Highly recommended. Clay uses correspondence and diaries to convey this fascinating story of family, power, and war. Many of the documents she used haHighly recommended. Clay uses correspondence and diaries to convey this fascinating story of family, power, and war. Many of the documents she used had never been publicized before her majesty Queen Elizabeth II granted access to them.
I'm a big fan of books about the Romanovs, and this may be my new favorite....more
A friend recommended this to me. I probably wouldn't have picked it up on my own, because the topic just tends to upset me. I'm glad I read it though.A friend recommended this to me. I probably wouldn't have picked it up on my own, because the topic just tends to upset me. I'm glad I read it though.
Many authors (academics) expound different theories about why Americans are so divided. Payne's theories seem to be well-researched and logical. They're somewhat more compelling than others, but I was aware, as I was reading, that there are other compelling reasons. Is it geographical? Familial? The possibilities are numerous.
I relate to the reviewers who want to know how to get along with people whom we feel hold despicable views. Understanding why someone feels the way they do, and why they have difficulty accepting other's viewpoints is a useful starting point for discussion, but it falls short of giving us a handbook for facilitating that discussion.
I recommend this book. It's digestible but scholarly, and well-written. I'd also recommend that you read other books on the subject to get a feel for different theories about how we came to this divide....more
Not a lot different from his other books. It's engaging and illuminating.Not a lot different from his other books. It's engaging and illuminating....more
Absolutely infuriating. I come away hating Monsanto even more than I had previously, which is saying something. Decades of refusing to accept responsiAbsolutely infuriating. I come away hating Monsanto even more than I had previously, which is saying something. Decades of refusing to accept responsibility for poisoning workers in their chemical plants, poisoning people with their Agent Orange, for cleaning up Superfund sites, and for creating dependence amongst farmers on toxic herbicides are all presented clearly yet without judgement. An easy read because it's very well-written, but damning. Highly recommended....more
Hard to read. The sexism, homophobia, and contemptuousness were difficult to get through. Interesting as an early work, in which Baldwin didn't feel uHard to read. The sexism, homophobia, and contemptuousness were difficult to get through. Interesting as an early work, in which Baldwin didn't feel up to the challenge of taking on both racism and gay issues. The characters in Giovanni's Room are white, which I didn't expect....more
I've long been interested in, and a supporter of the Southern Poverty Law Center, and this book was a perfect opportunity to learn more about both Mr.I've long been interested in, and a supporter of the Southern Poverty Law Center, and this book was a perfect opportunity to learn more about both Mr. Dees and the founding and growth of the Center. The subject matter is difficult to get through, but I'm so impressed with Dees's ability to see Klan members as whole human beings, rather than simply hate mongers. Well worth the read....more
The first time I tried to read this, I had to put it aside. I couldn't stand the pain, anger, and heartbreak. I've finally re-read it and finished. It'The first time I tried to read this, I had to put it aside. I couldn't stand the pain, anger, and heartbreak. I've finally re-read it and finished. It's still heartbreaking....more