Review of The Shot Not Heard Around the World

[Tommy Mayengbam]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Shot Not Heard Around the World" by Charlie damitz.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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In Charlie Damitz's "The Shot Not Heard Around the World," the narrative unfolds amidst the tumult of the American Revolution, where the conflict between the "Minutemen" and the "Redcoats" serves as a backdrop. The protagonist, Jeremy, is a young soldier whose upbringing, spent hunting squirrels and rabbits, has honed his skills for combat. However, when confronted with the prospect of aiming his weapon at other people in battle, Jeremy experiences a stark realization: shooting in warfare is an entirely different matter. His choice to refrain from pulling the trigger when faced with an "enemy" initiates a series of events with far-reaching consequences.

While the war sets the stage for the narrative, it is not the story's primary focus. Instead, the narrative delves deeply into Jeremy's inner turmoil, placing his internal struggles at the forefront. This shift in focus provides a richer understanding of Jeremy's character and adds depth to the overall story.

With just 79 pages, the novel is relatively short, making for a quick read. The descriptions vividly portray daily life and the challenges individuals encountered centuries ago, effectively immersing readers in a historical era preceding the 21st century. Additionally, I find the novel highly informative, particularly regarding medical practices of the time. It serves as a solid foundation for readers interested in exploring historical medicine.

I also appreciate how the novel concludes with a cyclical structure, tying back to the theme: "And it was all because of the shot I didn’t take—the shot not heard around the world."

While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, certain negative aspects warrant attention. I came across a significant error where Jeremy, the protagonist, incorrectly referred to his brother Benjamin as Jeremy instead of Ben. Additionally, I noticed a few minor mistakes throughout the text, indicating potential lapses in editing. Consequently, I give the book a rating of 4 out of 5.

Since the medical practices of the time make up a good portion of the book, I recommend the book to readers interested in past medical practices. I don't think young children should read it as it involves suicide.

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The Shot Not Heard Around the World
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[Sandre Lamar]

“The Shot Not Heard Around the World" by Charlie damitz. offers a compelling exploration of moral conflict during the American Revolution. Jeremy's poignant journey illuminates the complexities of war and personal conscience, resonating long after the final page.