Al's bookshelf: all en-US Wed, 16 Apr 2025 15:34:22 -0700 60 Al's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg <![CDATA[Inferno: The World at War, 1939-1945]]> 11256415
World War II involved tens of millions of soldiers and cost sixty million lives—an average of twenty-seven thousand a day. For thirty-five years, Max Hastings has researched and written about different aspects of the war. Now, for the first time, he gives us a magnificent, single-volume history of the entire war.

Through his strikingly detailed stories of everyday people—of soldiers, sailors and airmen; British housewives and Indian peasants; SS killers and the citizens of Leningrad, some of whom resorted to cannibalism during the two-year siege; Japanese suicide pilots and American carrier crews—Hastings provides a singularly intimate portrait of the world at war. He simultaneously traces the major developments—Hitler’s refusal to retreat from the Soviet Union until it was too late; Stalin’s ruthlessness in using his greater population to wear down the German army; Churchill’s leadership in the dark days of 1940 and 1941; Roosevelt’s steady hand before and after the United States entered the war—and puts them in real human context.

Hastings also illuminates some of the darker and less explored regions under the war’s penumbra, including the conflict between the Soviet Union and Finland, during which the Finns fiercely and surprisingly resisted Stalin’s invading Red Army; and the Bengal famine in 1943 and 1944, when at least one million people died in what turned out to be, in Nehru’s words, “the final epitaph of British rule� in India.

Remarkably informed and wide-ranging, Inferno is both elegantly written and cogently argued. Above all, it is a new and essential understanding of one of the greatest and bloodiest events of the twentieth century.]]> 729 Max Hastings 0307273598 Al 4 I have been wanting to read Hastings as recommended both by friends and showing up in online discussion. Inferno is probably his most famous work and seemed like an easy topic to pick (I know WW2 and am less knowledgeable about some of the others ears he covered like Vietnam. But this was a good test run to try his other books out)

Hastings� reputation seems well deserved. This book starts in 1939 (the normal arbitrary time selected as the beginning of World War 2) and ends with Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He is very readable, handling some difficult “names and dates� stuff and making it interesting. I can’t help but think of Tuchmann’s book on World War 1 “The Guns of August� and feel Hastings has written a pretty definitive book on this topic.

It moves chronologically, of course but I like how he addresses several topics as they come up. It’s a World War in various theaters and that could jump around a bit, but it felt well done.

He mostly uses letters and diary journals to tell his story putting a human face on History. This gives a feel for detail.

Even though I felt well versed on the subject, I learned a lot. Hastings’s conclusions are interesting, if not surprising. First, war is truly terrible - a hell on Earth, and in this case, civilians died more often than soldiers. Next, generals are often incompetent. This shows up again and again. Sometimes, that fact is irrelevant as the force with the larger numbers win. Hitler made many mistakes though striking fast got him early victories. Ditto Japan. Stalin did as well but he was able to more easily adapt and hand over the war to his generals at appropriate times. The US and UK were no different, though the addition of the US with a large number of fresh soldiers and untouchable production would make these errors less critical.

Some of the war was largely irrelevant sadly except for morale purposes. The Battle of Britain showed the British better at communicating within themselves than the Germans. Also the Allies stealing coded dispatches surely won the war.

Almost always, generals were too timid to continue their attack when they had their opponents on the run. Mentally, the Americans and British were much less comfortable with losing solider lives. Germans and Japanese soldiers were of course deeply dedicated. While Stalin forced a mentality that the Russians had no choice but to battle.

Of course, we see the end of Imperialism dawning. The British utilize their colony possessions as additional armed forces. But they do not treat them well. This causes a hunger for independence. Interestingly, the Japanese are first greeted as heroes in areas of Burma and other colonial possessions, but are even worse landlords.

Soldiers surprisingly are not civil. Stories of raping and looting are not surprising but still no less shocking, and though the atrocities of the Axis are some of history’s worst, the Allies had plenty of awful moments as well.

I was surprised as an American to hear how the French fell so easily behind the Vichy government. Yes, they had the thought to preserve their country but many French found themselves allied with the Nazis. American history books concentrate on DeGaulle and the Free French but they seem to be the minority.

Even if you feel well versed in WW2, this book is worthwhile to read. It seems every 20 years or so we forget the brutality of war and Hawks start the drums. But this is a good reminder that war is not pageantry and patriotism. ]]> 4.30 2011 Inferno: The World at War, 1939-1945
author: Max Hastings
name: Al
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/16
date added: 2025/04/16
shelves:
review:

I have been wanting to read Hastings as recommended both by friends and showing up in online discussion. Inferno is probably his most famous work and seemed like an easy topic to pick (I know WW2 and am less knowledgeable about some of the others ears he covered like Vietnam. But this was a good test run to try his other books out)

Hastings� reputation seems well deserved. This book starts in 1939 (the normal arbitrary time selected as the beginning of World War 2) and ends with Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He is very readable, handling some difficult “names and dates� stuff and making it interesting. I can’t help but think of Tuchmann’s book on World War 1 “The Guns of August� and feel Hastings has written a pretty definitive book on this topic.

It moves chronologically, of course but I like how he addresses several topics as they come up. It’s a World War in various theaters and that could jump around a bit, but it felt well done.

He mostly uses letters and diary journals to tell his story putting a human face on History. This gives a feel for detail.

Even though I felt well versed on the subject, I learned a lot. Hastings’s conclusions are interesting, if not surprising. First, war is truly terrible - a hell on Earth, and in this case, civilians died more often than soldiers. Next, generals are often incompetent. This shows up again and again. Sometimes, that fact is irrelevant as the force with the larger numbers win. Hitler made many mistakes though striking fast got him early victories. Ditto Japan. Stalin did as well but he was able to more easily adapt and hand over the war to his generals at appropriate times. The US and UK were no different, though the addition of the US with a large number of fresh soldiers and untouchable production would make these errors less critical.

Some of the war was largely irrelevant sadly except for morale purposes. The Battle of Britain showed the British better at communicating within themselves than the Germans. Also the Allies stealing coded dispatches surely won the war.

Almost always, generals were too timid to continue their attack when they had their opponents on the run. Mentally, the Americans and British were much less comfortable with losing solider lives. Germans and Japanese soldiers were of course deeply dedicated. While Stalin forced a mentality that the Russians had no choice but to battle.

Of course, we see the end of Imperialism dawning. The British utilize their colony possessions as additional armed forces. But they do not treat them well. This causes a hunger for independence. Interestingly, the Japanese are first greeted as heroes in areas of Burma and other colonial possessions, but are even worse landlords.

Soldiers surprisingly are not civil. Stories of raping and looting are not surprising but still no less shocking, and though the atrocities of the Axis are some of history’s worst, the Allies had plenty of awful moments as well.

I was surprised as an American to hear how the French fell so easily behind the Vichy government. Yes, they had the thought to preserve their country but many French found themselves allied with the Nazis. American history books concentrate on DeGaulle and the Free French but they seem to be the minority.

Even if you feel well versed in WW2, this book is worthwhile to read. It seems every 20 years or so we forget the brutality of war and Hawks start the drums. But this is a good reminder that war is not pageantry and patriotism.
]]> <![CDATA[Showgirls, Teen Wolves, and Astro Zombies: A Film Critic's Year-Long Quest to Find the Worst Movie Ever Made]]> 7208029 352 Michael Adams 0061806293 Al 4 This is for movie buffs. For a good period of my life that was me. I wonder what my average movie viewing was in College. It had to get close to averaging four a week, I would have to guess.

This has the feel of an AJ Jacobs book with author Adams dedicating a year to watching bad movies every day to determine the worst movie of all time. He used critics lists but then added user review sites to compile the worst of the worst.

There’s plenty of reasons a movie can be bad- blockbuster budgets that flop, low budget movies that wish they were good but aren’t, shock value movies, just plain boring movies and so on.

He categorizes these as the title says- you have sexplotation, horror and so on. Adams has a good sense of humor and though there’s a certain element that may make you want to watch bad movies, you are generally glad that he did it for you

He largely summarizes plots and why they are bad movies in an engaging manner. There’s Ed Wood and Reefer Madness and Pia Zadora and Police Academy 3 and all the usual suspects. He also talks to different directors and asks their favorite bad movies.

While I doubt diehards will find it definitive, I did appreciate the deep dive in those B movie directors that might fly under the radar.

If you truly like bad movies, then you will enjoy this. You can relate to the ones you saw and may add those to your viewing list based on your tastes.

There definitely a market for bad movies in the late 90s/early 00s. Adams does a fairly good job of trying to disqualify some movies for time or content (no porn for example) but as he digs deep into these recent zero budget films towards the end of the book, it does start to bog down.

Moving from well known films like Manos: Hands of Fate or Sylvester Stallone’s notorious debut Party at Kitty and Studs to fare like The Maize movies and Rollergator- I think he does too deep of a dive and repetition kicks in

Still, I quite enjoyed this book and it seems a decent addition to the book shelf of a movie buff ]]> 3.61 2009 Showgirls, Teen Wolves, and Astro Zombies: A Film Critic's Year-Long Quest to Find the Worst Movie Ever Made
author: Michael Adams
name: Al
average rating: 3.61
book published: 2009
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/06
date added: 2025/03/06
shelves:
review:

This is for movie buffs. For a good period of my life that was me. I wonder what my average movie viewing was in College. It had to get close to averaging four a week, I would have to guess.

This has the feel of an AJ Jacobs book with author Adams dedicating a year to watching bad movies every day to determine the worst movie of all time. He used critics lists but then added user review sites to compile the worst of the worst.

There’s plenty of reasons a movie can be bad- blockbuster budgets that flop, low budget movies that wish they were good but aren’t, shock value movies, just plain boring movies and so on.

He categorizes these as the title says- you have sexplotation, horror and so on. Adams has a good sense of humor and though there’s a certain element that may make you want to watch bad movies, you are generally glad that he did it for you

He largely summarizes plots and why they are bad movies in an engaging manner. There’s Ed Wood and Reefer Madness and Pia Zadora and Police Academy 3 and all the usual suspects. He also talks to different directors and asks their favorite bad movies.

