Yes, Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong is written by James W. Lowen, a university history professor. Throughout the book he works to show readers everything that they have been groomed to believe is basically a lie. What makes this book appropriate for this time of the year is his section not only on Christopher Columbus, but America’s first “Thanksgiving” celebration. In this chapter of the book he explains that the first Thanksgiving wasn’t celebrated as a national holiday until 1863, and Pilgrims’ names weren’t used or recognized until the 1870′s. He exposes Pilgrims for what they were, grave robbers, and were highly invested in Indian enslavement. It even includes a letter from a Wampanoag Indian explaining how Thanksgiving is a disgrace to his people. Read the full excerpt here, seriously.

But enough of my liberal rant, the book is excellent. Lowen also let’s readers in on the full life of Woodrow Wilson, exposing his racism and invasion of countries in South America and Haiti while in office. Hellen Keller’s affiliation with the Socialist party, and America’s racism in general. Overall, Lowen’s beef with history is that it’s written through the white man’s point of view. Thus, not allowing us to see, understand, and be exposed to all sides of the history we learn, whether we’re the bad guys or not. Buy a copy and read it during your Thanksgiving dinner for only $3.97 (via Amazon)! C’mon, you know your family is awkward, and when’s the last time you read a book anyways?