Thanks to Miriam Landis at Island Books for putting together this Fourth of July reading list in the store’s journal, Message in a Bottle. Her stack includes 1776 by David McCullough, Benjamin Franklin by Walter Isaacson, Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow and Paul Revere’s Ride by David Hackett Fisher.
“Our country, the sweet land of liberty, is about to turn 236,” says Landis. “For the rest of the year, we can complain about the economy, taxes, and health care, but on our country’s birthday, let’s celebrate all the things we like about America. If you get tired of fighting the crowds and prefer to spend the day relaxing on a boat or in the backyard, a good way to appreciate where we live is by reading some history. Here are some options to remind you what’s cool about the good ol’ U.S. of A.”