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trishadenise's review against another edition
3.0
it seems that moses has had massive influence on our nation throughout history. lots of "oh, yeah!" moments in this book. (perhaps more interesting to me because my husband is a history geek.)
i appreciate that feiler's research is always hands-on. check out [b:Walking the Bible: A Journey by Land Through the Five Books of Moses|31968|Walking the Bible A Journey by Land Through the Five Books of Moses|Bruce Feiler|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1168296259s/31968.jpg|32187] if you like to travel.
i appreciate that feiler's research is always hands-on. check out [b:Walking the Bible: A Journey by Land Through the Five Books of Moses|31968|Walking the Bible A Journey by Land Through the Five Books of Moses|Bruce Feiler|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1168296259s/31968.jpg|32187] if you like to travel.
judyward's review against another edition
4.0
I've read several books by Bruce Feiler and was intrigued with the theme of this book--that Moses has been linked with the history of the United States since the beginning. Feiler begins to build his case by looking at the way in which both the colonists in Jamestown and Plymouth referred to themselves in terms of leaving England to find the Promised Land much as Moses led the Jews out of bondage from Egypt. Moses was frequently referred to during the colonial period, the Revolution, the Federal Period, the Great Awakening, the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, the Civil Rights period, and right up to the election of 20008. It was interesting to follow this theme through American history. Feiler feels that Moses can almost be considered one of the Foundating Fathers because he represents the promise of beginning a new life in a new land, the struggle between freedom and law, and the hope of a better future. Feiler has illustrated the importance of the idea of Moses in American history and has highlighted some fascinating themes in American history.
davidr's review against another edition
4.0
The premise of this fascinating book, is that many key points of American history were based on the biblical character, Moses. His story had strong influence on the Pilgrims, on Harriet Tubman, Brigham Young, Martin Luther King Jr., and on a number of presidents, including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and even George W. Bush.
The Second Continental Congress appointed John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson to form a committee to design a seal for the United States. Both Franklin and Jefferson independently proposed seal designs picturing scenes from the Exodus! They both thought that freedom was an important concept to be embodied in the seal. (Neither of their proposals was ultimately accepted.)
The Liberty Bell is inscribed with words of Moses, "Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof." A hand of the Statue of Liberty holds a set of tablets, reminiscent of Moses. He was a national hero for slaves, who sang a number of songs about him. The comic book hero Superman is based partly on Moses; both were sent away as babies by their mothers, in order to survive, and both grew up, unknowingly, among people from "other tribes".
Moses has always been a symbol of gaining freedom from oppression. This theme figures very strongly in the American psyche. Bruce Feiler makes a very strong case for the central role that the story of Moses has played throughout history.
I listened to this book as an audiobook, which was read by the author. Feiler is a mediocre reader; his narration does not add much to the impact of the book. Nevertheless, this book weaves together a compelling story, explaining how the concept of liberty holds so strongly among Americans, and how Moses is seen almost universally as a hero who embodies this concept.
The Second Continental Congress appointed John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson to form a committee to design a seal for the United States. Both Franklin and Jefferson independently proposed seal designs picturing scenes from the Exodus! They both thought that freedom was an important concept to be embodied in the seal. (Neither of their proposals was ultimately accepted.)
The Liberty Bell is inscribed with words of Moses, "Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof." A hand of the Statue of Liberty holds a set of tablets, reminiscent of Moses. He was a national hero for slaves, who sang a number of songs about him. The comic book hero Superman is based partly on Moses; both were sent away as babies by their mothers, in order to survive, and both grew up, unknowingly, among people from "other tribes".
Moses has always been a symbol of gaining freedom from oppression. This theme figures very strongly in the American psyche. Bruce Feiler makes a very strong case for the central role that the story of Moses has played throughout history.
I listened to this book as an audiobook, which was read by the author. Feiler is a mediocre reader; his narration does not add much to the impact of the book. Nevertheless, this book weaves together a compelling story, explaining how the concept of liberty holds so strongly among Americans, and how Moses is seen almost universally as a hero who embodies this concept.
sandreasen's review
3.0
Pretty interesting stuff- I certainly never know how influential Moses has been in American history. A little dry, a little long.
coolhand773's review
2.0
It is rare that I put a book down and walk away, but did so with this one. The premise is mildly interesting, but could have been handled in a long column or blog post. Also the author seems to virtually ignore any spiritual reason for the inspiration of the Exodus story in favor of a utilitarian social-justice explanation, which stuck in my craw. Could be that he redeems himself but I wasn't interested in sticking around to find out.
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