Category: American History

The Evangelicals: The Struggle to Shape America – Frances Fitzgerald

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Religion and politics are two hotbed topics known to change the nature of a conversation in an instant. The subjects can be polarizing and incite fierce debate. Many of us have heard the term “Evangelical”, but what does it mean, exactly? I saw this book by Frances Fitzgerald on sale, and it caught my attention because I had previously read another book authored by her regarding the Vietnam War (1954-1975) titled ‘Fire in the Lake: The Vietnamese and the Americans in Vietnam‘ in which she examines America’s role in South Vietnam as the conflict heated up. Here, her focus is on America itself and a topic which remains relevant.

I began reading the book with a limited understanding of what an Evangelical is. However, I soon learned that the concept of the Evangelical is far more nuanced than I was aware of. In fact, what we learn in the book is that there are three major religious factions which form the nexus of theological political power in the United States, each with their own views and goals. The Evangelicals take center stage as one would expect from the cover, but the author also focuses on the Christian Right and fundamentalists. All three are at times united on a subject, but as readers will earn, they are different and have varying goals in their visions to transform the United States into a Christian nation. The complex story contained within is a thorough dissection of the relationships between religious groups and what they mean to American society and its political landscape.

While the focus of the book is the Evangelicals, I found a wealth of information in the story not only about important religious leaders, but about American history in general. As a primer, the author provides an insightful recap of the country’s inception, which includes the issues of religion and slavery. The evils of human bondage are pressing issues and present unavoidable challenges to religious leaders proclaiming to follow the word of God. Today their names are footnotes to history but in their time, their voices helped change a nation. Dwight L. Moody (1837-1899) and Charles Finney (1792-1875) have significant roles in the book, and their stories are spellbinding and I was glued to the book as I read Fitzgerald’s account of their lives and actions in the name of faith. However, they are a fraction of figures who later appear in the story as religious groups attain power, wealth, and political influence.

The book is a “who’s who” of religious icons in American history. All the big names are presented here with the author tracing their humble origins to the stardom they later embraced. We have seen the televangelists rise across the nation, largely due to the legacies of Oral Roberts (1918-2009), Billy Graham (1918-2018), Pat Roberston (1930-2023), Jerry Fallwell (1933-2007) and the controversial Jim Bakker (b. 1940) and wife Tammy Fae Bakker (1942-2007). Their stories are also presented in the book, and some are even more surreal than I recall. However, their roles in shaping faith across America cannot be overlooked. And although the gospel is the aspect from which their lives and careers are connected, each has their own trials and tribulations. There are some incidents which take a dark turn leaving even the most faithful to question the people who deliver the lord’s words. The Bakkers are a case in point and older readers who recall the fallout from their transgressions will find memories flooding back as Fitzgerald explains their scandals and those of others. And as the modern evangelist era heats up the story gains intensity as their reach over Americans and the Republican Party (“GOP/Grand Old Party”) comes into sharp focus.

I do not believe anyone who follows American politics will be surprised by the relationship between the religious factions and the Republicans. As we have seen in recent years, the various religious groups tend to lean towards the GOP in the belief that the part will enact legislation in tune with their religious beliefs. The full story is far from simple and reveals divides within the camps which were interesting. Further, what we learn from the author raises the long-standing concept of separation between Church and State. Regardless of opinion, politicians are aware of the importance of religion and that votes are needed to get elected. Thus develops a curious relationship between Republican candidates and religious groups which plays out in ways that may surprise readers. Even today we see the influence of religion in politics and the continued discussions regarding the relevance of faith and the dangers of extremism.

Time will tell how the nation moves forward, and in November 2026, the first test will arrive with midterm elections. The Evangelicals will undoubtedly support their candidates, as will the Christian right and fundamentalists. Politicians up for re-election or first-time election will need to understand each of these groups and scores of others as they seek votes to obtain a seat in government. Religious leaders will carefully screen candidates they believe share their vision, but we do not know what will come to fruition. But what we do know is that the Evangelicals and other religious factions will always be present and the fault lines between religion, race and politics will always exist. The challenge for America is finding common ground in ways which move the country forward for all of us. This book is another gem from Frances Fitzgerald which is beautifully written and well-researched. From the beginning I was intrigued and remained so throughout the book. It is an incredible account of faith in the United States and the history we need to know. And I strongly recommend this book for readers interested in the role of religion in America.

ASIN‏ : ‎ B01HMXV362
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster, April 4, 2017

The Earth is All That Lasts: Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, and the Last Stand of the Great Sioux Nation – Mark Lee Gardner

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On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate the two-hundred fiftieth anniversary of its creation following the long and violent revolution against British rule. The milestone will be the focus of extravagant celebrations and reminders of America’s long journey and how much work remains to be done. And while we celebrate with fireworks and cookouts, let us not forget the people who also called North America home and are a part of the continent’s history. The Bureau of Indian Affairs currently lists five hundred seventy-four Native American tribes, but the full number remains unknown. What we do know is that the continent was once home to millions of indigenous people who customs and groups are remnants of what they once were. In this book which caught me by surprise, Author Mark Lee Gardner revisits the Great Sioux Nation, one of the most significant tribes in all North America.

