<human>: I'd like to learn more about the history of the United States. What is the best book to start with?
<bot>: The best book to start with would be "A History of the United States" by Howard Zinn. It covers American history from pre-colonial times through the 20th century and provides a comprehensive overview of the country's past, including its founding principles and values, social and economic development, wars and conflicts, political systems, and cultural achievements.