Fourth of July Book Tag

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Since tomorrow is the 4th of July, I thought it would be fun to do a holiday-themed book tag. I know it’s Wednesday, which is usually my book review day, but I’ll be moving the book review to Saturday.

This tag was originally created by Talking Leaves on Youtube. As always, I’m not tagged nor am I tagging anyone else.

I actually wanted to narrow my choices to books which only have to do with the Revolutionary War, but I found I haven’t read enough books on the topic. However, I do want to narrow my books down to different wars in American history, or just books which are about American history (save for one that specifically has to be British). Or, at least books which have to do with the ideals of freedom and independence prevalent through American history. This adds an extra challenge for me.

Getting patriotic. Show three books you have already read, one red, one white and one blue.

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI

This is a fascinating, but sad real-life story of the murders of a Native American family for their land filled with oil, by one of their own friends. However, it’s a beautifully written book about a darker example of the American experience.

The New York Grimpendium: A Guide to Macabre and Ghastly Sites in New York State

This book counts as white, right? I mean, it’s just got a little bit of black in the center. Anyway, this is a book which examines macabre sites to visit in New York City. And where would learning about American history be without the more grim topics?

Sackett's Land (The Sacketts, #1)

The first book in the Sackett’s Series, this book is set in the late sixteen hundreds. It follows a man from England who escapes to America to find freedom. It’s such a fun book, with surprisingly well-rounded characters.

A books with your favorite “rag-tag” band of revolutionaries.

Killing England: The Brutal Struggle for American Independence

I love the “Killing Series.” This is my second favorite book in the series, following Killing the Rising Sun. This follows the real life revolutionaries in America who decided to break away from England.

Show a book that takes place in one of the original 13 colonies.

Felicity's Story Collection with Other (American Girl)

Let’s pick the American Girl series about Felicity, set in Virginia during the Revolutionary War. I loved this series, and I still own my Felicity doll.

Show a book that takes place in England.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

This is such a beautiful book! I recently watched the movie and I enjoyed it too, though I need to reread the book to refresh how similar the two are. It’s set in England around WWII.

Time for Fireworks! What book would you say ends with a bang?

Gone with the Wind

I wouldn’t say this book exactly ends with a bang, but it is an emotional and dramatic ending. Besides, this novel is perhaps the most famous book set during the Civil War. I have mixed feelings about the story, mostly because I hated all the characters (though perhaps that was the point), but it is a beautifully written book.

Show three books you would like to read, one red, one white and one blue.

To Hell and Back

If you’ve ever gotten into old movies, you’ll probably know just how famous of actor Audie Murphy was in the 1940s. But many probably don’t know he was also a highly decorated soldier in WWII, and also wrote this book about his experiences. I’ve been wanting to read it for a while, but haven’t gotten a chance yet.

The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates

This book tells about two men with the same name, one who became a successful writer and the other who ended up in jail. It examines how upbringing and luck plays in deciding our futures. I haven’t read it, but it’s sat on my bookshelf for years. I probably should pick it up sometime.

H.P. Lovecraft:  The Complete Fiction

I know, you’re probably sick of hearing about H.P. Lovecraft. But, in my opinion, he is the best American horror writer. And this cover is so pretty! Technically, I have read part of this book, but I haven’t finished it so it’s still on my list to read.

Have you read any of these books? Do they look interesting to you? If you live in America, how do you celebrate the Fourth of July? Let me know your thoughts down in the comments, follow my blog for more musings and, as always,

Best wishes in your life full of adventure,

Madame Writer

11 thoughts on “Fourth of July Book Tag

    1. Yes, I love Felicity’s red hair. I own her and a Kaya doll. I loved Molly’s stories, especially since they’re set during WWII. I own all of her books as well. That and Samantha’s. Actually, as a child I enjoyed reading all the American Girl stories.

      Liked by 1 person

  1. You hated all the characters in “Gone with the Wind”? I think I know where you are coming from 🙂 I am ashamed to say that I have never read any of H.P. Lovecraft’s stories, but I want to begin soon. I wonder if “The Shadow Over Innsmouth” is a good place to start.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, I can’t say I liked a single character in Gone with the Wind, which is rather unfortunate. When it comes to Lovecraft, I’m not sure where to start. I started from the chronological publishing (so what Lovecraft wrote first), but it’s hard to know which stores fit into his bigger mythos and which ones are stand-alones. The Shadow Over Innsmouth is one of his longer works (as mostly he wrote short stories, not novellas), but it’s certainly not the beginning of the stories. I wouldn’t know where to recommend for you to start. I know my first story was “Call of Cthulhu,” and that was published in 1928 (The Shadow Over Innsmouth was in 1934, I think).

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks! I looked at some lists, and “Call of Cthulhu” is consistently rated as one of Lovecraft’s very best, but since I prefer longer stories, I think I will stick with “The Shadow Over Innsmouth”. I am definitely excited to read it!

        Liked by 1 person

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