I have previously read books focused on both Crazy Horse (c. 1840 -1877) and Sitting Bull (c. 1831 -1890) and was able to approach Gardner’s work with a basic understanding of the tribe. It is not a prerequisite for readers to have familiarity with either figure as the author thoroughly explores their lives and the Oglala Lakota leader Red Cloud (1822-1909) who plays a significant role in the narrative. And while their biographical stories are interesting, the author’s discussion of their customs and traditions are crucial to understand events in the future as the United States asserts its dominance over North America. On the side of American military might are men whose names are cemented in history such as U.S. Calvary Officer George Armstrong Custer (1839-1876) and Gen. William T. Sherman (1820-1891). And when the two forces collide, it is a mix of trust, deception, and brutality not for the faint of heart.

There are several critical events which form the backbone of the book. The Treaties of Fort Laramie in (1851) and (1868) were intended to resolve pertinent issues between the U.S. Government and Native American tribes but became sources of anger, and proof to the natives that the Americans could not be trusted. The story is intricate and I strongly recommend taking notes or creating highlights as it progresses. In addition to the names mentioned, others appear in the story as the relationship between Native Americans and the U.S. Government becomes increasingly complicated. And as one would expect, there is collateral damage. I learned for the first time the stories of Sioux captive Fanny Kelly (1845-1904) and Catherine Weldon (Caroline Schlatter) (1844-1921) who forms a close friendship living with Sitting Bull and the Sioux. Each account is interesting but for distinct reasons. On a side note, I strongly recommend S.C. Gwynne’s ‘Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History’, which is phenomenal and focuses heavily on white settlers held captive by native tribes. Despite the experiences of Kelly and Weldon, the war between America and the Indians continued to heat up. But Americans soon learned that defeating the Indians would not be easy and for the native, the Black Hills and other areas of the continent were far more valuable than the self-destructing gifts white soldiers offered. And when the Indians realize that the Americans would never let them live in peace, the story changes as two different sagas play out. And by the time each story plays out, Indians and Americans lay dead and life for the natives was never the same again.

The battles fought are revisited and these are the more difficult parts of the book. Frankly, there is no other way to explain what happens but to say that violence reigned supreme. However, this is the history not taught in schools. The cycle of negotiations, treaties, broken promises, and warfare repeats itself with tragic consequences. As a reader, I could see the writing on the wall that the native tribes could not hold out forever and would eventually succumb to American weapons. But the broken promises and view of the Indians as “savages” are also tragic. And these are two factors which contributed to the decimation and extinction of Native American tribes. Eventually, some of the Sioux leaders realize that the reservation cannot be escaped. But others would hold out and the hardliners teach American troops a tough lesson on more than one occasion. The carnage following Custer’s last stand is also revisited, and readers interested in the full story will enjoy James Donovan’s ‘A Terrible Glory: Custer and the Little Bighorn – the Last Great Battle of the American West‘, which provides a wealth of information on Custer’s life, the battle itself and the aftermath as the routing of U.S. troops stunned Washington. Although the battle at Little Bighorn was a setback for American troops, it did stop the tide from continue to turn against the Indians as America continued to expand west, and the finale we know is coming soon approaches. The Sioux resign themselves to the fate awaiting them, and the life on a reservation soon begins. And to this day, Native American descendants continue to live on reservations which have become epicenters of poverty and addiction. But they have not forgotten and neither should we.

I wish I could say that there is a happy conclusion to this story but nothing of the sort happened. No one rides off into the sunset. America continued its westward expansion, and Native Americans were forced to give up the lands they had called home. Some converted to Christianity and adopted Europeans ways while others remained loyal to the heritage of their tribe. And yet others were paraded around as attractions to be gawked at during stops in towns across America. Even today, the Indian is a mascot and imitated but the people of the Sioux, Comanche, Cherokee, and scores of other tribes were real people whose lives were changed in the name of American independence. We cannot rewrite the past, but we can ensure it is not forgotten. Gardner tells the story with the right balance of facts, suspense, and drama. It is well-researched and beautifully written. The subject matter is not “light reading”, but if you decided to purchase this book then I must assume you are aware that the story is not a “feel good” account. This is the reality of America’s creation and the people who died for it. Highly recommended.

“It shouldn’t be forgotten that the immigrant people, Euro-Americans, who displaced the Plains Indians always held themselves up as “civilized,” as vastly superior to the Lakotas and other native tribes. And yet there was nothing civilized in the way the U.S. government, its Indian agents, and its citizens lied to and stole from the Lakotas. There was nothing civilized in the way the U.S. Army attacked Indian villages, killing and maiming women and children. There was nothing civilized in the deaths of Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull.” – James Donovan

ASIN: ‎B09CQ2QL8R
Publisher:‎ Mariner Books, June 21, 2022

Pandemic 1918: Eyewitness Accounts from the Greatest Medical Holocaust in Modern History – Catharine Arnold

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On November 11, 1918, an armistice was signed at Compiègne, France, ending the hostilities of World War I (1914-1918). The war formally ended with the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919. Millions of people had perished in the war but there was another killer in 1918 which spread across the globe undetected until its horrifying effects became hauntingly clear. It is known as the Spanish Flu, a virus of the H1N1 influenza strain. During the final year of the war, this silent killer wreaked havoc across the globe as health officials and politicians struggled to contain the deadliest health epidemic in modern history. Author Catharine Arnold takes us back to 1918 when the Spanish Flu changed world history.

