The Shoemaker-Tea Party...memory?

I liked this story because it proves that sometimes it takes a reflection or memory of an event to bring acknowledgments, learning experiences, and history to life.  This book wasn't so much about the Boston Tea Party as it was about the events as recalled my an ordinary poor man.  George Robert Twelves Hewes, a shoemaker during the Revolutionary War time recalls the events around the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party.  I loved learning that it wasn't originally called that until years later.  More important is discovering the significance of the life of one man during a time in which so many men become famous for their actions, lack of actions, and ideas that brought forth a new nation. 
I really enjoyed reading about a different aspect of this time period.  As a historian, Young has brought light to events and people that were replaced with events such as The Fourth of July and people like George Washington.  There is always side story that is not taught in the history text books.  This is the part of history I want to learn about, the supplemental events.

War- Wood

Short and Sweet.  This is what comes to mind after I read this book.  Chapter 5 is nice and to the point.  We learned a brief overview of The State Constitutions, The Articles of Confederation, and the most detailed of the three, The War for Independence.  I like how Wood kept his reflections brief and unbiased.  He persuades us that the most important thing about the Revolution is the road to Democracy.  In this chapter we see the progression from the State's need for independence away from England, to the need for centralized government without tyranny, to the events leading up to the war.  I like how the details were kept to a minimum so that I found it easier to follow and not get bogged down with too much information.  As far as his work as a historian, I like how he used a lot of primary resources.  Overall, reading the book I didn't think I would read as much as unidentified sources as I did.  There is so much information out there on the Revolutionary War that I would expect more direct quotes.

Carol Berkin- A Brilliant Solution

I have to admit, at first I didn't think I would enjoy this book.  I had a hard time keeping up with all the facts.  I found myself rereading pages to fully understand what was going on.  The chapters are lengthy and filled with a lot of information.  So I put it down.  When I returned to the readings with a more clear mind, I found myself  being pulled into the story.  The sub-titles and quotes at the beginning of each chapter help paint a picture as what was to come.  I was amazed at how difficult a time the founding fathers had it establish and agree upon a constitution that would  benefit all.  Berkin did a great job at getting into the heads of the men to see what their view were on creating this new government and how it effected their lives.  She shows us how these men were real men and not the demi-gods we know them as.  Also, how they had so many issues to address such as secrecy, trust, tyranny, communication, avoidance of monarchy, compromises, and egos.  I learned about the struggles of creating the three branches of government without corruption.    In her book, Berkin provides us with an understanding that the core purpose of the convention was to find solutions to the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and to create a centralized government by men who brought such a variety of backgrounds, knowledge, and historical character.

I think that in order to be a historian that goes beyond creating a text book on history you must be able to find a different viewpoint of events and show the reader that history is more than dates and people.  From the books I've read so far, I have seen a variety of writers.  Hakim's version of history by far is my favorite.  I like how she writes for the various learners.  I need a history book to allow me to come back again and again without the feeling of having to reread chapters over and over to understand.