Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

Michael, here is your new thread in 2016. Happy reading in the new year.

Our Required Format:

JANUARY

1. by Winston S. Churchill
Finish date: January 2016
Genre: (whatever genre the book happens to be)
Rating: A
Review: You can add text from a review you have written but no links to any review elsewhere even goodreads. And that is about it. Just make sure to number consecutively and just add the months.

Well here it is the start of another years of great reads.

JANUARY

by Jade Gurss (no photo)
Finish date: 3rd January
Genre: Motoring History
Rating: B
Review: I went into this book knowing nothing about Indy Car Racing but that did not stop me loving this book. From the opening pages the author draws you into the intriguing racing world of the early 90's and introduces to some of the legends of the Indy 500.

The author takes us into Illmor and Penskes secret plans to develop a motor to blow their opponents off the famous Brickyard. The time frame was tight and the engine had to built from scratch in complete secrecy. Not being an engineer I was totally amazed at what was achieved and the problems that where overcome.

The result of this engine known simply as the "Beast" is now a part of Motoring history. The story behind it is less known and this book is a tribute to the truly exceptional work done by all to bring it to fruition. This book is a highly entertaining read even for those not interested in Motor Racing.

Good start, Michael but please put book #2 in a separate post...... makes for easier reading. Thanks so much.

2. by William R. Forstchen
Finish date: 5th January
Genre: Post Apocalypse
Rating: C
Review: One Year After is the sequel to the excellent One Second after but alas does not rise to its predecessor’s standard. The book settles into a familiar narrative that does not deliver any surprises to the reader.

The book starts off two years after "the day" which is one year after the end of the first book in the series and in that lies the mystery of the title. It is that mystery of the title that lost one star for me straight of the bat as I should not have to spend time deciphering the title of the book. As you might tell this fact annoyed me a tad.

As for the story itself we continue to follow our hero of the last book as he and is town is faced with new challenges to their survival. As I have already mentioned the story line delivers no surprises and is at best a mild pace romp into a America devastated by a strategic EMP blast. The book is entertaining but nowhere near as much as the first book in the series.

Jill wrote: "Good start, Michael but please put book #2 in a separate post...... makes for easier reading. Thanks so much."

I should know better by now

3. by Charles Spencer (no photo)
Finish date: 9th January
Genre: History
Rating: B+
Review: Killers of the King is a book of two interlocking tales. The first tells the story of King Charles I and the events that lead him being tried and executed by his own parliament. The second is the trials and executions later of those who committed this act of regicide.

Charles Spencer does a good job at delivering this tale of murder, intrigue and betray. For someone like me without much knowledge in this piece of history it was an enlightening read. But beware it is not a book for those with a squeamish disposition.

4. by Steven Lee Myers (no photo)
Finish date: 10th January
Genre: Biography
Rating: A++
Review: WOW is what I thought as I finished this book, yes you need to invest some time into this book but the rewards are worth it. The story of Putin is the story of Russia trying to finds its new place in the world after the collapse of the Soviet Union. From the promise and excitement of a new nation free from the collar of Communism to the same old story of greed, corruption, fear all fed by the promise of power and money.

The New Tsar delivers a very well researched and balanced look at the life and rise of Vladimir Putin. What I found so surprising was how this loyal but unassuming man came to power in the brutal world of Russian politics and has stayed in power. The book does have a lot of information to take in, but it is presented so well it is a pleasure to read.

Overall this is a very timely and informative read and gave me some new insights into some recent events. It also has the honor of being the first book in 2016 to keep me reading deep into the night. So do yourself a favor and put aside some time to give this book a read.

Definitely adding this one to my TBR. Awesome review.

Radiah wrote: "Definitely adding this one to my TBR. Awesome review."

I hope you enjoy

5. by Erik Larson
Finish date: 15th January
Genre: History, Natural Disaster
Rating: B-
Review: In reviewing Isaac's Storm I have compared it to Erik Larson other books and this is why I have given it 3 stars. Larson delivers another strong narrative that brings history alive in the imagination of the reader but it does not reach the height of his other offerings.

Isaac's Storm tells the story of the destruction of the city Galveston, Texas by a hurricane and the human toll it visited upon its population. In telling this story it also tells the story of mankind's efforts to unravel the mystery of weather and to deliver accurate forecasting.

