Books matching: mexican american war
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Save:Reyna Grande's 'A Ballad of Love and Glory' is a historical novel set during the Mexican American War of 1846, focusing on the love story between Ximena Salome Benitez y Catalan, an indigenous Tejana healer, and John Riley, leader of the St. Patrick's Battalion. Grande beautifully captures the truth behind the violent invasion by the U.S. into Mexico, portraying the human costs of war and the intense characters involved. The novel delves into the historical events of the Mexican American War, shedding light on the perspectives of both Mexican and Irish individuals impacted by the conflict.
Grande's writing style skillfully weaves together a tale of love, war, and loss, drawing readers into the story and compelling them to turn the pages. The author's meticulous research allows for a better understanding of the historical context, including the Manifest Destiny politics and military strategies at play during that period. Through rich character development and vivid descriptions, Grande brings to life this lesser-known history, offering a unique perspective on a highly charged subject.
When the three steamships came into view, undulating on the shimmering waters of the gulf, the villagers grew quiet and still, in the way Ximena had seen meadowlarks freeze when hunted by a hawk. Stan...March 2022•367 pages - #2
Save:Come for the vampires, stay for the engrossing romance, evocative writing, and Mexican Western atmosphere - just know this is more of a love story with a supernatural edge than a straight horror novel.
"Vampires of El Norte" by Isabel Canas is a historical romance novel set during the Mexican American War, intertwining themes of love, social hierarchy, and the horrors of war. The story follows the protagonists Néstor and Nena, exploring their tumultuous relationship amidst classism and challenges. The author skillfully weaves elements of Mexican folklore and Western genre, creating an immersive and evocative experience for readers. The writing style is described as beautiful and poetic, with vivid descriptions of the Mexican landscape and the emotional complexities of the characters.
IT WAS OFTEN said that a strange kind of magic ran in the waters of Rancho Los Ojuelos, the kind that made the Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca go mad, the kind that made mustangs swift and the land ri...August 2023•380 pages - #3
Save:Uncompromising and intense - if you want a dark, realistic Western adventure, "In the Rogue Blood" delivers. Not for the squeamish, but a rewarding ride for those who can handle the grit.
In the Rogue Blood by James Carlos Blake is a gritty and raw novel set during the Mexican-American War era, depicting the harsh realities of life in the Wild West. The story follows two young brothers as they navigate through the brutal and violent landscape, encountering various tribulations and challenges that test their survival skills. The writing style of the book has been praised for its honest depiction of the time period, with some comparing it to the works of Cormac McCarthy for its vivid portrayal of violence and the unforgiving nature of the setting.
Their mother was a fairskinned supple beauty with sharp features, but neither Daddyjack nor the children knew—not the woman herself knew—that her roiled green eyes and darkly auburn hair were inherite...1997•379 pages - #4
Save:A thorough, engaging, and readable deep dive into a pivotal, often overlooked presidency - recommended for history buffs, though not without its biases.
'A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, the Mexican War and the Conquest of the American Continent' by Robert W. Merry is a nonfiction book that delves into the presidency of James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States. The book provides a comprehensive study of the politics and events of the 1840s, focusing on Polk's achievements such as the annexation of Texas, the Oregon Territory Treaty, and the Mexican American War. Written in an informative and engaging style, the book explores Polk's challenges and successes during his presidency, shedding light on his determination to achieve his goals despite facing various obstacles.
Merry's narrative of Polk's presidency is described as well-written, easy-going, and informative. The author presents a neutral and unbiased portrayal of Polk, highlighting his successes and faults in obtaining treaties, lowering tariffs, and handling the Mexican threat. Through detailed accounts of historical events and key figures of the era, Merry provides readers with a compelling insight into the complexities of American history during the 19th century, making this book a recommended read for those interested in understanding the political landscape of the time.
BEGINNING IN SUMMER 1717 there arrived upon American shores a new breed of immigrant from the British Isles, far different from the Puritans, Quakers, and Cavaliers who had already settled in their ch...2008•593 pages A wild, riveting ride through the Old West - equal parts fact and tall tale. Perfect for fans of 'Blood Meridian' and adventurous memoirs, but take the stories with a grain of salt.
'My Confession: Recollections of a Rogue' by Samuel E. Chamberlain seems to be a memoir detailing the author's adventurous life, including his experiences riding with the Glanton Gang during the Mexican-American War. is noted for its historical accuracy and is believed to have inspired Cormac McCarthy's novel 'Blood Meridian'. Readers mention that the writing style is archaic but fascinating, with neat illustrations adding to the storytelling.
