Normally, a review seeks to answer the question, "Is this book good?" That part is easy. Esme Louise James' Kinky History is wonderful. The real questNormally, a review seeks to answer the question, "Is this book good?" That part is easy. Esme Louise James' Kinky History is wonderful. The real question is, "How many double entendres will I put in this review?" While I role play as a sophisticated history reviewer, my sense of humor can be just as juvenile as it was back in high school. I'm not saying I am proud of this fact. But I am.
Ok, fine. I'll tell you more about the book. James uses a framing device for the overall narrative. She invites the reader to a raunchy dinner party with people from various time periods. This allows her to jump around in history to introduce well-known people and their.... proclivities. If this sounds like it might be a turn off for you, don't fret. This is used sparingly, and James' research is the real main course. (Get it? Get it!?) She is very funny and keeps it light even if there are actual statistics in this book. Which is good because I always found math rather hard.
James wants us to be a little more tolerant of what people do behind closed doors (and sometimes with open doors because you can't forget the exhibitionists). No, she is not flogging prudes with this book. James comes from a place of celebration and education.
So, in conclusion, if this looks like a book you would enjoy, then you should read it. If you think this is outside your comfort zone, why not open yourself up to some experimentation? If you hate it, you can close this book and go read something classic like Shakespeare (who wrote more double entrendres than I can ever dream of).
Oh, the answer to the question is 6.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by the publisher.)...more
When you name your book, "Patton's Prayer," it will inherently be seen as controversial. To put a finer point on it, this title suggests General GeorgWhen you name your book, "Patton's Prayer," it will inherently be seen as controversial. To put a finer point on it, this title suggests General George Patton did not believe himself to be God.
I kid. MacArthur thought he was God. Patton just thought they were besties.
Alex Kershaw's new book looks mainly at Patton right before the Battle of the Bulge through the end of World War II. It is part war story but also a character study. My joke aside, Patton was a Christian who believed in the power of prayer. In fact, the book hinges on his request to a chaplain to create and distribute a prayer asking for better weather as the Allies drove towards Germany.
It would be overselling it to say this book had religion at its core. It is much more about Patton and how he continually pushed his men to accomplish their missions. If you are looking for a book which analyzes religion at war, then you will be disappointed. However, if you are looking for a good narrative and some insight into Patton specifically, then you will be happy. Kershaw is known for writing great World War II stories and his streak is not broken with this one.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Dutton Books.)...more
I never really thought about the fact that more palm readers weren't burned at the stake. Ok, hear me out.
You will often read or see in historical medI never really thought about the fact that more palm readers weren't burned at the stake. Ok, hear me out.
You will often read or see in historical media about a king going to see a psychic or someone who can put together a "special" potion. These people did exist. So why weren't they tried and executed as witches? Finally, Tabitha Stanmore is here to explain why in her book, Cunning Folk. See, they weren't tried as witches because they weren't witches. They were cunning folk and, at worst, their activities were frowned upon and at best, they were actively sought by many people.
Stanmore drops us into the time period of medieval and early modern Europe. We start off with a woman in London trying to find her spoons. Sure, you and I aren't worried about losing spoons but back in the day this was no bueno. Spoons could be worth a lot and eating soup with your hands is a real pain. Stanmore follows this woman as she tries to find the right cunning folk to solve her problem because there are many different types. Don't worry, the book also looks at some famous people who tried to kill other famous people.
There is a sole issue with the book which is not Stanmore's fault. That woman and her spoons is the perfect example. We know she tried to find them and asked cunning folk but we get no resolution because the records just stop. This happens with a lot of the stories in the book and it does rob the narrative of a little magic (pun intended!). Stanmore's research is impeccable and there is nothing she can do about it. The information just doesn't exist anymore. Even still, this is well worth the read and it's a lot of fun.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing.)...more
"Chase your dreams," people say. A less popular maxim is, "You really need to know when to quit it." The "it" in this instance is the mythical El Dora"Chase your dreams," people say. A less popular maxim is, "You really need to know when to quit it." The "it" in this instance is the mythical El Dorado. The people who didn't know when to quit were mostly Walter Raleigh (or Ralegh or...well even he didn't know how to spell his own name right) and a bunch of other people. We can add another saying which should be more well known. "The Amazon is trying to kill you and it's very good at it."