As usual the author takes great lengths in bringing the main characters in the story to life and this in turns pulls you into the story more and gives that extra emotional buy in that is his signature. If I had not read any of his other books then this would have definitely been a 4 star read. But saying that this is still a very strong read and a great piece of historic writing.

6. by Gary Krist (no photo)
Finish date: 16th January
Genre: History, Natural Disaster
Rating: C
Review: As title says White Cascade tells the story of Americas most deadliest Avalanche in which 96 people died. It is also the story of Americas quest to conquer the wild by railway and those who owned it and worked on it.

As far as history books go this one does not distinguish itself from the crowd. It delivers a well researched book that tell the entire story of the Avalanche including the lead up to it and the subsequent inquiry into it. I did find it hard at times to keep up with the cast of characters and this distanced me from the emotive part of the narrative.

Overall an interesting read into a tragic but yet fascinating part of American history. If anything the book has left with a slight desire to learn more about the early history of the countries railway.

Michael........I love Larson's books and have read them all. Isaac's Storm is not necessarily on the top of my list either...., but have you read In The Garden of Beasts? I truly disliked that one and it is the only one of his books that I didn't care for.

& by Erik Larson

No have not read that one yet and might give it a miss.

7. by Laura M. MacDonald
Finish date: 19th January
Genre: History, Disaster
Rating: B-
Review: Curse of the Narrows relives the horror of the 1917 Halifax maritime disaster that nearly wipe the port and its inhabitants of the map. I am ashamed I had never heard of this piece of history the devastation, loss of life and suffering caused by it is truly of biblical proportions.

The events are told by the those who lived through the horror by the stitching together of numerous first hand accounts, as well as some poetic license. The author also does a good job of putting the disaster in the context of the history of the time giving the reader a good sense importance and isolation of Halifax.

This is a well written piece of history that keeps the reader engaged through most of the book. I did have times though when I found myself skimming through the pages. Overall though a solid read that is worth the effort.

8. by Franck Thilliez
Finish date: 21st January
Genre: Thriller
Rating: A
Review: Syndrome E is a first class thriller that keeps you on the edge of your reading chair. Franck Thilliez delivers a unique narrative that you are never quite sure where it is going to take you. It is very easy to see why this book has been adapted to the big screen I hope they do it justice.

The story is one of vintage films and the power of images it takes us into the world of subliminal messages and the power of suggestion. I particularly liked the development of the two main characters of this book and how they slowly entwine during the book.

This book though has one of the most frustrating ending to a book I have read. Once reaching the last word on the page I screamed out (in my head) "NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! you cant do that to me". But the author did and I have learned to live with it.

9. by Paul Lally (no photo)
Finish date: 27th January
Genre: Action, Alternative History
Rating: A-
Review: This book is great fun it delivers a fast paced and action packed piece of Alternative History. Set during World War II we are introduced into a world where the Nazis soon after Pearl Harbour have dropped a A bomb or two on Washington and New York and knocked the Americans out of the war, or have they.

Paul Lally has delivered a great narrative that skips along at quick pace that has you wanting more. The characters are right of a "A" grade Hollywood Action flick, and why this may worry some it works a treat for me. These larger than life characters further enhance the readers experience of the story. Also if you like flying boats this book is a must and I am sure after reading this book the author may be a tad smitten by them himself.

10. by Ryū Murakami
Finish date: 30th January
Genre: Thriller
Rating: A
Review: This is my first foray into Japanese fiction and oh boy what an introduction. In the Miso soup delivers a strangely mesmerizing story in a relatively short time frame. It is a book that slowly builds up the suspense and then whacks you over the head with shear brutality before dropping you gently back onto the floor.

Ryu Murakami does a fantastic job in teasing out the characters and plot that keeps you glued to the pages. Not having a great understanding of modern Japanese culture especially the "adult pleasure industry" side of things he weaved the education of this Gaijin seamlessly into the narrative. He has a great knack of keeping you on edge by the promise of extreme violence that you know is coming. When it arrives it is like a kick into the crotch and takes your breath away, saying that this is not what this book is about. It is about the buildup in the reader of suspense that is finally released then slowly built up again.

This book has opened my eyes to a whole new world of fiction that I am looking forward to dive into head first. Be warned though while this book is an awesome read it is not for all.

FEBRUARY

11. by Joe Hill
Finish date: 1st February
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Rating: C+
Review: There is a a lot of buzz around the author of NOS4A2 Joe Hill with many saying he is the next Stephen King. So it was with this comparison I jumped into the book and I have to say I found it lacking. The plot itself delivers a great original tale and the characters are larger than life. So why is it lacking I hear you say?

