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Becoming George Washington
George Washington, action hero . . . Long before Washington was the old man on the dollar bill, he was a fatherless boy with few resources and even less education. So how did he become the most famous person in American history? Becoming George Washington tells the story of a young man with boundless energy, bravery, and passion, who grew from a fatherless boy into a self-confident leader. At the same time, he struggled to suppress both an awful temper and his love for a married woman, Sally Fairfax. A courageous war hero, Washington rose to the pinnacle of Virginia politics. His experiences as a young man allowed him, decades later, to lead the Revolution. This compelling historical novel reveals the person behind the famous face and how he grew to become America’s leading Founding Father.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
453 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2015
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67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 10, 2015
This is an excellent piece of historical fiction. I found this to be one of the best, if not the best depiction of Washington’s early life and career. Factfilled but written in an extremely interesting manner.
October 24, 2015
I received a free advance copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
What a valiant effort this book is. It says it is an historical fiction novel based on the life of George Washington. And, it delivers what it promises. I think for readers of biographies and non-fiction, this book will be a wonderful look at Washington's life and quite pleasant to read. For those of us who love historical fiction, however, it does fall flat.
It reads like a non-fiction book (so much "telling" and no "showing"). There is zero character development, and while we leave the book knowing more about Washington, we don't leave feeling like we know him as a person. I'm reminded of a quote about historical fiction - that history tells us what people did, and historical fiction helps us know how they felt. That's where this book falls short. We get a little feeling about Washington's insecurities, but that's about it.
Also, there is very little sense of time and place. While I am honestly not entirely sure about the etymology of the word "ew," having an 18th Century pioneer saying the word "ew" over and over again to describe his feelings about dirt just didn't feel right. This is one example of why the book feels like it takes place in 21st Century Virginia.
That said, the overall writing style is breezy and comfortable to read. And the sheer volume of facts in this book makes it worth reading. For those who would like a novel so full of factual information it feels like a biography, this would be one I'd rate far livelier than most. For those looking for fiction, getting to know George as a person and understanding his mind, this will fall a little flat in those areas but will still be an enjoyable way to spend a few hours.
What a valiant effort this book is. It says it is an historical fiction novel based on the life of George Washington. And, it delivers what it promises. I think for readers of biographies and non-fiction, this book will be a wonderful look at Washington's life and quite pleasant to read. For those of us who love historical fiction, however, it does fall flat.
It reads like a non-fiction book (so much "telling" and no "showing"). There is zero character development, and while we leave the book knowing more about Washington, we don't leave feeling like we know him as a person. I'm reminded of a quote about historical fiction - that history tells us what people did, and historical fiction helps us know how they felt. That's where this book falls short. We get a little feeling about Washington's insecurities, but that's about it.
Also, there is very little sense of time and place. While I am honestly not entirely sure about the etymology of the word "ew," having an 18th Century pioneer saying the word "ew" over and over again to describe his feelings about dirt just didn't feel right. This is one example of why the book feels like it takes place in 21st Century Virginia.
That said, the overall writing style is breezy and comfortable to read. And the sheer volume of facts in this book makes it worth reading. For those who would like a novel so full of factual information it feels like a biography, this would be one I'd rate far livelier than most. For those looking for fiction, getting to know George as a person and understanding his mind, this will fall a little flat in those areas but will still be an enjoyable way to spend a few hours.
December 23, 2015
Becoming George Washington is a different kind of historical fiction. The authors writing captures the language of the times by including words that were spoken in every day language such as "negro" but Stephen Yoch doesn't stop there. He writes with detail and description in every situation presented in this novel. The language does not distract from the story. He makes every effort to change up some of the language of the time so it is more readable without changing the way people used to speak. To me, that is great writing right there!
George Washington was born on a farm and his father died early in his life. He had the responsibility of caring for his younger siblings, the farm and his judgmental, over bearing mom. All George wanted was to become a hero like his pa was but his mom felt he had other responsibilities that were much more important.
It never occurred to me that President Washington had a life before he became president and that I would actually love reading about it. There are so many books about Abraham Lincoln but this is the first I've seen about the early years of our first President. The novel was put together well and never left the reader bored or uninterested in any parts. The story flowed well and was up and down enough so that I really wanted to keep reading after each chapter.
This novel is wonderful for any reader who enjoys biographies and non-fiction. It is a wonderful look at Washington's life and quite interesting to read.
George Washington was born on a farm and his father died early in his life. He had the responsibility of caring for his younger siblings, the farm and his judgmental, over bearing mom. All George wanted was to become a hero like his pa was but his mom felt he had other responsibilities that were much more important.
