This book is a memoir of the author's account of his time serving with the SOE in Albania during WWII. The writing is typical of first-hand memoirs anThis book is a memoir of the author's account of his time serving with the SOE in Albania during WWII. The writing is typical of first-hand memoirs and is somewhat understated. The subject on the other hand is a something that I have seen very little information on. The author details his efforts in Albania and describes how he was thwarted and nearly betrayed by those working in comfy offices. It describes activities related to the country becoming part of the Soviet sphere of influence after the war.
If you are interested in special operations, the Eastern Front, or events that shaped the Cold War, this is a good book to read....more
I have read several books about the 1918 American Expedition to Russia. Like Nixon and Reagan, most Americans are unaware that we fought in Russia agaI have read several books about the 1918 American Expedition to Russia. Like Nixon and Reagan, most Americans are unaware that we fought in Russia against the Soviets during and after World War I. Most of the books I have read on the subject were dry and centered on the overall strategy and policies of the action and the lack of support from the Wilson administration. This book, which draws heavily the diaries of the soldiers puts a human face on the action on the action and describes the human misery of the survivors and the violent deaths of those who gave their lives. It is well done.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in learning about the actions of the 339th Infantry (Polar Bears) in the Soviet Union during 1918 and 1919. It is well written and I enjoyed it very much.
Merged review:
I have read several books about the 1918 American Expedition to Russia. Like Nixon and Reagan, most Americans are unaware that we fought in Russia against the Soviets during and after World War I. Most of the books I have read on the subject were dry and centered on the overall strategy and policies of the action and the lack of support from the Wilson administration. This book, which draws heavily the diaries of the soldiers puts a human face on the action on the action and describes the human misery of the survivors and the violent deaths of those who gave their lives. It is well done.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in learning about the actions of the 339th Infantry (Polar Bears) in the Soviet Union during 1918 and 1919. It is well written and I enjoyed it very much....more
This is a good short book about the escape of Eunsun Kim from North Korea, more than once. It describes her life in China before eventually going to MThis is a good short book about the escape of Eunsun Kim from North Korea, more than once. It describes her life in China before eventually going to Mongolia and on to South Korea. This book is a bit different from other Korean refugee books in that it describes the conditions that Kim and her mother were forced to endure in China before moving on and the pain of leaving her brother and sister behind in China.
It is a good book for those following the subject....more
This book is the first in the Fjällbacka series by Camila Läckberg. I did not start this series at the beginning. I started about 5 books in with a boThis book is the first in the Fjällbacka series by Camila Läckberg. I did not start this series at the beginning. I started about 5 books in with a book that was given to me and was less popular with the author's fans. I enjoyed that book a lot and decided to read the series from the beginning. This book, like most series openers lays the groundwork for the rest of the books in the series. We are introduced to key characters and key events that will crop up later in the series.
Läckberg's character interactions are interesting as is the love interest that grows in subsequent books. The story was interesting. However, I found the plot a bit muddled and too much was explained in the last few pages. This is often the case with series openers. If this was a standalone book, I would probably consider it average, but for someone reading the whole series it is critical....more
This is a very interesting and well thought out book. The author and I are not in agreement politically. He is a Marxist, which to me is left of left This is a very interesting and well thought out book. The author and I are not in agreement politically. He is a Marxist, which to me is left of left and utopian. I am a right leaning independent, fiscally conservative and though socially more liberal.
DeBoer writes from the perspective of a constructionist instead of an obstructionist. This book is not an attempt to reach out to people like me, it is a request for a big picture, common goal for the Democratic Party. The book is a thoughtful dissertation on the reason that left leaning organizations, and their causes have enjoyed initial success and why they have ultimately failed. Although many noble causes are referenced DeBoer heavily discusses the MeToo Movement and Black Lives Matters in detail and discusses Occupy Wall Street and trade unions in a more general sense. I think he is spot on. I am sure that neither of us would convince the other to switch camps on major issues I would like to think that I could sit down and have a cup of coffee with him and enjoy a debate.
Regardless of your political affiliation, if you have an interest in the current state liberal politics or want to understand the reasons that recent initiatives, particularly MeToo an Black Lives Matters have failed, this is an excellent book. If you are fragile and close-minded you will hate it....more
This is a twisted tale of betrayal and greed. Nearly every single person in the story is evil and consumed by greed and betrays someone. It is intricaThis is a twisted tale of betrayal and greed. Nearly every single person in the story is evil and consumed by greed and betrays someone. It is intricate as well. If you don't have the time and inclination to immerse yourself in the story, you will be confused and highly irritated. It is not up to the standards of 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle but is a bit better than The Last Murder at the End of the World. I enjoyed the book and its complexities. As you read it, try to find out who is NOT evil....more
Some people may have forgotten the wildly popular McDonald's Monopoly promotional game that was run from the 1980s through 2000. Most may not know aboSome people may have forgotten the wildly popular McDonald's Monopoly promotional game that was run from the 1980s through 2000. Most may not know about the fraud that ended the game. When I came across this book, I assumed it would explain which McDonalds officials perpetrated the fraud. The truth is much more interesting. You will have to read to book to find out why.
