Thanksgiving The holiday at the heart of the American experience

Everyone thinks they know all about Thanksgiving, but Kirkpatrick proves otherwise with this well-researched, entertaining study. Formerly with the Wall Street Journal, Kirkpatrick delves into the origins and practices of the popular holiday, examining history, religion, hospitality, football, turkey, and thanks. She uses excerpts from period writings to debunk some popular depictions of the first Thanksgiving, highlights other early celebrations, and tells the backstory of the Pilgrims. Although George Washington read the first Thanksgiving proclamation, it was Abraham Lincoln (with some prodding from magazine editor Sara Joseph Hale) who made it a national holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Kirkpatrick also illuminates the Native American perspective, documenting the fact that some tribes consider the holiday a day of mourning rather than rejoicing. Excerpts from selected readings and traditional menus and recipes round out the book. In the end, Kirkpatrick presents Thanksgiving as a day to celebrate gratitude, generosity, and inclusion. Filled with facts and fun, this involving exploration of the holiday will be a welcome addition to library collections.--Smith, Candace Copyright 2016 Booklist