The Boys from Kalamazoo: A Novel [Hardcover]

T. J. Johnston (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 31, 2002

The year is 1862, and war fever grips western Michigan. Former clerks and farmboys clamor to volunteer, certain that their weight will put an end to the Southern uprising. The yoke of responsibility made young James Lockett wise beyond his years, but his desire to follow his friends is too much for his cautious nature. James soon learns that there are three types of volunteers: adventurers, crusaders, and villains.

Chasing bushwhackers in Missouri, he discovers a talent for soldiering and another for finding enemies. At Fort Donelson, the boys from Kalamazoo discover that they must overcome the enemy inside of themselves. But neither the Plains of the Midwest nor the fortifications of Fort Donelson have prepared them for Grant’s last stand at Shiloh.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

The Boys from Kalamazoo presents a true-to-life, fictional account of the Kalamazoo Sharpshooters.

About the Author

Whether scouring the undersurface of a Confederate harbor, covering every inch of Bull Run, or exploring the depths of a musty library, T. J. Johnston has always had a passion for the Civil War. A Michigan native, T. J. currently resides in Centreville, Virginia, with his wife and twin daughters.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 296 pages
• Publisher: Burd Street Pr (July 31, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572492694
• ISBN-13: 978-1572492691
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,890,859 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Civil War Best Seller, January 25, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Boys from Kalamazoo: A Novel (Hardcover)

Highly recommended! The book is well balanced providing interest for Civil War fanatics, and an enjoyable easy read for those just looking for a simple but action packed story. For historians, and Michiganders in particular, it provides an entertaining drama to supplement the factual course of events for this band of home grown sharpshooters. The battle scenes are brought to life without being overly gruesome and the fast paced action moves you quickly from event to event. It has the feel of a TV mini series and leaves you wanting to carry on with the next book - bring on the sequel!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The boys from Kalamazoo, February 15, 2003

By 

Daniel Abrams (Miami, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Boys from Kalamazoo: A Novel (Hardcover)

The Boys from Kalamazoo is a very good book. It provided a vivid description of what happened during the beginning of the Civil War. I am 12 years old and I was never interested in historical fiction until I read this book. I didn't think it was possible to like a type of book so much after reading it only once. My dad got this book for me and he read it too. T.J. Johnston is a very talented writer and I can't wait until he makes another book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Boys from Kalamazoo, January 28, 2003

By 

"mfigel10" (Allen Park, MI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Boys from Kalamazoo: A Novel (Hardcover)

Johnston covers the less historically focused Western Theater of the American Civil War with the same battle detail and accuracy as Bernard Cornwell covers the Eastern Theater in his Starbuck Chronicles. Johnston captures the true essence of the men that fought and suffered in the Civil War. As with all U.S. wars, ordinary young men who were farmers, shopkeeps, mill operators, etc... from small towns across the country like Kalamazoo, MI did extraordinary things. A great story set in accurate historical context, I hope there's a sequel!