While I doubt diehards will find it definitive, I did appreciate the deep dive in those B movie directors that might fly under the radar.

If you truly like bad movies, then you will enjoy this. You can relate to the ones you saw and may add those to your viewing list based on your tastes.

There definitely a market for bad movies in the late 90s/early 00s. Adams does a fairly good job of trying to disqualify some movies for time or content (no porn for example) but as he digs deep into these recent zero budget films towards the end of the book, it does start to bog down.

Moving from well known films like Manos: Hands of Fate or Sylvester Stallone’s notorious debut Party at Kitty and Studs to fare like The Maize movies and Rollergator- I think he does too deep of a dive and repetition kicks in

Still, I quite enjoyed this book and it seems a decent addition to the book shelf of a movie buff
]]> <![CDATA[Bowie In Berlin: A New Career In A New Town]]> 1836545 Bowie In Berlin examines that period and those records, exploring Bowie’s fascination with the city, unearthing his sources of inspiration, detailing his working methods, and teasing out the elusive meanings of the songs. Painstakingly researched and vividly written, the book casts new light on the most creative and influential era in Bowie’s career.]]> 272 Thomas Jerome Seabrook 1906002088 Al 5
Although I think Bowie contains multitudes, there is definitely something special about these five albums. Seabrook does a good job of capturing what Bowie was doing in his day to day life and then also turning around and breaking down each song and how it was composed and what it meant. In that, the reader will learn new stuff about the recording of favorite songs as well as new appreciation for songs that don’t rate so high.

Online book reviewers (and the bibliography) reveal that there isn’t a lot new here. The content comes largely from decades interviews and other published content (Tony Visconti’s autobiography - a major source of info included here). That said, I don’t think most readers will be disappointed. It hangs together quite well.

It is interesting to see the contemporary reaction, the promotion and reviews. Surely, this the wrong steps for Bowie to take at the time. And yet with hindsight, it’s easy to say this was the perfect path. Eschewing a retread of Young Americans, or any similar accessible record and instead, decoding to minimize live performances, Bowie establishes his legacy with records that are still held in the high tea of regard.

He emerges out the other side with Lodger, with an eye on international sounds. He had chosen various acting roles. Bowie would be ready to give us Scary Monsters and Let’s Dance.

With Iggy, Bowie fills a wish he has of being part of a band. The side man not the main performer. It’s an instinct of his that fans don’t really get, hence the decision to form and the reaction to Tin Machine a decade later.

This book is great for anyone who is ready to take a deep dive into the Bowie Berlin albums for the first time or if you are a long time fan of these five albums, you will enjoy this.]]> 3.92 2008 Bowie In Berlin: A New Career In A New Town
author: Thomas Jerome Seabrook
name: Al
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2008
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/21
date added: 2025/02/21
shelves:
review:
I bought this book which has a unique and look to it for one. It covers Bowie’s “Berlin� trilogy but also the two albums Iggy Pop recorded (heavily assisted by Bowie) during that time from roughly 1976 to 1979

Although I think Bowie contains multitudes, there is definitely something special about these five albums. Seabrook does a good job of capturing what Bowie was doing in his day to day life and then also turning around and breaking down each song and how it was composed and what it meant. In that, the reader will learn new stuff about the recording of favorite songs as well as new appreciation for songs that don’t rate so high.

Online book reviewers (and the bibliography) reveal that there isn’t a lot new here. The content comes largely from decades interviews and other published content (Tony Visconti’s autobiography - a major source of info included here). That said, I don’t think most readers will be disappointed. It hangs together quite well.

It is interesting to see the contemporary reaction, the promotion and reviews. Surely, this the wrong steps for Bowie to take at the time. And yet with hindsight, it’s easy to say this was the perfect path. Eschewing a retread of Young Americans, or any similar accessible record and instead, decoding to minimize live performances, Bowie establishes his legacy with records that are still held in the high tea of regard.

He emerges out the other side with Lodger, with an eye on international sounds. He had chosen various acting roles. Bowie would be ready to give us Scary Monsters and Let’s Dance.

With Iggy, Bowie fills a wish he has of being part of a band. The side man not the main performer. It’s an instinct of his that fans don’t really get, hence the decision to form and the reaction to Tin Machine a decade later.

This book is great for anyone who is ready to take a deep dive into the Bowie Berlin albums for the first time or if you are a long time fan of these five albums, you will enjoy this.
]]> <![CDATA[The Curse of Rocky Colavito: A Loving Look at a Thirty-Year Slump]]> 487370 322 Terry Pluto 1598510355 Al 4
There’s a famous meme that shows the top song of the year that every Major League Baseball team won a World Series. Maybe your team has won in the era of Taylor Swift or Bad Bunny, or even Adele and One Direction. Maybe it’s 50 Cent or Nelly or if things are particularly tough for your team you can joke about New Kids on the Block, Garth Brooks, Whitney, Lionel Ritchie, Michael Jackson or gasp as far as back as ABBA.

Then there’s the Cleveland Guardians (nee Indians) whose last World Series win predates rock n roll. Is the Cleveland team cursed so bad that they have not won since the days Perry Como, Dinah Shore and Bing Crosby dominated the hit parade.

Perhaps. After being competitive in the 1940s and 1950s, their luck seemed to change in 1960 when they traded their most popular young All-Star player to Detroit for an aging Harvey Kuehnn. Was it a curse? Well, it certainly seemed like an unusual move. For the ensuing decades, it seemed like Cleveland had nothing but bad luck.

In truth, there is probably a straight correlation from the curse to the fact that the Indians were always owned by people who didn’t have the extra money to make the team worthwhile. Sure, there was bad luck, but without that cash infusion to offset it with any better luck.

It’s funny. I was a huge fan of 70s and 80s baseball and I don’t know a ton of Indians players. They were not a competitive team for so long. Sure there were team legends like Andre Thornton and Mike Hargrove but they were few and far between.

The Indians did reacquire Covalito in 1965 but it was the beginning of a series of trades where they sent prospects who became stars for players who didn’t pan out.

Through the years, when the team had great young players, they inevitably got hurt. Sam McDowell, Ray Fosse, Wayne Garland (almost the instant he signed a ten year contract) and most famously Joe Charboneau, the 1980 Rookie of the Year. He would only play 70 more games total in 1981 and 1982 before being forced to retire.

Then there’s hall of famer Dennis Eckersley who the team was forced to trade due to Rick Manning causing marital problems.

Offsetting good news is rare. The Indians did give Frank Robinson a managerial start- the first African American to do so- though they can hardly provide him with a winning team.

In 1986, the team has young stars and a winning team, but 1987 expectations come crushing down. The book ends in 1994. Tragedy has hit in 1993 when two pitchers die in a boating accident. But good things were on the horizon. The Cleveland Stadium- a hulking structure built for football and devoid of the intimate charm of modern day baseball parks; not to mention right off the chilly winds of Lake Erie- is replaced in 1994. Richard Jacobs has taken complete ownership in 1992. The days of partial ownership, lackluster finances and inept front offices may be gone.

Now 30 years after the book was published, we know things do get better. The team went on a run of success from 1995 to 2001, as if Pluto’s book may have exorcised some demons. The team reached the World Series in 1995 and 1997. Pluto suggested in the 94 book that longtime Indian player Hargrove (hired in 1991) was the right manager for the team and he was not wrong. The 41 year World Series appearance drought had ended.

But we also know that the team still hasn’t won the ring. The Indians come the closest in 2016 going to Game 7 against a team that had an even bigger gap in Championships, the Chicago Cubs. The fate of Cleveland has improved quite a bit since the Dolan Family bought them in 2000. No longer the joke Pluto wrote about, and yet that big prize is still elusive.

This is a fun book. If you are someone who loves baseball stories or perhaps you are taking on one of those 30 Teams 30 Books projects, then this is a good one to pick up.]]> 4.14 1994 The Curse of Rocky Colavito: A Loving Look at a Thirty-Year Slump
author: Terry Pluto
name: Al
average rating: 4.14
book published: 1994
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/14
date added: 2025/02/17
shelves: baseball, read-in-2025, sports
review:
I’m aware of Pluto’s reputation as a great sports writer with an appreciation for a good sense of humor. I saw this in a used bookstore and couldn’t resist.

There’s a famous meme that shows the top song of the year that every Major League Baseball team won a World Series. Maybe your team has won in the era of Taylor Swift or Bad Bunny, or even Adele and One Direction. Maybe it’s 50 Cent or Nelly or if things are particularly tough for your team you can joke about New Kids on the Block, Garth Brooks, Whitney, Lionel Ritchie, Michael Jackson or gasp as far as back as ABBA.

Then there’s the Cleveland Guardians (nee Indians) whose last World Series win predates rock n roll. Is the Cleveland team cursed so bad that they have not won since the days Perry Como, Dinah Shore and Bing Crosby dominated the hit parade.

Perhaps. After being competitive in the 1940s and 1950s, their luck seemed to change in 1960 when they traded their most popular young All-Star player to Detroit for an aging Harvey Kuehnn. Was it a curse? Well, it certainly seemed like an unusual move. For the ensuing decades, it seemed like Cleveland had nothing but bad luck.

In truth, there is probably a straight correlation from the curse to the fact that the Indians were always owned by people who didn’t have the extra money to make the team worthwhile. Sure, there was bad luck, but without that cash infusion to offset it with any better luck.

It’s funny. I was a huge fan of 70s and 80s baseball and I don’t know a ton of Indians players. They were not a competitive team for so long. Sure there were team legends like Andre Thornton and Mike Hargrove but they were few and far between.

The Indians did reacquire Covalito in 1965 but it was the beginning of a series of trades where they sent prospects who became stars for players who didn’t pan out.

Through the years, when the team had great young players, they inevitably got hurt. Sam McDowell, Ray Fosse, Wayne Garland (almost the instant he signed a ten year contract) and most famously Joe Charboneau, the 1980 Rookie of the Year. He would only play 70 more games total in 1981 and 1982 before being forced to retire.

Then there’s hall of famer Dennis Eckersley who the team was forced to trade due to Rick Manning causing marital problems.

