The History Book Club discussion

January

I have a great start to the year reading wise, lets hope it keeps up.

1. by Antony Beevor
Finish Date: 7th January
Genre: WWII
Rating: A

Review:
With this refreshing and detailed look at D-Day, Beevor shows why he is one the best World War II historians around. With his usual mix of first-hand accounts and his analyse of the bigger picture the D-Day campaign is bought alive on the pages. From the planning stages to the liberation of Paris we see this decisive campaign from all sides. This book goes straight onto my classic shelf.

2. by Aimery Thomas
Finish Date: 12th January
Genre: Dsytopian Fiction
Rating: A++

Review:
This is a difficult review to write as I don't want to pepper it with clichés and superlatives. But this book is epic in every sense of the word .

Aimery Thomas takes into a post-apocalyptic world were a dystopian society lives on lies and manipulation of a trusted few. All appears good on the surface but just beneath there is a more sinister and darker side. A cast of well-developed characters takes on a wild ride building up to a thrilling ending. Yes the story does seem familiar in places and yes it is a long read. But the complexity of the story and the world the author build upon the pages had me enthralled all the way to the end. I wait expectantly for the next instalment of this epic saga. If you read only one book this year make it this one.

3. by Dan Hampton
Finish Date: 14th January
Genre: Military memoirs
Rating: C

Review:
While this was an entertaining read about the career of one of the top F-16 pilots, I found his arrogance held me back from really enjoying this book. The author gives a great background to the plane and the missions he flew. His main role being a "Wild Weasel" pilot. This involves flying around trying to get a SAM fire at you so your wingman can take it out.

I have a new found respect for F-16 pilots after reading this back and was in awe of the skill and dedication it takes to fly one of these planes. But like I said his arrogance shines through in many parts of the book and if I was a pilot of some of the other aircraft he talks about I would be more than annoyed. He tries to pass his arrogance off as confidence but I don't buy it. Still it was an enjoyable read giving you a great feel of what it is like to be a pilot during war time in this great plane.

4. by David P. Forsyth
Finish Date: 17th January
Genre: Zombie
Rating: B

Review:
Voyage of the Dead contains all the key elements expected from a book of this genre with a bit extra to boot. A great plot sails it's way through a world turned into a zombie playground. A group find themselves safe and isolated from the outbreak in a rich mans yacht, full of rich mans toys. What would you do? Me I would sit it out in luxury, kick back have a beer and watch the world come to a end. Lucky for us the author had a different idea, guns, blood, helicopters and a world that needs saving. The author delivers a smart zombie book which will have me buying the next in the series

5. by Joanna C. Harker
Genre: Fantasy
Finish Date: 18th January
Rating: A

Review:
A great short story that doesn't skimp on plot or action. An interesting and refreshing take on dragons, that engages the reader and sets the imagination free.

6. by Jacqueline Druga
Finish Date: 22nd January
Genre: DOOM!!
Rating: A

Review:
This book works its way into your system and does not let go. The Flu tells the tale of a killer flu accidently let loose upon the world; it highlights how fragile as a species we truly are. This is what scares you about this book, it has happened before and it is bound to happen again. A great cast of characters take us through this tale that has it all, action, romance, suspense and humour. Like the Flu this book leaves exhausted once it is done with you. But this is a good thing because it shows that you have just read a great book.

Great start, Michael!!!

Great, Michael, you always hook me up with great horror books. Oh, and history of course, lol.

Please bold the work "January" so it stands out more. Thanks.

7. by Alex Bobl
Finishing Date: 24th January
Genre: Dystopian
Rating: B

Review:

Memoria delivers a well polished gritty dystopian novel. Why the plot is familiar it has enough twist and turns to keep you on edge and entertained

A man framed for murder tries to find out why and who has set him up. An evil corporation is behind it all. As the accused travels through the story he discovers an intricate plot to turn the citizens into mindless puppets. Can he stop them? Can he clear his name? You are going to have to read the book to find out the answers.

