It occurred that I haven't written in ages, and you probably all wondered what happened. Well, nothing. I just didn't blog anything. Not that I haven't been reading, I have just been reading a lot of Wodehouse and Pratchett, so there isn't anything really to blog about. But, I did just finally finish a series that is not by either of those authors, and that posed some interesting questions, so I actually have something to post about.
I recently finished the Montmoray series by Michelle Cooper. This is a really interesting series for me, because I can't give it a blanket recommendation. I would recommend it, but I'd have to give a caveat first. Primarily because this book deals with various issues of sexuality, and I'd want anyone I recommended it to to know that. And since it is written for a teen audience, I'd want to make sure that there was an adult apprised and ready to address the issues with them. Fiction is great, but I think there needs to be some real world context in some cases.
Anyway, what I did like about this series was that it gave a unique look at what WWII was like for those living in Europe, particularly England. There is a really great feel for the climate in Europe leading up to the War. I really liked the historical aspect of the novels, (although I was a little bit disappointed that there wasn't more detail about the historical authenticity in the author's note at the end).
And now for the issues. Not all of these were bad. For example, questions about puberty and the birds and the bees. I must admit, I do wonder sometimes how that knowledge was passed on in times when it was a more taboo topic, and that is one of the things that comes up in the book and was addressed quite tactfully. The author also has a character that is gay, and while it's not the main theme of the book, it was a running sub theme, you could say. Now, I have mixed feelings about throwing sexual orientation into historical-based plots, because so often, people try to reflect modern attitudes. In this case, the author did a good job of reflecting attitudes of the time--it was not socially acceptable, although people knew it happened, and it was kind of hushed up. And I think that the author did a good job of not interjecting her opinion on the matter, but just showing what the attitudes of the time were.
The author did the same thing with topics like couples living together and having affairs. Now, part of me says, "seriously, how prominent was all this? I mean it happened, but the odds of one family, one person, encountering all of these issues?" And then I say, "Well, how prominent was it? People didn't talk about it, so maybe it was as common. Maybe it wasn't. I don't know." But I think in this case, I think the author was just trying to show the culture of the time--in terms of the war, women's rights, politics, marriage, and these issues. So it works.
The one part I didn't like was the main character had a one night stand with someone (even weirder, it was her half cousin who also had a relationship with her brother, and it was all just weird). It was just a disappointment, because it seemed kind of out of character for her. That is the one thing that would really hold me back from giving it a blanket recommendation. Because it throws that "romance novel" scene in there. So, I'd want to be sure I knew who I was recommending it to, and how they would be affected/how they would react to that. Which, doesn't happen til the third book, but once you've read the first two, you have to know how the war ends for the characters (since we obviously know how the war ended for the world generally).
Anyway, the series did present me with some interesting things to think about. Currently I'm reading Birdology, so look forward to a bit on that. More about birds than you thought you wanted to know. (Still can't say I get the appeal of chickens).
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Family Feud
This week, I finished reading George, Nicholas and Wilhelm: Three Royal Cousins and the Road to War, by Miranda Carter. (This is the book that was the one that had all appearance of being utterly dull). It was amazing. Book review over.
Alright, fine. I'll go a bit more in depth. I'm not going to go into the details of WWI and history and such, but I do want to give the impressions this book left, that you don't get if you just read the tragically uninsightful history books of K-12. So, if you don't know much about the world at the time, you are going to have to do some background reading.
What really stood out was how dysfunctional the royalty of Europe was during the mid-1800's to the time of WWI. This book is less a look at the historical facts and more a look at the mentalities, the motivations that drove George, Nicholas, Wilhelm, Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, and others. Honestly, if anyone needed Dr. Phil, or Nanny 911, it was the royal family, which was pretty much everyone royal at the time, because they literally were a family. Imagine that family reunion!!! And, based on this book, the family reunions of these guys could trump just about any family reunion you've ever been to. And they make an excellent example of why politics should NOT be discussed at family get-togethers. Really, though, it was fascinating to read about these people as a family first, and government leaders second. And to see how their family relationships impacted politics and affected the entire world.
