Inventing a Nation: Washington, Adams, Jefferson by Gore VidalMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This year, the 250th anniversary of my county’s beginning, I want to read a few history books, particularly of the beginning era, starting with what I already have on my bookshelves. I know the basics, but the specifics have been left far behind in my school years. And despite where the country is right now (and how much I want to leave it right now), knowing history can’t be a bad idea.
But starting here may have been a bad choice. Gore Vidal did not write this book in a cohesive manner. The book was meandering and very much not linear, which caused much confusion for me. Since I’m only vaguely aware of the history this book discusses I didn’t gain very much, just bits and pieces here and there. One more familiar with the topic may get more out of it than me. Generally it describes the beginning of the nation and some contributions by three major figures of George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. There are many asides and off-topic discussions though.
One can tell this was written shortly after the September 11th tragedy, as Vidal refers to the aftermath a few times. It is that lens of where the country was this book was written.
Book rating: 2.75 stars
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