How to Test Negative for Stupid is exactly what its title suggests; a wake up call wrapped in wit, wisdom, and good old-fashioned common sense.From the very first chapter, Senator Kennedy’s trademark humor and homespun logic shine through. At first, it feels like sitting on the front porch listening to a man who has seen a lot and learned even more. But as the pages turn, the tone deepens. The senator moves past clever sayings and gets straight to business, offering real facts, real examples, and real insights — all with a refreshing candor that’s hard to find in politics today.What stood out to me most was how balanced and genuinely non-partisan this book is. Kennedy doesn’t pull punches, but he doesn’t play favorites either. He calls out nonsense wherever he sees it, regardless of which side of the aisle it comes from. And through it all, his focus stays firmly where it should be, on the welfare and promise of the American people.It’s a fast, engaging read that leaves you feeling uplifted rather than drained. In an age where so much of what we read is negative or cynical, How to Test Negative for Stupid is an honest and hopeful reminder that America’s best days are still ahead.It was the boost I needed.

Senator John Kennedy’s book is like Senator John Kennedy himself–honest, straightforward, witty, and full of common sense. He tackles serious subjects in a readable and often hilarious manner, but make no mistake, this is an extremely well-educated and competent Congressman who loves The United States and wants the best for it.

Loved this short read! I am a big Kennedy fan. I find him smart, funny and folksy. I enjoy the way he uses quips to support his views and how he maintains decorum and respect. I don’t think I have heard him yell or raise his voice. I learned so much more about him in this book. He is wicked smart but speaks plainly and is willing to speak his mind to anyone, including President Trump. I enjoyed learning more about Senate process and his earlier career in Louisiana. I particularly loved the last chapter where he shares his views on China, transgender women in men’s sports, immigration, race and crime. I am an Independent and not a Republican….and I fully agreed with his thoughts on these subjects which seemed fully rooted in facts and just plain common sense. I highlighted this phrase in the epilogue, “I believe in personal responsibility, the rule of law, equal opportunity, merit, respect for human dignity, and faith in human progress.” These are values and beliefs I hold instilled by my immigrant parents who believed that America is the greatest country in the world. My father is gone 24 years and I often think he must be turning in his grave over some of the events since he passed. Keep up the great work of excellent communication, questioning and holding folks accountable, sir!

I purchased this book because I watched Senator Kennedy speaking on the news where his new book was mentioned with several of his humorous remarks. The book was not leg-slapping hilarious but it was humorous throughout. It was fun to read. And Senator Kennedy ended up being very knowledgeable about the breadth of issues haunting America presently and over the last number of years. His remarks were very insightful and usually humorous but will obviously attract more right-leaning readers than left, even though his views are overwhelmingly middle of the road. Unfortunately, that not what the left wants to hear nor some of the right.This book was almost like sitting on the front porch and listening to a smart man relate his experiences of life (with a strong leaning to his time in the political community, both local and federal). I very much enjoyed this book and the way points were, gently for the most part, presented. Highly recommend.

Probably the best non-fiction I’ve read. Love his sense of humor, which is not overdone and he’s just full of common sense, which is lacking in DC. Genuinely wants to help the people of America while cutting out all the crap that government has become. Some good observations of Biden and the Biden era as well as Trump. I couldn’t put this down and read in a day. Excellently written, also.

Entertaining and most insightful— as well as interesting backstories. Laughed a lot throughout the book. If he ever leaves politics, he should go into comedy! Should be required for anyone considering entering politics as his shared experiences would be most helpful.

As to content: day 1 I read 4 chapters and was not disappointed. If you are familiar with Senator Kennedy, his Southern born metaphors and witticisms are just as entertaining in writing. All that’s missing is the Southern accent.As to the book itself: all of the pages are wrinkled top and bottom. It’s as if they got damp. Hence the 4 star rating.

