I think we are all pretty aware that Kim Jong Un is a psychopath just like his father and grandfather. But don't worry, if you are afraid we will run I think we are all pretty aware that Kim Jong Un is a psychopath just like his father and grandfather. But don't worry, if you are afraid we will run out of murderous despots if the Supreme Leader croaks, his sociopath little sister is ready in the wings! Say hello to Kim Yo Jong!
The Sister by Sung-Yoon Lee is a fantastic look at how Kim Yo Jong is basically her brother's other half. Now, other reviewers have pointed out that there is precious little information in the book about Kim Yo Jong as a person. This is true, but it's not the fault of Lee, but it is certainly the fault of the North Korean political apparatus. Lee fills in as much as he can, but what I truly loved about this book is that Lee interprets the actions of North Korea for people unfamiliar with the culture. Multiple times Lee states the facts of an event, summit, or message and then explains what they actually mean and how those actions illuminate the duplicity of North Korea.
To put it simply, Lee doesn't just tell a story. He also educates. And he does so in such simple and clear language that I was sad when the book ended. Unfortunately, I think Kim Yo Jung may give Lee more fodder for a second book very soon.
(This book was provided as a courtesy copy by the publisher.)...more
It's hard being a spy. It's especially hard when you are a woman spy who is not allowed to get married, have children, or basically do anything someonIt's hard being a spy. It's especially hard when you are a woman spy who is not allowed to get married, have children, or basically do anything someone finds offensive to their tastes. If you don't believe me, just take a gander at Liza Mundy's meticulously researched The Sisterhood and she can tell you all about it!
The book is broken up into three sections but really it has two sections in my opinion. The first section is about the creation of what would become the CIA during World War II and then covering the Cold War and the run up to September 11th. Mundy focuses on many different women and their day to day issues trying to navigate a very sexist CIA. I feel Mundy had a very clear vision of how to impart on the reader just how many challenges women faced just to get and hold a job, let alone actually get promoted.
The second part, which is basically September 11th to today, felt much more uneven. It seems to me that the WWII/Cold War section focused on the women of the CIA with world events in the background. The section on the War on Terror felt like the women took a backseat to the issues of the day. For example, the Iraq War gets laser focus in the narrative and members of the Sisterhood are mentioned almost as an afterthought in discussions about failed national policy and torture. Mundy did such a great job in the first part of the book that I couldn't help but feel the messiness of the past 20 years bogged down the pace and took attention away from the Sisterhood.
That said, I still enjoyed this immensely and would recommend it to anyone interested in the subject or if you loved Mundy's acclaimed previous book, Code Girls.
(This book was provided as an advance read copy by Netgalley and Crown Publishing.)...more
I never feel good about giving a bad review, but honesty is a requirement. The Whites of Their Eyes by Michael Shay is an example of when a good idea I never feel good about giving a bad review, but honesty is a requirement. The Whites of Their Eyes by Michael Shay is an example of when a good idea and impeccable research cannot overcome a lack of real insight. The good of this work is easy to see. Shay has done extensive research to fill in many blanks in Revolutionary War General Israel Putnam's life. I learned quite a few tidbits I had no idea about including Putnam's sojourn to Cuba.
The fatal flaw is that Putnam was not as prolific as other Revolutionary characters who left extensive correspondence or performed such heroic feats that others spoke about them endlessly. Also, by the time of the Revolution, Putnam was older and not nearly as dynamic as the other immortal Patriots. This leaves Shay with the unenviable task of cobbling together a story without much insight into what drove Putnam and what he thought about all the events of his life. Shay does his best but the final product ends up feeling stilted at times while at other times Putnam disappears from the narrative altogether.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Globe Pequot.)...more
Thank you, Bret Baier for reminding us that the United States has always been arguing with itself. To Rescue the Constitution is the story of how the Thank you, Bret Baier for reminding us that the United States has always been arguing with itself. To Rescue the Constitution is the story of how the U.S. was born and immediately started screaming. Whether it was over bigger government, citizenship, or states rights, the U.S. has never lacked for political passion. Baier brings out the Murderers' Row of Founding Fathers but mostly centers on how George Washington is the reason anything got done (mostly).
