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Remembering the Alamo
When Pastor Mark Siegler takes his youth group on a midsummer vacation to San Antonio, he anticipates teaching them about honor and sacrifice at the Alamo. But arrival at the historic landmark brings cutting disillusionment. A troubled teen is determined to make things difficult - and spread his embitterment to the rest of the group.
Mark has two choices: give up or try again. Midst his own discouragement, he decides to give them the story behind the legendary Alamo. And his perseverance results in the unforgettable.
The sweeping events of the Alamo comes to life through the eyes of an 1800's wheelwright named Silas Edwards. As his tale unfolds, his decision becomes a difficult one. Is defending the Alamo so important? Or are the principles behind opposing General Santa Anna worth sacrificing everything for?
Join Private Silas Edwards, David Crockett, William Travis, and Mark's youth group to discover the gripping events behind America's battlecry: "Remember the Alamo!"
Mark has two choices: give up or try again. Midst his own discouragement, he decides to give them the story behind the legendary Alamo. And his perseverance results in the unforgettable.
The sweeping events of the Alamo comes to life through the eyes of an 1800's wheelwright named Silas Edwards. As his tale unfolds, his decision becomes a difficult one. Is defending the Alamo so important? Or are the principles behind opposing General Santa Anna worth sacrificing everything for?
Join Private Silas Edwards, David Crockett, William Travis, and Mark's youth group to discover the gripping events behind America's battlecry: "Remember the Alamo!"
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2014
82 people want to read
About the author
Alicia A. Willis
8 books165 followersAlicia Willis is a homeschool graduate and avid historian. When not writing or doing endless historical research, she enjoys being a church pianist, teaching music, singing, and playing volleyball. Her other passions include working in her church and spreading the love of Jesus Christ. She also manages a monthly e-newsletter entitled "Little Corners". Be sure to like her FB page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alicia...
To visit her at her website or sign up to receive her newsletter, navigate over to http://www.aliciaannewillis.com/
To visit her at her website or sign up to receive her newsletter, navigate over to http://www.aliciaannewillis.com/
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 28, 2014
Age Appropriate For: 8 and up for mild violence
Best for Ages: 13 and up
I love being a Texan. The heritage I have may not stretch back to the revolution, but it still filled with men and women of honor, courage, and faith. Because of this, I approach historical books set in Texas with much trepidation. Most books about Texas do not get Texas at all. They end up either being corny, curd, or just plain ridiculous. This book was not like this.
This story started out in modern times, following a youth pastor and some of the boys on a trip to San Antonio. He tries to share with them the meaning of history and how important their faith really is. To that end, tells them the story of a young man who fights and the Alamo.
I had two and only two things I didn’t like about this story. The first is very minor: The descriptions of Texas seemed very typical of how Hollywood depicts it. However, if you haven’t spent much time in Texas, I can see how that could happen. The second was a little bigger. At the beginning of the book, there was some pretty heavy handed stuff about why Christians should be handing out tracts. I strongly disagree with this point of view, and because it was such a big issue in the book, it detracted some from my enjoyment of the first part.
With that said, I loved the rest of the story. One thing that Alicia Willis can never be accused of is doing a sloppy job of research. It is obvious that Willis did her research and did it well. She didn’t rely on movies or other fictional accounts, but tracked down a lot of facts. Even though I have studied a lot about Texas history and the Alamo, I even learned some things.
Silas was a godly young man yet very real. He has fears, doubts, desires were all normal, yet he stayed true to his faith and his principles despite everything. He is the kind of book character that young men can look up too and admire.
Even though this was only a novella, the historical characters were well written. I now feel I have a better idea of what the men who defended the Alamo were like. Willis did an amazing job bringing the historical characters to life.