In a televised interview, Kennedy said that his book is not a policy book, but it is a “story book.” He is quite the storyteller— I’d liken his storytelling technique as similar to that of Mark Twain or Will Rogers. The book is hilarious as he frames his observations and opinions as only he can. Yes, there are ample opportunities to giggle while reading this book, yet when he deals with serious issues —those that deserve not to be made light of — his meaning is crystal clear. I recommend this book. It is easy to read and it is well worth the price of purchase and the time to read it. But if time is short … I recommend that everyone read the final chapter which he calls “Speed Round.” Don’t look for the humor in this chapter. Here, Senator Kennedy highlights his position on several contemporary topics like how he sees the relationship between America and China, America’s crime crisis and its relationship to justice, transgender participation in girls’ sports and in women’s spaces. These are serious topics and it’s clear that Senator Kennedy sees them as such. I’m thinking of buying several copies to gift to relatives and friends who would appreciate Kennedy’s point of view to modern US government.

Michael Harriot is a cultural icon in himself. His telling of history, the way he strings words together, and with a sense of humor! This book will captivate you and teach you things you’d never learn from a basic U.S. history course. The quotes that really struck me from this book:“History is written by the victors, but it is made by the rebellious.” (Harriot, pg. 163, Black AF History)“Building things is hard. Destroying things is easy.” (pg. 200).And his story: “All the Way Free” (pg. 322-pg. 332).It’s a must read for ALL Americans, no matter the race!!

Black AF History is an absolute powerhouse from start to finish. Bell Hooks’ storytelling is deeply personal yet profoundly universal—she unpacks generational trauma, resilience, and Pride with a voice that’s raw, honest, and illuminating.What I loved most:• Authentic storytelling: Hooks shares intimate family memories alongside broader historical context—her vivid recollections made me feel like I was right there with her.• Educational yet engaging: This isn’t just a memoir—it’s a lesson in American history through the lens of Black experience, told with clarity and purpose.• Emotional impact: I laughed, I teared up, and I reflected deeply on my own family history and identity.Whether you’re already familiar with Hooks or discovering her for the first time, this book is a vital read—rich in wisdom, warmth, and an unsparing truth about Black America.

A little over halfway done, but this book is AWESOME! It’s chock full of enlightening information and true history, but it uses practical references and quite a bit of sarcasm and humor. I’m loving it!

This is a very great read for historians and scholars as well as lovers of history. Full of insights and information from start to finish

This book makes me laugh and angry. Very well written account of real history.

This is an amazing and groundbreaking book that all people in America should read. It is an elixir to some of the lies of history that have been written in American history. A must-read for all Americans and people of the world interested in the truth about American history!

I recently embarked on an exciting journey with this incredible book that has truly captured my heart. After diving into the audiobook, I realized that I absolutely had to get my hands on the hardcover version to fully immerse myself in its richness.This book is nothing short of extraordinary and deeply inspiring—it uncovers a compelling perspective on “Black” history that many of us might overlook, unearthing truths that are too often whitewashed. If you’ve been hesitating about picking it up, let this be your nudge! Now is the perfect time to make the leap, and trust me, you won’t regret it!

Love it!! This book is freaking hilarious. I love the author’s sense of humor and very knowledgeable

Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang”Separation of Church and Hate” is an important, engaging, and biblically honest correction to the modern misuses of faith and scripture. John Fugelsang, with his signature wit and relaxed style, skillfully addresses the main misunderstandings that drive fundamentalism and political hypocrisy.This book is a deeply thoughtful and often funny call for spiritual honesty, offering guidance for readers across Christian and Jewish faiths (and those who have left them). It effectively cuts through misinformation and confusion, making it an essential and enjoyable read for anyone looking for a more compassionate and genuine understanding of religious wisdom—a breath of fresh air in today’s chaos.

This is one of the most informative, enlightening books I have read to date. The way he combines an important, serious message with such comic relief makes it such an easy and light-hearted read. With everything going on in the world, this is the most enjoyable read I’ve had in a whole. Hats off to the author. Quite honestly, this is just such a perfect encapsulation of what religion is and its role in society and its impact. Can’t say enough good things about this book

I’ve known about and have followed the career of John Fugelsang going back to his days on MTV when it actually had music videos on the majority of its airtime to his standup and podcast shows. His book presents actual Biblical quotes of the teachings of Jesus Christ using the words and allegories attributed to Christ and with both empathy and humor explains why “Christian Nationalism” does not adhere to the teachings of the very person it claims to follow and represent.I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone who has the desire or the curiosity to try and understand the CN movement and its historical implications for the future of our nation’s democracy.

