The History Book Club discussion
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ERICK'S 50 BOOKS READ IN 2010
FEBRUARY7.
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Finish Date: February 2010 "A-" The third book in the "Safehold" series it is a little heavy at times. Technically in the science fiction genre, the series actually gives a very technical description of weapons development starting with 14th century technology. May be a nice light read for a history fan.
8.
byMichael J. DurantFinish Date: February 2010 "A+" Loved the story, loved the honesty and humility shown in the writing, loved the book.
9.
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Finish Date: February 2010 "A" The book held up well to my high expectations. A well crafted story with some original elements. It just misses the highest mark because it is slow in some places.
10.
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Finish Date: February 2010 "C" Downloaded this as a random book to check out my libraries E-book website. I am not a fan of mysteries but this book seemed poorly written to me in any case.
A good start but we will have to see how long my energy lasts.
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I have to say that I did not like The Algebraist. The style was just really wrong for me. the characters did not resonate with me and it was a real struggle to get through the book.
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11.
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Finish Date: March 2010 "C" Spent far too much time discussing Catherine's many lovers with only a passing mention of her many achievements.
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Sometimes authors want to be titillating to sell more books...it seems like this one fell into that category
12.
by
and
Finish Date: March 2010 "A-" Not the most imaginative author but he never disappoints when you are looking for a fast paced and entertaining story.
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I updated the post to include the second author.
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13.
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and
Finish Date March 2010 "A-" The authors have kept up the momentum of the first book in the second book of the Belisarius series. I should probably mention that this is an alternate history themed series.
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14. The First World War:by
Finish Date March 2010 "A-" Not one of Keegan's best but that is still very good. I think he needed about 200 more pages to make it great.
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Bentley wrote: "Erick...I did not know you were reading it...please join in and tell us some of your thoughts. I think you are giving him a higher rating than I would. I was thinking along a B+...quite good for ..."I am surprised to see that I haven't posted anything since the very beginning. I will make an effort to get more involved, I certainly have been following the discussion.
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15.
by Pete BlaberFinish Date: April 2010 "A" An engaging book that covers leadership more than a description of battle. Gave me a lot to think about. This book was recommended by Andre and it was a terrific recommendation.
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16.
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Finish Date: April 2010 "A" The story is epic and scope and Mr. Follet creates characters and events that are realistic and three-dimensional. The extensive historical research is apparent in the descriptions of the people, towns, buildings and activities.
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16.5
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Finish Date: April 2010 "B" Not the best by Stephen King it is still decent. Moves a little slowly and not much kick at the end. It is a novella so I won't give myself full credit.
17.
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and
Finish Date: April 2010 "B" Quick moving action but predictable. The characters are predictable as well. Time to take a break from the series.
18.
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Finish Date: April 2010 "A" A decent horror story from Joe Hill, Stephen King's son. He shows a lot of potential to be like his father.
19.
by John RingoFinish Date: April 2010 "B+" A decent hard sci-fi novel from a decent action author. It was a little too hard sci-fi and a little too light on the action. It also got a little preachy in some parts.
20.
byJohn RingoFinish Date: April 2010 "B+" Another decent hard sci-fi novel from this author. I have hit a milestone of having read every one of his published books.
Time to get in some History!
21.
byAlessandro BarberoFinish Date: May 2010 "B+" More of a study of the Frankish kingdom during the reign of Charlemagne than a biography; Mr. Barbero showed strong research and analysis. It was a little too technical for me to be a perfect read. Definitely provided a lot of information on the time.
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It looks like you liked Ringo.
John Ringo
Bentley wrote: "You have been very busy Erick..I have been bogged down with moderating books. (smile)It looks like you liked Ringo.
John Ringo"
Bentley,
I have been busy, unfortunately not so much with reading. I am sorry to hear that moderating has taken up so much of your time. However, I certainly appreciate the time you take moderating. It certainly adds a lot of value to the group.
22.
byMatt EversmannandDan SchillingFinish date: May 2010 "A" A set of about six first hand stories about the Battle of Mogadishu which occurred on 3 October 1993 and led to the deaths of eighteen U.S. Soldiers. The editing is well done and you get a good sense of what each of the men experienced. One of the things that jumps out is how each man only sees a slice of the battle and doesn't know what is going on elsewhere.
