An American to see

On March 20, I had the opportunity to go to a lecture from David McCullough. He has written many historical books including 1776, John Adams, and Truman. We read 1776 in book club last year and while it is a hard book to get through, it is a wonderful account of the war of Independence and the people needed to win that war. I've heard that John Adams is even better because it includes the love story of John and his wife.
The lecture was extraordinary! He debated the saying "life was a simpler time back then" stating that how could it have been? A mom back then would have to boil the drinking water, make meals from scratch or have a servant help. Then wash the clothes in a basin and hang them out to dry. Her husband was away fighting in a war and her children could be dying from small pox (or the vaccine to small pox) etc. etc. etc. Very interesting.
He also talked about how our own politicians don't know their history according to a recent survey. And only 30% of college students know who defeated the British at Yorktown. (40% believe it was Grant) Our own schools aren't teaching history to our students in 6 states. Wow.
He also touched on subjects such as getting your children interested in your favorite things before "it's cool to be dumb". Another subject was our teachers and how most parents believe they are just glorified babysitters for 8 hours of the day.
But my favorite part was when he said he was being interviewed by a journalist and he was asked, "Besides George Washington, John Adams and Truman, which other presidents have you personally interviewed?" He's not that old!!
It was an evening well spent and I think it should be mandatory for all of America to hear him in person! Now go read his books.

These are a few of my favorite things

I've decided to enter the 21st century and let people read my mind. I already talk too much, so now I just need to type too much. Get ready...
Elena's Favorites
Books

1. Harry Potter Series. If you want to discuss, I'll listen anytime.
2. Life of Pi by Yann Martel. If you want to read a book all the way through and at the end have to think of the book in a completely new light, read this book!
3. Follow the River by James Alexander Thom. Kidnapped by indians. I didn't really think I would like this but it is an amazing story of hope and courage. Wow.
4. Precious Bane by Mary Webb. A book that survives by word of mouth. It has been reprinted 26 times since 1924. Great book.
5. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. A comical look at hiking on the appalachian trail.
6. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. It's not a fast paced book. It's about life at the pace it's supposed to be. It can't be explained by a plot. Read it.
7. Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan. Once you get passed the alzheimers story line it is a great book. I'm reviewing it for book club in Feruary.

I have loved being a part of a book club. I love that I probably would not have chosen 75% of what I have read and wound up liking the book. I also love being part of a group and not because they are paying me to be there for them. Just relaxing and talking.
More favorite lists to follow.