From Sea to Shining Sea: A Novel

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.

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.

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.

"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 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.