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He doesn't hesitate to reveal the many mistakes and moral failings which have occured in the name of the US, but he's not anti-American: he recognizes the time-tested value of our founding principles and the pivotal occasions when we've lived up to those ideals.The net impression one might take away is that America's good has prevailed over the bad, resulting in two centuries of success and progress in many areas, especially human rights and economic development. In this abridged audiobook, Kenneth Davis provides an episodic history of the US spanning from the voyages of Columbus to 9/11. I think that's a reasonable conclusion, but we have to always remember that European settlement of North America effectively decimated millions of Native Americans who's ancestors had lived here for thousands of years and comprised hundreds of diverse cultures. Much has to be left out in an abridgement, but I think his choices are reasonable for giving a feel for the major events and general contours of US history. Moreover, he describes these episodes in significant depth, thereby presenting facts which won't be known to most people, so the tradeoff between breadth and depth is a good one.As any serious historian must, Davis is willing to openly present his interpretations and opinions, and I think he proves to be balanced and fair in this regard. Since so few Native Americans are left, this sad fact doesn't get discussed much. Personally, I think this is a tragedy even worse than our legacy of slavery, and I can't really think of any response other than lament.Anyway, this audiobook provides an excellent and engaging episodic overview of US history, so I recommend it.
never received this book. still waiting for it over a month after I ordered it.
I checked this tape out at our local library and found it not only informative but, at times, amusing. Impressed by the scholarship and insights of the author, I purchased it as a holiday gift for my grandchilden, who are being home-schooled.
The book that I ordered,, it really has some totally differant things which will help both of my kids with their history or government classes,,It has some really interesting information that if they need to write a report or essay, then they could find something in the book that would be interesting enough to write about. So I am glad I chose the book, it was worth investing the money on something to help my boys with their school classes.
(By the way, she is not an avid reader).Buy a copy and you will soon agree. A great read for young and old.
There are some facts we miss along the way in our educational experience and some subjects about which we'd like to know more. History is a very broad but fascinating topic.
It is one of those books you can not put down, but, if you do, you will keep coming back for more. Mr.
Davis fills in gaps nicely. I recently sent a copy to my daughter who is so totally engrossed that she and her friend have begun reading it together.
Diana M
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