Overall, I highly recommend this story for those who love history, want to learn more about the Alamo, and like well written tales
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
Best for Ages: 13 and up
I love being a Texan. The heritage I have may not stretch back to the revolution, but it still filled with men and women of honor, courage, and faith. Because of this, I approach historical books set in Texas with much trepidation. Most books about Texas do not get Texas at all. They end up either being corny, curd, or just plain ridiculous. This book was not like this.
This story started out in modern times, following a youth pastor and some of the boys on a trip to San Antonio. He tries to share with them the meaning of history and how important their faith really is. To that end, tells them the story of a young man who fights and the Alamo.
I had two and only two things I didn’t like about this story. The first is very minor: The descriptions of Texas seemed very typical of how Hollywood depicts it. However, if you haven’t spent much time in Texas, I can see how that could happen. The second was a little bigger. At the beginning of the book, there was some pretty heavy handed stuff about why Christians should be handing out tracts. I strongly disagree with this point of view, and because it was such a big issue in the book, it detracted some from my enjoyment of the first part.
With that said, I loved the rest of the story. One thing that Alicia Willis can never be accused of is doing a sloppy job of research. It is obvious that Willis did her research and did it well. She didn’t rely on movies or other fictional accounts, but tracked down a lot of facts. Even though I have studied a lot about Texas history and the Alamo, I even learned some things.
Silas was a godly young man yet very real. He has fears, doubts, desires were all normal, yet he stayed true to his faith and his principles despite everything. He is the kind of book character that young men can look up too and admire.
Even though this was only a novella, the historical characters were well written. I now feel I have a better idea of what the men who defended the Alamo were like. Willis did an amazing job bringing the historical characters to life.
Overall, I highly recommend this story for those who love history, want to learn more about the Alamo, and like well written tales
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
May 14, 2015
Great book by Alicia Willis! Proper review to come.
August 19, 2014
http://kiribeth.blogspot.com/2014/08/...
In truth, this review should have be written months ago when Alicia first sent me a review copy of Remembering the Alamo when I won it in a giveaway. I've always been interested in Texas history and the Alamo in particular though, I confess, that I am numbered among the Disney-romanticized-version of fans. To read about the Alamo set in this light, the light that truly showed what happened there (albeit slightly fictionalized with its main character) was amazing. You can really tell that the author did her research, and did it well.
Mark is a young pastor taking a group of boys on a trip through San Antonio. Most of the boys are eager to see the famous Alamo and examine the collection of Bowie knives housed there, but not one realizes the truth of the courage, honor, and liberty behind what that old mission stands for. Mark loves the history behind it, and when opportunity presents itself, he shares the story of the Alamo like the boys have never heard it before. The first half of the book is mostly about Mark and the boys as they enjoy their trip. One of the boys, Dillian is a troubled youth, and Mark wonders how he might ever get through to him. It's about halfway in the novella that Mark sits his group down and tells them the story, at which point the POV switches to Silas Edwards, a fictionalized defender of the Alamo. The plot was easy to follow, yet gripping at the same time.
Silas enjoys his life as a wheelwright. He's got his father, his sister, and an apprentice to keep him busy. It's not until his best friend, the Irishman Wes, starts talking about Texas and the Mexican dictator that Silas's thoughts go beyond the woods of Tennessee. Then Davy Crockett, the great legend, shows up looking for volunteers to defend Texas, and Wes encourages Silas to join alongside of him. It is only after much prayer that Silas follows the volunteers west under Crockett. His convictions bring the story to a personal level, where it's easy to see the defenders of the Alamo as real people who really lived, not just some glorified heroes portrayed in fiction. They were real. The Alamo is real. The battles and deaths really happened.
In words, I don't think I could describe how much I loved this story. The themes were powerful, and the style brilliant. I almost felt that I was at the Alamo myself, brandishing a muzzleloader alongside Davy Crockett and Silas Edwards. I'm not particularly fond of when a writer takes a historical event and then twists it to meet their own purposes, yet this was completely straight-forward. Alicia didn't gloss over the gruesome facts, nor did she embellish where embellishment was not required. All I can say is "Well done." This story deserves all the five stars it can get.
