Slow read but good book...

Two Brothers: One North, One South
By David H. Jones
Publisher:Staghorn Press
Published: 2008
ISBN:9780979689857
Pages:303

This book takes the reader on a journey through the Civil War period allowing them to visualize—the pain, anger and pride—of the characters. It is a great depiction of such a difficult time in our history. I haven’t come across a book of historical fiction that has caught my eye before Two Brothers: One North, One South.

Mr. Jones’ novel spanned over a four-year period focusing on the Prentiss brothers who chose to fight in the war but on opposing sides. The characters are quite vivid allowing the reader to see the brothers as they stood in their uniforms—one blue and one gray—fighting in the same war on different sides of the country.

Walt Whitman visits with patients at the Armory Square Hospital and meets both brothers—William and Clifton Prentiss--when they are injured in the war. Mr. Whitman becomes the storyteller discussing the journey that each man takes during the war. He is the link between the two brothers as the story unfolds. The book embraces fiction and non-fiction but provides a good balance helping one to stay focused on the story rather than getting lost in the historical facts.

I am not a history buff nor do I generally read books like this, but I thoroughly enjoyed the journey I went on during this time period with Mr. Whitman and the Prentiss brothers. My only regret was some of the dialogue which I think slowed the pace of the book. I recommend this book for anyone interested in history—teens in AP classes, college students and adults— and it might also be a great support in classes that to some may be boring.

Upcoming review...

Two Brothers: One North One South
By David H. Jones
Publisher: Staghorn Press
Published: 2008
ISBN-10: 0979689856
ISBN-13: 978-0979689857
320 Pages

My next review will be completed hopefully during the early part of next week. Although the snow has given me a little extra time around the house, it just didn't promote the extra reading time that I thought it would. I had set my sights on accomplishing so many things and I didn't get to most of them. We spent a lot of time shoveling and trying to keep our walkway, sidewalk and cars clean. And, we spent time doing nothing. I guess maybe that's what both our bodies and minds needed.

Last night though I spent some time researching the songwriting industry. I am trying to understand the ins and outs so that my lyrics are protected. I want to take my creativity to another level and I want to do it right. Before I delve into anything I like to get as much information as I can and the internet is a great way to research companies that I would not necessarily have access to directly.

I work the next two days and hear that some more snow is on the way Monday night. If I get anymore snow days I will definitely to my best to use them better than the past two days... make your day a great one!