Lincoln's Last Days: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever

The Last Days Series #1

by Bill O'Reilly, Dwight Jon Zimmerman

Lincoln's Last Days is a gripping account of one of the most dramatic nights in American history―of how one gunshot changed the country forever. Adapted from Bill O'Reilly's bestselling historical thriller, Killing Lincoln , this book will have young readers―and grown-ups too―hooked on history.

In the spring of 1865, President Abraham Lincoln travels through Washington, D.C., after finally winning America's bloody Civil War. In the midst of celebrations, Lincoln is assassinated at Ford's Theatre by a famous actor named John Wilkes Booth. What follows is a thrilling chase, ending with a fiery shoot-out and swift justice for the perpetrators.

With an unforgettable cast of characters, page-turning action, vivid detail, and art on every spread, Lincoln's Last Days is history that reads like a thriller. This is a very special book, irresistible on its own or as a compelling companion to Killing Lincoln .

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Civil War, Biography, Historical, American History, Audiobook

352 pages, Paperback

First published August 21, 2012

About the author

Bill O'Reilly's success in broadcasting and publishing is unmatched. The iconic anchor of The O'Reilly Factor led the program to the status of the highest rated cable news broadcast in the nation for sixteen consecutive years. His website BillOReilly.com is followed by millions all over the world.

In addition, he has authored an astonishing 12 number one ranked non-fiction books including the historical "Killing" series. Mr. O'Reilly currently has 17 million books in print.

Bill O'Reilly has been a broadcaster for 42 years. He has been awarded three Emmys and a number of other journalism accolades. He was a national correspondent for CBS News and ABC News as well as a reporter-anchor for WCBS-TV in New York City, among other high-profile jobs.

Mr. O'Reilly received two other Emmy nominations for the movies "Killing Kennedy" and "Killing Jesus."

He holds a history degree from Marist College, a master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Boston University, and another master’s degree from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Bill O'Reilly lives on Long Island where he was raised. His philanthropic enterprises have raised tens of millions for people in need and wounded American veterans.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/billor...

Reviews

[K.D. Absolutely · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides the details of the last few days of President Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) on earth. I am not an American but Lincoln is one of the US presidents that fascinate me. The reason is not only because he was the president during the Civil War that tried hard (and succeeded in a way) to end the slavery, but because he came from a very poor family and that is usually a source of great inspiration when it comes to subjects in writing literature.

Maybe because I came from a poor family too. That's why I normally don't appreciate those fictional works about rich people. It is not only about relatability but I guess there is more true human emotion from people who have less in life. The pain of human suffering is more distinct and heartfelt when voiced out by a character that is poor rather than rich.

I knew that John Wilkes Booth (1838-1865), a Confederate soldier, shot Lincoln inside the theater even prior to reading this book. What I did not know were the details before the assassination and also what happened afterwards. This book provides all those details in a form of a novel. It is not boring and it is short enough to keep you interested until the last page. The killing of Lincoln happened 99 years before I was born (1964) but the way Zimmerman wrote the details gives you a feeling that everything happened just recently. Well, that is if you don't look at the pictures while reading the book.

Overall, this is a good book if you are interested on how Lincoln fought for his life on his deathbed and what happened to the people around him when he finally breathed his last. I felt sad to realize that even then, people of good intention have to give up their lives for the betterment of mankind.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I borrowed this one from a friend after I saw the movie Lincoln, which was an amazing movie. I refuse to comment on the author because it seems most reviews of this book are actually either rants about O'Reilly or people defending him and frankly, I don't care. It's annoying when I was just trying to find a good review of the book.

To me, this book is technically historical fiction. It's not possible that anyone knew the level of detail that is depicted here and since it reads just like a novel, my bet is that the story was beefed up a bit to entice more people. This isn't a bad thing, but good to know so people don't take it word for word as historical and fact.

The author takes us through the end of the Civil War and into the last days of Lincoln and the manhunt for Booth and company. Fun fact: I didn't know there was a "and company" involved with Booth.

Through history classes, movies, books I have come to really like Lincoln. There's not much about him that you would feel is of bad character and frankly, what he endured is amazing.

