“Make it a rule never to give a child a book you would not read yourself.”
—George Bernard Shaw
I’m writing this post with one eye on Michael Phelps. Hopin to throw it back despite a few dazzling Olympic distractions. Since I’ve been at Bethany Beach this week with my fam (reuniting and it feels so good), I’ve naturally had a few good conversations about books. My brother-in-law, who’s an English major and history lover disguised as a businessman, has taken George Bernard Shaw’s advice to heart. When my niece Catherine shared her most favorite recent read, I thought you are your father’s daughter.
If you’re a history of buff and a fan of Old Abe, you’re bound to love Catherine’s newest fave: Chasing Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson. (She blew me away when she added that The Killer Angels was totally fascinating—and all before the 7th grade?!) Based on her informal report, the twelve-day pursuit of John Wilkes Booth was pretty wild. Far more intriguing than O.J.’s. Catherine didn’t stop there. In all seriousness, she told me that I was in luck because there is a children’s version of this #1 best seller. After I shot her a quizzical look, she explained that I could read Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer to the boys when we finish up Pax. It’s now on the to-do. Gotta make sure my boys keep up with their historically savvy cuz. Besides, it is a book I would read myself.