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JlJ's 50 in 2009
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47. The Jamestown Project- Karen Ordahl KuppermanGreat Book. It is more about European Colonization in the new world in general than the Jamestown Colony specifically. It was well written and the material was fascinating. Highly enjoyable. I can say I know much more about the first permanent settlement in North America than I did five days ago.
46. To Begin the World Anew: Politics and the Creative Imagination- Bernard BailynThe book was good but very short. There were two good chapters, one on Jefferson and one on Franklin and Diplomacy. The book left me wanting more. I did enjoy the short introduction to Atlantic History.
Three Stars.
45. A Heartbreaking work of Staggering Genius- David Eggers.I had heard wonderful things about this book and only found it mildly entertaining. I'm glad I read it but I can't think of anything from this book that will stay with me.
Three Stars.
41. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close- Jonathan Safran FoerThis is a re-read but I must say, I LOVE this book. I had given it to a friend and hearing him talk about it made me want to read it again. This book has touched me. I recommend it to everyone.
40. The Republic of Suffering-Death and the American Civil War- Drew Gilpin Faust.This was a book I just happened upon and it was wonderful. A very unique, and intimate study of the Civil War dead.
36. Summer 1787- David Stewart37. American Creation- Joseph Ellis
38. The Great Upheaval- Jay Winik
The Great Upheaval was outstanding, by far my favorite from this group. It covers the decade from 1788-1800 in the United States, France, and Russia. Fascinating period and wonderfully written.
31. Portable Thomas Jefferson32. In Pursuit of Reason-Noble Cunningham
33. the Hemingses of Monticello- Annette Gordon-Reed
34. Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings- An American Controversy
35. Mongrel Nation-Clarence Walker
30. The Good Earth- Pearl S. BuckI'm happy to have read this book but I wasn't the best thing I have ever read. Good, bordering on almost great, not excellent.
Three and a half stars.
29. From Sicily to Elizabeth Street: Housing and Social Change among Italian Immigrants- Donna Gabaccia.
28. Strangers in the Land: Patterns of American Nativism 1860-1925- John HighamSchool book but ultimately worth my time. It is a social history of how nativists tendencies grew into a racist ideology.
26. Notes on the State of Virginia- Thomas Jefferson27. Daughters of the Shtetl- Susan Glenn
Both were readings for Summer Courses. I'm glad to have read Jefferson in Jefferson's word. His views on race are well known but still startling to read firsthand.
24. American Creation- Triumphs and Tragedies at the founding of the Republic: Joseph J. EllisThree Stars- a lot of basic information with no new revelations. It was good and easy.
22. A Farewell to Arms- Ernest Hemmingway.Great- of course.
23. The elegance of the Hedgehog- Murial Barbery
I was expecting something huge. It was not. I'd give it three and a half stars if I had the choice.
17. The God of Small Things-Arundhati RoyAmazing. Beautifully written, powerful, haunting, moving, and soft; it is all those things.
16. The Awakening- Kate ChopinI read this book for my American Lit class and I really enjoyed it. It is not something that I would have picked up on my own but I do feel enriched for having experienced it. Lovely read.
15. Water for Elephants- Sara GruenBad, bad, bad. I can't believe I stuck with that. The upside is the book was an easy, mindless read. One star.
14. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao- Junot DiazGood, not great. I expected something wondrous. I could have gone my whole life without reading this book and probably not have missed much.
12. The Glass Menagerie- Tennessee Williams13. The American Revolution in Indian Country- Colin Calloway
6. American Scripture- Pauline MaierI loved this book, it is a great background on the Declaration of Independence.
7. Their Eyes Were Watching God- Zora A. Hurston
This was not as good as I expected. I'm glad I read it but it didn't change my life.
5. Expedition from Canada- John BurgoyneRead for class- fascinating testimony after the surrender at Saratoga.
4. Shane-Jack SchaeferRead for a literature class. I had no expectations going in but enjoyed reading it. I would not say though that there was anything in this novel that I will carry with me.
Three and a Half Stars; perhaps Three.
3. Common Sense- Thomas PainePropaganda but interesting none the less. It is intriguing to read about the revolution when they are still arguing over reconciliation or independence.
Three and and Half Stars.
2. Pox Americana- Elizabeth FennI actually quite enjoyed this book. I had read about Small Pox in North America before but this books goes more directly into the impacts of the disease on the American Revolution as well as Native populations.
Four Stars
