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RADIAH'S 50 BOOKS READ IN 2015
JANUARY 1.
by
Wilfred ThesigerFinish date: January 2015
Genre: History, Travel
Rating: A
Review: There are several things I look for in a travel book experience: adventure, a smooth narrative, excitement and for the writer to get down to observing and understanding the people and place he/she is in without the eyes of a westerner. Strangely enough, I found it in Wilfred Thesiger’s Arabian Sands. Much has been said about Thesiger the man, the explorer, the throwback to the Victorian era, and before I opened the book, I cast everything I had heard about the man aside and read it with an open mind. What I found was truly delightful.
He was one of the last explorers of his ilk and though there were some instances of condescension, he was very much observing the desert Bedouins and taking them entirely as they were. He wrote about the Bedouins with whom he traveled with, with what I sensed was respect and admiration; and after reading about them through his eyes, I've gained a whole new appreciation for them and the way they manage to thrive in such a harsh environment. He writes about tribal life and kinship, a concept foreign to him and to most westerners but which made up the life blood of relationships in Arabia. He starts off his journey by seeking out the Rashid, a tribe which was small but spread out throughout Southern Arabia and he calls them the smallest of tribes numbering only about three hundred men and yet they are the most authentic of the Bedouin, those least affected by the outside world. Through his journey, documents a way of life which no longer exists, at a time when the Bedouins were fast disappearing with the discovery of oil in the Middle East, bringing with it the modern conveniences which arrive with this discovery of black gold.
Upon finishing the book, I concluded that Thesiger was a true explorer; exploring for exploration’s sake. I feel somehow richer for having read this book which has a well deserved classic status.
Thesiger himself concluded his journey: “I knew that I had made my last journey in the Empty Quarter and that a phase in my life was ended. Here in the desert I found all that I asked; I knew that I should never find it again. But it was not only this personal sorrow that distressed me. I realized that the Bedu with whom I had lived and traveled, and in whose company I had found contentment, were doomed. Some people maintain that they will be better off when they have exchanged the hardship and poverty of the desert for the security of a materialistic world. This I do not believe. I shall always remember how often I was humbled by those illiterate herdsmen who possessed, in so much greater measure than I, generosity and courage, endurance, patience and lighthearted gallantry. Among no other people have I ever felt the same sense of personal inferiority”
Mod
This sounds like a great book - not that familiar with Thesiger. I am glad that you enjoyed the book and it might be a great one for our other readers who enjoy travel book experiences and world explorers in general.
Bentley wrote: "You are off to a great start - just put the month in caps - you got the bold perfect which is the hard part - just so it stands out. Minor nit - everything else is pitch perfect.This sounds like..."
Thanks :) This was my first Thesiger book but it definitely won't be my last. He writes in plain language from the heart and it was with a heavy heart that I read the last few sentences.
Mod
2.
by Julie Flint (no photo)Finish date: January 2015
Genre: History, War
Rating: A
Review: A short history of the Darfur conflict, but densely packed with information, names, statistics and places. The main players in the conflict are highlighted, along with their supposed motivations and their rise to power.
Mod
Radiah, great progress so far, and very nice reviews.
3.
by Ibn ʻAta' Allah al-Iskandari (no photo)Finish date: January 2015
Genre: Spirituality
Rating: A
Review: A translated version into English from Scott Kugle of the 14th century writings of a Sufi master. The book is about avoiding self-interest, with the ultimate goal of achieving inner illumination of the heart. Though it was written in the 14th century, the advice applies to contemporary times. I found this work to be of a special value, especially in this age of consumerism and capitalist greed.
Mod
4.
by
Patrick RothfussFinish date: January 2015
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: D
Review: This is one of those books in a series - either you hate it or you love it. I couldn't like it. About a quarter way into the book, I was beginning to feel that it was a waste of time. This is sad, I really like the Name of the Wind series, and I just could not like this spinoff story that led nowhere.
