Official Review: The History Major by Michael Phillip Cash

Elaine5 · Post by **Elaine5** » 27 Nov 2016, 12:29

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The History Major" by Michael Phillip Cash.]

3 out of 4 stars

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The History Major by Michael Phillip Cash, was labeled as crime/mystery/thriller and I would agree that it falls into the mystery genre. You will definitely be trying to solve the mystery of what's happening to Amanda and you'll be transfixed as you do so, like all good mysteries. Its underlying theme, however, is a philosophical one. It may prompt you to dig deep and ask yourself some questions about life, death and your own reality.

Amanda Greene is the main character. She's a college freshman and the fun begins when her hangover turns into a bewildering and frightening day on campus. The plot feels cliche and familiar in that Amanda is a lost soul who is resisting the guidance being offered to her. However, the ideas that lie beneath the surface are more interesting. The author has rather unexpectedly woven some of history's most interesting characters into Amanda's adventures, injecting some much needed originality. You'll be transported to France in the 1400's to meet Joan of Arc and later Rome, for an encounter with the Borgias. When Amanda finds herself waltzing with Hitler, you'll be as baffled as she is trying to understand what she's experiencing. As stated in the author's note, he's used "history as the conduit for her to both discover her own past and decide her fate."

Other characters include Amanda's friends and family. They are introduced and occasionally present, but not developed as an integral part of the story. This works well, since the focus is Amanda's self discovery and the reader needs to know little more than who she cares about. Most of the dialogue is between Amanda and Nick Fortune, who I would describe as her guide. Note that Nick is aptly named for his role. They meet on the morning that Amanda's existence begins to feel surreal and unnerving. Nick is at once a love interest, a threat and a protector. Unfortunately, his character also felt familiar in an overdone kind of way.

The text is wonderfully descriptive, allowing the reader to effortlessly visualize each scene. For example, when Amanda looks out her dorm room window the author writes, "Overnight, autumn painted a new picture, fading the landscape, ushering in the next season; the leaves withering, curling, setting the branches on fire with vivid oranges, yellows, and reds; the bases covered with the remains of dead leaves, shriveled and brown."

Overall I enjoyed this book. It was a quick, intriguing story that not only entertained me, but also gave me pause for reflection and stirred my imagination. Unfortunately, I just couldn't shake the feeling that this was a story I already knew. There were some original elements, but not enough to completely save the overdone story line. I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars.

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The History Major
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Guppy · Post by **Guppy** » 27 Nov 2016, 19:23

Sounds like a good read and an interesting combination of genres. I love that description of autumn! Great review.

Elaine5 · Post by **Elaine5** » 27 Nov 2016, 21:08

Thanks for your comments. It's a good read for sure.

kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 28 Nov 2016, 02:31

Sounds like an interesting book. I love the part about meeting Joan of Arc and waltzing with Hitler. Sounds like fun

Good job on the review.

Elaine5 · Post by **Elaine5** » 28 Nov 2016, 05:50

Yes, the appearances by historical characters were my favorite part. In this book, Amanda was not at all interested in these encounters. She was afraid and confused and wanted to get back to normal. I wonder if there are stories with characters enjoying meeting historical figures. Has anyone read a book like that?

Joy Boudreau · Post by **Joy Boudreau** » 29 Nov 2016, 09:23

Great review! Overall, the book sounds like the plot is not as interesting as it should be, but the idea of meeting up with those historical characters is fascinating. From all accounts, Hitler must have had some sort of innate charisma to be able to draw so many into his schemes. Hindsight is 20/20, and we know Hitler to be an evil man, but at the time, there must have been something in his personality that attracted others. I think Napoleon must also have had some astounding personal charisma.

Elaine5 · Post by **Elaine5** » 29 Nov 2016, 09:48

I couldn't agree with you more about the charisma factor. I believe it's often what blinds us to the true motivations of people who gain great power for the wrong reasons. There are many examples in history and even presently! In this story Amanda was horrified to be dancing with Hitler but she had the benefit of hindsight.

Thanks for your comments.

Mariabooker · Post by **Mariabooker** » 01 Dec 2016, 02:03

fficial Review: The History Major by Michae

Yelbrab56 · Post by **Yelbrab56** » 01 Dec 2016, 17:13

Purr-fect! Author Lee Robinson creates such a fun story full of southern charm that I absolutely love. The character of Sally Baynard is so relatable

Kdonegan91 · Post by **Kdonegan91** » 01 Dec 2016, 19:03

Great review! Too bad the book was too cliche because the main idea sounds interesting.

Elaine5 · Post by **Elaine5** » 03 Dec 2016, 22:24

@Yelbrab56 You might have the wrong thread.

@Kdonegan91 Cliche but still a good read. I recommend it! Thanks for your comments.

Post by **bookowlie** » 04 Dec 2016, 22:30

Great review! It's too bad the plot was a little overdone because the concept of mixing in history in a creative way (waltzing with Hitler?!) sounds intriguing.