Another thing that stood out to me was how utterly pointless WWI was. Honestly, it was just someone really anxious to blow things up and shoot guns and prove that they were king of the mountain. There was no other reason for it. It wasn't about anything other than egos. It was about empire, and being the biggest world power. Which, sadly, in some ways hasn't changed much.
As I read, I found it much more difficult to sympathize with Wilhelm, but as I reflect, he probably deserves the most pity. Socially inept, all he wanted was acceptance and respect, but everything he did resulted in exactly the opposite. And yet, because of his lack of social graces, it's very hard to sympathize with him. As things progress, I felt more frustration with Nicholas, as well, and yet, pity, also. He was a good man placed in the wrong place. But the story of Russia before the revolution that overthrew Nicholas gave a lot of insight into the history of Russia after Nicholas, and even up to the present day.
In the end, all you get is a sense of tragedy. There are so many what-ifs. Of course, none of those have guarantees, and there were so many factors at play, but still. Had even one of the many major decisions been made differently, the world could have followed a completely different course.
Anyway, it really was a terrific book, and despite how huge it looked, was far less daunting than it appeared.
Now, a little bonus today, if you would like to call it that. I read an article this week that really gave some excellent perspective to the gun issue. I have read several articles that have reframed the discussion for me. I decided that I would share this one: Living with guns the Swiss way. I think this brings up a lot of relevant points for reading informational literature, which may be the topic next time. But, I hope the article is as insightful for you as it was for me.
Alright, fine. I'll go a bit more in depth. I'm not going to go into the details of WWI and history and such, but I do want to give the impressions this book left, that you don't get if you just read the tragically uninsightful history books of K-12. So, if you don't know much about the world at the time, you are going to have to do some background reading.
What really stood out was how dysfunctional the royalty of Europe was during the mid-1800's to the time of WWI. This book is less a look at the historical facts and more a look at the mentalities, the motivations that drove George, Nicholas, Wilhelm, Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, and others. Honestly, if anyone needed Dr. Phil, or Nanny 911, it was the royal family, which was pretty much everyone royal at the time, because they literally were a family. Imagine that family reunion!!! And, based on this book, the family reunions of these guys could trump just about any family reunion you've ever been to. And they make an excellent example of why politics should NOT be discussed at family get-togethers. Really, though, it was fascinating to read about these people as a family first, and government leaders second. And to see how their family relationships impacted politics and affected the entire world.
Another thing that stood out to me was how utterly pointless WWI was. Honestly, it was just someone really anxious to blow things up and shoot guns and prove that they were king of the mountain. There was no other reason for it. It wasn't about anything other than egos. It was about empire, and being the biggest world power. Which, sadly, in some ways hasn't changed much.
As I read, I found it much more difficult to sympathize with Wilhelm, but as I reflect, he probably deserves the most pity. Socially inept, all he wanted was acceptance and respect, but everything he did resulted in exactly the opposite. And yet, because of his lack of social graces, it's very hard to sympathize with him. As things progress, I felt more frustration with Nicholas, as well, and yet, pity, also. He was a good man placed in the wrong place. But the story of Russia before the revolution that overthrew Nicholas gave a lot of insight into the history of Russia after Nicholas, and even up to the present day.
In the end, all you get is a sense of tragedy. There are so many what-ifs. Of course, none of those have guarantees, and there were so many factors at play, but still. Had even one of the many major decisions been made differently, the world could have followed a completely different course.
Anyway, it really was a terrific book, and despite how huge it looked, was far less daunting than it appeared.
Now, a little bonus today, if you would like to call it that. I read an article this week that really gave some excellent perspective to the gun issue. I have read several articles that have reframed the discussion for me. I decided that I would share this one: Living with guns the Swiss way. I think this brings up a lot of relevant points for reading informational literature, which may be the topic next time. But, I hope the article is as insightful for you as it was for me.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Timing
There is a book I have been trying to get into for about a week now, and I have not made any progress. It is a book that sounded interesting, it's become widely known and I've heard other people say it was good, they made a movie out of it--there is absolutely no reason why I should be having such a hard time getting interested. I've made it 10 or 15 pages in, and I can't even say I dislike it, because what I've read isn't bad. It's just not grabbing me. And I don't feel inclined to read it.
