – Pulitzer prize winner and should be. It’s a good reminder of the number of significant events that happened during his two terms. Did not realize he became president because FDR passed away early in his fourth term and then won a tight race for his second term. After finishing his two terms, he personally raised the money for his library, designed it and then worked at it 6 days a week.
Biography of John Adams (4.5) – read this shortly after reading the biography of Alexander Hamilton. A great refresher on early American history.
The Path Between the Seas (4) – detailed account of building the Panama Canal. Amazing story. The French started it, spent a lot of money and then walked away. It was not until late in the project that the Americans realized a sea level canal would not work.
The Great Bridge (4) – detailed account of the building of the Brooklyn bridge. The chief engineer may have been the inventor of working from home as he led the construction of the bridge for years remotely after suffering from the bends that occurred from working below the water surface and ascending too quickly (they ultimately realized they needed a pressure chamber for future bridges).
The Greater Journey (3) – in the mid-19th century, many Americans went to Paris to study medicine, music and the arts. Interesting read in those topics interest you.
As it turns out, not by intention, all these books are by David McCullough. Amazing that one person could right so many books of this quality.
I have provided a rating and ranked them in descending order. They are all quality reads, and I would put the first two in the “must read” group. The Truman book may be the best book I have ever read. Keep in mind that biographies are not just about that person, but all the things that happened during that time.
Biography of Truman (5) – Pulitzer prize winner and should be. It’s a good reminder of the number of significant events that happened during his two terms. Did not realize he became president because FDR passed away early in his fourth term and then won a tight race for his second term. After finishing his two terms, he personally raised the money for his library, designed it and then worked at it 6 days a week.
Biography of John Adams (4.5) – read this shortly after reading the biography of Alexander Hamilton. A great refresher on early American history.
The Path Between the Seas (4) – detailed account of building the Panama Canal. Amazing story. The French started it, spent a lot of money and then walked away. It was not until late in the project that the Americans realized a sea level canal would not work.
The Great Bridge (4) – detailed account of the building of the Brooklyn bridge. The chief engineer may have been the inventor of working from home as he led the construction of the bridge for years remotely after suffering from the bends that occurred from working below the water surface and ascending too quickly (they ultimately realized they needed a pressure chamber for future bridges).
The Greater Journey (3) – in the mid-19th century, many Americans went to Paris to study medicine, music and the arts. Interesting read in those topics interest you.
