I just finished the series [Turn](http://www.amctv.com/shows/turn) and it renewed my interest in reading more about my favorite period in history. One of the authors that I like for this period in history is [Joseph EIlis](http://www.josephellishistorian.com/). I have [His Excellency: George Washington](http://amzn.com/1400040310) but haven't read it yet. I think I'll start with that one, but would like to finish these as well: * [Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation](http://amzn.com/0375405445) * [American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson](http://amzn.com/0679764410) * [American Creation: Triumphs and Tragedies in the Founding of the Republic](http://amzn.com/0307276457) * [Revolutionary Summer: The Birth of American Independence](http://amzn.com/0307946371) ---- I also like [David McCullough](http://authors.simonandschuster.com/david-mccullough/938) and have some of his books of various states of completion. One that I have enjoyed though didn't managed to finish and is worth a re-read (this time hopefully to finish it) is the very long [John Adams](http://amzn.com/B000FC0QHA). Another volume by McCullough that I own, haven't started, but want to read is [1776](http://amzn.com/0743226720). ---- A third author that I admire is [Walter Isaacson](http://authors.simonandschuster.com/walter-isaacson/697650). Once again, there are books of his that I own and desire to read but have not followed up and actually read them yet. One in particular is [Benjamin Franklin: An American Life](http://amzn.com/B000FBJG4U). I believe I have read most, if not all, of this but it's been about a decade and is worth a re-read, if not a first time read. ---- I got distracted by a book about a WWII Army Airman and his survival and put my reading of His Excellency on pause. [Unbroken](http://amzn.com/1400064163) by Laura Hillenbrand is a most remarkable story brought to life by an incredible writer. I can feel as if I am in the life raft and the POW camps with these men. The writing is so good that I simply experience the story and don't even think about the writing until reflecting on it later. It's an extremely powerful experience and am looking forward to the second half. ---- This book reminds me so much of what I know about my great-uncle [Robert Altman](http://paltman.com/2011/09/11/uncle-robert/). So many similarities that I wish he were still alive so we could discuss the book and dive deeper into my uncle's incredible story. ---- The movie looks fantastic! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk1M_HwmFMM