From Sea to Shining Sea
by JAMES ALEXANDER Thom
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Book Summary Information
Author: JAMES ALEXANDER ThomEdition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1986-11-12
ISBN: 0345334515
Number of pages: 896
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Book Reviews of From Sea to Shining Sea
Book Review: One of the best books I've ever read
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been recommending this book to people for years and just realized I have never written a review. This is one of those books you read that will stay with you forever. You might not remember every detail of the account or WHY it sticks with you so much, but you will remember that somewhere inside you, if you are an American, it awakens a patriotic part of yourself that might have been long dormant.
The great thing about Thom is his objectiveness and fairness when dealing with history and aspects of American history long given a political spin. Thom deals with these subjects with sensitivity and truthfulness. He doesn't take sides and beautifully illustrates humanity: both the white man's greed for land expansion and the Native American's brutal violence against whites. He exposes the horrors of war, the necessity thereof, and the aftermaths of the above and also the sad treatment of those who gave everything for their country. Thom's objective writing style is what makes this such a masterpiece that will stand the test of time. He writes as if he LIVED during this time with none of the blame games of modern politics. It is not a political tome, but a sweeping epic covering pre-Revolutionary War to the fascinating tale of the Lewis & Clark Expedition.
Some read the Lord of the Rings trilogy and other such novels to fulfill their thirst for a good quest story, but the ones Thom tells are true and he backs them up with fascinating, well-researched tidbits from journal entries and historical records. He incorporates side characters that also really existed in history and several were related to ancestors of mine. The fictionalized part is all in the dialogue and particulars of the story which nobody could know unless they were a fly on the wall - and who wouldn't have wanted to be a fly on the wall in such a fascinating period in our nation's history.
It takes about 150-200 pages for the book to REALLY take off, but when it does - WOW, does it ever. I've never seen such a wonderful illustration of military brotherhood and cohesion and the things that form lifelong bonds of friendship. As a military spouse, I always noticed how close military guys seem to be and the relationship they form. This book provides exactly how these bonds are formed. My husband has also read this book and said it is also one of the best books he's ever read and the portrait of George Rogers Clark is the best portrayal of what a leader SHOULD be put to paper.
If you want to read something that makes history live and breathe, look no further. Thom is one of the best historical fiction writers of our time. Period. You will become attached to these characters long after the story is over...and being that these characters are based on REAL people, you will find yourself with an obsession to learn more and will be Googling the Lewis & Clark Expedition trail, the parks dedicated to the Clark family, etc. and planning your trip to visit them. Definitely one of my favorite books ever - I've read it twice and plan on reading it again. I've also purchased Long Knife, which seems to go more in depth about George Rogers Clark's life and have read several of Clark's other books, all of which are some of the best written and best-researched books I've read.
Summary of From Sea to Shining Sea
"Splendid...Thom tells the story with humor and eloquence, and a thumping good tale it is, too."THE WASHINGTON POST
In one generation, the Clark family of Virginia fought for our nation's independence, and explored, conquered, and settled the continent from sea to shining sea. This powerfully written book recreates the warm life of the family, the dangers of the battlefield, the grueling journeys across an untamed wilderness, and the soul-stirring Lewis and Clark Expedition. This mighty epic is a fitting tribute to the wisdom and courage of Ann Rogers Clark, her husband John, and the ten sons and daughters they nurtured and inspired.
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