The book begins in September 2007, the body of Sir Tatton Benvenuto Mark Sykes (1879-1919) was exhumed at a cemetery in Sledmere, Yorkshire, England. The lead lined coffin holding his remains had helped preserve body tissue scientists believed to hold critical clues about the Spanish Flu. And to understand why they are in the trenches in the fight against influenza, we must step back to the year that changed the world which is the focus of this book which left me speechless. Prior to reading Arnold’s book, I knew that the story would be challenging, primarily due to the subject matter. The cover removes any doubt as to what readers can expect within and once the story begins, it does not let up as she takes us through one of the darkest periods in world history.

Today we have the benefit of advanced medicine and the internet, tools which aid in the rapid recovery from influenza. And although the virus does claim lives each year, the number of deaths is significantly lower than it was in 1918. And as the book progresses, it becomes clear why the virus claimed millions of lives. Further, the virus did not discriminate and touched every sector of society. Author John Steinbeck (1902-1968) and silent film era star Myrtle Gonzalez (1891-1918) are two examples of the notable figures impacted by the virus’s spread. As doctors struggle to understand and contain the virus, it shows no signs of abatement, and the experiences of those who survived are part of what makes this book fascinating. Their stories are vivid, and they pull no punches about their ordeals which leave a chill in the air as the grim reality of influenza settles in. For all of them, it was a trip to hell and back as they stared at death in the mirror. The horror or the plague is compounded by the spread of the virus both unknowingly and unwittingly and I could feel the sense of helplessness which consumed doctors, nurses, city officials, and military personnel as the virus continued to claim victims. The parallels between the Spanish Flu and the Covid-19 epidemic are eerie, but today we are in a far better position than the world’s inhabitants in 1918. However, readers will note the discussion regarding face masks which were controversial and integral as both pandemics ran their courses.

The book is a roller coaster ride through 1918, and I can only imagine how it affected those who survived. We have some of their words here, but there were scores of people who fell victim to the Spanish Flu, survived, and moved forward with permanent scars and dark memories. But just when you think the story of the Spanish Flu is finished, the author takes us to Hong Kong in 1997 where a three-year-old child named Lam Hoi-ka falls victim to influenza, sparking fears that the deadly virus was returning. The concerns of health officials were valid as readers will see in the story. In hindsight we know that a new plague did not happen, but Hoi-ka’s death did play a crucial role in scientists understanding the influenza virus and its spread to humans from animal species. And this is an important tool which will help physicians confront future pandemics. And as we continue to plan for future events, we can use the Spanish Flu as an example of where we should never return. The book is beautifully written, and while grim in content, it does contain valuable historical information. Despite the subject matter, I found it easy to read and I could not put it down once I started. If you are curious about the Spanish Flu and the 1918 Pandemic, this book is must read.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B079LB96CJ
Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin’s Press, August 28, 2018

 

Forgotten: The Untold Story of D-Day’s Black Heroes, at Home and at War – Linda Hervieux

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On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched a combined military assault across five beaches in Normandy, France during World War II (1939-1945). The assault was costly but the success of troops in storming German defenses, showed the military brass in Berlin that the war would be lost. The mission titled ‘Operation Overlord’ set the stage for the collapse of the Third Reich. And when German General Alfred Jodl (1890-1946) signed an unconditional surrender at Reims, France on May 7, 1945, millions of people around the world felt relieved. However, for America’s Black soldiers, the battle was far from over, and they would soon return to a nation in which they had another war to fight for civil rights. Their service in the war was overlooked for a considerable number of years but in the past two decades there has been a resurgence of stories regarding the contributions of Black Americans in World War II. Author Linda Hervieux re-examines the historic D-Day invasion and the forgotten roles of its Black heroes.

Discretion is advised to readers sensitive to descriptions of racial discrimination. There are parts of the book both shocking and mind boggling, but Hervieux pulls no punches in showing the experiences of Black men who found themselves in the military. As a sample of the substantial number of men who served, the author focuses on a select few whose stories serve as a representation of common patterns throughout the book. But before we reach D-Day, Hervieux discusses the dark climate in America prior to the war in which Jim Crow was raging unrestrained. And this is a crucial section of the narrative because it helps to explain why the military became a destination for young men with limited options. But make no mistake, many of the men knew that the military was not free of prejudice and they would have to fight in more ways than one and the biggest challenges they faced were not only physical but the mindset of superior officers and politicians who firmly believed that Black troops could never perform correctly on the battlefield. Hervieux dives deep in this prevailing assumption that was not only dehumanizing but also completely wrong as she shows later in the book.

