Week 17: A Young People's History of the United States Volume I by Howard Zinn

Usually I do not read nonfiction books, but I thought that I should read something a little different.  This book was written for teens and young adults so a lot of the information I was already familiar with.  However, I do love history and this book provided a great review of U.S. events.  I liked that this book started out by explaining that it was biased, but still was true to the events of the times.

If you are looking for a great easy history of the U.S. before the 20th century this is your book. (Assuming you are ready to delve into the dark side of history.)  This book is from the views of the "losing side" of each event.  Zinn explains the hardships that many cultures faced such as the Trail of Tears, Labor Revolts, and Slavery.  He explains why racism began in America and how that hatred fueled many of the horrible events of the 18th and 19th centuries.  He does not sugar coat the realities people faced, nor does he validate the "heroes" of the times.  He dives deeply into the harsh world that this country was founded upon.

This book was quite harsh and the reader must be prepared for the tone of the book! I do like this book and read it fast.