Battle Cry of Freedom by James McPherson is known as the greatest single volume ever written about the Civil War, and I agree with that sentiment. It's actually one of the best history books I've ever read.
In 2020, I've decided to make a concerted effort to learn more about the history of the United States. I'm doing this because many people these days are approaching our current political climate without any historical context, ignorant of our history.
McPherson's chronicle of the Civil War is a window into the challenges our country faced at one of it's most vulnerable moments. Understanding the leadership of the generals and political leaders, along with the sacrifices of the rank and file soldiers gives us insight as to how their decisions shaped the fate of our nation. It also helps us to understand many of the challenges we're facing today.
You can get your copy of Battle Cry of Freedom at: https://amzn.to/2vmdBvs.