No Certain Rest: a Novel by Jim Lehrer is a modern day adventure story about the Civil Was and very specifically about the battle at Antietam. Jim Lehrer in the host of PBS Newshour and has written several books.
Set in the present day, two history relic hunters field the skeletal remains of what appears to be a Union Officer. And the mystery begins. It is a human story about dedication, determination and "the hunt." The main character is a fictitious archaeologist from the National Park Service out of Washington D.C. The modern day characters and the specific story is the creative work of Lehrer. The Civil War battle for Antietam (the bloodiest battle of America) and the battle for what is now known as Burnside Bridge are factual.
The book traces the events of the battle and tries to discover the mystery of the remains. A good back stage look at the world of forensic science and people trying to do a good job. It honors the memories of men who fought there and tries to provide some understanding of how wars are fought by ordinary people.
Good adventure story - lots of opportunity for discussions about the consequences of decisions and should we really "correct" history. If you like a good mystery - but not the scary in your face kind - or you like the Civil War books - you should enjoy this one. A good summer read.
Don't forget we are in the Middle of July, get those readings done. And have some summer fun.
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