Have you ever written a book review?

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Hessler Sickles review--Great Opening Line

Midwest Book Review doesn't review every book it receives. And, depending upon the reviewer, the reviews can on occasion appear hasty and based upon the dust jacket. Still, they are always welcome.

This line from a recent review of Jim Hessler's outstanding (and award winning) Sickles at Gettysburg struck my eye:

"No one in the Civil War was a saint, but some were further from sainthood than others."

OK, someone was drinking their coffee that morning and hitting on all cylinders.

It concludes with, "Sickles at Gettysburg is not a read to be missed."

We agree. Hence the Bachelder-Coddinton Award for the best book on Gettysburg in 2009--and a selection by the History and Military Book Clubs.

This book is new in paperback (although we might have a dozen or so first edition hardcovers left with signed book plates--best pick one up if you want a book that will be a collector's item).

Congrats, Jim.

--tps

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

On th opening line of a review, I got this one yesterday.

"I opened your e-mail attachment early this morning and wasn't really in the mood for a long read. However, after the first page I didn't let go until that little button on the of my screen side hit bottom."

Yes, it ALL about keeping the reader reading.

S. Thomas Summers said...

I am interested in talking with you about my manuscript. I tried to e-mail you, but my attempts failed. You can read samples of my work at www.thelintinmypocket.wordpress.com. Hope to hear from you.

Unknown said...

That is a great review for a book.
I have a question and maybe other people posting comments can answer it. Why do so many people have such a manic obession with the civil war. I studied history on college and still do a lot of reading, but nothing seems to hold America's attention like the Civil War. Why is that?

TPS said...

Poppie

I think it is OUR story, unique in all its complexities, dynamics, and attributes, with its share of amazing characters, heroics, and pathos. And of course, it still directly impacts all of us today in so many ways--the pathetic scene the other day in Atlanta being one such example.

--tps