The History Book Club discussion

Mary, here is a sample guide:

JANUARY

1. Winston S. Churchill
Finish date: March 2008
Rating: A
Genre: Autobiography, Memoir, Non-Fiction
Review or a Few Words about book: 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.

Once you get going, I will delete this sample.

1.Fall of Giants Ken Follett
Finish date: January 2011
Rating: B
An historical fiction a a preposed trilogy. Following five diverse families who lives intersect within the turbulent times from 1914 into the 1930s with the rise of Hitler. By putting a human face not only on the British who served in World War II, but of Germany and Russia as Europe changed from traditional values and rulers Follett takes the reader not deep into the trenches of France, the mines of England but into the streets of St.
Petersburg. I am looking forward to the next volumes.[

2. W. Somerset Maugham
Finish date: January 2011
Rating: B
Written in 1937, it is a humorous study of a actress coming to turns with no longer being the ingenue and her relationships. Recommended as part of the British Literature group, I was delighted to find the it was the book from which the movie "Becoming Julia" was adapted. It is a favorite movie of mine and now "Theatre" has become a favorite book.

You are doing well Mary, I liked the sounds of Ken Follet's book; "Fall of Giants".


by Ken Follett

3. Julian Jackson
Finished: January 2011
Rating: B+
Every reader brings to a book preconceptions and values. Initially, I forgot the rule to leave my biases at the door. I vilified the majority of the French people and glorified the Resistance.

France, the Dark Years is an academic study of the German occupation and the policies of the Vichy Government that changed my initial perceptions. Rather taking sides, this treatise is an examination of sources of the period, 1940-1944, and historical interpretations written over the past 60 years. Not a simple read but a challenging scholarship demanding more study of the times. My new regret, reading history opens more questions than there is time to examine.

Mary wrote: " My new regret, reading history opens more questions than there is time to examine. "

Ahhh, we could all wish for just a few extra lifetimes.

Sounds like "France the Dark Years" provided a lesson in history that you appreciated, thanks for sharing that with us, excellent post.


by Julian Jackson

Mary, be sure when you reference your books you get all the parts. When goodreads has an author photo available, the reference should look like this:

W. Somerset Maugham

4. Barbara Bick
Finished: January 2011
Rating: B-
July 29, 2010, Time Magazine's cover story focused on the current treatment of women by Islamic funtamentalist in Afganistan. Women and children are the primary collateral damage of war. But these women may again become again the victims of peace.

The author of Walking the Precipice first visited Afghanistan following the Soviet withdrawal in 1990. As a feminine activist, Barbara Bick was interested in the conditions for women and young girls under of the victors, the mujahideen. Islamic Fundamentalists forced the atheistic Communists out of the country and seized control. Soon women become under the attack for their failure to adhere to the Islamic law. Bick documents their stories in this memoir.

Bick returned to Afghanistan, at the age of 76, to investigate the abuses of women under the even more stringent rule of the Taliban. Only allowed to visit northern area, Bick is caught in the turmoil of the assassination of the leader of the Northern Alliance on September 9, 2001, which she vividly describes, as well as, of her attempts to return home after Al Qaeda attacks of 9/11.

Unbelievably, in 2003, she returns again to witness the gains women have made after the U.S. ousting of the Taliban. She participates in an international conferences called to encouraged women continue to strive for their rights. As the title reflects, these women are Walking the Precipice and their rights and indeed their lives are as insecure today as in 2001.

Hi Mary, everything about your format looks great aside from one thing that needs to be updated; Elizabeth S gave you a reminder and showed you how to fix your entry for post two. Could you take her helpful suggestions about our guidelines and please go back and fix that error. We will then be able to take the reminder off of your listing. Additionally make sure to always have the following:

Number the book, the bookcover (usually available 80 % of the time) when the bookcover is not available add the book link and state the following after the book link (no cover available); then add the author's photo when available (always check to see if there is one); if there is one, please add it as Elizabeth showed you; then you must add the third part which is the author's link which you have done beautifully. You have done all of the remaining parts beautifully.

Also post 1, the author's name needs to be in linkable text like you have done all of the others. You can go back to the edit button and fix these easily. and of course what Elizabeth S asked you to do in number 2.