On the other hand, there's another book I picked up today and took with me to the gym. And I read a few pages, and didn't want to put it down. It's a history book. It's big. It's a random book I stumbled across in some bizarre 'related item' search on the internet, a book that no one has ever heard of. I checked it out from the library and thought, 'I'm never going to get through all this." It shouts boring. (Well, to most people. It does have a cool history angle that I enjoy, but still). But I'm really enjoying it. And it just makes me laugh.
Pagewise, the two books are actually about the same, if you go by page numbers. But in the first 15 pages of the history book, there was more character, more plot, more action, and more interest than in the other. And I'm sure the other one gets better. It's just not the right time for it.
It's like the first time I tried to read Pride and Prejudice. I got about 50 pages in, and quit. It was so boring! It was exactly the kind of book I'd have expected to enjoy, but it just wasn't clicking. Fortunately, I picked it up a few years later and finished it, and it is really a terrific book, well-deserving of its reputation. It just wasn't the right time the first time around.
So, we'll see how things go. I'll stick with the history, and maybe when I'm done, I'll be ready for the other. And if not, I'll give it a year or two. Who knows? Maybe in time I'll come to love it.
On the other hand, there's another book I picked up today and took with me to the gym. And I read a few pages, and didn't want to put it down. It's a history book. It's big. It's a random book I stumbled across in some bizarre 'related item' search on the internet, a book that no one has ever heard of. I checked it out from the library and thought, 'I'm never going to get through all this." It shouts boring. (Well, to most people. It does have a cool history angle that I enjoy, but still). But I'm really enjoying it. And it just makes me laugh.
Pagewise, the two books are actually about the same, if you go by page numbers. But in the first 15 pages of the history book, there was more character, more plot, more action, and more interest than in the other. And I'm sure the other one gets better. It's just not the right time for it.
It's like the first time I tried to read Pride and Prejudice. I got about 50 pages in, and quit. It was so boring! It was exactly the kind of book I'd have expected to enjoy, but it just wasn't clicking. Fortunately, I picked it up a few years later and finished it, and it is really a terrific book, well-deserving of its reputation. It just wasn't the right time the first time around.
So, we'll see how things go. I'll stick with the history, and maybe when I'm done, I'll be ready for the other. And if not, I'll give it a year or two. Who knows? Maybe in time I'll come to love it.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Living History
I think there is a most unfortunate perception of history being nothing more than names, dates, and places. It is a real tragedy that history is seen as so dull and irrelevant, because a better understanding of history could really change the world. (Which may be illustrated better in a paragraph or two, so hold that thought). I've mentioned a few books before that I think really do history the justice it deserves: there's this one about King George VI, and this one, or this one, which admittedly is fiction. Or history in the eyes of Ford, or one that I apparently haven't mentioned, but should have, called Lies My Teacher Told Me, by James Loewen. Well, I read another book this last week that did a great job of giving history life.
Along the lines of the Ford book, Between You and Me: A Memoir, by Mike Wallace (of 60 Minutes fame) and Gary Paul Gates gives a look at history through the eyes of people who made it. Now, to clarify. It's not a book about history. It's a book that tells about a man's experiences interacting with people who are big names in history of all kinds (entertainment history, political and international history, etc.). Wallace basically reminisces on his impressions and interactions with the people he interviewed. He tells about how his work and life intertwined, although don't expect this to be a "life of Mike Wallace" experience. You'll learn a bit about him, but this is a memoir, not an autobiography. For me, it was fascinating to read his impressions of the times he lived in.
Now, back to the whole understanding history thing. One of the most fascinating accounts to me was his account of interviewing the Shah of Iran, and the Ayatollah. I think this amazed me because he was able to trace the effects of the overthrow of the Shah in a way that no one talks about, but should. That revolution sparked events that eventually connect to 9/11 in remarkable ways. I wasn't born when the revolution started, but the events that stemmed from that (which may have happened even if the Shah hadn't been overthrown--who knows) have definitely shaped the history of my life. And it is fascinating to read this story being told by someone who was there at the beginning and had the perspective to recognize the full extent of the story.