Paradise of the Damned by Keith Thomson is a wonderful character study of people who think they are just one more mile from that last big score. The score they can retire on. The score which will make them immortal. In the case of Raleigh, he would become immortal, just not in the way he intended.
Most of the narrative is focused on Raleigh and his life once he made his multiple bids for El Dorado. This is not a full biography of Raleigh, but it is a very enjoyable recounting of parts of his life. Along the way, Thomson also mentions the multitude of men who thought they could tame the Amazon and it never goes well.
I should mention that Thomson has a hysterical way of infusing this dark story with witty asides which are always welcome. After all, there is an inherent hilarity in how many of these men kept falling for stories from indigenous people. "Gold? Sure, it's somewhere that is not here. Just keep going and leave us alone. Yeah, my cousin told me all the gold is that way. Yes, we are totally best friends. Now go."
It's not a lie if you want to believe it.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Little, Brown and Company.)...more
Before Will Smith and Chris Rock at the Oscars, there was Preston Brooks and Charles Sumner in the Senate. Sumner took way more than a single slap, thBefore Will Smith and Chris Rock at the Oscars, there was Preston Brooks and Charles Sumner in the Senate. Sumner took way more than a single slap, though.
Charles Sumner takes up a strange place in the American consciousness. He is, by far, most known for the caning he took from Brooks. His stellar abolitionist credentials are overshadowed by Thaddeus Stevens who stole the spotlight in the movie Lincoln. (Fun fact: Sumner was actually in the movie, too. I checked!) Due to this slight, Stephen Puleo is here to resurrect all of Sumter the way Spielberg did for Stevens, but in book form! My favorite!
The Great Abolitionist is a wonderful biography of a man who had an unassailable passion for abolition, but would probably not be the first person you'd invite to a dinner. I always appreciate biographies more when they don't shy away from the negative attributes of the subject. Sumter was unbending, arrogant, and what can generously be described as aloof. He had friends, but they had to see past a lot of negative personality traits. Also, the less said about his marriage the better.
Puleo focuses mostly on where Sumter fits into the political machinations from right before the Civil War to the end of Reconstruction. I certainly learned a lot about him and I think I am generally well read on the Civil War era. Puleo makes everything interesting while being informative but the first half (pre-caning) was much more interesting to me than post-caning. I don't blame Puleo for this as it seems to me Sumter's life after the attack loses some life. He becomes more of a passenger to the greater events going on as opposed to a catalyst. It's a very minor critique, which again, is not Puleo's fault and just more of a statement on how badly Sumter's life was affected. This is still a must read for any Civil War nerd.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and St. Martin's Press.)...more
If you will indulge me for a second as I quote a line from the description of this book, "In The Light of Battle, Michel Paradis, acclaimed author of If you will indulge me for a second as I quote a line from the description of this book, "In The Light of Battle, Michel Paradis, acclaimed author of Last Mission to Tokyo, paints a vivid portrait of Dwight Eisenhower as he learns to navigate the crosscurrents of diplomacy, politics, strategy, family, and fame with the fate of the free world hanging in the balance."
This is too much. The Light of Battle is a book which needs to be about 1,000 pages to do justice to everything it purports to investigate. That said, you get a little bit of everything which means there are some very enjoyable passages. However, your enjoyment depends on your point of view and expectations. Let's break it down.
The book succeeds mostly as an intimate personal portrait of Eisenhower as he is positioned to lead the execution of D-Day. Every major name you would expect to hear is mentioned. I would also say each character is given some background in a sometimes gossipy way. Paradis's tone is informal for a World War II book and this won't be for everyone. If you want the facts presented in a neutral way, then you may find it off-putting. If you want to hear how Patton could be a total child without mincing words, then you'll be happy.