It never occurred to me that President Washington had a life before he became president and that I would actually love reading about it. There are so many books about Abraham Lincoln but this is the first I've seen about the early years of our first President. The novel was put together well and never left the reader bored or uninterested in any parts. The story flowed well and was up and down enough so that I really wanted to keep reading after each chapter.
This novel is wonderful for any reader who enjoys biographies and non-fiction. It is a wonderful look at Washington's life and quite interesting to read.
December 13, 2015
An ambitious tale of an ambitious character. George Washington before the Presidency, before the Revolutionary War.
This book takes place during Washington's early 20's. During his rise in the military. We see his relationships grow with his brother Lawrence, his friend Sally Fairfax and his dear mentor Colonel Fairfax. George suffers many failures as a military man. Not everything is roses and peaches. We see his as an ambitious, sometimes angry man. One who will rush into war. He's not the patient successful Washington we all know and love.
I recommend this novel to anyone who likes historical fiction and anyone who enjoys reading about the youth of our founding fathers.
This book takes place during Washington's early 20's. During his rise in the military. We see his relationships grow with his brother Lawrence, his friend Sally Fairfax and his dear mentor Colonel Fairfax. George suffers many failures as a military man. Not everything is roses and peaches. We see his as an ambitious, sometimes angry man. One who will rush into war. He's not the patient successful Washington we all know and love.
I recommend this novel to anyone who likes historical fiction and anyone who enjoys reading about the youth of our founding fathers.
September 2, 2015
In the 17th century, enamelled-miniature portraiture became fashionable amongst Europe's elite. Despite their small size they were treasured for their rich coloring and astonishingly detailed portrayal of some lucky or important individual. Mr Yoch, with his own deft and subtle brush-strokes has painted a picture of George Washington that is both readable and compelling, and adds a rich foundational undertone of humanity to this near-deific figure in American history.
"Becoming George Washington" is an historical novelization of the early years of Mr Washington, long before his storied Generalship of American forces in the Revolutionary War, and before his role as the first President of the fledgling Republic.
To dramatize such a life is challenging on many levels: first, this is a real person whose actions and history are more or less documented (and in the case of a figure as prominent as Washington, “more” is probably an understatement). The facts, as far as they’re known, have to be rigorously correct. To this end, Mr. Yoch has thoughtfully provided us insight into his exhaustive research - nearly 30 pages of bibliography, author’s notes, maps, and endnote contextual explanations.
At the same time, while a recitation of such facts may be authoritative, such works often fail to capture the subject as a living, breathing person. Becoming George Washington is above all an engaging work of historical fiction; letters, using the actual words of the people involved, tell much of the story. Conversations and scenes, dialogues and internal monologues – while obviously not verbatim – are as much as possible constructed by inferring the subject and nature of the conversation from third-party references, journals, or letters, implying a staggering amount of research to put disparate evidence together. Nevertheless, weaving it all into a narrative whole does take some authorial license. This is where the end-notes are most useful. Mr. Yoch’s sensitivity to his subject and a natural inclination toward scholarship supply honest commentary about what is clearly documented in the historical record, what is crafted by the author’s common-sense understanding of the events portrayed, or what is simply driven by narrative exigency.
Finally, dramatizing George Washington is, in the American context, practically as dangerous as dramatizing Jesus. This is no hagiography and that will likely make some people uncomfortable. Told from a semi-first-person view, Mr Yoch has drawn a picture of a young George certain of his own importance (aren’t all young men so convinced?) but frustrated by his own situation. Bereft of both opportunity and guidance by the early death of his father, and desperate to escape a domineering mother, George looks up to his oldest half-brother, the much-admired Lawrence. Lawrence’s early death to consumption is both great tragedy and opportunity for George: Lawrence’s personal contacts, and not least his now-available officer’s commission, really launch the young Washington’s military/political career.
Personally brave and competent, he was nevertheless the sort of climbing opportunist who didn’t let his own complete ignorance of military affairs dissuade him from seeking command and glory in the field. This led to Fort Necessity, related here in unflinching detail. George managed to avoid criticism for the colossal and needless blunder, instead gaining recognition and sympathy for his leadership through the ordeal. After a short interlude, he joined General Braddock’s forces for another disastrous expedition. The Battle of Monongahela is meticulously recounted, from which again the young officer Washington somehow emerges with a measure of glory.
Unfortunately George didn’t live up to the windfall of his reputation. This perhaps reflected his lack of education (or even interest) in the field in which he was suddenly famous. He struggled with political infighting in Virginia, the dull necessities of military administration in a frontier colony, and the ongoing low-grade conflict against the French and Indians. He was skilled at none of them, actually spending the greater portion of his time away pursuing his personal goal of a crown commission. While the reader knows better, this rings a petty, venal final note to what appears to be the twilight of a young man’s promising career.
