"No one can fully appreciate the great fortune we have to be Americans without knowing the events that brought us to where we are today." -- Lynne Cheney
Did you know that John Adams thought we would celebrate America's birthday on the second of July? That ten generals went on to become president? That our country has had nine different capitals, including Trenton, New Jersey, and Annapolis, Maryland? Bestselling author and historian Lynne Cheney takes readers through America's story of freedom in this timeline of key moments in our history along with historic quotatons by great Americans and little-known facts about our country. Starting with our nation's beginnings, A Time for Freedom places the great events and figures of our history into context and shows the expansion of freedom in America. Filled with fascinating information that creates a textured journey through our nation's story, A Time for Freedom is a book that every family will want to share.
This book is a good quick reference on American History. It provides a type of 'Cliff Notes' to what occurred, who was involved, and the year that it happened. Of course you will need to dive into whatever interest or time period you like or enjoy but this gives you a general overview of American History. I believe this book ends at at 9/11 and it would be great to see these type of books in period volumes because so much takes place that this book just skims over. Not a bad read for those wanting a brief synopsis to what happened during Americas past.
It is a good "Reader's Digest" version of what the author thinks is important in American History. It would have been better had the author stopped before the Clinton Administration. She is too close to the subject and a real bias took over. She gave more negative space to the First Lady than most presidents and any other First Lady.
This book was a great overview of American political history. I’m glad I read it. Ms. Cheney has an engaging style. The time line of events worked for me as I understand things best in that context. Parents, this is a great starting point to help you kids move quickly through American history. Read it with them, bring in other books and have some chats. Our country has had some fascinating times!
Ah, it has happened again! I am once again smarter than the history book I was reading. Okay, maybe not smarter, but more well-informed? A Time for Freedom was published in 2005, over 10 years ago, and a lot of history has happened since then. We've elected a black president, killed Bin Laden, opened relations with Cuba, invented the iPod... Need I go on? I don't feel cheated because I bought this at a garage sale for a dollar (and got a free book with it), but I do feel like I as a person living in present have certain advantages over this book.
A Time For Freedom has fairly basic American history facts, nothing groundbreaking, but there were a few interesting tidbits here and there. I liked the quotes and the additional interesting information to the facts more than the facts. Anybody who took American History and wasn't asleep or in a coma would know these facts. Also, knowing a little more than the basics on a few of these facts I wanted to argue in favor of what I know against the very simplified facts. The one good thing A Time for Freedom has going for it is organization. I do like it being cut into sections and organized by year. More specific dates for the later chapters would have been nice, but beggars can't be choosers. Also, not a big fan of the introduction. A little too patriotic for my tastes.
I'd recommend only as a very basic American history reference book. There's nothing super interesting in it that you won't find in more detailed works.
This is an excellent timeline of American History. I really enjoyed reading through this and it has inspired me to want to learn more about American History. It is very brief, but it is interesting just the same.