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MICHELE'S 50 BOOKS READ IN 2016
Thanks Jill.JANUARY
1.
by
Danielle S. AllenFinish Date: January 2016
Genre: history, politics
Rating: A
Review: great book that will get you to think about the Declaration and the intentions of its writers.
Michele.....you might want to check your bold html. I think you forgot to end it after the word January. No big deal but it puts your whole post in bold. Also January should be in caps.Please put some review comment in that category.....something very simple, just one line will do, such as "A great book on understanding the US Constitution". Even though it is obvious from the title what the book is about, in many cases the title does not reveal the contents, so a one line review helps those who read your post.
Thanks so much and we are glad you joined us for 2016.
Thanks for being so responsive, Michele. Great start.
2.
by
Martha StoutFinish Date: January 2016
Genre: Psychology
Rating: B+
Review: Dr. Stout shares provocative and horrifying stories of the true "survivors" of our time. Step by step she walks you through the nuts and bolts of the intangible processes the brain uses to keep terror at bay and allow the human being to function despite adverse circumstances. Did you know how trauma affects the brain? Have you wondered about how memories could possibly be "repressed"? How can people possibly want to cut themselves, and not seem to feel it when they do? Why is it sweet caring people can seem to molt into rage filled tormentors? Would you like to be a fly on the wall during psychotherapy sessions with trauma survivors or those diagnosed with Multiple Personality Disorder? The Myth of Sanity will not just teach you about the psyche of people at the extreme edge of human experience. It will teach you about yourself.
3.
by David W. Anthony (no photo)Finish Date: January 2016
Genre: history, language, archaeology
Rating: B
Review: This is really two books in one. The first 120 pages covers language. The rest covers many dozen archaeological sites, giving exact number and positioning of bodies and cultural artifacts. I loved the language part but found the archaeological part to be mind numbing. I did skim that section as I couldn't handle all that detail.
My theory for the Jekyll-and-Hyde nature of the book is that the author made himself highly knowledgeable about the language--but not researching it. Instead he presents the consensus academic opinion about the language relationships and history. He doesn't need to support an argument every step of the way because he's not MAKING an argument. The second half, is in fact, a defense of a specific academic theory he's putting forward as to how the archaeological data maps to the language data. For a reader such as myself, interested in the field but not an afficiondo, a simple exposition of his theory would have sufficed. I didn't need to see exactly how every axe-head and corpse positioning across the steppes fits in to support it.
Michele wrote: "3. by David W. Anthony (no photo)Finish Date: January..."
Thanks for the review Michele. I have been thinking about reading this one, but have been put off by reviews like yours. Can you suggest another, but better, book to cover the development of the Proto-Indo-European language question?
Hi Carlton, Sorry, I really don't have any other suggestions for a alternate book. I am not that far into my PIE reading. I can only suggest that you hunt around for something that looks more like what you want to read.
4.
by
Guy DeutscherFinish Date: January 2016
Genre: Language, History
Rating: B+
Review: This book is not about the “history” of language—although he does refer to the historic past in various places in his book. Nor is it about proto-history of language—although he does refer to proto-history of language as it can occasionally be reconstructed. This is about the nuts and bolts—the mechanical processes that change language over millennia. Deutcher leads his reader through the maze of linguistics to describe the many things that will change language. For his illustrations he draws not only from the Indo-European languages (English, French, German, Greek, Latin, etc.) but also from such Semitic languages (Afro-Asiatic) as Arabic and Hebrew and occasionaly Egyptian and Akkadian. He draws also from ancient Sumerian as well as modern Turkish. He goes into Nilo-Saharan and Yoruba in Africa as well as Australian Aborigine. All of these resources provide him with the illustrations of the variations and changes that can happen in language.
I would not consider this an an easy read, but I learned a great deal.
5.
by
Lionel CassonFinish Date: January 2016
Genre: Non-fiction, History, Ancient, Books
Rating: A
Review: In this delightful and short book, Professor Lionel Casson traces the history of libraries from the archives of ancient Mesopotamia, through the extensive libraries of classical Greece, the Hellenistic kingdoms, and on to those of Rome, from its beginning to its final fall. Accompanying this, the author gives the history of literacy, and the evolution of writing technology--from the clay tablets of Sumer, through papyrus scrolls, to parchment codices.