I will say that for American history super nerds (like myself), you are not going to find any new revelations other than a few smaller fun facts (which are always wonderful). That said, Baier's prose is very easy to read and if you are unfamiliar with the time period, then you will find this book fantastic.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Mariner Books.)...more
A History of Boston by Daniel Dain is BIG in both a literal and metaphorical sense. Dain means it when he titled this book a history. It's everything A History of Boston by Daniel Dain is BIG in both a literal and metaphorical sense. Dain means it when he titled this book a history. It's everything under the sun about Boston that can fit in a book. One of the picture captions even contains the word "lobstah" which means you know this is authentic. It's all in here from Samuel Adams (both the person and beer) to the Red Sox (who are terrible and no one should ever root for them). Go Yankees!
While Dain's willingness to tackle the long history of Boston is admirable and often very interesting, it does get a bit too unwieldy at times. Dain writes very well but there is probably too much scope to this book and I think some people will assume it's a textbook if they see it on a shelf. To be clear, Dain writes much better than a textbook. However, it covers so many different topics that inevitably every reader will find a spot that lags for them. I still enjoyed it and if you are a Boston fanatic then you will love it.
(This was advance reader copy provided by the publisher.)...more
This is going to sound weird to start a review with this compliment but here it goes. Michael Livingston's Agincourt has perfect tone. Allow me to expThis is going to sound weird to start a review with this compliment but here it goes. Michael Livingston's Agincourt has perfect tone. Allow me to explain.
Livingston takes a look at one of the most famous battles in history and, le gasp, argues historians have been wrong about a few things for years! Yes, people, we have ourselves a nerd fight.
Now may be the point where you are asking, "But how much fun can there be in historians arguing about stuff?" Generally, I find books arguing historical points can be rather tedious. This is where Livington's tone is so important. First, he writes in a very "non-scholarly" voice. I felt like he and I were sitting having a beer and he was telling me non-nonchalantly his ideas. Second, he doesn't call anyone a fool for the misinterpretations he's uncovered. History can be pretty difficult to discern and Livingston himself points out he might be wrong or we may never know the right answer. (Seriously, though, how can someone not mention a castle on a battlefield? This question will make sense when you read it. I promise.)
Finally, Livingston sticks to the important parts and doesn't get bogged down (like the French) in too many details. This book is a quick read, focuses on what you need to know, and makes arguments while keeping the narrative moving. I loved it and this is accessible to even non-history nerds.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Osprey Books.)...more
Get ready to feel conflicted! Jennet Conant's Fierce Ambition is a well-written and clear-eyed biography of controversial war correspondent Maggie HigGet ready to feel conflicted! Jennet Conant's Fierce Ambition is a well-written and clear-eyed biography of controversial war correspondent Maggie Higgins. In fact, "controversial" may not be a strong enough word to describe the wide spectrum of feelings about Maggie during her life. She is a classic case of love her or hate her but there is no in between.
Higgins got her start during World War II and got her big break when she reported on the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp. She was a lot of things but what is most interesting is that there is one thing I am positive she was not: a feminist. Sure, she absolutely hated being told she couldn't do something because she was a woman and violently fought against it. However, Higgins would just as easily cut the legs out from a fellow woman on her way to the top. Conant is definitely writing a positive biography, but she leaves breadcrumbs of how someone could write Higgins as a villain if they chose to. She was complicated and that makes for a compelling narrative.