Advisory: There are some descriptions of the battles fought at the Alamo, yet I didn't think it overly graphic. For the tone of the novella, I thought the author described it wonderfully. But for those who are more squeamish, this story does contain guns and blood and the like.
In truth, this review should have be written months ago when Alicia first sent me a review copy of Remembering the Alamo when I won it in a giveaway. I've always been interested in Texas history and the Alamo in particular though, I confess, that I am numbered among the Disney-romanticized-version of fans. To read about the Alamo set in this light, the light that truly showed what happened there (albeit slightly fictionalized with its main character) was amazing. You can really tell that the author did her research, and did it well.
Mark is a young pastor taking a group of boys on a trip through San Antonio. Most of the boys are eager to see the famous Alamo and examine the collection of Bowie knives housed there, but not one realizes the truth of the courage, honor, and liberty behind what that old mission stands for. Mark loves the history behind it, and when opportunity presents itself, he shares the story of the Alamo like the boys have never heard it before. The first half of the book is mostly about Mark and the boys as they enjoy their trip. One of the boys, Dillian is a troubled youth, and Mark wonders how he might ever get through to him. It's about halfway in the novella that Mark sits his group down and tells them the story, at which point the POV switches to Silas Edwards, a fictionalized defender of the Alamo. The plot was easy to follow, yet gripping at the same time.
Silas enjoys his life as a wheelwright. He's got his father, his sister, and an apprentice to keep him busy. It's not until his best friend, the Irishman Wes, starts talking about Texas and the Mexican dictator that Silas's thoughts go beyond the woods of Tennessee. Then Davy Crockett, the great legend, shows up looking for volunteers to defend Texas, and Wes encourages Silas to join alongside of him. It is only after much prayer that Silas follows the volunteers west under Crockett. His convictions bring the story to a personal level, where it's easy to see the defenders of the Alamo as real people who really lived, not just some glorified heroes portrayed in fiction. They were real. The Alamo is real. The battles and deaths really happened.
In words, I don't think I could describe how much I loved this story. The themes were powerful, and the style brilliant. I almost felt that I was at the Alamo myself, brandishing a muzzleloader alongside Davy Crockett and Silas Edwards. I'm not particularly fond of when a writer takes a historical event and then twists it to meet their own purposes, yet this was completely straight-forward. Alicia didn't gloss over the gruesome facts, nor did she embellish where embellishment was not required. All I can say is "Well done." This story deserves all the five stars it can get.
Advisory: There are some descriptions of the battles fought at the Alamo, yet I didn't think it overly graphic. For the tone of the novella, I thought the author described it wonderfully. But for those who are more squeamish, this story does contain guns and blood and the like.
August 31, 2014
Remembering the Alamo
5 stars
Where to begin? Remembering the Alamo was fantastic! The author's historical research was evident. I was excited to read it from the very beginning, and that excitement was satisfied. I couldn't help but love Mark Siegler and his youth group! The dialogue that the boys used was hilarious-plus their unquenchable appetites. I really enjoyed the whole story. I loved Dillian's story-I actually didn't see where it was headed!
Silas Edwards was a wonderful and fun protagonist, along with some memorable side characters such as his best friend, Wes Callaghan, Silas's apprentice, Paul Lewis, and the all-time hero, Davy Crockett. Silas Edwards's courage and willingness to offer everything to help fight for freedom for Texas was one of the most inspiring elements of the book. Not to mention the bravery of Wes Callaghan, David Crockett, William Travis, and Jim Bowie. Reading this novella, I got a whole new look into the fight for Texas's freedom-it was riveting. I really want to visit the Alamo now! The author's description in the beginning of the book perfectly explains the story. It's a novella telling a tale of adventure, faith, bravery, and heroism as a group of teenage boys learn the meaning and value of patriotism and sacrifice through the retelling of a story about a volunteer in the fight for Texas's freedom.
