Making Sense of the American Civil War   Tags: activities, adults, book_clubs, book_discussion_groups, books, history, learning, reading, reading_groups, us  

Read these other recommended titles for additional perspectives on the era of the American Civil War.

From the moment Americans found themselves pulled into a civil war of unimaginable scale and consequence, they tried desperately to make sense of what was happening to them. From the secession crisis into the maelstrom of battle, from the nightmare of slavery into the twilight of emancipation, Americans of all backgrounds confronted the chaos with stories to explain how things had come to be. People continued to tell themselves those stories about the war and its meaning for the next century and a half, and they probably always will.

Join us as we read those words written and uttered by powerful voices from the past and present during this four-part book discussion series. Discover one of the most formative eras of our nation's history as award-winning American military historian, author and professor of history at OSU, Dr. Mark Grimsley leads participants to uncover the many perspectives of the American Civil War.

Book Discussion Kits for this series are available at the Adult Services Desk in the library. Books may be checked out through the Westerville Library or are available for purchase at the Polaris Barnes and Noble or online through Amazon.

America's War - Edward L. Ayers (Editor)

Call Number: 973.7 AME

These readings provide a glimpse of the vast sweep and profound breadth of Americans' war among and against themselves, adding crucial voices to our understanding of the war and its meaning.

Crossroads of Freedom - James M. McPherson

Call Number: 973.7336 MCP

Paints a masterful account of this pivotal battle, the events that led up to it, and its aftermath. McPherson reconstructs the gripping Battle of Antietam, which remains the single bloodiest day in the history of American combat. Through historical newspaper accounts and the personal letters of soldiers, the events leading up to the battle and the battle itself are stunningly re-created.

March - Geraldine Brooks

Call Number: FICTION BROOKS GERALDINE

In a story inspired by the father character in "Little Women" and drawn from the journals and letters of Louisa May Alcott's father, a man leaves behind his family to serve in the Civil War and finds his beliefs challenged by his experiences. March is a powerful meditation on America during the chaos of the Civil War.