I personally found that Paradis tried to handle too many complex people and events. Paradis tries to focus on the events leading up to D-Day, but he has to constantly jump time periods (often in the middle of a chapter) to give backstory. Other characters seem to drop into the narrative and then disappear for extended periods of time. D-Day, the event, is not until the very end of the book and almost feels like a footnote. People who have read a lot of World War II history may find a lot of characterizations of both people and events overly simplified.
What it comes down to is point of view and familiarity with the material. If you have read a lot of World War II literature, then I think this will fall short of expectations. If you are not well-versed and want a high-level overview of Eisenhower and a straightforward narrative, then you should find this enjoyable.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Mariner Books.)...more
I will never again make fun of my friends who worry they are being catfished after reading There is No Ethan by Anna Akbari. I think this review will I will never again make fun of my friends who worry they are being catfished after reading There is No Ethan by Anna Akbari. I think this review will work best as a Q&A with questions I think you may have as a reader:
1. Is it very good? Yes.
2. Will I like it if I have never internet dated? First of all, I'm bitter and jealous that you didn't have to get on dating apps while the rest of us were fighting for our lives out there. But I owe you an answer and yes, I think you will. While the method of this dating may not be universal, getting sucked in and abused by a toxic person is definitely universal.
3. Yeah, but only foolish or lonely people would fall for a catfish, right? The author, Anna Akbari, is a PhD sociologist. She didn't come from money and had to work hard to even get through school. She had previous healthy relationships and an active social life including doing things I didn't know you could do like house swapping, but I digress. The other women in the story are equally accomplished and socially adept so chill out, dude. Your tone is all wrong. It can happen to anyone.
4. Ok, so "Ethan" was a master manipulator? Yup.
5. Do we find out who "Ethan" is? Yup.
6. Wait, can I just google and look at the actual "Ethan" once I know the real name? Yup, and you are damn right I did it before I finished the book.
7. Will I be enraged on multiple levels? YUUUUUUUUUUUUUP!
8. Wow, is "Ethan's" life going to suck after this book comes out? IT BETTER!
9. But isn't this just reading someone else's text messages? Seems weird, doesn't it? You're being judgy again. Who doesn't like hearing a friend talk about their latest dating drama (good or bad)? Also, Akbari spends the first part of the book digging into her messages with "Ethan" and it isn't just dropping into a conversation. You are learning about their dynamic and also peering into how the manipulation works. Akbari deserves an award purely for being so vulnerable to the reader, but she also keeps it interesting by explaining what was happening to her. The second half of the book becomes a detective story with the two other women as they unravel "Ethan".
10. Anything else I should know? I'm so glad I'm no longer on the dating apps.
11. I am using dating apps now. Should I wait to read this book? Knowledge is power, my friend. But you should probably keep some alcohol nearby.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing.)...more
And I thought Boeing was a mess. Then I read Caroline Alexander's Skies of Thunder and apparently it could be worse.
Alexander looks at an often ignoreAnd I thought Boeing was a mess. Then I read Caroline Alexander's Skies of Thunder and apparently it could be worse.
Alexander looks at an often ignored area of World War II which was the Burma/India/China theater. I have read a lot of World War II books and the missions talked about in this book are, at best, footnotes in most others. Alexander also paints a very clear picture of why! The entire theater was a mess of egos, bad planning, extreme danger, and negligible effects on World War II as a whole. The book can be broken down into two stories. One is much stronger than the other.
The weaker story is everything that is not about the pilots and missions over "the Hump." The ground missions and personality conflicts take up a large portion of the narrative and it does not have the narrative propulsion by itself. Alexander is a gifted writer and she never skimps on the research. For this part of the story, however, I wish she would have shortened it just a bit. I wasn't mad or tempted to skim, but I wanted to get back to the pilots fighting their planes. Yes, I mean fighting their planes.