This is a well-written, well-researched and humorous book that delineates and distinguishes the life and teachings of Christ from the often contradictory passages in the Bible that political groups have cherry-picked to support their non Christ-like prejudices and political actions. This is a timely and much appreciated book for Christ-followers and others facing the onslaught of Christian Nationalist misinformation and propaganda flooding governmental, media and political arenas.

This is a great book for any Christian struggling with the Christian Nationalist movement that drives MAGA policies. Great for anyone who wants to explore the deep divide that Christians Nationalism is causing in the United States. Spoiler alert it is NOT the teachings of Jesus. Jesus’ teachings support Love, Compassion for all people and commands his followers to care for immigrants, the elderly, sick/disabled, incarcerated, widowed, and all otherwise marginalized and outcast persons among us.God bless all of humanity, love and compassion to everyone, everywhere.

John Fugelsang’s The Separation of Church and Hate is a sharp, theatrical critique of the conservative Christian movement reshaping American politics and culture. Unlike the historical deep dives of Kristin Kobes Du Mez or the investigative rigor of Tim Alberta, Fugelsang delivers his message through staged chapters that open with monologues and build around the refrain “Thou shalt not,” spotlighting how Christian rhetoric has been weaponized against immigrants, LGBTQ communities, the poor, and progressive reformers. With biting wit, scriptural insight, and well-sourced commentary, he equips readers to respond to the culture war playing out in neighborhoods and online. Fugelsang’s work reminds us that sacred texts are meant to nourish the spirit—not enforce political dominance—and offers a compelling resource for anyone seeking clarity, courage, and compassion in the face of rising religious nationalism.

I really enjoyed this book. It was engaging and well written. His references are very good and there’s enough humor to make the read satisfying.

John is brilliant both in his knowledge of religion, but in his intelligent discourse and delivery, I’m a definite fan and listen to him almost every day on SiriusXM, besides his hilarious sense of humor, he is a very socially conscious, serious individual when it comes to our world, and our current predicament, and our true responsibility as the only illegal aliens on this continent… Highly recommended!

A People’s History of the United States is a book about the history of the United States of America from the very beginning. It was written in 1980 by Howard Zinn. Zinn is a historian, political scientist, and a social activist. I think this a very good book to read because it not only tells about the history of the United States but it give the real truth about things that have never been discussed before.The book starts off at the very beginning of America. Some of the topics discussed range from Christopher Columbus’ travels to Hernando Cortes adventures. From there it talks about slavery and such. The book is written in a time line of history. It starts from the beginning and then goes on. In history there are many conflicts. Some that were discussed were about how Christopher Columbus Day has always been a celebration. After reading this book, you may have a different view on him. It then tells about the conflicts of slavery and gives very vivid details about the conditions that slavery really consisted of. This book is the real deal. It gives you the straight facts and information about history that you never knew about.Even though A People’s History of the United States was written in 1980 and may be considered an older book, it is still a good read. The realness of the book and how it gives so much information about history that is not taught in schools is what makes this book so great. It is a very important book and it should be read by others to understand the true history. I believe the reasons the book was/is popular still hold true because it is about history. It is telling the real truth about history. History will never become a subject that is forgotten.My judgement and evaluation on A People’s History of the United States is that the quality of writing was very strong. It shows strength in its vivid details and the choice of words that were used. One of my favorite quotes from the book is a piece quoted from the Virginia slave code. It says: “Whereas many times slaves run away and lie hid and lurking in swamps, woods, and other obscure places, killing hogs, and committing other injuries to the inhabitants…if the slave does not immediately return, anyone whatsoever may kill or destroy such slaves by such ways and means as he…shall think fit…If the slave is apprehended… it shall…be lawful for the county court, to order such punishment for the said slave, either by dismembering, or in any other way…as they in their discretion shall think fit, for the reclaiming any such incorrigible slave, and terrifying others form the like practices…” That quote is one of my favorites because it is so descriptive.Another one of my favorites is a quote by writer J. Saunders Redding as he describes the arrival of a ship in North America. It says: “Sails furled, flag drooping at her rounding stern, she rode the tide in form the sea. She was a strange ship, indeed, by all accounts, a frightening ship, a ship of mystery. Whether she was trader, privateer, or man-of-war no one knows. Through her bulwarks black-mouthed cannon yawned. The flag she flew was Dutch; her crew a motley. Her port of call, an English settlement, Jamestown, in the colony of Virginia. She came, she traded, and shortly afterwards was gone. Probably no ship in modern history has carried a more portentous freight. Her cargo? Twenty slaves.” That quote is another one of my favorites because it is also very descriptive. It paints a clear picture of the truth about what used to really happen. That to me is a very strong strength.In conclusion, my overall thoughts about the book are very positive. It has changed the way I look at history. It has showed me that there is a whole lot more truth about history than just what is taught in schools. One particular thing it has made me realize is that history is a lot more gruesome and violent than I originally thought. It also has given me a different perspective of Christopher Columbus. I do not see him the same as I once did. A People’s History of the United States was really an eye opener about giving the real truths about history.

