Washington: a Life by Ron Chernow

 

Book Title: Washington: A Life
Author: Ron Chernow
Audiobook Performer: Scott Brick
My Rating: 4.25/5 stars
Content Rating: PG
Quote: "Never a perfect man, [Washington] had always had a normal quota of human frailty,... But over the years, this man of deep emotions and strong opinions had learned to subordinate his personal dreams and aspirations to the service of a larger cause, evolving into a statesman with a prodigious mastery of political skills and an unwavering sense of America's future greatness. In the things that mattered most for his country, he had shown himself capable of constant growth and self-improvement... For a quarter century, he had stuck to an undeviating path that led straight to the creation of an independent republic, the enactment of the Constitution, and the formation of the federal government. History records few examples of a leader who so earnestly wanted to do the right thing, not just for himself but for his country."

At 42 hours on audio, I can attest to the fact that this book was very thorough. While there were a few times I found my mind wandering more than I wanted it to, overall, I was engaged and I learned so much! (I definitely recommend speeding it up to at least 1.4x).

From birth to death, this is George Washington's life story. The book is very well-done, and it makes me excited that I have two more books by Chernow on my shelf to read. 

I can't possibly share everything I learned while listening, and I'm sure I did miss some awesome stuff (or have already forgotten it). But here are a few things that I didn't know before that really stood out: 

George Washington's father died when he was very young, and his mother didn't re-marry. 

Washington's relationship with his mother was never good, and, at least publicly, she was not proud of his accomplishments (and was very loyal to the King of England).

Washington never fathered any children and it is believed he may have been sterile. 

Martha had four children with her first husband, who passed away, and she outlived them all. 

This is ignorant of me, but I didn't realize The French Revolution took place so closely (time-wise) to the American Revolution. 

I also didn't realize Alexander Hamilton worked so closely with Washington. 

In the course of his life, Washington suffered  from dysentery, malaria, smallpox, and was terrified of dying from tuberculosis, as his brother died of that. 

Washington outlived all his siblings. 

Washington created The Purple Heart honor. 

John Adams -- David McCullough

The life of America's second President, John Adams. Beginning with his birth and early education (and what he thought he would do at first...) and culminating with his death in the same town in which he was born, this book covers all of the significant contributions Adams made to the start of this new nation, not the least of which was being "The Voice" of the Declaration of Independence (while Jefferson was "The Pen").


*** I really liked this book. I've been interested in John Adams since my childhood days of watching the musical 1776 with my mom. This book has been on my to-read wish list for some time, and I'm glad I finally made it a priority. I learned an immense amount, not just about Adams, but also about that period of history in the world. My eyes were opened to so many things, and I was amazed at how tumultuous a time it really was as our nation struggled to become one. The majority of the book was a very fast read for me, though hitting part III slowed me down a bit. But it picked back up and I was anxious to keep turning pages and soaking in more information. I read several excerpts to my husband, who said that is how he knows I am enjoying a book -- when I want to share it with him! So yes, if you have any interest in John Adams or the era of the Revolutionary War, I would recommend this book!

Heaven is Here -- Stephanie Nielson

Stephanie Nielson had her perfect life: a handsome, loving husband; a beautiful home in Arizona; a supportive family; 4 beautiful children; a popular blog...

Then, on August 16, 2008, Stephanie, her husband, and a friend were in a terrible plane crash. Stephanie was burned over 80% of her body. The miracle was that she lived. Even though, at times, she wished she hadn't. No longer able to be the mother she longed to be -- and the mother she was before, Stephanie was crushed by her inability to do anything. Her children were cared for by her sisters while she and her husband Christian healed in hospitals a state away. Devastated by all she had lost, Stephanie felt incredible guilt for what she had done to her family.

Until a peace settled over her late one night. And she realized what a blessing it was to still be alive. Though she knew it would be hard, Stephanie determined then that she would conquer this trial. That she would, once again, be the mother her children deserved. That she would hope and dream and press on. And with her determined efforts, Stephanie does just that. Along the way she realizes that she is not her body, and that life is a gift.


***I'll admit, initially I was pretty sick of all the sugary-sweetness of her "perfect" life. It seemed a little "too perfect." But as I read on and read the experiences and strength and determination of Stephanie Nielson, I couldn't help but imagine how I would respond, had it been me. My heart broke for her when she told of initially seeing her children for the first time after her accident as I imagined how that would feel for me. And so, for me, the book improved vastly and I really enjoyed it and appreciate the strength of a woman whose trials have far outweighed mine. She is an example to me of how we can CHOOSE to be happy and choose to go forward, in spite of hardships. She is an example of great faith.

