pickThis author‘s work is reminiscent of that other western historian, Richard White, and more generally both of these were perhaps forerunners of the Howard Zinn style of historical narrative with a focus on the experience of the people who lived it instead of the deeds of conquering Europeans and later US officials. One of the great tasks of this book is to dispel the mythical western imagery from film and literature that became historical stand-in.
so-soI did the audiobook on this one. I liked the narrator. He changed his face with the characters that are included in the book. That being said, I didn't enjoy this one as much as O'Reilly's other books.
It's more off short biographies on the Wild West Characters he included. The usual suspects as Billy the Kid, Doc Holliday, Jesse James, Annie Oakley, etc. I did like the fact he included Bass Reeves. You usually don't read about the ⬇️
so-soIf one could ignore the racist slurs, one could appreciate this adventure story and culture clash set in the #Oregon wild. Trask relates to the indigenous people, but one tyee, chief, has to decide for his tribe to die in peace or war because death is inevitable. White man will come. Should be a classic, if there weren't slurs. #CenturyReads 1960
Great book to read for the "Indigenous People Day" week.
pickBought this as a Kindle deal because it looked interesting. I enjoyed learning about the Wright family and their dominating presence in saddle bronc rodeo. It read a little long at times because there were so many miles and rodeos but overall a great story. Amazing to see a family so dedicated to each other, their cattle, and their rodeo passion.
panI have no doubt there is a market for this book—the “history buff” crowd. But I majored in history and geography, and this book is sloppy. There is no original research, there are significant and silly errors, and the book is all over the place. Donner Party? Comstock Load? Buffalo Bill? None really had anything to do with the brief existence of the Pony Express, but they all have plenty of coverage in this book. See my GR review for more details.
Thank you Helen ♥️ it‘s a well received hug! We‘re having a couple of wobbly days so I think we‘ll all be glad when tomorrow‘s finally done.
Looking forward to reading this one after following the buddy read. After I‘ve got this weekend done I‘d love to sort out a meet up in the middle 😁👍🏻
