I absolutely loved this book. I don’t know much about California from a historical standpoint, so it was an interesting and informative book. It is a well written book with information given in an easy to read and remember order. Definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year!

A thorough history of California.

In a series of short and easily digestible chapters the author describes the history of California from what we know of the Indigenous people before European contact to the modern day.

Many histories of California tend to gloss over its history before 1846; this work does not. The author goes into considerable detail regarding the Indigenous people, the days of the Spanish missions and Spanish rule, and the twenty-five year period of Mexican rule. The author does not spare detail as he covers California's history as part of the United States, covering the socio-political and cultural events and milestones of each decade since the 1840s.

The author interweaves the history of his own ancestors into the story of the development of California, and never forgets the existence and influence of the Indigenous people on the land. A very insightful and judicious exploration into California's heritage.

This fascinating book is a must read to explode some of the myths that have existed about the discovery, annexation, persecution of the native population and the evolution of California as a State within the USA. The detail that has been extracted to make this book one of historical reference as well as an historical general read even for today’s residents of California, is amazing and should change some of the perceptions about the state that see it as that wonderful place to live in today’s world.
The book covers the time period from the first known inhabitants right up to the start of the Covid pandemic so is a contemporary view that will surprise many. The evolution of discovery, migration to and the development of industries and politics over the centuries and recent decades, contains detail not commonly known outside the academic world and then not, I assume, in the totality as written here.

This book was really informative and I really learned a lot. I would like to reread in future as I'm sure there's information I missed.

I very much appreciate this history of California. It focuses on multicultural relationships including racism and violence involving Native Californians who were faced with genocidal invaders to their homeland. I've been a Californian almost all my life (born in Oakland almost 70 years ago) and I've learned many things about this state that I was not aware of until now, thanks to this history book. I read it cover to cover, and learned so much!

Though the book starts with Native Californians and the Spanish invaders, it doesn't stop there. This book covers many generations of California right up to the present day, as recently as 2021. Some of the book had to be told from a perspective of political history, especially after the Bear Flag Revolt and the beginning of California's statehood. Many of the governors were mentioned along with laws that were downright racist and unfair. But it wasn't just a book about politics. Many aspects of California culture were mentioned along with incidents we all should be aware of.

Thanks to the publisher for making this book available to me here on NetGalley.

American history is fascinating. It is particularly interesting when authors, scholars and historians do deep dives into specific parts of U.S. history or on certain topics. In California: An American History, author John Mack Faragher writes a comprehensive history of California from the days of Franciscan missions to the multi-cultural "melting pot" that exists today. The book is a delightful read for avid readers and amateur or professional historians.

Despite the fact that many students seem woefully uninformed about American history, most states do have some kind of history requirements. In California, students are required to receive instruction on the "foundation for understanding the history, resources, development, and government of California and the United States of America." This historical monograph could make an excellent addition to such a course or at least great summer reading for a teacher who teaches California history.

Free ARC from NETGALLEY

Good writing and research but the political views on immigration and colonization almost out shine the facts. Eh. . .

“California” by John Mack Faragher is an exploration of California’s history from the landing of the first Spanish explorers to present day. Faragher weaves fact with a narrative that is easy to follow and oftentimes difficult to put down, at least for this reviewer. The history presented also focuses on the Native and BIPOC voices of those effected by the onslaught of colonization and continued pressures of white supremacy on a systemic level. Faragher also adds a personal touch to the state’s history, mentioning the lives of his grandmother and parents. Overall I found this to be an excellent read, whether you have a marked interest in history or a passing fancy to learn more about the state of California.