Interwoven through the narrative is George’s growing relationship with Sally Fairfax, the wife of his best friend. Their feelings for each other are generally accepted by historians (young Mr. Washington’s correspondence – remember, these are the real letters, not fictional - to Mrs. Fairfax is charmingly gooberish, exactly what one might expect from a typical, smitten young man), but their physical relationship is debated, clouded seemingly by a natural reticence to suggest that the eventual “Father of Our Country” might have had an improper relationship with his best-friend’s wife. Mr. Yoch take on this is subtle and sympathetic, with their growing fondness providing some of the most emotional scenes in the book.
Martha Custis, who would later become Martha Washington, is likewise portrayed minimally, but sympathetically. Her appearance near the end of this story is no accident; their relationship signals the close of his early life, and the start of his maturation into the man he would later become.
Washington was not a stupid man; implicit throughout the book (as suggested by the title) we see in negative the man who was Becoming George Washington. The vain young man pursuing his best-friend’s wife set his infatuations aside and instead married a woman he respected, and whose sober honest friendship made him a better person. The impetuous soldier who was humiliated at Fort Necessity would never again underestimate his opponents, fail to scout carefully, or let his forces get trapped. The young officer who watched the disaster at Monongahela would find that his later absolute attention to logistics and discipline would allow a ragtag Colonial Army to hold off the best military in the world. Probably most importantly for his legacy and our country, this position-obsessed, self-absorbed younger Washington became a more-seasoned older man capable at, but disillusioned by politics.
This is as far as I can tell Mr Yoch’s first novel. The polish and readability of this short (340-ish pages) work suggest otherwise. That Washington is not an immediately likable character may prove difficult for some readers. I believe this speaks to the veracity of the portrait: all people – even historical icons – are a complex host of motivations. While of course this is one man’s interpretation of the historical record, Mr Yoch’s portrayal of George is both credible and ultimately convincing. With a cinematic eye for relevant detail and a focus on the story he means to tell, the narrative moves swiftly. I binge-read it in one evening. Certainly, a Michener or Clavell might have ballooned this same tale to several thousand pages. I doubt ultimately that they could have told the story any better. I look forward to Mr Yoch’s next work.
"Becoming George Washington" is an historical novelization of the early years of Mr Washington, long before his storied Generalship of American forces in the Revolutionary War, and before his role as the first President of the fledgling Republic.
To dramatize such a life is challenging on many levels: first, this is a real person whose actions and history are more or less documented (and in the case of a figure as prominent as Washington, “more” is probably an understatement). The facts, as far as they’re known, have to be rigorously correct. To this end, Mr. Yoch has thoughtfully provided us insight into his exhaustive research - nearly 30 pages of bibliography, author’s notes, maps, and endnote contextual explanations.
At the same time, while a recitation of such facts may be authoritative, such works often fail to capture the subject as a living, breathing person. Becoming George Washington is above all an engaging work of historical fiction; letters, using the actual words of the people involved, tell much of the story. Conversations and scenes, dialogues and internal monologues – while obviously not verbatim – are as much as possible constructed by inferring the subject and nature of the conversation from third-party references, journals, or letters, implying a staggering amount of research to put disparate evidence together. Nevertheless, weaving it all into a narrative whole does take some authorial license. This is where the end-notes are most useful. Mr. Yoch’s sensitivity to his subject and a natural inclination toward scholarship supply honest commentary about what is clearly documented in the historical record, what is crafted by the author’s common-sense understanding of the events portrayed, or what is simply driven by narrative exigency.
Finally, dramatizing George Washington is, in the American context, practically as dangerous as dramatizing Jesus. This is no hagiography and that will likely make some people uncomfortable. Told from a semi-first-person view, Mr Yoch has drawn a picture of a young George certain of his own importance (aren’t all young men so convinced?) but frustrated by his own situation. Bereft of both opportunity and guidance by the early death of his father, and desperate to escape a domineering mother, George looks up to his oldest half-brother, the much-admired Lawrence. Lawrence’s early death to consumption is both great tragedy and opportunity for George: Lawrence’s personal contacts, and not least his now-available officer’s commission, really launch the young Washington’s military/political career.
Personally brave and competent, he was nevertheless the sort of climbing opportunist who didn’t let his own complete ignorance of military affairs dissuade him from seeking command and glory in the field. This led to Fort Necessity, related here in unflinching detail. George managed to avoid criticism for the colossal and needless blunder, instead gaining recognition and sympathy for his leadership through the ordeal. After a short interlude, he joined General Braddock’s forces for another disastrous expedition. The Battle of Monongahela is meticulously recounted, from which again the young officer Washington somehow emerges with a measure of glory.
