Review: The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris

The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris by David McCullough
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Of all the David McCullough books I've read, I have enjoyed this one the most thus far. It is about Americans who went to Paris for educational purposes, mainly, during the years 1820-1900. Many of them were artists so this book is full of information about the arts scene in Paris, including educational opportunities and visits to the Louvre where art copying went on daily. It was an accepted part of life supported by the Louvre staff. Since I also aspire to improving my artistic skills I found this information to be fascinating. A few of the artists featured in this book are Samuel Morse (inventor of the telegraph), John Singer Sargent, and Mary Cassatt. (There are many others written about in this book.)

However art is not the only reason Americans went to Paris to study during the 1800's. Many were there to learn medical skills. In Paris they were able to see dozens or even hundreds of cases of every ailment whereas in the USA it was not possible to get that level of expertise in any one disease or condition. To be honest, a few of their French professors sound like true horrid cads who just happened to be respected physicians, but I still found the chapter on medical education to be fascinating.

Most other David McCullough books contain fascinating American history but are (for me) slogs at time. But this is one I never lost interest in. There was a new adventure in every chapter. I'm grateful to have read this book.

During 2024-2026 I've been reading all the David McCullough books in the order they were written. I have only two more books to read at this point. It has been an educational experience along the journey through my life of literary appreciation.




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Review: The Hunchback of Notre-Dame

The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris

The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris by David McCullough
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: Whose Waves These Are

Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Christian novel with a boat.

Annie, in Chicago, receives a message to return to Maine because something happened to her great-uncle Bob. She is so attached to him she immediately leaves her job and travels to Maine. I can't tell you what happened to him because that would be a spoiler!

The book is mainly set in the Maine fishing town of Ansel-by-the-Sea. As it turns out, though Annie does keep up with her Chicago job online, she isn't in any hurry to go back.

Overall, I thought it was a unique book that was unlike any other Christian novel I've read, mainly because of the boats and islands they visited. It was slightly romantic and slightly Christian... meaning there was only a very subtle amount of Christianity on the surface of the waves. You would have to dive deep to find more.

100% clean.

I read this for a 2026 "Read and Roam" challenge at the 2026 Reading Challenge group here on Goodreads. I've decided to read all Christian fiction for this challenge... and all Christy Award winners.

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Review: Treasure Island

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An island, priceless treasure, and greedy pirates!

Great story! I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. It was written for teenage boys, but I felt compassion for Jim who had to face many tough challenges at a young age. The plot moves fast enough to keep a reader's attention.

In general, I very much like Robert Louis Stevenson's writing. This is the second of his books that I've read and I may read more. Kidnapped looks good. I've already read The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Treasure Island isn't entirely white-washed. There are multiple deaths and fighting goes both ways between the pirates and others. Jim's life is in danger.

The doctor was made into a hero as he fearlessly attended to medical needs in both camps. The lead pirate, Long John Silver, was a scoundrel but, stepping out of character, he could also be congenial and even polite at times. There are other interesting characters you might not expect, and for me, the surprises made the book an exceptionally good read.

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Review: If I Were You

If I Were You by Lynn Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a WWII Christian novel.

Lynn Austin is the best author of Christian fiction I've found. Some might say it is Francine Rivers, and she is also near the top of the list for me. However, Lynn Austin's fiction feels so realistic and inspiring, I've always loved every book I've read of hers.

In this novel she's got two main characters, really. Audrey and Eve. They are best friends. In a slightly "Prince and the Pauper" kind of UK scenario Audrey is a member of the aristocracy and is raised in a huge English manor house. She meets Eve in the woods when they are children. Eve's mom works as a lady's maid for Audrey's mother. Audrey and Eve become best friends. Much later in life one girl impersonates the other. It is a good story!

Aside from the personal story, WWII happens and the two young women have to survive it, which isn't easy with German planes carpet-bombing London and other places in the country. This books gives a real education on what it might have been like to live through that kind of war.

I recommend the book. I read it as part of my participation in the Sisters In Christ Book Club here on Goodreads.

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Review: 1776

1776 by David McCullough
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I learned SO MUCH about the Revolutionary War from this book! But that's the point of reading books by David McCullough - he did the research and found the facts and knit them all together in a readable narrative, and all I have to do is read his books and learn from them. He was truly one of the greatest writers of the last century, maybe one of the top ten. He brought American history into the lives of 21st century readers and armchair travelers. This is the third book I've read by him and hopefully it will not be the last.

So, back to the topic: General Washington and his grand endeavor to free the American states from the rule and taxation of the British government. The book chronicles only one year of the war, 1776. It is considered the founding year of our country because the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4. The war was already in progress. It started April 19, 1775 and lasted until September 3, 1783.

1776 was a decisive year. It started with General Washington and an army of questionable soundness encamped just west of Boston which was occupied by the British. There were many problems with the army including that the men were often extremely sick and unable to fight. By the end of the year the army seemed dedicated to the cause but again in very bad shape, some even marching to battle on icy roads with no shoes. It is to these men that we owe a huge debt of gratitude because despite all the hardships, they persevered! Amazing!

I liked reading the book because I learned more about the people involved in the battles - both the Americans and the British. I learned what kinds of hardships the Americans endured to bring this country its independence. There's so much in this book worthy of note that I really knew nothing about before. Thinking back to what I learned about the Revolutionary War in high school I see now that what I thought it was, it wasn't. And what it was, was amazing. The battles, the retreats, the unexpected attacks, the decisions General Washington had to make - they are all detailed in this book.

Anyhow, I'm glad I read it and my only question now is: What David McCullough book do I want to read next?

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Review: New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional

New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional by Paul David Tripp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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