This book is apparently Killing Lincoln with pictures. I haven't read Killing Lincoln so I can't say, but the pictures were good in this one. The timelines and all the additional information at the end were very interesting. I would recommend this book, regardless what side of the political fence you run your life on.

[Loree · Rating 4 out of 5]

This selection is a nonfiction book on the 2014-2015 Young Hoosier list.
I read Killing Lincoln last summer, so I expected the last days of Lincoln to be a watered down version of the former. However, O'Reilly did a fantastic job of relaying the facts in a fast-paced interesting format that is kid friendly.
The follow-up information of the key players added intrigue. Some of the information was known, but I was surprised to learn about Major Rathbone's eventual descent into insanity, killing his wife, Clara.
There is plenty out there about Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. Still, this is a worthy addition to the stack.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review #1 - October 2016
I am not a Bill O'Reilly fan, so I've never considered reading any of his books. I was a little bummed that one of his books was on our school's Battle of the Books list this year, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it.

From what I can tell, it is taken from Bill O'Reilly's adult book "Killing Lincoln." This book is written primarily for middle school readers. (I reach 5th.) I read it during my lunchtimes and would often find myself weeping and trying to wipe the tears away before the kiddos came back in. Every single time Lincoln dies it breaks my heart. The Civil War (and any war, really) breaks my heart. It's all so ugly.

I thought the book did a great job covering Lincoln's last few days and analyzing the effect it had on a grieving nation. I learned lots of interesting facts that I hadn't known before. It's a quick read with big type, wide margins and lots of great pictures.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves history, adults and kids alike!


Review #2 - Jun 2019
Back around to this BOB list! I went for the audio book this time because it's easier for me to write practice questions that way.

Since I have such a terrible memory, rereading nonfiction is almost like reading it for the first time. I love learning about history and this is such a BIG part of US History. I think it's well-written for the kids. (and adults!) There was just enough information to make it fascinating without it being overwhelming.

The narration on the audio was well done but I did miss the pics. The physical copy has lots of great historical photos and documents scattered through the pages. That said, I'm still considering using this as one of my class read alouds. The kids are always super intimated by nonfiction books and I want to show them they can be just as exciting as fictional stories. This book also goes right along with our core which makes it double awesome.

I bought this audiobook on Audible so it's nice that I can have as long as I want to play it for the kiddos.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a history geek, and have been fascinated with Abraham Lincoln since a young age. I am still deeply fascinated in the events before, during, and after his life. This book along with Killing Lincoln by Bill O’ Rilley, have given me a better understanding of his life before the assassination, and after the assassination. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in this man, and who are ready for a great mental painting as you read this book.

[Kayleigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a very long history with this book. So I originally downloaded it on my kindle like 10+ years ago after going to Washington D.C. and becoming obsessed with the Civil War/Abraham Lincoln. In that 10 years I had tried multiple times to read this and failed every time. Finally I have finished this book after many attempts.

Now I would like to preface this with this review should be taken with a grain of salt because this is not something that I would typically read and I'm not even 100% sure I would have liked it when I first bought it. Honestly I thought this book was kind of boring. It also simultaneously felt rushed and dragged out. I just didn't really like it honestly. I read it because I owned it and have been trying for years but I don't really know if it was worth it. If you are into history or really into Lincoln then you'll probably like it but this was literally just a passing phase for me and I was like 10 years too late to my phase.

[Erin Mendoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a non fiction book about Lincoln's assassination. It included lots of interesting details about the planning and attempted escape of John Wilkes Booth.
Lots of pictures and primary sources as well. Very easy to read with short chapters.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this short book. Especially since I even learned a few things while doing so.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

O'Reilly really knows how to tell a story.....reading or listening to his books makes you feel like you're right there! It makes these historical events so interesting & easy to envision & remember.

[Dylan McCarel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoiler alert: Abraham Lincoln dies. He gets shot. Very nice to read about a historical event from the past. I liked it because I got to learn about the events leading up. The chapters were short and had many pictures.

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was easy to read. Well organized and flowed very nicely. I recommend this book to all who want to find out about this tragic event in detail

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was very interesting. I didn't realize until reading Lincolns Last Days that I knew very little about Lincoln, so I learned a few things about him!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know that anyone one could anyalze the killing of Licoln into a good book that keeps you on your toes.

[Caitlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Surprisingly, this is better than the adult version (Killing Lincoln). Unsurprisingly, it is still terrible. Read other books.

[Alex White · Rating 4 out of 5]

As you may or may not know, the book, Lincoln’s Last Days: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever, is written by Bill O’Reilly and Dwight Jon Zimmerman. Bill O’Reilly went through college and majored in history. He also later became a history teacher at a high school.

In the book, Lincoln’s Last Days, the author tells the reader about the events leading up to Lincoln’s assassination. My favorite part about this book is that each chapter represented a day in Lincoln’s life. Since the author did this, it made me feel like I was there in that time watching the events unfold. In the beginning of book, Part 1: The Beginning of the End of the War, the author tells us what is happening on both sides of the Civil War as it comes to a close. The author also describes the feelings of brokenness, and divisiveness from the country and Lincoln’s job.

In the beginning of Part 2: Conspiracy to the Assassination, the author gives a brief description of the war being half over, since Confederate President Jefferson Davis hasn’t been captured yet. The author also introduces John Wilkes Booth and describes his childhood as well as his history and background. I do find that the historical context the author includes helps explain why he was able to execute the assassination. Throughout the rest of Part 2, the author, Bill O’Reilly, describes, enlists, and portrays the emotions and actions of John W. Booth. He creates a gang and plans to have several important White House and Congress leaders assassinated.

In the beginning of Part 3: Lincoln’s Last Day, the author tells the reader of how and why President Lincoln was assassinated in Ford’s Theatre. John W. Booth happens to over hear a conversation that Lincoln will be attending the comedy play that is happening that night. In the middle of the book, it tells how John W. Booth was able to get into the box window and assassinate Lincoln. The reason why astounded me. A bodyguard who was standing at the door, left because he got bored and thirsty. So, he went over to the bar next door to have a few drinks. This left a window of opportunity for John W. Booth to sneak into the box window. After he shoots Lincoln, he jumps out of the window, onto the stage to make his escape, but not before one of his spurs gets caught in a portrait after he misjudges the distance. Before all this happens though, he met with his other associates and told them to assassinate their targets at 10:15 p.m. so that they could all begin their escape to Mexico. Then after their meeting, he plants evidence in the room so the police would find it. For the rest of Part 3, the author includes John W. Booth’s escape from Virginia while Lincoln dies slowly. He dies at 7:22 a.m. in the Lincoln General Hospital.

In Part 4: Chasing the Assassins, the author begins by detailing how John W. Booth and David Herold, the only person who managed to meet up with Booth, escaped into Maryland. While this is happening, back in Richmond, the police officers find John W. Booth’s planted evidence, and a letter signed by all the gang members and his associates. After this, the police go and find all of his associates and gang members and arrest them. Then a few days later, Booth and David are found, David surrenders while Booth challenges the police officer to a duel; he loses and dies in the same way Lincoln did, a gunshot wound. The author then ends the book by including the trials and sentencing of John Wilkes Booth’s gang members and associates. They are all sentenced to be hung, thus ending the book.

I liked this book a lot. It helped clear up questions that I had from first being taught about this subject. The author does a really nice job of going into depth with characters, and historical facts. The book is definitely the best history book I have read so far. I would recommend this book to any history teacher who is teaching this subject, and anybody who loves learning about our country’s history.

[Pat Goolsby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bill O’Reilly’s Lincoln’s Last Days takes the reader into the background story of the key players of the Civil War in a way that even upper elementary school students will find interesting. Students will find it amusing that one of the generals of the Civil War had a drinking problem and was pretty much washed up as a military person, until the Civil War. The book is suspenseful and is written in a way that makes you want to keep reading to see what happens next, even though you Already know what happened. O’Reilly presents the villains point of view without glorifying it but gives the reader enough background to understand why Booth and his men felt the way they did Providing the perspective of the doctors in the room after Lincoln was shot allows the reader to feel as if they are in the room during those last few moments. This book would be a great resource for an extension of Civil War standards or activities.
As a lover of fiction, especially fantasy, I was not looking forward to reading this book. The writing style and the way the information is presented makes this book interesting and provides insights that aren’t normally addressed in history books, and adds a realism that makes it relatable.