Unfortunately George didn’t live up to the windfall of his reputation. This perhaps reflected his lack of education (or even interest) in the field in which he was suddenly famous. He struggled with political infighting in Virginia, the dull necessities of military administration in a frontier colony, and the ongoing low-grade conflict against the French and Indians. He was skilled at none of them, actually spending the greater portion of his time away pursuing his personal goal of a crown commission. While the reader knows better, this rings a petty, venal final note to what appears to be the twilight of a young man’s promising career.
Interwoven through the narrative is George’s growing relationship with Sally Fairfax, the wife of his best friend. Their feelings for each other are generally accepted by historians (young Mr. Washington’s correspondence – remember, these are the real letters, not fictional - to Mrs. Fairfax is charmingly gooberish, exactly what one might expect from a typical, smitten young man), but their physical relationship is debated, clouded seemingly by a natural reticence to suggest that the eventual “Father of Our Country” might have had an improper relationship with his best-friend’s wife. Mr. Yoch take on this is subtle and sympathetic, with their growing fondness providing some of the most emotional scenes in the book.
Martha Custis, who would later become Martha Washington, is likewise portrayed minimally, but sympathetically. Her appearance near the end of this story is no accident; their relationship signals the close of his early life, and the start of his maturation into the man he would later become.
Washington was not a stupid man; implicit throughout the book (as suggested by the title) we see in negative the man who was Becoming George Washington. The vain young man pursuing his best-friend’s wife set his infatuations aside and instead married a woman he respected, and whose sober honest friendship made him a better person. The impetuous soldier who was humiliated at Fort Necessity would never again underestimate his opponents, fail to scout carefully, or let his forces get trapped. The young officer who watched the disaster at Monongahela would find that his later absolute attention to logistics and discipline would allow a ragtag Colonial Army to hold off the best military in the world. Probably most importantly for his legacy and our country, this position-obsessed, self-absorbed younger Washington became a more-seasoned older man capable at, but disillusioned by politics.
This is as far as I can tell Mr Yoch’s first novel. The polish and readability of this short (340-ish pages) work suggest otherwise. That Washington is not an immediately likable character may prove difficult for some readers. I believe this speaks to the veracity of the portrait: all people – even historical icons – are a complex host of motivations. While of course this is one man’s interpretation of the historical record, Mr Yoch’s portrayal of George is both credible and ultimately convincing. With a cinematic eye for relevant detail and a focus on the story he means to tell, the narrative moves swiftly. I binge-read it in one evening. Certainly, a Michener or Clavell might have ballooned this same tale to several thousand pages. I doubt ultimately that they could have told the story any better. I look forward to Mr Yoch’s next work.
March 5, 2018
I appreciate what the author was trying to do in this book, however the writing style was a little heavy handed. It was straight forward with no level of sophistication or beauty.
March 3, 2017
I thought this was a great novel, and to me it seemed like a very original idea to take a well-documented individual and write a book that fills in all the blanks in a personal way. Perhaps there are other authors who do this, but I don't read fiction all that often, so it was a, pardon the pun, novel idea to me.
I really liked that the telling of a story this way makes notable moments in GW history more memorable.
I really liked that the telling of a story this way makes notable moments in GW history more memorable.
July 14, 2015
‘Imagining the man behind the legend.’
This novel covers a twelve year period of George Washington’s life, from July 1747 – when he was aged 15, to January 1759 – when, the month before his 27th birthday, he married Martha Custis. The novel explores the difficult relationship George Washington had with his mother, Mary, who always seemed to expect and require more from him. In this novel, George’s brothers, especially his half-brothers Lawrence and Augustine (‘Austin’), were an important part of his life. They provided him with support, introductions and opportunities which undoubtedly helped him to flourish despite his mother’s inflexibility.
‘I have often heard of the “smell of victory.” I certainly will never forget the “stink of defeat.’’’
But much of the making of George Washington appears to have been through the lessons he learned during his involvement in the French and Indian War. His successes and failures in the field shaped him both as a man and as a leader. While I found it difficult to reconcile all of his actions with the idealistic view I have of Washington as President, most of us learn more from our failures than our successes.
‘I will no longer be controlled by others or events. I will be the master of myself.’
In the novel, Stephen Yoch explores the possibility of an affair between George Washington and Sally Fairfax. While an affair appears to be supported by documentation, including letters written by George, it is controversial. Did they or didn’t they? Does it matter? I can imagine the need to keep any such liaison out of the public eye.