Offsetting good news is rare. The Indians did give Frank Robinson a managerial start- the first African American to do so- though they can hardly provide him with a winning team.

In 1986, the team has young stars and a winning team, but 1987 expectations come crushing down. The book ends in 1994. Tragedy has hit in 1993 when two pitchers die in a boating accident. But good things were on the horizon. The Cleveland Stadium- a hulking structure built for football and devoid of the intimate charm of modern day baseball parks; not to mention right off the chilly winds of Lake Erie- is replaced in 1994. Richard Jacobs has taken complete ownership in 1992. The days of partial ownership, lackluster finances and inept front offices may be gone.

Now 30 years after the book was published, we know things do get better. The team went on a run of success from 1995 to 2001, as if Pluto’s book may have exorcised some demons. The team reached the World Series in 1995 and 1997. Pluto suggested in the 94 book that longtime Indian player Hargrove (hired in 1991) was the right manager for the team and he was not wrong. The 41 year World Series appearance drought had ended.

But we also know that the team still hasn’t won the ring. The Indians come the closest in 2016 going to Game 7 against a team that had an even bigger gap in Championships, the Chicago Cubs. The fate of Cleveland has improved quite a bit since the Dolan Family bought them in 2000. No longer the joke Pluto wrote about, and yet that big prize is still elusive.

This is a fun book. If you are someone who loves baseball stories or perhaps you are taking on one of those 30 Teams 30 Books projects, then this is a good one to pick up.
]]> <![CDATA[Dream Catchers: A Writers' Coffeehouse Anthology]]> 211484442
And so� from our coffeehouse to your coffee table, we present�
DREAM CATCHERS]]> 129 Julie Bylli Johnson Al 0 to-read 0.0 Dream Catchers: A Writers' Coffeehouse Anthology
author: Julie Bylli Johnson
name: Al
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/15
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[It's All Relative: Adventures Up and Down the World's Family Tree]]> 34467025
A.J. Jacobs has received some strange emails over the years, but this note was perhaps the strangest: “You don’t know me, but I’m your eighth cousin. And we have over 80,000 relatives of yours in our database.�

That’s enough family members to fill Madison Square Garden four times over. Who are these people, A.J. wondered, and how do I find them? So began Jacobs’s three-year adventure to help build the biggest family tree in history.

Jacobs’s journey would take him to all seven continents. He drank beer with a US president, found himself singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and unearthed genetic links to Hollywood actresses and real-life scoundrels. After all, we can choose our friends, but not our family.

“Whether he’s posing as a celebrity, outsourcing his chores, or adhering strictly to the Bible, we love reading about the wacky lifestyle experiments of author A.J. Jacobs� ( Entertainment Weekly ). Now Jacobs upends, in ways both meaningful and hilarious, our understanding of genetics and genealogy, tradition and tribalism, identity and connection. It’s All Relative is a fascinating look at the bonds that connect us all.]]> 336 A.J. Jacobs 1476734496 Al 3 Jacobs went about as viral as most books ever get with 2007s The Year of Living Biblically- enough of a hit that it was turned into a CBS television series in 2018.

With reputation in place with that book and 2004’s Mr Know It All, Jacobs is the “experiment� guy, but finding follow up ideas can be difficult.

Tracing your family roots seems like a decent idea for a book, and maybe it is, though having read Its All Relative, maybe it’s not. The 2017 book despite good initial press hype, trails his other books on those “rate a book� sites.

Which isn’t to say it isn’t a fun and easy read. It really is. He does try to find a lot of hooks- not just his own family history stories- but touches other subjects like the Hatfield and McCoy feud, the LDS Church and their mammoth family history files, President George HW Bush, Donnie Osmond, polygamy, and Sister Sledge among other things.

Jacobs is a great storyteller, not really Dave Barry and not quite Andy Rooney, with a touch of Bill Bryson and maybe a punch of Jon Stewart. I am not sure that there isn’t anything he could write, I wouldn’t read. Still, this isn’t his best work and if you don’t like Jacobs’s style, well, you will probably hate this book since it focuses so much on him.

I suspect the book may be better if he dug in a bit more on some of the topics, though to bend Gertrude Stein’s quote, I am not sure how much there is there. There are a lot of great bits of trivia, yes. The book also is extremely focused on Jacobs putting together a large Global Family Reunion.

This particular thread runs through every chapter. Again, I am not sure how I would improve the flow of the book, but I probably would change something. Many readers might find it distracting and when it does end, there’s not a particularly huge payoff (it gets eight total pages).

As a reader, I am struck with an image of Jacobs putting this great project and then only having the barest of material to fill a 275 page book.

If you pick up the book for insight on genealogy, which ostensibly is another audience. It doesn’t have a ton of insight but it still might be worthwhile as it touches a lot of internet communities that can be very beneficial, besides the big advertising budget genealogy website and big budget ad DNA testing website.

So there are better options for starting out, but at the same time, this could be the primer or nudge to get you started.

In any case, a fun book and quick enough read on an afternoon or two. ]]> 3.61 2017 It's All Relative: Adventures Up and Down the World's Family Tree
author: A.J. Jacobs
name: Al
average rating: 3.61
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2025/02/13
shelves:
review:

Jacobs went about as viral as most books ever get with 2007s The Year of Living Biblically- enough of a hit that it was turned into a CBS television series in 2018.

With reputation in place with that book and 2004’s Mr Know It All, Jacobs is the “experiment� guy, but finding follow up ideas can be difficult.

Tracing your family roots seems like a decent idea for a book, and maybe it is, though having read Its All Relative, maybe it’s not. The 2017 book despite good initial press hype, trails his other books on those “rate a book� sites.

Which isn’t to say it isn’t a fun and easy read. It really is. He does try to find a lot of hooks- not just his own family history stories- but touches other subjects like the Hatfield and McCoy feud, the LDS Church and their mammoth family history files, President George HW Bush, Donnie Osmond, polygamy, and Sister Sledge among other things.

Jacobs is a great storyteller, not really Dave Barry and not quite Andy Rooney, with a touch of Bill Bryson and maybe a punch of Jon Stewart. I am not sure that there isn’t anything he could write, I wouldn’t read. Still, this isn’t his best work and if you don’t like Jacobs’s style, well, you will probably hate this book since it focuses so much on him.

I suspect the book may be better if he dug in a bit more on some of the topics, though to bend Gertrude Stein’s quote, I am not sure how much there is there. There are a lot of great bits of trivia, yes. The book also is extremely focused on Jacobs putting together a large Global Family Reunion.

This particular thread runs through every chapter. Again, I am not sure how I would improve the flow of the book, but I probably would change something. Many readers might find it distracting and when it does end, there’s not a particularly huge payoff (it gets eight total pages).

As a reader, I am struck with an image of Jacobs putting this great project and then only having the barest of material to fill a 275 page book.

If you pick up the book for insight on genealogy, which ostensibly is another audience. It doesn’t have a ton of insight but it still might be worthwhile as it touches a lot of internet communities that can be very beneficial, besides the big advertising budget genealogy website and big budget ad DNA testing website.

So there are better options for starting out, but at the same time, this could be the primer or nudge to get you started.

In any case, a fun book and quick enough read on an afternoon or two.
]]> Love Everlasting #1 60344190 25 Tom King Al 3 I picked up Tom King’s new Image title because well, it was there, but “Love Everlasting� is different.

I have heard it explained as Quantum Leap except written as 50s pulp romance novels. So, that’s…something.

I am not really sure if this will flesh out over time and give us some deep insight, or if it is just a series of writing prompts for King

I hope it’s the former, though I really don’t know if I expect to be right.

On the positive side, King is a better-than-most writer, so it is interesting to read. Also, artist Elsa Chartetier, colorist Matt Hollingsworth et al are pretty fantastic here. The art really matches the mood.

On the flip, it feels like an anthology, and given the style, we don’t get a lot of chances for “ah ha moments� before we are on to the next storyline.

Like so many King first issues, it’s really hard to grade. I have seen some very laudatory reviews of this comic. I don’t expect the book to be considered a classic. But there’s always that realm of possibility with King. It’s always nice to see someone ambitious and talented, so it might be worthwhile to stick around and see.

]]> 4.05 2023 Love Everlasting #1
author: Tom King
name: Al
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2025/02/05
shelves:
review:

I picked up Tom King’s new Image title because well, it was there, but “Love Everlasting� is different.

I have heard it explained as Quantum Leap except written as 50s pulp romance novels. So, that’s…something.

I am not really sure if this will flesh out over time and give us some deep insight, or if it is just a series of writing prompts for King

I hope it’s the former, though I really don’t know if I expect to be right.

On the positive side, King is a better-than-most writer, so it is interesting to read. Also, artist Elsa Chartetier, colorist Matt Hollingsworth et al are pretty fantastic here. The art really matches the mood.

On the flip, it feels like an anthology, and given the style, we don’t get a lot of chances for “ah ha moments� before we are on to the next storyline.

Like so many King first issues, it’s really hard to grade. I have seen some very laudatory reviews of this comic. I don’t expect the book to be considered a classic. But there’s always that realm of possibility with King. It’s always nice to see someone ambitious and talented, so it might be worthwhile to stick around and see.


]]> <![CDATA[A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them]]> 61423989
The Roaring Twenties--the Jazz Age--has been characterized as a time of Gatsby frivolity. But it was also the height of the uniquely American hate group, the Ku Klux Klan. Their domain was not the old Confederacy, but the Heartland and the West. They hated Blacks, Jews, Catholics and immigrants in equal measure, and took radical steps to keep these people from the American promise. And the man who set in motion their takeover of great swaths of America was a charismatic charlatan named D.C. Stephenson.

Stephenson was a magnetic presence whose life story changed with every telling. Within two years of his arrival in Indiana, he’d become the Grand Dragon of the state and the architect of the strategy that brought the group out of the shadows � their message endorsed from the pulpits of local churches, spread at family picnics and town celebrations. Judges, prosecutors, ministers, governors and senators across the country all proudly proclaimed their membership. But at the peak of his influence, it was a seemingly powerless woman � Madge Oberholtzer � who would reveal his secret cruelties, and whose deathbed testimony finally brought the Klan to their knees.

