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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
informative
slow-paced
I always enjoy McCullough's works, and this one can be added to that statement. Listening to him talk about the Presidents made me want to read McCullough's assessment of 45.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
David McCullough is gifted writer and has an astounding knowledge of our country’s history and bygone political figures. John and Abigail Adams, John Quincy Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Rush as well as many other signers of the Declaration of Independence, Manasseh Cutler, Theodore Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and John F. Kennedy are just some of the personalities that he chose to include in this work. He gives depth to their experience and struggles, insight to their character and notes their perhaps lesser known accomplishments. He makes them become real to us.
This collection of speeches is enlightening and refreshing to read. The attitudes and values McCullough witnesses our forefathers to have possessed stand in marked contrast to the current political era and made me yearn for a return to time when serving the public, statesmanship and eloquent writing were attributes of our country’s leaders.
I found many of his speeches to ramble on off topic. However, his musings held my interest so that it was not irritating to continue reading. His encouragement to college graduates to remember and value history and the sacrifices of our forefathers, to be patriotic, and understand the importance of true citizenship is the best advice anyone could offer to a young person about to enter the real world. His love of reading and learning are contagious.
This collection of speeches is enlightening and refreshing to read. The attitudes and values McCullough witnesses our forefathers to have possessed stand in marked contrast to the current political era and made me yearn for a return to time when serving the public, statesmanship and eloquent writing were attributes of our country’s leaders.
I found many of his speeches to ramble on off topic. However, his musings held my interest so that it was not irritating to continue reading. His encouragement to college graduates to remember and value history and the sacrifices of our forefathers, to be patriotic, and understand the importance of true citizenship is the best advice anyone could offer to a young person about to enter the real world. His love of reading and learning are contagious.
Interesting essays and speeches read by the author that quickly summarized some of America’s most influential people and events. Quick listen that was inspiring and informative.
It was a collection of speeches -- commencement addresses, opening remarks, etc. -- from throughout David McCullough's career, which made it difficult to read sometimes since a speech has such a different flow than even an essay. But I appreciated the opportunity to see more of McCullough's wit, sense of humor, and passion for the American spirit. Hands down my favorite thing I have read this year.
It’s a very very patriotic book. I don’t know how important patriotism is to me anymore. A huge part of me says I should shed my patriotism altogether for the kingdom of God. Another part of me is still moved by the acts of nobility that try to balance the horrors of our American past. I still cry during the national anthem sometimes, so I still really liked this book.
I enjoyed listening to this collection of David McCullough's speeches. The speeches, some commencement speeches, are a wonderful combination of historical references and common sense. I have read a few of McCullough's historical books and I want to (and will) read more. The American Spirit is read by the author, which just added to my enjoyment. It was like listening to a favorite uncle (and my cousins who might be reading this probably know to whom I refer) espouse his opinions, supported by history and facts. And while I loved the audio book, I am going to buy a print copy to have, reread and refer to often.
He brought up some important things, but I just had a hard time staying focused and listening to it.