Pilots flying over "the Hump" were clearly in a catch-22 situation. Only crazy people would do it, but if you are scared of flying then you are clearly not crazy. Alexander's story truly soars (pun intended!) in these sections. She weaves in the pilot's words and gives context for the nightmare that was these flights. The section on "That Night" is a perfect encapsulation of riveting writing. If you enjoy World War II stories at all, then this should be on your shelf.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Viking Books.)...more
This book is anarchy. No wait, this book is an octopus. Actually, it's both.
The Infernal Machine by Steven Johnson accomplishes something no other booThis book is anarchy. No wait, this book is an octopus. Actually, it's both.
The Infernal Machine by Steven Johnson accomplishes something no other book before it has done. That is to describe the ideology of anarchy in a way that makes sense to me. As for the octopus part, Johnson weaves so many story lines together that it will make your head spin. Off the top of my head, he explains the aforementioned anarchist movement, the evolution of the U.S. detective, J. Edgar Hoover, dynamite, and the beginnings of a police state. This book is part history, true crime, and even thriller. How can Johnson balance all these topics without it feeling like a disjointed mess? I don't know, but he did it.
The major through-line of the story are the anarchists Emma Goldman and Alexander Berkman. I certainly wouldn't call them the heroes of the story as they are, at best, hypocrites and, at worst, psychopaths. It depends how comfortable you are with blowing people up. Regardless, their characters are not the point. Their belief system, anarchy, is. Johnson masterfully paints a picture of a movement that has some interesting ideas even if they are never fully understood, implemented, or even agreed upon by its adherents. Goldman and Berkman lay at the center of all the tentacles of the octopus even when they are not actively taking part. It makes for a story which covers a lot of ground while being extremely compact and engaging on every page.
In short, this will be on a lot of people's "best of 2024" lists (including mine!).
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Crown Publishing.)...more
My brain is full. The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World by Bettany Hughes is absolutely packed with everything you might want to know about the WondeMy brain is full. The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World by Bettany Hughes is absolutely packed with everything you might want to know about the Wonders. Everything is in here including the people who planned it, built it, demanded it, and lived around it. I generally find ancient history a hard time period for me. Often, we know so little about specific stories that it becomes necessary to use conjecture which always pulls me right out of a story if used too much. Hughes does not have this problem here. The amount of research and thought put into each chapter is mind-blowing. Every Wonder gets its own chapter and, while there is a lot of information, none of it was tangential. Everything made our understanding of a Wonder more complete.
Strangely, the book's strength is also its sole weakness. I was very interested in the subject matter and even I felt, at times, a bit overwhelmed by the detail in each chapter. I found myself sometimes looking forward to the next chapter just because I felt like I already had everything I needed. Clearly, this is a minor quibble, and any ancient history nerds will be thrilled with this book and want it on their shelf.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by the publisher.)...more
It's very frustrating when the description of the book is not what the book actually is about. I ran into this issue with Sally Denton's The Colony. IIt's very frustrating when the description of the book is not what the book actually is about. I ran into this issue with Sally Denton's The Colony. It is billed as an investigation into a sect of the LDS church and the polygamy within and how it may or may not tie to a massacre in Mexico. Most egregiously, the description suggests Denton will "explore what drove so many women over generations" to be a part of this colony.
Instead, this book feels about 10% about the massacre, 60% about how the Mormons ended up in Mexico, and the final 30% about Mexican politics and the drug cartels. There is a chapter on "sisterhood" at the end which feels horribly tacked on. It's as if everyone forget they were going to market this book as about women in this church but then forget about them for most of the narrative.
The actual story clocks in at a little over 200 pages. There are some interesting tidbits throughout but the major problem is that nothing feels adequately detailed. The connection with the NXIVM cult is bizarre and I learned a few things. Unfortunately, this is a book that forgot to pick a reason for existing and instead tried to do a little of everything....more
I keep running into books lately where my ratings have to come with caveats. When Harry Met Pablo by Matthew Algeo is one of them. Let's break this doI keep running into books lately where my ratings have to come with caveats. When Harry Met Pablo by Matthew Algeo is one of them. Let's break this down.