The book is based on the author's HBO miniseries. I generally am not a fan of books based on documentaries and podcasts. I may be traditional, but I think the book should preceded the podcast or miniseries. The book is fun (if that can be applied to true crime). It is fast paced and engaging. On the downside no index. I am not a fan of non-fiction books with no index. Secondly, while the top prize winners were profiled there was little reference to other people involved. An appendix with a summary of the other prizes that were given out under the fraud and the crimes committed would have rounded out the book.
All in all, this a a great book and a fast read on a crime that ended one of the hottest advertising promotions of the 1990s. It is worth the read....more
Eric Jay Dolin writes a very interesting and harrowing tale of long forgotten events. This is a book of treachery, betrayal, hardship and survival. ChEric Jay Dolin writes a very interesting and harrowing tale of long forgotten events. This is a book of treachery, betrayal, hardship and survival. Charles Barnard, 4 other men and a dog are marooned in the Falkland Islands in 1813. This book tells the story of a sealing expedition detoured to rescue the crew and passengers of a wrecked British ship and the greed that left 5 people stranded on the then uninhabited islands. Numerous illustrations and maps bolster my belief in hard copy books over electronic media.
I like his style and will likely read more of his books. This is one that I would particularly recommend especially to people who enjoy nautical history....more
This is a good book. Kudos to Mr. King for leaving his personal politics out of the mix. It shows much respect for readers of all persuasions. The booThis is a good book. Kudos to Mr. King for leaving his personal politics out of the mix. It shows much respect for readers of all persuasions. The book is a mixed bag.
The best story in the book, hands down, is Danny Couglin's Bad Dream. It rates a solid 5. Even if all the other stories in the book were terrible this one is worth the price of admission.
Slide Inn Road, The Turbulence Expert, Laurie, are stories that appealed to me, and I thought were very interesting and well written.
Two Talented Bastids, Willie the Weirdo, The Fifth Step, The Answer Man and The Red Screen were good stories, but not quite the same caliber as the aforementioned.
The story, "Rattlesnakes" was bad. Billed as a sequel to Cujo with references to Duma Key, I found it tedious, and a bit muddled. I found the use of dead kids unsettling. I also strongly dislike horror stories like this. Others may like it. Cujo and Pet Semetary have strong followings among King fans. But it was not for me. I put the Dreamers in this category as well and give them a 2.
Overall, I give the book a solid 4. Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream made the book and makes it worth the purchase price. The two stories that I panned will probably be rated by others as good. King is a very talented writer who I have followed for years. If you are a fan, you will definitely enjoy the book.
This is a good non-fiction book about the illegal trade in endangered species for meat and sham pharmaceuticals for the wealthy elite. The reporting iThis is a good non-fiction book about the illegal trade in endangered species for meat and sham pharmaceuticals for the wealthy elite. The reporting is extensive and comprehensive. I give the author high points for this.
However, a few things did seem out of place from a stylistic standpoint. First, there was a general attitude toward condescension. Second, the cussing. I cuss a lot, but not when I am being professional. I understand using cusswords in fiction. In non-fiction it smacks of unprofessionalism. I doubt that Ms. Nuwer writes this way for professional pieces. Third, the whole "dress like a hooker" thing seemed more to be written to titillate rather than inform. It is not terrible, just not for me.
Despite my misgivings about the author's style, this is an informative book, on the illegal wildlife trade and one that I would recommend....more
This book was a bit hard to review. The five-star rating system is sometimes limiting. A 3.5 would have been accurate. I found the research to be exceThis book was a bit hard to review. The five-star rating system is sometimes limiting. A 3.5 would have been accurate. I found the research to be excellent. I disagreed with the presentation of the conclusion the author draws from the research.
While there is no doubt that the battle fight was a massacre, however it should be reviewed in the context of the time and place. To me it seemed that the author portrayed the Moros at Bud Dajo as bad boy tax dodgers fighting imperialism. The Moros in fact are neither good nor bad. They are people who are a product of their time and place. Moros enslaved Filipinos and others. They were struggling to retain their homeland and save face. This last point was something the author made clear.
Ultimately, they resisted an overwhelming invading force and lost. It is notable that Wagner mentions the slaughter of Americans at Balangiga as only name and place. It is incorrectly compared to My Lai and Sand Creek where the inhabitants were defenseless and surrendering. The Moros at Bud Dajo were not defenseless, though were clearly outgunned and outnumbered. As to the photographs and trophies taken, while this is an ugly practice, it is common in warfare. Stacking skulls is no longer commonplace and seen as an atrocity today, it is hardly more horrifying than the ritual cannibalism of Māori warriors.
