The Summer of 1876

Who ever said that history is boring hasn't read about the events of the summer of 1876. If this does not get you excited to read more, and want to dive deeper into American history, I am sorry. This book was magnificently done, and hard to put down! I pulled a very late night, so that I could continue reading. Even though I knew what was coming (history is my jam), I had to keep reading, and read faster, as I was HOOKED!

From Custer, to restless natives (Native Americans today), westward expansion, murder, justice, and more - this book has something for everyone! Get ready for a book that will make you think twice about what the American West looked like - and what it could have been.
I will definitely be recommending this book to my students.

I just finished The Summer of 1876 by Chris Wimmer and here are my thoughts. @cdwimmer


The summer of 1876 was a key time period in the development of the mythology of the Old West. So many characters that played key roles in the forming of what we call the wild wild west today and the moments that lead up to it.

The book gives some excellent definition to the myths and tall tales that structure our views of the West and some of the most defining battles that happened that summer outside of the Hollywood glitz and glamor.

I remember learning about Custer and the battle of the little bighorn in history class. This book was an incredibly well written book on what happened during that battle. There wasn't much else that was covered in any real details but I did enjoy the photos in the middle. Faces to names are always a plus in my book.

Chris Wimmer has a decent writing style and it wasn't a complex read. Anyone who knows more than the basics would likely find the book a little basic but for someone like me that has knowledge based on a class I took decades ago, it was definitely an entertaining read for me.

I like when books have you wanting to know more and this one had me making notes on things I wanted research later on. Custer is predominantly the key player in the book but I did enjoy the parts that touched on native American history. I would have liked more of that but still, a very enjoyable and well researched read.

3.75 stars rounded to 4.

Thank you to @stmartinspress for my gifted copy.

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