It is lacking in the delivery of any sense of horror and I feel mislead by the title. I mean where are the NOS4A2, am I missing something but there certainty are no Vampires as I know them in this book. There is a lot of supernatural aspects to this book and I love the concept behind Christmas land but there is no blood sucking going on here. Also I was far from being a fan of the end I found it was more a fizzle than a bang.

As a first foray into the world of Joe Hill I fail to see what the hype is about. Yes the book is good but for me it fails to raise itself above the crowd. To be fair I will give another one of his books a read to see what all the fuss is about.

12. by Steven Bustin(no photo)
Finish date: 4th February
Genre: WW II/Naval
Rating: C
Review: An interesting concept that follows the USS Nashville and its crew through its shake down voyage until its decommissioning. I found myself though wanting the author to go into more details of the some of historic battles this ship was involved in.

For a short read though there is enough to keep the reader engaged. This is a book for those with an interest in World War II especially the Pacific theatre. Overall not the best book I have read on the naval side of the war but a far way off being the worst.

13. by Matthew FitzSimmons
Finish date: 6th February
Genre: Political Thriller
Rating: B-
Review: The Short Drop is the debut novel for Matthew Fitzsimmons and as for as debut go it is a solid launching pad. Whilst the story does not jump out of the page at me I did like the characters as the had a real earthy gritty feel about them.

The plot is a decent enough political thriller but it certainly did pull any surprises to this reader. It moves along at a steady clip but did not have my holding my breath at any stage. As a first in a series the book did put enough of a hook into me though to pull me back for the authors next offering.

14. by John Scalzi
Finish date: 11th February
Genre: Sci-Fi
Rating: A++
Review: I am pretty sure I have said this before but I am happy to say it again. I am a massive fan of John Scalzi!!!! The question I am asking myself is why oh why did it take me so long to pick up and read Old Man's War.

Scalzi has hit the mark again with a engaging and original plot the rockets through the pages. His mastery of balancing humour with action is once again spot on. This book tells the tale of Senior Citizens nearing the end of their lives signing up to the Colonial Defence Force. This involves them leaving their homes never to see earth or loved ones again. Why would they do this I hear you cry? For a chance to reborn young again and live out new lives....if they can survive their time in the forces that is.

If that has not got you excited I don't know what will. The master of Sci-Fi has once again has shown why he is one of the best. This is a book that will make you laugh all whilst having you sitting on the edge of your seat. This is one series I intend to dive head first into and you should do the same.

15. by Mark Adams (no photo)
Finish date: 14th February
Genre: History
Rating: B-
Review: But how may can tell you the origins of this legend and the historical events linked to it? Not as many hand go up this time. Mark Adams dives into the story of Atlantis and tries to break it down to the bare facts.

Along the way he also discusses the people and culture that has grown around the legend. From the serious scholars to the slightly unbalanced people. He looks at the origins of the legend and examines it's validity as well as the glaring problems such as the many different translations of Plato's work. This is done whilst all the while taking us on his journey around the Mediterranean and Europe to try and discover the truth.

Whilst this book was interesting I did find myself skimming along parts of it. I do though have a greater appreciation and understanding of the pull of the Lost City of Atlantis. I have learnt a great deal from this book and this is why I love to read.

16. by Brian Panowich
Finish date: 19th February
Genre: Thriller
Rating: A
Review: Bull Mountain by Brian Panowich is a very intriguing read indeed. The author delivers a fresh narrative that is in a genre all of its own, that being hillbilly thriller.

From the opening chapter the mood and tone of the book is set. From their the story builds up to a crescendo that delivers a thrilling ending. Bull Mountain is the story of a family of Moonshiners that have branched into big time Meth cooks. This family rules Bull Mountain and all that reside on it with fear and violence to protect their own. But one of their own is the local sheriff and hear lies the heart of the story.

This book has so many positives but I did find the jumping back and forward in time a tad be confusing at times. I found that I was having to go back to the start of the chapter to see whether I was in the past or present. This though is only a minor quibble in a overall outstanding read.

MARCH
17. by Daniel Suarez
Finish date: 1st March
Genre: Hi-Tech Thriller
Rating: A+
Review: This is a book that has definitely divided the readers with rating ranging from 1 star to the full 5. For me Daemon by Daniel Suarez was a home run and a very entertaining and innovative read.

