American Eden

This is a listen that makes it easy to understand why Johnson's book was a National Book Award finalist. The story of David Hosack is one of those great untold stories of individuals who lived fascinating lives but for some reason are not remembered in most history books. Narrator Susan Ericksen does a fine job capturing the many interests, and interesting intersections, Hosack had during his lifetime. These include being at the duel when Burr shot Hamilton, corresponding with Thomas Jefferson, and helping spur national interest in plants and gardening. It seems as if everyone of importance in science, politics, and medicine knew, or knew of, Hosack. Ericksen's narration will leave listeners wondering how it is that they hadn't heard of Hosack until this captivating listen. J.P.S. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine