The Killer Angels

Title: The Killer Angels
Author: Michael Shaara
Ages: 14 and up

Books as good as this are extremely hard to find.  I'm partial to a historical novel, but this is the historical novel of all historical novels.  I'm not sure what makes it so amazing.  I think two things that contribute to awesomeness (yes, that is a word) of this book are the amazing story of Gettysburg and the way Shaara brought the characters of the army leaders to life.  The dramatic historical significance of Gettysburg makes for a fantastic story in and of itself, but the way in which Shaara writes it makes it feel is if it just happened.  Shaara also has a knack for bringing characters to life.  Few writers have that knack.  (I think Charles Dickens is the undisputed king in this area.)  It was interesting to see that Lee should have relied on Longstreet for his strategic advice a little bit more.  You always read in textbooks about these great generals who gloriously led their armies into battle, but you rarely hear of the failings and mistakes that these great men.  I loved (and hated) a lot of the characters in this book, but I think my overall favorite was Col. Chamberlain.  Without the 22nd Maine, we would not have won Little Round Top, which may have caused us to lose the whole war.  I never grasped the concept "brother fighting brother" until I realized that all of these Generals, Colonels, and Sergeants all went to West Point together.  They may not have been blood brothers, but in a sense they were fighting their brothers.  I can't recommend this book more.  You'll have a hard time putting it down. 

Content Advisory: Cursing, violence, and some agnostic overtones to one character's conversations.

The Red Badge of Courage

Title: The Red Badge of Courage
Author: Stephen Crane
Ages: 15 and up

I know this book is considered a "classic," but I had a hard time settling into it.  To put it simply, it was very slow.  Putting that fact aside, the characters and the setting were amazing.  I couldn't believe that Stephen Crane hadn't lived during the civil war.  The way he wrote about Henry's experiences on the battlefield were surreal.  You could smell the acrid gunpowder and feel the stifling heat along with Henry.  I definitely experienced Henry's fear of battle.  I could see myself in his shoes any day.  It accurately depicts a horrific era in our nation's history.  Yes, it is a classic, and yes, you should read it.  I can't guarantee that you will "enjoy" this book or find it "riveting," but I can guarantee you that you will greater appreciate the sacrifice that many teenagers like Henry made in order for our country to become the United States of America, an America free from the horrors of slavery.  If you want something just as informative and way more exciting, read The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara.

Content Advisory:  Minor cursing and violence.