After building up the suspense and pulling at the reader’s emotions, the author changes gears and takes us to Europe where Black troops found a whole new world unlike anything they had experienced in the United States. However, there were people in high positions in government in Europe who held some of the same absurd ideas as their American counterparts, but the reality was that the war required soldiers and in order to defeat Nazi Germany that mean a full-scale onslaught with troops from all over. At Normandy, we are re-introduced to the carnage which ensued as troops stormed the beaches. The scene is hellish, and I felt chills while reading of the devastation awaiting troops as they battled sea sickness and confronted the reality that they may not survive the landings on the beaches. But for the soldiers who did survive, the German retreat was a breath of fresh air, and if you were Black, then your life was about to change in ways you did not expect. As we step back from the battlefield, Hervieux discusses the interactions between the people of Europe and the black faces from America. And what she reveals is uplifting, heartwarming and heartbreaking, but not for the reasons one may expect.

Admittedly, I was not fully aware of the issues behind the scenes in European towns as American officers sought to enforce Jim Crow in another country. Today it seems mind-bending, but the world was a vastly different place in the 1940s. However, the people of Europe who are unfamiliar with Jim Crow have a unique experience with the Black troops and it will change the way you view World War II.  The scenes in the book range from heartwarming to surreal, as Black troops learn about the world outside of America and enemies within. To be clear, not every American commander was prejudiced against Black troops. In fact, there are several in the book who realized that the military’s segregation policies hurt far more than it helped, but their voices were drowned out by a system which needed time to change itself. And that change does come as the Black troops prove themselves on the battlefield. Their enriching stories told beautifully by the author helped break the facade of Black inferiority. And the civilians they met helped them understand how dysfunctional America had become with its own citizens. They returned home with a new sense of pride, but their ordeals were far from over.

As I read the book, I could not ignore the elephant in the room. Black troops who served saw a separate way of life in Europe free from Jim Crow and blessed with the dignity of being treated as a human being should. And it forced the question of how could America fight racism in Europe while allowing it at home? For Black troops it was an open wound which could not heal until their own government began to change their lives back home in the United States. The author addresses this hotbed topic, including the complicated legacy of the G.I. Bill which could have been a far more effective tool than it was. In Washington, politicians became keenly aware that change was needed, and the wheels are set into motion by President Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) in 1948. However, several decades would pass become the White House stepped in and began awarding long overdue medals to World War II’s Black heroes. Some men were still live to see their day while others had passed on. But their names are a part of history and as the author winds down the story, we share their special days with them as America pays homage to its veterans.

This book is amazing, and it will stir emotions, but history is rarely pleasant. It forces us to confront dark truths which have been carefully hidden. America has come a long way since World War II, and there is still a long way to go but what is crucial is that the past is never forgotten so that it is not repeated. Highly recommended.

“In June 2009, six decades after he landed on the shores of Normandy, Bill Dabney returned to France at the invitation of the French government. On the sixty-fifth anniversary of the landings, under a bright blue sky, Bill and other aging veterans received accolades from the world’s most important leaders at the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach. President Obama shook his hand.”

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00PQRH7KS
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper, October 27, 2015

The Pentagon’s Brain: An Uncensored History of DARPA, America’s Top-Secret Military Research Agency – Annie Jacobsen

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I recently returned to one of my favorite authors, Annie Jacobsen, the author of best-selling books ‘Operation Paperclip: The Secret Intelligence Program that Brought Nazi Scientists to America‘ and ‘Area 51: An Uncensored History of America’s Top Secret Military Base‘. The time around she focuses on the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (“DARPA”), the brainchild of the Pentagon and its role in national defense. Prior to reading the book, I was aware of DARPA but was curious to learn what Jacobsen had discovered. And what she reports is informative and interesting without any trace of conspiracy theories or secret government plots. Of course, there are materials which are classified by the United States Military for distinct reasons, but the top-secret classification does not always mean nefarious. Jacobsen takes us deep inside DARPA to reveal a part of America’s defense network which has become invaluable.

The book opens by revisiting the Marshall Islands in March 1954 where the United States Government is conducting a secret nuclear detonation code named “Castle Bravo”. This test, which remains a dark moment in nuclear history is the key to understanding how America was preparing its defenses in the wake of both World War II (1939-1945) and the Korean War (1950-1953). I learned details about the test for the first time in this book and what I read left me speechless and sent a chill down my spine. But military leaders were undeterred, and the quest for advanced weaponry continued to escalate. DARPA is still several years away, and before we reach that point, a curious figure named John Von Neumann (1903-1957) enters the story. I admit that I felt a sense of shame as someone who works in information technology because I should have known about Von Neumann, the visionary whose ideas in the 1950s were premonitions of modern-day computer systems. His story and influence in the government are captivating, and one of the crucial parts of the narrative. However, the Department of Defense (“DOD”) was just heating up and in 1957, the Advanced Research Projects Agency (“ARPA”) (renamed DARPA in 1972) was born to the chagrin of military brass, and this where the book shift gears as the agency focuses on projects and ideas straight out of Hollywood.