Mr Yoch provides detailed notes and commentary in support of his novel, and while I’m not comfortable with some aspects of his interpretation of George Washington, I appreciate the possibilities. At the time the novel concludes, George Washington is becoming a man of influence. What I liked most about the novel was how it required me to think about how George Washington went from being a fatherless boy with limited prospects to one of the most influential men in American history.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Wise Ink Creative Publishing for an opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
This novel covers a twelve year period of George Washington’s life, from July 1747 – when he was aged 15, to January 1759 – when, the month before his 27th birthday, he married Martha Custis. The novel explores the difficult relationship George Washington had with his mother, Mary, who always seemed to expect and require more from him. In this novel, George’s brothers, especially his half-brothers Lawrence and Augustine (‘Austin’), were an important part of his life. They provided him with support, introductions and opportunities which undoubtedly helped him to flourish despite his mother’s inflexibility.
‘I have often heard of the “smell of victory.” I certainly will never forget the “stink of defeat.’’’
But much of the making of George Washington appears to have been through the lessons he learned during his involvement in the French and Indian War. His successes and failures in the field shaped him both as a man and as a leader. While I found it difficult to reconcile all of his actions with the idealistic view I have of Washington as President, most of us learn more from our failures than our successes.
‘I will no longer be controlled by others or events. I will be the master of myself.’
In the novel, Stephen Yoch explores the possibility of an affair between George Washington and Sally Fairfax. While an affair appears to be supported by documentation, including letters written by George, it is controversial. Did they or didn’t they? Does it matter? I can imagine the need to keep any such liaison out of the public eye.
Mr Yoch provides detailed notes and commentary in support of his novel, and while I’m not comfortable with some aspects of his interpretation of George Washington, I appreciate the possibilities. At the time the novel concludes, George Washington is becoming a man of influence. What I liked most about the novel was how it required me to think about how George Washington went from being a fatherless boy with limited prospects to one of the most influential men in American history.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Wise Ink Creative Publishing for an opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
December 9, 2015
I want to put this out there right at the get-go, this isn't an origin story of the "Abraham Lincoln Vampire Slayer" variety. It's about real George Washington and what he really did in the years before he before he became our nation's first president. It's kind of interesting, because I never really thought about any other version of George Washington besides the presidential one. (Though there is this one YouTube video that got a lot of play in our apartment senior year in college...) Anyway....
George Washington was not a rich kid from a rich family. You know gentlemen farmers? He wasn't that, he was an actual farmer. His mother was um, a negative, imposing, unmovable force in his life. His dad was dead. But he had two older brothers - Austin and Lawrence (he was especially close with Lawrence) and a close, well-connected family friend who loved and supported him like he was one of his own children. Through lots of hard work and perseverance George gained success as a surveyor, and then later as a military man.
The talks about is treks from Virginia to Ohio sound treacherous and awful and dangerous and cold...which it was all of those things. And that doesn't even begin to cover angry Native Americans and Frenchmen. But through all of these trials, George earns his stripes. Even though he is plagued by self doubt and self consciousness about his humble beginnings and his homely appearance. (It's also kind of funny because he goes through all of this stuff and moves through the ranks and it's like "oh yeah he's only 22...because people died by 45...kind of a lot.")
One thing that happened to George (and a lot of other people) that I thought was kind of sad was that you work and fight for the Crown for years and then when American begins to struggle for her independence you could find yourself on the opposite side of the battlefield as men that you may have served with previously.
This book moved at a pretty steady clip, and if you are interested in: George Washington, early America, Virginia, or the like I think you will like this book! 3.5 stars!
George Washington was not a rich kid from a rich family. You know gentlemen farmers? He wasn't that, he was an actual farmer. His mother was um, a negative, imposing, unmovable force in his life. His dad was dead. But he had two older brothers - Austin and Lawrence (he was especially close with Lawrence) and a close, well-connected family friend who loved and supported him like he was one of his own children. Through lots of hard work and perseverance George gained success as a surveyor, and then later as a military man.
The talks about is treks from Virginia to Ohio sound treacherous and awful and dangerous and cold...which it was all of those things. And that doesn't even begin to cover angry Native Americans and Frenchmen. But through all of these trials, George earns his stripes. Even though he is plagued by self doubt and self consciousness about his humble beginnings and his homely appearance. (It's also kind of funny because he goes through all of this stuff and moves through the ranks and it's like "oh yeah he's only 22...because people died by 45...kind of a lot.")
One thing that happened to George (and a lot of other people) that I thought was kind of sad was that you work and fight for the Crown for years and then when American begins to struggle for her independence you could find yourself on the opposite side of the battlefield as men that you may have served with previously.
This book moved at a pretty steady clip, and if you are interested in: George Washington, early America, Virginia, or the like I think you will like this book! 3.5 stars!
