From Sea to Shining Sea: A Novel

I am an avid historical fiction reader and I LOVE THIS BOOK!! This is the 2nd I've read by this author (1st was "Long Knife" which was about George Rogers Clark's peaceful but painful conquest of the "northwest territories" during the Revolutionary War and his own personal tragedies afterwards) and I am in AWE of the amount of TRUE HISTORY in Mr Thom's books! The emotion and suspense are felt deep in this reader's soul! "From Sea to Shining Sea" is the story of the entire Clark family (1st half of book), which was intense and emotional enough, PLUS the story of the westward trip of Lewis and Clark to the pacific...extremely suspenseful and very emotional! Again, I am in awe of this author's ability to draw the reader into the story and of his abilities to write a "fictional" version of REAL HISTORY! I now plan to read all his books!

I enjoy historical novels based on historical fact even if not entirely historically accurate. I chose this book for two major reasons. First, I was reared in central KY and have heard the stories of pioneers all my life. I am very familiar with the central KY and southern IN areas that I knew would be included. From elementary school age, we were told stories of George Rogers Clark, Daniel Boone, and others so I was most interested in reading what James Alexander Thom had written. Second, I have read other books written by this author and like his style of writing. It is easy to read and to become totally engrossed in his writings. I have bought extra copies to give to friends who like this type of literature and to be assured I will always have a copy!

This is one of those books that you have heard nothing but praise fofr and once you read it you wonder if you got the wrong book... I found the writing rather awkward at times, lots of sentimentality, occasional clumsy attempts at Great Writing. We now use the line "And there was a hawk..." to denote suddenly flights into purple prose, entirely inconsistent with the tone so far.

The worst parts of it for me were the overly sentimental portrayals of women, like a most synonymous set of Pioneer Barbie. As you read through the book pay attention to how the most important thing in these characte3rs' lives was getting that Husband. Even worse the portrayal of the Indians and York, Clark's black slave. There is a sequence where Clark is pondering Sacajawea and he thinks ab out how had he and Lewis not come along she would have been nobody at all, lost to a significant life. What remarkable arrogance.

Oh, and after all the sweet scenes with Clark and York.. he refuses to free Yourk until long after the expedition... in real life, that is.

A terrible disappointment.

This star rating is not for the story. I am only 250 pages into it thus far. I came to warn fellow buyers that every 16 pages (give or take) there us an ink smear in a line from the top of the page until the bottom of the page. Makes it difficult to read those specific pages. I'd recommend buying this elsewhere. I didn't pay money for something not made correctly.

I have been recommending this book to people for years and just realized I have never written a review. This is one of those books you read that will stay with you forever. You might not remember every detail of the account or WHY it sticks with you so much, but you will remember that somewhere inside you, if you are an American, it awakens a patriotic part of yourself that might have been long dormant.

The great thing about Thom is his objectiveness and fairness when dealing with history and aspects of American history long given a political spin. Thom deals with these subjects with sensitivity and truthfulness. He doesn't take sides and beautifully illustrates humanity: both the white man's greed for land expansion and the Native American's brutal violence against whites. He exposes the horrors of war, the necessity thereof, and the aftermaths of the above and also the sad treatment of those who gave everything for their country. Thom's objective writing style is what makes this such a masterpiece that will stand the test of time. He writes as if he LIVED during this time with none of the blame games of modern politics. It is not a political tome, but a sweeping epic covering pre-Revolutionary War to the fascinating tale of the Lewis & Clark Expedition.

Some read the Lord of the Rings trilogy and other such novels to fulfill their thirst for a good quest story, but the ones Thom tells are true and he backs them up with fascinating, well-researched tidbits from journal entries and historical records. He incorporates side characters that also really existed in history and several were related to ancestors of mine. The fictionalized part is all in the dialogue and particulars of the story which nobody could know unless they were a fly on the wall - and who wouldn't have wanted to be a fly on the wall in such a fascinating period in our nation's history.

It takes about 150-200 pages for the book to REALLY take off, but when it does - WOW, does it ever. I've never seen such a wonderful illustration of military brotherhood and cohesion and the things that form lifelong bonds of friendship. As a military spouse, I always noticed how close military guys seem to be and the relationship they form. This book provides exactly how these bonds are formed. My husband has also read this book and said it is also one of the best books he's ever read and the portrait of George Rogers Clark is the best portrayal of what a leader SHOULD be put to paper.

