To Live is the life story of Fugui, an old farmer who recounts his tale to a young scholar who is doing research in his village. Fugui is born and raiTo Live is the life story of Fugui, an old farmer who recounts his tale to a young scholar who is doing research in his village. Fugui is born and raised in a well to do family in China in the early part of the 20th Century. Things go bad and the family loses its modest fortune. Fugui learns to make a living as a tenant farmer. The story tells how he and his family fare as the events that changed China affect him and his community. I'm familiar familiar enough with traditional Chinese culture and modern Chinese history that everything made sense to me. I could also understand the contentment that Fugui displays at the beginning and end of the book. As an American reader, I wasn't satisfied with it, but don't let that stop you from checking it out....more
George Herbert Walker Bush was the last American president from the "Greatest Generation" and, according to Jon Meacham, the "last gentleman." Mr. MeaGeorge Herbert Walker Bush was the last American president from the "Greatest Generation" and, according to Jon Meacham, the "last gentleman." Mr. Meacham presents a portrait of George Bush as a man born to wealth and privilege, and raised to compete, succeed, but also to serve his community--be that be his immediate neighbors or the entire world.
Mr. Meacham starts by presenting Bush's ancestors, showcasing how they were driven to work hard and win the things they wanted. George faithfully followed his family's values, earning respect and admiration from the people around him. When America entered the Second World War, Bush enlisted and served. Afterwards, he chose not to seek an easy road, working for relatives and relying on family wealth and connections, but rather opted to seek his own fortunes in the oil industry and later in politics. (Granted, the Bush family fortune and connections did make that a lot easier than it would have been for someone coming from a background of poverty.) Even when things didn't go the way as planned--such as the 1980 Republican presidential nomination--Bush adapted and endeavored to succeed in the opportunities that followed.
Mr. Meacham argues that during his presidency, Bush was misrepresented. He recounts his reserved personality and patient actions were contrasted to the more flamboyant presidency of Ronald Reagan, and that Bush was portrayed as being a weaker leader. Mr. Meacham then goes on to show how Bush endeavored to reach his goals and conduct his presidency in the way that he intended, rather than bowing to other pressures. That part rang true, as I remember agreeing with the media narrative during those years that Mr. Bush was rather ineffective, but how I grew to respect him more as I compared him to subsequent presidents. (and subsequent Bushes)
All in all, I found Destiny and Power to be a good and enjoyable account of George Bush and 20th Century American history. Check it out. ...more
The fourth volume of The Chronicles of St. Mary's is rather dark. Like the previous books, the characters travel to various time periods and historicaThe fourth volume of The Chronicles of St. Mary's is rather dark. Like the previous books, the characters travel to various time periods and historical events. These jaunts are still narrated with a liberal dose of humor and snark. Ms. Taylor does her usual good job of spinning the tale. But this time, Max is not leading teams of historians to research the past. Instead she's on the run from the bad guys, which makes for a lot more pain and bloodshed. Philosophically, I can appreciate the reframing of a typical St. Mary's novel. But, alas, it wasn't as fun to read. ...more
This book was a long one. It wasn't exactly a slog, but I was propelled as much by my desire to finish the book as I was by my desire to find out whatThis book was a long one. It wasn't exactly a slog, but I was propelled as much by my desire to finish the book as I was by my desire to find out what happens next. The book focuses mostly on the shenanigans up in the north of Westeros and the shenanigans in the eastern lands of Valyria. Both storylines moved too slow for my tastes and both were left hanging at the end of the book. But despite my whining, I'll probably pick up the next volume of the series to see what happens next. Anyway, now that I'm all caught up with the series, I may have to check out that "acclaimed HBO® series"....more
I actually purchased this as waiting room material, as I had to kill time while out shopping. But it really is a book worth checking out. Mr. Flint spI actually purchased this as waiting room material, as I had to kill time while out shopping. But it really is a book worth checking out. Mr. Flint spins a tale where Sam Houston does not suffer an incapacitating injury during the War of 1812 and is instead around to help bring together a groups of freedmen and Cherokee warriors to fight in the battle of New Orleans in 1814. The relationships built during the course of these events set the foundation for the planting of a Cherokee nation that avoids the Trail of Tears scenario that exists in our history. But for that bit we'll have to get the sequel.
