The History Book Club discussion

Here is your thread for 2014, Donna R. Happy reading!

JANUARY

1. by Mary Doria Russell

Finish Date: January 1
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: B+
Review: This is a well-researched and complex story based on the resistance movement in Italy during WWII. I had not been aware of the vast underground effort by ordinary Italian citizens that resulted in saving the lives of thousands of Jews during the last few years of the war - all done at great personal risk, sacrifice, and suffering. The book is a tad too long and keeping track of the myriad of characters and several alternating story lines is a bit daunting but the reward comes in some beautifully drawn characters and unflinchingly re-created human drama.

2. by John Edward Williams

Finish Date: January 2
Genre: Fiction/Classic
Rating: A
Review: This is the story of a life. William Stoner is a farmer's son who attends a Missouri university in the early 1900s with the intention of taking the agricultural course and returning to the farm. He falls in love with literature and never leaves the university, attending the graduate school and eventually becoming a professor. He marries, becomes a father, makes mistakes, questions his decisions and ponders his purpose in life from time to time. He's stoic and principled; sometimes I wanted to console him and other times I wanted shake him.

The book was first published in 1965 but recently has been enjoying a resurgence of popularity. It's beautifully written with a straightforward and spare narrative style. I read it in one or two great gulps and couldn't put it down until I finished it. Great book in the old style.

3. by Ernest Hemingway

Finish Date: January 4
Genre: Memoir
Rating: B
Review: I'm not a huge fan of Hemingway's books but decided to pick this one up after reading "The Paris Wife" last year and I'm glad I did. Written near the end of his life and published posthumously, it's a memoir of his time in Paris as a struggling young writer newly married to his first wife, Hadley. The restored edition contains more of the original essays intended for inclusion by Hemingway and less editing.

The overall feeling is one of an older man looking back on what he now sees as the happiest time in his life. I loved the stories about Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald and the skiing trips in Switzerland. Much of the book is interesting and snatches here and there are brilliant.

by Paula McLain

4. by Arthur Conan Doyle

Finish Date: January 7
Genre: Fiction/Mystery
Rating: B
Review: The dark and mysterious moors, a long standing family curse, a rich baron mysteriously dead: these are just some of the elements in this classic Holmes/Watson detective story. Watson takes center stage in much of this one, in which he attempts to get to the bottom of the threats toward the newly arrived heir to the Baskerville estate.

This was my first Holmes book. The writing is straightforward and atmospheric and the mystery is fairly intricate, although there's plenty of foreshadowing making the overall plot somewhat predictable.

You are on a roll already, Donna!!!

Haha, thanks Jill. I got off to a good start with some shorter reads. Thanks for setting up the threads.

Donna wrote: "January

1. by Mary Doria Russell

Date Finished: January 1
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: B+
Review: ..."

I liked two others of this authors' books a lot, so I will try this one.

Peter wrote: "Donna wrote: "January

1. by Mary Doria Russell

Date Finished: January 1
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating:..."

Peter, this book was good, but in my opinion not quite as good as her others, which I would rate as A+ books.

Donna wrote: "3. by Ernest Hemingway

Date Finished: January 4
Genre: Memoir
Rating: B
Review: I'm not a huge fan of Hemin..."

I just added this to my "Want to Read" list. If you haven't seen it yet, check out the movie Midnight in Paris. It's a Woody Allen film with the lead played by Owen Wilson. Wilson's character runs into Hemingway, the Fitzgeralds, and other famous people in Paris. It is a fantastic film that I bet you will really appreciate after reading this book!

Douglass wrote: "Donna wrote: "3. by Ernest Hemingway

Date Finished: January 4
Genre: Memoir
Rating: B
Review: I'm not a hug..."

Thanks Douglas. I'll definitely check out the movie.

5. by Nancy Bilyeau

Finish Date: January 11
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: A
Review: One reason I enjoy historical fiction is that, when it's done well, it infuses flesh and blood into the bare bones of historical facts. While the Tudors have been done, perhaps, ad nauseum , this novel and it's prequel "The Crown", bring to life the tumultuous period of the dissolution of the English monasteries by Henry VIII and his enforcer-in-chief, Thomas Cromwell. Granted, the main character, an erstwhile nun and daughter of a minor noble, is larger than life and is placed in some rather implausible situations, but the first person narrative provides a glimpse into what it might have been like for real people experiencing those historical times and events. A very good yarn in the genre.

by Nancy Bilyeau

6. by Alan Bradley

Finish Date: January 16
Genre: Historical/Mystery
Raging: A
Review: In this installment, Bradley clears up some old loose threads and steers the series in a new direction. Flavia is growing up and her vulnerability shows through more than ever as she deals with the return to Buckshaw of her long-lost mother and some startling revelations about the de Luce family. There's a mysterious murder to be solved but Flavia's emerging insights about her family and extended family take center stage and tug at the heart strings. I think this is perhaps my favorite in the series because the writing is so sensitive and clever and I was ready to see Flavia grow a little and spread her wings.

