What's a good U.S. History book to read?

[leahannpen]

Okay, I admit it, I didn't pay attention in school....when I did go. But, I am interested in doing a little making up and was wondering if anyone could recommond a good, interesting book about U.S. History that I could maybe pick up from the library.

Thanks!

 

[peg2001]

I recommend Joy Hakim's "History of US" series. Our local library has them.

Peggy

Oh, also, if you like novels and are interested in "easy" reads, there is a series of books called American Girl that are historical fiction and give you a real feel for what it was like to live in different eras. We are reading through these with our DDs and they are pretty good.

 

[monkeyboy]

US History in general...or a certain subject about US History?

 

[Cindy B]

Well, an interesting one I have seen is called

Lies My teacher told Me: Everything your American History Textbook Got Wrong.

Its an interesting perspective on history, and the "truth" behind the teachings that we all know.

Yes, it is true that some textbooks have a "slant" to it.
This book shows some"light" onto it. I have been surprised while reading it... like hey, I never was taught that, etc..

 

[leahannpen]

Originally posted by monkeyboy
US History in general...or a certain subject about US History?

US History in general. Thanks!

 

[caitycaity]

i would recommend "a people's history of the united states" by howard zinn.

 

[peg2001]

Oh, sorry to add to your reading list, but I just read a review of "The greatest stories never told : 100 tales from history to astonish, bewilder & stupefy" by Rick Beyer and it sounds so interesting that I've already got it on hold at the library.

Peggy

 

[Cindy B]

Originally posted by peg2001
Oh, sorry to add to your reading list, but I just read a review of "The greatest stories never told : 100 tales from history to astonish, bewilder & stupefy" by Rick Beyer and it sounds so interesting that I've already got it on hold at the library.

Peggy

I saw that book on Amazon's website. That looked interesting as well.

 

[Pin Wizard]

I prefer "live" history. I'm ready for another trip to Williamsburg!

 

[daughter_of_amid_chaos]

Originally posted by caitycaity
i would recommend "a people's history of the united states" by howard zinn.

I second this recommendation. I plan on being a history major so I have a ton of books focusing on US history.

 

[JetMom]

I enjoyed Bruce Catton's books about the Civil War Era in US History.

 

[DVC-Don]

The Naval History of the War of 1812 by Thedore Rossevelt.

 

[cindysteve]

"Don't Know Much About History" Everything You Need to Know about American History but Never Learned by Kenneth C. Davis. It was a NY Times Bestseller

 

[tinaluis]

Another recommendation for the People's History of the United States by Zinn.

 

[leahannpen]

Excellent! Thanks so much for all the suggestions. I've made my list and I'm going to go get these soon. I am anxious to get started. If anyone else has any other suggestions, I'll take 'em.

 

[Alice28]

Okay, this isn't a book, nor is it a general US History piece, but The Civil War Series that was on PBS by Ken Burns was so impressive and just *real*. My DH is a History buff and was his major in college and he has always said that if ever decides to teach US History, that that series will be a must watch in his class. I am sure you can rent it either at the video store or your library. It is wonderful, and be prepared to have some Kleenex.

 

[kadaten]

Don't laugh. I'd recommend The Cartoon History of the United States by Larry Gonick. Here's a link to it cheap on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t..._books_2/103-6479335-2256628?v=glance&s=books

I know it sounds weird, but my DH swears by this series of books. (There's also Cartoon History of the Universe I, II, and III, Cartoon Guide to Physics, Chemistry, Genetics, Statistics...etc.) DH, by the way, is one of those people who makes most people feel absolutely stupid when they talk to him. A complete brainiac. He majored in International Affairs, has his Masters in Military Intelligence, and is a military intelligence officer who keeps some of our leaders up-to-date and in-the-know. Tries to get all the guys in his department to read these books....gives them great background, actually covers most of the details, and is in a readily accessible format. And he's not joking....he actually cites them in his research papers for school!! And we just bougt the 3 Universe ones along with U.S. for a going away present for a co-worker.

I hate history...was never any good at it...and even I find these books to be good reads. Now if I could just retain everything I've read....

Katie

 

[Planogirl]

Rebels and Redcoats by Scheer and Rankin is an interesting book about the American Revolution. It's a first hand account from those who lived through it.