April 21, 2016
Everyone knows the story of George Washington the great man that led the Continental Army to victory and then went on to become the First President of the United States. But what do they really know of the years that came before (because he was in his later life by that point)? The answer for most, not too much! Author Stephen Yoch takes the reader back in time to the years that really formed young George Washington into the man he would later become.
As someone who LOVES to read and learn about the presidents, I jumped at the chance to read this novel treatment of the earlier days of the first president. I have read some non-fiction that covered his earlier years, but even in non-fiction there is not usually an extended focus on this time period, with the desire to focus on his generalship or presidency. In this novel, we only see Washington in his younger iteration, and see what led to the man that the majority of us know.
For a man who just wanted to return to being a farmer in his later years, that was anything but what the young Washington wanted to do. Like most, he wanted to spread his wings and take on the world – and create a couple little scandals along the way maybe? Yoch does an excellent job of bringing this seemingly mythical man back down to earth and rooting him in the somewhat average life he led. He didn’t just wake up one day and was magically the man the country needed. He struggled and overcame and made mistakes all along the way. He made the man REAL and I felt that I really got to know him here and get inside his head.
I feel very comfortable recommending this book to any fan of presidential studies or of the early period of the United States.
This review was previously posted at The Maiden's Court blog following receipt of book from author in exchange for an honest review.
As someone who LOVES to read and learn about the presidents, I jumped at the chance to read this novel treatment of the earlier days of the first president. I have read some non-fiction that covered his earlier years, but even in non-fiction there is not usually an extended focus on this time period, with the desire to focus on his generalship or presidency. In this novel, we only see Washington in his younger iteration, and see what led to the man that the majority of us know.
For a man who just wanted to return to being a farmer in his later years, that was anything but what the young Washington wanted to do. Like most, he wanted to spread his wings and take on the world – and create a couple little scandals along the way maybe? Yoch does an excellent job of bringing this seemingly mythical man back down to earth and rooting him in the somewhat average life he led. He didn’t just wake up one day and was magically the man the country needed. He struggled and overcame and made mistakes all along the way. He made the man REAL and I felt that I really got to know him here and get inside his head.
I feel very comfortable recommending this book to any fan of presidential studies or of the early period of the United States.
This review was previously posted at The Maiden's Court blog following receipt of book from author in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2015
I really surprised myself in how much I enjoyed this book, it spurred a touch of jealousy in this Canadian as I would love to read about the men that shaped this great country.
I think we all know about George and Martha Washington, but Stephen Yoch has taken us back to his teen years, a time that isn't that well known.
There are many things that Becoming George Washington has going for it. First off was the writing style, it was engaging and it didn't take long to get lost in this book. This is the authors debut and I think he is off to a great start. It is evident that a vast amount of research went into this book, with well written descriptive details it wasn't hard to visualize the land in the 1700's, the life style as well as gruesome battle scenes giving this book the authentic feel of the time period.
The character of George Washington was based on actual documentation as were events that took place - though remember it is historical fiction. This book explores his life from a teen until he is 27. He isn't the rich man that I had originally thought but a fatherless farmer. It isn't all a bed of roses either, with a dominating mother his struggles to build a life for himself and serve his country isn't an easy road. I learned a lot about Mount Vernon, his family, as well as his relationship with both Sally and Martha and even that little snippet about the White House.
Not only did the author provide authors notes, but this time we got treated to extended authors notes, so for the person carving that little bit more, it is there. All in all a great debut that was entertaining, educational and has me hoping for a sequel.
This and other reviews can be found at justonemorechapter.com
I think we all know about George and Martha Washington, but Stephen Yoch has taken us back to his teen years, a time that isn't that well known.
There are many things that Becoming George Washington has going for it. First off was the writing style, it was engaging and it didn't take long to get lost in this book. This is the authors debut and I think he is off to a great start. It is evident that a vast amount of research went into this book, with well written descriptive details it wasn't hard to visualize the land in the 1700's, the life style as well as gruesome battle scenes giving this book the authentic feel of the time period.
The character of George Washington was based on actual documentation as were events that took place - though remember it is historical fiction. This book explores his life from a teen until he is 27. He isn't the rich man that I had originally thought but a fatherless farmer. It isn't all a bed of roses either, with a dominating mother his struggles to build a life for himself and serve his country isn't an easy road. I learned a lot about Mount Vernon, his family, as well as his relationship with both Sally and Martha and even that little snippet about the White House.
Not only did the author provide authors notes, but this time we got treated to extended authors notes, so for the person carving that little bit more, it is there. All in all a great debut that was entertaining, educational and has me hoping for a sequel.
