Killing Lincoln
I just finished an amazing book by Bill O'Reilly entitled "Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever.
" As he notes in the introduction, this is a departure from his other books.
He says it reads like a thriller, and it DOES.
Even though we all KNOW the ending, I still found myself hanging on every word, especially when it got to the day of the assassination.
For those interested in history, the civil war, or President Lincoln, it doesn't disappoint.
I never had an interest in history when I was in school, but as an adult, it now fascinates me.
I admit my ignorance when I say I had no idea how doggedly determined General Lee was, or how the burning of Richmond, VA by it's OWN citizens, may have been the cause of the South's defeat, or even the fact that Lincoln's own bodyguard was suspiciously absent on the fateful day of his death in the theater It causes one pause on how many things seemed to align that day and how it could have been prevented.
Rather than getting mired in too many details that could easily confuse and deter the reader, this book focuses on major battles in dramatic fashion.
It's easy to follow and very entertaining, as if you're reading a novel of fiction.
John Wilkes Booth's massive, intricate plans for not only killing Lincoln, but everyone involved in the North's success at the end of the war, was mind-boggling.
The accomplices he amassed reminded me of the 9/11 hijackers, plotting furiously for attacks to take place all at the same time.
Alas, those plans obviously failed, but the details on how the planning took place were riveting.
I recall visiting our capitol many years ago as a youngster.
We were at Ford's theater and even the humble home where Lincoln died.
Naturally, I didn't comprehend or appreciate it as I might today.
This book renewed my interest in one day revisiting this place and drinking in all of its rich history.
I keep a detailed record of all books I've read.
I've devised my own rating system of 1-5, with 5 being the highest.
Out of a possible 5 stars for this book, I give it a wholehearted 5!! In fact, O'Reilly is coming out with a similar book, "Killing Kennedy" in October.
Needless to say, I've already reserved my copy! I'm confident it won't disappoint.
" As he notes in the introduction, this is a departure from his other books.
He says it reads like a thriller, and it DOES.
Even though we all KNOW the ending, I still found myself hanging on every word, especially when it got to the day of the assassination.
For those interested in history, the civil war, or President Lincoln, it doesn't disappoint.
I never had an interest in history when I was in school, but as an adult, it now fascinates me.
I admit my ignorance when I say I had no idea how doggedly determined General Lee was, or how the burning of Richmond, VA by it's OWN citizens, may have been the cause of the South's defeat, or even the fact that Lincoln's own bodyguard was suspiciously absent on the fateful day of his death in the theater It causes one pause on how many things seemed to align that day and how it could have been prevented.
Rather than getting mired in too many details that could easily confuse and deter the reader, this book focuses on major battles in dramatic fashion.
It's easy to follow and very entertaining, as if you're reading a novel of fiction.
John Wilkes Booth's massive, intricate plans for not only killing Lincoln, but everyone involved in the North's success at the end of the war, was mind-boggling.
The accomplices he amassed reminded me of the 9/11 hijackers, plotting furiously for attacks to take place all at the same time.
Alas, those plans obviously failed, but the details on how the planning took place were riveting.
I recall visiting our capitol many years ago as a youngster.
We were at Ford's theater and even the humble home where Lincoln died.
Naturally, I didn't comprehend or appreciate it as I might today.
This book renewed my interest in one day revisiting this place and drinking in all of its rich history.
I keep a detailed record of all books I've read.
I've devised my own rating system of 1-5, with 5 being the highest.
Out of a possible 5 stars for this book, I give it a wholehearted 5!! In fact, O'Reilly is coming out with a similar book, "Killing Kennedy" in October.
Needless to say, I've already reserved my copy! I'm confident it won't disappoint.
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