2.5 stars, rounded up. I seem to be in a minority with this book, which is a shame as I was really excited to read it. It's not a bad book, but I found the writing clunky as well as the way the story was laid out. Granted, unless you're writing historical fiction, it's pretty much impossible to build an entire book around one short horse ride, no matter how important that ride was. But we'd have a little of the linear timeline, then a plunge into some biographical or historical side story, then a lurch back to the linear timeline, then another digression. The flow was awkward and by the time we got to the actual riding part of Paul Revere's ride, I felt pretty checked out. I wonder if Kennedy should have given himself the free rein of writing this as a novel; his constant use of "could," "might," "perhaps," etc. grated on me. I did enjoy learning more details surrounding this slice of American history, especially since I've been to so many places in the story. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a digital review copy.

I found this book very informative. Although I consider myself a history buff, there is a lot of information here that I did not know. It gives a lot more background on the Revolutionary War than we would ever have learned in school. Well done!!

I grew up in New England, walked The Freedom Trail, visited Paul Revere’s home, and thought I had a good foundation of the role Paul Revere played in the winning of the Revolutionary War. However, The Ride added a deeper, richer understanding of this historic figure. I never thought I could be gripped by the events of that April night two and a half centuries ago, but I galloped through the story the way Revere must have pushed on to carry his messages. The cardboard figure I knew from reciting Longfellow’s poem became a flesh and blood man of determination and courage, a man of such leadership he galvanized those around him.
To be honest, the author plays a little loose with details he could not really know, but which make the events come alive on the page. In doing so, he turns a chapter of a dusty old textbook into a vibrant story of the early days of our country, a time about which we can all be proud.

I read David Hackett Fischer's excellent Paul Revere's Ride a few decades ago and loved it. In the past 20+ years, I've forgotten the details about Revere's ride. Kennedy's book is an enjoyable look, not only at the Ride itself, but also of the context. It's also quite short, with the body of the book being only around 150 pages. Slated for publication just before the 250th anniversary of the ride, Kennedy has written an accessible book that I'm sure many people will appreciate.

(I've actually read another book by Kennedy--a baseball book, so I was interested to read his take on American history!)

It's not perfect. It is a bit short, and it has quite a few digressions (that are, admittedly, interesting; the Somerset, a ship that was in Boston harbor, rowed past by Revere, merits its own chapter and numerous mentions). His language can be flowery and the book somehow manages to feel repetitive at times, despite its short length.

Still, it's a good read. Kennedy does a great job showing life in 18th century Massachusetts for Paul Revere, starting with a story of Revere as a bell-ringer in the Old North Church as a teenager. He goes a lot into Revere's work for the Patriot cause, detailing the number of times he had ridden before, spreading news and delivering messages, sometimes even going as far as Philadelphia. Kennedy shows the run-up to the American Revolution through the eyes of Paul Revere, giving the night of April 18 a tension I hadn't thought about previously. Kennedy also does a good job giving credit to numerous others, including William Dawes, the other rider on that night.

Another theme Kennedy returns to a few times is the symbolism and significance of the ride. "What if Paul Revere hadn't been successful that night? What would've happened?" A chapter is devoted to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and his poem, showing both how the locals in Massachusetts admired Revere but how the rest of the world largely forgot him.

Kennedy does also have a chapter on slavery that I found interesting but also a bit frustrating. He gives the history of slavery in Massachusetts and the development of anti-slavery feeling, as well as attitudes of some of the figures in the book toward the institution. He includes how slavery died out early in Massachusetts...but didn't include the implications of the Triangle Trade and how even if the population of enslaved persons was low or nonexistent, the slave trade was still integral to Massachusetts's economy.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend. This is a great book for people casually interested in the topic, and honestly made me want to open up my copy of Paul Revere's Ride to go a bit more in-depth.

Many thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the free review of copy in exchange for my honest review.

"The Ride: Paul Revere and the Night That Saved America" by Kostya Kennedy is a thrilling odyssey through the rich tapestry of colonial America, breathing vibrant new life into a tale we thought was etched indelibly in our collective memory. Kennedy's prose is nothing short of alchemical, transmuting what could have been a leaden historical account into literary gold that glimmers with fresh insights and pulsates with the raw energy of revolution.