Alright, enough of my diatribing. This is a really great book and has something for everyone. Wallace interviewed stars, artists, politicians, generals, criminals, and more, and this book is full of great stories, and as a reporter, he tells them as stories, so it's very readable. So, have fun reading.
Along the lines of the Ford book, Between You and Me: A Memoir, by Mike Wallace (of 60 Minutes fame) and Gary Paul Gates gives a look at history through the eyes of people who made it. Now, to clarify. It's not a book about history. It's a book that tells about a man's experiences interacting with people who are big names in history of all kinds (entertainment history, political and international history, etc.). Wallace basically reminisces on his impressions and interactions with the people he interviewed. He tells about how his work and life intertwined, although don't expect this to be a "life of Mike Wallace" experience. You'll learn a bit about him, but this is a memoir, not an autobiography. For me, it was fascinating to read his impressions of the times he lived in.
Now, back to the whole understanding history thing. One of the most fascinating accounts to me was his account of interviewing the Shah of Iran, and the Ayatollah. I think this amazed me because he was able to trace the effects of the overthrow of the Shah in a way that no one talks about, but should. That revolution sparked events that eventually connect to 9/11 in remarkable ways. I wasn't born when the revolution started, but the events that stemmed from that (which may have happened even if the Shah hadn't been overthrown--who knows) have definitely shaped the history of my life. And it is fascinating to read this story being told by someone who was there at the beginning and had the perspective to recognize the full extent of the story.
Alright, enough of my diatribing. This is a really great book and has something for everyone. Wallace interviewed stars, artists, politicians, generals, criminals, and more, and this book is full of great stories, and as a reporter, he tells them as stories, so it's very readable. So, have fun reading.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Ancient History
So, you know how people think history is a bunch of names and dates and is REALLY boring? (Is that last part true? It seems to be the general stereotype). I personally don't find history boring, but I can see why a lot of people might. A history book can be awfully short on details and that personal touch. Which is one of the reasons for biographies and historical fiction. Case in point:
This week I read The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, by Jacqueline Kelly. [Warning: if you read the author's bio in the jacket of this book, you run a high risk of developing a temporary inferiority complex!] I think I stumbled onto this book through the Amazon recommender system, but I'm not entirely sure. The recommender system is a hit and miss approach to finding new books to read, but assuming that's how I actually found this book, it paid off this time.
As I think of it now, I'm kind of surprised that the turn of the century from 1899 to 1900 isn't more of a highlight in history classes. I mean, come on. Turn of the century. It's a big deal. And this is a time period that gets overlooked in general, which is pretty ridiculous. Just to give you a taste of the historically significant issues this book addresses: changes in women's position in society, evolution and Darwinism, the development of the telephone, the post-Civil War era, Southern society, and science.
Admittedly, historical fiction is going to have limitations. Because it is fiction, authors are going to take some liberties in their writing, and Kelly makes a note of this in the Acknowledgements. But, what it does accomplish is it generates interest in an audience that might otherwise not care. I mean, look at that list of topics! So many ways to connect! And once a child (or adult!) has read about Darwinism in a historical fiction work, they may be interested in knowing more. So they learn about Charles Darwin, and his theories. Then they will find that he was controversial, and they might wonder why. And maybe they'll learn about the social values and context of Darwin's theories. And before you know it, they have learned some history!
So, nutshell: This is a really good book, and it presents a unique perspective on a time in history that on the surface, seems pretty dull, but is really quite fascinating.
This week I read The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, by Jacqueline Kelly. [Warning: if you read the author's bio in the jacket of this book, you run a high risk of developing a temporary inferiority complex!] I think I stumbled onto this book through the Amazon recommender system, but I'm not entirely sure. The recommender system is a hit and miss approach to finding new books to read, but assuming that's how I actually found this book, it paid off this time.
