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377 reviews for:
Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever
Bill O'Reilly, Martin Dugard
3.85 AVERAGE
377 reviews for:
Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever
Bill O'Reilly, Martin Dugard
3.85 AVERAGE
This was like...not as bad as I thought it would be? And not as conservative agenda-laden as eg [b:Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims|18460009|Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims|Rush Limbaugh|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1378587144s/18460009.jpg|26112464].
But also, it's not good? And there are like a million books about the Lincoln assassination and this one doesn't really add anything to the conversation, so.
http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/episode-46-killing-lincoln/
But also, it's not good? And there are like a million books about the Lincoln assassination and this one doesn't really add anything to the conversation, so.
http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/episode-46-killing-lincoln/
Had this book been advertised as a "fictionalized history" or a "re-imagined memoir," I would have very few problems with it. It was well written, interesting, and well paced. However since it is presented as non-fiction, I cannot endorse the book. From the inner thoughts of characters to conversations no one overheard, the authors take a great deal of artistic license. Without footnotes, or at the very least a resource list, I was left with many questions about how such things were discovered. I found that I could never relax while reading because I was constantly questioning whether each sentence was part of the imagining or the sourced material. I understand why people like this book, but as a trained historian and former history teacher, I will not be recommending it.
Initially, I slogged through this book. The first part of the book focused heavily on military strategy and the last few days of the Civil War, which didn't interest me that much. But soon, the war ended and then much of the book focused on Lincoln's and Booth's race toward each other and Ford's Theater. I was also interested in the aftermath of the assassination.
I learned so many things in this book. I can't believe there was no fence around the White House and that anyone could wander in or that people slept in the White House hallways waiting to speak to Lincoln. I also can't believe that that bodyguard who left Lincoln vulnerable at the theater never was punished for his derelict of duty!!!
This book has also piqued my interest in learning more about Mary Lincoln.
I learned so many things in this book. I can't believe there was no fence around the White House and that anyone could wander in or that people slept in the White House hallways waiting to speak to Lincoln. I also can't believe that that bodyguard who left Lincoln vulnerable at the theater never was punished for his derelict of duty!!!
This book has also piqued my interest in learning more about Mary Lincoln.
I found this book to be utterly fascinating. Prior to reading this book I didn't really know that much about the Lincoln assassination. I knew it was a conspiracy but I didn't fully understand the scope of what was planned. I also didn't know that there were still some unanswered questions about how was involved or how much they were involved. I liked how the book was written, more like a story, less like a textbook of facts.
The first part of the book details the end of the Civil War. This was the part of the book I liked the least. It was very descriptive and necessary to the book, but it didn't really grab my attention. It was interesting to read about the last battles now that I am living in Virginia, where they took place. It definitely put how far the soldiers traveled on foot into perspective.
The middle of the book was dedicated to the assassination of President Lincoln. This was the best part of the book. It not only detailed Lincoln's movements the day he was assassinated but also Booth's conspiracy. Booth was a meticulous planner and manipulated many of the other people involved in the conspiracy to do things his way. It also highlights some of the suspicious actions by people who were never accused of having a part in the assasination.
The last part of the book details the capture of those involved. Some of them were caught out of sheer stupidity (and alcohol), others were chased, and some stuck around thinking they were ok. I felt a little sorry for Marry Surratt. While she was certainly not guilt free, I'm not sure she played a big enough part to be executed.
The first part of the book details the end of the Civil War. This was the part of the book I liked the least. It was very descriptive and necessary to the book, but it didn't really grab my attention. It was interesting to read about the last battles now that I am living in Virginia, where they took place. It definitely put how far the soldiers traveled on foot into perspective.
The middle of the book was dedicated to the assassination of President Lincoln. This was the best part of the book. It not only detailed Lincoln's movements the day he was assassinated but also Booth's conspiracy. Booth was a meticulous planner and manipulated many of the other people involved in the conspiracy to do things his way. It also highlights some of the suspicious actions by people who were never accused of having a part in the assasination.
The last part of the book details the capture of those involved. Some of them were caught out of sheer stupidity (and alcohol), others were chased, and some stuck around thinking they were ok. I felt a little sorry for Marry Surratt. While she was certainly not guilt free, I'm not sure she played a big enough part to be executed.
The book does a good job summarizing each day prior to the assignation through an historian focal point. A quick easy read, with one or two new detail, I did not know before reading the book.
This was a very interesting and good read. It gave me a new perspective on those awful days leading up to President Lincoln's assassination and right afterwards.
I listened to this as an audiobook and Bill O'Reilly does a good job narrating. It is very thoroughly researched (sometimes providing an excessive amount of irrelevant detail) but overall pretty interesting if you enjoy history.
This book was captivating and made history as exciting as it should be. However, having read a lot on this topic, I didn't like how sensationalized the story was. It was heavy into the conspiracy theories and the author made it clear who he thought was innocent or guilty- particularly Mary Surratt. He made her out to be a poor and tortured innocent woman who was simply bait for the capture of her son, which I don't believe. There was much detail in the book- almost too much. I don't like historical works that can't be proven. I want to know how in the world the author knew that JWB kissed his ring as he stood all alone at his fiancees door the morning of the assassination. I know Booth kept a journal, but I don't think it was that detailed. I listened to the book on CD so I didn't get to take a look at the bibliography... if there even was one (I think I read online that there is not). Historical work with no works cited? Even my 8th graders can do that.
I must say, however, that if the choice is between reading this book and reading nothing about the Lincoln assassination, please read the book! It is such a fascinating subject that usually gets glossed over in history classes with "Lincoln was assassinated by JWB in April of 1865." There is so much detail and mystery surrounding it all.
I must say, however, that if the choice is between reading this book and reading nothing about the Lincoln assassination, please read the book! It is such a fascinating subject that usually gets glossed over in history classes with "Lincoln was assassinated by JWB in April of 1865." There is so much detail and mystery surrounding it all.