George Washington

Top Ten Books I’ve Read This Year

I have a feeling this should be called the top ones I’ve read SO FAR this year, because there are some awesome books set to release soon. Also, there are a few others I really want to include, but I can’t, because they are INSPY nominations I’m judging. Alas, I can’t discuss them until the winners are announced. But, these books I’ve included are each wonderful in their own right. It’s just so hard to pick 10!

Top Ten Tuesday - Top 10 I've Read This Year

Here’s my list of this year’s top favorites, in no particular order:

Divergent by Veronica Roth (mini review here)

What are YOUR favorites from this year???

Being a birthday twin with George Washington, I’ve often been interested in the revered military leader and first president. When I received this book for my birthday, I was very excited to delve in to the story of the secret spy ring which contributed to the success of the Patriot efforts in the Revolutionary War. Here’s my take on book #7 of my Empty Shelf Challenge:

George Washington’s Secret Six: The Spy Ring that Saved the American Revolution by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger is a nonfiction account of the Culper Spy Ring, residing in New York City, which thwarted several attacks and plans of the British during the course of the war. They risked their lives to observe, record, and relay the British troop activities within the city and in the surrounding ports. With clever routes and methods, these 5 men — and one lady — witnessed the struggles of their cause firsthand, facing great obstacles while covertly monitoring the British.

With enthusiasm and structure, Kilmeade and Yaeger provide the background of each of the members of the Culper Spy Ring, as well as the history and events leading up to their collaboration in New York. I found it fascinating that the identities of several of these agents was revealed years later – and only then through the shrouded correspondence Washington had preserved. The identity of one man was not uncovered until the 1920s, and the identity of one “lady” is still unknown. George Washington’s Secret Six reveals the character of Washington and the members of the ring, showing them to be true “Patriots” – brave, humble, and committed to their cause. Much credit is deserved by these men and lady, though modern history often neglects to disclose the essential role they played in the success of the Revolution.

Anyone who reads this book will have a better understanding of the valiant Founding Fathers of America. Even in modern times, their examples can be respected and looked up to. The Secret Six was a very interesting read that I really enjoyed.