Common Sense by Thomas Paine

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Common Sense by Thomas Paine, which was nicely narrated by Malk Williams.

Common Sense is a quick listen at 2 hours, 15 minutes. Common Sense is a 47 page essay, which was first published as a pamphlet anonymously in 1776. It advocated independence from Britain.

Common Sense combines both moral and political arguments to help persuade the common people living in the US Colonies to fight for social equality. Common Sense was a sensation upon its publication, which was at the beginning of the American Revolution.

This was the first time I've read Common Sense by Thomas Paine. I enjoyed it. Common Sense stands the test of time and still holds relevance today. I enjoyed that Common Sense touches upon so many genres, such as government,  politics, history, and political philosophy.

If you're interested in earlier American history, Common Sense may be the perfect read for you!

Below is the summary for Common Sense by Thomas Paine from Chirp's website:

The explosive essay that sparked a revolution. When Common Sense hit the streets in 1776, it ignited the American colonies like never before. With bold, plain-spoken language, Thomas Paine challenged the authority of the British monarchy and made the urgent case for American independence. More than just a political argument, this short but powerful work gave everyday people the words to demand freedom—and the courage to fight for it. Radical, rebellious, and razor-sharp, Common Sense remains a landmark of political writing. Its message still resonates today: real change begins when ordinary people dare to speak truth to power.

I am giving Common Sense by Thomas Paine a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Rakestraw Books "Live at Home!" with Rep. Eric Swalwell - Author Event

I've really missed visiting bookstores and attending author events/book signings and book festivals since the COVID-19 pandemic has taken the world by storm this year and left us all sheltering in place.

I am thrilled to see many businesses pivoting by changing their business model and thriving during this difficult time by finding new ways of remaining relevant to their customers during COVID-19. 

Case in point, a local independent bookstore here in my area, Rakestraw Books, has begun having virtual author visits where one can watch live author events from home, which I think is fabulous!!

Tonight, Rakestraw Books offered  "Live at Home!" with U. S. Representative Eric Swalwell from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. So, I decided to watch this live event from the comfort of my own home. 

Eric Swalwell has served as the U.S. Representative for California's 15th congressional district since 2013, which just so happens to be the district in which I reside. Swalwell has recently come out with a new nonfiction book titled, Endgame: Inside the Impeachment of Donald J. Trump, so he spoke about his new book among other things.

The following information about Endgame: Inside the Impeachment of Donald J. Trump and the "Live at Home!" with Rep. Eric Swalwell was found on Rakestraw Books's events page:

In Endgame, Congressman Eric Swalwell offers his personal account of his path to office and how he and his colleagues resisted, investigated, and impeached a corrupt president. After the shock of the 2016 election and Trump’s inauguration (including the luncheon afterward), Swalwell, as a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Judiciary Committee, quickly became involved in pushing back against Trump’s outrageous actions as he sought to get to the bottom of foreign interference in our elections. But Republicans were in control of the investigation, and it became clear that taking back the House was essential.

Swalwell takes readers inside Congress and through the impeachment process, from Trump’s disgraceful phone call with the Ukrainian president, just one day after Robert Mueller testified to Congress, to caucus meetings and conversations with the Speaker to the bombshell public hearings and the historic vote, and then what followed next—the holding of the articles, the news of more possible witnesses, and the sham trial in the Senate. Endgame is fascinating, a gripping read by a unique witness to extraordinary events.

During this special Rakestraw Books "Live at Home!" event, Rep. Eric Swalwell will be joined in conversation by award-winning journalist Frances Dinkelspiel. There will also be time for your questions. Tickets are $30 (admits one and includes a copy of Endgame). This event will take place via CrowdCast.

What did I think of the Rakestraw Books "Live at Home!" with U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell author event? It was wonderful to finally attend my first author event of the year! Watching the event online from home was fun and different... No concern or need to wear a face mask or social distance. This online event went smoothly with no technical difficulties. But most importantly, I enjoyed hearing what U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell had to share with listeners this evening. I look forward to reading Endgame: Inside the Impeachment of Donald J. Trump.