The book didn't grab my interest at first--much like that era in American history. But the story slowly grew on me as the characters and plot developed. As one might expect, the story has a military bent, with a lot of battle scenes. Come to think of it, that's probably why it was a slow starter for me, as the story comes out fighting, so to speak. ...more
I confess that I'm a cynical man--all to quick to roll my eyes when stories start effusing about things like goodness and love. I'll usually skip any I confess that I'm a cynical man--all to quick to roll my eyes when stories start effusing about things like goodness and love. I'll usually skip any story that might make it to the Hallmark channel. That said, goodness and love are worth effusing about, and a good story can feature them without having to mix in a dark edge to the plot and characters. For example, you have this book.
Bright Valley of Love is the true story of Gunther and the place where he grew up. Gunther was born in Germany in 1914. He was handicapped, due in part to neglect by his birth family. When Gunther was seven, his family brought him to Bethel, a community for the physically and mentally impaired. In a world where disdain and neglect was common for many handicapped people. Bethel offered a loving community dedicated to physical and spiritual care for its members. The book takes us through Gunther's childhood, as he finds a new family at Bethel and thrives despite his handicapped body. The tale then goes on as Hitler gains power in Germany and Gunther and his brothers and sisters are threatened by the Nazi's twisted plan to "purify" Germany.
I'm not sure how this tale pierced my cynical shell--maybe it was all the quoted hymn verses--but I'm sure glad it did. I may have to find a copy for my shelf....more
Another novel, another war. sigh Maybe I need to see a therapist. Anyway, this one is the Trojan War, as observed by the time traveling crew of St. MaAnother novel, another war. sigh Maybe I need to see a therapist. Anyway, this one is the Trojan War, as observed by the time traveling crew of St. Mary's Institute of Historical Research. Oh, actually, a couple of them also visit the Battle of Agincourt. So you could say, "another two wars". Then again, they're not really fighting. I mean, there's death and injury, but the protagonists are only observing the fight. So I guess I'll stick to my original intro.
The crew also make other jaunts, as in the other St. Mary's books. Following the pattern some are tragic, like the wars, and others are just silly. And through it all are personal dramas--moments of love, friendship, smiles, and aggravation. Check it out....more
So I checked out the next Dresden Files book since it was already in the house and I had no good reason not to read it once I finished Peace Talks. AsSo I checked out the next Dresden Files book since it was already in the house and I had no good reason not to read it once I finished Peace Talks. As you might guess from the title, Harry goes to war. To put it succinctly, I didn't like it. Somewhere along the line, the Dresden Files stopped being fun. Or at least that's how I'm remembering it. I like action, even with a bit of death and destruction, as long as I get a happy ending and don't have to think too deeply about it afterwards. This book delivered on the former, but lacked the latter. The events in the story, like the ones in Changes, left scars in the characters and milieu of the series. Of course, that's a credit to Mr. Butcher, who is not writing some shallow comic book tale. Also to his credit, I enjoy his writing and the character of Harry Dresden so much that I will be checking out the next book in the series, because I need to know what happens next....more
I recently listened to a podcast about the TV series The Expanse, and decided I needed to check it out. But, of course, I opted to check out the origiI recently listened to a podcast about the TV series The Expanse, and decided I needed to check it out. But, of course, I opted to check out the original novels instead of the adaption. Leviathan Wakes is set in the future when humanity has colonized the solar system. There are three main groups: Earth, Mars, and the Belt, which is the loose confederation of settlements on various asteroids and moons. The belters and inyawolda don't really like each other much, but they manage to work together. At least until the crew of the Canterbury discover a wrecked ship that holds a secret that could plunge the system into war.