This was actually my first book from Alicia A. Willis. I am certainly looking forward to reading all of her other titles! Underline on the 'All'….I'm looking forward to reading, God of Her Fathers, From the Dark to Dawn, and the Comrades of Honor series…who wouldn't after reading this title!?
I loved this story of patriotism, bravery, and sacrifice, and the wonderful, memorable characters. I imagine it would be difficult to correctly rewrite a period in history, such as Alicia has just done. But, she really succeeded, while drawing you into the story so much so that you feel things with the protagonist. I found myself hurting with Silas at the idea of his friend, Wes, leaving for Texas!
I fully recommend this title for history buffs and historical fiction fanatics!
5 stars
Where to begin? Remembering the Alamo was fantastic! The author's historical research was evident. I was excited to read it from the very beginning, and that excitement was satisfied. I couldn't help but love Mark Siegler and his youth group! The dialogue that the boys used was hilarious-plus their unquenchable appetites. I really enjoyed the whole story. I loved Dillian's story-I actually didn't see where it was headed!
Silas Edwards was a wonderful and fun protagonist, along with some memorable side characters such as his best friend, Wes Callaghan, Silas's apprentice, Paul Lewis, and the all-time hero, Davy Crockett. Silas Edwards's courage and willingness to offer everything to help fight for freedom for Texas was one of the most inspiring elements of the book. Not to mention the bravery of Wes Callaghan, David Crockett, William Travis, and Jim Bowie. Reading this novella, I got a whole new look into the fight for Texas's freedom-it was riveting. I really want to visit the Alamo now! The author's description in the beginning of the book perfectly explains the story. It's a novella telling a tale of adventure, faith, bravery, and heroism as a group of teenage boys learn the meaning and value of patriotism and sacrifice through the retelling of a story about a volunteer in the fight for Texas's freedom.
This was actually my first book from Alicia A. Willis. I am certainly looking forward to reading all of her other titles! Underline on the 'All'….I'm looking forward to reading, God of Her Fathers, From the Dark to Dawn, and the Comrades of Honor series…who wouldn't after reading this title!?
I loved this story of patriotism, bravery, and sacrifice, and the wonderful, memorable characters. I imagine it would be difficult to correctly rewrite a period in history, such as Alicia has just done. But, she really succeeded, while drawing you into the story so much so that you feel things with the protagonist. I found myself hurting with Silas at the idea of his friend, Wes, leaving for Texas!
I fully recommend this title for history buffs and historical fiction fanatics!
April 16, 2016
Awesome! My favorite Alicia Willis book yet. Full review coming soon!
*Full Review*
This book is as good as I hoped it would be. As a Texan, the story of the Alamo is close to my heart, but I don't think I appreciated it as much as Remembering the Alamo made me appreciate it after reading the book. But this story is inspiring and important for all people, no matter where they live!
The book accomplished much in a relatively small amount of space:
- It entertains with the realistic antics of modern-day teenage boys.
- It tells about San Antonio.
- It impresses the importance of teaching the Gospel.
- It illustrates just how significant, exciting, and life-changing history can be. You may get chills when you read how God used the Alamo --- I know I did!
- And, of course, it teaches all about the Alamo! It brought the gripping story alive, peopling it with realistic portrayals of historic heroes and fictional men that could very well have been real, they felt so authentic. Ms. Willis's narrative is engaging. Indeed, it's a hard book to put down!
It's one of those books (the best kind in my opinion) that make you smile, tear up, and feel the wonder of how our God works in the lives of mankind, in an individual soul and across the whole canvas of history.
*Full Review*
This book is as good as I hoped it would be. As a Texan, the story of the Alamo is close to my heart, but I don't think I appreciated it as much as Remembering the Alamo made me appreciate it after reading the book. But this story is inspiring and important for all people, no matter where they live!