Mod
Bentley wrote: "Sorry about that Radiah.":( Me too
Radiah wrote: "4. byPatrick RothfussFinish date: January 2015
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: D
Review: This is on..."
I'm with you on this one Radiah. I usually enjoy his writing, but in my review of this book, I said that it was missing a lot - like, oh, maybe a plot? I suspect that you were like me, looking forward to learning more about the character, and we really learned nothing.
You hit the nail right on the head Dave. Exactly how I felt!
FEBRUARY5.
by
R.A. SalvatoreFinish date: February 2015
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: C
Review: Just when I thought Drizzt Do'Urden would be no more, Salvatore comes up with a new quest, a new mission and a whole host of new characters to take an interest in. Lovely.
6.
by
Peter S. WellsFinish date: February 2015
Genre: History, Military History, Roman History
Rating: B+
Review: Not being very knowledgeable about Roman history, I was a little apprehensive starting out, thinking more or less that I would have a difficult time catching up on Roman events. However, this book is written with people like me in mind. My Roman history background is limited the existence of the 2 Roman empires; East and West, the persecution of the early Christians and the relationship of Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony with Cleopatra. This book fills up some of the holes in my knowledge about Roman military policies, the history of rise of Augustus and their regard for the Germainic tribes east of the Rhine. Drawing from modern archaeological discoveries and ancient Roman historical texts, it tells the story of a battle that annihilated three Roman legions and effectively stopped the expansion of the Roman Empire past east of the Rhine. The author also attempts to fill up gaps in archaeologists’ knowledge of the battle with his own imagination which made the flow and story of the battle easy to follow.
7.
by
R.A. SalvatoreFinish date: February 2015
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B
Review: Good continuation of the Neverwinter Saga. I'm looking for the next book.
8.
by Al Santoli (no photo)Finish date: February 2015
Genre: History, Military History
Rating: B+
Review: I don't exactly know much about the Vietnam war except what I've seen in documentaries and from what my father has told me. From what I could tell, it was somewhat "gray", in the sense that these men often came home thinking that the reasons for the war was rubbish. This book, compiled by a decorated Vietnam vet, shows the grunt's perspective of the war. 33 men and women who were in the thick of the fighting; it was eye opening and I understand more now why they went home disillusioned.
Mod
9.
by
George R.R. MartinFinish date: February 2015
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction
Rating: B
Review: I won't even pretend, I picked up the book for George R. R. Martin. I needed something to tide me over till the next instalment of the Song of Ice and Fire is out. The story by Mr. Martin was alright, sort of a background to the entire Dance of Dragons. The other stories, written by known authors were also just alright. Nothing that was really fantastic. I'm not sure if the stories didn't deliver or I was expecting more because some of these authors were well-known, but it was a little bit of a let-down.
Mod
Radiah, do you have any recommendations for good fantasy short stories? I have a soft spot for fantasy (I'm waiting for the next bit of Song of Ice & Fire too), but I don't really know much at all about fantasy short fiction.
Katie, try
also by
George R.R. Martin.It's a collection of short stories with the same protagonist and a joint storyline.
Thank you, Samanta! I've heard good things about those. I appreciate the recommendation.
Katie, sorry, I mostly read full length novels. I'll try out Samantha's suggestions. Thanks SamanthaLet's hope so Bentley!
I saw this in my favorite bookstore the other day and am inclined to try it out.
by
George R.R. MartinAnd it's a trilogy!!!! :) :)
Mod
I think folks just are on auto pilot and forget. Like I said a nit - and it was not there at the beginning.
MARCH 10.
by
R.A. SalvatoreFinish date: March 2015
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B+
Review: This is the best book in the Neverwinter series yet.
11.
by Joe Schreiber (no photo)Finish date: March 2015
Genre: Sci-Fi
Rating: C
Review: Zombies in a star wars story, I don't think it works. But it was nice to see Han Solo and Chewie in the book.