6.
by
Svetlana AlexievichFinish Date: January 2016
Genre: history, science, culture
Rating: B-
Review: Not a book to be reading when you're sick. Its a series of monologs recorded from the people who lived through the disaster.
Don't forget your "finish date" on you post above, Michele. Thanks.
Sorry Jill. This cold I have is pretty bad. Too much coughing and not enough sleep. Having a rough time and my brain is not working. Oh well, I guess I have immunity to the zombie apocalypse now. They'll go right by me.
Now that is a bad cold, Michele!!!!!! Get well soon.
7.
by
Tea KrulosFinish Date: January 2016
Genre: Parapsychology, Paranormal
Rating: B
Review: This is not really a book documenting evidence, but one documenting the people who search for evidence.
8.
by
Laurence GonzalesFinish Date: January 2016
Genre: psychology, resilience, disaster
Rating: A-
Review: This book is about coping and resilience AFTER a major trauma. In many cases, trauma or crisis survivors suffer more AFTER the trauma than they did during the actual trauma.
The author in each chapter describes the actual life-threatening experience that a person has survived (these alone makes for compelling reading) and how that person has coped in the aftermath of that experience.
Along the way , Gonzales delves into several topics such as neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and biochemistry.
FEBRUARY 9.
by
David McCulloughFinish Date: February 2016
Genre: history, avaiation
Rating: A
Review: It doesn’t get any better than this book for the genre of narrative nonfiction. Award winning author David McCullough provides many cliffhanging chapters, while just telling the facts about the Wright brothers.
10.
by Margee Kerr (no photo)Finish date: February 2016
Genre: Psychology, Science
Rating: B
Review: Margee Kerr is a sociologist with a fascination with thrill/startle type fear. It's no surprise that in this book she seeks out various experiences such as hanging off the CNN tower or riding the tallest rollercoaster in Japan (the Takabisha at Fuji-Q) or spending a night in solitary confinement in an abandoned penitentiary. Her account of these experiences are interesting, and she is definitely not shy about letting the reader know her physical and emotional reactions to these experiences.
Although I enjoyed what I read, some of this book seemed unfocused. The anecdotes and asides that Kerr provides are all very interesting, but the book, in places, felt too meandering
Mod
MARCH 11.
by
Eugene B. SledgeFinish Date: March 2016
Genre: History, Military History, War, Pacific
Rating: A
Review: This account by E.B. Sledge, a Marine PFC who landed on Peleliu and Okinawa, details the violence and brutality of these two battles so realistically that it is a disturbing and haunting book. It is among the best for a look at what those
young men endured. Book is one of the main source materials for the mini-series "The Pacific."
Michele wrote: "11. by Eugene B. SledgeFinish Date: March 2016
Genre: History, Military History, W..."
If you haven't already (these two were released as a boxset once) then you'll like
by
Robert Leckie
12.
by David J. Morris (no photo)Finish Date: March 2016
Genre: Pyschology, mental health, PTSD
Rating: A-
Review: The Evil Hours: A Biography of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders really is a biography of PTSD that goes wide and deep into the history, symptoms, treatments, and the fight by group of Viet Nam Vets to have PTSD included as a mental Illness Diagnosis in the DSM III. Morris writes of PTSD's other names: Shell Shock, Combat Neurosis, Traumatic Neurosis, Combat Fatigue, VietNam Syndrome. He writes about the trauma of the soldiers in WWI and WWII and VietNam and the trauma of rape and natural and man-made traumas, as well as his own difficulties with PTSD. He includes interviews though out the book.
Morris writes about his own treatments (he dropped out of one) and other treatments: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Cognitive Processing Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, Flooding, the drug propranolol and even Yoga. He cites the ineffectiveness and dangers and controversies of some of the therapies and the dropout rates of 54% of therapies with most empirical support. The chapters on therapies and psychologist and psychiatrist infighting is informative and is reason enough to recommend this book.
13.
by Clint Emerson (no photo)Finish Date: March 2016
Genre: Survival, Handbook, Navy SEALs
Rating: B
Review: Not sure how much of this book is applicable to civilian life vs clandestine operations. Some tips applicable for civilians, include skills on avoiding such annoyances as car thefts, carjackings, home invasions and burglaries. Hint: never leave your keys in your car. We all know this, but when the advice comes from somebody who can also tell you how to steal a car, maybe it will sink in. And that valet key some car dealers put in your owner’s manual? Repeat after me: it’s a key. Put it in a safe place that’s not in your car.