Donna wrote: "6. by Alan Bradley"

I love this series and can't wait to get this latest installment.

Vicki wrote: "Donna wrote: "6. by Alan Bradley"

I love this series and can't wait to get this latest ins..."

Oh, me too Vicki. I had this on pre order. I read somewhere that he is contracted to do 4 more!

7. by Imogen Robertson
Finish Date: January 20
Genre: Historical Fiction/Mystery
Rating: C
Review: The unlikely crime-solving duo of Westerman and Crowther are called to the English lake country in 1783 to investigate the remains of a body found in a crumbling ruins. Their investigation leads them back to Crowther's past, the Jacobite rebellion, and a lost treasure. At 467 pages, the book is just too long and drawn out and I had guessed at the culprit early on. But, I really enjoy the characters and historical setting, so I will continue reading this series.

8. by Erich Maria Remarque

Finish Date:January 21
Genre: Fiction/Classic/WWI
Rating: A
Review: This mercifully short, classic novel about young German soldiers fighting in the trenches in Europe during WWI is one of the saddest books I've read. It is sparingly written with great sensitivity and directness so that almost every scene evokes an emotional response. Unforgettable.

Donna wrote: "8. by Erich Maria Remarque

Date Finished: January 21
Genre: Fiction/Classic/WWI
Rating: ..."

A poignant book, Donna. And you might want to view the 1930 film version starring Lew Ayers. The final scene will have you in tears.

Yes Jill, I've seen the film. It's images kept popping into my head as I read the book. Have you read any other of Remarque's books?

I hate to say that I have not......only this one.

9. (no photo)Reading the Man by Elizabeth Brown Pryor(no photo)

Subtitle - A Portrait of Robert E. Lee Through His Private Letters

Finish Date: January 25
Genre: Nonfiction/History/Biography
Rating: A
Review: For this book, which is as much social history as it is biography, the author perused thousands of private and public documents and letters, some previously unknown, to create an interesting and painstakingly detailed analysis of the life and times of Robert E. Lee. Each chapter begins with one or more letters as a starting point to explore an event or time period of Lee's life and the development of his character and beliefs.

Aspects of Lee's life such as his unsettled childhood as son of the infamous "Lighthorse" Harry Lee, his marriage and family relationships, his roles as a student and later superintendent of West Point, his considerable engineering talents and feats, his views on slavery and the secession of the South, and events during and following the war are all examined within the framework of the social, cultural, religious, and political contexts in which he lived.

The author's stated goal is to flesh out Lee, the human being, in order not to denigrate him, but rather to expand our understanding because, as she puts it, "so much was lost as man was turned into monument" (p. 470). Except for a few times when she moves beyond analysis into judgment, she has succeeded in this goal. And the overall thread, whether stated or implied, presents a stalwart, principled, steadfast, honorable, albeit very human life. "The truth is, Lee lived an all too human existence, fraught with dilemmas and decisions that would challenge the sturdiest soul. He handled some of these situations well, others with disastrous error. Never did he turn away, however, and even his sharpest critics never questioned his steadfastness" (p. 470).

Sounds like a wonderful book about one of my heroes. He was a true gentleman and great leader, albeit on the losing side of a terrible war. One of my favorite of his quotes is:

“What a cruel thing is war: to separate and destroy families and friends, and mar the purest joys and happiness God has granted us in this world; to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors, and to devastate the fair face of this beautiful world.”

Oh, thanks for that, Jill - a great quote. Can you recommend another book about Lee?

I would recommend the following book.

by Emory M. Thomas (no photo)

Thanks!

Donna,
The Lee biography sounds very interesting. I will never forget visiting Arlington Cemetery and Arlington House, where the Lee family lived before the Civil War. Having your home turned into a huge cemetery for the opposing side must have rankled.

Apropos of nothing at all, the pictures of Robert E Lee make him look movie star handsome. You don't often see that in pictures of historical figures.