Yeah, the zombies part is weird but Solo and Chewie never dissapoint. Good choice! Out of all the series I still prefer the stories happening in the Old Republic.
Me too! The stories in the Old Republic are great.
12.
by
Noam ChomskyFinish date: March 2015
Genre: History / Military History
Rating: B+
Review: Before Iraq and Afghanistan, Vietnam was the US government's longest and most painful military involvement in modern war. Written in the 80s, Chomsky discusses military strategy, tactics and its outcomes, eventually raising the question: Is this just the beginning in the game of world domination?
He starts with discussing American involvement in Indochina and delving into the role of the US Congress, then moving onto Cambodia, Laos and North Vietnam before ending with a chapter on War Crimes. Admittedly, I did not expect such a frank discussion on American war crimes in the Vietnam war and I was rather appalled to read about such things and the US government's attempts to hide and disregard the needless deaths of civilians. The reason I am appalled cannot be conveyed fully, I really shouldn't be shocked, but I still can't help it. 30 years after this book was published, I see what Chomsky was trying to warn us of.
Don't know why they even decided to dabble in zombies. Of all the supernatural beings, they are my least favorite. Except in
by
Isaac Marion.Love them! Hilarious. :D
I'll have to check this out Samanta, thanks.
I agree, Radiah and Samanta, the Old Republic books are great, including the Sith books.
13.
by
Oscar WildeFinish date: March 2015
Genre: Classic / Comedy / Play
Rating: B+
Review: A delightful play which made me laugh out loud in some parts. It would be lovely to watch this play in the theater.
14.
byAllan Little(no photo)Finish date: March 2015
Genre: History
Rating: A-
Review: A detailed account of Yugoslavia’s slide into madness. A Croatian friend recommended this book to me to gain an overall understanding of the conflict. This book is packed with names, excerpts from interviews with key political figures, generals, UN peacekeeping commanders, dates and key events which triggered the war and the spark which ignited the inferno that eventually caused 7 nations to be carved out in blood.
The book is convincing in pushing the argument that the Yuglosav war was almost orchestrated by men who refused to give up their positions in power and would hold onto land grabs through the use of violence. This book was also very clear in highlighting the inertia of the European Community and the UN as they stood by and watched as Yugoslavia descended into chaos, how the UN had been duped into assisting the ethnic cleansing of the Bosnians from their villages and how Peacekeeping forces often stood by as Bosnian Muslims were massacred not a stone’s throw away from them. The excerpts from interviews of the commanders of the peackeepers were particularly heartfelt.
I would say I have gained knowledge of the events that led to this ugly war, but I have gained nothing in terms of understanding the motivations for the war. As the book highlighted, it made entirely no sense that where for centuries Croats, Serbs and Muslims have lived cheek to jowl, they suddenly became mortal enemies and turned on their neighbours to kill, maim, rape and pillage. The writers have done a good job in the format of this book. They chose to start with Milosevic’s rise to power and it really starts to pick up with the invasion of Srebrenica. However, I would have liked to see more of an analysis of the Kosovo Albanians as it was one of the first cards played by Milosevic to fan the flames of nationalism among the Serbs.
Seeing the things that are happening now in Croatia, this is one subject that may never be solved. My heart is literally aching at the moment because I just finished a conversation I had with my father about this subject.
Samanta wrote: "Seeing the things that are happening now in Croatia, this is one subject that may never be solved. My heart is literally aching at the moment because I just finished a conversation I had with my fa..."I'm sorry to hear that. Such a beautiful country, with a sad history.
APRIL 15.
by
Joe AbercrombieFinish date: April 2015
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B+
Review: I had no idea it was a YA book when I started reading it, but it was difficult for me to stop reading it. Once I got past the 3rd chapter, it became an all-night reading session. The story flowed so fast and well, it was enjoyable. Another Joe Abercrombie hit.