[Foster Laird · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Abraham Lincoln makes great strides to help the union win the civil war many southerners become unhappy. Bill O'Reilly's "Lincoln's Last Days" shows the conspiracy to kill Lincoln as his time left winds down. The author uses a very stressful way of writing by revealing the outcome and then slowly showing the backstory and how it was done. The author shows that Lincoln will be killed and then slowly revealed how it was done. The conflicts in the book were well shown and easy to understand which made the book very interesting. Lincoln dying was well explained and it showed how the union worked around his death and still won the civil war. The book was very suspenseful because the outcomes are well known but the timing of when they happen is surprising. During the Battle of Gettysburg it is known that the union won the battle but it is written in a suspenseful way without revealing that either side won until the very end. Those who like history books and suspenseful books about wars would definitely love this book.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise but compelling! The account of the history of Lincoln’s life and the context of the civil war was all new information for me, and I really appreciated being able to see it all together like this.

The author clearly has a deep and abiding respect for Lincoln, yet through this book, portrayed a factual account that did not make me feel like the author was taking sides.

The detailed maps & explanations, along with interesting illustrations and photographs helped enhance my interest and understanding.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I was left with a deep and profound feeling of loss, contemplating what Lincoln’s death took away from the American people. The providence of the Lord cannot be questioned, as even in tragedy is His mighty, sovereign hand at work, so we trust that Lincoln was a faithful servant of God as he wholeheartedly served the American people for their good.

I now feel that I have a good understanding of this most important part of American history. I am excited to go to Springfield, Illinois next month to visit the Lincoln museum!

[Sammie O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lincoln's Last Days, written by Bill O'Reilly, is a nonfiction book recalling the details of President Abraham Lincoln's final days and assassination in 1865. Within the prologue, O'Reilly describes Lincoln as an honorable man and president. Throughout part one, the end of the bloodiest war in US history, the Civil War, is described I great detail. Recollections of battles and feelings of victory and defeat following Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House make up this part. As the book continues, in part two, O'Reilly describes celebrations and the joy felt among residents of the nation's capital as well as the conspiracy formed at first to kidnap the president. John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln's assassin, formed this conspiracy and evolved his plans to kill the president. Later, in part three, President Abraham Lincoln's last days and assassination are described in great detail. At last, in part four, Bill O'Reilly speaks about the eventful search for John Wilkes Booth and his fellow conspirators.

Personally, I greatly enjoyed Lincoln's Last Days. For one thing, I enjoyed how the book was divided into four parts. This made the information easier to comprehend since specific aspects of this time period were organized in specific groups. Also, I enjoyed all of the photography, sketches, and paintings dispersed throughout the book depicting what I read in the text. I enjoyed this because the pictures also aided with comprehension and my understanding of this point in history. Finally, I enjoyed the part of the book called "Afterword" since it provided readers like myself with extra information relating to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

To conclude, I would recommend Lincoln's Last Days to anyone interested in thee Civil War. This is due to the fact that the book is about perhaps one of the most important events of the period: the assassination of President Lincoln. Also, I would recommend this book to kids who are currently learning about the Civil War. After reading Lincoln's Last Days, they will have beneficial background information about the topic. Overall, Lincoln's Last Days was an amazing, nonfiction book.

[John Dugan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating read. When I was about 5-6 years old, I was intrigued by topics such as life of Abraham Lincoln and the Titanic. My interests in these topics became somewhat dormant for about 7-10 years, but I found this book by O’Reilly in my bookshelf recently that I received as a Christmas gift when I was younger and decided to take the time to dive into it. Wow. O’Reilly recreates some of the most illuminating moments of the Civil War’s end, as well as some of its darkest. The reader is given the ability to feel like they were in the Appomattox Courthouse when Lee surrendered to Grant and the north. You can visualize Booth creeping along the hallway leading to the state box at Ford’s Theatre, waiting to perform one of the most controversial assassinations in American history. This book covers it all, from the artifacts that the conspirators of Lincoln’s assassination carried that April 14th night to the last battles of the Civil War when the Union closed in on the Confederacy. But most of all, this shockingly true story illustrates the kind of larger than life figure that President Lincoln was, an all American boy who fought through one of the bloodiest wars this country can remember. Even if you’ve never had a liking for Mr. Lincoln himself or even history as it stands, this story captures the most exciting, suspenseful aspects of the war from the perspective of those who were really there.

