Some people may turn away from William Bennett’s book A Century Turns because they claim not to like history. But I have two reasons why this book is definitely worth your time: (1) Those who don’t learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them, and (2) This book doesn’t read like a history book.
Bill Bennett has a great talent to give us lessons from history in almost novel-like form. This narrative traces the changing tides of the United States and her relationship with her allies from the election of President George H. W. Bush through the election of President Barak Obama.
Mr. Bennett was in a unique position to see these unfolding events from the front row. In fact, in reading his book I could help but think about how Forrest Gump seemed to always show up at such pivotal and momentous times of history. So too does Bill Bennett. He has served in a variety of positions in Washington, D.C. that placed him in the right place at the right time to give his readers the “inside scoop.”
But beyond a retelling of history, Mr. Bennett captures the mood of the country through these times. He shows us just how quickly public opinion can turn. But most importantly he shows us that this great country is still made up of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. And that is the most important history lesson of all.
I am a Thomas Nelson book reviewer.
Craig T. Owens 