The History Book Club discussion

JANUARY

1. Madeleine Albright

Finish Date: January 2, 2011
Rating: A+

This book was a page-turner. Madeleine Albright is an excellent communicator and educator. I found it very difficult to put down. After 9/11, I searched in vain for a book that could somehow replace shock and grief with some kind of understanding. History was a difficult subject for me, and I gave up in despair at finding a book that wouldn't talk down to me, and yet wasn't over my head either. Over nine years later, I found it.

I can't recommend this book highly enough. I'm thankful the library also has her memoirs, , and I hope to get to this one this month as well.

PS - If any of you has read this or decides to, will you give me your opinion? I'd love to get the take of someone who is already fairly well-versed on the topic. I feel that she covered lots of ground that would be interesting even to someone more knowledgeable, but I'd love to know for sure.

2. Alexander McCall Smith

Finish Date: January 15, 2011
Rating: B-

I really enjoy this author's style, and the fact that his books are always clean and for the most part, upbeat. This is the fourth in his 44 Scotland Street series, and I think it's the weakest of the series so far. The third was the best though, in my opinion. I really love his stuff. Time reading him is never wasted.

3. Graham Greene

Finish Date: January 16, 2011
Rating: B-

I had mixed feelings about this one. I enjoyed it, but the main character really frustrated me. This was my first Greene, and I really enjoyed his turns of phrase, and minor characters too. Definitely worth a try.

Laura, good job on format, fine. But please fix one thing in all four. Instead of Finished the standard and format has Finish Date:

Once you have fixed that, everything is perfect.

Just when I thought I had it right! ;)

Laura, now everything is fine. Thank you. This is also great practice on how to do citations anywhere on the site.

You're welcome. Does this mean I have a chance to suggest Madeleine Albright's books to you? I'm reading her memoirs now. Have you read it by chance?

I am not sure what you mean. Do you want to recommend it as a spotlighted read (we could put in on the list to be voted for).

I just figured while you were in here, maybe I could suggest a good read for you. You liked Clinton, so I thought you might enjoy one of Albright's books. . I'd be curious to get your opinion of one of hers.

I will put in on my to read list..always liked Albright. Thanks.

Sure!

4. Nicole Krauss

Finish Date: January 19, 2011
Rating: A

This is the first book I bought for my new Nook, and I loved it. A very smooth read. I recommend you take notes while reading this. I did not, and so I still need to tie it all together. This one will be a joy to re-read.

5. Joseph J. Ellis

Finish Date: January 29, 2011
Rating: B

This was an A+ in parts and a C or B- in (other, brief) parts. Not a biography of Jefferson per se, but rather a snapshot of his life at important moments. Overall, I enjoyed it. Ellis is not afraid to point out anyone's flaws. I found that out when I read late last year.

Laura wrote: "5. Joseph J. Ellis

Finish Date: January 29, 2011
Rating: B

This was an A+ in pa..."

Glad you liked this one. It was pretty interesting for me, too. It gave you a human element to TJ.

Thanks Bryan. I'd like to read more about Jefferson, but as I learn about the Founding Fathers, I'm sure I will. I'm reading Gordon S. Wood, so of course he's coming up a lot.

I'm really curious about Ron Chernow as well. May start this one soon. Hamilton seems like a fascinating guy, and having read several pp of that book, it looks interesting!

I hear nothing but excellent things on his book:

Ron Chernow

Oh excellent! So good to know. And that Ron Chernow is not a bad looking guy! I'd never know that except on this site, we post author photos! lol Ron Chernow

The Hamilton book is a great read. Big, like all of Ron Chernow's books but well worth the time.

Thanks John! I think it'll be my next bio. Ron Chernow

I have his biography of John D. Rockefeller Ron Chernow lurking on my shelf daring me to start reading. I need to get through a couple of other large books first

Browsing the Hamilton bio , the writing looks superb. I think I'd definitely be interested in reading others by Chernow. . I'll be curious what you'll think John.Ron Chernow

I didn't know if that was necessary, due to all the prior posts were about the same author and title Bentley. Thanks for clarifying.

Laura, it is unfortunately necessary because of the rules and guidelines where we have to be consistent; however, in your case; it was being discussed by many which usually does not happen. I can understand your not knowing considering the circumstances. No worries.

Thanks always for your cooperation.

You're welcome, Bentley.

FEBRUARY

6. Stieg Larsson

Finish Date: February 9, 2011
Rating: B-

There was a very interesting mystery here with some unexpected twists. Also the female main character is awesome, I love her. However, I could do without the extreme violence, including animal mutilation, sadism, it wasn't pretty. Also some gratuitous sex. Without all that, it would have been an easy A for me.

7. Richard Matheson

Finish Date: February 12, 2011
Rating: A+

Terrific book about the afterlife, and the power of love. Highly recommended. This book is not preachy or religious, but it really makes you think and is well worth your while.