Honor and Destiny: The reminiscences of Thomas Alexander Walker, Esq., of his youth, during the Second War against the British, 1812–1815

“Honor and Destiny” retells the experiences of a teenager who experiences the second war against the British, and its effects on a young America.
 
The War of 1812 is very important in the history of the United States, as it is the first time it, as an independent nation, took on a foreign power to war. Dr. Stephen Grant Meyer explores that moment in the great history of the US, and tells the moving coming-of-age story of a youth living through the conflict with its former master, the United Kingdom.

“Honor and Destiny” takes the reader back in time and puts him in the shoes of Thomas Alexander Walker, a 14-year-old who is embroiled into the events that eventually led to the declaration of war against the British. Joining his uncle in Washington, Walker witnesses the historic speeches, the political debates and the decisions involving several real historical figures, including President James Madison and Francis Scott Key.
The war transforms Walker, as he becomes a soldier fighting back against the British under General Andrew Jackson. He meets his first love, Alice, but also experiences tragedy as his brother is seriously injured by the fighting. Finally, he watches first hand the dramatic destruction of the Capitol and the White House by the enemy.

Dr. Meyer, who teaches U.S. history to students in Statesville, North Carolina, hopes readers of all ages will enjoy the trip back in time and learn from the lessons of the past as they join Thomas Alexander Walker’s journey as a teenager at the days leading to the war, and as a made man at the end of the conflict.

“I did deep research into primary sources—the Annals of Congress, a sermon I’ve had in my possession for years, and numerous wartime accounts—and other histories to make the book as accurate as possible,” the history teacher says. “But it’s not just a history book. It tells a lot about how people who disagree can try to understand each other, to come together and see the good in both sides. I think it speaks to contemporary America, too.”
 
You can grab a copy of “Honor and Destiny: The reminiscences of Thomas Alexander Walker, Esq., of his youth, during the Second War against the British, 1812-1815” from Amazon. You have a choice of paperback, or a digital version for Kindle.
 
About the Author:
Stephen Grant Meyer, Ph.D., is a U.S. history teacher in Statesville, North Carolina. A native of southern Ontario, Canada, Dr. Meyer also authored a non-fiction book titled “As Long as They Don’t Move Next Door,” which tackles the real-life issues of racial segregation, discrimination and intimidation experienced by African-American citizens throughout history.
 

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