The book has received a lot of praise, but I can't quite cheer as loud for it. It was an enjoyable read, but I didn't find the characters as compelling as other blockbuster series. What I really appreciated was the milieu of the story. The authors filled the book with all those geeky technical details which delights my inner scientist. (or rather, inner science-fictionist) The plot is interesting in that it got me wondering how things were going to get resolved, but I found it relatively easy to put down at bedtime. I have no doubt I'll someday pick up the next book in the series, but I'm not heading to the library just yet....more
This one's a collection of science fiction stories from the late 1930s and early 1940s. The stories range range from a wacky tale of a drunk inventor This one's a collection of science fiction stories from the late 1930s and early 1940s. The stories range range from a wacky tale of a drunk inventor and a narcissistic robot to the classic "Nightfall" by Isaac Asimov. Since I already have "Nightfall" in other collections, I'd have to rate this one as great waiting room material....more
I've had this one on the shelf for a long, long time, but I haven't read it in a while. It's a collection of some of the strips from the first six yeaI've had this one on the shelf for a long, long time, but I haven't read it in a while. It's a collection of some of the strips from the first six years of the comic strip Doonesbury--1970 to 1975. It's been so long, it's kind of like I'm reading it for the first time. The first thing that struck me was echoes of Charles Schulz in the strips. If the early For Better or For Worse was Charlie Brown as an adult, these early Doonesbury strips could be Charlie Brown goes to college. But as I read further, my attention focused less on the art & the gags and more on the historical context. My knowledge of America in the 1960s and 70s has increased and I'm better equipped to appreciate the satire on changing mores, the Vietnam War, and the Nixon era than I was in my younger days. I came for the jokes but I think I'll keep it for the history....more
This one is another, lesser sequel. It's fine waiting room material, but I think it's only psychological momentum that will make me read the next voluThis one is another, lesser sequel. It's fine waiting room material, but I think it's only psychological momentum that will make me read the next volume. I didn't find A Feast for Crows all that much fun to read. A number of the regular POV characters from this series are absent in this volume. This was a choice by Mr. Martin to keep the book a reasonable size, and the missing characters will be telling their stories in the next installment. The problem is, almost all of my favorites fall into that category. So it was a slog to read through those sections about characters I don't really like. (Though Mr. martin did do a good job of adding some depth and internal conflict to one of those.) The overall saga progressed, but it really seemed to drag....more
This one's the first book in The Codex Alera. I had been hesitant to pick this one up, as I was fearing it might just be a reworking of The Dresden FiThis one's the first book in The Codex Alera. I had been hesitant to pick this one up, as I was fearing it might just be a reworking of The Dresden Files with different names and a different setting. Thankfully that's not the case.
Furies of Calderon is set in a fantasy word which includes creatures called furies. A fury is an elemental spirit that can control a particular "element"--earth, air, water, fire, metal, and wood. Some humans in the realm of Alera can link up and control one or more of these furies with varying degrees of ability. The story follows a young man, Tavi and his family who discover a plot by some renegade Alerans to assist the savage Marats in attacking the Valley of Calderon. Tavi is one of the people who can't control any furies, but his handicap doesn't prevent him from acting with courage to defend his homeland.
The story contains other characters' plotlines as well, woven together in an entertaining adventure. Which is good, because some of those plotlines are left open ended and I hate to be wondering what happened next in a mediocre book....more
This one's a "Traditional Story from the Sulu Archipelago", illustrated by Danilo CG, an 11-year-old kid. The story is about how a conflict with a craThis one's a "Traditional Story from the Sulu Archipelago", illustrated by Danilo CG, an 11-year-old kid. The story is about how a conflict with a cranky neighbor got out of hand. It's a good morality tale, but it wasn't as entertaining as Agasi Kidnaps Weensy, the other Sama book in my library. Where I think The Monkeys & the Sea Cucumbers really excels is the artwork. The characters are expressive and Danilo has created some nice compositions. The colors and textures really caught my eye. Check it out!...more
In book three of A Song of Ice and Fire, the threat in the northern lands of Westeros becomes a reality as the men of the Night's Watch face assaults In book three of A Song of Ice and Fire, the threat in the northern lands of Westeros becomes a reality as the men of the Night's Watch face assaults on the Wall. Meanwhile, the kings and lords to the south are caught up in their own wars and bloodsheds, and Daenerys Targaryen follows her own path in the east. I found this volume a bit less enjoyable, mainly because I didn't like that Mr. Martin killed off some of the characters I liked and added twists that prolonged the storylines of a couple of others. I'm still planning on reading the next book, though, so I have to recommend you check it out....more
So I succumbed to the temptation of a proverbial "bag of books" from the Library. I asked for some science fiction/fantasy and was given a stack of thSo I succumbed to the temptation of a proverbial "bag of books" from the Library. I asked for some science fiction/fantasy and was given a stack of three. I wasn't expecting to like this one. As characters, assassins hold no appeal for me. I mean, if you talk about a character with cool skills in stealth and weapons, I think of the 1970's era Batman who was able to defeat his opponents without killing them. (Or even hurting them much, but I digress.) Fortunately Ms. Hobb really hasn't written a tale of an assassin in this volume. This is the tale of a boy--an illegitimate child of a prince and a commoner--who is abandoned by his mother and her family and dumped into the lap of the royal family. The father, the heir apparent, also forsakes the child, leaving him to the care of his stablemaster while he abdicates his position and goes off to reside in exile with his wife. The boy, Fitz, grows up in the royal community at the keep. At first he's mostly ignored, but later is selected by the king to be trained in secret as an assassin. As Fitz grows, life swirls about him. People drop in and out of his life; troubles occur in the kingdom. By the time he stepped into his disagreeable role, I was hooked by the characters and world Ms. Hobb created. It's a book definitely worth checking out. The big question, for me, is: do I dare check out the second volume of the trilogy?...more
Richard Nixon is the first president I remember from my childhood. Not well, mind you. I knew his name and, later, that he was involved in the WatergaRichard Nixon is the first president I remember from my childhood. Not well, mind you. I knew his name and, later, that he was involved in the Watergate scandal and resigned before he could be impeached. That was enough to establish him in my childish mind as a bad president.
