Rifles for Watie by Harold Keith Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Rifles for Watie
Book Review: Honor on Both Sides
Summary: 3 Stars
Keith presents the Civil War from a different viewpoint: that of a Kansas farm boy who joins the Union Army to protect the family farm from rebel Bushwackers across the Missouri border. Like Michael Shaara's THE KILLER ANGELS (Pulitzer Prize winner about the Battle of Gettysburg), this book presents a fair portrayal of conditions and mindsets on both sides of the Mason/Dixon line. There are no clearcut military antagonists--just men in opposing uniforms. Keith's detailed research offers a variety of reasons for enlisting with one side or another, plus the tragic case of displaced Native Americans who were caught in the political crossfire of a nation undergoing rebirth. Sixteen-year-old Jeff (Jefferson Davis Bussey, if you please) serves his country first in the Infantry then in the Cavalry. While on a dangerous scouting expedition (Spy mission), he is tricked into enlisting with Col. Watie's Mounted Cherokee Rifles. Poor Jeff endures more than the normal risks of battle though: he falls for a Rebel gal--part Indian too. Befriended by kind and generous Southerners, he experiences increasing guilt as he grows to respect his erstwhile enemies. He develops true bonds with the common soldiers who become his new messmates.
Yet Jeff privately realizes that time is relentlessly drawing him to the brink of a fateful decision: when he must choose which ideal (Union or division) to champion. Whichever way he goes, he will be branded a traitor by former friends--either his sweetheart or his family! How can the youth maintain his honor, especially when his heart is set on his sleeve? Even worse: he knows a dangerous secret about a sadistic Union officer who might well shoot or stab him during battle--just to assure his silence.
Toward the end of the war the 7-shot Spencer Repeating Rifles were phasing out the older, one-shot Springfield rifles, but if both sides possess these new weapons of destruction, will the war be strung out even longer? Can Jeff prove his loyalty by ferreting out the identity of the traitor who is selling repeating rifles to the South? Excellent details of the dilemma of the border states and the regrettable suffering endured by many Indians, who were tragically divided in their loyalties--just like countless white border families. This is a very good read (based on research for a Master's Thesis), but too long and detailed to appeal to most high school students. The plot and supense eventually capture the reader's imagination.
Book Review: I read this book for English this summer and Iwas displeased
Summary: 2 Stars
I did not care for this book at all. I thought it was one of those types of book that goes through one ear, and out the other. It was the type of that went into too much detail. The only chapters that I liked were the ones with Lucy Washborne in it. The chapters were drawn out, and I would not reconmend this book.Book Review: I think I read it when I was 13 or maybe more........
Summary: 5 Stars
I really enjoy this book but, I'm not leaving it at that.I think this book should and could be made into a film.It's got all the ingredients.A young man called Jeff in his teens(I'm about his age actually)who goes off to war to fight for his homeland for the Union.(same old story right?)EXCEPT about halfway through the book he joins the Rebel side.Which ideals are best for fighting a war? Help keep the union together and get rid of slavery or fight to help save the cherokee indians lands fighting under conel Watie of the confederete army? Sounds pretty good doesn't it? Heroic battles where Jeff is pitted agains't Rebels in pitched battles including a time where he gets a medal for bravery.Deadly skirmishes(that really give the story it's excitment)often by suprise from the enemy.Jeff meets and loses friends on both sides that are each nice in their own way.Both sides have very different ways they fight the war.A captivating cherokee girl(totally a rebel) named Lucy meet and come to love each other utterly despite their differances.I have given only a few of the points that would make this book a good movie.I don't have room to write more.I guess it could be rated PG-13 for battle sequences but not for other lewd content thats not in the book.I hope in to it in theaters in a few years!(I think Peter Jackson could do a good job seeing how he did Lord of the Rings so well.
Book Review: It was a very addicting book.
Summary: 5 Stars
This one easily the most addicting book I have ever hread. I read the first chapter, and was hooked I finished the book that same day.Book Review: Josh's Book Review
Summary: 4 Stars
This book is about the hardships and struggles during the Civil War. Jeff Bussey, a farmer boy, heard about the new war and is very exited. He is very eager to join the volunteer army. He left his farm, mother, and Father, and goes out to fight against the rebel army. Lead by the half-blooded Stand Watie. During the War, Jeff sees many of his new friends die. Jeff discovers a rebel girl that he really likes named Lucy. Then Jeff is sent o spy on the rebel side. He finds the rebels are not so bad and Jeff starts to admire Watie. In the rest of the book Jeff had to decide if he should stay with the rebel side or the union side. This action packed historical fiction should be highly rated. You can feel the troops live through the War conditions while you read this book. If you are looking for a great book to read you should read, "Rifles for Watie."