A FEVER IN THE HEARTLAND marries a propulsive drama to a powerful and page-turning reckoning with one of the darkest threads in American history.]]> 432 Timothy Egan 0735225265 Al 4 read-in-2025, history
This is a story of one of the big bad guys of all time. DC Stephenson like HH Holmes (the subject of Larson’s Devil in the White City) may not be a household name like Hitler (or Dahmer) but is really one of the big all time Villains.

Stephenson isn’t particularly obscure. Holmes was not that obscure either, a subject of books and podcasts but in Larson he found the right writer to tell a captivating story. So with Stephenson whose story is likely already known by any viewer of the Twenty-Oughts History Channel, Egan seems the perfect storyteller.

“A Fever� does not bounce around like “White City� though the tangential asides that do come up are interesting like the rise of the Klan and in the same state, the rise of recorded Jazz music. The book transitions from the rise of Stephenson to the much discussed steps in his downfall- the events leading to the death of Madge Oberholtzer and then the trial.

The cover does make it sound like Oberholtzer was some kind of Elliott Ness which doesn’t seem comparable though she does deserve the same credit for bravery. It is her deathbed confession (and brave lawyers) that win the day in the end. That said, the book does a good job of the media figures and politicians who opposed Stephenson (and make no mistake, in the battle of Stephenson and the good guys, the bad guys overwhelmingly won most of the time).

When I first heard of the Klan, it was the underground cult of the 1970s and 80s, and I think the Klan in the 20s is hard to perceive. Their influence enough to win state governorships and other offices. Not surprisingly, their patriotism was not based on love of country, but hate for those that were different- Blacks, Jews, Catholics and immigrants. Their legislation was to keep immogrants out and to embrace eugenics.

The Klan has power over both political parties. Shockingly, they have turned the Party of Lincoln to a racist bloc that was upsetting the usual electoral trends. While the 1924 Democrats do nominate the anti- Klan John W Davis and the Klan can’t force James Watson as the Republican vice presidential candidate (as they had hoped), the eventual next President Calvin Coolidge never criticizes them.

Imperial Wizard Hiram Wesley Evans goes to Cleveland for the Republican convention which journalists dub the Kleveland Konvention. Republicans who want to add anti-Klan language to the platform can’t even bring it to a vote. The Democrats get it to vote, but it loses by one vote.

The Klan leadership splits between Evans in the South and Stephenson in the North and West. It’s awe striking to see how successful the Klan was. They started a hospital in Kokomo, almost were able to buy the bankrupt Valparaiso University and the legislature even passed a bill to have a Klan Day at the Indiana State Fair.

Stephenson was able to push the Klan’s agenda by working with local churches. He brought in temperance crusader Daisy Douglas Barr to lead the Women of the Klan. He is a con man who uses the Klan to become rich.

He moves to Indiana (he’s not even a native Hoosier) and becomes the most powerful man in the state despite never being elected. He uses his influence to pass his racist agenda. Fortunately, this story has no parallels in recent memory that I can think of.

This is a very readable book. At the same time, it isn’t a nice story. Stephenson is literally a monster. Power mad and a predator. But he mostly succeeds and in hindsight, it’s surprising that he does not get acquitted since the odds are stacked so far in his favor. The author leaves the reader with that thought of would things have happened this way without Stephenson. Or were the 20s - this time of incredibly racist, anti-foreigner and anti- Semetic sentiment just ripe for anyone who comes along. In any case, most of the legislation passed in this era stays on the books for decades.]]> 4.33 2023 A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them
author: Timothy Egan
name: Al
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/30
date added: 2025/01/30
shelves: read-in-2025, history
review:
While not a perfect comparison, I can’t help but think of Erik Larson whose complimentary quote is prominently displayed on the back cover to advertise this.

This is a story of one of the big bad guys of all time. DC Stephenson like HH Holmes (the subject of Larson’s Devil in the White City) may not be a household name like Hitler (or Dahmer) but is really one of the big all time Villains.

Stephenson isn’t particularly obscure. Holmes was not that obscure either, a subject of books and podcasts but in Larson he found the right writer to tell a captivating story. So with Stephenson whose story is likely already known by any viewer of the Twenty-Oughts History Channel, Egan seems the perfect storyteller.

“A Fever� does not bounce around like “White City� though the tangential asides that do come up are interesting like the rise of the Klan and in the same state, the rise of recorded Jazz music. The book transitions from the rise of Stephenson to the much discussed steps in his downfall- the events leading to the death of Madge Oberholtzer and then the trial.

The cover does make it sound like Oberholtzer was some kind of Elliott Ness which doesn’t seem comparable though she does deserve the same credit for bravery. It is her deathbed confession (and brave lawyers) that win the day in the end. That said, the book does a good job of the media figures and politicians who opposed Stephenson (and make no mistake, in the battle of Stephenson and the good guys, the bad guys overwhelmingly won most of the time).

When I first heard of the Klan, it was the underground cult of the 1970s and 80s, and I think the Klan in the 20s is hard to perceive. Their influence enough to win state governorships and other offices. Not surprisingly, their patriotism was not based on love of country, but hate for those that were different- Blacks, Jews, Catholics and immigrants. Their legislation was to keep immogrants out and to embrace eugenics.

The Klan has power over both political parties. Shockingly, they have turned the Party of Lincoln to a racist bloc that was upsetting the usual electoral trends. While the 1924 Democrats do nominate the anti- Klan John W Davis and the Klan can’t force James Watson as the Republican vice presidential candidate (as they had hoped), the eventual next President Calvin Coolidge never criticizes them.

Imperial Wizard Hiram Wesley Evans goes to Cleveland for the Republican convention which journalists dub the Kleveland Konvention. Republicans who want to add anti-Klan language to the platform can’t even bring it to a vote. The Democrats get it to vote, but it loses by one vote.

The Klan leadership splits between Evans in the South and Stephenson in the North and West. It’s awe striking to see how successful the Klan was. They started a hospital in Kokomo, almost were able to buy the bankrupt Valparaiso University and the legislature even passed a bill to have a Klan Day at the Indiana State Fair.

Stephenson was able to push the Klan’s agenda by working with local churches. He brought in temperance crusader Daisy Douglas Barr to lead the Women of the Klan. He is a con man who uses the Klan to become rich.

He moves to Indiana (he’s not even a native Hoosier) and becomes the most powerful man in the state despite never being elected. He uses his influence to pass his racist agenda. Fortunately, this story has no parallels in recent memory that I can think of.

This is a very readable book. At the same time, it isn’t a nice story. Stephenson is literally a monster. Power mad and a predator. But he mostly succeeds and in hindsight, it’s surprising that he does not get acquitted since the odds are stacked so far in his favor. The author leaves the reader with that thought of would things have happened this way without Stephenson. Or were the 20s - this time of incredibly racist, anti-foreigner and anti- Semetic sentiment just ripe for anyone who comes along. In any case, most of the legislation passed in this era stays on the books for decades.
]]> <![CDATA[Roosevelt Sweeps Nation: FDR’s 1936 Landslide Victory and the Triumph of the Liberal Ideal]]> 60422317
With in-depth examinations of rabble-rousing Democratic US Senator Huey Long and his assassination before he was able to challenge FDR in '36; powerful, but widely hated, newspaper baron William Randolph Hearst, who blasted FDR's "Raw Deal"; wildly popular, radical radio commentator Father Coughlin; the steamrolled passage of Social Security and backlash against it; the era's racism and anti-Semitism; American Socialism and Communism; and a Supreme Court seemingly bent on dismantling the New Deal altogether, Roosevelt Sweeps Nation is a vivid portrait of a dynamic Depression-Era America.

Crafting his account from an impressive and unprecedented collection of primary and secondary sources, Pietrusza has produced an engrossing, original, and authoritative account of an election, a president, and a nation at the crossroads. The nation's stakes were high . . and the parallels hauntingly akin to today's dangerously strife-ridden political and culture wars.]]> 544 David Pietrusza 1635767776 Al 4
For new readers, a couple of things to bear in mind. He is a Calvin Coolidge Republican. While this book has a title that sounds favorable to FDR, there is definitely an anti- liberal bias. Second, despite this bias, Pietrusza is a true master historian. He tells the tale in a way that engages the reader and also brings in a lot of the now-forgotten news headlines of the time. In many ways, you could compare him to Bill O’Reilly if O’Reilly was able to write like Barbara Tuchman.

I love his books and hate to say 1936 isn’t quite his best. Now that may be because there’s no drama as compared to other elections he’s covered like 1948 and 1960. FDR whips Alf Landon as we know.

It is interesting though to note the polls didn’t have it that way and it wasn’t assumed FDR was on his way to winning his second of four elections.

There are a lot of fascinating characters who history buffs will recognize but hardly get much mentioned the perennial Socialist candidate Norman Thomas and the perennial Communist candidate Earl Browder, and even though modern day readers will suspect they were allies, they weren’t necessarily that. William Lemke- the third party Presidential candidate who for a brief time looked like someone who could unite many factions. And so many personalities who were able to become major figures but now largely forgotten- Huey Long, William Randolph Hearst, Father Coughlin, Father Divine, Dr Francis Townsend, HL Mencken, and Fritz Kuhn.
All trying to be kingmakers with their followings.

There are forgotten men of ambition who failed before getting a party nomination like Idaho Sen Williams Borah, writer Upton Sinclair and lawyer Henry Beckenridge. Former candidates were still relevant in 1936- former President Herbert Hoover and 1928 Democratic candidate and once Roosevelt’s friend but now rival, Al Smith.

Pietrusza is no fan of FDR despite the book’s title and surely gets some kick out of trivia like the fact Carl Jung, a contemporary, would say FDR had the same personality as Mussolini.

Still, it’s this kind of trivia that Pietrusza puts in his books that make them so fascinating. Or how he tells the rivalry among FDR’s speechwriters. It gives us the story of the dawn of Social Security from the many popular ideas that popped up to suggest how best to handle old age monetary needs.