This book is so informative. It’s definitely worth the time to read if you want an in depth experience and truth about history.

I read this book as part of a personal effort to deepen my understanding of American history from multiple perspectives. A People’s History of the United States challenges the traditional narrative I learned growing up and highlights the experiences of groups often left out of textbooks.Howard Zinn’s writing is detailed, well-sourced, and meant to spark critical thinking. Whether or not you agree with all his interpretations, it’s hard to deny the importance of revisiting our past with fresh eyes. This book doesn’t claim to be the only version of history—it simply offers a different lens, and that alone makes it worth reading.As someone who values well-rounded education and lifelong learning, I found this book incredibly meaningful. It gave me a lot to reflect on and inspired me to continue reading from a variety of voices.

This is sooo interesting!!! Im to page 70 and I love how its written! This should be a required reading for high school students so they can see the alternate POVs. ????????????

The People’s History of the United States is a difficult book to critique, as its assumptions and results align with my social and philosophical worldview. But is that enough to say this book uses sound methodology to reach its conclusions? I think not. This book is massive in scope, and therefore uses secondary sources. Yet looking at the sources Zinn choses leaves me skeptical. Toward the end of this book, he writes that his work is “…a biased account, one that leans in a certain direction.” We can certainly say this of this work, and other more ‘mainstream’ histories. It is biased in one direction, as are all historical accounts. So how do we make decisions about historical veracity?

I gave this to my husband who read it.Cover to cover and so thoroughly enjoyed it.

I just finished reading Abundance, by Ezra Klein & Derek Thompson. This is an excellent book, clearly written and well documented. An alternative title might have been, Supply Side Economics For Liberals. As the authors phrase it, “This book is dedicated to a simple idea: to have the future we want, we need to build and invent more of what we need.”From a Republican perspective supply side economics meant getting the government out of the way so that corporations and markets could work their magic. But what about those things that are needed that the markets can not produce, things like clean air, clean water, clean energy, affordable housing, education and health care?Interestingly, in the 70s there was a broad consensus on the need for legislation to protect our air and water, so broad that Richard Nixon (of all people) signed transformative legislation that has been remarkably effective. Much of this and subsequent environmental legislation was designed to prevent corporations from polluting. It used procedures and requirements that added costs but ultimately diminished much (though certainly not all) of the pollution they were creating. This can be viewed as government by regulations and law suits.The authors argue convincingly that it was the success of the environmental movement that led liberals to use the same strategy to achieve other goals. Unfortunately, a strategy effective at getting an entity to stop doing something is not a good strategy for getting that entity to do something, like build more affordable homes, improve education, or increase health care.As layer upon layer of regulations grew it became increasingly difficult for corporations, the government and others to do much of anything. Rather than focusing on outcomes liberal became obsessed with process. To support this thesis, they contrast the decades long failure of California to build a high speed train between Los Angeles and San Francisco with the astonishing success of Pennsylvania to rebuild a damaged section of I-95 in a matter of weeks rather than years. These goals were laudable, but the emergency declaration and single focus of the I-95 rebuild made all of the difference. Some outcomes are so important that it is reasonable and necessary to bypass some existing requirements and standards. The important thing is to get the balance right.With a better balance of worthy goals and reasonable restrictions Klein and Thompson argue that we can create a society of abundance. Redistribution of wealth and resources are still important, but insufficient to achieve this aim. With the Republican party saddled with a leader of chaos and stuck in an economics of scarcity the Democrats should open themselves and the country to an era of abundance.