The book is well written. Algeo keeps the story moving and has a knack on bringing out the interesting parts of whatever he is talking about. He is also funny. He got a few good laughs out of me and I am a humorless person. (Half of the previous sentence is a lie.) The book clearly has a theme, which is that people can fundamentally disagree about something and still be kind to each other. So, what's the problem?
This book is not long enough or it is too long. Take your pick. Algeo says it started as an article and I think it would have been strong if it stayed that way. Instead, it's very short for a book (less than 200 pages) and that length does not allow for a real analysis of any one particularly thing or person. I don't feel like I got to know Truman or Picasso better. (I was reminded how much of a jerk Picasso is, though.) There are long sections on art events which do not directly concern our two subjects. There are a lot of side characters. That said, I didn't hate any section. The book just feels incomplete. Or maybe it feels too long. Again, take your pick.
If the subject seems interesting or you like Algeo's other work, you'll probably like it. If those two things are untrue, you may want to skip.
(This book was provided as a review copy by the publisher.)...more
It's a textbook, but it's not. Salim Yaqub's Winds of Hope, Storms of Discord looks at the history of the U.S. since 1945. This is quite a huge amountIt's a textbook, but it's not. Salim Yaqub's Winds of Hope, Storms of Discord looks at the history of the U.S. since 1945. This is quite a huge amount of time and material with the book clocking in around 500 pages. It is in many ways a textbook. At the end of each chapter are some questions for reflection and suggestions for further reading. Yaqub writes a better narrative than most textbooks, but there is a very narrow audience for this type of book. Obviously, it is not in-depth on any specific subject (and Yaqub points out he can't be). For what it is, I think Yaqub does a good job covering everything as neutral as possible.
(This book was provided as a review copy by the publisher.)...more
Up until now, every book I have read by Tom Clavin and Bob Drury has received my hearty approval. That streak will not end with Throne of Grace. DruryUp until now, every book I have read by Tom Clavin and Bob Drury has received my hearty approval. That streak will not end with Throne of Grace. Drury and Clavin have mastered the ability to make a history book sound like a story you hear from a long lost friend at the bar. There is a ton of characters, dramatic twists, and more than a few laughs.
Throne of Grace tells the story of the first forays of Americans into what would become the Wild West and the West Coast. Specifically, the story tries to center around one Jedediah Smith. As you may have guessed from the first name, he grew up religious and stayed that way. Somehow, he still answered the call to explore the west. As with any Clavin and Drury book though, it would be a bit misleading to say this book is about one person. The authors love to pepper their books with quick asides about side characters and will tell a great tall tale even if they point out it probably never happened.
This book also displays the authors' willingness to call out hypocrisy and deploy their sardonic wit. A fur trapper starts spouting off about "savages" killing his friends? Clavin and Drury don't hesitate to remind the readers of the massacre that man took part in. American Indians confronting explorers about their greed? It will be pointed out that the accuser recently stole 40 horses from a traveling party outside their own territory. None of these people were saints and I appreciate storytellers who don't shy away from the ugly side of history.
So, as per usual, you should read this. In fact, you can read anything with their names on it.
(This book was provided as an advance reader copy by Netgalley and St. Martin's Press.)...more
I know this may be difficult to believe right now, but Americans and Russians were not always best friends! In fact, during World War II, there was a I know this may be difficult to believe right now, but Americans and Russians were not always best friends! In fact, during World War II, there was a real question if the then Soviet Union was going to help at all in defeating Japan. This question is at the center of Dan Hampton's Vanishing Act.
Hampton tells the story of a particular plane during the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo a few months after Pearl Harbor. If you don't know this story then I assure you it is one of the most amazing missions in military history. Action movies play on the trope of the "suicide mission" and the Doolittle Raid is a real-life version of it. Hampton is not trying to retell the entire story of the raid but to focus on the only plane that ended up in Russia. (Note: For the complete story of the raid, James M. Scott's Target Tokyo is the definitive account.) If you are a World War II nerd, Hampton's book will mostly be things you already know. He speeds through most of World War II to set up his investigation into the plane piloted by "Ski" York. Hampton is, as usual, a great writer and this is an easy read.