For travelers, Emerson offers such tips on hotel safety as asking for a room midway between elevators and stairways. And why you probably don’t want a room on the ground floor.
Every skill (usually discussed on a single page) is broken down into its critical parts, has a bottom line takeaway, and is illustrated with clear line drawings by storyboard artist Ted Slampyak.
14.
by
Hampton SidesFinish Date: March 2016
Genre: Military history, WWII, Pacific Campaigns, Army Rangers
Rating: A
Review: "Ghost Soldiers" is one of those books that grabs you from the first sentence and does not let go until the final page has been turned. Masterfully written, exhaustively researched, and superbly paced, this historical account reads more like a novel than a work of military history. The characters and events however, are entirely real. Sadly, many of the true heroes of "Ghost Soliders" did not survive their ordeal and never returned home.
Every American should read this book. Not just those who are interested in military history, or those professionals in this country's armed forces who seek to further develop and immerse themselves in the profession of arms. No, the ones who need to read this book are those who abhor war and who cannot even begin imagine the unthinkable acts of cruelty and suffering heaped upon young men whose only crime was that they were on the losing side in the early going of the Pacific War.
Oh, I know the feeling, Michele.....and I always seem to pick books that have at least 500 pages!!!!! I'm a glutton for punishment.Since you have not finished the book, your post should go onto the "What Is Everybody Reading Now" at the following link.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Copy and paste to that topic......or I will do it for you. Thanks so much. Happy reading!!
Jill, so only finished book go in here? I did post on your suggested topic.
Thanks for your cooperation in moving the post. Yes, this is just for books that you have completed.......it gives you a record of what you have read during the year. Plus, members like to read your reviews to get recommendations. I think half the books I read during a year are the result of someone's review.Good luck with your 500 page book!!!!!,,, I usually read another book at the same time to give myself a break....something light or humorous. BTW, good progress this year.
15.
by
Kevin SitesFinish Date: March 2016
Genre: History, War, psychology
Rating; B
Review: Book peels back the layers of bravado and silence, revealing the personal cost of facing the enemy to a soldier. These honest and often tragic accounts give insight into the price paid by soldiers who must sustain periods of hyper vigilance and fear, and who must then kill in the name of their country, or to simply stay alive. For anyone in contact with a soldier, with PTSD or the mental remains of combat, this is a must read.
With stories that are thoroughly researched and bravely recounted, this is a valuable look into the soul of warriors who have faced the ultimate challenge. Some have won, many have lost.
16.
by
Steven SaylorFinish Date: March 2016
Genre: Historical Fiction, Roman
Rating: A-
Review: This is a collection of nine short mysteries from the files of Gordianus the Finder. Usually the actual mystery is pretty simple. What makes the stories so interesting is their detailed description of Roman life, social attitudes and emotional lives of the Romans. How did the Romans celebrate their Solstice holiday? The answer is in the mystery "The Saturnalia Silver." How far would a Roman wife go to avenge a husband's infidelity? Check out this story in the collection, "King Bee and Honey." Many of the regular characters from the novels appear in these stories: Gordianus' wife Bethesda (who even solves one of the mysteries), his mute son Eco, his jovial patron Lucius Claudius, his hulking bodyguard Belbo and several others. This collection is probably a pretty good introduction to the lively Sub Rosa series.
Made for a good way to take a short break from my 600 page book.
APRIL17.
by Molly Guptill Manning (no photo)Finish Date: April 2016
Genre: History, Military History, Books about Books
Rating: A
Review: This was a fascinating book. I had no idea that anything like the Victory Book Campaign and The Armed Services Editions (paperbacks) existed. I had never heard them mentioned before, yet they had a huge affect on American servicemen in WWII. Thank you, Ms Manning, for telling us about this vital effort for our military at war.
18.
by
Steven SaylorFinish Date: April 2016
Genre: historical fiction
Rating: B
Review" The book can be regarded as a prequel to Saylor's other novels about Gordianus the Finder. In THE SEVEN WONDERS, we follow his adventures as a very young man. The backdrop is a Roman republic facing both internal strife and the growing threat of a powerful, alien king, Mithridates. Ancient views on women's roles and different societies' contrasting approaches to sexuality are two fascinating strands woven through the novel.
