The book is a wonderful story of the life of Captain William Kidd. It is a good story with many documented facts from his life. I was hoping for more information in regards to his personal life .. for example was he married once or twice? How many children did he REALLY have? Different sources claim from one daughter to up to four daughter. and so forth. I am a "supposed" direct descendant of the good Captain through his daughter Elizabeth (or Ruth) and a Robert Futhey BUT the only "known" husband for Elizabeth (or Ruth) Kidd is a John Throop or something like that anyway, I am searching for my families legitamacy to Captain Kidd, I was hoping this book would help. For what it is, the book is excellent but for what I was hoping for, it did not help. Rev. Toddrick H. Futter
I ABSOLUTELY love this book. The author is one of the most insipired writters I have read in years. You will fly through the reading if you are 14 or 40. It has pirates and betrayal, blood and honor, and you learn HISTORY because it is interesting. Zacks is blessed with talent as a writter. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE History teachers - buy this book and recomend it for reading to 9 through 12 graders and up. It WILL bring history to life for them. Captain Kidd, the notorious pirate from Treasure Island who we picture as killing people and hidding gold was just a businessman trying to make a living. And like so many of todays corporations that use people, he was a fall guy for higher powers. The highest person, lowest on the chain, to take the blame. Zacks does not just give you facts, he puts you in the shoes of Captain Kidd. I don't want to give away too much of the story - but you will think of Thanksgiving differently after reading this. You will see that greed has not changed in America even from the first "Americans." And all the while the back of your brain plays the movie and book ideals you grew up with that Captain Kidd killed - murdered - robbed - cheated - stole - and was hung for it. But when you finish this book, YOU feel as betrayed as Captain Kidd for having been lead to believe this. You will understand the phrase, "history is told by the winners," - in BIG BRIGHT LIGHTS. Young adults reading this WILL see history books in a new light. - It is fun reading, it flies, parents can read this with younger adults and all talk about it at dinner. You WILL pick up all of Zacks books after this, everyone I have recommended it to has. I warn though, the rest of his books are a little slower for a younger audience (Zacks newest book) and some are not appropriate (Zacks older works). -enjoy this, I know you will, then give it to a friend and buy one for your shelf (be prepared to give many of them away when people see it there and ask). Remember, don't give books away expecting them back, give them away and ask that they be passed on so they might be enjoyed by many others.Read full review
This 400 plus page book, should have been no more than 300 pages at most. No real editing! An interesting tale that bogs down under the weight of a convoluted and confusing writing style. Quit reading half-way thru…
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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