I enjoyed it. It was a positive take on a seemly unsolvable set of issues that have plagued Blue cities and good Progressive governance for decades. Not quite a 5 star book. It is sort of a watercolor look at the issues without enough wrestling with the hard details to offer real solutions. But I think the moment needs this positive energy and Klein and Thompson are there to give it full force.

Abundance is scintillating, reality based, hopeful, and supremely timely.Klein and Thompson provide an eye opening account of how liberal American governance has evolved over the last 80 years – through accretion of policies and regulations put in place by mostly well-intentioned politicians, activists, and voters – into a system that constrains itself to provide the pro- working class, pro- equity, and pro- environmental outcomes it was intended to produce.Make no mistake though, this is not at all an endorsement of conservative anti-regulatory thinking. This book is a timely, extremely well researched, and fact-based rebuttal of dishonest and clownish conservative efforts to such as DOGE. The author’s are supportive of ‘big’ government and regulation but only when it WORKS. Their key contribution is to ask if the outcomes of progressive policy are in fact progressive, in contrast to the historical tendency of liberals to focus on writing laws that combine as many progressive stipulations as possible without following up to see if the law actually leads to progressive outcomes (or even functions at all e.g., California high speed rail).The authors’ focus on actual, real-life, policy outcomes and their attention to nuanced policy tradeoffs that do not cleave cleanly across ideological lines is deeply refreshing. Reading this book feels like being transported back to a much earlier time (pre 2016 at least) when facts were largely shared and debates were largely made in good faith. Yoking that refreshing fact based approach to some of the absolute top issues shared by all Americans (cost of living, homelessness, decaying/insufficient infrastructure) at this particular moment when liberals and Americans in general feel upset with both parties makes this book feel potentially monumental. I tore through the text since the book came out last week, and I cannot stop thinking (and hoping) that this could be a paradigm shift and a blueprint to overcome the childish and low brow culture war politics of the Trump era.PS: I wanted to address the arguments I have seen online from others who see the vision set out in this book as 1) unrealistically hopeful, or 2) dangerously conciliatory to those who want to cut government and regulation across the board, including to the benefit of the fossil fuel and tech industries.My interpretation of the first point is that Klein and Thompson set out the hopeful vision for what America could be not because they think this is realistic or necessarily even possible to achieve, but rather because it is crucial to define your ideal societal outcomes before considering policy changes. We have to have a clear idea of what we are working towards in order to judge if the policies intended to get us there are effective. Their key point is that our metric of success has to be what society looks like, not how much funding was allocated or what stipulations were attached to it.To the second point, I respect other people’s interpretation but I personally did not get the impression at all that the author’s are advocating for sweeping regulatory cuts and I certainly hope that democratic politicians do not take it this way. Perhaps the disagreement on this point stems from the fact that the main emphasis of the book is really more of a critique of existing policy and it is rather more sparing in terms of specific advocated policy changes. I personally got the impression the authors would say targeted policy changes could make a big difference and are certainly better than trying nothing new. For example: exceptions to NEPA review for solar/wind projects rather than abolition of NEPA.

A much needed treatise to jolt people to action. Instead of the current morass of scarcity we need to encourage invention, simplified governance, and fast deployment of capabilities

Absolutely brilliantly researched and written.However – Will any action result? Will any politician or action group takethis book and make any of the ideas and put them to work?Will I see a speech or read a newsletter that reflects some themes from this book?It’s wonderful it’s a #1 best seller and highly rated by Barack O……but what the hell will happen as a result of this book

As a conversation starter, this book is worth reading. Although light on historical context, the focus on achievable policy goals is refreshing.

What a find, to be able to get 9 individual writings by C.S. Lewis in one audio tape! The man who does the narrating has a very pleasing English accent. He maintains an even tone that allows for the listener to hear every word he is speaking. The nine audio books are of a spiritual nature and great for gleaning Godly characteristics. The nine books include Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters,The Great Divorce, Miracles, The Problem of Pain, A Grief Observed, The Abolition of Man, The Weight of Glory, and George MacDonald. It is a perfect audio tape with which to sit back and relax.

