John Quincy Adams, America’s fifth president, had big shoes to fill. Not only was he the first presidential scion to ascend to the country’s top office, he was the start of a new brand of presidents – those who didn’t have their hands in creating the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution. But much like … Continue reading The Lost Founding Father
As we near the end of our 2024 Reading Challenge, I'm excited to share some of my favorite genres with you! This week, that's books less than 200 pages and some nonfiction! I've also go the 2025 challenge prompts together and I can't wait to share them with you! I'm excited to try something a … Continue reading This Week: December 8th
The office of American president was just the last stop in the storied political career of James Monroe. The senior statesman was involved in many decisions that shaped our early country from the American Revolution to the Louisiana Purchase, and later the Monroe Doctrine. Brook Poston explores Monroe’s work to empower the young country while … Continue reading James Monroe: A republican champion
Tomorrow marks one of the most important days of the entire year to me - Veterans Day. I find it hard to wish someone a "happy Veterans Day" because the need to have veterans in the first place is a reminder that our world is not "happy". I have been a long supporter of our … Continue reading This Week: November 10th
When Britain invaded The United States in 1814 for the second time, our fledgling government had become established in Washington, D.C. Official government buildings, including the White House, became immediate targets of the Redcoats. Anthony S. Pitch delivers a comprehensive account of the War of 1812 in The Burning of Washington. From invasion through to … Continue reading The Burning of Washington
Thank you to the author for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Katie Young has had quite the year. After discovering her new husband’s infidelities and losing her mother during the COVID-19 lockdown, she moved home to the Potomac shores and her childhood home in Occoquan. The past few months … Continue reading Santa Overboard
Thomas Jefferson just acquired the Louisiana Purchase for the young United States and he needs someone to help map it out. Explorers and leaders have long wondered if the fabled Northern Passage really existed and the president has directed the men to find out, along with exploring as much of the new territory as possible. … Continue reading Lewis and Clark
Hoping you are enjoying a beautiful 3-day holiday weekend right now with lots of time to read. I'm reading through several non-fiction books this weekend for our weekly prompts. In honor of Labor Day, our reading prompt this week is "labor rights". I've read several great books about the labor rights struggles of the late … Continue reading This Week: September 1st
As we enter the back-to-school season, I've been thinking a lot about my favorite school librarians and the books they introduced me to. So many of them had animals on the cover and so do so many of my favorite books of the past few years! Do you have a favorite book with an animal … Continue reading This Week: August 4th
Arthur Fonzarelli was an icon for my generation and the one before. The character on the Happy Days TV show made being cool synonymous with a leather jacket, perfectly styled hair, and a mischievous background. The man behind that character never felt like he fit that bill. In his autobiography Being Henry, Henry Winkler explores … Continue reading Being Henry
