Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a unique book discussion group focused on the founding of the United States.
Who: Ages 13 & up
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Library’s lower level
January 17
"1776"
by David McCullough
Follow the story of the men who marched with Gen. George Washington in the year of the Declaration of Independence — men whose shoulders bore the weight of America’s fight for freedom. Using extensive American and British archives, 1776 tells the story of all classes, ranks, colors, and occupations. McCullough also includes the story of the opposition, British Cmdr. William Howe and his redcoats, who faced their own struggles while fighting for a cause they truly believed in.
February 21
"Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation"
by Cokie Roberts
While much has been written about the men who signed the Declaration of Independence and battled the British, the wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters they left behind are often overlooked. Roberts draws upon personal correspondence, private journals, and even favorite recipes to bring life to the surprising stories of these captivating women. The everyday trials and triumphs of people like Abigail Adams, Deborah Read Franklin, and Martha Washington add depth to the time-honored tale of America’s founding.
March 21
"Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation"
by Joseph J. Ellis
This landmark work of history explores a group of greatly gifted but deeply flawed individuals — Adams, Burr, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison, and Washington — and the challenges they faced during one of the most pivotal times in our nation’s history. Ellis brings personality and insight to six stories about some of U.S. history’s most prominent individuals during one of America’s most important decades.
April 18
"Benjamin Franklin: An American Life"
by Walter Isaacson
Isaacson, a best-selling author, has developed a unique and insightful biography describing the life of Benjamin Franklin using thorough research and masterful storytelling. The author has a wonderful knack for creating an exciting narrative through highs, lows, and everything in-between. Enjoy this thoughtful journey through Franklin’s 84 years.
May 16
"Fusiliers: The Saga of a British Redcoat Regiment in the American Revolution"
by Mark Urban
This is the story of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, a Welsh regiment that crossed the Atlantic, marched thousands of miles, and fought in dozens of battles attempting to uphold British rule in America. Readers will learn about the day-to-day lives of fusiliers as well as how they approached battle, experiencing acts of both kindness and devastation through the eyes of those who lived it.
June 20
"Betsy Ross and the Making of America"
by Marla R. Miller
The legend and lore surrounding Betsy Ross’ role in creating the first American flag and the five-point star is well known. However, the rest of Ross’ life isn’t quite so common knowledge. In this book, Miller relates the full story. Readers will gain insight into Ross’ fascinating life and historic importance that goes much deeper than being seamstress of the flag. This is the story of a woman who embraced a resistance movement, celebrated their wins, and suffered the consequences.
July 18
"American Character"
by Colin Woodard
Woodard examines key moments in American history, from the earliest days through the great depression, with a focus on the everlasting difficulty of preserving individual rights while maintaining a free society. The author uses important historical events to illustrate how this challenging dichotomy has been the basis for many disagreements throughout our nation’s history, with examples including the Constitutional Convention, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement.
August 15
"First Family: Abigail and John Adams"
by Joseph J. Ellis
Ellis embarks on a journey through the correspondence of John and Abigail Adams that not only captures the history of their love and life together but also describes moments in history from the American Revolution through the country’s earliest years. Readers will enjoy a journey that is part political history, part biography, and part love story in this remarkable text.
September 19
"The Swamp Fox"
by John Oller
Oller vividly presents a narrative biography of Francis Marion, the cunning Revolutionary War guerrilla leader whose stealthy hit-and-run tactics in the South Carolina swamps helped turn the tide of the American Revolution. The author uses extensive research and fast-paced storytelling to portray Marion’s daring campaigns, complex character, and enduring legacy as one of America’s earliest masters of irregular warfare.
October 17
"Duel with the Devil"
by Paul Collins
Collins portrays a 19th century murder trial in this remarkable tale of true crime. Before the infamous duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, the duo worked together in the name of justice to try and solve the murder of Elma Sands, a young Quaker woman. After more than 200 years, Sands’ death stands as this nation’s oldest cold case. Collins captures that time in America’s early years through a riveting narrative while presenting the first plausible break in the case since its inception.
November 21
"Forgotten Patriots"
by Edwin G. Burrows
Burrows brings light to an often-forgotten chapter in the American Revolutionary War. Throughout the conflict’s eight-year span, approximately 200,000 men fought for our nation against the British, and nearly 7,000 of those men died in battle. More than triple that became prisoners of war. In this book, readers will learn about the 17,500 men who lost their lives while confined in war prisons, primarily in New York, providing a unique perspective on the Revolutionary War.
December 19
"American Nations"
by Colin Woodard
Woodard sees North America as consisting of 11 different nations, each with their own history and deeply-woven roots. In this book, he delves into how those histories and views play a part in areas like the U.S. Congress and election maps, both now and throughout history. Readers will learn the author’s take on American identity and the history and conflict that shaped the nation’s past and continues to mold the future.