The book accomplished much in a relatively small amount of space:
- It entertains with the realistic antics of modern-day teenage boys.
- It tells about San Antonio.
- It impresses the importance of teaching the Gospel.
- It illustrates just how significant, exciting, and life-changing history can be. You may get chills when you read how God used the Alamo --- I know I did!
- And, of course, it teaches all about the Alamo! It brought the gripping story alive, peopling it with realistic portrayals of historic heroes and fictional men that could very well have been real, they felt so authentic. Ms. Willis's narrative is engaging. Indeed, it's a hard book to put down!
It's one of those books (the best kind in my opinion) that make you smile, tear up, and feel the wonder of how our God works in the lives of mankind, in an individual soul and across the whole canvas of history.
February 25, 2014
The first thing I can say about Remember the Alamo is how well- researched it was. It's chock full of history, and faith. It gave me a new and interesting perspective of the Alamo. A way of looking at it that I had never thought of before. It caused the Alamo and its events to come alive for me. This book is excellent for the home school-Christian family who is looking for clean, entertaining, godly, and educating literature. Would be wonderful as a family read-aloud or as a personal read. The back and forth switch from eighteenth to twentieth century throughout the book is well done and smooth. It was easy to follow one event to another. Both the major and minor characters were fun and full of personality and the portrayal of Davy Crockett was interesting. I recommend to history-lovers and to children of parents who want their children to gain a new perspective of the Alamo and the events that took place.
Educational and Fun.
Educational and Fun.
February 24, 2014
This review is from: Remembering the Alamo: A Novella (Kindle Edition)
This Novella is a well written story with believable characters, and impossible to quit reading.
When I am looking for a book to read, I search for books with a colorful cast of believable characters. Not only did this book comply, it excelled my expectations. I was drawn into each and every personality, as they were unique, and had their own little quirks and habits.
The book itself is a very exciting read! I could not pull my nose out of the carefully crafted lines. (Almost missed out on dinner a couple of times, heh)
Another selling feature is the witty conversations. Not to mention the beautiful descriptions. I could almost feel the dust and wind, and hear the battle noises.
All in all, a thrilling, if not, downright enrapturing read.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure, wit, drama, and many many more engaging features!
Another great read Alicia! Keep it up. =)
This Novella is a well written story with believable characters, and impossible to quit reading.
When I am looking for a book to read, I search for books with a colorful cast of believable characters. Not only did this book comply, it excelled my expectations. I was drawn into each and every personality, as they were unique, and had their own little quirks and habits.
The book itself is a very exciting read! I could not pull my nose out of the carefully crafted lines. (Almost missed out on dinner a couple of times, heh)
Another selling feature is the witty conversations. Not to mention the beautiful descriptions. I could almost feel the dust and wind, and hear the battle noises.
All in all, a thrilling, if not, downright enrapturing read.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure, wit, drama, and many many more engaging features!
Another great read Alicia! Keep it up. =)
February 25, 2015
Wow. Alicia did an excellent job retelling the story of the Alamo and capturing the heart behind it. Honestly, it almost brought me to tears - which is saying a lot as I don't cry over books. I also enjoyed how she entwined two stories: the modern youth group and the historical Alamo account. I liked both sides of the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed the style in which the book was written and did not find any parts in which I was tempted to "yawn through." It held my interest and the climax heightened amazingly during the battle at the Alamo. Very well told!
The only thing that I would have changed is at the very ending, when Dillian asked about salvation. I understand that the book was written with believers in mind, but it would have been a great opportunity to place the salvation message there!
I thoroughly enjoyed the style in which the book was written and did not find any parts in which I was tempted to "yawn through." It held my interest and the climax heightened amazingly during the battle at the Alamo. Very well told!
The only thing that I would have changed is at the very ending, when Dillian asked about salvation. I understand that the book was written with believers in mind, but it would have been a great opportunity to place the salvation message there!
