Book Review: Oh, Say Can You See?

By the end of the first page of Oh, Say Can You See, I had chills. Those chills continued as I read the brief scenes that introduced the characters that populate this epic book. I was quickly drawn in, by the power of the story and by Lewis’s deft technique, which helped me experience the book without getting in the way (check out her website here). 

Oh, Say Can You See crackles with tension and suspense. Although I know how the Battle of Baltimore ended, I found myself staying up late at night and turning pages in an urgent attempt to find out what happened to the country and to the characters I came to know and love. I should note that this is the fourth book in a series. However, it is easily enjoyed as a stand-alone volume.

This book touched me deeply, causing me to reflect on the countless lives that have sacrificed freedom and happiness so that I could pursue my own. Lewis has written a compelling, almost epic, novel, full of themes that span from 1812 to 2010—and beyond. As her characters wrestle with the dislocation and trauma of a war, they come to realize what it means to be Americans, what it means to be free—and ultimately, what it means to be human.  

This book is poignant, haunting, gripping—a timely celebration of this country and her people. While it tells the backstory of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” I found myself reflecting on the lyrics to another favorite song: “Oh beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife, who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life.”

This book is a magnificent love story—love between man and woman, love between friends, love between siblings, and ultimately, love between citizens and their country.

Not only is this a wonderful book, but there is also a giveaway you can enter. The prize is the necklace below. And yes, I know the font is different. No, I'm not being postmodern. I just can't change it!

If you'd like to enter the context, here are the rules. Blog tour runs from  December 13th--December 22nd.
It's easy to enter.
1.  Visit the fabulous reviews and leave a  comment letting us know why  "The Star Spangled Banner" means so much to you.  Remember to include  your email address.
2. If you tweet about the  blog tour, or post about it  on your blog or facebook, leave the link in  the comments section and  you'll receive an additional entry.

Good Luck! Entries close at midnight (MST) on December 31.
Other stops on the blog tour are:
December 14: Marsha Ward
December 15: Rachelle Christensen
December 16: Anna Del C. Dye
December 17: Stephanie Abney
December 18: Lynn Parsons
December 20: Susan Dayley and Marilyn Bunderson
December 21: Liz Adair and Valerie Ipson
December 22: Kathi Oram Peterson

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