Washingtons Crossing

[lightzeazy]

Does anyone know how important it is to read Washington’s Crossing. I literally got my hands on the book yesterday and feel like there’s no way I’ll be able to finish it by R-Day, especially with the fact that I want to spend as much time with family as possible. Are we going to be quizzed on it? Asked questions? Does it really matter all that much?

 

[prospective2019]

I should tell you otherwise... but no, it's not important. You will write a paper on it during one of your Plebe history classes, but you will have time to read it beforehand.

It was never brought up during my Beast. That may change for yours, but I doubt it.

Spend the time with your family and skim it during your travels here.

 

[kinnem]

Here's the Cliff Notes version

 

[Hoppy]

Here's the Cliff Notes version

That's accurate, I was the guy with the oar

 

[USMAZoo98]

West Point assigned you to read the book. If you have to ask, "does it really matter all that much," then you are already approaching this from the wrong point of view.

 

[LongAgoPlebe]

West Point assigned you to read the book. If you have to ask, "does it really matter all that much," then you are already approaching this from the wrong point of view.

I see you're also an incoming new cadet -- congratulations!

Some of your classmates will have been appointed late, received the book late (etc) and therefore unable, not unwilling, to read the book before R-day. One habit worth building is reserving judgment. This is not the same at all as being a "chit surfer" (or whatever the term is at USMA; I'm a former squid), or someone who fakes injuries to avoid physical activity.

Best to you both, @lightzeazy and @USMAZoo98! Enjoy your final weekend as civilians!

 

[USMAZoo98]

I see you're also an incoming new cadet -- congratulations!

Some of your classmates will have been appointed late, received the book late (etc) and therefore unable, not unwilling, to read the book before R-day. One habit worth building is reserving judgment. This is not the same at all as being a "chit surfer" (or whatever the term is at USMA; I'm a former squid), or someone who fakes injuries to avoid physical activity.

Best to you both, @lightzeazy and @USMAZoo98! Enjoy your final weekend as civilians!

I was an incoming New Cadet in 1994. I am certainly aware that the incoming new cadets have received the book at all different times. In fact, my son never received the book from USMA - we just bought it ourselves. My only point was if the Academy told you to do something (which is essentially the case with reading the book). then the question about whether it is worth it should not even be asked. It was a task given; the incoming New Cadet should complete it rather than question whether it should be done or not.

Regardless, I certainly wish @lightzeazy the best of luck this summer and going forward!

 

[LongAgoPlebe]

@USMAZoo98 My apologies for getting your details incorrect. Noted for future!

 

[BeastBarracks2024USMA]

Don't read the book. It's a waste of time to read it--like I did--specifically for Beast. If you like history books then by all means read it. However, you will have plenty of time to read it in your history class during the academic year. It never comes up in Beast.

 

[MidCakePa]

It would be really amusing and fun if this was the year USMA decided to bring it up at Beast. Some things stay the same, others don’t.

SA life is all about time management and prioritization. Seems like a good time to start practicing both. Your mileage may vary!

 

[ALF648]

DS is Class of 25. He didn’t want to read the book. I did read the book starting on the plane ride out to R Day. Within 40 pages it is manifestly clear why this book has been assigned. The origins of the US and the diversity of perspective/definitions of “freedom” and “liberty”, Washington’s ability to learn and create cohesion across a variety of groups, the evolution of military strategy… the book describes the context and foundation of the experience that New Cadets will live in BCT

personally I am a believer in context and understanding before one starts new experiences

 

[18tamc]

Does anyone know if we are supposed to bring it to Beast? It says to bring it when we "report to West Point" but is not on the R-day packing list.

 

[Capt MJ]

Does anyone know if we are supposed to bring it to Beast? It says to bring it when we "report to West Point" but is not on the R-day packing list.

Would you rather be yelled at for not having it? Or having it? Errors of omission are often worse than commission.

 

[USMA*DAD*2026]

Does anyone know if we are supposed to bring it to Beast? It says to bring it when we "report to West Point" but is not on the R-day packing list.

While its not on packing list. There was memo in the book we received. It was clearly mentioned to bring on R-day

 

[GoArmy2027]

West Point assigned you to read the book. If you have to ask, "does it really matter all that much," then you are already approaching this from the wrong point of view.

YES.

 

[CoffeeMama]

Does anyone know how important it is to read Washington’s Crossing. I literally got my hands on the book yesterday and feel like there’s no way I’ll be able to finish it by R-Day, especially with the fact that I want to spend as much time with family as possible. Are we going to be quizzed on it? Asked questions? Does it really matter all that much?

You can do this - you have 4 weeks and can knock it out in the hours before you go to sleep (it may actually calm any excitement/nerves you have and help you fall asleep!). The beginning of the book is a little slow according to my DD because of so many characters to remember - so the first 80 pages or so are a bit of a slog, but it picks up speed so she says and gets interesting/more enjoyable. That is coming from someone who would never read a history book for pleasure and doesn't read that much in general. Also ... a good number of those pages are appendices, so you only have to make it through about 2/3 of that hefty tome.

 

[Capt MJ]

Zombie thread walking - OP started this in 2021. I wonder if the read it, skimmed it or blew it off.

 

[USMA-2027]

YES.

There are roughly 4 weeks until R-Day so that’s about 90 pages per week at this point. It does read more like a novel in terms of readability so expect it to gain momentum. Love that the Academy has them reading this!

 

[Capt MJ]

You can do this - you have 4 weeks and can knock it out in the hours before you go to sleep (it may actually calm any excitement/nerves you have and help you fall asleep!). The beginning of the book is a little slow according to my DD because of so many characters to remember - so the first 80 pages or so are a bit of a slog, but it picks up speed so she says and gets interesting/more enjoyable. That is coming from someone who would never read a history book for pleasure and doesn't read that much in general. Also ... a good number of those pages are appendices, so you only have to make it through about 2/3 of that hefty tome.

The poster has had since 22 June 2021 to get it read - let’s hope he or she eventually did!

 

[hchen5041]

I remember trying to read that thing before R-Day, made me fall asleep a few times. Never got through more than a few pages of the book, and I don't regret not reading it. It'll be the subject of an essay. One essay in plebe year 1st semester. Maybe worth 5-10% of one class, of 40 classes you'll take at west point. There's not a chance you'll remember a word of the book in the two months between arriving at West Point and the school year starting, or the three months between arriving at West Point and the assignment being assigned. Do with that information what you will.