If you are interested in the book, I would suggest reading Mark Bowden's book first which is a very well done summary of the battle.
by
Mark Bowden
23.
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David Weber Finish Date: May 2010 "B" How can you go wrong with an eight foot tall warrior given special powers by the gods?
24.
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Stephen King Finish Date: May 2010 "A" The fifth book of the Dark Tower series was an enjoyable read. I listened to the audio version which added to the experience.
25.
byThomas Quinn Finish Date: May 2010 "C" An historical fiction, it was not very well written but it did give me some insights into the events of the time. It covers the fall of Constantinople and some events for about fifteen years after the fall. It is from the Venetian point of view.
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Bentley wrote: "You are doing so well Erick...you are have way there."I wonder, will we hit "the wall" like marathon runners do?
26.
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Dean KoontzFinish Date: May 2010 "A" A very entertaining read with a very unique writing style, strong characters and a well developed story.
27.
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Henri TroyatFinish Date: May 2010 "B" An engaging story of one of the most horrific reigns of terror of all time. Mr. Troyat ascribes motivations to Ivan which causes me to question his credibility as an historian.
28.
byEric HaneyFinish Date: June 2010 "A" A well written book with a good balance between action and a higher level overview.
29.
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Andy McNabFinish Date: June 2010 "A" I could not put this book down; baby not fed,dog not walked. It was a well written and gripping account of the horrendous experience these soldiers faced. Told in a typically understated British fashion, the pain and horror still comes across. Well, I guess I have some cleaning up to do...
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Bentley wrote: "Sounds like a great book."It was a suggestion from someone in this group, and, as usual, it was excellent.
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30.
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Stephen KingFinish Date: June 2010 "A" Another engaging book by Stephen King. One left to go to complete the Dark Tower series.
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31.
byPiers Paul ReadFinish Date: June 2010 "A" Well written and engaging account. More of a summary of the early Crusades and the Templar's involvement than the Templars specifically.
That is a great book Eric. I hope you don't mind but since you enjoyed it so much you might like; "Dungeon, Fire and Sword".
by John J. Robinson
'Aussie Rick' wrote: "That is a great book Eric. I hope you don't mind but since you enjoyed it so much you might like; "Dungeon, Fire and Sword".[bookcover:Dungeon, Fire and Sword: The Knights Templar in the Crusad..."
Thanks for the recomendation; I will certainly look at getting the book. I read the original book based on a recommendation from this group, maybe yours? In any case, I have always had a good experience with the recommendations from this group and I am sure this will be no different.
For some reason, when I link a book it is not acting properly. I don't know if it is the browser I am using or some other problem. I will check later and see if I can add the appropriate book and author links then.
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32.
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Jonathan StroudFinish Date: July 2010 "A" A very well written story that is both funny and profound. Very much in the style of Terry Pratchett.
The History Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
The Day of Battle: The War in Sicily and Italy, 1943-1944 (other topics)An Army at Dawn: The War in North Africa, 1942-1943 (other topics)
Pandora's Legion (other topics)
Jingo (other topics)
A Savage War of Peace: Algeria, 1954-1962 (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Rick Atkinson (other topics)Harold Coyle (other topics)
Terry Pratchett (other topics)
Alistair Horne (other topics)
Henri Troyat (other topics)
More...
1.
Finish Date: January 2010 "B+" More of a feminine point of few that is hard for me to follow but well written and unique.
2.
Finish Date: January 2010 "A+" Well researched and written. the book has a very smooth flow, not a heavy read like some other history books I have read. Won the Pulitzer Prize for biography in 1981.
3.
Finish Date: January 2010
4. [image error] by
Finish Date: January 2010 "A" Under the Dome is one of Stephen King's best. All of his best suspense and horror with a very original story line. How does he keep doing it?
5.
Finish Date: January 2010 "B+" Did a very good job of communicating the Civil War at a personal level. I have a hard time following "stream of consciousness" writing which led to a little lower grade from me.
6.
Finish Date: January 2010 "B" A gift from my son or the grade would be a "C". The movie was better, very disappointing from an outstanding sci-fi author. Maybe he just didn't have a lot to work with.