From the get go it is very obvious that this is not going to be your typical run of the mill Hi-Tech Thriller. The plot is superb and kept me ducking and weaving as I tired to see through the web weaved by the author and guess what was coming next.

The driving force behind the plot maybe as old as the hills, a new society order trying to overthrow the incumbent one, but it is how this tale is told that is truly fresh and hard hitting. As debut novels go this is up with the best and I highly recommend this book to one and all.

Woops I should no better by now

18. by Ioan Grillo (no photo)
Finish date: 4th March
Genre: True Crime
Rating: A
Review: Gangster Warlords takes a look at some of Latin American deadliest drug gangs and delivers a brutal view of the world they live in. Ioan Grillo through looking at these gangs also delves into the politics and economy of the illegal drug trade.

We have all heard about the Mexican drug gangs and the havoc they wreak. But how many have heard of the other Latin American Countries that are ruled by Drug Warlords such as Jamaica and Honduras. What links all these Countries apart from the drugs is that many of the gangs began behind the bars of U.S prisons. How they made it to these countries is also a look at policies not thought through.

This book is timely as the debate around the validity on the war of drugs is at an all-time high. The author gives the reader a great insight into those that prosper from it as well as looking at the lengths they go to keep the trade going.

Thanks Michael

Added Old Man's War and Daemon to my list. Thanks!

by John Scalzi, by Daniel Suarez

My pleasure Skeetor

This is fascinating, I'll be sure to put this on my TBR.

Don't forget your finish date, Michael.

Jill wrote: "Don't forget your finish date, Michael."

Thats what I get for doing them on Nightshift :)

No problem.....we all do it every once in a while. :0)

Hello, Michael!

From message 44 to message 49, you have put the link to the author's profile before the author's cover photo, when it should be the opposite. Can you, please, correct it? Thank you! :)

by John Perkins

Hey, Michael! Can you go back to message 50 and see what I wrote there regarding the citation format? Thank you! :)

Michael wrote: "33. by Geoff Manaugh (no photo)
Finish date: 26th April
Genre: Crime
Rating: A+

Review: A Burglar's Guide to the City takes an A..."

That sounds like it would fit nicely with my interest in the obscure. Added to the to-read list. Great review!

Michael wrote: "31. by Philip S. Donlay
Finish date: 16th April
Genre: Thriller/Action
Rating: B+

Review: If you are ..."

Sounds good. I'm a big disaster freak so it's going on my TBR list. :)!

Alisa wrote: "Michael wrote: "33. by Geoff Manaugh (no photo)
Finish date: 26th April
Genre: Crime
Rating: A+

Review: A Burglar's Guide to the..."

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Jill wrote: "Read on, Michael, read on!!!!"

Looking for that elusive 100.

I'm sorry to hear that. It sounded like it would be so interesting.

Jill wrote: "That book have hovered around on my tbr list for quite a while......I may have to reconsider based on your review."

Just did not sit well for me but it is obviously is right up a lot of peoples alley.

Michael wrote: "27. by John Perkins
Finish date: 7th April
Genre: Politics, Memoirs
Rating: C

Review: How this book..."

I agree, I didn't buy the preaching either. It's easy to "regret" after you've led a comfortable life with a fat bank account. If I recall correctly, he just released another book.

Radiah wrote: "Michael wrote: "27. by John Perkins
Finish date: 7th April
Genre: Politics, Memoirs
Rating: C

Revie..."

Yes part 2 so to speak I will be giving it a wide berth

Added it to my list. Thanks!

Jill wrote: "That sounds interesting but disturbing, Michael. But I am tempted to put it on my tbr as long as it is not a supernatural/vampire type book."

No just a very disturbed individual

Added it to my list, thanks!

Michael wrote: "60. by Paul Tremblay
Finish date: 6th July
Genre: Horror????
Rating: C

Review:For a book that has a quo..."

Love your thoughts on the X-Files! :)
Also added the last two books to my tbr list...Thanks!

Michael wrote: "I am back and I have a lot of great reads to share. Life has been full on with the entry into the world of another member of my family.

Congratulations, Michael! :)

Samanta wrote: "Michael wrote: "I am back and I have a lot of great reads to share. Life has been full on with the entry into the world of another member of my family.

Congratulations, Michael! :)"

Thank you very much. I think four is enough!

Congratulations and jubilations.