Ann wrote: "Donna,
The Lee biography sounds very interesting. I will never forget visiting Arlington Cemetery and Arlington House, where the Lee family lived before the Civil War. Having your home turned into ..."
Ann,

As you may have guessed, the book is not a hagiography yet I think fair for the most part.

I've visited the cemetery but I have to say I didn't know the history of Arlington House prior to reading the book.

The author mentions several times that Lee's physical appearance and stature were no small part of his appeal.

So the photos don't lie. :-)

10. by Jeri Westerson
Finish Date: January 26
Genre: Historical Fiction/Mystery
Rating: B
Review: Goodreads Summary
"Crispin Guest is a disgraced knight, stripped of his rank and his honor - but left with his life - for plotting against Richard II. Having lost his bethrothed, his friends, his patrons and his position in society. With no trade to support him and no family willing to acknowledge him, Crispin has turned to the one thing he still has - his wits - to scrape a living together on the mean streets of London. In 1383, Guest is called to the compound of a merchant - a reclusive mercer who suspects that his wife is being unfaithful and wants Guest to look into the matter. Not wishing to sully himself in such disgraceful, dishonorable business but in dire need of money, Guest agrees and discovers that the wife is indeed up to something, presumably nothing good. But when he comes to inform his client, he is found dead - murdered in a sealed room, locked from the inside. Now Guest has come to the unwanted attention of the Lord Sheriff of London and most recent client was murdered while he was working for him. And everything seems to turn on a religious relic - a veil reported to have wiped the brow of Christ - that is now missing."

A fun romp of a read. I plan to continue with the series.

Ann wrote: "So the photos don't lie. :-)"

I don't think they do, Ann. I have a picture on my wall of General Lee and he is quite handsome and dignified looking.

11. by Christina Baker Kline
Finish Date: January 27
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: C

Review: Between 1854 and 1929, more than two hundred thousand orphaned and/or abandoned children, many of them first-generation immigrants, were transported by so-called "Orphan Trains" from eastern cities to the Midwest for adoption. Many of these children were no more than indentured servants for the host families who took them in. This work of fiction is based on this little known episode in American history.

In Maine, 92-year-old Vivien first hires and then befriends a troubled teen named Molly. As she engages Molly in the task of sorting through her attic memorabilia, Vivien's begins to re-tell her life story. After immigrating to America from Ireland, Vivien becomes orphaned, is placed on the Orphan Train and endures several horrific placements before finally being adopted by a caring older couple in Minnesota.

I am somewhat torn in my opinion about this book. On one hand, it's an engrossing story with some lovely moments but, unfortunately, the writing is very uneven and most of the secondary characters are one-dimensional stereotypes. The "C" rating reflects my ambivalence.

12. by Kate Manning
Finish Date: January 31
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: A-

Review: "In the year 1860, when the Western Great Plain of America was the home of the buffalo roaming, the cobbled hard pavement of New York City was the roofless and only domicile of thirty-five thousand children. In our hideous number we scraps was cast outdoors or lost by our parents, we was orphans and half orphans and runaways, the miserable offspring of Irish and Germans, Italians and Russians, servants and slaves, Magdalenes and miscreants, all the unwashed poor huddled slubs who landed yearning and unlucky on the Battery with nothing to own but our muscles and teeth, the hunger in our bellies." Thus begins the memoir of Ann "Axie" Muldoon Jones, the voice of this wonderful and very readable novel based loosely on the life of Ann Trow Lohman (1811-78), also known as Madame Restell, a midwife and "female physician" in New York City for over 40 years.

What defines Axie's life are the poverty and losses she suffers at a young age and the promise she makes to her dying mother to find her adopted-out siblings and reunite them. She eventually is taken in by a doctor and his wife as an unpaid assistant; her only legacy from years of service to them being a book of medicinal "recipes" and the knowledge and skills she acquired assisting the wife in her treatment of women patients. She begins to use these to shape her future and fortune.

The author creates a vivid, disturbing and unflinching picture of life for many women in the mid-19th century when birth control methods were not widely available or sanctioned, childbirth was dangerous, and medicine and social institutions were male-dominated. It examines the controversial moral dilemmas surrounding unwanted pregnancy in ways that find resonance yet today. A- for being a little drawn out in the final third - my only complaint.

