1776 #bookreview

Bibliographic Info

From WorldCat
Title: 1776
Author: David G McCullough; Recorded Books, LLC.
Publisher: Prince Frederick, Md. : Recorded Books ; [Prince Frederick, Md.] : [Distributed by] OneClick Digital, 2011, ℗2005.
Edition/Format: eAudiobook : English : Unabridged
Material Type: Audio book, etc., Sound recording, Internet resource
Document Type: Internet Resource, Computer File, Sound Recording
All Authors / Contributors: David G McCullough; Recorded Books, LLC.
ISBN: 9781449869854 1449869858
OCLC Number: 867115097
Performer(s): Narrated by the author.
Subjects: United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783.

Background

Honestly, who hasn't read 1776 by David McCullough? More than that, who hasn't read something by the great biographer? You know, he also wrote about John Adams and The American Spirit... Well, me; sadly, shockingly even! (Although I did watch the John Adams miniseries with Paul Giamatti on Amazon Prime. It is excellent and I heartily recommend it.) This has been on my reading list for far too long and as I browsed my public library's Hoopla offerings, I saw 1776 and decided to check it out and give it a listen.

As Liaison to the History department, I feel I should at least be familiar with the accessible popular biographies of authors like Chernow & McCullough, even if they are somewhat looked down on by serious academics. At least they provide a baseline of general knowledge that can be improved. But alas, there's only a limited number of hours in the day.

Review

It took a while for me to get into this audio title. I like to read history books on the page (physical or digital) so I can dwell on the details. I found myself wanting to dig into certain phrases when the narrator, David McCullough himself, kept moving on. That is no fault of the writer, it is a personal preference of the reader. Still, it is something of which to beware.

On the subject of the audiobook. While McCullough absolutely did a marvelous job of researching and writing, I did not particularly like his reading of the text. It also threw me when some random lady read random chapters. I assume this is because McCullough read the book initially, and then for the unabridged portions someone else took over. Her voice wasn't bad, it was just a jarring transition at times.

1776 covers the first year of the American Revolution (duh, it's in the title). David McCullough includes details from the highest ranks to the lowest. Eventually, though, he focuses more on General Washingon's tactical decisions which allow the Americans to survive that first year of the war when their cause could have been squashed if the British had made different decisions.

I heartily endorse this book for anyone interested in Early American History. It is eminently accessible and audiobooks are a really convenient medium.

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The Giver - Book Review

** I am currently taking a Young Adult literature course and I will be reading and reviewing several materials using a new format. This review follows a template given to me by my professor.**

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Publication Information

Name: Christopher Jimenez	Media Format: Audiobook
Title: The Giver	Genre: Utopia, Dystopia, Challenged Book
Author: Lois Lowry	Selection Source: 1994 Newbery Medal
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin	Recommended Audience Age:
	Reading Recommendation: 5 out of 5
	Curriculum Connections: History, Ethics, Civics

Review

Jonas is a young boy, about to enter his 12th year. He lives in a utopian society in which the government has regulated every aspect of life to ensure sameness. Children are given jobs to learn at their 12th year, they grow and apply for a spouse which is selected for them based on aptitude, after 3 years they may apply for children (each family is allowed exactly 2 children), and so the cycle continues. This homogeneity is meant to ensure harmonious living and exception from pain.

The community is shocked to hear that Jonas was given the job of "Receiver of Memory." It is a position of high esteem and prestige. As a result, he is allowed to break most of the rules of his community. The old receiver trains Jonas by giving him the memories of the whole world (thus, becoming "The Giver") both pleasurable and painful. As a result of his enlightenment, Jonas begins to view the Utopian existence in a different light as he sees the true colors of his society.

This novel has achieved the following awards and distinctions:

• 11th Most Banned Book of the 1990s

Evaluation

This book presents history (memories) as the most important element of wisdom. The Receiver of Memory is the man that the Elders seek for counsel when they must make a difficult decision. In the end, the memories are released to the public, empowering them to make wise decisions on their own. This novel illustrates the power of knowledge as a catalyst for social change.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - Book Review

** I am currently taking a Young Adult literature course and I will be reading and reviewing several materials using a new format. This review follows a template given to me by my professor.**

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Publication Information

Name: Christopher Jimenez	Media Format: Audiobook
Title: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas	Genre: Historical Fiction
Author: John Boyne	Selection Source: Kirkus Review
Publisher: Random House Children's Books	Recommended Audience Age: 12-14
	Reading Recommendation: 4 out of 5
	Curriculum Connections: History, Ethics, Psychology

Review

Bruno is the nine-year-old son of a commandant in the German army during World War II. His father was assigned to Auschwitz after a visit from Adolf Hitler. In display of his naivete, Bruno calls the Fuhrer "The Fury" and the camp "Out With" despite being corrected numerous times.

While in his new home, Bruno sees people through his window in the distance. He describes these people as wearing striped pajamas. Before long, his curiosity gets the better of him, and he ventures out to the area. He ends up meeting a young boy named Shmuel, and they develop a relationship. After some time, Bruno agrees to slide under the fence to help Shmuel find his father. They meet a tragic ending.

Evaluation

This book is very controversial. One of the main gripes about the book centers around Bruno's naivete. I found myself wondering why a German boy would mispronounce Auschwitz with the English phrase "Out With." However, the point was to contrast Bruno's inexperience with Shmuel's experience of the Holocaust. While the fictional portion of the story is highly implausible, it is still a gripping tale that shows the horrors of the Holocaust coupled with German political coldness of the day.