or what is Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard
This is a well written, fascinating story about the rise of James Garfield and his untimely death.
Millard tells of Garfield's very poor childhood, his education, his time in the Civil War, and his nomination for President despite the fact that he has no desire for the nomination. Then the story really begins. Crooked politics, arrogant doctors, a mentally ill man, and a brilliant scientist all figure into Garfield's six short months in office. Add in a "puppet" Vice President, a letter-writing invalid, and a sweet love story at the end and you've got a book. There are so many facets to this tale, that if it had been a fiction story, I would have thought that the author was being too dramatic.
Destiny of the Republic proves the saying, "Truth is stranger that fiction."
My only criticism of the book was that occasionally it would seem as if the author was going off on a tangent. But usually these tangents were background for an upcoming part of the story. Also, I found it hard to read some of the medical practices with my current medical sensibilities.
Destiny of the Republic was originally recommended by an acquaintance and later we read it in my book club. Everyone in the club liked it even those who didn't think they would. So if you want to brush up your history, I'd recommend this very good book.
Ooh, I'll have to look for this! I seem to go through dry seasons where it's hard to find a good book.
ReplyDeleteI hear ya on medicine practices back then. When PBS was showing Mercy Street, I loved it. However, watching the health care workers on the program, it was all I could do to keep from yelling "glove and gown, people!" at the tv. ;)
This all took place at a time that doctors in the US were rejecting the germ theory because you couldn't see them even though they had been practicing it in Europe for 20 years. Like I said, it was difficult to read some of the things they did with today's sensibilities.
DeleteThank you for the recommendation, I will pass it on to Greg who loves history and reads history non-fiction books almost exclusively.
ReplyDeleteThis would be a good book for a history buff.
DeleteThanks for the book recommendation!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome.
DeleteGood one, June. Thanks. I think my wife would like to read that one. I will look for it now.
ReplyDeleteIt was recommended to me by one of the doctors I go to. He said it was his favorite nonfiction book he's ever read. I hope your wife likes it. I think you would, too. But maybe after she reads it, she can tell you if would like it or not. Ward did not read it, but I told him about it as I was reading it because I couldn't always believe what was happening. He will probably listen to it on his way to work.
DeleteI think I'll have to read that, thank you!
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy it.
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