As well as the cult of personality that arose from it. The death of Huey Long perhaps ending a possible alternate reality when no successor can take his place. There is the politics of the New Deal programs. There is the era of early polling which got it mostly wrong with Landon predicted to win (except for a few who got it right).

I can only hope that Pietrusza eventually gets fo just about every election. 1936 doesn’t have that drama as Truman/Dewey or Kennedy/Nixon but there’s plenty of information here for political junkies who will no doubt love this. ]]> 3.95 Roosevelt Sweeps Nation: FDR’s 1936 Landslide Victory and the Triumph of the Liberal Ideal
author: David Pietrusza
name: Al
average rating: 3.95
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/15
date added: 2025/01/15
shelves:
review:
Pietrusza has made a career of writing about elections and I am a big fan.

For new readers, a couple of things to bear in mind. He is a Calvin Coolidge Republican. While this book has a title that sounds favorable to FDR, there is definitely an anti- liberal bias. Second, despite this bias, Pietrusza is a true master historian. He tells the tale in a way that engages the reader and also brings in a lot of the now-forgotten news headlines of the time. In many ways, you could compare him to Bill O’Reilly if O’Reilly was able to write like Barbara Tuchman.

I love his books and hate to say 1936 isn’t quite his best. Now that may be because there’s no drama as compared to other elections he’s covered like 1948 and 1960. FDR whips Alf Landon as we know.

It is interesting though to note the polls didn’t have it that way and it wasn’t assumed FDR was on his way to winning his second of four elections.

There are a lot of fascinating characters who history buffs will recognize but hardly get much mentioned the perennial Socialist candidate Norman Thomas and the perennial Communist candidate Earl Browder, and even though modern day readers will suspect they were allies, they weren’t necessarily that. William Lemke- the third party Presidential candidate who for a brief time looked like someone who could unite many factions. And so many personalities who were able to become major figures but now largely forgotten- Huey Long, William Randolph Hearst, Father Coughlin, Father Divine, Dr Francis Townsend, HL Mencken, and Fritz Kuhn.
All trying to be kingmakers with their followings.

There are forgotten men of ambition who failed before getting a party nomination like Idaho Sen Williams Borah, writer Upton Sinclair and lawyer Henry Beckenridge. Former candidates were still relevant in 1936- former President Herbert Hoover and 1928 Democratic candidate and once Roosevelt’s friend but now rival, Al Smith.

Pietrusza is no fan of FDR despite the book’s title and surely gets some kick out of trivia like the fact Carl Jung, a contemporary, would say FDR had the same personality as Mussolini.

Still, it’s this kind of trivia that Pietrusza puts in his books that make them so fascinating. Or how he tells the rivalry among FDR’s speechwriters. It gives us the story of the dawn of Social Security from the many popular ideas that popped up to suggest how best to handle old age monetary needs.

As well as the cult of personality that arose from it. The death of Huey Long perhaps ending a possible alternate reality when no successor can take his place. There is the politics of the New Deal programs. There is the era of early polling which got it mostly wrong with Landon predicted to win (except for a few who got it right).

I can only hope that Pietrusza eventually gets fo just about every election. 1936 doesn’t have that drama as Truman/Dewey or Kennedy/Nixon but there’s plenty of information here for political junkies who will no doubt love this.
]]> The Philosophy of Modern Song 60538185 The Philosophy of Modern Song is Bob Dylan’s first book of new writing since 2004’s Chronicles: Volume One—and since winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016.

Dylan, who began working on the book in 2010, offers his extraordinary insight into the nature of popular music. He writes over sixty essays focusing on songs by other artists, spanning from Stephen Foster to Elvis Costello, and in between ranging from Hank Williams to Nina Simone. He analyzes what he calls the trap of easy rhymes, breaks down how the addition of a single syllable can diminish a song, and even explains how bluegrass relates to heavy metal. These essays are written in Dylan’s unique prose. They are mysterious and mercurial, poignant and profound, and often laugh-out-loud funny. And while they are ostensibly about music, they are really meditations and reflections on the human condition. Running throughout the book are nearly 150 carefully curated photos as well as a series of dream-like riffs that, taken together, resemble an epic poem and add to the work’s transcendence.

In 2020, with the release of his outstanding album Rough and Rowdy Ways, Dylan became the first artist to have an album hit the Billboard Top 40 in each decade since the 1960s. The Philosophy of Modern Song contains much of what he has learned about his craft in all those years, and like everything that Dylan does, it is a momentous artistic achievement.]]> 339 Bob Dylan 1451648707 Al 2 I bought this book at Barnes and Noble in the discount section. To me, this book seems like the kind that went straight there on Day 1. It is big and colorful and beautiful, to be fair. The idea of the book is Dylan picks 66 songs. He summarizes each song’s lyrics and then (not always but usually) ads a page of insight.

I should say I would probably have loved this when I was younger and I do like this book. Also, the idea of Dylan talking about music is going to be interesting.

But this book isn’t great. Or it isn’t nearly as great as it could be. Dylan probably doesn’t need to rehash each song (we know the lyrics of most of them). Now sometimes it’s fun, but you can’t really improve on the idea of My Generation past what Townsend already had written. And I’m not sure he listened to the same Pump It Up that I did.

He’s not even consistent. Bobby Darrin is in one song, a pale imitation of Sinatra, a lounge act failure and later in the second entry, one of the greatest to ever take the stage. Many reviewers online point out to “Cheap her to Keep Her� where Dylan goes on a tirade about divorce lawyers as one of the worst things about the book. But on this i actually disagree. At least, it’s a memorable tirade.

Too often, it sounds like he took a song’s lyrics and put them into Google Translate and changed to a different language and then changed it back.

You can probably find a whole list of complaints about this book, but for me, it’s the format. Reimagining a song’s lyrics doesn’t gain the reader much benefit. But I do actually enjoy the trivia and tidbits that Dylan shares in this book. I would have loved more of that kind of writing

The music selections are typically older and typically male, but aspiring artists will still probably find notes of inspiration here.

Like some of Dylan’s lesser “inspired� records - there’s some enjoyable moments. Some filler. Some shots made and some shots missed. I wouldn’t recommend to a non-fan as that would be fruitless. But I also like this on the shelf and could find times to revisit it years later. ]]> 3.77 2022 The Philosophy of Modern Song
author: Bob Dylan
name: Al
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2022
rating: 2
read at: 2025/01/09
date added: 2025/01/09
shelves:
review:

I bought this book at Barnes and Noble in the discount section. To me, this book seems like the kind that went straight there on Day 1. It is big and colorful and beautiful, to be fair. The idea of the book is Dylan picks 66 songs. He summarizes each song’s lyrics and then (not always but usually) ads a page of insight.

I should say I would probably have loved this when I was younger and I do like this book. Also, the idea of Dylan talking about music is going to be interesting.

But this book isn’t great. Or it isn’t nearly as great as it could be. Dylan probably doesn’t need to rehash each song (we know the lyrics of most of them). Now sometimes it’s fun, but you can’t really improve on the idea of My Generation past what Townsend already had written. And I’m not sure he listened to the same Pump It Up that I did.

He’s not even consistent. Bobby Darrin is in one song, a pale imitation of Sinatra, a lounge act failure and later in the second entry, one of the greatest to ever take the stage. Many reviewers online point out to “Cheap her to Keep Her� where Dylan goes on a tirade about divorce lawyers as one of the worst things about the book. But on this i actually disagree. At least, it’s a memorable tirade.

Too often, it sounds like he took a song’s lyrics and put them into Google Translate and changed to a different language and then changed it back.

You can probably find a whole list of complaints about this book, but for me, it’s the format. Reimagining a song’s lyrics doesn’t gain the reader much benefit. But I do actually enjoy the trivia and tidbits that Dylan shares in this book. I would have loved more of that kind of writing

The music selections are typically older and typically male, but aspiring artists will still probably find notes of inspiration here.

Like some of Dylan’s lesser “inspired� records - there’s some enjoyable moments. Some filler. Some shots made and some shots missed. I wouldn’t recommend to a non-fan as that would be fruitless. But I also like this on the shelf and could find times to revisit it years later.
]]> <![CDATA[I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom]]> 203578812 A standalone darkly humorous thriller set in modern America's age of anxiety, by New York Times bestselling author Jason Pargin.

Outside Los Angeles, a driver pulls up to find a young woman sitting on a large black box. She offers him $200,000 cash to transport her and that box across the country, to Washington, DC.

But there are rules:

He cannot look inside the box.
He cannot ask questions.
He cannot tell anyone.
They must leave immediately.
He must leave all trackable devices behind.

As these eccentric misfits hit the road, rumors spread on social media that the box is part of a carefully orchestrated terror attack intended to plunge the USA into civil war.

The truth promises to be even stranger, and may change how you see the world.]]> 400 Jason Pargin 125028595X Al 4 You can judge a book by its cover sometimes and this one grabs attention. The book, like its cover is adrenaline filled excitement. It’s my first time reading Pargin and this reminds me a lot of Duane Swierczynski’s novels. Over the top, nonstop action.

Pargin gets compared a lot and I think that Chuck Palahniuk is an obvious place to start. The book is immensely readable even to people who probably don’t pick up a lot of books. There is a lot of cultural critique and references. Pargin ultimately sounds a hopeful and positive note. (Pargin seems to get a lot of Vonnegut comparisons too. I don’t see it but the authors are from two different eras)

In some ways these positives are probably also negatives (at least to some people). References to hot off the press items like Reddit, Bitcoin, Lyft, and Buc-ees convenience stores may not age well

But who cares? As those hippy 60s Sci Fi writers did much the same and are still loved for the way they could write.

I have to say that I really have no complaints with the book but I understand some who might. It is big and loud, obscene and profane, but you can probably tell that’s what you are signing up for when you look at the cover.

It switches character points of view often. Though for me, I thought this was fine. Pargin really provides some detailed memorable characters. I did like the plot too which was like a car crash.

