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.
No comments:
Post a Comment