Currently reading: The Last Patriot by Brad Thor 📚

This was a very quick read. In fact, I didn’t realize that it was coming out, but I picked up a copy on the day that it was released. If you’re familiar with Dave Ramsey and have been around his teaching for a while, there is nothing new here. I knew that going into it, but I was also looking for a little pep talk from a different perspective. In that regard, I got exactly what I wanted. A one hour motivational session reminding me why we’re doing this.

If you’re not familiar with Dave Ramsey, then this is the perfect time to see what he has to offer. In a time of crisis, they offer hope.

Would I recommend: YES

ISBN: 978-1942121244

Finished reading: Destroy Your Student Loan Debt: The Step-by-Step Plan to Pay Off Your Student Loans Faster by Anthony ONeal 📚

Currently reading: Destroy Your Student Loan Debt: The Step-by-Step Plan to Pay Off Your Student Loans Faster by Anthony ONeal 📚

I knew very little about the War of 1812 before reading this book. I had heard about the Battle of New Orleans being a pivotal battle, but hadn’t done any research. I picked up this book in anticipation of seeing some of the battle sites during my inaugural trip to NOLA this spring, a trip that has since been canceled.

I’m not sure what to make of this book. It was very thorough and, when I set myself to it, a quick read. In all, there was really only one major action in the Battle, so a lot of the information was about the time and place in history, along with troop movements and the dreadful conditions that the forces on both sides endured.

Of course, at the center of the Battle of New Orleans is Andrew Jackson, on of the many controversial figures in America’s history. Winston Groom takes a very even approach to Jackson. He clearly demonstrates that without Jackson, there would be no United States. At the same time, he’s forthright in articulating Jackson’s moral deficiencies.

This is an excellent book for students of American history as well as people interested in military history. I would not say it’s of general interest, though I did enjoy it.

Would I recommend: YES

ISBN: 978-1400044368

Finished reading: Patriotic Fire: Andrew Jackson and Jean Laffite at the Battle of New Orleans by Winston Groom 📚