Any questions, do not hesitate to ask.

Elizabeth S wrote: "Mary, be sure when you reference your books you get all the parts. When goodreads has an author photo available, the reference should...

It only took an hour to fix on a iPad! I

That is a long time. :) The good news is that it gets faster as you get used to it.

Mary you did great with post 3; however your post two still needs the author's name in linkable text. That is the Fall of Giants one.

1. Ken Follett

Also, another nit: place colons after the words Finish Date: and the Rating:

Check the sample guide which is post one and then you can fix the others. It may take longer on an ipad than on a regular computer. I have both and without a regular keyboard it can take longer and for some reason; there are a lot of errors when I do it that way. But we know you are trying and just keep at it until everything is fixed.

I do want to do a correct citation! If you don't mind. I will fix when my desk computer is reconnected to the Internet. Then it will be easier and quicker to copy and paste.

Thanks!

Mary, we have rules and guidelines for everybody's benefit and we are looking for everybody's format to be consistent and we are unpaid volunteers bringing this site to you. And we are willing to work with you and help. The format actually when you are on a regular computer takes no time at all. And we posted the format in message one. Since we understand you have an issue we are very willing to help you. But we will still expect the rules, guidelines and format to be followed or fixed when it is not. Sorry that bothers you; we are consistent with everybody. Since you have a part on order; I think it is still reasonable to ask about timing. And remember Elizabeth S and I are trying to help you. Once things are fixed we remove the reminders, etc.

Please remember that I live in the Mountains. No high speed Internet. I will comply to editing from this time forward and then fix when my home computer is connected to dial-up. Please be patient!

We will be - and we understand fully having visited and loved the region where you reside. We will look in on you periodically until things settle down.

You have my deepest sympathies, Mary. Slow internet connections are so painful. How long do you have to wait for even the dial-up? I hope they can get you set up quickly.

5. Alice Hoffman
Finish date: January 2011
Rating: B+
Genre: Fiction
Great characters from one of my favorite authors. A good escape!

Ooh, I love Alice Hoffman. Had to add that one, thanks!

6. John Mortimer
FInish Date: February 2011
Rating: C
Genre: British Literature

Part of a group read. Can't say I was impressed or even entertained. How far does one read a book before one should STOP?!

Mary, nice of you to include the optional Genre segment but it is spelled Genre not Gendre.

I have to work at making my fingers type properly too. (smile)

Many times I have to go in and correctly my spelling.

7. Rebecca Dean
Finish date: Feb. 2011
Rating: C
A real person (the future Edward VIII) set in a ficticious setting. In fact, a improbable setting.

8. Daphne Kalotay
Finish date: Feb. 2011
Rating: A-
Kalotay has placed characters in a possible historical setting. Not based on real people and only slightly actual events, the book is strongly bases on facts. There is an excellent bibliography from where she drew her information to create a realistic and interesting book. I love reading this type of strong novel!

9. Caroline P. Murphy
Finish Date: Feb. 2011
Genre: Non-Fiction
Rating: A-
A well research biography not only of an "extraordinary" women but of Rome during the Renaissance. Fascinating and well written. I intend to read more of this author.

10. Daniel Silva
Date Finished: March 2011
Genre: Fiction
Rating: A-
Never miss Gabriel Allon. Strong novel intertwining modern international politics that affect Israel today with events of the past. Each of Silva's books informs me of an another Nazi atrocity, leading me to read more World War II history. Vicious cycle!

11. Iain Pears
Date Finished: March 2011
Genre: Fiction
Rating: B
This is a long novel that combines politics, intrigue, murder and sex. With all that happens, I admit, at times, that I became lost as the plots took me backwards through events of 1953, 1909, and 1867. This was my first Pears' novel, I am not sure I will read more,

12. Elizabeth George
Date Finished: March 2011
Genre: British Mystery
Rating: B+

Long mystery with several twists and a lot of info. Free range ponies in Hampshire, I did not know and I now know how a roof is thatched! Great fun!

