Alan Taylor’s American Colonies shone a light into the American colonial period. The book was filled with new knowledge and additionally, it busted some previous myths I thought were true. The book exposed the harsh reality of settling North America. Through time and effort America grew to the place we love today. Colonial life was difficult and unpredictable. Some people became wildly successful while others failed, and fell into poverty. The first settlers had vigorous lives. They faced indian raids, harsh weather, and deadly diseases. No place was perfect to settle, either. The West Indies were hot with malaria infested mosquitoes, while New France had a short growing season. Sickness and famine could wipe out whole villages.
