Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
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SALT LAKE CITY — This weekend, as you kick back to eat barbecue and watch fireworks, bring along a book that celebrates the greatness that is The United States of America. Learn how it all started, how it progressed, and the problems and triumphs along the way.
1. “1776” by David McCulloughHailed as the foremost expert in American history, author David McCullough explores the year America was born. From the battle between the disparate colonies to the battle with England, McCullogh dissects every aspect to show readers just how all the pieces came together to create a county.
2. “James Madison: A Life Reconsidered” by Lynne Cheney
After more than 20 years of research, former second lady Lynne Cheney brings to light the life of the undervalued Founding Father, James Madison. A true genius and a revolutionary in more than one way, Madison’s life is one all Americans should better understand.
3. “Undaunted Courage: The Pioneering First Mission to Explore America’s Wild Frontier” by Stephen E. Ambrose
In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson charged two men with an enormous and historical task: to head West. Captain Meriwether Lewis, President Jefferson’s personal secretary at the time, boldly accepted the task to explore unknown territory — home to the American Indians. Accompanied by frontiersman William Clark and Indian girl Sacagawea, this expedition changed the face of growing nation.
4. “The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America” by Erik Larson
Everything in this book is true, yet it reads like a thriller or murder mystery. The historic details about America’s first serial killer and the Chicago World’s Fair are mind-blowing. So much of what we know and do today came from this fair. You’ll be asking why you didn’t know these things already and turning pages as fast as you can read.
5. “The Guns of August” by Barbara W. Tuchman
How did World War I start? Why didn’t anyone stop it? Could it have been avoided? Author Barbara W. Tuchman answers these tough questions in this nonfiction read. A touching, educational and unforgettable account of the The Great War.
6. “Truman” by David McCullough
The dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan. The start of the Cold War and the Korean War. These are just a few of the momentous, world-altering events that took place while Harry S. Truman was president. Author David McCullough explores how a seemingly ordinary man from Missouri became one of the most courage presidents in our history.
7. “Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10” by Marcus Luttrell
More heroism than history, this fascinating and emotional account of one soldier’s experience in our country’s current war is a must-read. Author Marcus Luttrell recounts his life from his teen days of early morning training to brutal SEAL exercises to the mission that changed his life. An eye-opening and touching account.
What is your favorite American-history read? Share on this story's comment board.
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Teri Harman, author and book enthusiast, writes a monthly column for ksl.com and contributes book-related segments to Studio 5. Her debut novel, "Blood Moon," is now available in stores and online. Join in the magic and chaos at teriharman.com.*
