Bicentennial Eve: A Wisconsin Novella

by Julie Jacob

Bicentennial Eve: A Wisconsin Novella is a gentle, slice-of-life tale of a family on the eve of America’s 200th birthday. As the cast of characters go about their day, each struggles with their own hopes, dreams, and regrets. From Grandma Kitty’s quest for some adventure to young Skylar’s search for a taste of first love, each family member is looking for a little independence of their own against the backdrop of a changing country.

232 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2026

Reviews

[Tina Prigge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. As a Wisconsinite, the descriptions resonated with me. The birds, the trees, the lake, the customs. At its core, it felt like a love letter to Lake Michigan (and its many changing moods) wrapped in the multi-layered, multi-generational experiences of the momentous Bicentennial celebration. It transports the reader through nostalgic memories to the sights, sounds, and flavors of July 3, 1976, and makes one wish they had experienced it. At this particular time in history, as we approach 250 years, it feels especially important to read and remind ourselves of the civility of a bygone era. This book was easy to read, and the stories of the various characters linger in my mind. I’m happy I treated myself to this read, like a bombpop from a long ago childhood July 4 celebration.

[Wisconsin Alumni]

Julie Jacob ’84
Author

From the author:
Bicentennial Eve: A Wisconsin Novella is a gentle, slice-of-life tale of a family on the eve of America’s 200th birthday. As the cast of characters go about their day, each struggles with their own hopes, dreams, and regrets. From Grandma Kitty’s quest for some adventure to young Skylar’s search for a taste of first love, each family member is looking for a little independence of their own against the backdrop of a changing country.

[Brittni Phelan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Jacob’s book Bicentennial Eve brings a family of characters to life in one short day, the eve of the 200 year anniversary of the USA. You cannot help but cheer each one of the cast members on- from a middle schooler and her first crush to a widowed grandmother finally allowing herself to be adventurous. The nostalgic background of a Wisconsin town in the 1970’s is artfully woven into this heartfelt book.