Whatever lens you choose to view Higgins' life, this is a very readable book. Conant's tone is perfect throughout and you truly feel like you are getting a fair account of an amazing life. The pages fly by and there was no slow down for me in any chapter.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and W.W. Norton & Company.)...more
To say that I was excited to see Matthew Parker's new book One Fine Day was available is a massive understatement. One of Parker's previous books The To say that I was excited to see Matthew Parker's new book One Fine Day was available is a massive understatement. One of Parker's previous books The Sugar Barons is a personal favorite and I knew what to expect before jumping in. I expected Parker to write effortlessly and for him to have a keen eye for interesting people and details. Dear reader, I also knew that it's a very long book. I loved it, but you should know it is very long.
The book basically covers the British Empire in 1923 when it is at its zenith. It is also showing massive cracks. The reader gets to spend time in various sections of the empire and watch as the rapid disintegration is beginning. Parker needs to perform a high wire act. Imperialism and colonialism are bad words nowadays and it would be ludicrous to celebrate the very negative impacts of English colonialism. At the same time, to call everyone in the British system evil would be just as great an injustice. Parker handles this perfectly in my opinion. Good acts are called good, bad acts are bad, and the super nice guy in chapter one may end up being a racist opportunist by the end. Parker does not condemn people with today's eyes, but he does point out how history will remember them.
The sheer scale of this book is massive and it does cause some slight issues. For instance, the strongest parts of the book are when Parker focuses on a person or place which is not normally covered in history books. For instance, I finally understand why guano was so important in the Pacific and I will be looking to track down a biography of Adelaide Casely-Hayford forthwith. However, it's the bigger stories which slow down the narrative. Gandhi and India take up a good amount of page count. It feels like too much for this particular book, but also not in depth enough to do the story of Britain and India justice. However, this is a very minor complaint and another reader may think me ridiculous. You are welcome to as you are not the only one.
In conclusion, the book is fantastic and I am already excited for whatever Parker puts out next. Just remember, though, to brew a pot of coffee before you open it. You need your strength for all these pages!
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and PublicAffairs.)...more
Sometimes you need a book to highlight something so obvious that you previously missed. Nowadays, the POW/MIA flag is ubiquitous. Even as a former ArmSometimes you need a book to highlight something so obvious that you previously missed. Nowadays, the POW/MIA flag is ubiquitous. Even as a former Army officer, I revered the flag and found it to be a comfort in rough times knowing the sentiment behind it. However, I never really knew the actual history behind the flag. As the son of a Vietnam vet, I am doubly at fault for this oversight. Luckily, Taylor Baldwin Kiland and Judy Silverstein Gray have written Unwavering to fix my ignorance.
Unwavering follows the beginning of the POW/MIA movement during the Vietnam war. The book covers an amazing amount of ground and follows dozens of people over decades. The authors write it almost like a novel and it makes the story much easier to follow without having to dive too deeply into every nook and cranny. There is a lot of information in here that you may not have known (just like I didn't) and it's written with clarity and care for the people covered within the pages. I highly recommend it.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by the publisher.)...more
San Francisco is synonymous with liberal politics, high real estate prices, and, of course, earthquakes. While many will still talk about the inevitabSan Francisco is synonymous with liberal politics, high real estate prices, and, of course, earthquakes. While many will still talk about the inevitable "Big One" in the future, many know very little about the one which already happened in 1906. Matthew Davenport's, "The Longest Minute," seeks to remedy that while fixing some misconceptions along the way. He is successful on all counts.
The old adage, "it's not the fall but the sudden stop that gets you," can be repurposed for the earthquake of 1906. It would sound something like, "it wasn't so much the earthquake, but the citywide fire which really messed up San Fran." Davenport's own book follows this narrative as the earthquake itself takes up only a couple early chapters and the majority of the book follows the fire which went everywhere. Davenport adeptly covers massive ground both literally and figuratively as he jumps around the city showing the devastation and loss. Most importantly, he highlights the heroism on display from all walks of life as San Franciscans battle to save their city. Oh, and graft. There was lots of graft.
