You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
I really liked this novelization of the Battle of Gettysburg. It was interesting to read all about the doubts that the Confederate generals felt entering this doomed battle. This was the turning point of the Civil War.
medium-paced
The Killer Angels tremendously moved me. I am not a Civil War buff. I've never been interested in popular movies or documentaries on the subject. Aside from school texts, I've never read about the war. No offense to anyone, but folks who spend their time re-enacting the Civil War will forever perplex me.
So what led me Michael Shaara’s book? Joss Whedon, who has cited it as an inspiration for Firefly, one my favorite cancelled-before-its-time shows. I’m not quite a Whedon fan girl, and there were other potentially compelling reasons to read this book, from its having been awarded the Pulitzer Prize for fiction to the fact that according to the all-knowing Wikipedia, “It is one of only two novels on the U.S. Army's recommended reading list for Officer Professional Development” and has been required reading for all sorts of U.S. military entities. Had I not needed all that convincing, I hope I would still have had it thrust upon me it one day, for the writing is absolutely lovely, the characterizations are thoughtful, and the gravity of those three days of battle has never pressed more upon me.
So what led me Michael Shaara’s book? Joss Whedon, who has cited it as an inspiration for Firefly, one my favorite cancelled-before-its-time shows. I’m not quite a Whedon fan girl, and there were other potentially compelling reasons to read this book, from its having been awarded the Pulitzer Prize for fiction to the fact that according to the all-knowing Wikipedia, “It is one of only two novels on the U.S. Army's recommended reading list for Officer Professional Development” and has been required reading for all sorts of U.S. military entities. Had I not needed all that convincing, I hope I would still have had it thrust upon me it one day, for the writing is absolutely lovely, the characterizations are thoughtful, and the gravity of those three days of battle has never pressed more upon me.
From someone who had to read the book for school and finds history extremely boring, it is one of the worst possible books you can pick up to read. But if you love history, you would most likely love this book too. It was okay is some parts but other then those few pages, it did not keep my interest and was hard to follow along.
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This dramatic, historical novel immerses the reader into the midst of a pivotal point during the United States Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg. By focusing on just the one campaign, the author is able to dig deep and provide layers of detail that might not be possible in a novel that focused on the entire war. We get to know all of the major players involved on both sides, shedding light on their humanity — histories, friendships, strengths, foibles, quirks, families, mistakes and all. My knowledge of the Civil War prior to reading this novel was mostly generic: as a result of conflicting ideals, there was a war punctuated by battles and many deaths, and ultimately one faction conceded defeat. While I can't say that I suddenly feel like an expert now, and though it was admittedly not quiiiiiite as riveting as I usually prefer my historical fiction to be, this book was was both an interesting and an enjoyable experience. I selected it to fulfill the Read Harder category "an award-winning book from the year you were born."
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
After watching Gettysburg I had to read the book on which it was based...not only because the movie was very good. (One of the few war movies that I have actually re-watched voluntarily--my dad used to love war movies & I've seen all the John Wayne ones more than necessary). I have been interested in the Civil War since taking an awesome course on it in high school from a teacher who was a true student of the period (and who, unfortunately was taken from us much too soon).
This is a book that Mr. Rood (aforementioned teacher) would have loved and would probably had included in the class as required reading if he had known about it then. It brings the 3-day battle to life in such a very real and human way. The friendships that crossed battlelines, the anguish and bravery, and heartbreak.
Again...I love this book. It led me to go on and read more on Joshua Chamberlain--the hero of Little Round Top.
This is a book that Mr. Rood (aforementioned teacher) would have loved and would probably had included in the class as required reading if he had known about it then. It brings the 3-day battle to life in such a very real and human way. The friendships that crossed battlelines, the anguish and bravery, and heartbreak.
Again...I love this book. It led me to go on and read more on Joshua Chamberlain--the hero of Little Round Top.
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
This was a pretty remarkable telling of the battle of Gettysburg. It's one thing to know the battles and understand the movements, but it's another to sympathize with the soldiers, reb or union, and the personal struggles they are all going through