Brilliant, Informative, Entertaining!

Where does Turning Points in American History rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have listened to over 60 titles from the Great Courses series. They are almost universally wonderful, but of course a few professors rise to the top as my favorites. Professor O'Donnell has jumped to the top of that list. He is both incredibly organized and incredibly entertaining. Each of the lectures starts with a story, sets out objectives, and makes a strong and logical case for it's topic as a true turning point in history. Some of the turning points (such as the Boston Tea Party) would classify as "the usual suspects" (though not necessary for the reasons you expect), and others (such the eradication of hookworm in the South) are delightful surprises. O'Donnell's pace is consistently perfect.

You will be entertained. You will be informed. You will be a better citizen. 5 Stars for sure.

54 people found this helpful

More like this, please!

What made the experience of listening to Turning Points in American History the most enjoyable?

It has just enough information to make it interesting but not so much to put you to sleep. I also liked how he went in chronological order. I also liked how he structured each lecture with a story to begin with, then the objectives, the actual lecture and then why this particular event was a "Turning Point in History". Very well done.

What other book might you compare Turning Points in American History to and why?

I can't think of one I've enjoyed more of this type of audiobook. It was long - 36 chapters, I believe, but it flew by.

Which scene was your favorite?

I can't think of one in particular but I enjoyed that history was presented in a way that showed the cumulative effect if has even now.

Any additional comments?

I do want to speak to a review that said it was at a High School level. That is somewhat true and perhaps because it's been a while since I've been in high school but I learned a lot I didn't know or had forgotten. The parts that were well known to most of us still had relevance to the Turning Point in History that was being presented.

15 people found this helpful

I FEEL INFORMED!!

Where does Turning Points in American History rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is my first Great Courses book and I am very impressed with professor and with the content! As I result, I am encouraged to continue with the Great Courses series. This may well be the best non-fiction choice I have made. The narration was excellent because the professor was enthusiastic about his subject.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I did not have a "favorite character" in history, but these lectures helped me understand that history is not only a "story of surprises" as the professor explains, but that the history of our country is a constantly evolving process. It has been said that life can only be lived forward and learned backward. Looking back at these turning points gives me a wide perspective of American history and a greater appreciation for current events.

Which scene was your favorite?

I was fascinated to learn about the eradication of the hookworm epidemic in the South. Who would have thought that hookworms could affect the health and economy of an entire region of the US and that the our public health system resulted from that event.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Hurrah! for the Founding Fathers

Any additional comments?

I have ancestors who lived in Connecticut before the Revolution. As I pondered the events of American history, it made these people come alive for me. I more was able to see daily life as they may have seen it.

14 people found this helpful

Great and expansive course ()

Would you listen to Turning Points in American History again? Why?

This course was well worth my time. An expansive survey of some of the key elements that transformed American society into what it is today: from immigration to the industrial revolution to the transportation revolution to key battles in nation-threatening wars to the invention of TV. It covered a vast expanse of US history from battles to inventions to scandals.

The Professor's main themes:

History is made by agency- not just the well-known leaders of society but also the unnamed farmers, protesters, or laborers who led the country onto a new path.

History is not inevitable- To us it may appear that an event was inevitable and everything was leading up to it but history is actually full of surprises: the key events were not seen as "around the corner" by those living at the time; This includes the end of slavery, the Berlin wall coming down, and the terrorist attacks of 9-11

History is made by people making choices- History is not made by some mysterious unknown force or "fate" but by real people making choices that led to a distinct change in the trajectory of the country

Pluses of the course:
• Lectures not only focused on the actual turning point but also discussed the history of the topic in question before and after the turning point (for example: immigration wave history, voting suffrage, etc.)
• In most cases the professor gave ample examples of the ripple effects the turning point had on the American people and society
• Course covered topics that are not often found in typical U.S. history courses such as Roger William’s movement for freedom of religion, King Phillip’s War, and the eradication of hookworm in the south
• Lecture 5 (King Phillip's War), 9 (The battle of Saratoga), 11 (Samuel Slater and the Industrial Revolution), 12 (Election of 1800), 15 (expansion of voting suffrage for white men), 36 (Battle of Midway), 39 (beginning of the Cold War), and 47 (end of the Cold War)
• The professor seemed personable and down to earth
• The professor’s lectures were easy to understand and follow

Minuses of the course (minor ones at that):
• While the professor generally did a good job of explaining why a specific turning point was important I was hoping that he would’ve speculated more on the “What If” side if the turning point had not occurred or had gone another way: how would the U.S. or society be different? I know this would be difficult to do but would sure be fun and thought-provoking!
• The professor had a habit of constantly correcting himself or he’d start a sentence with one phrase but then change in mid sentence and say it a different way; The constant correction of himself sometimes hindered himself from effectively emphasizing a point he was making; Unfortunately, there were times I found myself unintentionally focusing more on a correction than letting a point sink in

If you are interested in key moments in US history that set the country on a different path from where it had been previously, then this course is right for you.

11 people found this helpful

A very biased view of America.

America is racist. America wanted to kill Indians through disease. American industrial pioneers used poor people to get rich, returning nothing in exchange. And on, and on.

9 people found this helpful

Fantastic way to experience American History

I have listened to almost 100 of The Great Courses over the last 10 years or so and this one ranks within the Top 5! Professor O'Donnell clearly knows his subject matter plus he is a superb presenter. The lectures are clear, well organized, and fast paced. There are 48 lectures, which certainly seems like a lot, but each one goes by very quickly. I really liked the mixture of very well-known and little known episodes in American history. It also has a nice mix of political, military, economic, and social historical episodes so it always seems fresh.

Ideally one would have a basic grasp of American history overall before starting this series, but frankly it isn't absolutely necessary. Enjoy!

18 people found this helpful

History As Told by Left-Wing Professor

No surprises here. Topics selected from left-wing point of view and stories told from only that point of view. He didn't even bother to give a a serious opinion from any other perspective to then tear it down. Apparently, different perspectives are not even worth the time to debate. That said, he has an extremely agreeable story telling ability and has a great voice and pacing to his yarn. Just would have been nice to have been surprised by something other than the unnuanced "America's Bad" narrative of the Left.

7 people found this helpful

A MUST Listen!

This is the history course we should have all had in school. Even someone well versed in American history will learn fascinating new facts while exploring the short and long term impact of events. Most important, it is amazingly relevant to today's US and world politics!

4 people found this helpful

informative with some bias

I almost did not get this book after reading a review that said it was extremely biased. I am glad I went ahead and got it, Although there is bias towards liberal views, it is suttle and I think the author tries to minimize or avoid it. Recommended for several very interesting stories that I had never heard.

3 people found this helpful

Interesting and informative

I think he did an excellent job of making the facts interesting and informative, didn't get the sense he tried to convince you of anything, just presented the facts in a fun and thought provoking manner.

2 people found this helpful