This is the 4th volume of Paolo Serpieri's Druuna Collection. The art as always is spectacular. The story itself is a bit of a mess. If you are a fan This is the 4th volume of Paolo Serpieri's Druuna Collection. The art as always is spectacular. The story itself is a bit of a mess. If you are a fan of the series and the art, it is a fine addition to the collection. If you are looking at the story itself, it leaves much to desire compared to other volumes in the collection....more
This is a very good book on the greed of distributors of prescription opioid drugs who flooded small West Virgina towns with the drugs. It tells of thThis is a very good book on the greed of distributors of prescription opioid drugs who flooded small West Virgina towns with the drugs. It tells of their corruption, attempts to circumvent legal responsibility and the purchase of politicians. It also tells of the attempt by the drug distributors and their political lackeys to destroy a local newspaper. If you are interested in the opioid epidemic or corporate subversion of politicians, this is a great book....more
This was an interesting account by the leader of the CIA team that helped seize the city of Kandahar. It is informative solid book but a bit formulaicThis was an interesting account by the leader of the CIA team that helped seize the city of Kandahar. It is informative solid book but a bit formulaic. ...more
This is a very interesting book. The author has done an excellent job at researching the lives of the 5 women killed by the serial killer known as JacThis is a very interesting book. The author has done an excellent job at researching the lives of the 5 women killed by the serial killer known as Jack the Ripper. Her description of a lives full of potential and eventually the descent into degradation, abject poverty, and death deserves the highest praise. I think if one is looking for a description of the misery of the lower classes of Victorian society, this is an authoritative volume.
The book falls short on one issue. That issue is whether or not the women were prostitutes or engaged in that activity on the night of their demise. Rubenhold paints a very good picture of the individual women who were murdered, but also questions the definition of prostitution. She also points out how desperate these women might be for warmth and shelter and suggests that this may have been something the women resorted to. The absence of evidence for common crimes and misdemeanors does not mean they didn't happen. Only the women, the men they interacted with, and the killer know that for sure and they are all long dead.
I give the author and the book very high marks on research and readability. The portrayal of the individual victims as people victims and not simply "whores" is top notch and well worth the read. I also agree with the authors closing statements that the Ripper popular image is shameful and discredits the victims. I did not give the writer a full five stars only because she did not prove her point in my mind. She certainly does raise thought provoking questions that should be considered by anyone studying the female victims of serial killers....more
My daughter introduced me to this author several years ago with a copy of The Vile and the Damned. I have since read all of what this author has put oMy daughter introduced me to this author several years ago with a copy of The Vile and the Damned. I have since read all of what this author has put out and eagerly await his news work. The Demon of Unrest is no exception. It delves into politics and posturing leading up the secession of the southern states from the Union and culminating in the shelling of Fort Sumter. While Abraham Lincoln, James Buchanan, Winfield Scott, and Jefferson Davis are featured in the book it focuses more on lesser-known figures South Carolina Governor Francis Pickens, Confederate politician Edmund Ruffin, Brigadier Gen. P.G.T Beauregard, and diarist Mary Chesnut. The Union counterpoint is expressed largely through the views of Secretary of State William Seward, commanding officer Maj. Robert Anderson, and Capt. Abner Doubleday.
The book describes how the concept of 'southern honor' bases on concepts of dueling, and chivalric romance combined with greed and hubris led to the events described. If you enjoy Larson's other books or solid historic books about the Civil War this is a book to read. ...more
This is a very good book. It is one of the best that I have read this year. MacLean takes us through the science of the fatal fire that swept over andThis is a very good book. It is one of the best that I have read this year. MacLean takes us through the science of the fatal fire that swept over and ultimately destroyed Engine 57 and its crew. The fire was set by a serial arsonist. MacLean does not blame climate change for the cause of western wildland fires and their greater intensity. Instead, he discusses real issues.
1) Misguided management from the US Forest Service that calls for a zero-burn policy.
2) More people living in bad places on the forest/urban interface.
3) Arsonists.
He points out that 15% of forest fires in the western states are started by arsonists. He also discusses the blame game and liability issues that have cropped up in the fire service over the last 30 years.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in fires or wild land fires in the US. It is easy to read and is written with the excitement of a thriller. Well done!
This is the 4th book in the series and the first one that I have read. It was given to me by the owner of a used bookstore. I have had it on my bookshThis is the 4th book in the series and the first one that I have read. It was given to me by the owner of a used bookstore. I have had it on my bookshelf for a year. A contact on Goodreads spoke highly of the author and I decided to read it. I enjoyed the book very much. I liked the character development. The ending was a surprise. Plot twists and turns were well done. The one thing I did not care for was the authors device of saying simply stating something important was found and then not letting us in on it what it was for another ten pages. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the book very much and have since purchased others in the series. If you like Scandinavian noir, this author should rank high on the list....more
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