The American Spirit by David McCullough

I bought The American Spirit by David McCullough while visiting a charming bookstore in the historic town of Hillsborough. McCullough is one of my favorite historians and this small paperback seemed approachable. I didn't realize it's simply a collection of speeches he has given over the years. Once I read the first one, I lost interest. It seemed too different from my expectations. But finally, I picked it up and read the rest. In one day. It's that good and that easy to lose yourself in. 

Each speech is a delightful slice of American History, tailored to the local audience. We meet interesting Americans and recall events organized around whatever theme upon which McCullough has chosen to focus. Each is only a few pages long, so it is easy to think, "Just one more." (Which I did until I finished them all!)

My favorite was a speech delivered at Hillsdale College in 2005 (probably not a coincidence, but in fairness, it was really good!), titled, "Knowing Who We Are." He uses the example of the Adams family, John, Abigail, and John Quincy to remind all of us the beautiful inheritance we've been gifted. I love Abigail's admonition to her son upon hearing that he has become a little too big for his britches after being given every advantage: 

"If you are conscious to yourself that you possess more knowledge upon some subjects than others of your standing, reflect that you have had greater opportunities of seeing the world and obtaining knowledge of mankind than any of your contemporaries. That you have never wanted a book, but it has been supplied to you. That your whole time has been spent in the company of men of literature and science. How unpardonable would it have been in you to have turned out a blockhead (p. 118). 

If I ever give a commencement speech of my own, I want to use this! I love this woman!

Despite my initial reticence, McCullough does not disappoint!