13. Stephen E. Ambrose
Date Finished: March 2011
Genre: History Memoir
Rating: B-

I have mixed feelings about this book. The first chapters revealed new insights about significant American figures; Jefferson, Washington, Grant etc. Then these essays changed, Ambrose writes more in a "me, my, and I" style. Using his books as a springboard he relates how he choose or was choosen to write on a certain topic; Eisenhower, Nixon, etc. The central theme through all the essays is a patriotic love of country, a belief that democracy will always prevail and a passion for history. It is his personal testimony from a man dying of cancer.

14. Wendy Moore
Date Finished: March 2011
Genre: British History, Biography
Rating: B+

This is biography of a women trying to to flee domestic violence. In 1760, Mary Eleanor Bowes,11, became one of the riches females in Britain. At 22 , a even wealthier widow, Bowes perceded to make bad personal choices. Her 2nd marriage to Andrew Stoney was the worst. Her husband manipulated her, physically and emotionally abused her and held her hostage in her own home while he spent her fortune on himself and his women. In the 18th Century Bowes had little recourse to save herself. What becomes of Bowes, Stoney, and the wealth creates an excellent view of Georgian England.

15. Carmen Callil
Finished: March 2011
Genre: Non-Fiction, French 20th History
Rating: A

The book is a biography of Louis Darquier (1897-1980) and his daughter, Anne. Darquier was a morally corrupt individual, who from his teenage used lies and the money of others to advance himself and his agenda. Never finding his own valid career, he made his life work to rid "the plague destroying France, its Jewish population. By borrowing money from his brothers, accepting payments from the Nazis, working for the Vichy Government and looting the wealth of "evacuated" Jews, Darquier rose to prominence with the title of Commissioner for Jewish Affairs. This position was responsible for .." handing more than 750,000 men,women and children to the Germans." Darqueir was never punished for his actions but his daughter who was abandoned and left penniless felt the weight of his immoral deeds.

This book is marvelously written, well documented and a remarkable insight to the France's government and people during it so called "Dark Years". It must been a very emotional book to research.

16. Steven E. Woodworth
Finished: March, 2011
Genre: American History
Rating: C-

For me a disappointing study of American western movement. Many of the earlier chapters did not examine new sources. My greatest disappointment was with the chapter on the Mormon settlement. The author spent more than 3/4 of it's pages covering the establishment of the Church, Joseph Smith, and polygamy and only 3 paragraphs on the movement beyond the Mississippi. Through out the book the author projects clear biases which seemed not appropriate in the text.

17. Nancy Goldstone
Finished: March 2011
Genre: Non-Fiction, Italian History
Rating: A-

This book is a perfect example of why I always recommended history. It has intrigue, conspiracies, war and murder. It proves that history is a far more fascinating study of the "human condition" than most fiction. It is real!

18. Frances Burney
Finished: April, 2011
Genre: British Literatre
Rating: A

So glad this was a group read, British Literature. I have had on my personal "to read" for quite sometime and I was not disappointed. At first the sentence structure was a little difficult but once I was into the flow I just kept reading. It was fun.

19. Sharon Kay Penman
Finished: April 2011
Genre: British Historical Fiction
Rating: A-

The problem with good historical fiction is the author has little control over the outcome of the events which affected the protagonists. Penman brings to life Simon de Monfort and his contemporaries while maintaining an accurate foundation of facts. Thus the ending caused me to have tears for a family that lived and died 650 years ago.

20. Steve Coll
Finished: April 2011
Genre: United States Afghanistan History
Rating: A

Painful to read, so many naive mistakes, so many political errors, so many lives lost!

I agree Mary...I am going to place that book on my list.

21. Jon Meacham
Finished: April 2011
Genre: American Political History
Rating: A

American Gospel traces the historical foundations for maintaining "God" in America's public life.  Meacham defines the Founding Fathers' philosophy as Public Religion.  The author states public religion is based on an ecumenical faith that includes individual rights, a sense of duty and  morality.  This "faith of our fathers" was preserved by presidents, even invoking scriptures in their speeches  It was the same faith called upon by Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War and George W. Bush after 9/11.  James Madison said that every generation will face dangers, and dangers of extremism in both secular and religious values. Madison and the Founders believed that American culture shapes and sustains public religion.  I believe the majority of Americans, including me, unknowingly follow public region.  This book truly helped me clarify that belief. 

