American history is integrated into every moment of our lives as we interact with her laws and thrive under her freedoms. Though the cadence changes over the decades and ideas and nations wax and wane, American history is a drama well-worth telling. Distilling American history-from Jamestown's "starving time" to the Civil War to the present-into 365 entries for each day of the year, this Almanac will convert anyone into a history buff and a patriot. 518 pages, hardcover.
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
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5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jade =) (Dallas, TX), January 24, 2010
The American Patriot's Almanac: Daily Readings on America by William J. Bennett and John T.E. Cribb. When I first received this complimentary book from Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers (now called BookSneeze – thank you for shortening that for us!), the name Bill Bennett was vaguely familiar. Before I got home with it that afternoon, I had already discussed the book with three people who recognized his name on the cover and wanted to know what it was! When I read the description of the book, I was intrigued... and after it arrived and I had a chance to skim through it, I was not at all disappointed. It is filled with exciting and interesting facts and stories of America's history... some well-known events and a lot of little-known things. This almanac is divided in to daily readings featuring a “this day in history” main story along with an “American History Parade” which offers quick mentions of events that happened throughout the years on that particular day. Mixed in with the daily readings are extra sections featuring historical documents like the Constitution, and patriotic songs as in “America The Beautiful,” amongst other things. There's also a fun list of 50 All-American Movies. Whether you read a little every day, maybe along with your daily Bible reading or devotional time, or if you skim through it on occasion (you know you want to check out what happened on your birthday, anniversary, etc.), it makes for a fun and enlightening history text to have on hand. And unlike our regular history textbook, this book strives to make you proud to be an America as you reflect on the greatness of our country (and yes, takes a look at some of not-so-great moments – because those are important to remember too). Our forefathers have amazing stories that should be told and passed down along the generations, never to be forgotten... and The American Patriot's Almanac does a fine job to helping with that.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Penny Horner (San Diego CA), December 08, 2009
This devotional is very educational, learning something new about our great country, history that has been lost or forgotten every day of the year. Contains the great documents of our nation, such as, the Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, The Gettysburg address, etc. to read from time to time and other interesting stories on the history of the Stars and Stripes, etc. Great for learning about the history of our great country.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Debi K. (Keystone Heights, FL), August 31, 2009
It is a simple book; however, it has alot of valuable information in it. I like how each date has included different historical events for various times of Americain history. A very nice looking book too.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Kathy (Berkeley, South Carolina), April 17, 2009
This book is a must-have for every home library. Covering the birth pangs of our great nation from the early 1700s through the present day, this account is delightfully easy to read. We live in an era when patriotism is discouraged in favor of a world view. In addition, our history books have failed to include many of the stories this book contains. With many people pointing out what is wrong with our country, it is inspiring to be reminded of all that is right with our America. How wonderful to enjoy these historic accounts of extraordinary moral fiber demonstrated in the daily lives of our ordinary fellow citizens.
The reader assumes a challenge to imagine how our forefathers would react to situations we face today. The many obstacles they overcame motivates the reader to duplicate the integrity of those brave men and women. One is reminded again and again that they looked selflessly to the future as they prayerfully considered the effects of their actions on posterity.
The stories for every day of the year format, with other specials such as the Constitution and Bill of Rights, are quick and easy to grasp in just a few moments. The brief but powerful accounts remind us that historically, the nations of the world have followed America’s example. The American Patriot’s Almanac Daily Readings on America should be required reading in every classroom.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Terra (Los Angeles California), January 07, 2009
This book is full of compelling stories about American history, with s different historical event being presented each day of the year. Here is an entertaining way to learn about our country, in easy to read informative snippets.
An attractive hardcover binding holds many treasures within, including the documents that help make this country a focus of liberty loving people all over the world.
The text of the Gettysburg Address and the Bill of Rights is right at hand here, and the story of Betsy Ross, pictures of the flags of the Revolutionary War, an entry about jazz, another about Labor Day, and the authors’ selections for the best 50 All-American movies.
