Play Book Tag discussion

Blood and Thunder: The Epic Story of Kit Carson and the Conquest of the American West by Hampton Sides - completed 1/15/19 - 5 stars

PBT Comments: I live in a city named for Kit Carson, so I have had this book on my list for a while. It is non-fiction, but definitely fits the Action/Adventure tag.

One of the best narrative histories I’ve read in recent years, Hampton Sides’ impressive work cuts through the legends and myths that have developed around Kit Carson, provides a balanced view of his personality and, in the process, draws a vivid picture of what life was like in the 1820’s – 1860’s in western America. Carson became famous during his time, but shunned celebrity. He was unschooled but spoke many languages. He was seen both as a hero and villain, depending on perspective. This book explores his complex personality, fierce loyalty, quiet demeanor, and decisive actions. Almost like an 1800’s version of Forrest Gump, Carson had a knack for being at the center of significant historical events. Sides focuses on Carson’s remarkable life as a focal point and common thread in conveying the often-brutal history of the American West, covering the panoramic drama that shaped the history of the region.

I gained an appreciation for the personalities involved – not only Kit Carson, but also John C. Fremont, James K. Polk, Stephen Watts Kearny, Edward Canby, Thomas Hart Benton, Jessie Benton Fremont, James Henry Carleton, Navajo leaders Narbona, Manuelito, and Barboncito, and a host of others. This book covers Carson’s many roles as a trapper, scout, explorer, soldier, and family man. It never strays too far from his life in relating historic events. It covers a vast swath of history: the expansion of the United States into current-day California, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico, the Mexican-American War, the American Civil War battles in New Mexico, and the internecine clashes with the Navajo and other tribes. A significant portion is devoted to the encroachment of white civilization on the aboriginal people, as well as related salient issues such as reservations, relocation, and attempts to change their customs and ways of life.

I particularly enjoyed the author’s writing style, which flows artfully and elegantly. His descriptions of the terrain are stunning. He has a gift for telling a compelling story while imparting historic facts. The structure of this book is like a dog herding sheep, shifting among different perspectives, but keeping the multiple storylines moving along. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of American western expansion and corresponding impact on its people, land, and culture.

Link to: My Review

Thanks for your insightful review.

I readGhost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II's Greatest Rescue Mission by Sides and really liked it, so I would love to read another by him, so I may try this one.

My pleasure! This is the third book I have read by Hampton Sides and he is rapidly becoming one of my favorite non-fiction authors. I liked Ghost Soldiers, and I can highly recommend: In the Kingdom of Ice: The Grand and Terrible Polar Voyage of the USS Jeannette, which was outstanding in my opinion.

Good review! It tempts me to add it-I read about Carson a while back and being disappointed in the book, this one sound good!
I have Ghost Soldiers and In the King already on my shelf.