I had no trouble guessing Pargin was a Gen Xer writing about a millennial. There were a few moments where it seemed the characters might get away from him. I do feel like part of me wants to pull apart some of the story. But the thing is I do think it generally works. It was a fun read and it is 400 pages which seems lengthy, I can’t say that I ever was bored or felt it dragged along. (It’s also tempting to say this as Palahniuk hit so big and his reputation seems to have mostly taken a beating. Pargin has also had a great deal of success and dabbles in this super- culturally aware high adrenaline adventure. I don’t think Pargin will go that route but if easy to think of the comparison).

Anyway, I dug it for what it was. If the idea of a novel that uses Reddit comments to move the plot along is not your bag, you should probably skip it. But if you like high octane over the top action, it’s pretty good.

]]> 3.97 2024 I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom
author: Jason Pargin
name: Al
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/07
date added: 2025/01/07
shelves:
review:

You can judge a book by its cover sometimes and this one grabs attention. The book, like its cover is adrenaline filled excitement. It’s my first time reading Pargin and this reminds me a lot of Duane Swierczynski’s novels. Over the top, nonstop action.

Pargin gets compared a lot and I think that Chuck Palahniuk is an obvious place to start. The book is immensely readable even to people who probably don’t pick up a lot of books. There is a lot of cultural critique and references. Pargin ultimately sounds a hopeful and positive note. (Pargin seems to get a lot of Vonnegut comparisons too. I don’t see it but the authors are from two different eras)

In some ways these positives are probably also negatives (at least to some people). References to hot off the press items like Reddit, Bitcoin, Lyft, and Buc-ees convenience stores may not age well

But who cares? As those hippy 60s Sci Fi writers did much the same and are still loved for the way they could write.

I have to say that I really have no complaints with the book but I understand some who might. It is big and loud, obscene and profane, but you can probably tell that’s what you are signing up for when you look at the cover.

It switches character points of view often. Though for me, I thought this was fine. Pargin really provides some detailed memorable characters. I did like the plot too which was like a car crash.

I had no trouble guessing Pargin was a Gen Xer writing about a millennial. There were a few moments where it seemed the characters might get away from him. I do feel like part of me wants to pull apart some of the story. But the thing is I do think it generally works. It was a fun read and it is 400 pages which seems lengthy, I can’t say that I ever was bored or felt it dragged along. (It’s also tempting to say this as Palahniuk hit so big and his reputation seems to have mostly taken a beating. Pargin has also had a great deal of success and dabbles in this super- culturally aware high adrenaline adventure. I don’t think Pargin will go that route but if easy to think of the comparison).

Anyway, I dug it for what it was. If the idea of a novel that uses Reddit comments to move the plot along is not your bag, you should probably skip it. But if you like high octane over the top action, it’s pretty good.


]]> <![CDATA[Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone (Ernest Cunningham, #1)]]> 60879779
I'm Ernest Cunningham. Call me Ern or Ernie. I wish I'd killed whoever decided our family reunion should be at a ski resort, but it's a little more complicated than that.

Have I killed someone? Yes. I have.

Who was it?

Let's get started.

EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY HAS KILLED SOMEONE

My brother

My stepsister

My wife

My father

My mother

My sister-in-law

My uncle

My stepfather

My aunt

Me]]> 371 Benjamin Stevenson 0063279029 Al 4
I really really like this. Stevenson is a great writer and it can be a balancing act but I enjoyed the way he wrote witty banter that kept things moving.

The idea of the book is at once familiar and fresh. He is writing a mystery while comparing it to classic genre tropes. That’s fair as it seems every mystery is indebted to Agatha Christie and all who came after and that’s fun. (It probably isn’t as original as it sounds. That’s the plot of the Scream movies isn’t it?)

(Also lest we forget, the “everyone has killed� line is a great hook and of course makes one think of “And Then There Were None�)

Weirdly the least interesting part was the whodunit. It’s a great setup and decent action scenes and it’s all tied up in the end, but I never really felt that invested in who was doing what.

There are possible explanations. Stevenson is so good at the other elements. There are a lot of characters and that is good for possibilities but is a lot for the reader to take in ( it sounds like this will be a HBO series or movie and in that element, it likely will be amazing). But mostly I think it gets overcomplicated when it may have been better to keep it simple. ( I read a few mysteries so i understand the trick of not making it too simple. In any case in an audio/visual context, it will likely be better).

I will definitely check out the next book in the series which is getting positive buzz. We will see if Stevenson works out some of the things that bring his writing down, but even if he doesn’t, his snappy ability to tell a story with smart wit will be probably enough for me to continue on.]]> 3.75 2022 Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone (Ernest Cunningham, #1)
author: Benjamin Stevenson
name: Al
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/22
date added: 2024/12/22
shelves:
review:
I picked up this book because it was getting a lot of positive buzz. There were a couple of other books/series out at the same time and when that happens, it’s always exciting.

I really really like this. Stevenson is a great writer and it can be a balancing act but I enjoyed the way he wrote witty banter that kept things moving.

The idea of the book is at once familiar and fresh. He is writing a mystery while comparing it to classic genre tropes. That’s fair as it seems every mystery is indebted to Agatha Christie and all who came after and that’s fun. (It probably isn’t as original as it sounds. That’s the plot of the Scream movies isn’t it?)

(Also lest we forget, the “everyone has killed� line is a great hook and of course makes one think of “And Then There Were None�)

Weirdly the least interesting part was the whodunit. It’s a great setup and decent action scenes and it’s all tied up in the end, but I never really felt that invested in who was doing what.

There are possible explanations. Stevenson is so good at the other elements. There are a lot of characters and that is good for possibilities but is a lot for the reader to take in ( it sounds like this will be a HBO series or movie and in that element, it likely will be amazing). But mostly I think it gets overcomplicated when it may have been better to keep it simple. ( I read a few mysteries so i understand the trick of not making it too simple. In any case in an audio/visual context, it will likely be better).

I will definitely check out the next book in the series which is getting positive buzz. We will see if Stevenson works out some of the things that bring his writing down, but even if he doesn’t, his snappy ability to tell a story with smart wit will be probably enough for me to continue on.
]]> <![CDATA[Too Much Too Young: The 2 Tone Records Story: Rude Boys, Racism and the Soundtrack of a Generation]]> 157665975
2 Tone was black and a multi-racial force of British and Caribbean island musicians singing about social issues, racism, class and gender struggles. It spoke of injustices in society and took fight against right wing extremism.

The music of 2 Tone was white youth learning to dance to the infectious rhythm of ska and reggae; and crossed with a punk attitude to create an original hybrid. The idea of 2 Tone was born in Coventry, masterminded by a middle-class art student raised in the church. Jerry Dammers had a vision of an English Motown. Borrowing £700, the label's first record featured 'Gangsters' by The Specials' backed by an instrumental track by the, as yet, unformed, Selecter. Within two months the single was at number six in the national charts. Dammers signed Madness, The Beat and The Bodysnatchers as a glut of successive hits propelled 2 Tone onto Top of the Pops and into the hearts and minds of a generation. However, soon infighting amongst the bands and the pressures of running a label caused 2 Tone to bow to an inevitable weight of expectation and recrimination.

Still under the auspices of Jerry Dammers, 2 Tone entered in a new phase. Perhaps not as commercially successful as its 1979-1981 incarnation the label nevertheless continued to thrive for a further four years releasing a string of fresh signings and a stunning end-piece finale in '(Free) Nelson Mandela'.

Told in three parts, Too Much Too Young is the definitive story of a label that for a brief, bright burning moment, shaped British culture.]]> 488 Daniel Rachel 1399607510 Al 5 This book does what it says on the cover which is tell the 2 Tone Records story. In many ways, the story of the Specials is entwined with that. Related bands like Madness and the (English) Beat were involved and tangentially important.

I think by staying true to the concept, the book is better for it. The book won a lot of awards for music writing and deservedly so. Author Daniel Rachel seems to have interviewed everyone involved and when conflicting stories pop up, he will tell all versions.

Which makes this a great music book regardless if you are a diehard fan or a novice. What amazes me is how short the heyday of 2 Tone was. May 1979 was the release of Gangsters and June 1981 was the release of Ghost Town (with Terry Hall, Lynval Golding and Neville Staple leaving subsequently to form Fun Boy Three).

Even as an American music fan, I see these are wildly different eras. The Specials formed in 1977 amidst punk, unemployment, National Front tensions, Rock Against Racism and heavy unemployment. At the end, New Wave has taken over and the Falklands War is on the horizon.

The rise of the band is lightning fast and the idea of 2 Tone surely seems ahead of its time. Sure I can think of many artists who had record labels- Beatles, Stones, Zappa but the idea of a boutique label launching new artists (with major label backing) and a similar sound and vision is the kind of thing that didn’t really take off until the 90s.

That said, it’s a blessing and a curse. The Beat and Madness saw the allure of more money and publicity. The Bodysnatchers and The Selecter made great singles but would not survive band infighting. UB40 would chart a different non-2 Tone path altogether as agreed upon by all parties involved.

Rachel makes sure Jerry Dammers is able to tell his point of view. An oversimplified characterization might otherwise fall into place. Dammers was a task manager who perhaps worked the band too hard. His principles put art over money and seeked to avoid the hypocrisy of Joe Strummer and the punks. On the other hand, remember this was a nine person band with Dammers, Hall, Staple, Golding and Roddy Byers all capable of fronting a band on their own.

Also the slim construct of what “the 2Tone sound� is was also a blessing and a curse. Decades later, it means the label is still much venerated decades later. However, it also was so slim that the label was unable to grow that much.

It’s probably not surprising that Dammers wanted to change his song for the second Specials album. What is surprising is that the new influence on him was something he heard in America- Muzak.

While it was not a huge commercial success and was part of a rollercoaster ride to the band breaking up, I think More Specials holds up. Even more so, as the band fell apart, the band recorded “Ghost Town�. As much as it’s a low point in the story, the song is truly timeless.

Similarly the “third� album In the Studio by the band now dubbed The Special AKA was a boondoggle. Of course, in retrospect, Jerry had to essentially restart the band in an incredibly short time frame. Yet again, one single “Free Nelson Mandela� is one that is transcendent.