Though DARPA is connected to the DOD, it is not a “military” agency but was driven by the goals of bolstering national defense and enhancing the performance of military personnel deployed in combat. And as one would expect, it attracted individuals who walked the fine line between genius and insanity. Jacobsen explores their backgrounds and how they ended up at DARPA. Admittedly, some of the ideas proposed by DARPA come off as far outside of the box, but others came to fruition through its efforts. The sections regarding placement of sensors on the Ho Chih Minh Trail and use of toxin Agent Orange during the Vietnam War (1954-1975) are both mind-numbing and shocking, but the creation of ARPANET supported by the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP), would change the world as we know it, when a concept called the internet gained traction. Without the protocols, Domain Naming Service (DNS) and other networking components, this blog would not exist.

The book is full of information, and I was pulled in from the beginning. In the wake of World War II, we can see the shift in focus from defeat of the Axis powers to concerns over Soviet expansion and threats unknown at the time. But one section which I found interesting was the discussing regarding Allen M. Dulles, Jr. (1930-2020) and the devastating injuries he suffered in the Korean War. At first it may seem unrelated to the story but as Jacobsen expands on ARPA’s research projects, it becomes clear how Dulles’s plight was a source of intrigue and incentive to further understand the human mind. Further, it sheds light on the traumatic brain injury and how doctors are still confronted with the daunting task of rebuilding a damaged mind.

As the years pass, new wars rise and DARPA is repeatedly tasked with confronting deadly issues such as IEDs and biological weapons. And the agency has success in some areas but failures in others. But what is clear is that DARPA is far more advanced of the public domain and responsible for technological advances we take advantage of daily. However, oversight is always needed and there are parts of DARPA which remain a mystery to the public. Technology can be a blessing and a curse, but we now live in a world where it is required. DARPA will remain in the race to develop innovative technology and secure the republic, but in doing so, the issues of morality and legality will always be front and center. The rise of artificial intelligence has changed the news cycle, and Chat GPT has found a solid footing on society. Dark visions of the fictional Skynet and other computer projects which have gone rogue fill imaginations and highlight the influence of motion pictures. But a question remains, is DARPA close to turning those visions into reality? As of today, man remains in control but is imperative to understand the motives behind the technological advancements propelling the planet forward and their impacts on our lives. Interestingly, DARPA has its own website; a benefit of the very networking concept it created decades prior. Annie Jacobsen nails it once again in a book which thoroughly explains a crucial yet overlooked part of our national defense network. 

“Carl Sagan once stated, “It is suicidal to create a society dependent on science and technology in which hardly anybody knows anything about the science and technology.”

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00RTY0GEA
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown and Company, September 15, 2015

American Pain: How a Young Felon and His Ring of Doctors Unleashed America’s Deadliest Drug Epidemic – John Temple

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It is no secret that America has been embroiled in an epidemic regarding opioid addiction. But in 2024, the country saw a decrease in overdose deaths which provides hope that the crisis will be further contained. Despite the positive trend, the battle continues against the synthetic opioid fentanyl which has become the drug of choice due to its strong addiction inducing properties. In 1874, C. R. Wright, a physician at St. Mary’s Hospital in London, first synthesized heroin. However, he could not have known what would exist in 2025. In the state of Florida, “pill mills” popped up across the state as addicts obtained their fix of the euphoria producing narcotics. These small circular pills inside of a prescription bottle were initially misunderstood but caught the attention of Derik Nolan and twin brothers Chris and Jeff George who created the blueprint for the mills through their business venture American Pain. This is an investigative report into its rise and fall by author John Temple.

Although the George brothers and Nolan did not create the opioid crisis, what they did with American Pain was instrumental in the exponential growth of pill mills. But what is shocking is that none of them had any medical training and were not licensed physicians. In fact, they knew nothing about running a medical clinic or the drugs that customers would kill to obtain. However, they did have a passion for making money and that thirst would drive them to create an empire that was nothing short of horrifying. Temple introduces us to the main players, and their back stories come with dark aspects. Nolan survives family trauma which left me speechless. Upon meeting the George brothers, his fortunes change and he becomes centrally involved in Chris’s new venture into the pain management arena. And when their brainchild named American Pain opens for business, everything changes in ways no one could have predicted. Temple takes us on a wild ride complete with addiction, money, sex, and the attention of both the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) and Drug Enforcement Agency (“DEA”).

The clinic was set up but the guys realized they needed doctors and began recruiting physicians who had no qualms about prescribing pain medication. And the way in which they find the doctors left me shaking my head. It is as no frills as one would expect. But once the doctors arrive and the parking lot begins to fill up, the book takes a much darker turn. Between the excessive amounts of pills, the behavior of addicts in and outside of the clinic, and the effect on residents of other states, American Pain transformed into a menace to society. However, readers will be shocked to learn how the law initially viewed their operation. And that stance extended to other states as well. Frankly, as Temple shows, America was slow to react to a crisis brewing right under its nose.