8. by Manel Loureiro
Finishing Date 31st January
Genre: End of the World
Rating: A solid A

Review:

This book was originally in Spanish and I would like to thank whoever translated it into English. Simply put this book rocks and ticks all the boxes for me. The story is told in a first person perspective as blog and journal entries, this works really well for this story. The story starts with a mysterious viral outbreak in Russia that quickly spreads across the world. What does the virus do? It turns people into Zombies.
We are taken through the breakdown of society as the world succumbs to the rule of the dead. The story of our hero is one of survival and despair as he tries to find a haven safe from the Zombies. I am not going to reveal too much of the plot because I do not want to spoil the fun. One thing I will say is our hero has companion throughout the story and it is a cat. It may be the fact that I am not a cat lover, but I kept waiting for the cat to become Zombie chow. All in all a very refreshing and entertaining read.

Michael wrote: "8.byManel Loureiro
Finishing Date 31st January
Genre: End of the World
Rating: A solid A

Review:

This book w..."

Another good one that I will have to read. Thanks.

February

9. bySönke Neitzel
Finishing Date: 2nd Febraury
Genre: WWII
Rating: A

Review:

For me this book ticked all the boxes and was a highly enjoyable read. It takes the time to explain the mind set of Werchmat soldiers and explains how the normalization of violence experienced by any front line troops occurs.

A fantastic study into the world during the war and those who fought in it. Through the transcripts of German POW's the author pulls apart the social and human aspects of war and soldiers and shows it in a crystal clear perspective.

This book should be mandatory reading of any military leadership group as the lesson to be learnt goes to the heart of man at war. In short it pulls apart what it is to be a soldier and lays it bare for all to see.

Sounds like something I would be interested in, Michael. And I might recommend this book to you which is in the same vein. It is extremely well done.

by John Laffin

I don't know whether to tell you to slow down or speed along! I have picked 4 new books that I want to read from your January list alone. If you see no reviews from me, it's because I am devouring your list. I'll just have to add "ditto" or "waiting tbr".

Sorry Kathy :) and Jill thanks for the suggestion added to the ole TBR.

10. by Preston Fleming
Finishing Date: 9th Febraury
Genre: Dystopian Fiction
Rating: B

Review:

I was slow to embrace this book but once the hook was set I was in for the ride. Forty Days at Kamas is set in a totalitarian run USA, in which it does not take much to be labelled a traitor.
The story is set around a labour camp in UTAH known as Kamas and the uprising that takes place against the oppressive prison regime. Very Stalinist like in their nature, these labour camps are designed to crush the soul and spirit of those imprisoned behind the walls. As a Correctional officer I feel the author has done a fantastic job creating the people and atmosphere of Kamas. He has picked up and created the underlying tension that is present in any prison.
A great story line keeps the book moving along at a fast exciting place. What is so frightening about this book is that is not to much a stretch of the imagination to believe it could really happen

11. by Kevin D. Mitnick
Finishing Date: 10th February
Genre: Memoirs, Hacking, Social Engineering
Rating: C

Review:

Ghost in the wire is the tell all memoirs of the World’s best known Hacker Kevin Mitnick. While the subject matter of the book is fascinating as well as frightening the author loves to let you know how good he is. I lost count of how many times he comes out with” who else but Mitnick would”.... Seriously get over yourself. Yes you are clever, yes you did outrun the Feds for years and yes you are famous. But I knew all this before I picked up the book. Ego aside this is as mentioned before a fascinating read, you just have to push the authors big head aside to get to the essence of the book.

12. by Max Hastings
Finishing Date: 13th February
Genre: WWII History
Rating: A

Review:

Max Hasting delivers yet another well researched and insightful book. In this offering he looks at Britains Bomber Command and follows it through it's conception to the end of the war. The writing is just the right mix, giving a great overview of Bomber Command. As well as allowing the reader to get a feel for what it was like for those who flew the missions and those who were on the receiving end of it. Hasting does not shy away from the difficult questions raised by the tactics used by Bomber Command and delivers a insightful look at the reasoning behind them.

13. by Tom Rob Smith
Finishing Date: 16 February
Genre: Thriller
Rating: A

Review:

A top notch thriller that takes you into the world of 50's Stalin Russia. A prodigal son of the Soviet Union put's his life and the life of his loved ones on the line to track down a brutal killer of children. Paranoia, fear and betrayal leap from the pages as the author weaves an intricate plot that has you on the edge of the seat throughout the book. In a world where you can trust no one can good prevail over evil? Can the individual succeed were the state fails? Can the killer be stopped?