For history enthusiasts seeking a fresh perspective on the crucible of our nation's birth, "The Ride" is an intellectual feast not to be missed. Kennedy's engaging narrative and meticulous eye for detail will not only deepen your appreciation for the intricacies of this pivotal moment but also challenge your preconceptions. As you turn the final page, you'll find yourself not merely informed, but profoundly enlightened about the night that irrevocably altered the trajectory of a fledgling nation, leaving you pondering the ripple effects of those fateful hours across the centuries.

Thank you, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley, for my free book.

The Ride: Paul Revere and the Night That Saved America, written by Kostya Kennedy, delves into the heroic journey of Paul Revere with a fresh perspective. Through extensive research, Kennedy uncovers lesser-known details of this iconic event that has been ingrained in American history. This captivating narrative offers valuable insights and is meticulously researched, shedding new light on a story that has been passed down through generations.

The Ride by Kostya Kennedy is an engrossing retelling of the ride of Paul Revere, analyzing the historical events and people that were involved with this historical event.

I enjoyed reading this book. It is detailed and well told overall. There were a few aspects that seemed repetitive or was told out of order, and I would have liked a bit more detail on Revere’s life after the ride.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for access to an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. It is an in depth commentary of the ride of Paul Revere and others that fateful April night. The insights into all the other people involved was excellent. Mr Kennedy does an excellent job of describing the world around this ride and all the people involved and patriots and British alike. Also there is great insight into Longfellow, who wrote the poem that immortalized the ride. Finally Kennedy brings us to present day and discussion with Paul Revere’s descendant about what knowledge has been handed down. A fantastic read!

This is a non fictional account of a Revolutionary War event. It details the ride that Paul Revere made to announce the arrival of British military. It is very informative and beautifully researched. I knew the basic story as is told in the history books but this was a view of the entire story of that night and what came before, during and after the event. I had no idea how many people were involved in this story. It was told in a very readable way that kept me involved in the action and taught me much that I did not know. This book opens up the reader to the entire story of Paul Revere’s family, life and what happened later after the war. It taught me so much I did not know and for that reason I do recommend this book to readers for all ages, book clubs and school groups.

I wish to thank Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Kostya Kennedy’s The Ride takes one of the most well-known moments in American history—Paul Revere’s midnight ride—and gives it a fresh, engaging retelling. While Revere’s ride has been mythologized over the years, Kennedy works to separate fact from fiction while still capturing the urgency and significance of that fateful night in April 1775.

One of the book’s biggest strengths is how it places Revere’s actions in the broader context of the revolution’s opening moments. This isn’t just a straightforward biography—it’s a detailed look at the networks of spies, couriers, and resistance leaders who helped set the stage for Lexington and Concord. Kennedy does a great job bringing the tension of the ride to life, making it feel as thrilling as any historical fiction, even though it’s well-grounded in research.

That said, the book leans more into the dramatic storytelling side than pure academic history. If you're looking for an exhaustive analysis of Revere’s role versus other riders, this isn't quite that. But if you want a well-written, engaging account that makes history feel immediate and personal, The Ride delivers.

Overall, this is a solid read for those interested in the American Revolution, especially if you enjoy narrative-driven history. It’s a compelling look at how one night—and one man—helped set an entire revolution in motion.

“We are determined in a firm, virtuous, manly and joint way… to secure and defend our liberties, those liberties purchased for us by our ancestors, at the expense of so much blood and treasure. Before they are wrenched from us we will struggle hard, very hard for them, considering ourselves as the guardians of unborn millions…. In freedom we’re born, and in freedom we’ll die.” -leaders of Chelmsford MA, 1775

It’s quite a sobering experience reading an account of American resistance during this moment in time in which we find ourselves needing to resist once again. The parallels to those pre-revolutionary war acts of bravery and shrewdness in the face of immense oppression were impossible for me to ignore. These were my ancestors who fought for our democracy, and learning about them in this deeply descriptive and riveting account of Paul Revere and the good trouble that he and his friends found themselves getting into had me both fired up and in tears.