Another major chapter of the band’s life that goes horribly wrong is the 1981 documentary Dance Craze. In this case, a missed opportunity maybe to tell more of the story and a document that faded quickly into obscurity (like so much of the 2 Tone Story- time has rewarded that narrow focus- but it was also a barrier to sales and growth) but last year was rediscovered and instantly caused a buzz.

This is a great book at telling the story of a special moment in time. How a bunch of extremely talented artists worked together to create something unique while having to deal with the issues of the day - sexism, racism, music label problems and infighting. ]]> 4.38 Too Much Too Young: The 2 Tone Records Story: Rude Boys, Racism and the Soundtrack of a Generation
author: Daniel Rachel
name: Al
average rating: 4.38
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/10/25
date added: 2024/10/25
shelves:
review:

This book does what it says on the cover which is tell the 2 Tone Records story. In many ways, the story of the Specials is entwined with that. Related bands like Madness and the (English) Beat were involved and tangentially important.

I think by staying true to the concept, the book is better for it. The book won a lot of awards for music writing and deservedly so. Author Daniel Rachel seems to have interviewed everyone involved and when conflicting stories pop up, he will tell all versions.

Which makes this a great music book regardless if you are a diehard fan or a novice. What amazes me is how short the heyday of 2 Tone was. May 1979 was the release of Gangsters and June 1981 was the release of Ghost Town (with Terry Hall, Lynval Golding and Neville Staple leaving subsequently to form Fun Boy Three).

Even as an American music fan, I see these are wildly different eras. The Specials formed in 1977 amidst punk, unemployment, National Front tensions, Rock Against Racism and heavy unemployment. At the end, New Wave has taken over and the Falklands War is on the horizon.

The rise of the band is lightning fast and the idea of 2 Tone surely seems ahead of its time. Sure I can think of many artists who had record labels- Beatles, Stones, Zappa but the idea of a boutique label launching new artists (with major label backing) and a similar sound and vision is the kind of thing that didn’t really take off until the 90s.

That said, it’s a blessing and a curse. The Beat and Madness saw the allure of more money and publicity. The Bodysnatchers and The Selecter made great singles but would not survive band infighting. UB40 would chart a different non-2 Tone path altogether as agreed upon by all parties involved.

Rachel makes sure Jerry Dammers is able to tell his point of view. An oversimplified characterization might otherwise fall into place. Dammers was a task manager who perhaps worked the band too hard. His principles put art over money and seeked to avoid the hypocrisy of Joe Strummer and the punks. On the other hand, remember this was a nine person band with Dammers, Hall, Staple, Golding and Roddy Byers all capable of fronting a band on their own.

Also the slim construct of what “the 2Tone sound� is was also a blessing and a curse. Decades later, it means the label is still much venerated decades later. However, it also was so slim that the label was unable to grow that much.

It’s probably not surprising that Dammers wanted to change his song for the second Specials album. What is surprising is that the new influence on him was something he heard in America- Muzak.

While it was not a huge commercial success and was part of a rollercoaster ride to the band breaking up, I think More Specials holds up. Even more so, as the band fell apart, the band recorded “Ghost Town�. As much as it’s a low point in the story, the song is truly timeless.

Similarly the “third� album In the Studio by the band now dubbed The Special AKA was a boondoggle. Of course, in retrospect, Jerry had to essentially restart the band in an incredibly short time frame. Yet again, one single “Free Nelson Mandela� is one that is transcendent.

Another major chapter of the band’s life that goes horribly wrong is the 1981 documentary Dance Craze. In this case, a missed opportunity maybe to tell more of the story and a document that faded quickly into obscurity (like so much of the 2 Tone Story- time has rewarded that narrow focus- but it was also a barrier to sales and growth) but last year was rediscovered and instantly caused a buzz.

This is a great book at telling the story of a special moment in time. How a bunch of extremely talented artists worked together to create something unique while having to deal with the issues of the day - sexism, racism, music label problems and infighting.
]]> <![CDATA[Piety & Power: Mike Pence and the Taking of the White House]]> 42116177 A revealing, in-depth biography of Mike Pence, the most secretive and ingratiating vice president in modern history, from a reporter with remarkable access

No journalist has covered Mike Pence for as long or as closely as Tom LoBianco. The seasoned political reporter was at the first campaign rally governor Pence held in his hometown of Columbus, Indiana. He was there when Pence returned to Washington as Donald Trump’s vice president. Drawing on his deep ties both within the Beltway and in Indiana state politics, as well as reams of research and deep access to the vice president and his staff, LoBianco offers a revealing portrait of the devout Christian who shocked many of his closest followers when he joined the campaign and became one of the strongest champions of Donald Trump. He also explores the rumors—much debated inside the Beltway and among pundits in the media—surrounding the Vice President’s ambitions to succeed and even "overthrow" Trump.

LoBianco dissects Pence’s entire political life, from his detours in the �90s, to his rapid ascension through the first decade of the twenty-first century, to the White House, and provides an inside account of how Pence nearly crashed and burned his career while governor, only to miraculously rise from the ashes thanks to the unlikely election of Trump. He also gives a rare look inside the "shadow government" Pence has built—a conservative machine at Trump’s call for now, but one that could just as easily step in if Trump is removed from office.

Piety & Power cuts to the core of the nation’s most enigmatic politician, and unearths new, important, and fascinating anecdotes about Pence’s faith, his marriage to Karen Pence, his bizarre, obsequious relationship with Trump, his deeply buried personality, his ascent to power under John Boehner, and his presidential aspirations and plans for America’s future.

From the explosive revelations of the Russia investigation to the sea change affecting the Republican party and its direction under Trump, it is vital that Americans know more about the man who could ascend to the Oval Office. Piety & Power provides insights and answers as it sheds light on this ambitious Midwestern politician, his past, and his possible future.

]]> 378 Tom Lobianco 0062868802 Al 5 read-in-2020
Liberals may wonder if he is a shady Dick Cheney type character running the show behind the scenes. Readers of Wolff's Fire and Fury may wonder if Pence fits in at all, since he was a non-character in the book about Bannon, JarVanka, and the GOP's influence on Trump.

The answer is he's probably just a regular Vice President. This would be a nice companion piece to Fire and Fury if you were so inclined. Like that book, it is very readable, and can be read quickly. The benefit to this book is that LoBianco has been following Pence for years, and it also doesn't suffer from being a rush publishing job like Wolff's.

The two words in the title define Pence. I get from LoBianco that Pence's religious conviction is real. While it seems the most vocal about their religious beliefs almost certainly seem the most to be caught in scandal, Pence seems legit. Pence may even be likeable. One wonders if he had taken a different route that he might grow into the role of beloved political icon like Bob Dole.

The other part is as important, if not overriding. Pence is ambitious, and his ultimate goal is the White House. I think Pence at times, chose the path of inaction to not chance risking that road. In some ways, I think his reputation as a homophobe is a direct result of him trying to be all things to all people, and what ensued from that decision.

Pence is as unlikely as a success story (surely Mitch Daniels had better chances) but he's played it well. Surely, some his choices that seem like he was hanging back, served him better than appearing ambitious. Indeed, the highpoint is when Pence is named VP- sort of the ultimate "I am not going to do anything one way or the other and Let God handle it".

Although I don't know everyone will be excited to read about Pence. This is a solid book. It is very readable, and though Conservatives will be bound to attack it, it is quite evenhanded. For politicos, the inside look at Indiana politics is as good as it gets for books like this. There are plenty of insightful (and sometimes early) cameos like Donald Trump, Newt Gingrich, Chris Christie, Rush Limbaugh, John Boehner and many more.

After the excitement of the Veepstakes, Pence might be the most important running mate selection in some time. As the book wraps up, the two sides of Pence come into direct competition. Even then, Pence must not rock the boat to jeopardize what may be next for him. It may be depressing to Dems and NeverTrumpers, but that seems to be where he has landed, and if you have been paying attention the whole time, not surprising.

Recommended to all readers of political non-fiction.

Merged review:

Who is Mike Pence?

Liberals may wonder if he is a shady Dick Cheney type character running the show behind the scenes. Readers of Wolff's Fire and Fury may wonder if Pence fits in at all, since he was a non-character in the book about Bannon, JarVanka, and the GOP's influence on Trump.

The answer is he's probably just a regular Vice President. This would be a nice companion piece to Fire and Fury if you were so inclined. Like that book, it is very readable, and can be read quickly. The benefit to this book is that LoBianco has been following Pence for years, and it also doesn't suffer from being a rush publishing job like Wolff's.

The two words in the title define Pence. I get from LoBianco that Pence's religious conviction is real. While it seems the most vocal about their religious beliefs almost certainly seem the most to be caught in scandal, Pence seems legit. Pence may even be likeable. One wonders if he had taken a different route that he might grow into the role of beloved political icon like Bob Dole.

The other part is as important, if not overriding. Pence is ambitious, and his ultimate goal is the White House. I think Pence at times, chose the path of inaction to not chance risking that road. In some ways, I think his reputation as a homophobe is a direct result of him trying to be all things to all people, and what ensued from that decision.

Pence is as unlikely as a success story (surely Mitch Daniels had better chances) but he's played it well. Surely, some his choices that seem like he was hanging back, served him better than appearing ambitious. Indeed, the highpoint is when Pence is named VP- sort of the ultimate "I am not going to do anything one way or the other and Let God handle it".

Although I don't know everyone will be excited to read about Pence. This is a solid book. It is very readable, and though Conservatives will be bound to attack it, it is quite evenhanded. For politicos, the inside look at Indiana politics is as good as it gets for books like this. There are plenty of insightful (and sometimes early) cameos like Donald Trump, Newt Gingrich, Chris Christie, Rush Limbaugh, John Boehner and many more.

After the excitement of the Veepstakes, Pence might be the most important running mate selection in some time. As the book wraps up, the two sides of Pence come into direct competition. Even then, Pence must not rock the boat to jeopardize what may be next for him. It may be depressing to Dems and NeverTrumpers, but that seems to be where he has landed, and if you have been paying attention the whole time, not surprising.

Recommended to all readers of political non-fiction.]]> 3.62 Piety & Power: Mike Pence and the Taking of the White House
author: Tom Lobianco
name: Al
average rating: 3.62
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2020/01/27
date added: 2024/09/23
shelves: read-in-2020
review:
Who is Mike Pence?

