Customer Reviews

Rush to Destiny

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I found this book to be well-written and enjoyable at the same time. This book took the time to explain the storyline in great detail and the story came alive. I had an idea who Ned Beale was as I know the name was mentioned either in a movie or on television. I hope the author writes more of these types of books as I would love to read them.

This is a unique book with a historical focus on an early western lifestyle. I found this book to be exciting and it completely grabbed my attention right at the start of the book. The storyline was consistent and carried me throughout the story. I enjoy historical stories and it's wonderful how they add real life history to the story.

Since I love these types of histories, especially one as exciting as this, I dove right into the book, much of the story being known to me from previous readings. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the in-depth stories and insights into early California history. I have to say that I was not disappointed at all by this book, Edward Fitzgerald Beale's interesting life was well written and delivered.

Edward Fitzgerald Beal was the hero of the Battle of San Pasqual, an Indian agent, a surveyor general, the leader of the great camel experiment, the reason California stayed in the Union, Rancher, Indian fighter, politician, presidential candidate, brought the first news of the California gold strike to Congress, ship navigator, spy, smuggler, Minister to Austria, Hungary, husband, father and much more.

A friend of mine recommended this book to me because I'm a history nerd. Eventhough I think I'm a walking encyclopedia, I had no clue who Ned Beale was. Now, I do though, thanks to this book. I'm glad about that because I always like reading books that chronicle the lives of those unsung heroes. Ned Beale was an amazing guy interesting and complex guy. He was in the military. He was an explorer. He championed the rights of slaves and Native Americans. He was also the guy who they named the Air Force Base after. I wish I could've met him.