Unbroken: a World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption -- Laura Hillenbrand

Louis Zamperini was a rabble-rouser in his youth, known in the neighborhood for beating kids up, stealing, and defying authority. Though he was nothing like his older brother Pete, Louis practically idolized him. And so, over time, and with the help of Pete, Louis eventually worked to channel his rambunctious energy into something more productive and less destructive: running. Louis had a talent for speed, and by the time he was 19, he was competing in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Though Louis did not go home with a gold medal, he knew the future was bright for him; so he set his eyes on winning in the 1940 Olympics.

But Louis would never run in those Games. The Games would be cancelled as a result of World War II; and Louis would instead find himself a bombardier in the Army Air Corps, flying over the Pacific in the war against Japan.

As part of the crew aboard the plane known as "Super Man", Louis was responsible for many successful missions. And like the others in the crew, he sometimes miraculously escaped serious harm and death in spite of the many precarious situations they flew into. Such was the case on "Super Man's" last mission -- the mission in which the crew's pilot Allen Phillips managed to nurse the plane home riddled with almost 600 bullet holes and multiple mechanical failures.

While "Super Man" would never fly again, and some of the plane's crew would be replaced due to injuries, the crew would not be so lucky. One day in May 1943, the crew was called up on a rescue mission and given "The Green Hornet" to fly, a plane in which none held much faith. And so it was, aboard "The Green Hornet" that Louis' luck seemed to run out. The plane went down over the Pacific, killing all but 3 of the crew. Louis, pilot Allen Phillips, and a crewman named Mac survived. With few survival supplies, the 3 men floated on rafts in shark-infested waters, hoping -- and eventually praying -- for rescue.

But rescue did not come. Instead, after nearly 50 days drifting at sea, surviving on raw albatross and tern, infrequent rain water, and the very rare fish, the rafts reached land. Only when the survivors realized they had landed on a Japanese-occupied island and began experiencing the horrors faced by Prisoners of War in Japan did they realize they would long for the days in the raft.

Over the course of the next two years, Louis and Allen Phillips would endure torturous beatings, starvation, interrogation, and humiliation. They faced guards full of cruelty who ignored the rules of the Geneva Convention regarding POWs, and learned just how much they could endure before they would break. It seemed the war would never end -- and if it did, that it would not be soon enough.

Still, Louis and many other POWs held onto the hope of America winning the war. Though beaten and practically broken, these men pushed through the horrors of being Prisoners to the Japanese. And one day, the war ended. Louis and his fellow POWs were able to return home. But their lives were forever changed. Their dreams were haunted, and sometimes, most cruelly, their waking hours were as well as they flashed-back to the horrors of the past. For Louis, who had tried everything he could think of to escape his nightmares, the only thing that released him from the grasp of terror was finding Christianity and realizing the worth of his soul. His dignity was restored, and he was able to face the future with hope and optimism once again.


***I knew, just by reading the prologue, that this would be an intense book. I found myself talking often of it to my husband. At once appalling and enthralling, this book is an amazing read. I feel Hillenbrand handled a lot of sensitive topics with tact. I was horrified, still, by all that the POWs were forced to endure. Sometimes shocked by the cruelties human beings are capable of inflicting. But the book held hope throughout. A great read, indeed. I am glad to have added it to my "read" library.

I Love You Miss Huddleston: and other inappropriate longings of my Indiana childhood -- Philip Gulley

This autobiography is a hodge-podge of stories from author Philip Gulley's childhood and teenage years in Danville, Indiana. From the rumor (spread by his siblings) that he was adopted to days being overworked by the U.S. Government, and up to the time he left his parents' house in the interest of not living in a "prison," these stories are told in Gulley's witty voice as he reminisces over various aspects of his colorful past.

Always Looking Up -- Michael J. Fox

Several years after his decision to quit working on his tv series Spin City due to his Parkinson's Disease, Michael J. Fox examines his life and the years since his semi-retirement. He focuses on what he considers to be the four pillars of his life: family, faith, politics, and work; and explains how his disease and his decisions since diagnosis have affected each area of his life. The result is full of humor, sincerity, honesty, and most significantly, optimism.