Michael, I have to say you have an eclectic group of books. Awesome start.

Thanks Bentley. My taste in books has broadened of late.

14. by Elliott Logan
Finish Date: 17 February
Genre: Fiction

Rating: B+

Review:

After receiving this book in exchange for an honest review the first thing I can say about it is I would have happily payed for it. The story is refreshingly original and I found it hard to put down.

A mysterious event has befallen the US with people being reduced to either a mindless staring bunch or a blood crazed violent hoard. Not all are affected by the event though and the story follows a character by the name of Hayes, as he tries to get back home to his girlfriend. The ending of this book was very powerful and left me stunned.

So do yourself a favour and give this book a read, you will not be sorry.

15. byMark Tufo
Finish Date: 18th February
Genre: Zombies
Rating: A

Review:
Mark Tofu delivers a highly addictive read that should come with a public health warning, as it can induce uncontrollable fits of laughter in public. This story is told mainly through the eyes of our hero Mike Talbot and his internal dialogue is a joy to behold. A fast paced and gritty plot keeps you hooked right through to the end. As for the Zombie on the cover, well lets just say she may have a tad of a crush on our main man. If you read only one Zombie book this year then give serious contemplation to this one.

16. byShaun Tennant
Finish Date: 23rd Febuary
Rating: B-

Review:



Who do you call when a wing of hardened criminals decided to riot? Easy you get a vampire to do your dirty work. I have to admit that I was wondering when the vampire would materialise in this story as the front half of the book sets up our main characters and story. For someone who has not worked in a prison the author has a remarkable grasp of the dynamics that exist in these environments. But when the action starts it hits home hard and fast. I found this book hard to put down and it was responsible for more than a couple of late nights.

17. by Jamie Marchant
Finishing Date: 24th February
Genre: Short story fiction
Rating: B-

Review:

Jamie Marchant delivers a great story all in the span of 76 pages. Earth and its sister parallel world are in danger from a demon onslaught and all that stands in their way is an old witch, her granddaughter and a homeless man. A search for a missing girl turns into a race against time to save both worlds. This is a shining example of what a Novella should be. It hooks you from page one and does not let go until the last page. For 99 cents you can't go wrong.

Great progress Michael and each baby pic is extremely cute.

Thanks Bentley. Will have some more pics to post soon as we have another family addition due soon.

Congratulations to you all on your soon to be welcomed new baby!!!!!!

Congrats. Hope all goes well. Our second will be 1 in a few weeks.

Thanks :) So have you got a big birthday planned Bryan.

March

18. by Anne Nelson
Finish Date: 7th March
Genre: WWII History
Rating: A

Review:

A wonderfully researched book that brings to life on its pages the people that resisted the Nazi's from the inside. These people risked everything to expose the evils of the Nazi party; the moral and ethical dilemmas they faced are laid bare on the pages. It gives a view of life in Berlin and the paranoiac and fear that ruled it. A book full of political intrigue and chances lost it draws you in to the story and does not let you go until the end. A fascinating book on a little told part of history

19. byVictor Gregg
Finish Date: 8th March
Genre: WWII History

Review:

This book in just 36 pages packs one hell of a punch and give us a snaphot into hell. I would like to thank the author for re-living what must be horryfing memories to make sure that we don't forget what total war is about. Told through his eyes as a POW in Dresden during one of the most devastating bombings of World War II this book book horrifies and touches your heart.How many stories like this have we lost to history

Michael wrote: "Thanks :) So have you got a big birthday planned Bryan."

We were just talking about that. We might make it low key

Michael wrote: "Thanks Bentley. Will have some more pics to post soon as we have another family addition due soon."

Oh my goodness, things start getting complicated with additions; it is like having multiples of anything. But I think you will be very happy with the new one - better get your stamina up.

