We have a great history as a nation, but many of us are content with the pious stories we learned as children and shy away from learning more about the great events that shaped America. For instance, most people would prefer the story that, as a child, George Washington said, "I cannot tell a lie," in admitting he had cut down a cherry tree with his axe. The true story, according to Henry Wiencek in his book, An Imperfect God, is that Washington admitted to his mother that he had ridden a favorite horse of hers to death.

Wiencek's book is one of three recent volumes that invite us to learn more about the man who was the father of our country. Wiekncek's book explores Washington's uncomfortable relationship with slaves and slavery, and chronicles how this very imperfect man grew until he b…