History Matters by David McCullough

 

History Matters by David McCullough
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I first heard David's voice before I knew who he was. By the time I heard him narrate Ken Burn's now iconic "Civil War" series he was already an established writer of history. His biographies of John Adams and Harry Truman earned him Pulitzer prizes. Truman's remains one of my all time favorite biography's. His voice is crisp and authoritative without being overbearing. I could listen to him for hours, and I have. When he passed away in 2022 it felt like I lost a beloved friend or family member.

The book is a collection of his writings, speeches and essays. As the title suggests he does speak of his love of history and writing. It is also about David McCullough himself. He reveals himself in many ways. I found it amazing that when citing some of his most influential and favorite books were several that of my favorites too. No wonder I liked him so much. Reading this I could hear his voice my head narrating it to me, it made me miss him even more.

If you like history, David McCullough and or his books I highly recommend this one.

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Books of December 2025

 Books I finished in December 2025.

• 12/9/2025 - Land of the Sweet Forever by Harper Lee: This is a posthumous collection of short stories, essays, and magazine pieces by Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird). 
• 12/18/2025 - All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque:  This follows German soldier Paul Bäumer as he experiences the brutal realities of World War I, which destroy his youthful idealism and emotionally numb him. The novel portrays the physical and psychological toll of trench warfare, emphasizing the profound loss, disillusionment, and dehumanization suffered by an entire generation.
• 12/20/2025 - Lincoln by Gore Vidal:  A portrayal of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency during the Civil War, focusing on his political skill, moral resolve, and the immense pressures of preserving the Union. The novel presents events through multiple viewpoints, revealing the complexities of power, ambition, and compromise in a nation on the brink of transformation.
• 12/23/2025 - Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann: An investigation into the systematic murder of wealthy Osage Nation members in 1920s Oklahoma after oil was discovered on their land. The book exposes a shocking conspiracy of greed and racism. It tells of the birth of the FBI as it sought to bring the perpetrators to justice.
• 12/28/2025 - The Lyrics by Paul McCartney: This is a collection of his song lyrics accompanied by personal reflections that trace his life, creative process, and career with the Beatles and beyond. Through these commentaries, McCartney reveals how memory, collaboration, and emotion shaped some of the most influential songs in popular music.