20. by Steven Konkoly
Finish Date: 16th March
Genre: Fiction-Pandemic

Rating: A

Review:

This book was a very engaging read that had me wanting to read just one more chapter time and time again. The story takes a look at what happens when society as we know it starts to break down due to a killer flu that is rampaging its way across the globe. This is done through the main character, his family and the neighbourhood he live in. The thing that I found scary about this book is that it is based on a realistic scenario. The tension in this book had me wanting to shout at the main character in the book on numerous occasions. Are you ready to survive to a pandemic and do what is necessary to keep your family safe? All in all a very well-crafted story that I would not read if you’re a hypochondriac

21. by Robert R. McCammon

Finish Date: 19th March
Rating: A-

Review:

This book can still hold its head high after 25 years. The story is frightening and as fresh as the day the author put pen to paper. This book is an epic read weighing in at 956 pages but the story flies along and takes you on one hell of a roller-coaster ride.

The story is set in a world devastated by a nuclear war were the survivors struggle in this new environment. A cast of characters slowly gravitate towards each other for the explosive conclusion. This book mixes the post-apocalyptic theme with a supernatural battle between good and evil, where the true soul of people come to the surface. Great character development draws you into this tale and keeps you there unto the last sentence. A magic ring of melted glass and metal and a man who can change his appearance at will are the link to them all. I can see why this book tops so many reading lists.

Great progress Michael, and congrats on the pending family addition!

Thak you Alisa getting the reading in before the late night :)

I read Swan Song several years ago and absolutely loved it. I just looked on one of my book shelves to see if I still have it and there is was. Looks like it will go onto my TBRA (to be read again) list.

by Robert R. McCammon

22. by Keith Crews

Finish Date: 22 March
Genre: Thriller/Supernatural
Rating: A

Review:

One highly entertaining and engaging read. The book starts off with the main character dead and what a great place to start. The former Mafia hit man finds himself in a bar in the afterlife and partaking in a drinking game like no other, three drinks, three questions and the promise of redemption. This part of the book acts as a great platform for the reader to explores the hit man's past and the choices that lead him to the bar. I found myself engrossed in his story only to be pulled back to the bar just like the hit man and then dunked right back into the action. All in all a great story and concept extremely well executed. This book is a great example of what the indie author revolution has to offer.


23. by Peter Clines

Finish Date: 27th March
Genre: Thriller/Supernatural
Rating: B

Review

A great thriller with a nice supernatural twist, this book delivers one hell of a story. A building with some very strange quirks, which some of the residents decide to get to the bottom of. An apartment that never gets over 69F and another one that no one ever lives in for long, are just a couple of the quirks. This book is what I call a slow burner the story draws you in and like the main characters in the book keeps you wanting to know more about the building. The last part of the story explodes into an action packed struggle where all the questions are answered. If you give this book a go you will not be disappointed.


24. by Elie Wiesel

Finish Date: 29th March
Genre: WWII/ Holocaust
Rating: A+

Review

Even though this book is a short read it packs so much into its pages. This memoir follows a teenager’s journey into the hell of the Nazi concentration camps. The day to day fight to live and to ensure he stays with his father right to the end. This book is heartbreaking as this young man question how his god can allow this level of suffering. Any type of humanity is stripped from those who are reduced to human cattle but yet the power of living another day drives them on. I have read numerous books on the holocaust and this one is right up there as one of the best. We do not read these books for enjoyment but to remember and honour those who perished in these man made hells. We cannot afford to forget and allow such evil to raise its head again in such a terrible way.

I thank the author for his bravery to relive this nightmare and pain and to share with us his story and by doing so the story of so many lost to evil.

25. by Jamie Marchant

Finish Date: 30th March
Genre: Fiction
Review: B-

Review:

Jamie Marchant delivers a great story all in the span of 76 pages. Earth and its sister parallel world are in danger from a demon onslaught and all that stands in their way is an old witch, her granddaughter and a homeless man. A search for a missing girl turns into a race against time to save both worlds. This is a shining example of what a Novella should be. It hooks you from page one and does not let go until the last page. For 99 cents you can't go wrong.

