Let's just say it was a treat to read the content of Joy Hakim's A History of US while learning lots of things along the way. I was intrigued by the book to say the least. To think this is a text that can be utilized to teach the history of our country, gave me hope that the boredom of teens and preteens alike could be spared. In my opinion the book is more of a narrative and reads like fiction more than non-fiction. I loved all the information added to each page, the anecdotes, vivid descriptions, character analyses, poems, quotes, maps, pictures, and my list could go on. I found myself reading about people I only heard of by name but could never quite make a connection with. This book describes these integral characters with such intensity ,that without sounding cliche, they really come to life. They seem more real: more believable! More human? This book would definitely appeal to both left and right brain learners because it has a little something for everyone. It gives the impression that it is a textbook, yet it still remains entertaining somehow. The book is straight-forward enough for the left-brained learners, but creative enough to pique the interest of the right-brained learners, as well. I really appreciated the definitions sprinkled throughout the reading because non-historical terms were even used. It helps to understand the lingo of the time period and just how far we have come as a nation. One of my favorite parts was the explanation and reason for the song, "Yankee Doodle", not your typical kiddie sing-along-song after all. Who could have guessed it was a way for the British to mock the Americans during the war?
I also realized that I have visited so many of these sights mentioned throughout the book from Independence Hall, to Monticello, to the hallowed halls of the Old North Church in Boston. I am thinking I would have had a greater appreciation of visiting these places, if I had been more knowledgeable of their importance to our country's independence.
