Books Like...

'Ordeal by Hunger: The Story of the Donner Party' by George R. Stewart is a comprehensive and detailed account of the harrowing journey undertaken by the Donner Party in 1846. The book vividly portrays the struggles, privations, and hardships faced by the emigrants as they attempted to travel to California, including incidents of selfishness, heroism, and unimaginable acts of survival such as resorting to cannibalism. Stewart's writing style, although from a different era, effectively brings to life the personalities and character traits of the individuals involved, making the reader feel deeply immersed in the tragic story of the Donner Party.

'Crow Killer: The Saga of Liver-Eating Johnson' portrays the life of John Johnston, a mountain man with a vengeful vendetta against the Crow Indians after they killed his Flathead wife, leading to a pursuit filled with violence and eventual reconciliation. The narrative delves into Johnston's brutal exploits, his ability to exhibit kindness amidst violence, and his legendary status in the Wild West, challenging the romanticized Hollywood portrayals of cowboys and Indians. The writing style blends factual storytelling with mythic accounts, offering readers an insight into the harsh realities of the Old West and the complexities of frontier life.

"The Battle of the Little Bighorn" by Mari Sandoz presents a detailed and analytical depiction of the infamous confrontation between George Armstrong Custer's 7th Cavalry and Native American forces. The author explores Custer's character, portraying him as a hubristic figure whose arrogance contributed to the tragic outcome of the battle. Sandoz's writing style is marked by elegant prose and vivid descriptions, which allow readers to visualize the battlefield and the emotions experienced by both soldiers and Native Americans. However, some readers found the narrative style peculiar, noting that it may lack the depth of research they expected based on Sandoz's previous works.

The book attempts to capture the complexity of the battle from multiple perspectives, although some readers felt that it drained the subject of excitement and historical significance. Critics pointed out the author's use of imagined conversations without references, which they believed detracted from the historical accuracy of the account. Nevertheless, Sandoz's narrative seeks to engage the reader by evoking the fear and chaos of the final moments of the battle, offering a gripping portrayal of the events as they unfolded, despite some reservations about the overall accuracy and flow of the narrative.

'The American West' by Dee Brown is a detailed narrative history that delves into the development of the West in the 1800s. The book covers the stories of various key figures such as Native Americans, settlers, cowboys, ranchers, and businessmen, highlighting the conflicts, struggles, conquests, and the eventual colonization of America. The author provides a well-documented and well-written account, with chapters dedicated to different subjects, making it an informative yet entertaining read. The book captures the essence of the American West, bringing to life the diverse characters and events that shaped the country during that era.

The writing style of Dee Brown in 'The American West' is described as very readable, engaging, and easy to follow. The book is praised for its detailed descriptions of both Indian and European situations, making it a recommended addition to any History library. Brown's storytelling is compared to that of a serious historian and a capable novelist, keeping the readers intrigued and engaged throughout the narrative. Despite some critiques about the lack of cohesive narrative and focus on Native Americans, the book is commended for its educational value and entertaining approach to exploring the history of the American West.

'Almost a Miracle: The American Victory in the War of Independence' by John Ferling is a detailed military history of the American Revolution, focusing not only on battles and dates but on the strategic and tactical decisions made by both British and American leaders. The book delves into the context of the battles, telling the story from the perspectives of North American colonists, British forces, and the French. Ferling masterfully weaves together accounts of the mud and gore of the battlefield with the political intrigue in ministries, creating a suspenseful narrative filled with 'what ifs' and exploring the 'why' and 'how' of this epic struggle on the North American continent.

'Undaunted Courage: The Pioneering First Mission to Explore America's Wild Frontier' by Stephen E. Ambrose is a detailed narrative history of the Lewis and Clark expedition. The book delves into the challenges faced by the Corps of Discovery as they journeyed to the Pacific, highlighting the bravery and sacrifices of the men involved, as well as the interactions with Native Americans along the way. Ambrose's writing style brings the story to life, weaving in passages from the journals of the trip and providing fascinating details that make the reader feel like they are part of the expedition.

'Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West' by Dee Brown is a heartbreaking and authentic account of the white expansion into the American West from the Native American point of view. Each chapter focuses on a different tribe or event, providing a comprehensive and intimate retelling of the fate of the American Indian. The writing style is described as poetic, insightful, and impeccably researched, with harrowing details provided by first-hand recollections, making it a great first read of American History that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.