Long ago, I took a U.S. history class in high school and was overloaded with mundane facts and a disgustingly horrible, hard-to-read textbook. Now, in college, I have to take a class that fulfills the "U.S. Context" requirement. I chose "The history of the United States: 1865 - present." I chose this class only because it filled a requirement and took place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (because I wanted Tuesday and Thursday off). Surprisingly enough, two days into the course, I absolutely love it. The textbook does not just go on about laws and political parties. These are included, but they are said in what I call "real english." Real english is what people can understand, not a bunch of big words to make the book publishers appear smart. Historians are smart; we get it. I just want to be able to read my textbook and not fall asleep or have to look up every other word. That being said, I like this textbook.
The class also requires additional readings. The first book has to be read by January 30th. It is called Crossing the Rio Grande, An Immigrant's Life in the 1880s. I started it this morning and finished it about fifteen minutes ago. The memoir was translated from Spanish by the author's grandson. The story had everything I could want from a book. There was suspense, drama, love, and a happy ending. Not only that, it is told from a very unique point of view and in a non-traditional way. I loved it.
On top of that, I like my instructor! And the teaching assistant looks just like this guy:
You know who that is. You have to.
Alas, the United States may have a great history. I'm going to learn it and really, I'm loving it so far. I'm loving it so much I had to write a blog about it! I needed to tell somebody. I wanted to tell everybody! Now... I can continue with my other class readings.