Mary wrote: "21. Jon Meacham
Finished: April 2011
Genre: American Political His..."

Interesting, Mary, thanks for sharing this with us. We forget sometimes there is a deep religious belief in this country that goes back to our founding and it does come out in our politics/rhetoric.

Thanks for the comment, Byran. It is a very interesting book with an incredible bibliography.

22. Natasha Solomons
Finished: April 2011
Genre: Fiction
Rating: B+

Sometimes it is fun to escape into another person's experiences, real or factual. This novel was such a diversion. I empathized with Mr. Rosenblum, who escaped from Hitler's Germany, as he struggled to assimilate in post WWII England by following the handbook that he was given upon his arrival. His story was one of trials and joys and a pleasure to read.

23. Jonathan Franzen
Finished: May 2011
Genre: Fiction
Rating: A-

This book received great reviews from critics and friends. I found it difficult to read. The writing is excellent, the plot is complex, and the characters remarkably developed. Along with this, the story's backdrop is 40 years of Amercan culture. The protagonists proceed throughout this novel hurting and punishing each other and themselves. Weaknesses and flaws are revealed and it became a challenge for me to care about these people. (In fact, at times I imagined throwing this thick book at one of their heads.) Without being a spoiler, I will only say I am glad I stuck out the read.

24. Brenda Maddox
Finished: May 2011
Genre: Biography
Rating: B

D. H. Lawrence's books have been regarded by some as shocking. His marriage and relationships could be perceived as the same. The author, Brenda Maddox, relates Lawrence's controversial life to his writings. Her research exposes Lawrence as a selfish and at times brutal man with little love for women.
Suffering from poor lungs all his life, Lawrence traveled for his health before eventually succumbing to TB. This part of his life too influenced his writing. I choose to read this biography to better understand the literature of Lawrence. What happened was that I was flabbergasted more by his life style than any of his books. I found this biography fascinating!

Mary wrote: "23. Jonathan Franzen
Finished: May 2011
Genre: Fiction
Rating: A-

This book received great reviews from critics and fri..."


I felt the same way about the book, the characters and the writing.

24. Edmund de Waal
Finished: May 2011
Genre: Non-Fiction Art History
Rating:A-


"Objects have always been carried, sold, bartered, stolen, retrieved and lost.  People have always  given gifts.  It is how you tell their stories that matters". Edmund de Waal is remarkable in telling his family's story and of the special collection of netsuke.  The author relates his journey to trace these tiny pieces of art from Paris to Vienna to England to their homeland of Japan.  His families' stories are unique and de Waal's writing is excellent.  I would gladly recommended this book to anyone who is interested in art, European cultural history, or just a good story.        

25. Mistress of the monarchy : the life of Katherine Swynford, Duchess of Lancaster

Hi Mary, not sure if # 25 was a currently reading or what was the situation.

Since this seems to be a unique situation; when you do plan to cite it; do it this way:

Mistress of the monarchy : the life of Katherine Swynford, Duchess of Lancaster - (no cover available) by Alison Weir

I have tried four times to get this entered but it seems to get lost in before I can edit and complete. Apparently this remained from what I tried. I am going to try again now

Goodreads has been having major problems since May 27th and it is getting tougher to get anything to post although I thought the worst of it was over the weekend and Sunday.

25. Mistress of the Monarchy: The Life of Katherine Swynford, Duchess of Lancaster Alison Weir
Finished: June 2011
Rating: B+

An excellent and detailed biography of a women, born a commoner,who became a ancestorial martiarch of the Tudor dynasty. In her introduction, Weir writes of reading by Anya Seton as I did. I longed to know more about the independent Katherine. Weir book made that possible. And I was truly so happy to find that she was so much more than her relationship with John of Gaunt. But I must admit, it does make for a great romance

Great effort Mary considering these trying goodreads times. Anya Seton does have a photo which you should add when you get a chance. When you do the edit, I will delete this post. On a separate note this sounds like a very good read.

Anya Seton

Update: Not sure what happened but the bookcover is missing now.

by Alison Weir