As far as his investigation, I would say Hampton has some good points, but I felt like he didn't do enough to discount the accepted story while building his own narrative. To put it another way, he is persuasive, but I wanted more narrative devoted to exploring how arguments against his theory could be shot down. It didn't keep me from enjoying the book and I'd especially recommend this to anyone who wants an entry point into the raid who knew nothing about it before.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and St. Martin's Press.)...more
I think this Gay Talese guy might just have a future in this business. I kid. Talese has been a well-known author for decades and this book serves as I think this Gay Talese guy might just have a future in this business. I kid. Talese has been a well-known author for decades and this book serves as a partial recounting of his career. Like many famous authors, he has a specific type of writing. I enjoyed this book immensely because I am okay with literary diversions as long as the author keeps it interesting. This is to say, if you want your book to have laser focus on its thesis, then you may want to skip this one. All others, I highly recommend this literary comfort food.
Bartleby & Me is three parts. The first is a memoir of sorts for Talese's career. The second part is about the process of creating one of his most revered works about Frank Sinatra. The last is about a man who blew up his New York brownstone while in it. In each story, Talese states how much he loves getting the view from people often ignored. Yes, Sinatra is interesting, but so is his stand-in. And Talese is going to talk about him if he can.
If you can stand a few diversions, this book is an easy read which I found both interesting and relaxing. Just sit back and let Talese tell his story while you enjoy the ride.
(This book was provided as a review copy by the publisher.)...more
Have you ever read a book where you agree with the general premise, but you end up disliking the presentation? That is where I was with Kim Wagner's MHave you ever read a book where you agree with the general premise, but you end up disliking the presentation? That is where I was with Kim Wagner's Massacre in the Clouds. The book is billed as the story of the Battle of Bud Dajo in the Philippines in 1906. It is about that but it is also a screed against American imperialism. In fact, Wagner seems to realize this as he even says his book is not "anti-American" but "anti-lie." This struck me as a reader because when you have to state this outright, then perhaps your narrative is a bit too heavy handed.
And I found this all very heavy handed. I personally get very distracted when the author is beating me over the head with their point of view. Criticizing America is not a problem for me if you tell me a fully realized story and prove your point. For example, please see my reviews for Patrick Winn's Narcotopia or Nick Tabor's Africatown. Both books are very critical of American policies but the authors prove that by focusing on the story they are telling. They flesh out their characters, both good and bad, and allow the reader to understand the author's point of view instead of telling them how to think.
This review was hard for me because, like I said, I agree with the general premise. Bud Dajo was a massacre along the likes of My Lai. Leonard Wood sucked and shouldn't have a military base named after him. However, Wagner seems to dismiss anything which might conflict with his point of view. Again, the problem is not that what Wagner thinks is necessarily wrong, it's that he dismisses anything which doesn't fit his narrative instead of clearly disproving it for the reader.
I found myself distracted by wondering what I wasn't being told or what avenue wasn't being analyzed. For example, Wagner points out a specific point where General Pershing takes over, finds himself in a similar situation to Bud Dajo, and chooses another plan of action than the one Wood chose. Pershing explicitly states he will not handle it like it was before. Immediately, Wagner moves onto lambasting Pershing for other things he did in the Philippines. I had to go back and reread because I found myself wondering, "Well, why? Why did Pershing act differently here? Was he a different person than Wood? Was he just being more politically astute? Were his enemies acting differently?" I found myself distracted by side questions often as this was only one example.
Another problem is that Wagner repeatedly tied Bud Dajo to greater American imperialism. It's Wagner's book and that's his prerogative. However, the synopsis for this book is pretty specific that it is about Bud Dajo. This is not a long book and a not insignificant part of it is about American and European imperialism and other massacres like Wounded Knee and My Lai. I felt Bud Dajo's story deserved more focus. It felt like a lot of detail was glossed over to discuss imperialism.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and PublicAffairs.)...more
I am a terribly practical person. I blame my parents, but digging any further into that is for therapy not a blog. What does this have to do with my rI am a terribly practical person. I blame my parents, but digging any further into that is for therapy not a blog. What does this have to do with my review of Sailing Alone by Richard King? Simply, people who would choose to sail alone in the ocean seem ridiculous to me. They put their own lives in danger. They put potential rescuers in danger. And for what?
