A guide to good patriotic reads to celebrate our independence by Laura Holloway
I get a little teary when Lee Greenwood’s voice resonates with the words, “’Cause I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died who gave that right to me.” Old Glory waving in the background, small kids waving sparklers, red, white and blue flickers exploding into the Independence Day night sky … sigh.
Patriotism and American pride have been causing chests to swell since 1776, and it’s every July Fourth that we take a collective national moment to appreciate our country’s history and every person who has given their lives to assure our everyday freedoms.
This year, take your loyal American spirit to a new level while also boosting your brain power with some patriotic literature from Sundog Books. A few suggestions:
“Songs of America: Patriotism, Protest, and the Music That Made a Nation” by John Meacham and Tim McGraw
Throughout history, song has been used as an expression of emotion, and for many artists, a creative outlet for communicating both pride and dissatisfaction with the country and the way it is led. Meacham and McGraw explore this rich cultural history with a new book that tells the story of the music and ultimately of us as a people and a nation. For anyone who loves music and history, this book beautifully combines the two into a well-woven story that leaves you feeling truly proud to be an American.
“American Spirit: Profiles in Resilience, Courage and Faith” by Taya Kyle
When a book’s very title brings out feelings of American pride, you know it deserves to make the list. Author Taya Kyle, widow of “American Sniper” Christ Kyle, pens this thoughtful and emotional book about her experience and the experiences of so many who have reached out to her with their similar journeys of loss and how they overcame that grief with passion and dedication for their towns, communities and country. It’s the perfect book for anyone who is looking for inspiration to overcome.
“This America: The Case for the Nation” by Jill Lepore
What this book lacks in length it makes up for in substance, making it the perfect patriotic book to read from your beach chair while vacationing here over the Independence Day holiday. In what is described as “A hopeful book for all who believe that America’s ideals are stronger than our demagogues,” author Jill Lepore gives a sharp, often biting description of many moments in American history that have shaped the nation, as well as offering insight into the future of the country and how to avoid painful mistakes we have made in the past. She’s a Harvard professor and a staff writer for The New York Times, so she’s absolutely a voice to be heard.
“This Is Our Constitution: What It Is and Why It Matters” by Khizr Khan
Start them young with this easy-to-digest snack of American history, written by Democratic National Convention speaker Khizr Khan. Even as adults, the constitution can be difficult to decipher, and certainly can be a challenge to apply to modern times. Khan’s take breaks down the Founding Fathers’ words for a younger audience, but you might find that while reading it aloud to your kids that you learn a thing or two yourself.
“A Kid’s Guide to the American Revolution” by Kathleen Krull
When teaching your kids about the country’s history and the meaning of true patriotism, why not start at the very beginning? The American Revolution was the single most important moment in our country’s history, a time when we said, “No thanks, Great Britain. We’re good. We’ll take it from here,” and we created the Declaration of Independence and started our new journey as America. Krull’s words and descriptions make these events easier for young minds to absorb and remind us all of exactly where we came from and how far we’ve come.
Visit the website or call (850)-231-5481