FEBRUARY

13. by Kenneth Roberts(no photo)

Finish Date: February 7
Genre: Historical Fiction/American Revolution
Rating: A+

Review: This was my first venture into the writing of Pulitzer Prize winning (1957) Roberts but definitely will not be my last. This masterfully written account of Benedict Arnold's doomed 1775 march to Quebec has all of the hallmarks of fine historical fiction - impeccable research, a fascinating human story, wonderful period detail, and, in this case, there's humor, too. What Arnold's forces endured during their journey through what is now Maine is a story of steely determination and bravery in the face of unimaginable hardships and it's one that should not be forgotten.

Donna wrote: "February

13. by Kenneth Roberts(no photo)

Date Finished: February 7
Genre: Historical Fiction/American Revolution
Rating: A+

Review: This was my fi..."

It's fun finding old treasures like this, isn't it? I started reading James Michener's historical fiction a number of years ago, and then I read his autobiography. In that, he praised Kenneth Roberts' books. I had never heard of Roberts before, but hunted his books down. Like you, I loved them. Enjoy the rest.

James Michener
Kenneth Roberts (no photo)

Thanks, Dave, we do need to add author images:

James A. Michener

Bryan wrote: "Thanks, Dave, we do need to add author images:

James A. Michener"

When I posted this, it showed no author image - which amazed me. No image for James Michener? I guess it must have been "operator error. As they say, "garbage in, garbage out."

Yeah, there is a middle initial. To be sure, I searched Michener and Hawaii in the book tab, I found him.

Bryan wrote: "Yeah, there is a middle initial. To be sure, I searched Michener and Hawaii in the book tab, I found him."

Wow! I also discovered just now that you have to be VERY specific - not just the middle initial, but the period after it. I guess searching by a book title to find the author makes the most sense.

You got it, Dave, that is the best way to do it, last name of author and book title will get you what you need.

Bryan wrote: "You got it, Dave, that is the best way to do it, last name of author and book title will get you what you need."

I have noticed this, too - finding an author only when including the book. Something strange in Goodread's search engine, I guess; or the main index in the database may be book, rather than author.

It's pretty amazing that they capture what they do - once in a great while I find a book that isn't listed, but not often.

Hey, you guys have hijacked my thread to discuss - citations!?! :)

Sorry, Donna, any chance I have for teaching, I take it, lol.

Back to our regular scheduled reading :-)

Well, I can't say I blame you, Bryan.

MARCH

14. by Kenneth Roberts(no photo)
Finish Date: March 3
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: A

Review: Wonderful historical fiction of the Revolutionary War era centering on the lead-up to the battle of Saratoga and the pivotal role played by Benedict Arnold in turning back Burgoyne. Roberts is just masterful as a storyteller and his research seems to be impeccable.

15. by Naoki Higashida(no photo)
Finish Date: March 12
Genre: Nonfiction
Rating: A/C

Review: This young autistic author certainly deserves an A for sharing his thoughts about autism in such a sensitive and honest way. And I can't fault writer David Mitchell for seeking ways to understand what his own non-verbal autistic son is thinking and feeling. However, to tout this book as an explanation of autism, as Mitchell does in his introduction, is a huge stretch, in my opinion.

David Mitchell

I like your rating, Donna. I have read a few books which deserve an "A" but have something that brings them down in my opinion.....in fact I just finished one. I may take up your idea for those type of books.

Thanks for the review, Donna. I have been wondering about this book. I really like the author David Mitchell. He is endlessly inventive and a master of words. How hard it must be for him to have a son who can't communicate verbally!

And yet, this book is only the insight offered by one autistic boy. There is so much for science to unravel about the nature and causes of autism. "Autism" is a very broad category.

Ann wrote: "Thanks for the review, Donna. I have been wondering about this book. I really like the author David Mitchell. He is endlessly inventive and a master of words. How hard it must be for him to have a ..."

That was my problem with it, Ann. It is a wonderful insight into the mind of one child on the spectrum, and as such is important. I think my issue might really be with the way it's being marketed.

Donna wrote: "However, to tout this book as an explanation of autism, as Mitchell does in his introduction, is a huge stretch, in my opinion."

That was pretty much how I felt about it, but I was a little ashamed to say so, considering the author's disabilities.

Did you end up reading by David Mitchell?

Kressel wrote: "Donna wrote: "However, to tout this book as an explanation of autism, as Mitchell does in his introduction, is a huge stretch, in my opinion."

That was pretty much how I felt about it, but I was a..."

I absolutely never could find fault with the young man or anything he has written in the book - truly remarkable insights. Assuming a degree to which they are generalizable is at best a slippery slope.

No, I haven't read Cloud Atlas and I know I should. I did see the movie and thought it was fascinating.

by David Mitchell