Great progress Michael. Don't forget to add the genre.
I was absolutely captivated by Elie Wiesel's story. Wow.
by Elie Wiesel

Woops will do

April

26. by Alex Bobl
Finish Date: 1st April
Genre: Sci-fi Thriler
Rating: B+

Review:

Alex Bobl delivers yet another top notch Sci-Fi Thriller. This story travels along at a cracking pace and demands you pay attention. Another world accidently discovered when a worm hole is opened up after a military accident is used as the ultimate banishment destination. A world that is one of survival and day to day living. Our hero is a ex-soldier banished for the murder of another soldier this once bio-enhanced tool of death is being used unknowingly as a tool of other means. Without giving to much away we learn of his true reason for banishment as he discovers it himself. A Sci-Fi thriller that leaves you satisiifed and entertained

Another couple of quite night shifts has bumped the reading list along,

27. byNicholas Smith
Finishing Date: 4th April
Genre: Sci-Fi Dystopian
Rating: A-

Review:

The author has bought to life on the pages of this novel a compelling and frightening vision of a dystopian world. A society that has risen out of the ashes of nuclear winter whose leaders rule through fear and misinformation and oppress the freedom of its citizens. The state is monopolising the near endless fuel source known as Biomass, that if shared could bring relief from the agonizing deaths and suffering of the banished masses.

A small band of revolutionaries struggle to bring the government down and to free the citizens. This book has all the ingredients for a great read and does not disappoint. A sumptuous novel of epic proportions that left me wanting seconds. Nicholas Smith has delivered a fresh vision in a well-worn genre.

28. by Silvano Williams
Finish Date: 5th April
Genre: Fiction
Rating: A+

Review:

I purchased this book on a whim and must admit I was not sold by the first chapter. But as soon as the narrative turned to that of the main character I nearly got whiplash as the story launched itself from the pages. This book may be only 114 pages but the author uses every page to maximum effect.

The story follows the last night of Adirans life and it is far from pretty and inspiring. A waster and low level drug user and abuser we follow him as his night spirals into a deluge of violence that makes no sense and has no purpose. You get such a great feeling of how out of control the events are that leads to his death. A book that resounds with me as I work in a place where I have to deal face to face with people whose way of life is violence.

I felt no sorrow for Adiran as his life ebbed away but this book left me with was thinking about where our society is at and where it is heading.

Good for you Michael.

29. byEric Greitens
Finish Date: 7th April
Genre: Non Fiction
Rating: A+

Review:

It's not very often that I call a book inspiring but this one deserves the accolade. This book delivers a story I was not expecting. It is a story of one man’s journey through volunteer work in war ravaged countries to serving his nation as a Navy seal. All through this book its message is clear, to truly serve one has to give something to those he serves. Here is a man that could have had taken the easy road as a Rhodes Scholar and lived the easy life. Instead he chooses to challenge himself and in turn learns what it truly means to lead.

The book is in three parts the first follows the author as he finds his place in the world and takes his first steps down the road of being a humanitarian. We follow him as he matures and takes along hard look at the world he lives in.

The second part of the book looks at his Navy Seal training and what he learnt during his time in service. If you are looking for a gun-ho action read this is not for you. Why this book does not dance around the cruel reality of war it concentrates more on the other side, the human side.

The third part looks at what he does after finishing serving. He did not want those who died defending their country to be forgotten statistics. Nor did he want those who returned injured to be left behind to struggle to find their place in a new world from them. He creates a non-profit organisation that asks the questions of returned injured serviceman, what service can you now do for your country. His organisation supports these people in their endeavours to give back to society and by doing so honour their fallen brothers and sister. It all so inspires these people to overcome their injuries and to get as much out of life that they can. I have much respect for this author for here is a man that has already left a positive imprint on all around him.

30. byBlaine Harden
Finish Date: 8th April
Genre: History
Rating: A

Review:

This book was a fascinating look into the North Korean labour camp system told from the eyes of an ex-resident of one of the worse. The main character of this book, Sing is born into the world of the North Korean penal camps. He knew of no other world and was raised in a brutal world were snitching on anyone, even your family, was encouraged and rewarded. A dystopian vision of hell lifted right of the pages of a fiction book. This book and the knowledge of that these camps still exist to this day leaves you asking the question, how can it be allowed to happen. The days of concentration camps and gulags are still flourishing in North Korea.

The author by following the subject through his early life and his awakening to the reality that there was a world passing on by outside of the camps wire, takes into the ideology and the reality of life in North Korea.

The only person ever known to escape camp 14 his insight to this hell is invaluable. But his ability to adapt to life in a free world is a painful struggle. That to this day Sing has not come to terms with. The paranoia and mistrust learnt from birth is hard for him to overcome.