Impeccably researched and paced, with immensely atmospheric storytelling, like the many rides of Paul Revere himself, I tore through this book. It’s rare that a nonfiction historical account manages to read this much like a novel, but the author was gifted at setting an immersive and convincing narrative. My only gripe was when, mid ride, the sports writer couldn’t resist injecting random modern day cognitive theory into the scene. It was distracting enough that I knocked a star off the rating of an otherwise convincing and enrapturing tale.

Thank you, NetGalley, for this advance reader copy.

Fantastic information on a man who is generally known for only one thing. This gives a much fuller picture of Paul Revere, his motivations, and how "the ride" affected the rest of his life. At times, the writing was a bit tedious; there are several examples of asking five or so rhetorical questions, one after the other, to attempt to engage the reader in imagining a particular situation or perspective. Otherwise, I thought the book was well researched and I enjoyed reading it.

I was glad to take a rest from my usual mysteries and thrillers for this non-fiction thriller entitled “The Ride.” Kostya Kennedy has written about the most famous ride in American history—yes — Paul Revere’s adventure at the beginning of the American Revolution. I am of two minds about this book: firstly, I thoroughly enjoyed learning the details that undergird this epic event. I had NO IDEA about the preparation, the number of folks, and the sophisticated execution that went into this singular event. I always pictured this obscure lone wolf rider jumping on a nearby horse and frolicking through the night to the surprise of most local folks. Boy was I wrong.
Secondly, I was a bit put off by the volume of background information about the life and times at that beginning point in American history. Two things can be true at the same time: I found that the background information was quite educational but also too much . I wanted to get back to The Ride.
So I am grading “The Ride” 4 stars and recommending this book. I am grateful to NetGalley for the opportunity to read Mr. Kennedy’s great work.

Almost everyone who grew up in America knows of the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. But there is so much more that we really don't. Kostya Kennedy dives into everything surrounding that night and opens it up. . This is sort of a biography of Revere, but it is not just that. It is the story of Revere and everyone and everything around that night and what it took to get there.

Kennedy looks at Revere, his family, his collaborators, the British, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and all the other patriots. He explains how so many things had to happen properly for that ride to succeed. I'll not give them away here, but he does show how each one fell into place and it all came together.

This was a good read. Even though you know the outcome, the journey was pretty good.

Book: The Ride: Paul Revere and the Night That Saved America
Author: Kostya Kennedy
Rating: 3 Out of 5 Stars

I would like to thank the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, for sending me an ARC. While I did enjoy this one, it was not what I was expecting. I was expecting an in-depth look into Paul Revere’s famous ride, not a biography of Paul Revere. The background information was well done and well-researched, but it was not what I was expecting. A lot of the information on the ride and the debates after, I already knew.

On April 18, 1775, Paul Revere, a Boston silversmith, set off on a mission to warn American colonists of advancing British troops. Revere wasn’t alone in this task, having previously made at least eighteen rides to gather intelligence. However, this ride was pivotal, marking the start of the American Revolution. Kennedy uses new research from primary sources, diaries, family letters, and contemporary accounts to reveal a more complex story than the one typically told. Revere’s ride was part of a larger, coordinated effort involving multiple riders, near-disaster, his capture by British forces, and, ultimately, success. While Revere played a key role, the book highlights the contributions of other figures, including possibly a woman who provided critical intelligence.

It seems like may have suffered a bit from misaligned expectations due to its marketing. From the summary, one would expect the book to focus heavily on the dramatic events of April 18 and 19, 1775—when Revere set out on his iconic ride. And while those events are explored in detail, it sounds like the majority of the book dives deep into Paul Revere’s life leading up to that moment. There’s value in understanding Revere’s background, his role in the American Revolution, and the broader context of his political involvement, but it seems that this focus may overshadow the more immediate narrative of the ride itself. If the book was marketed primarily as a recounting of Revere’s famous ride, readers could understandably feel misled if they expected more of a concentrated account of that single night and its immediate aftermath.

