Robyn's Reviews > 1776

Don't take the fact that it took me a month and a half to finish this not terribly long book as a sign I didn't enjoy it. As usual, McCullough presents the history he is telling in a focused and concise way. There isn't a lot of extraneous fluff here, though I'm certain the parts of the story that aren't commonly told are quite interesting. Its a bit dry and required me to give it full attention (which is why it was a slow read - I have very little time when my brain isn't doing several things at once) but I was constantly amazed at the story. I learned quite a few new things. Did you know the revolutionary war actually too almost seven years to conclude? We normally only talk about the events of 1776 and forget there is so much more to the story. I have a whole new respect for George Washington who was a very human man, but strove to be the best he could be. Reading excerpts of letters sent by the men he led was really touching. They largely had great respect for him. Quite a contrast in this presidential election season of disrespect, skepticism and gutter politics. As time consuming as 1776 was for me, I think it should be required reading for all citizens as it gives a peek into not only the mindset of the revolutionaries but shows the character our nation was founded on and the miracles that enabled it to be so.