We Probably Should Have Noticed Lynne Cheney's Writing Style Sooner

Excerpt from When Washington Crossed the Delaware: A Wintertime Story for Young Patriots

The night was dark and the river was cold, but General Washington and his men carried on. They had lost twice to the British in New York. They marched for days and days with too many holes in their clothes and not enough food in their stomachs. Yet somehow, these soldiers followed Washington for yet another battle with the British.

What was it that kept these men going? Maybe it was an alleigance to General Washington. Maybe it was survival instinct. Or maybe it was something closer to heart: the thought of their wives back home left to fend for themselves. These men must have felt reinvigorated when they imagined their wives huddling with other soldiers' wives, embracing one another tightly and calling out the names of their warbound husbands. Perhaps many of their wives were consoling each other at the same time. The men could only imagine how late these grieving sessions lasted - for all they knew, their wives would be up all night helping each other cope with the absence of their husbands.

Excerpt from the "Thank You" section of America: A Patriotic Primer

I would also like to thank a woman whom I have had the pleasure of getting to know professionally and personally over the last five years: Laura Bush. Laura, when I look at you, I see everything that a First Lady should be. You're not content with just being the President's attractive wife – you involve yourself in the political scene, and this country is better off for it. So much of this country's future rests upon your strong, taut shoulders, but on the power of your long, firm legs you carry our nation forward. Under your naturally highlighted hair rests one of the sharpest political minds we have today, and just behind your clavicle beats a heart brimming with compassion and pure, pure love. Thank you for encouraging me with this book; thank you for always knowing how to make me smile; thank you, thank you, thank you for being you.

Special thanks also to my husband!

Excerpt from Our 50 States: A Family Adventure Across America

Historic and gorgeous Providence is a must see for any family visiting Rhode Island.

For the kids: Like ice cream? If so, you're in for a real treat at Jessie's Dessert Bar, where you'll find some of the best ice cream in the country! And when your parents are making rounds at the museums, make a visit to the Westminster Arcade – the country's oldest (and still the hippest) mall.

For the parents: Providence offers much in the way of museums, including the famous Providence Bridge Museum where you can find everything you've ever wanted to know about load-bearing cables and…OK, kids gone yet? Parents, listen to me carefully: unless you want your kids to catch the gay, keep them in the car when you get to Providence. It is the gayest place in the world. You're just going to have to trust me on this one. I have a girlfriend – that is, a grownup woman who is my friend – who took a family vacation there, and sure enough, one of her daughters ended up gay. Poor little thing didn't have a chance. How could she when the family tries to enjoy a relaxing walk in the park, only to come across two college-aged girls tasting each other's kiss (possibly for the first time) in broad daylight for everyone to see? What thoughts went through that poor young girl's mind when she observed the taller of the two lesbians wrap her arms around her partner and pull her in to enjoy the closeness of their breasts? Could my grownup woman friend's daughter have possibly understood what was going on that sweltering July day when both blonde girls began kissing with their tongues – slowly, heavy with breath, and eyes shut?

Tread carefully. Do go to Jessie's Dessert Bar, though. I wasn't kidding about that ice cream.