A superb read that encompasses every aspect of this fateful sinking... from the shipping company offices to the crew, captain, and passengers... to thA superb read that encompasses every aspect of this fateful sinking... from the shipping company offices to the crew, captain, and passengers... to the captain and crew of the submarine, as well as all of the political and cultural players in the story.
It was amazing to read most of it and then lead a tour through Ireland to Cobh, where the survivors and bodies were brought ashore. I finished it on the flight home, and I cannot say enough about what a well-written book it is....more
A superb book about the greatest volcanic explosion in modern history... Not only does this book illuminate the story and bring it to incredible life,A superb book about the greatest volcanic explosion in modern history... Not only does this book illuminate the story and bring it to incredible life, but he delves into the birth of - and religious opposition to - the field of geology.
Winchester immediately became one of my favorite authors. He does not disappoint. This is a real page-turner......more
The single most important book that fed a mind starving for truth, as I stumbled out of seminary with a thousand more questions and issues than when IThe single most important book that fed a mind starving for truth, as I stumbled out of seminary with a thousand more questions and issues than when I went in. Diamond has written a veritable blueprint for the human being... Who we are, and how we came to be this way - drawing on a host of parallels from the animal kingdom: speech, communication, sex, mate selection, etc.
It's not a refutation of anything religious. It's a fascinating book that sheds much light on that most peculiar (yet apparently not so very, after all) creature: the human being.
If there was an "owner's manual" for every person to read, this is it. ...more
I grew up in Waterloo as the son of an American oil executive. We lived a mile from the famous Lion Mound... And after reading this superbly researcheI grew up in Waterloo as the son of an American oil executive. We lived a mile from the famous Lion Mound... And after reading this superbly researched and well-written book, I will never again view those rolling fields in the same light. From start to finish, Cornwell, like Shelby Foote's masterful rendering of the Civil War, has taken his gripping writing style from the ranks of fiction to leave history with a phenomenal account of a giant, bloody, and important clash of three armies. He deftly covers the controversies, the confusion of reports, and has a keen sense of historical awareness as he lays out the battle, its figures, and fills the pages with the roar of cannon, the sounds of shrieking horses, and the shouts of men in battle. Once you get started, you won't put it down... Phenomenal....more
An wonderfully well written book about the world's first solo circumnavigational sailboat race, from England, around both capes, and back again. Held An wonderfully well written book about the world's first solo circumnavigational sailboat race, from England, around both capes, and back again. Held in 1968, it truly was the ultimate test of will, skill, and nerves. This book adeptly chronicles the contestants, the preparations, and the challenges that they all faced in their attempt to survive... much less win the race. Told by a sailor who has experienced the perils of the ocean first hand, it leaves the reader with an understanding of the terminology and skill required to master such a sport - without being overwhelming or confusing. If you were remotely moved or drawn into the story, "Into the Wild," then this will multiply the level of drama, intensity, and plot a thousand fold. For an added incentive to diving into this incredible story, there's a brilliant documentary out about this race, called "Deep Water." And in 2016, a full length motion picture film will be getting released on this story, directed by James Marsh and featuring Colin Firth as the race's most compelling figure... ...more
I can't recommend this book enough... It's a little known chapter in the German resistance movement during Hitler's hold over Germany. It truly bringsI can't recommend this book enough... It's a little known chapter in the German resistance movement during Hitler's hold over Germany. It truly brings to life what life is like in a totalitarian state, and the determination of these brave souls is one hell of a read. Once you get into the meat of it, you won't put it down - as I read the second half of the book in one sitting. It's smoothness and captivation is balanced by excellent historical context, combined with the daily events, inspirations, and journal entries of the group. It is well researched and historical, with a great influx of the emotional, philosophical, and spiritual aspects that were instrumental in driving this small group into action.
"If people like those who formed the White Rose can exist, believe as they believed, act as they acted, maybe it means that this weary, corrupted, and extremely endangered species we belong to has the right to survive, and to keep on trying."...more
A highly readable, fast-paced historical examination of the events leading up to the outbreak of WWII, written by a most esteemed scholar on the subjeA highly readable, fast-paced historical examination of the events leading up to the outbreak of WWII, written by a most esteemed scholar on the subject. It reads like a thriller, and beyond the obvious reasons that it is one, it is well laid out, highly descriptive, and full of insights into the personalities and events that shaped the outbreak of war. Highly recommended - and it won't take you three days to read it!...more
Reading this book is a feat in and of itself. After you get far enough into the book to know you cannot escape, you have to grit your teeth and slog tReading this book is a feat in and of itself. After you get far enough into the book to know you cannot escape, you have to grit your teeth and slog through these heavier closing chapters, wondering how it will end and what will happen to these voices you've grown to love, root for, weep with, and become utterly familiar. And what a finish to leave you utterly crumbled, when you close out the read, with tears streaming down your face as Englund draws the war to a close... Stupendously written. What a noble achievement and tribute to lives and fates 100 short years ago....more
One of the very first books I picked up on the Vietnam War as a young Marine, eager to learn everything I could about our last great conflict - and I One of the very first books I picked up on the Vietnam War as a young Marine, eager to learn everything I could about our last great conflict - and I could not have chosen a better opening splash. Baker gathered stories from countless veterans and put them into short, anonymous formats, blowing the lid off of the American public's silence regarding the Vietnam War. In simple, logical sections, he bombards the reader with short, powerful stories and anecdotes on various subjects through the life of a Vietnam veteran: signing up, basic training, combat, wounded, etc. I have since read well over 40 works on this compelling conflict in our nation's history, but this book remains one of my very dearest. If you want to see what kind of hell combat is - and its effect on the human psyche - look no further. ...more
Another brilliant, intriguing, and illuminating book by Simon Winchester. Tracing the paths of two very different men to their joining of forces as keAnother brilliant, intriguing, and illuminating book by Simon Winchester. Tracing the paths of two very different men to their joining of forces as key contributors to the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary, Winchester dazzles once again. His trademark ability to shine light onto tiny nooks and corners of subjects he tackles fills the reader with countless bits of fascinating trivia, incredulity, and hilarity. An engaging and thoroughly enjoyable read! ...more
A lucid account of one of the very bloodiest and brutal military struggles in history, Koschorrek miraculously survived that cauldron known as the EasA lucid account of one of the very bloodiest and brutal military struggles in history, Koschorrek miraculously survived that cauldron known as the Eastern Front and was able to put his diary into print. This is a highly readable and engaging book. Once you get into the story, you won't remotely be able to put it down....more
Slam-dunk the funniest book I have ever read... It's more like an essay, but you'll miss so very much of the humor in this brilliant read if you havenSlam-dunk the funniest book I have ever read... It's more like an essay, but you'll miss so very much of the humor in this brilliant read if you haven't TRULY attempted to master the language. I'm not talking about the casual traveler who knows how to say "Ein Pils, bitte..." If you're a bona fide member of an English speaking country and have grappled with that hyper-complex, rule-bound, and bi-polar b*tch known as the German language (I think Twain calls it the same epithet at one point), and you want to fall on the floor repeatedly in laughter, then grab this book and buckle up. Sheer genius!!!!...more
A brilliant, colorful book on a battle that had more consequences for America than most people ever realize. Remini's book has been given high marks fA brilliant, colorful book on a battle that had more consequences for America than most people ever realize. Remini's book has been given high marks for great reasons, and you'll be done with this book before you know it! ...more
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