Guess who was ready for a practical skeptic (cynic?) like me? Richard King! King also tells a parallel story of his own solo sailing venture while looking at a few hundred years of other trips like his. If you are expecting to read about shipwrecks, this is not that book although a few bad things happen. This is instead about people who intend to sail across an ocean, if not the world, completely alone.
My skepticism about this book dissipated almost immediately when King plainly stated that he will try and answer the question of "why go?" for each single-handed sailor. Most importantly, King is not afraid to point out the things I thought throughout the book. Some of these sailors are heroic, determined, and take their journeys for unselfish reasons. Others are egomaniacs, mentally ill, or trying to be on a reality show (though I blame the parents of that one). King intersperses these stories with his own solo trip as well as chapters on various aspects of these voyages like birds, sharks, and near death experiences.
I would caution readers to know what you are getting into. King's writing is excellent from beginning to end. However, the book started to drag for me in the second half. Some of the stories seem to cover a lot of the same ground. This is absolutely a question of personal preference. If you are interested in sailing and the art of it, then you must read this book. If you are vaguely interested, this may drag as you reach the end. It's a great book for the right audience.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Penguin Group Viking.)...more
To be honest, I wondered just how much I would enjoy C.W. Goodyear's President Garfield. I thoroughly enjoyed Candice Millard's Destiny of the RepubliTo be honest, I wondered just how much I would enjoy C.W. Goodyear's President Garfield. I thoroughly enjoyed Candice Millard's Destiny of the Republic and felt that might have given me all I needed to know about a president whose administration was regrettably short. Like Roscoe Conkling, I underestimated the man (and his biographer).
Goodyear puts together a detailed, well-researched, and immersive biography. I find many authors can write in-depth about a topic, but it takes true talent to keep it interesting throughout. Make no mistake, this is a long book and clocks in just under 500 pages. Sure, it's not a Ron Chernow doorstop, but it could hold quite a few doors open. Goodyear never lost my interest and I was invested the entire way. The book covers everything from Garfield's upbringing, his service in the Civil War, and his extensive political life. Goodyear also keeps the side stories to an absolute minimum. Many books like this will throw so many names at you that it's impossible to keep them straight. Goodyear is laser focused and it keeps the narrative moving while still being very detailed. Highly recommend for any reader even slightly interested in Garfield.
(This book was provided as a review copy by the publisher.)...more
Spies come in many different forms. Some are the James Bond types who are constantly in shootouts with death knocking at their door. Some are more subSpies come in many different forms. Some are the James Bond types who are constantly in shootouts with death knocking at their door. Some are more subtle. Jason Bell introduces us to Winthrop Bell (no relation) in his book Cracking the Nazi Code.
First things first, this is not really a spy book. The spy Bell mostly went around Germany after World War I posing as a journalist while reporting back to MI6. The derring-do is about his determination to learn information and present it to leadership rather than physical danger, although there is some. A good portion of the book is really about how Nazis didn't just show up out of thin air in the personification of Adolf Hitler. Bell, the author, traces how the end of World War I is when this horrible movement started to truly take hold.
I have two criticisms of the book which are not huge. It does feel repetitive at times. Bell the spy consistently pushes his views and they don't change drastically. It means Bell the author will cover the same ground often. The other criticism is Bell the author places a LOT of influence on Bell the spy. It comes off as an author who fell in love with his subject so much that he sees him as the conduit for all good things. I felt at times like the author attributed too much to Bell the spy without solid evidence. I don't think anything is made up at all, I just questioned the level of influence Bell ultimately had on greater actions of the governments in the book.
I think for anyone who wants a better understanding of the political world right after World War I, this is definitely a book you want to look at.
(This book was provided as an advance reader copy by the publisher.)...more
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