Martin Dugard

The first third of the book is a well- researched exploration of the Salem Witch trials of 1692. The rest of the book loosely relates historical events in our country to these witch trials. While some of them seem relatable, (such as the separation of church and state) other events don't seem to connect. For instance, how does the story behind "the Exorcist" relate to these witch trials? And being Bill O'Reilly, he has to add a political twist to the book as well. So why mention "cancel culture" but not McCarthyism? I can't I finished it.… (mehr)

This offers a look at the things that influenced and allowed the awful witch hangings in Salem, Massachusetts.

"Although very different from the Salem hysteria in form, the spirit of no forgiveness and celebrating unproven allegations finds the modern Cancel Culture and Salem together. Instead of insane clerics and corrupt officials, our current witch hunt is lead by dishonest media, both traditional and social and a legion of despicable attorneys who seek to extort money by peddling unexamined accusations, often with full knowledge that careers will be destroyed and families torn apart. We see examples almost every day. Unlike 17th century Salem there are guilty people who should be held to account for their misdeeds but the demonstrable fact in the United States is that due process is often ignored in the court of public opinion. Denials never deter the destroyers. Like the powerful Mather preachers, corporations are taking lead in the mass denial of due process."… (mehr)

I'm a fan of Martin Dugard, I've been reading his books and his blog for years and I even have a t-shirt that his cross country team was selling as a fundraiser, so I was inclined to enjoy this book.

I found the essays got a bit repetitive over time but the general message of "keep pushing....always' is a good one. Strive to be your best self is hard to argue with. Anyone who runs will feel a connection with the author and I found many of the passages inspirational.

I think this would be a great book for when you might be trying to psych yourself up for a race or when you need to find some motivation to get back on the fitness bandwagon but really, it's just a bunch of over-done hokey mumbo-jumbo.… (mehr)

Disappointed in this book. The 1st section is about the Salem Witch Trials, but it was pretty basic and I didn’t learn much new. The next section deals briefly with Ben Franklin and the writing of the US Constitution, only vague references to the Salem Witch Trials, but I get the separation of state and religion. Finally the 3rd part of the Book retells the real life inspiration for The Exorcist book and movie. The connection with Salem again just a thread. So although I’ve read and liked other books in the author’s “Killing” series, this one missed the mark for me,… (mehr)