If you want to read something that makes history live and breathe, look no further. Thom is one of the best historical fiction writers of our time. Period. You will become attached to these characters long after the story is over...and being that these characters are based on REAL people, you will find yourself with an obsession to learn more and will be Googling the Lewis & Clark Expedition trail, the parks dedicated to the Clark family, etc. and planning your trip to visit them. Definitely one of my favorite books ever - I've read it twice and plan on reading it again. I've also purchased Long Knife, which seems to go more in depth about George Rogers Clark's life and have read several of Thom's other books, all of which are some of the best written and best-researched books I've read.

Almost finished with it, but have been barely able to put it down. It's an amazing journey and the story of the Clark family from pre-revolutionary days to the end of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Never dull, and it has really spurred my interest in history and in particular, this era. Highly recommended. Be warned though- it's along read!

This is the best novel of Revolutionary American history I have ever read. The story of the Clark family is incredible, especially that of two particular sons, George and William. Perhaps the main theme of this book is leadership. George Rogers Clark was a phenomenal leader. He almost single-handedly won the western frontier during the Revolution. In the end, he was ruined rather than rewarded, for his efforts. As his inner fire dies, it is momentarily rekindled by his young brother, who departs to co-lead the greatest adventure in American History. Thom's depiction of George's brutal marches on Kaskaskia and Vincennes, and the Journey of the Corps of Discovery, is a masterwork.

We've become extremely interested in this phase of early American history. We enjoyed the author's portrayal of history and one of the important facets of what made America an exceptional country. We've gone from this to other titles from the author and are enjoying them as well.

Here is the incredibly researched tale of the American Revolution and the Lewis & Clark Expedition as experienced by the sons and daughters of John and Ann Rogers Clark. The dialogue is written in the patterned speech of the 1700's and 1800's, but the narrative is presented in present day English. You get a grand lesson in leadership from the two main characters of General George Rogers Clark, and Captain William Clark. There is something for everyone in this satisfying tale of adventure, including graphic violence, stunning descriptions, and strong family values.

Thom is simply one of the best historical writers around.

This book, about George Rogers Clark during the Revolutionary War and his winning of the Northwest Territory, and the Lewis and Clark expedition is one of the best writtn, best researched, and most compelling reads you will find. I love fiction...but history on this scale is better than the most compelling fiction you will find. Suspence, action, intrigue and an absolute testament to the human spirit...and in particular the American spirit, you'll find it all within these pages.

Any person interested in American history, particularly the Revolutionary War and the period immediately thereafter, should read this novel. I heartely recommend Thom's other historical works as well.

This book is epic in it's scope. It almost seems that Thom is trying to tackle too much, but at nearly 900 pages you don't feel like you are missing out on anything. I found the book a little slow in the beginning, but it takes me a little while to get into the groove of most books. The book peaks at Thom's retelling of Lewis and Clark adventure. I was wanting more at the end!

Alexander Thom is probably the best author today for portraying accurately and passionately the lives and adventures of the men and women who settled and explored this land. Sea to Shining Sea is consistently brilliant and eye-opening. But its frankness in describing how folks really lived can be a bit much for our modern-day sensibilities. Simply, it got gross at times. But if you handle that, it's still a terrific tale.

This is an remarkable view of the early history of the forming and then growing United States through the experiences of several generations of the extraordinary Clark family. The story weaves together the real life experiences of this family showing the trials, challenges and rugged life in our western frontier as it moved from western Virginia into the the Ohio river valley and on to the vast region west of the Mississippi river that culminates in the Rogers & Clark expedition. If one enjoys early american history or an intense novel packed with drama, this is a book that will hold your attention.

This is truly a treasure. Even if you don't like history, you will find yourself wanting to know more after reading this book. It would be a great read, side by side, in an American history class. Students reading about the lives of people and how they were affected by each of those early events in our history would surely enjoy the class a lot more.

I wish it was printed in hardcover or large print.

Thom fleshes out American history with real characters, and an inside look at one of early America's most influential families. Although some of the Revolutionary War and Indian War sequences drag on a bit long, it was well worth the trip as a launching pad for the famed Lewis & Clark exploration. In fact, I hated to leave them as they reached the Pacific, and would like to see how they faced those same challenges on the journey home. It paints a less than flattering picture of our nation's early history, while at the same time celebrating the bravery of those who made it happen. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will enjoy even more this piece of history that Thom embraces like a story.