THIS book is a wonderfully fresh and exciting historical discovery. To read Sam Chamberlain’s private memoirs and look at his long hidden pictures of the Mexican War is like stepping back at once into...1850•400 pagesA masterful, wide-ranging, and critical account of early 19th-century America that’s essential for serious history buffs - just be ready for a meaty, eye-opening read.
'What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815 - 1848' by Daniel Walker Howe is a comprehensive examination of one of the most extraordinary periods of American history. The book covers the technological, intellectual, cultural, political, military, and religious developments between 1815 and 1848. Howe provides a detailed account of various topics including Indian removal, slavery, women's rights, political movements, and social events, offering a richly detailed narrative that brings this era to life. The book is praised for its broad coverage of the political, economic, military, and cultural histories of the period, as well as its engaging writing style that makes the content accessible to non-academic readers.
In the thirty-three years following the Battle of New Orleans, the United States would extend its imperial reach across a continent vast, diverse, and already inhabited. The history of the United Stat...October 2007A solid and informative read for history lovers, but not quite at the emotional heights of Shaara’s best work.
'Gone for Soldiers: A Novel of the Mexican War' by Jeff Shaara is a captivating novel that focuses on the US Mexican War and the notable generals who played crucial roles in it. The author provides insight into the dynamics of strategy, the early years of soldiers like Robert E. Lee, and the connections between the Mexican War and the American Civil War. Readers appreciated the personal look at the conduct of the war, the overview of the conflict without being too detailed, and the emphasis on the young leaders who would later become significant figures in the Civil War.
THEY HAD SAILED EARLY, CUTTING SOUTHWARD THROUGH THE quiet water, the rugged coastline barely visible to the west. Lee had moved to the bow of the tall ship, staring out quietly, tasting the salt air,...September 2000•497 pagesA sweeping, well-researched, and novelistic history of the American West’s most turbulent era - equal parts exhilarating, sobering, and enlightening. A must for history lovers, but not everyone’s cup of tea.
Blood and Thunder: An Epic of the American West by Hampton Sides is a meticulously researched narrative that delves into the clash between American Manifest Destiny and the Western Native American tribes, primarily focusing on the life of Kit Carson. The book spans the U.S. Western expansion from the mountain man era through the end of the Civil War, providing a comprehensive account of the historical events and key figures of the American Southwest.
Sides' writing style is praised for its ability to bring history to life, making the book read like a novel while maintaining a balance between critical and sympathetic viewpoints of Kit Carson and the American settlement of the southwest. The narrative is engaging and educational, shedding light on the complexities of the human history of the American southwest, particularly highlighting events such as the Navajos' Long Walk in the 1860s and Kearny and his Western Army's march to California.
In the two decades he had lived and wandered in the West, Christopher Carson had led an unaccountably full life. He was only thirty-six years old, but it seemed he had done everything there was to do...2006•630 pagesA solid, accessible, and enlightening biography that finally gives Polk his due - perfect for readers wanting a deeper understanding of American expansion and presidential power (just don’t expect a breezy, action-packed read).
'Polk: The Man Who Transformed the Presidency and America' by Walter R. Borneman is a biography of the 11th President of the United States, James K. Polk. The book delves into Polk's accomplishments, such as the acquisition of territory in the west, his role in the Mexican-American War, and his efforts to expand the country's borders. The writing style is described as informative, well-researched, and engaging, providing a detailed account of Polk's life and presidency.
In the fall of 1812, Sam Polk determined to send his almost-seventeen-year-old son to Philadelphia to receive the care of Dr. Philip Syng Physick, later known as “the father of American surgery.” Rest...2008•483 pages- #10
Save:An essential, firsthand look at Civil War history and leadership - a must-read classic, but best for those who appreciate detail and directness over literary flair.
The 'Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant' is a detailed account of Grant's life and experiences up to the end of the Civil War. Grant's writing style is matter-of-fact, recounting events without embellishment and providing insights into his thoughts and recollections of the war. The book delves into Grant's military strategies, battles, and campaigns, offering a unique perspective on the Civil War and its aftermath, including the Reconstruction period. Despite some readers finding the book overly detailed in battle logistics, Grant's narrative shines through with his views on important issues such as slavery, white supremacy, and the treatment of African Americans.
Mathew Grant, the founder of the branch in America, of which I am a descendant, reached Dorchester, Massachusetts, in May, 1630. In 1635 he moved to what is now Windsor, Connecticut, and was the surve...1989•672 pages