The success the boys enjoyed provided extensive wealth, notoriety, and a steady stream of addicts in need of their fix. But soon people begin to take notice and ask questions. The media and law enforcement soon surmise that all is not right with this clinic and its line of daily visitors. And when the FBI enters the picture, we see the writing on the wall. But their downfall happens in slow motion in a step-by-step process which reveals the arrogance and recklessness which should have been raising alarm bells for anyone connected to American Pain. And when other clinics begin to pop up copying their platform, their response and the events that follow should have also served as a warning that they were approaching the edge of a cliff. Unbeknownst to them, the FBI and DEA had already set into motion the operation that would pull everything apart at the seams. And when the fallout occurs, everyone wants off the sinking ship. However, once section that gave me chills is the role of Dr. Cynthia Cadet and the dark effects of the prescriptions she wrote. What Temple shows is chilling and after finishing the book I continued to think about it.

Once the clinic falls apart and the American Pain team is face to face with the reality that they are not going home, the wheels of justice spin in overdrive as defendants turn state’s evidence and admit their role in the spread of addiction and death. They also face the families of the people whose lives were lost to the black hole of addiction. The tragedy of Stacy Mason as told by the author is only one example of the heartbreak families endured as the crisis hit home. His mother Alice helps clench the outcome towards the end of the story as the government proves its case. Tina Reed emerges as a voice of reason through her crusade to create a statewide database to monitor drug usage and distribution should not be overlooked. These women from small towns in America are a fraction of the list of mothers whose children succumbed to opioid dependence.

American Pain is eventually shut down but the crisis is far from over. Derik Nolan is the most talkative of them all and is frank in the book about his actions. But that in no way excuses what he did. He, the George brothers, and staff at the clinic operated a business which thrived on fraud. Today, doctors are under tighter controls when prescribing opioids and lessons of the past have been learned. But the fight is not over and the temptation to earn significant revenue by exploiting the desperation of others never disappears. This book by John Temple is eye-opening, shocking, and upsetting, but it is also a case study of what happens when regulation is non-existent and greed is left unchecked.

“Of course we did it. The f–ed-up thing is that we were allowed to do it. That they let us do it. Why were two guys like me and Chris allowed to set up a business like this? When we said we wanted to set up a pain clinic, they shoulda been like, ‘Umm . . . No.’ Or, ‘Let’s see your criminal record.’ When we said we wanted to order $100,000 worth of pain medication, they shoulda said no.”

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01448QLIS
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lyons Press, ‎ September 29, 2015

Chief Joseph & The Flight of the Nez Pearce: The Untold Story of an American Tragedy – Kent Nerburn

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Recently, I have found myself curious about Native American history and discovered this book by author Kent Nerburn regarding Chief Joseph (1840-1904) and the Nez Pearce Tribe, whose experience is an overlooked part of American history. Regrettably, I was not aware of their story and the chain of events which resulted in their re-settlement in North America. However, this book tells the tale in full detail, and Nerburn has given us a book that separates fact from fiction while revealing the intimate views and feelings of both native tribes and officials of the United States Government.

I must warn readers that this book is not an easy read. The author presents the story well and the narrative flows smoothly, but the content within is bound to stir emotions. One will be required to accept the fact that meetings between Native Americans and representatives of the United States were not always pleasant, and violence was a common occurrence. But to understand how we reach that point in the story, the author explains the arrival of White Christians who believe it is their life’s mission to convert the natives to more “civilized” ways of living. And while some natives do adapt to the European customs, others were content in the ways of their ancestors and their reaction to the ways of whites which they saw as unfair, provoked a violent rebuke which sets the stage for future events. Additionally, the difference in opinion on how land is occupied becomes the crux of the story as the Nez Pearce yearn for their home while being moved from one outpost to another.

The full story of how the Nez Pearce became nomads within their own continent is complex, but the author thoroughly explains the series of events which changed a continent. Multiple factors are at play, but consist of failed treaties, division within the Nez Pearce, the discovery of gold in California, and bloodthirsty troops in the United States Military who wanted nothing more than to exterminate the native tribes. Famed General William T. Sherman (1820-1891) makes an appearance in the story, and his words are nothing short of haunting. In 1863, both parties meet for a treaty which fails to produce positive results, and the Nez Pearce leaders decided that they will not abandon their homeland. This is the turning point in the story when their lives are altered forever, and we bear witness to their flight across North America. 

The flight of the Nez Pearce at first is a journey to avoid confrontations with white settlers and soldiers. Assisted by Chief Looking Glass (1832-1877), the tribe sets it sight north in the hopes that American troops will leave them alone. However, Joseph soon realizes that running is futile, and a rift soon develops between the two. Sadly, two factions form within one group, and each decision has long-reaching consequences in the story. And while they debate the best course of action, American soldiers quickly advance and soon all hell breaks loose as the two sides engage in deadly combat. Joseph would personally feel the agony of war, and the horrors of the conflict are never far behind. The descriptions of acts committed by both sides will remove any doubt as to how violent North America was. Frankly, it was a very dark time in this nation’s history, and this section of the book will be difficult to accept but this is the reality of the hell brought on by war.

