This book is not well done. It jumps between time periods and has random (extremely detailed) rambles about obscure people, while neglecting to demonstrate any clear "cause and effect" between events. I've read other history books; American history does not have to be this confusing. Even the wording of the sentences is painful and there is no discernible thesis, or indication of what information is "interesting" background and what one should actually care about.It might be okay if you are doing some course that really focuses on obscure people/events while ignoring the "big picture." Otherwise- avoid this. It's really painful.