31. byConor O'Clery
Finish Date: 7th April
Genre: History
Rating: B-

Review:

An interesting read and behind the scene look at the end the Soviet Union and the people involved in it. Even though this book claims to be about the last day of the Soviet Union it also delivers the events leading up to it. It does this by cutting the last day into sections and introducing and expanding the events surrounding to this momentous day, it takes us from 1985 through to 1991.

All in all this book is a great read that I recommend to one and all it is a highly engaging and entertaining book that delivers political intrigue at its best. It changed my opinion on many of the movers and shakers and left me with a fresh and enlightened view of the end of the 75 year experiment that was the USSR.

32. by Mark Tufo
Finish Date: 10th April
Genre: Horror
Rating: A

Review:



The king of zombie fiction strikes again this time delivering up a sumptuous tale with a twist. Timothy is turned into the undead whilst dressed as a clown, if this was not bad enough he hates being a clown. Whilst his body might be that of a zombie his consciousness is alive and well. He forms a pact with zombie infection that has taken up residence in his body. This pact is summed up very easily, let me control my body and I will get you food. As a clown Timothy makes Stephen Kings clown look like a girl guide selling cookies.

What this book delivers is some side splitting internal and external dialogue as Timothy eats and craps his way through a smorgasbord of delectable dishes. A great short read that nearly had me committed as I laughed like a mad man on my commute to work. So if you are not easily offended or squeamish then pick this book and be highly entertained.

"Escape from Camp 14" (your book nr. 30) is definitely a book I would like to read. I was first introduced to it at a reading on BBC radio. Have you read "Nothing to Envy"? The author has now also written a book on Sarajevo.

by Barbara Demick.

Chrissie wrote: ""Escape from Camp 14" (your book nr. 30) is definitely a book I would like to read. I was first introduced to it at a reading on BBC radio. Have you read "Nothing to Envy"? The author has now also ..."

I have also read that book and it was an excellent read. I will have to chase up her other book.

It is:

by Barbara Demick

Cheers I have added it to my TBR.

33. by Henry Martin
Finish Date: 15th April
Genre: Indie Fiction
Rating: B

Review:
What I first chapter it grabs you by the shirt front and gives you a solid wake up slap in the face. This book tells an interesting story of a young man stranded in Barcelona and how easily he falls into the cracks of society. It is a refreshing read and unlike any other book I have read. Through the story the author explores the more undesirable and often taboo subject of the homeless. It shines the spotlight on how one area can seem ideal, but if we stop to look closer we can see misery skulking around the corners watching the world pass it by. All up one fantastic read that will see me returning for more.

34. by Larry Correia
Finish Date: 23rd April
Genre: Fiction
Rating: B+

Review:
The fourth book in the Monster Hunter series has all the fun, action and gore of the previous books. But this offering is like a best of, delivering all your favourite monster from MHI past in one hell of a smorgasbord. All your favourite characters are present as well with plenty of explosion and kick ass and take names later guns. This book even has a forbidden love story arc…I kid you not! Do not read this book if you are looking for something deep and profound, but if you want a great action read with a large serving of humour than this book and series is for you. Larry Correia has definitely found his niche in these books

35. by Jake Tapper
Finishing Date: 30th April
Genre: Military
Rating: B-

Review:

Outpost tells the life of the soldiers that manned one of the many US outposts in Afghanistan. This one is situated in an area the Afghani's themselves consider hardcore and worse than that it sits in the bottom of a valley. All aspects are looked at as the author puts a face and story to the many injured and killed troops that daily fill the news reports as statistics. It shows the battle to win hearts and minds of a population that can be friendly one minute and taking pot shots at you the next.
The author also explores the political and military reasons behind such outposts that place troops in such isolated and deadly places. The madness of some of the decisions of the upper echelon that translated to the death and serious injury to the troop with their feet on the ground was at time jaw dropping. Why I take my hat off to the author for bringing to the public the stories of these brave troops and their day to day life of fear and suspense.
For those who final chapter was written in the mountains this book is a fitting tribute to their memory. For all the great aspects of this book, there was something in this book that I could not connect to, and because of that I could not fully immerse myself in the story it told.

