by Sharon McMahon
Thesis, 2024. 320 pages. Nonfiction
Most pundits and historians sell a dangerously naïve version of the American story— either praising its most consequential figures uncritically or criticizing them unfairly. McMahon believes the truth is more human. She here tells the inspiring stories of twelve Americans — regular people with human foibles — whose extraordinary heroism in the face of mounting trials created the character of our country. With clarity and candor, McMahon follows the daughter of formerly enslaved parents who sparked a reformation in Black education, a Japanese immigrant who nearly died in combat and became a consequential Senator, and the electrician who saved her husband’s life.
I had the wonderful chance to go with a bestie to hear McMahon speak on her press tour for this work in October 2024. I hadn't read the book beforehand, and I quickly realized that I was missing out for sure. McMahon's extensive research shows in the depth of the stories, and the inspiring lessons learned from these unsung heroes are impactful. She also intersperses the work with her personable asides and commentary, which made for an entertaining read that felt nothing like a boring history lesson. This was a good book to read slowly, enjoying the nuance of each episode and the multifaceted characters involved. In this politically fraught time when I'm not so sure that I'm always proud to be an American, McMahon reminds us of the goodness of humanity and the meaning of what America is at her best.