Sunday, April 21, 2013

Killing Lincoln



Killing Lincoln
The Shocking Assassination That 
Changed America Forever
by Bill O'Reilly
and Martin Dugard



From the back of the book:

The anchor of The O'Reilly Factor recounts one of the most dramatic stories in American history—how one gunshot changed the country forever. In the spring of 1865, the Civil War finally comes to an end after a series of incredibly bloody battles. President Abraham Lincoln's generous terms for Robert E. Lee's surrender are devised to fulfill Lincoln's dream of healing a divided nation, with the former Confederates allowed to reintegrate into American society. One man and his band of murderous accomplices, perhaps reaching into the highest ranks of the U.S. government, are not appeased.
In the midst of the patriotic celebrations in Washington, D.C., John Wilkes Booth—charismatic ladies' man and impenitent racist—murders Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theater. A furious manhunt ensues and Booth immediately becomes the country's most wanted fugitive. Lafayette C. Baker, a brilliant but enigmatic New York detective and former Union spy, unravels the string of clues leading to Booth, while federal forces track his accomplices. The thrilling chase ends in a fiery shootout and a series of court-ordered executions—including that of the first woman ever executed by the U.S. government, Mary Surratt. With an unforgettable cast of characters, vivid historical detail, and page-turning action, Killing Lincoln is history that reads like a thriller.




Getting past the first 100 pages was the most challenging part of this read. I strongly encourage you to do it though. Once you get past the battle scenes, the book is intriguing and, although not my favorite book, I did learn a lot. If you love history, the Civil War, or learning about Lincoln, you will love this book. 

As a side note: The book club was perfectly split on this one. Half liked it half did not. No one loved it. How about that? 
 
 I'm joining: 
Ricki Jill for Literary Friday


 


6 comments:

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Hi Ricky!
Yes, I've been wanting to get my hands on this book..of course, it's not on sale here, but I'll ask my friend and daughter who travel to Flo. often. Thank you so much for your sweet comments sweetie, my little girls are so much fun! Have a nice week coming up. Big hugs,
FABBY

Decor To Adore said...

I am intrigued. People have strong opinions about Bill O Reilly. I wonder if that was a factor?

When you get a moment please send the address/time of Saturday's event. I am SO looking forward to it. :)

Anonymous said...

it sounds interesting... better than the movie lincoln. i fell asleep!

Ricki Treleaven said...

I wonder if no one loved it due to the subject matter. Such a sad chapter in our nation's history for both the North and the South.

I do want to read it. I love reading history, and I know that it is probably very well-written.

Thank-you so much for linking-up! I apologize for missing this month's Fresh Cut Friday. I hate missing your link party! It's my favorite one. *sadface* I've had my hands full lately!!!

You made my day!

xo,
RJ

Micupoftea said...

I loved it and the first part of the book was not a bother for me to read. It helps give the story context and background. The section regarding Mr Lincoln's death bed scenes were so sad and difficult for me to read as I've been at someone's final hours and witnessed similar occurrences when death was eminent. I found the evidence that people in 'high places' were most likely involved horrendous. Makes it clear to me that even back in the 1860' we knew little about what went down behind the scenes with our government= just like today.

Tales of Whimsy said...

Too cool. I love books that teach me something. :)