The Buster Clan

An American Saga

Non-Fiction - Historical
438 Pages
Reviewed on 06/10/2023
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

The Buster Clan: An American Saga by K.P. Kollenborn is a deep dive into the author’s family history and the ancestors who were, in their small way, a part of shaping and building the United States. Using stories, legends, and sometimes myths from his family’s past, the author traces the movements, seminal events, and dark side of the Buster family, who first arrived on American shores well before the Revolutionary War. From the tobacco fields of Virginia to the Deep South and across the Midwest to the newly opened areas of New Mexico, Nevada, and beyond, the Buster clan has spread its wings far and wide over the centuries. Through family anecdotes and well-researched and documented historical records, the author will show the very best and the seedier side of many members of this widespread clan. From farmers and slave owners, the members of the Buster family would enter all fields of human endeavor, from military service to law enforcement; they became artists, poets, writers, teachers, entrepreneurs, politicians, doctors, scientists, and yes, some even gained reputations as brutal and dangerous killers. This story unfolds a family history that parallels the unfoldment of the United States.

The Buster Clan: An American Saga is an intriguing read. I have read many family history stories, and so often, they are just a dry recitation of dates, places, and facts, but author K.P. Kollenborn has managed to capture the essence of the periods described in the narrative. Presenting anecdotal evidence alongside indisputable historical documentation and comparing and contrasting the two keeps the story flowing with a gentle cadence. What impressed me most was the author’s systematic research and beautifully presented footnotes and citations to back up the sometimes-anecdotal narrative. I truly appreciated that the author did not pull any punches in describing the sometimes dark and seamy side of family members, especially concerning the participants’ treatment of both the enslaved and the indigenous population with whom they frequently came into contact, as the family continued their relentless surge westward. This is more than just one clan’s history, though. The author presents us with a true social and cultural examination of the times when the various Buster family members lived. I truly enjoyed many of the human stories of individual exploits of different family members. Certainly, the stories that stick in my mind the most are those of the Buster woman, especially those who were prepared to buck the social and legal constraints of the time and seek education, employment, and even property, outside of the normal roles assigned to women. I thoroughly enjoyed this extremely readable book and can highly recommend it.

K.C. Finn

The Buster Clan: An American Saga is a work of non-fiction in the American history, socio-political issues, and personal narratives subgenres. It is suitable for the general adult reading audience and was penned by author K.P. Kollenborn. In celebration of all things American, this is a collection that brings together a series of personal tales from figures during three hundred years of U.S. history. Centering around the author’s personal heritage and connection to the name ‘Buster,’ we explore the lives of teachers, murderers, politicians, and performers as they navigate the shifting tensions of race, class, culture, and beyond. What results is a rich tapestry of American attitudes and ideals, both in tribute to the American experience and with a view to more positive change and healing in the country’s future.

Author K.P. Kollenborn has put all her talents to the test in this extensive and deeply involved historical volume to produce a deeply human story that readers from all walks of life will find something relatable in. One of the features I enjoyed most about this work was the gentle presence of the author in the narration, as it’s clear that Kollenborn feels deeply connected to her country, her clan, and the different historical changes and events they endured. This gives the sometimes-dry pages of history a really refreshing lift and new energy, making it easier to engage with times gone by and relive them through a modern lens. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend The Buster Clan: An American Saga to fans of vividly detailed American history, well-researched works, and human interest stories with social observations at their core.

Anne-Marie Reynolds

The Buster Clan: An American Saga by K.P. Kollenborn is a nonfictional historical American saga that delves into the history of the Buster Clan in a series of short tales and historical stories. It’s about the American experience, and the stories are like mini-biographies, each told from a different perspective. From the Pacific Railroad to the gold rushes and the American wars, these stories open a new world, providing valuable insight into society.

The Buster Clan by K.P. Kollenborn is a fascinating read that does more than just open the door to a world we’ve only touched on in novels and movies. This well-researched book is about the Buster Clan and is a fantastic American history book that gives insight into how people lived throughout the generations. It covers subjects pertinent to the times, including racism, slavery expansion in the West, human rights, etc. This book is educational, humorous in places, and highly entertaining. Many topics are covered in many eras, all engaging and captivating. America’s history is complex, perhaps one of the most diverse, and this book describes it with personal stories you won’t read anywhere else. You’ll be left with a better understanding of American history and experience. Even if you don’t often read nonfiction historical books, this one will captivate you.