What readers think of Founding Brothers, plus links to write your own review.

I am sorry but I am majoring in political science and history, and yes at first it was slow but when all was said and done the book uncovered the side of history not told in our history books. You must have an appreciation for our history and for truth. The truth must be told even if some find it boring and others disregard it. It deserves its award and the readers respect.

I have to read this book for my AP US History class and write a book review. I only read the first chapter and my head started to hurt. I need something exciting to read and that book was not it. Ellis needed to give us something that we can comprehend. Nobody talks the old English language anymore. So for my book review, I got my information from the flaps of the cover and friends who also didn't finish the book. I seriously can't believe I had to read that!

I must say this is one of the worst books I have ever read and let me tell you I have read a lot of book in my day. In the first chapter I found myself saying "what in the world does this word mean". I got so lost in trying to figure out the meanings of the words that i could not enjoy the actual plot of the book. Now I do not doubt that Joseph Ellis is a good writer for old people (no offense) and for college nerds ( again no offense) but for a 16 year old just trying to pass her AP course it definitely was not for me. I thought it was one of the most boring books I ever set my eyes on. I mean I know American history is important and all but maybe they should take the facts and make them more interesting. one word of advice before you pick up this book and read it is to read the dictionary first!

I have to read this, as well as American Sphinx for my IB history class.
it could be worse...much worse. If you thought the chapters on Jefferson were boring, try reading American Sphinx.

Nevertheless, I actually somewhat enjoyed the book. While it's not exactly what I'd want to read in my spare time, I can honestly say I know a lot more about American History now that I've read this.

I have a Masters degree in Gifted Education. I took a history course this summer just to have a little more background knowledge of American history. One of the books that we were required to read and do a book review on was the Founding Brothers. I was frustrated beyond belief. While the book reveals a fascinating character analysis of the men who helped shape the foundation of our country, the complex sentence structure, redundancy, and almost purposeful hyperbolism that plagued this book made for excruciating reading. I can't believe this book was assigned to high school kids. Their reviews had me howling with laughter.

This book is completely overrated! While reading this book for AP, I can't believe the good ratings it has achieved for such a BORING book. I can understnd that it is a good book, but for people in its league, don't make high school kids read it.!!!

i am also reading this book for my AP history class this year and i am only on the second chapter and am unable to finish for the poor quality of this book. the words are far past my comprehension and i that the parts i do understand have no relevance to me answering and part of the 6 page essay i have been assigned to write this summer. If you get the chance to read this book on your own, please do not because you will find yourself aggrivated and even possibly find you have LOST some of your previous knowlegde simply from reading this terrible work of literature.

Im in chapter 2 of this book, and I gotta ask, am I the only person who thinks that educational books, such as Founding Brothers, should at least be written with a little voice? No one to my knowledge actually talks like this, so why write like this? Use some adjectives Ellis! Add a little adventure. National Treasure was alright, why can't this be entertaining? I just believe that if you're writing a book that is destined to be required reading for students, give them something to make it bearable. The only thing helping me is an image I have in my head of Dumbledore talking to Harry Potter, because he is the only person (though fictional) that I can imagine speaking the words of Joseph J. Ellis. I'll let you know when I'm done.