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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
This is a collection of speeches, not a continuous narrative. The first two were really dry, and after that it got better.
This was a charming group of commencement speeches and what I think were short stories (I was listening, so probably didn't have the context that the book gave). I enjoyed the gentle sharing of wisdom.
This collection of speeches given by author David McCullough over a span of twenty-five years touch on many of the subjects and themes in the author's numerous books. All are about American history, and the people who participated in the development of our nation. They serve as a reminder of our unusual origins and the remarkable men and women who made it possible, and fought to sustain it in the early years of the nation. McCullough is largely optimistic about the basic decency and patriotism that has held us together as a nation through dark days; but you can hear in the most recent speeches his concern that we are bending away from the foundations on which the nation was built, and need once more to pull back to the central values that made the United States possible. Worth a read for the capsule history embedded in each speech, but also to call us back to what matters--a sense of who we are as Americans, and what we want to stand for in the future.
What a book! If you're ever feeling negative about the state of the United States (which seems pretty often, as of late), read this. It is spectacular. A must-read for everyone.
I love David McCullough's work, as an author and historian, and when I saw he had a new book coming out, it went on my wish list pretty much instantly. When I realized that it was not so much a new book as a collection of speeches and addresses he has given over the years (to Congress, commencement addresses, etc.), I was a little less enthusiastic because those sorts of things often fail to be as awe-inspiring, especially out of context. And yet . . . I tried it anyway. And I'm so glad I did. This is first-rate stuff. Real deep thinking, with a clear historical perspective, on who we Americans are as a people, and what we allegedly stand for, and the sorts of things we need to do if we want to actually stand for those things. Check it out.
This book is a collection of speeches made by the author, and they are a perfect antidote to the partisan bickering that currently fills our media. David McCullough is not only a respected historian, he is a lover of words. His speeches show the depth of his passion for history and his admiration for the unique characters of the men and women throughout our history that have made us who we are. Although many of the speeches are from a decade or more ago, they continue to be relevant today. The wisdom offered by Mr McCullough is inspiring. I listened to the audiobook so I was able to enjoy the speeches in the authors own voice. I highly recommend this book, especially at a time like the present when we all need a reminder of the many courageous individuals who have contributed so much to this country.
First off, I listened to the audio version which had the author reading. That added a nice touch, to a book that consists of speeches presented over the past 30 or so years.
Typically, I like my history to be more of the critical side, more than the celebratory style that focuses on American exceptionalism.
But this book was a real joy to listen to. The passion that McCullough has for the history of our country is real infectious. And although he focuses on American exceptionalism, it's not a history telling that is naïve of the warts and mistakes that people in our country have made.
A real joy. . .
Typically, I like my history to be more of the critical side, more than the celebratory style that focuses on American exceptionalism.
But this book was a real joy to listen to. The passion that McCullough has for the history of our country is real infectious. And although he focuses on American exceptionalism, it's not a history telling that is naïve of the warts and mistakes that people in our country have made.
A real joy. . .
Read. Read. Read. Good advice David McCullough, thank you for the reminder.
Also, so many references to Adams. I need to study and read much more about this family. (Especially since that is the family my husband can trace his lineage back to...)
Sometimes I don't know why I pick up a book when I do. I'm always happily content to find these sort of nudges from the universe along the way.
Quick read. Good stuff.
Also, so many references to Adams. I need to study and read much more about this family. (Especially since that is the family my husband can trace his lineage back to...)
Sometimes I don't know why I pick up a book when I do. I'm always happily content to find these sort of nudges from the universe along the way.
Quick read. Good stuff.
What an amazing collection--I love that David was the narrator of the audio version!