Very inspirational

Enjoyable.

Stellar narration of what could be some of the best Christian Apologetics writings ever. Mere Christianity should be a mandatory listen for everyone asking life’s big questions internally. Although not an easy “read”, it’s the depth and relevance, that makes it worth taking your time. It’s not long, tedious or tiresome but relatively brief and chocked full of meaning. Perfect for a small group discussion. And please don’t forget the historical context of Mere Christianity in its original format. Listening makes perfect sense.

Very powerful study of those who want to grow in Christ!

Some strange stories I wasn’t expecting from the writer of the chronicles of Narnia. I still found all lot of truth and insight from them all.

Highly recommend this recording.

I love listening to audio books while I clean and do other chores. CS Lewis is one of my favorite authors.

Eric Trump’s Under Siege is a triumphant addition to the Trump family’s literary legacy, delivering a deeply personal, candid, and engaging account that fulfills the hopes of fans like myself who urged him to share his story. On September 3, 2025, I posted on X, encouraging Eric to pen his memoirs, eager to hear his perspective on growing up Trump, navigating the family business, and balancing life in the public eye. Having received and finished the book today, October 14, 2025, I can say with certainty; Eric has not only answered every question I raised but has crafted a narrative that exceeds expectations, hitting a grand slam with humor, heart, and unflinching honesty.Under Siege offers an intimate look into the Trump family dynamics, weaving together Eric’s experiences growing up under the spotlight of his father’s empire, his education at Georgetown, and his role in shaping deals like Trump National Doral. The book shines in its portrayal of sibling dynamics, echoing the playful jabs found in Don Jr.’s and Ivanka’s books while adding Eric’s unique voice. He masterfully captures the camaraderie and competition among the Trump siblings, painting a vivid picture of their bond that is both relatable and endearing. This was exactly what I hoped for a glimpse into the lively, loving chaos of the Trump household and Eric delivers it with warmth and wit.The book goes beyond family anecdotes, delving into the challenges of intertwining business, politics, and relentless legal battles. Eric doesn’t shy away from the toll these pressures took on him, his father, and their family, offering a raw and reflective perspective on navigating public scrutiny. A standout element is the heartfelt tribute to his late mother, Ivana, whose passing is given a dedicated portion of a chapter. Eric portrays her as a cornerstone of strength, blending her influence with his father’s steadfast advice steering clear of drugs and distrusting opportunists into a narrative that underscores the values that shaped him. The mention of Ivana’s corporal punishment, paired with Eric’s admission of its effectiveness, adds a touch of humor and authenticity that grounds the story.What elevates Under Siege is the profound love story between Eric and his wife, Lara, whose foreword radiates adoration and sets the tone for the book’s emotional core. Her role as an inspirational figure, uniting the family through turbulent times, is palpable, and Eric’s gratitude for her shines through every page. This emotional depth, combined with Eric’s ability to balance personal reflection with the broader context of the Trump Organization and political firestorms, makes the book a compelling read.Eric’s Under Siege completes the “trifecta” of Trump sibling memoirs, leaving readers like me educated, inspired, and eager for potential future works from Tiffany and Barron. His honesty, humor, and tribute to his family’s resilience make this a must read for anyone curious about the Trump legacy. God bless Eric and his family, and here’s to Under Siege soaring in sales as it rightfully deserves.

Received the book this a.m., quickly scanned. I know once I start, can’t put it down. Reading parts, it’s like you are standing next to President Trump, right where Eric was. I thought, following the daily news I was well informed. This book goes behind the daily news. Answers questions and, why would THEY do that? We thought we knew, did we really know? So well written and ease to read, it will be a page turner. There are some fun pictures to connect. The book should stay in our personal libraries for future generations to understand this period in history. Goes well beyond other political books.

Well written – easy read. Very thorough and great photos. FASCINATING.

This book is so well written and takes you into the behind the scenes of the Trump family. Donald J. Trump has excelled as a businessman, TV personality and has been the best President this country has ever had. Putting all of those accomplishments aside, he built a beautiful family instilling in his children the importance of honest hard work, solid ethics and love of family. He raised wonderful children. This is the greatest accomplishment anyone could wish for in life.