[Gilbert G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have to read this book. I smugly thought I knew everything about President Lincoln’s assassination but I quickly learned that I was as knowledgeable as I did.
Just to tantalise you a bit, did you know that there were over 400 women who were on the front lines for The Union army and The Confederate army.
I was not are of what one woman was honoured with after fighting with the Union Army. Remember, this was back in the late eight hundreds. You really enjoy this book and all of the photos that come with it.
You will read through the pages and stop and say (I didn’t know that”.
Give it a read, very fast work and very interesting 👍👍

[Aidan Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this more interesting then initially thought. Knowing what I know about the author, it was surprisingly factual. I found the book interesting as it gave information about a perspective that we don't tend to learn much about in schools. I actually learned a lot about my family and home town/city as most of it takes place there. I would recommend this book to those who are interested in the southern side of the assassination of President Lincoln (which is what the book mainly talks about, hence the name of the book).

[Laurie E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book about the last days surrounding President Lincoln´s life. This particular book had an appealing format that not only included written text but also included either a drawing, illustration. photograph or lithograph on every page. The author´s use of these items and the detailed description of the characters involved in the President´s life at the time of his assassination, brought this tragedy that happened over 150 years ago alive. It is more than just your basic history lesson.

[Caden Clark]

What I've noticed about this book is that it just has huge dry spells. It could go chapters with anything remotely interesting. The only chapter I've liked and fully appreciated was what the books supposed to be about, the assassination's. The book just leads mostly off topic it seems and doesn't focus on the impact or the night of or any of that sort really. I chose this book because I thought it would teach me more about this assaniation and I thought it would be suspenseful but it truly just isn't at all.

[Rebecca D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Killing Lincoln not too long ago, but I had already forgotten many of the details of this sad time in history so this was a great refresher. I read it with my middle school aged boys and thought it had the right amount of details and information to keep it interesting. This book had many photos and I could really imagine what it was like to be there. It also has some follow up information at the end about how some of the people's lives turned out as well as some intriguing facts about the Civil War. A great way to learn about history!

[Terry Misfeldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bill O'Reilly and Dwight Jon Zimmerman have put together an amazing, quick read book about the last days of President Abraham Lincoln. They cross Lincoln's path with his assassin, John Wilkes Booth to the point of Booth's capture and demise in rural Virginia. A fascinating and seemingly quite factual narration of a few days in April 1865 and the aftermath. The book includes a historical perspective of Washington, D.C. in the mid-1800s and profiles many of the characters involved at the time. Kudos!

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Lincoln's assassination is a painful one to read. Such a sad chapter in our nation's history. The impact Lincoln could've made post-Civil War may well have prevented the Jim crow laws and segregationist policies that the democrats had in place in the south for decades; in fact, for almost another 100 years.
O'Reilly and Dugard do an outstanding job in illustrating this book. I had my two young teenage sons read it and they were enthralled. Excellent read.

[Donna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an engaging easy read about the final days of the Civil War, President Lincoln’s last days and his murder, and the plot to kill him as well as the escape of those involved. Also included is a good bibliography, lists of recommended reading, websites, and DVD films, an overview of places to visit in Washington DC, overview of flags and weapons, and definitions of military terms from the war. Photographs and interesting facts are sprinkled throughout the book. Perfect for students.

[Melody Riches · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book. Developed a crush on President Lincoln. And cannot wait to read more books like this. The layout of the book was incredible and made the telling of the days up to and after the assassination of President Lincoln so easy to understand. Just enough details, that a 5th grader wouldn't be overwhelmed. My niece read it for school, and if I had read books like this in school, I am certain that the history would have stuck with me better. LOVED this book. Can't wait to read more like it.

[Patty Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed the book and all of the extra
details and events around President Lincoln. I’ve read many of O’Reilly’s books and have enjoyed all of them.
I also liked the quick chapters and found it easy to read. Also appreciated Lincoln’s spiritual side and that
he began his day reading the Bible.