The life details are well-done, but when the book presents itself as centred on the ride, the shift toward a broader biography might feel like it deviates from the core promise. While the historical context is important, it’s possible that the book would have been more effective if the balance between Revere’s personal history and the events of the ride were better aligned with what the marketing suggested. This tension between expectations set by the publisher and the book's actual content can lead to a sense of disappointment or frustration for readers who were anticipating a more focused exploration of the ride itself, rather than the broader historical context. It’s important to manage these expectations, as the content is likely rich and insightful, but might not deliver what some readers were hoping for based on the promotional materials.

Now, there is still value here despite the mismatch between expectations and content. The research seems to shine through in those moments when the focus shifts to figures like William Dawes and Sybil Livingston, who are often overlooked in traditional retellings of the American Revolution. Highlighting their roles gives the narrative a richer, more balanced perspective, showing that the story of the ride—and the revolution itself—isn't just about Paul Revere.
William Dawes, for instance, had a significant role in warning the colonists, but his contributions are often overshadowed by Revere's fame. It's refreshing that the book gives him and others like Livingston the attention they deserve. Livingston’s inclusion, as a woman involved in the effort, is also a meaningful addition, shedding light on the unsung heroes of the revolution—those who didn’t always get their due credit in history. This broader focus not only enriches the narrative but also presents a more nuanced view of how the revolution unfolded, revealing the interconnected roles of many individuals. It adds depth to the story and helps break down the myth of Revere as the sole figure responsible for the success of the ride. While some might expect the book to focus more directly on the events themselves, the inclusion of these lesser-known heroes enriches the overall historical understanding. So, in that sense, the book’s research contributes to a more well-rounded view of the past, even if it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting going in.


Overall, I am glad I read this one, but it was not what I was expecting. Had I been expecting more of a biography of Paul Revere, I may have enjoyed it a bit more.

This book comes out on March 25, 2025.

If Longfellow hadn’t written “Paul Revere’s Ride,” Revere would probably not be a household name today. Not a single book of American biographical sketches included an entry for Paul Revere before that, but he has appeared in every such or similar book since.
His skill and work ethic, his confident, unpretentious nature, his loyalty, his intelligence, his horsemanship, and his passion made him an integral part of the rebellion. Notes of interest include the hardship of the task of lighting lanterns in Old North Church; Revere became a self-taught dentist to supplement his income; the need to be paid for his rides which could take two weeks when he rode to Philadelphia.
A few divergent chapter on slavery, Longfellow, and William Dawes, who wouldn’t be known if Revere hadn’t included him in his statements.
Very interesting book.

A fantastic read about Paul Revere and his ride. I was worried this would be a dry biography, but not so! This was an easy and enjoyable read that gave me a greater appreciation for Revere and what exactly happened the night of his ride. I admit going into this I only knew about his ride, the poem about it, and basically nothing else, but this book does a fantastic job of setting up his life and the historical circumstances surrounding him. If you have any interest in learning more about Revere or the night that saved America, this is the book for you.

A must read for anyone interested in history, especially the American Revolutionary period. Kennedy weaves a tale that almost reads like a novel. There are a few places where it seems the author goes off on superfluous tangents, but then it turns out that it's necessary background information for what's next. Well researched with a bibliography that's longer than many short stories.

I liked the fact that Kennedy included British viewpoints occasionally. Too often writers of American history forget about the fact that British soldiers had feelings and emotions, and perhaps had misgivings about fighting ones who had been their fellow citizens.

Overall an excellent account of the famous ride, along with plenty of background on the major subjects involved, as well as modern descendants of the historical characters.

4.5 The perfect read to celebrate the 250th anniversary. What I like most about this book is that we get his entire life since birth well placed in history with relevant and poignant historical events and movement that led to his character and actions.

All most people know about Paul Revere comes from history books and the Longfellow poem, but this rich narrative brings to life his times, his contemporaries, the geography, and even the British ship HMS Somerset anchored in the Charles River that the famous rider had to avoid as he rode to Lexington to warn Adams and Hancock of the massing British Army. If you ever read one book on this figure and his famous ride, this is that book..