Eric Trump is blessed and everyday he pays it forward to bless others, fulfilling goodness that God has for America. The family photos are wonderful and fun, and the book applies life lessons through real world experience, so it’s a smart read for young men especially. My favorite line comes on the (tar)heels of his winning philosophy (summarized at pages 233-34), “And through it all, through every firestorm and every late-night war room, we held on to three things: our love for God, our love for this country, and our love for the Constitution. These were our compass. These are still our guides.” Page 242. Huge heart also on page 83, “I am a firm believer in ask and you shall receive.”

What a wonderful well written book. It gives a new perspective on how Washington is run. Eye opening, and scary, how much power do politicians have tbey are not their for the betterment of the people.

Well written and extremely coherent.Synthesizes years of “news” into a narrative that is understandable and frightening.The latitude, depth and composition of Donald Trump’s allegations is made revealing in a way that marshals true admiration and respect for both the man and his family’s indomitable courage and character.

Yes I am MAGA but this book is much better than I expected. Well worth the read. Eric is a lot more than just the president’s son.

????’An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States’ by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz is not simply an alternative history book; it is a foundational, necessary, and utterly transformative piece of scholarship that deserves to be read by every single person who wants to understand the true nature of the American experiment. This book is a gut-punch of clarity, earning a rare 5 out of 5 stars for its profound historical contribution, meticulous research, and powerful narrative voice!⭐️The Definitive Reframing of US History! What makes this book essential is the author’s relentless and rigorous focus on the Indigenous perspective. Dunbar-Ortiz completely dismantles the pervasive “founding myth” of the United States as a glorious, divinely ordained nation built on empty land. She replaces this narrative with the undeniable truth that the U.S. was founded as a settler-colonial state, and its expansion was a centuries-long, systematic program of genocide and land dispossession.????Settler-Colonialism: The book clearly and unequivocally establishes that U.S. policy towards Indigenous nations was not a series of unfortunate accidents or regrettable frontier skirmishes. It was a deliberate, ideological, and often brutal effort to eliminate the original inhabitants in order to seize their territory.⭐️Challenging the Canon: By revealing the truth of this “way of war” from the colonial era through the 20th century, Dunbar-Ortiz forces the reader to confront the reality that many of the celebrated figures and events in U.S. history are directly tied to these extermination policies.????Unflinching Scholarship and Emotional Impact: Upon research I discovered that Dunbar-Ortiz, is a renowned historian and activist, synthesizes vast amounts of scholarship plenty capable of creating a chronological and coherent history!⭐️Meticulous Documentation: The writing is supported by extensive research, drawing heavily on Indigenous voices, treaties, government documents, and the words of the colonizers themselves. This makes the argument unassailable; the facts speak for themselves.????A Painful but Necessary Read: Be forewarned!! This book is intensely difficult to read at times due to the sheer volume of injustice and calculated violence described. However, it descends into melodrama. Her tone is one of fierce, unwavering truth-telling that is vital for achieving an honest understanding of the past.⭐️Connecting Past to Present: Crucially, the book doesn’t end in the 19th century. It draws a clear, straight line from the policies of settler-colonialism to modern issues of militarism, resource exploitation, and the continued struggle for Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination.????The Value of the Book: This is not a book for someone looking for comfort; it’s a book for someone looking for truth. It should be a book of MANDITORY reading for all high schools and colleges across the country. It is a work of intellectual integrity that provides the necessary context for understanding the cultural, political, and social landscape of the United States today.If you are serious about understanding history beyond the myths, about reckoning with America’s origins, and about honoring the resistance and perseverance of the Indigenous peoples, you must read this book. It’s a permanent fixture in my library!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I am halfway through the book – well, audiobook. Thanks to the writer for definitively laying to rest the origins of scalping in America. An update may be seen in the movie “Inglorious Basterds”. Made me think about Knatzee scalps.