As I think of it now, I'm kind of surprised that the turn of the century from 1899 to 1900 isn't more of a highlight in history classes. I mean, come on. Turn of the century. It's a big deal. And this is a time period that gets overlooked in general, which is pretty ridiculous. Just to give you a taste of the historically significant issues this book addresses: changes in women's position in society, evolution and Darwinism, the development of the telephone, the post-Civil War era, Southern society, and science.
Admittedly, historical fiction is going to have limitations. Because it is fiction, authors are going to take some liberties in their writing, and Kelly makes a note of this in the Acknowledgements. But, what it does accomplish is it generates interest in an audience that might otherwise not care. I mean, look at that list of topics! So many ways to connect! And once a child (or adult!) has read about Darwinism in a historical fiction work, they may be interested in knowing more. So they learn about Charles Darwin, and his theories. Then they will find that he was controversial, and they might wonder why. And maybe they'll learn about the social values and context of Darwin's theories. And before you know it, they have learned some history!
So, nutshell: This is a really good book, and it presents a unique perspective on a time in history that on the surface, seems pretty dull, but is really quite fascinating.
Friday, August 17, 2012
stupidity
This week, for some reason I don't now recall, I read Stupid American history : tales of stupidity, strangeness, and mythconceptions by Leland Gregory. I can't say it was a horrible book. I mean, it was quick and easy to read. But about half of the bits of trivia were corrections of misconceptions, right (Thus the 'mythconception' in the title)? And is it just me, or doesn't it seem like if you are going to correct something and establish a fact, you would provide a resource? No resources. None. Zero. No citations (other than a random handful--four or five--that were dropped in with the fact). How do I know it is true? How can I be sure it's not made up like the previous misconception? I was a little disappointed. Maybe it's because I'm an archivist and so I feel like these things should be documented.
It was also interesting (and again, this is the archivist me) that there were certain facts that were hearsay. For example, what Benedict Arnold may or may not have said on his deathbed. One story says one thing, but because his wife wrote down a different account, that must be true. Well, just because something is written doesn't make it true. And his wife may have had reasons not to be truthful about his last words. Or she may be right. Who knows? I wasn't there, and neither was this guy, and since there is no citation of his source or why it should be trusted, who knows what is true? That is the beauty of history. It's so spinnable.
Anyway, I've also read some other books. I started Out of the Silent Planet, by C.S. Lewis (who knew he did sci-fi?), read The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate, which I really enjoyed. Juvenile fiction, story about a gorilla with a mission. Nice heartwarming story, interesting perspective, gets you thinking a little. I've been listening to a few books on CD--most notably the Artemis Fowl series, an oldie but goodie that I can read over and over again. I've taken a bit more time to dig in to some reading, which has been nice. I still have an enormous book list, but in time. I'm glad that reading has felt more relaxing lately. Always a plus.
Anyway, I hope that you have enjoyed some good books lately, and that you'll overlook the archival rant!
It was also interesting (and again, this is the archivist me) that there were certain facts that were hearsay. For example, what Benedict Arnold may or may not have said on his deathbed. One story says one thing, but because his wife wrote down a different account, that must be true. Well, just because something is written doesn't make it true. And his wife may have had reasons not to be truthful about his last words. Or she may be right. Who knows? I wasn't there, and neither was this guy, and since there is no citation of his source or why it should be trusted, who knows what is true? That is the beauty of history. It's so spinnable.
Anyway, I've also read some other books. I started Out of the Silent Planet, by C.S. Lewis (who knew he did sci-fi?), read The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate, which I really enjoyed. Juvenile fiction, story about a gorilla with a mission. Nice heartwarming story, interesting perspective, gets you thinking a little. I've been listening to a few books on CD--most notably the Artemis Fowl series, an oldie but goodie that I can read over and over again. I've taken a bit more time to dig in to some reading, which has been nice. I still have an enormous book list, but in time. I'm glad that reading has felt more relaxing lately. Always a plus.
Anyway, I hope that you have enjoyed some good books lately, and that you'll overlook the archival rant!
