A Century Turns, Volume 3: America--The Last, Best Hope
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A Century Turns By William J. Bennett
I grew up reading stories from William BennettâÂÂs Book of Virtues, so I was very interested in reading his perspective on our countryâÂÂs history. A Century Turns shares a unique view of AmericaâÂÂs history from 1988 to 2008. Many things have transpired over the course of those two decades and Mr. BennettâÂÂs career has allowed him a very special perspective on it all.
In many cases, technology affords us so much information that it is nearly impossible to take it all in as we go. Rumors fly, accusations are made, and it is rarely prudent to reveal everything related to our troops in time of war. But when sparks die down, gossip passes, and the danger is over, it is quite worthwhile to look back at recent history and take a broader view of it all. What actually happened. Who was involved? What roles did they take? What challenges were faced? ItâÂÂs remarkable how many little details I missed as time continued. Looking back can often give us an opportunity to take in the whole picture and prepare ourselves for a better future.
Circumstances of life didnâÂÂt allow me to give this book as much careful attention as I would have liked, but I do recommend it if you enjoy history. Mr. Bennett is an excellent writer and this book very enjoyable.
BookSneeze kindly provided me with a free copy of this book, but the opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to provide a positive review.
August 31, 2012
Within the two-hundred and seventy five pages of A Century Turns: New Hopes, New Fears , twenty years of American history are covered in this new and highly insightful book by Dr. William J. Bennett. Century covers the years from 1988 (the end of the Reagan Era and election of the first President Bush), through the end of 2008 and the election of Barack Obama as President.While not completely exhaustive for this time period, Dr. Bennett does an excellent job highlighting many of the successes and failures that occurred during this vital time in American history. From the rise of Bill Clinton, to the tragedies at Waco and Oklahoma City, the L.A. Riots, OJ and 9/11 (and don't forget the 2008 Election), Dr. Bennett examines each and interjects his own personal anecdotes to help the reader understand as to why some of these events transpired.A Century Turns is definitely an easier read than some history books I've attempted to read, and would make a great addition to your personal library. The material was presented in an clear, mostly unbiased manner, and kept my attention throughout. It is for these reasons that I believe A Century Turns would make a great reference for home school, as it effectively teaches the past twenty-years of US history and its effect on pop culture. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and I am quite sure you will too!Disclosure: I received this book FREE from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTCs 16 CFR, Part 255.
April 15, 2010
Within the two-hundred and seventy five pages of A Century Turns: New Hopes, New Fears , twenty years of American history are covered in this new and highly insightful book by Dr. William J. Bennett. Century covers the years from 1988 (the end of the Reagan Era and election of the first President Bush), through the end of 2008 and the election of Barack Obama as President.While not completely exhaustive for this time period, Dr. Bennett does an excellent job highlighting many of the successes and failures that occurred during this vital time in American history. From the rise of Bill Clinton, to the tragedies at Waco and Oklahoma City, the L.A. Riots, OJ and 9/11 (and don't forget the 2008 Election), Dr. Bennett examines each and interjects his own personal anecdotes to help the reader understand as to why some of these events transpired.A Century Turns is definitely an easier read than some history books I've attempted to read, and would make a great addition to your personal library. The material was presented in an clear, mostly unbiased manner, and kept my attention throughout. It is for these reasons that I believe A Century Turns would make a great reference for home school, as it effectively teaches the past twenty-years of US history and its effect on pop culture. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and I am quite sure you will too!Disclosure: I received this book FREE from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTCs 16 CFR, Part 255.
April 15, 2010
While I am not a history buff, I decided to read William Bennetts new book, A Century Turns: New Hopes, New Fears. The books purpose is to reveal more insight into the events of the past 20 years from 1988-2008. The book is mainly about politics but does cover other events during a twenty year span with each chapter beginning with a new presidency. It begins with President George H.W. Bush and ends with the second President Bush. President Obama was elected in the year in which the book ends. When most people think of recent historical events, they relate it to a certain presidency so it seems logical that the book be written in this way too. NOTE: The book does discuss other major events not related to politics.Bennett leans towards a conservative view point which I like, but he is not trying to make an argument. He just fails, like a non-conservative writer would do, to leave out details that are pertinent to the events. He covers all events thoroughly and that gives a reader a bigger understanding of the Big Picture. Thoroughness is something that is severely lacking in the biased news media so most Americans get a skewed story when anything important happens.I would recommend this book for everyone not just for history buffs. I enjoyed the book and think it is important for all Americans (and non-Americans) to understand recent events so that we may learn from mistakes and grow towards a better future.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
April 14, 2010