The Newest book by Pulitzer Prize winning author, Geraldine Brooks, Horse is a magnificently well-researched and beautifully written piece of historicThe Newest book by Pulitzer Prize winning author, Geraldine Brooks, Horse is a magnificently well-researched and beautifully written piece of historical fiction, spanning across multiple plotlines and three centuries. Telling a dramatized version of the true story of the racehorse Lexington, Horse is able to tie so many eras of history together through the lens of horse racing and art while still addressing important themes of racism and inequality and the lasting scars of slavery. Particularly interesting, at least to me, was Brooks’ epilogue in which she provides some biographical information on all of the characters who were based in historical fact. It felt very much like watching a movie based on a true story and they include photos of the real people next to the actors. It was a very endearing way to conclude the story....more
This was a powerful, timely, and important book. Asylum is the story of one man’s journey to escape from persecution, only to find he wasn’t welcome iThis was a powerful, timely, and important book. Asylum is the story of one man’s journey to escape from persecution, only to find he wasn’t welcome in the place he escaped to. From being “illegal” in one nation to maintaining that status in the place he believed he could be free. Okporo’s story is one of his own life but it is also a call to action for those across the world to speak up and defend those whose only crime is existence....more
Thomson consulted a wealth of primary materials in writing this book and it shows. The descriptions of the crewmembers, the perils of the South AmericThomson consulted a wealth of primary materials in writing this book and it shows. The descriptions of the crewmembers, the perils of the South American jungle, and the ferocious scenes of battles make this a must read for anyone with even a passing interest in maritime history, readers of Patrick Obrien, or fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Despite the tale of Captain Morgan being full of adventure, Thomson does not fail to address all of the important goings-on of the world to paint a full picture of why Morgan was there, and what he and his men were doing mattered. There is no neglect of descriptions of political turmoil, harsh conditions, or legal ramifications to bring the larger-than-life exploits of Captain Morgan back to reality....more
This book, For the Love of Golf, is Reilly’s love letter to everything golfers love (and hate) about the game—from the most famous moments, the most dThis book, For the Love of Golf, is Reilly’s love letter to everything golfers love (and hate) about the game—from the most famous moments, the most difficult courses, drama between players, and the inexplicable things we all do because we think it will make the ball go further, straighter, higher, or just get closer to the 4 and a quarter inch hole placed a couple hundred yards away. Reilly covers the storied past of the game beautifully. And somehow manages to address hundreds of years of history, the good bad and ugly, in a succinct 270 pages. There’s something for everyone in this book—for those who just spent time riding in a cart with their parent, to the weekend warrior, to the local club champion—everyone will enjoy Reilly’s candid take on one of the world’s most wonderfully frustrating games...more
A very interesting book that somehow manages to tie together the lives and families of multiple famous firearms inventors while situating these men wiA very interesting book that somehow manages to tie together the lives and families of multiple famous firearms inventors while situating these men within the context of the world they lived in. I loved Bainbridge chose to focus more on the people than the weapons. I feel that there are plenty of sources to look into to learn about the inventions themselves, but learning about the inventors instead was really interesting!...more
I absolutely adored this book. Most things about Walt Disney tend to either demonize him or hold him as a man without fault. Friedman does an excellenI absolutely adored this book. Most things about Walt Disney tend to either demonize him or hold him as a man without fault. Friedman does an excellent job of avoiding those trends and instead writes about everyone involved as objectively as possible.
This is a great blend of film, animation, labor, and cultural history all wrapped into one. Fans of Disney will find plenty here to enjoy. As will those who find everything Disney to be the worst thing in the world. This book has everything from Mickey Mouse to the mob and is a pleasure to read. The details flowed seemlessly and not once did I ever feel bogged down by description. The narrative is laid out in such a way that you feel you are reading a legal drama and the author even does a good job at distinguishing between various committees so you don't feel like you're stuck in alphabet soup with all the different acronyms that get introduced. ...more
An excellent work of history. Well written, well researched, and an informative pleasure to read. The writing is academic but not out of reach from thAn excellent work of history. Well written, well researched, and an informative pleasure to read. The writing is academic but not out of reach from the casual history buff. A great read for anyone interested in Latin American history, American foreign policy of the 20th century, and the blending of race and politics....more
"Buzzword buzzword Trump presidency buzzword inflammatory statement buzzword white supremacist" --Page 16, this book.
For someone who hates Trump so m"Buzzword buzzword Trump presidency buzzword inflammatory statement buzzword white supremacist" --Page 16, this book.
For someone who hates Trump so much, Nance sure spends a lot of time using his name--and profiting from its use. I, too, think Trump is an idiot but I won't devote enough energy to write a book about him. For those who are blindly giving this book ratings(good or bad) based on the title, you're all idiots too. Maybe Mr. Nance should focus on ways to unite Americans rather than fear mongering about a potential civil war. For someone trying to warn about people who "want to kill Americans", he sure spends a lot of time encouraging readers that they need to be prepared to violently "defend" themselves AKA kill Americans. But I suppose it's only ok to kill Americans if they don't have the same political views as you, huh?
Everyone who stormed the capitol is dumb af, so is the author of this book, so are those who allowed it to be published, as are those who are rating it without reading it. I'll save you some time, if you're considering giving it a read: if you're left leaning you'll agree with it, if you lean right, you won't....more
A thorough work of history. I enjoyed the academic nature of this book, though it might be too academic for some readers. The first chapter focuses onA thorough work of history. I enjoyed the academic nature of this book, though it might be too academic for some readers. The first chapter focuses on the historiography of the Normans so it will quickly weed out those who have no taste for academic historical writing. Those who make it through (or skip) the first chapter will be fortunate enough to experience a well-researched, well-organized, and entirely thorough examination of the Normans and their history....more