Friday, August 10, 2012
The dirt
A while back, I attended a conference at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum which got me interested in Gerald R. Ford (whose birth name was Leslie King Jr, did you know?). Well, while browsing at the library one day, I came across a book called Write It When I'm Gone by Thomas DeFrank. Background: Tom DeFrank was a journalist assigned to cover Ford. They became good friends, and DeFrank received permission to have off-the-record interviews with Ford and print them after Ford's death.
This book is really fascinating. I thought it might be a bit of a time commitment to read, but it went very quickly. First off, even though he has his quirks, you can't help but like Ford. He was a truly decent guy. A bit too committed to the party for my taste, but he wasn't partisan. He believed in Republican values, but I don't think he was like politicians today, who put party before the good of the people they represent. I don't know for sure, but that's an impression I have.
Also, you learn a lot about other presidents. Keeping in mind it is one man's opinions, it still helps you to round out the picture of people who are usually very able to control their image and public perception. But you still get some insight into what these people were like when you strip away the position.
It is also interesting to get a glimpse into the life of a former president. I don't know that we really think about it (and why would we?) but it was really interesting. It never occurred to me that there are only 44 people who can claim to have been the President of the US, and at any given time, there are only maybe 4 or 5 living people who can say they were once in that office. That is a very very small minority.
Anyway. This is really a good read. It gives a lot of insights into events that aren't part of the past of the up and coming generation. It will give you a lot of new topics to explore and give a glimpse into the life of a decent person, who just happened to be a politician. Now that's rare.
This book is really fascinating. I thought it might be a bit of a time commitment to read, but it went very quickly. First off, even though he has his quirks, you can't help but like Ford. He was a truly decent guy. A bit too committed to the party for my taste, but he wasn't partisan. He believed in Republican values, but I don't think he was like politicians today, who put party before the good of the people they represent. I don't know for sure, but that's an impression I have.
Also, you learn a lot about other presidents. Keeping in mind it is one man's opinions, it still helps you to round out the picture of people who are usually very able to control their image and public perception. But you still get some insight into what these people were like when you strip away the position.
It is also interesting to get a glimpse into the life of a former president. I don't know that we really think about it (and why would we?) but it was really interesting. It never occurred to me that there are only 44 people who can claim to have been the President of the US, and at any given time, there are only maybe 4 or 5 living people who can say they were once in that office. That is a very very small minority.
Anyway. This is really a good read. It gives a lot of insights into events that aren't part of the past of the up and coming generation. It will give you a lot of new topics to explore and give a glimpse into the life of a decent person, who just happened to be a politician. Now that's rare.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
But wait! There's more....
This week, I finished listening to The King's Speech, by Mark Logue and Peter Conradi. It was terrific, especially if you like history. I really wanted to see the movie, but couldn't for the simple fact that I have this standard of no R movies. So, I did the next best thing--or maybe the better thing--and listened to the book. It was terrific. You get your British history, your world history, your WWII history, your medical history (the history of speech therapy), a lot of biography, and your speech therapy/psychology. Highlights:
-King George VI was a really good person. There have been a lot of rotten rulers from a lot of countries and from every time, but this guy was a pretty stand-up person. It's always great to read about a quality person.
-The perspective people had on stammerers and speech 'defects' (not my phrasing). It is kind of mind boggling. The trend was to treat it all as a psychological problem. So, Lionel Logue approached it as a physical problem, and it got some good results. Of course, there is a psychological element--any physical problem has psychological effects. But Logue helped people move past the physical problem, and that resolved any psychological side effects.
-Score one for archivists! This is a great example of how valuable our records can be.
Verdict: Well written story, definitely a worthwhile read.
But wait...there's more!
I also finished The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. So, I have mixed feelings about this one. It was interesting, and I would say it was good, but to say it was good seems the wrong approach. And it isn't really a question of did I like it or not. This is one of those books that just doesn't fit into the regular categories. 'Good' and "liked it' don't seem to be the right words. Should you choose to read it,you should know it is a bit risque, on the surface, but there is more to the story than that, and that is not what the story is about. -Ask people you trust, people who know you and your standards before you read it. There are a lot of really interesting issues addressed in the book, but the route it takes may not be up your alley. (I don't know if there is any other route that could have been taken).