MAY

36. byPaul Ham
Finishing Date: 3rd May
Genre: WWII History
Rating: A

Review:

prisoners by the Japanese in Borneo and the horrors they faced as POW's. Paul Ham as usual serves up a well-balanced book covering all aspects of the Sandakan POW camp and the prisoners final death march. Out of 2700 POW's only 6 were to survive the horror that was Sandakan.

This book gives a human face to the prisoners and those who imprisoned them. It shows the sadistic and brutal psyche of the Japanese Imperial army but tempers this with the kindness shown by some of the guards. I was truly humbled by the fortitude and braveness shown by the POW's despite the brutality and deprivation that was bought upon them. The true spirit of mateship shines through in the stories told on these pages. Each one of those who died should be remembered and to serve as a reminder never to let humanity sink to these depths again. Also highlighted in this book was the risk and sacrifices made by the locals to help the POW's were possible and to give them a sense of hope.

Books such as this in my opinion are very important. Yes they are hard to read and make us face the evil humans are capable of. But they also show some of the best aspects of humanity that of, hope, compassion, self-sacrifice and one of forgiveness. Why we should never condone the evil shown in books like this. But we need to forgive so we can learn and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the right reason and not as a reason to hate.

37. byIan Tregillis
Finish Date: 3rd May
Genre: Fiction
Rating: C+

Review:
I found it very difficult to get into this book. The start for me was way too busy trying to introduce a truck load of characters and plot. By the half way mark this book starts to hit its stride and I found my early misgivings starting to wane. By the end of the book I was ready to give the next book in the series a go. I am hoping that as a whole this series deliver more than its first instalment. The plot has so much potential, crazy super Nazi's with inhumane powers versus British warlocks, should see the action jumping of the pages. I am hoping this book is the jumping point in would could be a cracker of a series. For me the next instalment better deliver or I am gone.

38 by Mary Roach
Finish Date: 7th May
Genre: Non Fiction
Rating: A+

Review:
This book was a fascinating and educational look at the history of human cadavers and how the livings have used them. This book is one of those rare reads and is the reason I love reading. It gives me a great insight on a subject matter where I had none before, and leaves me with a thirst to find out more. The author takes the rather macabre and serious subject of our mortal remains and looks at how they have been used to better society and save lives. I found Mary Roach strikes a nice balance of respect and humour in dealing with this socially taboo subject. From organ donations to human composting this book covers a wide subject matter and left me with a new outlook and thoughts and how best my corpse might help others.

39. by A Sealed Fate
Finish Date: 8th May
Genre: Fiction
Rating: B-

Review
I went into this book with some reservations as it is not my normal style. But I am glad I picked it up and read it. This book is not a fast paced one but I found myself drawn into the story as it meanders its way through the pages. The characters were well developed and very easy to believe. This book for me delivered on numerous levels. There was the thriller aspect of the mysterious packages and the news clippings of seemingly accidental death being shoved under our main characters door. Then there was the relationship angle of the book that helped drive the story along. As for the ending all I can say is it was a well formulated and executed shift in the narrative of the book. To sum it up I was glad I took a chance with this book as I was well rewarded by a refreshing and entertaining read.

Michael wrote: "38byMary Roach
Finish Date: 7th May
Genre: Non Fiction
Rating: A+

Review:
This book was a fascinating and educat..."

What a lot of fun this book was!

Michael wrote: "38byMary Roach
Finish Date: 7th May
Genre: Non Fiction
Rating: A+

Review:
This book was a fascinating and educat..."

40. byBarry E. Zimmerman
Finish Date: 20th May
Genre: Medical
Rating: A

Review:
This book is a wonderful and at times outright scary look at all those nasty germs and organisms that can kill us. The author has set the chapters out in a logical and easy to read manner. Having a very poor understanding on this subject matter I found the information easy to take in. A great mix of history, scientific facts and scenarios made this book a joy to read. This is kind of book that I know I will bore the hell out of my friends with the new knowledge it has gave me. The world of disease now lays open to me and I plan to read much more about it.

Sounds interesting, Michael but don't share your recommendation with friends who suffer from hypochondriasis or they will think they have every disease mentioned in the book!!