It’s the Fourth of July, a time to reflect on our nation’s history and how incredible it is to live in America. We have some pretty amazing founding fathers who thoughtfully crafted our Declaration of Independence and Constitution to be living documents equally as important today as the day they were conceived. Here at Lazy Day Books, we’d also like to say Thank You to today’s heroes, the men and women of our armed forces who work hard every day protecting us and our freedom! We are incredibly lucky to have you on our side!
A long holiday weekend is the perfect time to brush up on our American History. Whether you’re looking for historical inspiration or fun facts to talk about at a BBQ, we’ve put together a great selection for you here. You can click any of the book titles for more information or to instantly download the ebook from Lazy Day Books.
America’s Women: by Gail Collins. America’s Women tells the story of more than four centuries of history. It features a stunning array of personalities, from the women peering worriedly over the side of the Mayflower to feminists having a grand old time protesting beauty pageants and bridal fairs. Courageous, silly, funny, and heartbreaking, these women shaped the nation and our vision of what it means to be female in America.
April 1865: by Jay Winik. It was a month that could have unraveled the nation. Instead, it saved it. In April 1865, Jay Winik masterfully breathes new life into the end of a war and the events we only thought we knew. This gripping, panoramic narrative takes readers on a breathless ride through these tumultuous 30 days, showing that the nation’s future rested on a few crucial decisions and twists of fate.
State By State: by Matt Weiland. See America with 50 of Our Finest, Funniest, and Foremost Writers. Anthony Bourdain chases the fumigation truck in Bergen County, New Jersey. Dave Eggers tells it straight: Illinois is Number 1. Louise Erdrich loses her bikini top in North Dakota. John Hodgman explains why there is no such thing as a “Massachusettsean” and many more!
The Federalist Papers: by Hamilton, Madison & Jay. The Federalist Papers first appeared in 1787, originally published anonymously as a series of letters to New York newspapers promoting voters to ratify the proposed Constitution of the United States. They were written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay from 1787-1788. These documents were instrumental in understanding how our government was designed and how it was planned to work.
Seal Team Six: by Howard E. Wasdin. A book that takes you inside the covert squad that killed Osama Bin Laden. SEAL Team Six is a secret unit tasked with counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and counterinsurgency. In this dramatic, behind-the-scenes chronicle, Howard Wasdin takes readers deep inside the world of Navy SEALS and Special Forces snipers, beginning with the grueling selection process of Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S)–the toughest and longest military training in the world.
American Eden: by Wade Graham. The story of our nation and ourselves—as told through our country’s most significant gardens and their creators. Melding biography, history, and cultural commentary in a one-of-a-kind narrative, American Eden presents a dynamic, sweeping look at this country’s landscapes and the visionaries behind them.
What books about American history inspire you this Fourth of July weekend? Please share your recommendations with us in the comments.
Happy Birthday America!
Kimberly
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