Book Review - Young Lincoln of New Salem
Young Lincoln of New Salem by Sam Rawlins, a historical fiction novel is a wonderfully written story about Abraham Lincoln. Sam Rawlins writes about a 6 year period in Abe Lincolns life that shaped him into the man who would become the 16th President in the USA.
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Summary:
Sam Rawlins does a masterful job of writing the story of Abraham Lincoln as he became the man who would later run our country. Young Lincoln of New Salem was written over the course of 3 years from more than 250 sources.
Anyone who has studied the history of the US in school knows the basics about Abe Lincoln. His nickname is Honest Abe. He is known best for being the president who freed the slaves.
How Abe Lincoln Grew to be President Lincoln
This story shares what a horrible youth Abraham Lincoln lived with a neglectful father. One who did not care about his son. He lived through the death of his mother at a young age and then his sister.
After leaving home, taking a job on a transport boat, young Abe finds himself in New Salem, Illinois. The flatboat he was working on needed some repair work, forcing the workers to stay overnight in New Salem. It was during this short time that Abe felt like New Salem would make a wonderful place for him to make a home.
Finding home in New Salem
Abe met a few people during his short stay, including one young lady that would later become his lifelong love; Ann Rutledge. When the boat was ready to continue on, Abe told his boss that he'd like to return to New Salem after that trip. After completing his job commitment, young Abe set off for New Salem to begin life anew.
As soon as Abe Lincoln walked back into the small town of New Salem at the age of 21, he began what would be the most pivotal time of his life. It was during these 6 years that Abe would meet the most important people in his life. He would become the educated and learn what love and friendship was at the very core.
Love and Loss Shapes Young Abe Lincoln
Abe Lincoln lived through more heartbreak than most people could dream of. Not only did he live through his mother and sister's death at a very young age, but the love of his life also passes away within months of their planned wedding.
Although Abe Lincoln lives through the loss of the MOST important women in his life, he also learns what REAL friendship is and means. He becomes like a son to the man who will educate Abe. Everyone in New Salem as well as the closest small towns loves Abraham Lincoln for the kind, decent man he proves to be.
Learn how our 16th President works his way towards becoming a lawyer. The love that all who knew him felt for him ultimately gets him elected to run our country. The decency of this man shines through making it no wonder he's been considered a favorite for more than 150 years.
Sam Rawlins, Author... working on a new masterpiece!
Review:
I am from Springfield, Illinois. My parents were born and raised there and my mom has loved Abe Lincoln for as long as I could remember. When I learned about this book, although not a history buff, I was intrigued. I thought I might enjoy it since I'd grown up knowing how my mom was such a fan.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was an easy read. The story flowed very well and I liked learning about Abe Lincolns past and what made him the man he became. I also found it inspirational to learn about the integrity of this former President.
For anyone who enjoys history, OR is interested in Abe Lincoln - this is a MUST read! Very well done, Sam Rawlins.
Until my next review...
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