This and other reviews can be found at justonemorechapter.com
January 8, 2016
I received this book (an appallingly long time ago) from Wise Ink Creative Publishing via Netgalley.
Most of what we know about George Washington is from the Revolutionary War onward but what about George's life beforehand? Becoming George Washington is historical fiction that serves to fill in the earlier part of George's life. Beginning from when George leaves home as a young man until his marriage to Martha Custis and "retirement" from the military, Becoming George Washington follows real events with an up close perspective on all of George's triumphs and failings while deftly placing us inside his mind. In fact, Stephen Yoch does an excellent job imagining what George Washington thought and felt about things. The motivations for his actions are understandable and seem realistic in Mr. Yoch's hands.
Portions from real letters and documents George wrote or received are intermixed effortlessly in the text, serving to provide further support to the story. I very much enjoyed getting to see how George developed as a person and as a leader. The author shows how many of the positive traits George Washington is remembered for (humility, openness, strong sense of duty) are ones that were developed over time. In this book we get to see the highs and lows which he went through in order to build these characteristics. I especially enjoyed seeing the influence various people had on his life from his overbearing mother, his supportive older brother Lawrence, his mentor Mr. Fairfax, and his trusted comrade Mr. Gist, and and even the somewhat infamous Sally Fairfax.
If you want to find our more about George Washington, aside from the little you learned in school, read this book. Trust me, there's more to it than the cherry tree myth.
Most of what we know about George Washington is from the Revolutionary War onward but what about George's life beforehand? Becoming George Washington is historical fiction that serves to fill in the earlier part of George's life. Beginning from when George leaves home as a young man until his marriage to Martha Custis and "retirement" from the military, Becoming George Washington follows real events with an up close perspective on all of George's triumphs and failings while deftly placing us inside his mind. In fact, Stephen Yoch does an excellent job imagining what George Washington thought and felt about things. The motivations for his actions are understandable and seem realistic in Mr. Yoch's hands.
Portions from real letters and documents George wrote or received are intermixed effortlessly in the text, serving to provide further support to the story. I very much enjoyed getting to see how George developed as a person and as a leader. The author shows how many of the positive traits George Washington is remembered for (humility, openness, strong sense of duty) are ones that were developed over time. In this book we get to see the highs and lows which he went through in order to build these characteristics. I especially enjoyed seeing the influence various people had on his life from his overbearing mother, his supportive older brother Lawrence, his mentor Mr. Fairfax, and his trusted comrade Mr. Gist, and and even the somewhat infamous Sally Fairfax.
If you want to find our more about George Washington, aside from the little you learned in school, read this book. Trust me, there's more to it than the cherry tree myth.
November 3, 2015
IN BECOMING GEORGE WASHINGTON author Stephen Yoch paints a picture of a brash, angry and ambitious young man who willfully and blatantly attempted to blame others for some of his early failures and could easily have became the “spin doctor” of his day. Learning from his early forays into political back-stabbing coupled with his hypersensitive and querulous demeanor Washington used the valuable lessons learned in his youth to mature from insecure fatherless boy to confident adult ready and willing to lead his fledgling country.
In Yoch’s well researched look at Washington, readers will find a somewhat superstitious young man whose belief that he would die young spawned a “got nothing to lose” attitude early on in his personal and professional life. Historians, in general, seem to agree on George’s pre-Martha infatuation with Sally Fairfax the wife of his best friend and Yoch, after careful research, has taken the plunge into the forbidden territory of the “did they or didn’t they” question. (After all, his is a book of historical fiction and after gathering the facts, the author’s imagination is allowed to take over).
All of the how’s and whys of George Washington’s relationships with family members, political adversaries and the women in his life as well as his military accomplishments and defeats are explored and Stephen Yoch has done more than just his homework. He has managed to delve into Washington’s psyche and put a very human face on the man who became the first President of the United States.
In Yoch’s well researched look at Washington, readers will find a somewhat superstitious young man whose belief that he would die young spawned a “got nothing to lose” attitude early on in his personal and professional life. Historians, in general, seem to agree on George’s pre-Martha infatuation with Sally Fairfax the wife of his best friend and Yoch, after careful research, has taken the plunge into the forbidden territory of the “did they or didn’t they” question. (After all, his is a book of historical fiction and after gathering the facts, the author’s imagination is allowed to take over).
All of the how’s and whys of George Washington’s relationships with family members, political adversaries and the women in his life as well as his military accomplishments and defeats are explored and Stephen Yoch has done more than just his homework. He has managed to delve into Washington’s psyche and put a very human face on the man who became the first President of the United States.
August 15, 2016
An excellent read – informative, entertaining and fast-paced!