This book didn't change my mind, even though my concept of a "bad president" has grown to be slightly more nuanced. Mr. Farrell presents a man who was willing to play dirty and sacrifice others to accomplish his goals. But also a man who wanted to do good for the American people and was willing to work hard for it. The tragedy is that Nixon's personal ambitions and prejudices would win out over his ideals. The story of Nixon's life, as presented here, is one that is very political. Once past World War II, the tale gives a inside picture of the political world, first in California and then in Washington D.C. Like many of the presidential biographies I've read recently, this book has been showing me how the world I grew up in--the world I assumed back then "just was"--came to be. Check it out....more
What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. --Ecclesiastes 1:9
While reading through this bWhat has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. --Ecclesiastes 1:9
While reading through this biography of Lyndon Baines Johnson, I felt very much like I've been living in a rerun. Or maybe "remake" might be e better metaphor. I mean, we still have a foreign boogey-man (-men?), but these days some Americans fear Muslim terrorists rather than Communist agitators. But rioting and protests over racism are, sadly, back in the news.
I think this initial thought about the book goes to illustrate that Professor Woods did a good job of conveying the zeitgeist of the eras in which Johnson lived and worked. In LBJ, Johnson is portrayed as a forceful, egotistical man, but one with a definite sense of duty to his country and a compassion for all of his citizens. It covers his life from his family history in Texas, through his childhood and initial career as a teacher, to his final calling as a politician. The reader travels along that career as a secretary for Congressman Richard Kleberg, a state Director for the National Youth Administration under the New Deal, through his influential role as a senator, and to his somewhat marginalized role as Vice President. The death of John Kennedy thrust Johnson into the presidency, and the book details how he faced the challenges of carrying on the legacies of Kennedy and Franklin Roosevelt in the Great Society programs, as well as the challenges of the quagmire that was the Vietnam War. Professor Woods is a good storyteller and gave me a definite appreciation of Johnson. (I may have to put this book on my shelf.) It also brought my own life into focus as I read how the president of my early childhood and his contemporaries in government shaped the society which I grew up thinking was "normal"....more
This one's a collection of sagas from Iceland, naturally. Set in the era from roughly 850-1060, they tell the stories of the notable people who settleThis one's a collection of sagas from Iceland, naturally. Set in the era from roughly 850-1060, they tell the stories of the notable people who settled and lived in Iceland, and, in some cases, their travels from Rome to Newfoundland. In one sense, it's history--the people in the sagas were probably real. But there does seem to be embellishments to the stories, so one can't really tell what parts are factual and what parts are fiction. But fact or fiction, it does give an interesting and enjoyable glimpse into a people and place 1000 years past. Check it out!...more
Most of the high fantasy--tales set in detailed worlds that inspire wonder--that I've read have been contained in lengthy tomes, multi-volume series, Most of the high fantasy--tales set in detailed worlds that inspire wonder--that I've read have been contained in lengthy tomes, multi-volume series, or both. This book, however, is a collection of short stories. They are tales that carry a touch of wonder, but take much less time to read. The collection contains fairy tales, wizards, sword wielding warriors, quests, magical artifacts, and Death. While none of the stories are a must read, they are worth checking out....more
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