This is a great disaster book which deftly handles all the elements which make a great story of survival. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants a full accounting of the 1906 quake.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and St. Martin's Press.)...more
Clearly, America's Collection is not my normal book review. There is no main narrative and the focus of the work is the art and architecture at the diClearly, America's Collection is not my normal book review. There is no main narrative and the focus of the work is the art and architecture at the diplomatic reception rooms at the U.S. Department of State. When I asked myself how to review it, I came up with two main questions. Is the book gorgeous? Do the various writers make you interested in whatever they are talking about? Both answers are a resounding yes.
The book is not only gorgeous inside but outside as well. It feels like art and everything within it makes me wish I had an artistic bone in my body (I emphatically do not). I'm no art critic, but I couldn't help but take the time to just stare at the pages and (allegedly) plan an art heist. Since you asked, the John Singleton Copley portrait of Frances Tucker Montresor. Sure, she was a redcoat, but I am willing to forgive.
There are too many authors to name but each of them do a great job gushing over the various artifacts. Special shout out to one of my personal favorites, Stacy Schiff.
In conclusion, you want something pretty for the coffee table with some cool write ups? This is for you.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by the publisher.)...more
There are very few things to be sure of in this world. One thing I am sure of is that Miriam Rodriguez is not someone you should ever mess with.
Fear iThere are very few things to be sure of in this world. One thing I am sure of is that Miriam Rodriguez is not someone you should ever mess with.
Fear is Just a Word by Azam Ahmed follows the actions of Miriam as she tracks down the people who kidnapped and murdered her daughter, Karen. Does this sound like the plot of a revenge fantasy film? Yes. Is it 100% true? Also yes. Miriam is a perfect case study in a mother who will never take no for an answer. Even if she walks away, she will be coming back. Ahmed highlights that Miriam's actions are in even more stark when you consider that her story takes place in Mexico where the drug trade has destroyed the country. I can't overstate this enough. Miriam Rodriguez is a certified bad***.
Ahmed does a good job with the story. It is a bit distracting when he does not tell the story in a linear timeline. Often, it leads to repeating facts and names as well as confusing the reader about where we are in time. Ahmed is a seasoned reporter so these quibbles don't sink the story. Miriam made that impossible.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Random House.)...more
Should women be allowed in comabt? Sarah Percy's Forgotten Warriors replies, "they already have been, dummy." Sure, I'm paraphrasing, but I do believeShould women be allowed in comabt? Sarah Percy's Forgotten Warriors replies, "they already have been, dummy." Sure, I'm paraphrasing, but I do believe that is the gist.
Percy's book looks at the women warriors from the time of Boudicca to today. She looks at the arguments and strategies used to keep women (unsuccessfully) away from the front lines and how women performed under some of the worst conditions possible. If you are looking for a book with a gigantic scope then you need look no further. However, scope is also a big problem.
I should disclose that I was a member of the U.S. Army and served beside women my whole career. Quite simply, my mind was already made up about this subject before I opened it. You won't find me among the group of people who say, "women can't hack it." Percy clearly agrees with me and states that. The problem is she states it a bit too often without fully dissecting the arguments against women in combat. To be clear, she doesn't shy away from the arguments. She just doesn't dig deep enough. I don't think this narrative would win any converts, but as I stated, I'm already on the, "I don't give a damn as long as you can do your job," team.
The scope of Percy's work is also a problem when she deals with specific examples of women in combat. Unfortunately, she left me wanting more in the wrong way. I'd love to read a book written by Percy on Joan of Arc or Brenda Berkman. The issue is that they get so little attention because Percy needs to keep moving to cover everything she wants to cover. For example, I now know Joan of Arc was preternaturally good with gunpowder. However, I can't tell you how she used that to the French advantage because we were on to the next example. There are details missing from these stories that hurt the overall flow of the book.
Ultimately, I enjoyed Forgotten Warriors but I was distracted too often by what the book could have been either as a full takedown of an old policy or as a spotlight for specific women combatants. If you think it looks interesting, you should read it....more
I need to admit up front that I usually find Roman history nearly impenetrable. There are so many names, positions (what is a consul anyway), and striI need to admit up front that I usually find Roman history nearly impenetrable. There are so many names, positions (what is a consul anyway), and strict rules in Roman history that I often feel like you need a class on it before reading anything about it. Luckily, Tom Holland has taken pity on my feeble little brain.
Pax takes a loot at Rom's golden age when it was at the height of its powers and the various (or should I say numerous) emperors of the time period. Holland makes sure to hit the big events like Nero and the burning of Rome, but will also drop into smaller events which a Wikipedia article will not touch on. However, please don't misunderstand me. This book is still very dense and very involved. Holland does not write a high level book with no insight. This is still a deep history and Holland's research is clearly top notch. If you are a well read Roman historian, I am not sure there would be anything new in this book, but I think it's is written for people who would be hopelessly lost without someone holding their hand. (Me, I'm that reader that needs the hand holding.)
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Basic Books.)...more
I am always wary reading a book from an author who is primarily known for novels. This is not an indictment of a novel writer, but I have had bad expeI am always wary reading a book from an author who is primarily known for novels. This is not an indictment of a novel writer, but I have had bad experiences where certain writers will try to inject suspense and excitement into historical episodes which are well known. Luckily, I can confirm that Douglas Brunt does not fall into this trap.
Brunt's The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel follows the life of the eponymous engine creator. Brunt is an excellent writer, but what really comes through is his love for his subject. I don't just mean Diesel himself but also his engineering. Brunt explains the creation of the engine, its proliferation, and how many different people reacted to its unveiling. I will say that some passages are clearly trying to lead in a certain direction (more on that in a minute), but overall the story flows quite well.
Now, about that ending. Brunt attempts to solve the mystery of Diesel's disappearance. I will say that Brunt does not hedge his bet in any way. I would also say I do not think he proved his conclusion and quite frankly I disagree with it. That said, this book is way more than its ending and I definitely enjoyed the journey.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Atria Books.)...more
The story of "Black Sam" Bellamy is, like many pirate stories, badly documented and usually contains more lore than actual facts. What makes Bellamy sThe story of "Black Sam" Bellamy is, like many pirate stories, badly documented and usually contains more lore than actual facts. What makes Bellamy such a draw is that his story contains some semblance of a love story and a tragic end after amazing successes. His story also involves Cape Cod, which is my happy place. No, I am not entirely unbiased. Even still, I loved Jaime Goodall's The Daring Exploits of Pirate Black Sam Bellamy. Let me tell you why!
It should be noted that much of the book is not directly tied to Bellamy. As I said, if you want to document the truth when discussing any pirate, there is only so much you can truly believe. What Goodall does is fill in the gaps by building the world of pirates and immersing the reader in the time period leading up Bellamy's.....villainy? Listen, there is a romantic side to pirates but they also killed a lot of people. Bellamy was one of the more humane pirates, but we should not be fitting him for a halo.
What I really appreciated about Goodall's narrative is the significant research she clearly conducted while writing in a more familiar rather than academic tone. If you quote the Notorious B.I.G, you clearly know what you are doing. In conclusion, come fly the black flag and read this book....more
To Besiege a City is just another example of what author Prit Buttar does so well. He has written a history of the siege of Leningrad which will satisTo Besiege a City is just another example of what author Prit Buttar does so well. He has written a history of the siege of Leningrad which will satisfy both military history buffs and people looking for a great story. Both sets of people will feel more enlightened by the end of the narrative and will have enjoyed the journey Buttar takes them on.
I almost feel like my praise sounds rather ho hum, but this kind of history is exceedingly difficult to keep interesting and informative. I love military history but understand how some people's eyes might glaze over reading about the movements of an army. Buttar knows this and intersperses the story with the actual words of people who were there and gives much needed perspective.