The New York Times recently claimed, and peace advocates repeated, that President Barack Obama will be the first U.S. president to have been at war for two complete four-year terms. It’s also become common to refer to the current U.S. war on Afghanistan as the longest U.S. war ever. These ideas fit well with the universal activist demand that we return to the time of peace or the age of justice or the wisdom of the Founding Fathers or the era before superdelegates.This is all based on a fundamental misunderstanding of history, and of its uses and abuses for life. You cannot “take back our country!” because you never had it. There is no age of peace or justice to be returned to. The United States has been at war since before it was a United States, and formed itself as such in part in order to expand its western wars.One value of history is in fact to recognize how much better or worse or simply different things have been in other times and places. But the purpose of that is not to restore some better time. All past times thus far, each taken as a whole, have been horrendously awful. The purpose is to facilitate the rejection of the silly idea that we’re stuck with whatever we happen to have in the way of a lifestyle at the moment.One can always find specific ways in which things were once better. Bush used to lie to Congress and get authorizations for wars. Obama just goes to war. But both are awful. The desire to end war was common in the 1920s. Now it’s unthinkable for millions of U.S. citizens. But both frames of mind lacked an effective path to peace.One can always find specific ways in which things were once worse. The war on Vietnam and neighboring nations killed some 6 million people. The latest U.S. wars may have killed less than half of that. Teddy Roosevelt marketed wars as desirable means of building character and slaughtering lesser races. Barack Obama markets wars as philanthropic assistance to the places being bombed. But both kill just the same.In the perspective of the recent past, we should not be looking at Obama as the longest war president, but rather as a president who has added his bit to the normalization of war, to the restoration of permanent war as routine and unquestionable. It’s not the length of his wars that stands out, but the number of them: seven significant wars that we know of, the 2001 AUMF used and misused for military actions in 14 countries, “special” forces active in 75 countries, troops permanently stationed in 175 countries — and all of this with very little public or Congressional involvement or even awareness.Targeted and not-so-targeted assassinations, coups, and counter-insurgency operations stretch through the entire history of the United States, as do decades-long wars. To understand this, we have to begin thinking of Native Americans as real people, so that wars against them count as real wars. A good way to do this is by listening to Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. Read her book, An Indigenous People’s History of the United States, or catch her interview on this week’s Talk Nation Radio.Dunbar-Ortiz tells a story of endless genocidal war that employed settlers and their militias against the native people of North America in a manner not unlike Israel’s use of settlers against the Palestinians. The first law created by the United States was the Northwest Ordinance, a “blueprint for gobbling up the British-protected Indian Territory.” According to Dunbar-Ortiz, “documented policies of genocide on the part of U.S. administrations can be identified in at least four distinct periods: the Jacksonian era of forced removal; the California gold rush in Northern California; the Post-Civil War era of the so-called Indian wars in the Great Plains; and the 1950s termination period.”Some of the settlers of the United States had previously settled Ireland, where the British had paid rewards for Irish heads and body parts, just as they would for Indian scalps. The United States for many years sought out immigrants who could settle on native land. The war on Mexico was not the first foreign war of the United States. The U.S. had attacked numerous Indian nations. Mexico was just one more in that string. With the land now filled, attitudes toward immigrants and toward the rest of the globe have shifted. “Indian Country,” in the dialect of the U.S. military, refers to distant lands to be attacked with dozens of weapons named for Native American nations.John Yoo justified lawless imprisonment, now evolved into lawless murder by drone, with the ancient Roman concept of homo sacer, a person who must obey the government but whom the government or anyone else may kill. Yoo referred to past U.S. Supreme Court opinions upholding this category for Native Americans. The Indian was the original “terrorist.”The United States did not go to war after reaching California. Rather it simply continued the war it had been in from the start. The United States didn’t wage war for decades because of a communist threat and then for additional decades because of a terrorist threat. Rather, lies about Crazy Horse on the warpath (while he was in a reservation) evolved into lies about missile gaps which evolved into lies about incubators, WMDs, and Libyan Viagra.None of this makes war unendable. We can end it tomorrow if we choose. The unimaginative can check the history of other parts of the world that have engaged in war far less or not at all. But we will not bring the U.S. corner of the world under control until after we recognize what the problem is.

This is a must read book for any US citizen or resident… Or really anyone associated with the US in any way. This should be required reading in every US hugh school.Protect this book at all costs as it tells the real story of the ‘founding’ of tge US and all that was really lost through genocide of the indigenous peoples.I had to take many breaks while reading because I was sick to my stomach and just plain horrified.