I was reminded of many movies I have seen and am inspired to watch them again, and quite a few I have missed and will look for. “Best Years of Our Lives”, and “Seabiscuit” are two of the fifty recommended films.
For every American and particularly for families that home school the authors, William J. Bennett and John T.E. Cribb, are especially adept at making history fun. Did you know that St. Patrick’s Day was first celebrated in the U.S. colonies in 1737 in Boston? Now that is a long and venerable tradition. You will find many lesser known events including the entry for June 13 which has the story of Lafayette and the sentry.
There is a chapter of prayers for America.
August 20 presents “E Pluribus Unum” which highlights for me the strength of the United States, “Out of many, one.” We are a nation built by people from many lands, tied together by a bond of patriotism, love of freedom and mutual aid.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Abi (Grand Forks, ND), January 06, 2009
"Patriotism is more than just flying a flag," says William Bennett, "it's sticking it out through thick or thin (right or wrong.)" What do you know about America? Get to know your country better and love it more with William Bennett's help. This book is any history buff's dream. Good for the homeschooler too. Take a look at America daily with William Bennett's, The American Patriot's Almanac. This is a book of short daily readings of things that happened in America on that given day. It gives account of each day of the year. On a given day there is one main event that Mr. Bennett goes into detail on and then at the end of each day there is a History parade section that gives more events that can be looked up and studied about for those that wish more study. A lot of work and historical information is crammed into this book. It takes you day by day, and month by month through historical events through the year. The pages in this book tell the stories of heroes in uniform. It helps the reader see who we are as Americans. At the end of each month there is also a section of added information such has flag etiquette one month, fifty all-American movies to watch one month, learn about the great seal and what it stands for. The history of the flag and changes one month, and the list goes on. I could go on and on but I won't if you want a quick at your fingers history book this is your book.
It is a hardback book cover and the pages are rough edge to give it that old antique, scrapbook look. Very nicely done and would look nice just laying on the coffee table for quick read.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Luanne (Wisconsin), January 05, 2009
When you open this book you'll find a "daily source of inspiration and information about the history, heroes, and achievements that sum up what this nation is all about."
After each days vignette, there are a handful of important events that happened on that certain day--called the American History Parade.
There are a wide variety of events written about--from "Elvis Hits the Airwaves" to "The Liberty Bell." How's that for diversity?
This is an excellent book for home school families. It's ironic--when I was in school, history did nothing for me, but now I find it intriguing. To read stories that actually happened, and witness a glimpse of God's working--both in the chain of history of our country and in individual's life.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Valerie (South Carolina), January 05, 2009
Bennett and Cribb make an excellent duo. They have paired up before and have once again proven they have what it takes. This book is designed for a small reading each day, an uplifting story from the annals of American history, featuring significant events on the anniversary of their occurrence. Each day’s reading concludes with a bullet list of other key events for that day.
The book’s introduction claims “From its beginnings the United States was founded on a set of ideals. Freedom of thought and speech. Equality before the law. The right to worship God as we please. The dignity of each individual.…American patriotism is largely about some shining principles and the spirit it takes to make them work.”
I picked up this book with the thought that Patriotism is being phased out. I am not particularly proud of American today. I am ashamed of our social decay, disappointed with a debilitating welfare system, stupefied by the amputation and persecution of faith.
Surprisingly, the Almanac stirs in me a sense of Patriotism. A sense of something I vaguely recall as honor, pride, sacrifice and respect. A time when community service, faith, freedom and equality was valued and respected. Simultaneously, it stirs up a fear, too, for what this country has become and where we are headed. The book has revealed my mixed emotions. The book is a good daily reminder of where we’ve been, what has been sacrificed and how grateful we should be. Unfortunately, it is also a daily reminder of what we’ve lost.
I conclude that Patriotism IS being phased out, but that ought not be so. Patriotism is needed now more than ever. The almanac lists 12 great reasons to love a great country and I submit that we are seriously in danger of losing at least six of them in the near future. It is time for Patriots to come to the aid of their country.
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