Laurie Olsen's Reviews > 1776

I'm a bit torn on the number of stars to give, 4 or 5. It isn't a page turner novel, although it is gripping but heart-wrenching at the same time. I'll admit sometimes I put it down on purpose, knowing the basics of what was coming next and needing to wait until a better time to deal with it. At the same time I had to keep reading it, because I knew that eventually the tide would turn for the US Army.

Reading it right before Memorial Day weekend makes this upcoming holiday a bit more poignant for me. "To those who, when they wrote a blank check to their country, up to and including their own life, had that check cashed."

The hero for me, who I've always respected but never more than I do now, is General George Washington. He was outclassed in so many ways by the British leadership, in military experience, training and resources. He struggled so hard trying to figure out how to do his job correctly, in a very steep and public learning curve. However two things make me respect him completely; 1) he never lost sight of the goal, and 2) he never, ever, ever gave up.

This book made me want to cry and cheer and be proud to be an American. I highly recommend it.