Jeff Minick

Jeff Minick has four children and a passel of grandkids. He has written two novels, “Amanda Bell” and “Dust on Their Wings,” as well as “Learning as I Go” and “Movies Make the Man.” You’ll find more of his writing at JeffMinick.substack.com.

What’s Next? Let’s Make Some Independence Day Promises

Commentary The party is over. Americans spent about $2.5 billion on fireworks alone, celebrating our 250th birthday with ...

Viewpoints July 19, 2026
‘Murder, She Wrote,’ and More: The Astonishing Triumph of Agatha Christie

Remembering the 'Queen of Crime' on the 50th anniversary of her death.

Literature July 17, 2026
What Is a Lady in the 21st Century?

Being a lady has little to do with wealth or social status and everything to do with respect, ...

Lifestyle July 17, 2026
Epoch Booklist: Recommended Reading for July 17–23

This week, we feature a close look at the full scope of preparations for D-Day and a research-based ...

Book Recommendation July 16, 2026
For the Children’s Sake: Charles Loring Brace Rescued Children From the Streets

This installment of 'When Character Counted' heads to New York's slums and the man who rescued children from ...

American Essence July 16, 2026
Pistols at Dawn: Honor, Politics, and the Violence of Gentlemen in America

Political feuds, media insults, and a deadly code of personal honor shaped the rise and fall of dueling ...

American Essence July 12, 2026
Epoch Booklist: Recommended Reading for July 10–16

This week, we feature a definitive look at the most significant battle during the Great Sioux War and ...

Book Recommendation July 9, 2026
Bonds of Affection: Julia Grant, Varina Davis, and the Mending of America

In this installment of ‘When Character Counted,’ the friendship between two first ladies helped heal the lingering wounds ...

American Essence July 9, 2026
The Angel of Marye’s Heights

This installment of 'When Character Counted' features a soldier who risked death to bring water to his wounded ...

American Essence July 5, 2026
Original Influencers: The Mentors Who Shaped George Washington, Abigail Adams, and Thomas Jefferson

Teachers, family, and noble ideas shaped the convictions of America's founding generation long before the internet gave rise ...

History July 4, 2026
10 Score and 50 Years Later: Are We Living Up to the Declaration?

Preserving the republic requires modern Americans to look beyond politics and commit to civic virtue and education.

History July 4, 2026
Epoch Booklist: Recommended Reading for July 3–9

This week, we feature a tribute to the American perspective from beloved historian David McCullough and a thought-provoking ...

Book Recommendation July 2, 2026
A Spoonful of Smiles Helps the History Go Down: Famous Quotes From America’s Past

A journey through the words, wit, and war cries that shaped America.

American Essence June 28, 2026
Epoch Booklist: Recommended Reading for June 26–July 2

This week, we feature the enchanting life story of the creator of a popular children’s book character and ...

Book Recommendation June 25, 2026
Maltreated and Maligned: Richard Stockton’s Revolutionary War Ordeal

In this installment of 'When Character Counted,' a hero of the American Revolution lost his wealth, reputation, and ...

America’s 250th June 23, 2026
Cicero’s America: Classical Learning and the American Republic

An education in Latin and Greek led the Founders to read ancient works that promoted liberty and virtue—the ...

Wisdom June 21, 2026
A Forgotten Hero: ‘Honest John’ Hart and the American Revolution

In this installment of 'When Character Counted,' we look at a largely forgotten signer of the Declaration of ...

American Essence June 19, 2026
Epoch Booklist: Recommended Reading for June 19–25

This week, we feature a beautiful visual history that chronicles America's birth and an elegant edition of an ...

Book Recommendation June 18, 2026
Punchlines and Proverbs: A Tribute to Dads for Father’s Day

A playful celebration of fatherhood, complete with dad jokes and one-liners, captures dads at their wittiest and most ...

Family & Education June 17, 2026
The Catalyst That Triggered the American Revolution: The French and Indian War

How Britain’s victory over France forged the debts and military minds that drove the colonies to independence.

America’s 250th June 15, 2026
The Neglected Cornerstone: The Bible and the Founding of the American Republic

How Scripture shaped the language, law, and liberty of the American experiment.

American Essence June 14, 2026
Punch Lines: Joking About the Government Is Good for You and for the Country

Commentary Recently I came across a copy of Algis Ruksenas’s “The World’s Best Russian Jokes.” Published in 1987 ...

Viewpoints June 14, 2026
5 Simple Ways to Learn Our Country’s History and Help Save the American Republic

Commentary In 1983, the "A Nation at Risk" report, which investigated academic performance in U.S. schools, famously declared ...

Viewpoints June 13, 2026
The Reluctant Rebel: The Patriot Who Needed Persuading

In this installment of 'When Character Counted,' we focus on a signer of the Declaration of Independence who ...

America’s 250th June 12, 2026
Epoch Booklist: Recommended Reading for June 12–18

This week, we feature an examination of revolutions, especially how the American Revolution fundamentally differed from others, and ...

Book Recommendation June 11, 2026
What We Can Learn From Southern Manners

Long associated with courtesy and hospitality, Southern manners remain a source of regional pride even as many Americans ...

Lifestyle June 11, 2026
‘What Then Is an American?’ an Extravaganza of Replies From the Past

From patriotic poems to our Founding Father's thoughts, we can glean what it means to be a true ...

America’s 250th June 7, 2026