Stephen Yoch’s debut novel demystifies the life of George Washington, portraying him as utterly human – no more or less flawed than any one of us. With intelligence and a meticulous eye for historical detail, Yoch crafts a story that brings a young George Washington to life and invites us into the heart and mind of the Father of our Country years before the beginning of the American Revolution.
Refusing the temptation to glorify the early life of George Washington, Yoch introduces the reader to a young man struggling to overcome deep-seated insecurities as he comes into his own. This George Washington is far from perfect. As a young colonial officer under British rule, he makes repeated tactical mistakes and often acts less than honorably, yet somehow we grow to like and even admire him.
Throughout the pages of Becoming George Washington, George is revealed as a passionate young man – impetuous, strong-willed and driven – who rises to the level of a brigadier general in the British army. At the age of 27, he retires from British military service to Mount Vernon, imperfect, yet wise beyond his years – a great leader in the making. Yoch’s novel leaves the reader wanting to know what comes next . . . even though we may think we already know the story . . . .
Stephen Yoch’s debut novel demystifies the life of George Washington, portraying him as utterly human – no more or less flawed than any one of us. With intelligence and a meticulous eye for historical detail, Yoch crafts a story that brings a young George Washington to life and invites us into the heart and mind of the Father of our Country years before the beginning of the American Revolution.
Refusing the temptation to glorify the early life of George Washington, Yoch introduces the reader to a young man struggling to overcome deep-seated insecurities as he comes into his own. This George Washington is far from perfect. As a young colonial officer under British rule, he makes repeated tactical mistakes and often acts less than honorably, yet somehow we grow to like and even admire him.
Throughout the pages of Becoming George Washington, George is revealed as a passionate young man – impetuous, strong-willed and driven – who rises to the level of a brigadier general in the British army. At the age of 27, he retires from British military service to Mount Vernon, imperfect, yet wise beyond his years – a great leader in the making. Yoch’s novel leaves the reader wanting to know what comes next . . . even though we may think we already know the story . . . .
October 31, 2015
Becoming George Washington was an enjoyable historical novel that held my interest from start to finish. Set in the years prior to the American Revolution, it tells of the rise of the man who would one day lead the Continental forces.
Knowing little about Washington before the revolution, I cannot attest to the accuracy of the presentation; however, it appeared well-researched and it has certainly sparked my interest in the man enough that I do plan to read some more scholarly works about him in the future.
Worth reading if you like historical fiction and are intrigued by the man and/or period.
I received this book as a free e-book ARC via NetGalley.
Knowing little about Washington before the revolution, I cannot attest to the accuracy of the presentation; however, it appeared well-researched and it has certainly sparked my interest in the man enough that I do plan to read some more scholarly works about him in the future.
Worth reading if you like historical fiction and are intrigued by the man and/or period.
I received this book as a free e-book ARC via NetGalley.
September 12, 2015
This is a fabulous historical novel filled with facts. It covers Washington's early life and his difficult relationship with his Mother and how important his brothers were in his life which frankly I knew little about. . It follows him through his relationship with Martha and french and Indian war. I thought this book was very well written and exciting to read. It is obvious the affection the author has for his subject and meticulous detail that went into writing this wonderful book
July 14, 2016
I really enjoyed reading Becoming George Washington and felt intrigued to learn the early years of George Washington. Its amazing to learn how George went through challenges and how he overcome them. I also enjoyed learning how he was determined to make it to the top despite what stands in the way. This book made me want to learn more about his life and I hope to see another book in the series to read the other part of his life as well.
October 19, 2016
I have been trying to find new books for my class to read. Some time periods are easy and others are not. It is also hard to find an appropriate book for high school. This book met all my expectations. It accurately describes the French and Indian War and young George's life. There is violence and romance but nothing that would offend anyone. I highly recommend this book and will be using it next year in my class.
July 22, 2015
I like this book! I normally use histfic as a palate cleanser for my regular diet of YA/MG. I liked this one because it stays true to the tone of the time, but makes it readable. I also love that there's nothing completely made up--everything is backed up by historical evidence, which means I came away knowing something.
This would be super good for libraries and book clubs!
This would be super good for libraries and book clubs!
January 8, 2016
A friend recommended this book to me, and while I don't normally read historical novels, I thoroughly enjoyed "Becoming George Washington". It was fascinating to see the progression from young boy to military leader. I especially appreciated learning about Washington's early failures and how he learned from his mistakes. Kudos to Steve Yoch for writing such a compelling novel.
October 11, 2015
Loved this book. Learned so much about our first president. It is an engrossing story that at times I forgot it was about a future president. Fascinating look at his early life in Virginia. Highly recommend this book.
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