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Book Review

Publisher's Note:

A distinctive portrait of the crescendo moment in American history from the Pulitzer-winning American historian, Joseph Ellis. The summer months of 1776 witnessed the most consequential events in the story of our country’s founding. While the thirteen colonies came together and agreed to secede from the British Empire, the British were dispatching the largest armada ever to cross the Atlantic to crush the rebellion in the cradle. The Continental Congress and the Continental Army were forced to make decisions on the run, improvising as history congealed around them. In a brilliant and seamless narrative, Ellis meticulously examines the most influential figures in this propitious moment, including George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Britain’s Admiral Lord Richard and General William Howe. He weaves together the political and military experiences as two sides of a single story, and shows how events on one front influenced outcomes on the other. Revolutionary Summer tells an old story in a new way, with a freshness at once colorful and compelling.…

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Revolutionary Summer: The Birth of American Independence

by Joseph J. Ellis

Reviewer: Rachel
Genre: History
Recommended Age: 18+

Overall Book Review:

Revolutionary Summer details the first critical months of America’s fight for independence. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Joseph J. Ellis analyzes both the political and military battles and explains why these events were so significant. Ellis’ writing is eloquent and informative, yet easy-to-follow. The novel is impeccably researched and I loved reading lines straight from George Washington and John Adams. Ellis also provides fascinating background on important British counterparts and explains how attitudes of the day lead to many crucial decisions. I learned many remarkable facts from Revolutionary Summer and highly recommend this novel.

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  4 religious exclamations

Violence/Gore:  Several reports of violence from the battlefields, including a beheading; a fire destroys a great portion of New York City; soldiers are executed during battle in non-detailed scenes of violent death.

Sex/Nudity:  A sexual reference is made; a few reported incidents of sexual activity involving prostitutes and rape. 

Mature Subject Matter:

War, death

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Individuals drink.

Overall Book Rating
Profanity/Language
Rating:
1
10
Violence/Gore
Rating:
3
10
Sex/Nudity
Rating:
3
10

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About the Reviewer

Rachel
My mother was the one who sparked my love of books. Long before school instruction, she sat me down and taught me to read. My childhood was filled with trips to the library and bookmobile to find great books. My first loves were The Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder and the Pippi Longstocking series by Astrid Lingren. Now as a mom and speech pathologist, I am constantly looking for good, clean books to use at home and in therapy. I enjoy reading many different genres, but my favorites are usually historical fiction. I married my best friend, the “boy next door”, and we have a beautiful little girl who we often find sprawled out on the floor, flipping through picture books. Together our family likes to swim, run and play tennis. Besides reading, I also love to bake, garden and travel.

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