19.
by
Karl MarlantesFinish Date" April 2016
Genre: psychology, War
Rating: A-
Review: One of the clearest descriptions of the repercussions of war in a person's life, written for people in the military and those who are not.
Michele, your are missing "Genre:" in messages 34 and 35.
Opps. Thanks for spotting that Samanta. Fixed it.
Michele wrote: "APRIL17.
by Molly Guptill Manning (no photo)Finish Date: April 2016
Genre: History, Milit..."
Looks interesting! Pen is mightier than the sword.
Peter, it was interesting! Those books were a huge moral boost.
20.
by Florent Chavouet (no photo)Finish Date: April 2016
Genre: Arts, Travel
Rating: B+
Review: This isn't the usual travel guide book that tells you where to go and what to do, it's one that Florent Chavouet drew to show you where he went. He's a French guy who was in Japan to accompany his girlfriend because she was working there.
It's a 208-page paperback filled with color pencil drawn observations on the places he went. There are interesting notes on the people and culture and his many little adventures.
21.
by
Emmanuel GuibertFinish Date: April 2016
Genre: Arts, biography, california, depression
Rating: B
Review: This is the story of a Southern California boyhood. It is notable not only for its vision of a landscape which has vanished in Southern California but also in its depiction of people's lives in the inter-war era of the '20s and '30s. Guibert's drawings accompany a narrative by Alan Cope which tells of his own history and that of both of his parents and some of their ancestors, such as a grandfather on his mother's side who had fought in the Civil War and in the Indian Wars.
22.
by
Steven SaylorFinish Date: April 2016
Genre: historical fiction, mystery
Rating: B+
Review: Set in 80 BC, during the dictatorship of Sulla, Gordianus is hired by a young orator named Cicero to investigate a case, Sextus Roscius, a gentleman farmer, is accused of the murder of his father. Gordianus is soon plunged into the not so glamorous side of ancient Rome, a Rome of hired killers, corrupt government, brothels and home invasions. A world where a dying man's screams only cause good citizens to cover their ears and hide behind their barred doors.
Mod
by Steven SaylorFinish Date: April 2016
Genre: historical fiction, mystery
Rating: B+
Review: Set in 80 BC, duri..."
This is my favorite book of all time and Gordianus my favorite detective. I hope you're planning to read the rest of the series. It's so interesting how his unusual family grows over the years, and how he gets involved with important people and events.
Hi VickiWorking my way though the series, in a haphazard kind of way. Depends on which book is in currently in my local library!
23.
by John Steele Gordon (no photo)Finish Date: April 2016
Genre: History, US History, Architecture
Rating: B
Review: While the book has interesting stuff in in, only about 25% of it is about the Washington Monument. The rest is about other obelisks that were taken from Egypt and erected in other countries. There is also a short history about obelisks in general.
Michele wrote: "23. by John Steele Gordon (no photo)Finish Date: April 2016
Genre: History, US History, Archit..."
I usually enjoy his writing. I remember a number of magazine columns that he used to write that did a great job of connecting current events to similar situations in history.
yeah, Dave. I think that's what was going on with that book.
24.
by
Steven SaylorFinish Date: April 2016
Genre: historical fiction, mystery
Rating: C+
Review: This book was a bit slow. Additionally, bringing in the supernatural to help solve the case was stretching it some, especially since it was involving a deceased friend. Calpurnia is always good for the story but some other acquaintances was almost like a way to pad the story out. I enjoyed Giordianus' family and old problems were resolved. Did not feel this was the best book in the series, but it was worth reading.
25.
byR.V. Burgin (no photo)Finish Date: April 2016
Genre: military history, biography
Rating: B+
Review: Burgin was inspired to write his account following a discussion with a tradesman who knew nothing of Peleliu. I imagine though that plans for the HBO TV series, based in large part on the memoirs of his fellow mortar platoon member, Eugene Sledge, helped too. In any case Burgin's memoir is a worthwhile contribution to the genre and at times an interesting commentary on Sledge and the events he related in his very famous book.
The History Book Club
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Our Required Format:
JANUARY
1.
Finish date: January 2016
Genre: (whatever genre the book happens to be)
Rating: A
Review: You can add text from a review you have written but no links to any review elsewhere even goodreads. And that is about it. Just make sure to number consecutively and just add the months.