16.
by
Robert ByronFinish date: April 2015
Genre: Travel
Rating: B+
Review: This is truly one of the few travel classics describing the beauty and wonder of Persia and Afghanistan before the later events which would sadly cause us all to forget. Taken from his journal entries, Byron describes the beautiful architecture, and the rough beauty of the land, presenting it almost as if it was delicate. It was a pleasure to read.
17.
by أحمد بن فضلان (no photo)Finish date: April 2015
Genre: Travel
Rating: B+
Review: Astonishing and fascinatingly detailed account of Ahmad Ibn Fadhlan's encounter with Vikings and the peoples of the Eurasian Steppes. In addition, there are accounts of encounters with people in the lands of the North from other middle eastern and Andalusian explorers and writers at the back.
18.
by
Ibrahim Abdul-MatinFinish date: April 2015
Genre: Environment
Rating: B
Review: Existing in harmony with the natural world is an important cornerstone of most religions. The writer attempts to explain the relationship a human being should ideally have with the natural world and how that relates to belief in God.
MAY 19.
byJason Elliot(no photo)Finish date: May 2015
Genre: Travel,history
Rating: B+
Review: Jason Elliot attempts to write in Iran what he had done in Afghanistan in his previous book. In many ways, he succeeded in explaining Persian history and culture and their wondrous contributions to the modern world. However, I don't quite believe he conveyed the people of Persia accurately. I'm sure we are all products of our environment, and he interviewed mostly Iranian Persians. The book portrays the Persians as slightly paranoid, long-suffering peoples who have such pride in their culture, particularly poetry. I've not met any Persians still living in Iran, and therefore I feel a little sad that this is how Iranians live. However, his book is one of the best books I've ever read about Persians and life in Iran.
20.
by Neil Oliver(no photo)Finish date: May 2015
Genre: History
Rating: B+
Review: I picked up a copy of this book while at Culloden, visiting the site of the Battle of Culloden. I had been travelling through the Central Highlands, and learning the history of Scotland in bits and pieces. It felt as if I wasn't doing much justice to this country that I was travelling through, and this book was the first available comprehensive history book of Scotland I could find. Besides, it was written by Neil Oliver, and having watched a few of his documentaries on BBC, I thought I might as well give it a go.
The book is comprehensive, though lacking in information in many aspects. I believe he assumed that you would have some background knowledge in parts of British and even European history to fully understand the flow of Scottish history. This makes sense in a way as Scotland isn't an isolated nation, the events and other monarchies have shaped Her history more often than not. I had to do a little research in some areas, especially in French and Jacobite history to tie in with its influence in Scottish history. Other than that, it was great for me to read this while travelling in Scotland, and I further felt the pull of history across time in some of the areas I visited. Dunnottar Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Urquhart Castle, Stirling Bridge and Stirling Castle and the list goes on. Besides that, the book did relay how Scottish people had been shaped by the absence of monarchs and the power games between England and Scotland for control of their land.
Excellent review, Raidah....I love Scotland, rain and all!!!!
Jill wrote: "Excellent review, Raidah....I love Scotland, rain and all!!!!"I fell in love with it too!
JUNE 21.
by
Elizabeth LairdFinish date: June 2015
Genre: Fiction
Rating: B
Review: The story starts with an execution on the street witnessed by the young girl on the street. It then quickly escalated to her family having to flee to the mountains to join Kurdish freedom fighters and then further on, as refugees in a foreign land. I found it interesting; the mother who fought to keep the family together and raise her children as best she could in a hostile environment, Arab neighbours willing to help their Kurdish neighbours, a father who maintained that to do the right thing was more important than anything, a brother caught up in the excitement of going off to be a freedom fighter and a village surviving and thriving despite indiscriminate bombings.
My friend gave me this book and I read it without realising it was a children's book. It explores the fictional life of a Kurdish family forced to flee Iraqi secret police during the time of the war between Iraq and Iran from the point of view of a young girl of 15. The writer conveys the confusion and desperation of what must be millions of Kurds during that time through this family.
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The History Book Club
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JANUARY
1.
Finish date: January 2015
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.