Conversations Ongoing: A Voyage Long and Strange by Tony Horowitz

Tony Horowitz does a fantastic job making the case that, not only is our national story wrong and misleading, but also vastly inadequate for any basic understanding of our American History. He fills in the gaps between Columbus and the Pilgrims and paints a vivid picture of the trials and errors of thousands who came to America in hopes of plunder and riches. Paralleling the history he writes about, Horowitz visits many of the places he researches and discovers along the way how myth has triumphed over fact, and how that may not be a bad thing in the end.

Funniest tidbit (author's valiant effort to make history funny):

Upon landing in Plymouth, the first Native American the Pilgrims met not only spoke English, but asked if they had brought any beer.
 
Overall: Horowitz's matter of fact tone and personal hardship trying to experience the traditions of Pilgrim Enthusiasts and Viking Actors make up for the lack of in-depth historical research.

Overall Grade: B+

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