Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Best Independence Day Reads


By Lisa Karon Richardson
It’s no secret that I’m an Anglophile and world travel calls my name in a siren song of allure. But, I’m also a true-blue, red-blooded American. I love America and make no apologies for my country. If a glimpse of the star spangled banner can make your heart beat just a little faster too, here’s a list of patriotic books perfect for reading on a hot July afternoon.


Cherry Ames: Army Nurse-This series was begun in 1943 at the height of WWII. Chock full of mysteries and adventures it is very similar to the Nancy Drew series, but with a heroine who is a little older.

The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane-A young man discovers fear and courage during the Civil War.

The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy-A Russian submarine captain concocts a daring plan to defect to America with his ship.


John Adams by David McCullough-A moving history of America’s second president.

Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes-A young silversmith is caught up in the excitement and danger of the Revolutionary War in Boston.

Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts-A recounting of the impact of notable women on the birth of our nation. 

The Great Escape by Paul Brickhill-American and British pilots plot to escape from a German prisoner of war camp.

Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose-Recounts the 101st airborne’s quest to capture Hitler’ Eagle’s Nest.

The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw-Tells the stories of individual men and women who stood up to Hitler and built a modern America.

Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin-A B-17 pilot and a young war widow find romance while the air war escalates around them.  

What books do you think we should add to this list?

Happy Independence Day everyone! 

Influenced by books like The Secret Garden and The Little Princess, Lisa Karon Richardson’s early books were heavy on boarding schools and creepy houses. Now that she’s (mostly) all grown-up she still loves a healthy dash of adventure and excitement in any story she creates, even her real-life story. She’s been a missionary to the Seychelles and Gabon and now that she and her husband are back in America, they are tackling a brand new adventure, starting a daughter-work church in a new city. Her first novella, Impressed by Love, part of the Colonial Courtships collection, is coming in October, 2012 followed shortly thereafter by The Magistrate’s Folly in November.

15 comments:

  1. Great list, Lisa. I've read some, but not all of these. I'd like to read Founding Mothers. And I have the Sarah Sundin book on my wish list.

    I love hearing the Star Spangled Banner. Especially at baseball games. And yes, it always makes me a little teary eyed. When I was a kid, they always used to play it in the movie theater before the movie started.

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  2. I didn't know that about the movie theaters, Suzie. That's interesting. I enjoyed Founding Mothers very much. There were a lot of different ladies mentioned. I think I actually listened to it on CD.

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  3. Happy 4th of July to all my American friends.

    I've never heard of most of those, and that Army Nurse one at the top looks especially interesting.

    Although I haven't read Blue Skies Tomorrow, I interviewed Sarah Sundin for the ACFW featured author and love her enthusiasm for the period. If I recall, she gained that from her grandfather who was a bomber pilot in WW2.

    Thanks, Lisa. Enjoy your day.

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  4. Thanks Anita. You Canucks just celebrated a special day yesterday didn't you?

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  5. I love the Cherry Ames books! I read most of them in middle school and now have about half a dozen that I own. They aren't easy to find for a decent price, but I love owning them because Cherry was such a lovely part of my childhood. Maybe I need to go back and re-read one today!

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  6. Lisa, the theater I went to when I was growing up is on the navy base. I don't remember them doing that at the one in town. However, I do think they may have done it at the drive-in. The thing that was cool about the base was every one would stand. They'd open the curtains and play the SSB with a backdrop of lovely scenery including the flag. Then they'd close the curtains and every one would sit back down and get comfy before Bugs Bunny cartoons would start.

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  7. Nice list. You make me want to check out the army nurse books, too!

    Happy Independence Day!

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  8. Anne, I have a few Nancy Drews and Dana Girls. They are very nostalgic for sure!

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  9. Thanks, DeAnna.

    Suzie, it sounds like the opening of a sporting event. I like it!

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  10. I really want to read all of Sarah Sundlin's WWII books. She is really up on her research and details, and it was nice to 'meet' her when I did the British Backlist and now follow her on Facebook. She and her husband David visit their settings and I imagine it shows!

    great list. I wish I could just rest and watch a movie but fourth of july is crazy day at my house...

    Have a great one, everyone!

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  11. Hmm...Roseanna White's Love Finds You in Annapolis is pretty patriotic and includes some founding fathers.

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  12. Deb, sigh. I'd love to go on research trips!

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  13. Dina, I bought that one, but it's still in my to be read pile. One day I will catch up!

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  14. I never heard of Cherry Ames! Boy did I miss out.

    I just learned about Blue Skies Tomorrow b/c it's set in California, and it'll appear on my CA-set backlist this Saturday. I'm intrigued by it.

    I thought of Love Finds You in Annapolis, too, Dina. And Washington's Lady by Nancy Moser.

    Thanks for the list, Lisa!

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  15. I Haven't read Washington's Lady either, but I know it was on my list at one point. I don't know why it dropped off! Thanks for the suggestions, Susie!

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