October 11, 2013
*Releasing February 23, 2014*
Remembering the Alamo is a Kindle novella. It brings history to life through Pastor Mark Siegler, who gives his youth group the story of the Alamo in an unforgettable way. Join Silas Edwards at the Alamo in San Antonio and discover his story. Perfect for history buffs, teens, and all those who enjoy history and YA fiction.
Remembering the Alamo is a Kindle novella. It brings history to life through Pastor Mark Siegler, who gives his youth group the story of the Alamo in an unforgettable way. Join Silas Edwards at the Alamo in San Antonio and discover his story. Perfect for history buffs, teens, and all those who enjoy history and YA fiction.
April 12, 2014
This is a timeless historical story for the ages. Alicia Willis' writing style is engaging and her characters, memorable. The level of historical research and work that went into writing this book is amazing and it's obvious upon reading it. Highly recommended.
July 9, 2014
I enjoyed feeling a part of history while connecting with the youth pastor telling the story.
January 26, 2015
A thrilling tale of adventure and heroism. This book comes highly recommended, especially for young readers! Great writing, great storytelling. :)
December 4, 2015
This book is very wholesome and convicting. Good for all ages! Alicia Willis portrays the Alamo scenes realistictly and I liked the switch between present day and past.
March 26, 2019
I love learning about history, and American history is no different! This was a fascinating book from that aspect, very well researched and represented. I loved how the story wove in with the history so well—both complementing the other.
I did struggle somewhat with how patriotic this story is. I know the battle of the Alamo really was fought to try to free those under a not-so-good ruler, but I still struggle with patriotism overriding men’s lives—no matter what side they’re on. Death is death, and those who haven’t met Jesus before that don’t have a chance to find Him afterward, either.
Still, although I didn’t really like the descriptions of war, and can’t agree that Christians should fight (that’s a discussion for another day!), I really appreciated this book. This particular instance in American history was always a fuzzy point for me, so I was thankful to learn a lot more about it and how things may have happened in a way that was much more easily digested than a history textbook!
I did struggle somewhat with how patriotic this story is. I know the battle of the Alamo really was fought to try to free those under a not-so-good ruler, but I still struggle with patriotism overriding men’s lives—no matter what side they’re on. Death is death, and those who haven’t met Jesus before that don’t have a chance to find Him afterward, either.
Still, although I didn’t really like the descriptions of war, and can’t agree that Christians should fight (that’s a discussion for another day!), I really appreciated this book. This particular instance in American history was always a fuzzy point for me, so I was thankful to learn a lot more about it and how things may have happened in a way that was much more easily digested than a history textbook!
September 8, 2016
A short story about the Alamo (novella).
The beginning of this story is a modern-day youth group. Very slow. Painfully slow. I almost completely quit reading this book several times. I put it aside, but came back to it because I really wanted to see how the author handled the Alamo. It was a painful perseverance. 2-3 star rating
Around 46%, the book began to pick up pace. Wow! I am so glad I persevered! The author did excellent research and did a marvelous presentation of the story behind the Alamo. 5 star rating
I would recommend this book to a lot of people, if it were just the story of the Alamo without the modern-day youth group. As it is, its audience is young people. I personally think the last half of the book would be great marketed to Texans of all ages as the presentation is of such great quality.
The beginning of this story is a modern-day youth group. Very slow. Painfully slow. I almost completely quit reading this book several times. I put it aside, but came back to it because I really wanted to see how the author handled the Alamo. It was a painful perseverance. 2-3 star rating
Around 46%, the book began to pick up pace. Wow! I am so glad I persevered! The author did excellent research and did a marvelous presentation of the story behind the Alamo. 5 star rating
I would recommend this book to a lot of people, if it were just the story of the Alamo without the modern-day youth group. As it is, its audience is young people. I personally think the last half of the book would be great marketed to Texans of all ages as the presentation is of such great quality.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews