What is Mommy Reading? – “The Killer Angels” by, Michael Shaara

Normally it’s my husband sitting down with a good historical fiction book based on some war somewhere, but this time I was the one in the corner with such a book.  I could not put this book down.  I was dreading reading it for book club.  I thought, who wants to read a history book for book club?  The writing style of the book was told in a story like fashion.  It was not a bunch of facts written down, but a story with a plot and character development.  I think I learned more about the Civil War from this book than I did an entire year of history class in high school.  It had me so entertained and interested in what was happening.  There were people involved in the war that I did not even know before.  In fact, I did go and research some of these people after I finished.  Our book club gave this book 5 stars!  Everyone enjoyed it.  My husband laughed at the fact I liked it so much.  He has read every Shaara book out there (son Jeff has written many as well), and he said, “See they’re good, right?”  He was right.  I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the Civil War, or even to teachers as a selection for students.  It made learning about the war much more meaningful. 




Here is a description of the book (book is 368 pages): 

“This novel reveals more about the Battle of Gettysburg than any piece of learned nonfiction on the same subject. Michael Shaara’s account of the three most important days of the Civil War features deft characterizations of all of the main actors, including Lee, Longstreet, Pickett, Buford, and Hancock. The most inspiring figure in the book, however, is Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, whose 20th Maine regiment of volunteers held the Union’s left flank on the second day of the battle. This unit’s bravery at Little Round Top helped turned the tide of the war against the rebels. There are also plenty of maps, which convey a complete sense of what happened July 1-3, 1863. Reading about the past is rarely so much fun as on these pages.”  –Amazon.com


Personal Rating:On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest), I would rate this book an 9.  I overall loved the book.  Who knew I would like a historical fiction novel this much?  You can get the book now on Amazon!  Just click on the book on the right sidebar to order!  And don’t forget about the other Shaara books as well.  My husband says they are ALL great!

Have you read this book?  What did you think?  What rating would you give it?  
Kristin

Comments

  1. Great review. I think it was the Jeff Shaara books that my mother in law would read.

    I came over from Stumble Tumble Tuesday and liked your post. I’d appreciate it if you would visit me back at http://librarygirlreads.blogspot.com/2011/11/otl-tropical-traditions-shredded.html

  2. Very good review!

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