"Highly addictive, you may not be able to put this book down and lose a lot of sleep. You may neglect family, friends, or even your job." I've never read such spellbinding literature in my life. One read of this book and you will be "Hooked on Thom" for life. He is definitely one of our greatest authors. I had little knowledge outside of what little we were told in school about Lewis & Clark. WOW! What an eye-opener. I recommend this to anyone, but be advised you WILL get lost in the story.

This is an remarkable view of the early history of the forming and then growing United States through the experiences of several generations of the extraordinary Clark family. The story weaves together the real life experiences of this family showing the trials, challenges and rugged life in our western frontier as it moved from western Virginia into the the Ohio river valley and on to the vast region west of the Mississippi river that culminates in the Rogers & Clark expedition. If one enjoys early american history or an intense novel packed with drama, this is a book that will hold your attention.

This is truly a treasure. Even if you don't like history, you will find yourself wanting to know more after reading this book. It would be a great read, side by side, in an American history class. Students reading about the lives of people and how they were affected by each of those early events in our history would surely enjoy the class a lot more.

I wish it was printed in hardcover or large print.

Thom fleshes out American history with real characters, and an inside look at one of early America's most influential families. Although some of the Revolutionary War and Indian War sequences drag on a bit long, it was well worth the trip as a launching pad for the famed Lewis & Clark exploration. In fact, I hated to leave them as they reached the Pacific, and would like to see how they faced those same challenges on the journey home. It paints a less than flattering picture of our nation's early history, while at the same time celebrating the bravery of those who made it happen. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will enjoy even more this piece of history that Thom embraces like a story.

"Highly addictive, you may not be able to put this book down and lose a lot of sleep. You may neglect family, friends, or even your job." I've never read such spellbinding literature in my life. One read of this book and you will be "Hooked on Thom" for life. He is definitely one of our greatest authors. I had little knowledge outside of what little we were told in school about Lewis & Clark. WOW! What an eye-opener. I recommend this to anyone, but be advised you WILL get lost in the story.

What an incredible book. It's long, but it covers so much and is worth the time and effort. Before you start, though, make sure to have a quality map of the USA. As I read, I kept a US atlas with me, referencing it often to better understand where "we" were. It helped put the pieces together and gave the details scale and meaning. This should be required reading for every junior high school student in the United States.

Incredible read! I love history, and am ever amazed at the heroic acts of our predecessors to give us what we have today. Very few people hear of the actions of George Rogers Clark, and yet he gave everything for the freedom of our nation. We are Americans, in no small part, because of his commitment to freedom. Thom brings the chill of the Ohio and the odor of a British prison ship to you in vivid detail. A must read!!

This book is an amazing look at George Rogers Clark, one of the unknown heroes of the Revolution. Thom's writing does what good writing should-places the reader there with the characters. This book is a wonderful treatment of the older, yet lesser known Clark brother-as well as the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Although I'm not much of a history buff, I read this book at the advice of a friend. By the end of the first chapter I was hooked. Thom brings the adventures of the Clark family to life. The book is accurate from a historical perspective and leaves the reader with a new appreciation of the courage and sacrifice behind our country's westward expansion. A must read.

I have always enjoyed American history,but this novel as you read it makes it seem as if you are there with the Clarks through good and bad times both. I laughed alot and was at times to the point of almost tears throughout the book. If you are interested in American history this is a must read about the opening of the frontiers during and after the revolutionary war. You will not be disappointed.

I couldn't put this book down - I felt like I was traveling with the Lewis & Clark expedition as they journeyed to the Pacific coast with Sacajawea. As a former Hoosier, I spoke briefly with Mr. Thom, who informed me that he spends years painstakingly researching his books. It was worth all of his efforts! His books are exquisite reading.

I am a huge fan of history but this is the best book of any kind that I have read in recent history! It is truly a page turner. It jump started my thirst for knowledge. I crave to learn more about the early history of the United States. Thank-you James Alexander Thom.

I am disappointed because I was looking for the book by Peter Marshall and also David Manual and it is on the history of the UNITED STATES AND the Founding fathers; but I ran across this. There are very view coincidences but please by the book by David Manual and Peter Marshall, from Cape Cod whose history books are much better than this tale.

I found this book in my mom's book shelf when I was 16 and never gave it back. The cover has fallen off and I lost most of the last page! It is exciting, colorful, sometimes funny, sometimes frightful but a great step into the history of the US through the eyes of a proud mother of 10!

I read all of Thom's books. His books should be read by school children. I get a better knowledge about history. After I read this book, I immediately read Sacajawea. I love books about the people before Columbus' time.