U.S. History Reading Group discussion

Please share your thoughts on part on of Vanderbilt's story here.

So I must admit that this book is slower-going that I anticipated. The author does a great job of talking about the times, but I find myself losing interest somewhat when he tried to bring Vanderbilt's life in to focus. Perhaps it's just the early stages, but I find a lot of the discussion of the different ferry and steamboat lines repetitive and am having trouble seeing their significance on a larger scale.
I'm particularly struck by how one-dimensional Vanderbilt appears at this point in the story. I feel like we're getting almost no real sense of him as a person beyond knowing that he was 100% devoted to work.
I look forward to hearing what the rest of you think!

I'm only 20% done with the first part, but so far it has almost nothing to do with him. I do like the background information of New York and early american economics. I thought it was really interesting that Spanish 8 pieces were considered official tender.
I imagine there is not a lot of historical documentation for his early life, so the author fills in with background of New York.

I agree, Will. There's a bizarre absence of Vanderbilt as a person throughout the book. It's more about the events around him. I will admit that it's getting better towards the end of Part 2, but there is still a major flaw in the inaccessibility of the book's subject.

Totally agree. I've finished the book and I'd say it's about 70% biography / 30% economic history.

Which, frankly, is FASCINATING but not what I expected.

(if you're interested in the financial history of the U.S. I recommend Ron Chernow's biography on Hamilton)

I almost wish Stiles had just written an economic history of the era since it seems the he is more interested in that than he is in Vanderbilt. Or at least he seems to have more to say that he does about the Commodore.

Thought the book was enjoyable. It works out that I was only somewhat interested in the person of Vanderbilt, because I found the era information fascinating.

Hi, new member here and new to goodreads. I loved learning about the background of early American economics. I also found it interesting how he interacted with his family.
This was my first major foray into reading American history outside of high school. Imagine my surprise how much I loved the topic! My son is currently finding more books on US history at the library where he works.

Glad you enjoyed it, Maria! Welcome to the group!