Eventually Joseph realizes that war is only going to lead to extinction and makes the difficult decision to agree with American terms. But this is far from the end of the story, and their lives become even more bizarre as the United States Government shuffles them around as if they were pieces on a chessboard. It is both bewildering and bizarre, and the reaction from residents as the Nez Pearce travels from town to the next takes on a carnival like atmosphere which is surreal. But it also reveals that the United States Government did not have a long-term plan for them. The sub-human conditions endured by the tribe are just awful and heartbreaking. And although Joseph and the Nez Pearce do accomplish their goal from the beginning, the personal sacrifices made by all of them are shocking. Joseph personally suffers enormous loss which left me speechless. By the end of the story, the Nez Pearce are a battered and broken people. But they still exist today which is more than can be said for other tribes which are extinct.

History is not always pleasant or uplifting, but it must be understood and acknowledged. And there is no American history without Native Americans. North America was once an uncharted and violent continent home to many but owned by none. The creation of the United States changed things in ways no one saw coming. And though we are long way from the events in this book, we can continue to learn the stories of Native Americans and why their history is as important as any other, and how it shaped the nation called the United States of America. This is the story of the Nez Pearce and their ordeal which should never be forgotten. 

“The real story, the true story, is every bit as poignant and every bit as dramatic. But it is obscured by the myth because the myth is so powerful and so perfectly suited to our American need to find nobility rather than tragedy in our past. It is also a myth of our own devise, and therein lies a story.”

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B000FCKH2O
Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperOne, October 13, 2009

All the Young Men: A Memoir of Love, AIDS & Chosen Family in the American South – Ruth Coker Burks with Kevin Carr O’Leary

On By Genyc79In American History, Autobiography, JournalLeave a comment

I was browsing recommendations when I saw this book which received a near five-star rating on Amazon. Knowing that obtaining a rating that high was not easy, I decided to take a further look, and in the process, I discovered a gem of a book which I could not stop reading. The location for the story is in Arkansas, in the heart of the American South, or the “Bible Belt”. Ruth Coker Burks starts off the story with a visit to the past where a young man named Jimmy is declining to the effects of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (“AIDS”) and is treated like a leper by the nursing staff. Coker refuses to sit idling while Jimmy enters the final stage of life and performs actions unheard of at the time. And this begins a long journey into the AIDS epidemic and the struggle to treat and bury the young gay men diagnosed with the killer disease during the height of the crisis.

Readers old enough to remember the emergence of the human immunodeficiency virus (“HIV”) and AIDS, will recall the fear and paranoia which gripped the United States. What was originally seen as a “gay cancer” in San Francisco, became a nationwide threat when doctors learned that the disease did not discriminate based on sexual orientation or ethnic background. AIDS was equally destructive to every section of society it reached. I must warn readers that this book will trigger a range of emotions, including anger, joy, shock, and grief. And if you lost someone close to the virus, it will be like a step back into time to a dark period when answers were short in supply. Coker goes through each, and learns that in the Deep South, religion trumps all else.

In addition to her occupation as a nurse, Coker is also a single mother to daughter Allison who becomes not only a dependable assistant, but also a source of wise words when her mother is feeling conflicted. But the friends they make provided them with a second family who treat them with the love and kindness close relatives fail to deliver. However, her family drama takes a back seat to the lives of the gay men who have been disowned by their families, ostracized by society, and even refused the dignity of a formal sendoff when they die. Coker refused to accept this and morphs into a guardian angel whose devotion and relentless pursuit of assistance for the men is nothing short of incredible. But that does not mean the journey was easy. In fact, there are moments in the book which are beyond infuriating and will leave readers shaking their heads. And of course, there are secrets in Arkansas, some of which reminded me of James Baldwin’s novel ‘Giovanni’s Room‘. However, the bright moments arrive in the men we meet whose larger-than-life personalities are momentary reprieve from the looming grim reaper. And as I read, I found myself becoming acquainted with them as well as they told their stories and accepted their fates which they knew would end in death.

Life for gay men diagnosed with AIDS was incredibly difficult but there are other people in the book who provided help to Coker when needed. They are in the shadows, but the influence is undeniable, and Coker was not afraid to lean on them when needed. Their actions are not the focus of the book, but they helped in ways which were crucial at a time when being seen publicly with an AIDS patient was taboo. The story of Ryan White (1971-1990), included in the narrative, is just one example of long reach of HIV and how a virus reshaped an entire decade and changed world history. And sadly, in Coker’s account, we see health professionals refusing to even set foot in a room with a patient afflicted by the virus. Today it seems unthinkable that a doctor would refuse to treat an AIDS patient, but in the time period when but in the time when current information was scant, this was the reality. I felt Coker’s rage as I read of her encounters with hospital staff who wanted no part of any AIDS patients. But those encounters only fueled her resolve to help even more, and she pulls off successful projects and even earns an invitation to the inaugural ball of fellow Arkansas native and friend, President William J. Clinton.