Verdict: I liked the book. I think Atwood is a good author. But read with caution.
But wait...there's more!
I am currently listening to Planet Google: One Company's Audacious Plan To Organize Everything We Know, by Randall Stross. It is fascinating! I think I mentioned that this was a random choice at the library. But it turned out to be serendipitous. So far, the book has covered Google's dedication to openness, their approach to business, their growth, the Google Books project (which, I have heard a lot about, but this was a new perspective), Google translate (so interesting!), and the acquisition of YouTube. Just to name a few topics. I am learning a lot about Google, which, given it's huge presence in the world, can't be a bad thing. I haven't finished the book yet, but I definitely like it. I think the major disappointment is that the book was published in 2008, so there are 4 packed years that aren't covered!
Verdict: A delightful surprise, I'm really glad I pulled it.
But wait! One more...
I am also reading A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L'Engle. An oldie but a goodie. I have read this one before, but it's been a while, so I'm doing a reread. I have a niece who has been dragging her feet about reading this one, but I've got to get her to read it. It's terrific, so far. (But having read it before, I know it's good). I think I'm going to have to read more of L'Engle's books, though.
Verdict: A must read for everyone.
But wait! Just kidding. That's all for now. I did remember one more book I'm listening to, but I'll save that for later. I think I've reviewed enough for now. So, there you go. Happy reading!
-King George VI was a really good person. There have been a lot of rotten rulers from a lot of countries and from every time, but this guy was a pretty stand-up person. It's always great to read about a quality person.
-The perspective people had on stammerers and speech 'defects' (not my phrasing). It is kind of mind boggling. The trend was to treat it all as a psychological problem. So, Lionel Logue approached it as a physical problem, and it got some good results. Of course, there is a psychological element--any physical problem has psychological effects. But Logue helped people move past the physical problem, and that resolved any psychological side effects.
-Score one for archivists! This is a great example of how valuable our records can be.
Verdict: Well written story, definitely a worthwhile read.
But wait...there's more!
I also finished The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. So, I have mixed feelings about this one. It was interesting, and I would say it was good, but to say it was good seems the wrong approach. And it isn't really a question of did I like it or not. This is one of those books that just doesn't fit into the regular categories. 'Good' and "liked it' don't seem to be the right words. Should you choose to read it,you should know it is a bit risque, on the surface, but there is more to the story than that, and that is not what the story is about. -Ask people you trust, people who know you and your standards before you read it. There are a lot of really interesting issues addressed in the book, but the route it takes may not be up your alley. (I don't know if there is any other route that could have been taken).
Verdict: I liked the book. I think Atwood is a good author. But read with caution.
But wait...there's more!
I am currently listening to Planet Google: One Company's Audacious Plan To Organize Everything We Know, by Randall Stross. It is fascinating! I think I mentioned that this was a random choice at the library. But it turned out to be serendipitous. So far, the book has covered Google's dedication to openness, their approach to business, their growth, the Google Books project (which, I have heard a lot about, but this was a new perspective), Google translate (so interesting!), and the acquisition of YouTube. Just to name a few topics. I am learning a lot about Google, which, given it's huge presence in the world, can't be a bad thing. I haven't finished the book yet, but I definitely like it. I think the major disappointment is that the book was published in 2008, so there are 4 packed years that aren't covered!
Verdict: A delightful surprise, I'm really glad I pulled it.
But wait! One more...
I am also reading A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L'Engle. An oldie but a goodie. I have read this one before, but it's been a while, so I'm doing a reread. I have a niece who has been dragging her feet about reading this one, but I've got to get her to read it. It's terrific, so far. (But having read it before, I know it's good). I think I'm going to have to read more of L'Engle's books, though.
Verdict: A must read for everyone.
But wait! Just kidding. That's all for now. I did remember one more book I'm listening to, but I'll save that for later. I think I've reviewed enough for now. So, there you go. Happy reading!
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