The other piece, which I thought was exceptional in To Besiege a City, is Buttar's analysis of the German and Red Army. There is very often a general view that the German Army was nearly unstoppable and Stalingrad was where hubris became their undoing. Buttar doesn't go for simplistic interpretations and takes a deep dive into the resources, strengths, weaknesses, and most importantly, the decisions which decided the fate of Leningrad. If you are a World War II buff, you need to read this.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Osprey Publishing.)...more
Slavery was evil and despicable. Any reasonable person would agree. Scott Shane's Flee North adds a new adjective, messy.
Flee North mostly follows thSlavery was evil and despicable. Any reasonable person would agree. Scott Shane's Flee North adds a new adjective, messy.
Flee North mostly follows the daring adventures of former slave, Thomas Smallwood and his literal partner in crime, Charles Torrey. Both men would actively help slaves flee north towards safer environments in increasingly dangerous ways that would put both men's lives in danger. This conceit is enough for a great book, but what takes it to the next level is Shane's parsing out of just how many different viewpoints came into conflict during this time. Abolitionists were not all the same. Many people understand that, but Shane highlights those major differences while holding up both Smallwood and Torrey as heroes who were not always the easiest to get along with. Everyone could fall under the term, "abolitionist" but they were not all attempting to reach the same goal.
This book is a great read for someone who wants to leave more about the nitty gritty of the Mason-Dixon line during the time of slavery. It adds a tremendous amount of detail that most books skip right over.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Celadon Books.)...more
Tuberculosis is one of those diseases that doesn't scare us today but used to strike fear in humans for thousands of years. After all, it killed the BTuberculosis is one of those diseases that doesn't scare us today but used to strike fear in humans for thousands of years. After all, it killed the Bronte sisters, Doc Holliday, and Andrew Jackson. That's a very wide variety of personalities as examples. It stalked everyone and no one could tell when it would decide to start killing you.
Maria Smilios' The Black Angels takes a look at the final days of the disease through the eyes of Black nurses in a tuberculosis hospital on Staten Island called Sea View in the early to mid 1900s. The reason why Black nurses stepped into this moment in history is mostly because White nurses wanted nothing to do with TB wards and had other options. Another major part of the narrative is the various doctors working to find a cure for TB.
The book is excellent from beginning to end. I should warn readers that there are a few times where the Black nurses disappear for a chapter or two while discussing the doctors' journey to the TB cure. Smilios is a very good writer and these sections are still enjoyable without feeling disjointed. That said, I did want more time with the nurses.
The time we do get with the nurses is exceptional. I can't articulate why, but Smilios had me invested from the very beginning in the lives of Edna and Americus specifically. These sisters and their sacrifices set a powerful reminder of what was at stake and how life during these days could change on a dime. I won't spoil anything, but be prepared to have some feelings.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam.)...more
For once, I have a read a book on a "complicated" actor and didn't hate them by the end of it. The author of this miracle is Scott Eyman and his book For once, I have a read a book on a "complicated" actor and didn't hate them by the end of it. The author of this miracle is Scott Eyman and his book is Charlie Chaplin vs. America.
Eyman takes a look at the life of Chaplin mainly around the time when the U.S. decided he was a communist and needed to be kept as far away from America as possible. This is still very much a biography of Chaplin and anyone who only knows the Little Tramp will learn a lot about Charlie Chaplin and his process. He was a genius. He was a perfectionist. He was also kind of a jerk and could cut people off at a moments notice. He was warm except when he was cold. Eyman makes an excellent case that Chaplin was everything in the dictionary expect a communist.
Eyman has written many books on celebrities and he is clearly comfortable in this genre. He knows when to focus on the little things which make someone tick. He also knows when to name drop someone to add a little spice to the narrative. If you gave me 1,000 guesses, I never would have suspected Walter Matthau would show up in this book. It's a great book and reading it is a breeze. Pardon me while I go watch The Kid.
(This book was provided an advance copy by Netgalley and Simon & Schuster.)...more
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