To say that Coker suffered personal setbacks due to her goal would be an understatement. There is immense personal sacrifice, and another person may have broken under the strain. However, she continues to move forward determined to ensure as many people as possible are protected from HIV and cared for after a positive diagnosis. And in the process, she left a legacy of compassion and humanity which is on display here in one of the best books I have ever read about the AIDS epidemic. Highly recommended.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B085MMH732
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grove Press, February 22, 2023

Blood and Treasure: Daniel Boone and the Fight for America’s First Frontier – Bob Drury and Tom Clavin

On By Genyc79In American History, BiographiesLeave a comment

In two weeks, the United States will celebrate Thanksgiving Day, with family dinners, the National Football League on television, and memories to last a lifetime. History books used in schools long held the notion that the meetings between Native Americans and European settlers were harmonious and full of warmth. The image its projects is heartwarming and removes the dark truth behind a clash of cultures which saw horrific violence, death, destruction, and the extinction of Indigenous people. Settlers courageous enough to venture in unsettled areas faced life or death decisions daily, and in some cases, they paid the ultimate price for their curiosity. Among these settlers in search of new territory was Daniel Boone (1734-1820), a frontiersman who is credited with westward expansion resulting in the settlement of what is known today as the State of Kentucky. This book is a discussion of his life and the turbulent continent of North America by authors Bob Drury and Tom Clavin. And to call it eye-opening would be an understatement. This book is must-read.

Boone’s name is known in American history. However, the full story is far more complex than the snippets provided in textbooks. The story told here is not a “feel good” account but a raw and unfiltered look at hardships of life during the 1700s and the deadly battles which raged as white settlers pushed further west. I must warn readers that this book is vivid, containing graphic descriptions of battlefield injuries and post-mortem desecration by both Native Americans and the new explorers. Scalping is a well-known custom of Native tribes but the extent to which remains were altered surpasses the depravity of the head wounds one would receive on the losing end of a conflict. Boone would come to have his own experiences battling Native tribes but before we reach the part of the book where blood is spilled, we are provided with a recap of the Boone family and Daniel’s upbringing.

A sizeable portion of the story takes place before the creation of the United States of American on July 4, 1776. Of course, the war is discussed, but it is a back story to Boone’s account. The North America examined by the authors was a land of open territory home to Native Americans. However, the Indigenous people who lived here had a vastly different view of land, and this difference in cultures would set the stage for the bloody battles to follow. I had previously read books which focused on the American frontier and the expansion of the United States, and while those stories were eye-opening, this book is just as gripping, and there were sections of the story which gave me chills. 

As I read, I noticed that the version of Boone we have come to know is different from the real Daniel Boone. We see in the story that the real Danie Boone did not see himself as a folk hero but as a frontiersman with a deep understanding of the complexities of Native American tribes and the dangers of being captured by the Indians. Proof of this comes from Boone’s own ordeal following his capture by a Native Americans. The surreal story is revisited, and it provides us with an inside look at the experiences of people taken as property. Boone lived to tell his tale, but others did not. Grisly fates awaited those chosen for death, and those scenes rival the battlefield atrocities we learn of as the story progresses. And both the tensions and acts of vengeance increase tenfold through the Battle of Point Pleasant in 1774 and Battle of Blue Licks in 1782. Boone was not at the first battle, but the latter would have tragic consequences for Boone and his family. The role of Boone’s brother Squire (1744-1815) was a curveball I did not see coming and left me speechless. The same applies with brother Edward “Neddie” Boone (1740-1780). And at home was Boone’s wife Rebecca (1739-1813) who increases their family size repeatedly throughout the story. This is significant because the amount of time Boone and other explorers were away from home was extensive, and without the aid of telephones and other means of quick communication, information traveled slowly, sometimes taking months to arrive. Frankly, Rebecca was left at home and more than once believed Boone had died. Today it seems unthinkable but in the 1700s, this was the reality of life as an explorer.

Eventually, the American colonists declare war on their British rulers, and the movement for independence kicks into high gear. Although the story here does not focus on the war extensively, it is a factor in the story. Further, the settlement of Boonesborough comes into focus, and the showdown Boone has with Native American tribes lead by the Shawnee in September 1778. It is a pivotal moment in the story, and it help to cement his legacy in American history. Additionally, there are other figures in the story who were also in charge of campaigns against the native tribes, and their roles in the reshaping of North American should not be overlooked such as Richard Henderson, the man behind the ill-fated Transylvania Purchase in March 1775 and Brigadier General George Rogers Clark (1752-1818) of the Virginia Militia. 

Following the Treaty of Paris in 1783, the story winds down and Boone life enters the final stages in the 1820s. Surprisingly, for a man who experienced a staggering amount of physical and emotional pain, he lived longer than most of the people around him but never forgot the pain which came from the tremendous losses his family suffered as North America was engulfed by conflict. The United States Government eventually succeeded in claiming lands once inhabited by Native Americans, and in the process, many became victims of extinction. These dark chapters in American history should not be forgotten and when we give thanks for the lives we have, we should remember those who died in violent conflicts across the continent. Highly recommended. 

ASIN: B08BYC44VP
Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin’s Press, April 20, 2021