Liberals may wonder if he is a shady Dick Cheney type character running the show behind the scenes. Readers of Wolff's Fire and Fury may wonder if Pence fits in at all, since he was a non-character in the book about Bannon, JarVanka, and the GOP's influence on Trump.

The answer is he's probably just a regular Vice President. This would be a nice companion piece to Fire and Fury if you were so inclined. Like that book, it is very readable, and can be read quickly. The benefit to this book is that LoBianco has been following Pence for years, and it also doesn't suffer from being a rush publishing job like Wolff's.

The two words in the title define Pence. I get from LoBianco that Pence's religious conviction is real. While it seems the most vocal about their religious beliefs almost certainly seem the most to be caught in scandal, Pence seems legit. Pence may even be likeable. One wonders if he had taken a different route that he might grow into the role of beloved political icon like Bob Dole.

The other part is as important, if not overriding. Pence is ambitious, and his ultimate goal is the White House. I think Pence at times, chose the path of inaction to not chance risking that road. In some ways, I think his reputation as a homophobe is a direct result of him trying to be all things to all people, and what ensued from that decision.

Pence is as unlikely as a success story (surely Mitch Daniels had better chances) but he's played it well. Surely, some his choices that seem like he was hanging back, served him better than appearing ambitious. Indeed, the highpoint is when Pence is named VP- sort of the ultimate "I am not going to do anything one way or the other and Let God handle it".

Although I don't know everyone will be excited to read about Pence. This is a solid book. It is very readable, and though Conservatives will be bound to attack it, it is quite evenhanded. For politicos, the inside look at Indiana politics is as good as it gets for books like this. There are plenty of insightful (and sometimes early) cameos like Donald Trump, Newt Gingrich, Chris Christie, Rush Limbaugh, John Boehner and many more.

After the excitement of the Veepstakes, Pence might be the most important running mate selection in some time. As the book wraps up, the two sides of Pence come into direct competition. Even then, Pence must not rock the boat to jeopardize what may be next for him. It may be depressing to Dems and NeverTrumpers, but that seems to be where he has landed, and if you have been paying attention the whole time, not surprising.

Recommended to all readers of political non-fiction.

Merged review:

Who is Mike Pence?

Liberals may wonder if he is a shady Dick Cheney type character running the show behind the scenes. Readers of Wolff's Fire and Fury may wonder if Pence fits in at all, since he was a non-character in the book about Bannon, JarVanka, and the GOP's influence on Trump.

The answer is he's probably just a regular Vice President. This would be a nice companion piece to Fire and Fury if you were so inclined. Like that book, it is very readable, and can be read quickly. The benefit to this book is that LoBianco has been following Pence for years, and it also doesn't suffer from being a rush publishing job like Wolff's.

The two words in the title define Pence. I get from LoBianco that Pence's religious conviction is real. While it seems the most vocal about their religious beliefs almost certainly seem the most to be caught in scandal, Pence seems legit. Pence may even be likeable. One wonders if he had taken a different route that he might grow into the role of beloved political icon like Bob Dole.

The other part is as important, if not overriding. Pence is ambitious, and his ultimate goal is the White House. I think Pence at times, chose the path of inaction to not chance risking that road. In some ways, I think his reputation as a homophobe is a direct result of him trying to be all things to all people, and what ensued from that decision.

Pence is as unlikely as a success story (surely Mitch Daniels had better chances) but he's played it well. Surely, some his choices that seem like he was hanging back, served him better than appearing ambitious. Indeed, the highpoint is when Pence is named VP- sort of the ultimate "I am not going to do anything one way or the other and Let God handle it".

Although I don't know everyone will be excited to read about Pence. This is a solid book. It is very readable, and though Conservatives will be bound to attack it, it is quite evenhanded. For politicos, the inside look at Indiana politics is as good as it gets for books like this. There are plenty of insightful (and sometimes early) cameos like Donald Trump, Newt Gingrich, Chris Christie, Rush Limbaugh, John Boehner and many more.

After the excitement of the Veepstakes, Pence might be the most important running mate selection in some time. As the book wraps up, the two sides of Pence come into direct competition. Even then, Pence must not rock the boat to jeopardize what may be next for him. It may be depressing to Dems and NeverTrumpers, but that seems to be where he has landed, and if you have been paying attention the whole time, not surprising.

Recommended to all readers of political non-fiction.
]]> <![CDATA[Around the World in Eighty Days]]> 54479 252 Jules Verne 014044906X Al 3
It’s one of the best tropes ever. It’s an idea I find fascinating, but apparently everyone does. The book seems to be made into a movie or tv show at least twice every decade. Authors and artists have ‘borrowed� the idea heavily. Also even today, the tv show “The Amazing Race� is continually a ratings favorite.

The Tennant series updates the book quite a bit. Passepartout gets a back story, a Nellie Bly type character is added, and so on. Verne no doubt would benefit from watching a century of action movies. While that is not surprising, it is notable that the Fogg of the book is quite different from the Tennant portrayal.

It is quite readable given the age. It is fairly basic (I doubt Verne had a chance to read any Elmore Leonard either) and outside of Fogg, there’s not a ton of characterization either. The writing has highs and lows (the second quarter of the book particularly drags). I was also pleasantly surprised that Fogg came this way through the Midwest. Also surprisingly (perhaps not at the time) a lot of time spent talking about Mormonism.

But with those (not surprising) criticisms, it’s a rather quick fun read. If you are out to read like a classic, It might not be quite as adventurous as you would hope, but is a rather good book.]]> 3.95 1872 Around the World in Eighty Days
author: Jules Verne
name: Al
average rating: 3.95
book published: 1872
rating: 3
read at: 2022/08/28
date added: 2024/08/29
shelves:
review:
I saw the recent David Tennant led series and though it got several negative reviews, I really liked it. Though I read Verne decades ago and hated it, I thought I might give this one a shot.

It’s one of the best tropes ever. It’s an idea I find fascinating, but apparently everyone does. The book seems to be made into a movie or tv show at least twice every decade. Authors and artists have ‘borrowed� the idea heavily. Also even today, the tv show “The Amazing Race� is continually a ratings favorite.

The Tennant series updates the book quite a bit. Passepartout gets a back story, a Nellie Bly type character is added, and so on. Verne no doubt would benefit from watching a century of action movies. While that is not surprising, it is notable that the Fogg of the book is quite different from the Tennant portrayal.

It is quite readable given the age. It is fairly basic (I doubt Verne had a chance to read any Elmore Leonard either) and outside of Fogg, there’s not a ton of characterization either. The writing has highs and lows (the second quarter of the book particularly drags). I was also pleasantly surprised that Fogg came this way through the Midwest. Also surprisingly (perhaps not at the time) a lot of time spent talking about Mormonism.

But with those (not surprising) criticisms, it’s a rather quick fun read. If you are out to read like a classic, It might not be quite as adventurous as you would hope, but is a rather good book.
]]> <![CDATA[The League: How Five Rivals Created the NFL and Launched a Sports Empire]]> 38525405 The epic tale of the five owners who shepherded the NFL through its tumultuous early decades and built the most popular sport in America

The National Football League is a towering, distinctly American colossus spewing out $13 billion in annual revenue. Yet its current dominance has obscured how professional football got its start.

In The League, John Eisenberg reveals that Art Rooney, George Halas, Tim Mara, George Preston Marshall, and Bert Bell took an immense risk by investing in the professional game. At that time the sport barely registered on the national scene, where college football, baseball, boxing, and horseracing dominated. The five owners succeeded only because at critical junctures in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s each sacrificed the short-term success of his team for the longer-term good of the League.

At once a history of a sport and a remarkable story of business ingenuity, The League is an essential read for any fan of our true national pastime.

]]> 416 John Eisenberg 0465048706 Al 5 This was a gift book but definitely in my wheelhouse. I remember looking at my grandparents� encyclopedias and reading the history of sports. These books were from the 1960s and Football certainly lacked the storied history of other sports at that time.

And this book explains some of that. The NFL may have started in the 1920s but it was an uphill climb for decades.

This book sounds like it is a story of the early years but the subtitle is more indicative of what you get. This is the story of the NFL as told through the five most important men in the early days of the league.

This isn’t a flashy quick read but I loved the way it gave so much knowledge. Art Rooney, George Halas, Tim Mara, George Preston Marshall, and Bert Bell weren’t the only owners but they really were the main decision makers of the league.

In the early days, pro football was not considered serious sport. College football rules the day, but the pro leagues were secondary entertainment.

Although the owners didn’t always get along with each other and wanted to win, somehow always managed to put the priorities of the league ahead of their own.

And for that, this book is fantastic. Football struggled mightily but the persistence and smart acumen of the owners was able to overcome the hurdles. When things started to turn around, World War 2 came along and though the league came out of the other end more successful, it was an incredibly difficult time and the owners had to work together.

In the 1950s when ideas came along that challenged the status quo- integration and westward movement to name two- the opportunity opened up for a competitor the AAFC. Once again the owners went into survival mode and did what was best for the league. Another change was Television, a difficult river to navigate, yet again it was the right moves the NFL made.

It really is told in a fantastic way. All of the things we take for granted had to start somewhere but are novel ideas at the time. For example, breaking the league up into two divisions for a year end Championship is the birth of the Super Bowl (In 1938, Mara presciently suggested having it at a warmer neutral field in Florida, an idea nearly 30 years before its time).

The league starts as local teams with local players but evolves out of necessity. The idea of a draft is a brilliant suggestion to get teams on equal footing. Now, it was against the consistent winning teams� best interests but having a competitive league was the most important thing. I am not sure another group of men would have landed at that same conclusion.

Over time, great marketing decisions and great in-game changes helped build the NFL and differentiate the sport from college football. Rule changes to make the sport exciting on the field with more action and even the idea of Halftime entertainment are of great importance. Then the break from college football with allowing more substitutions and changing from the concept of Ironman football to offensive and defensive specialists was a big win for the NFL.

Most of the owners do come off as being likable. Rooney who seemed to be selfless often at the cost of winning. Halas who often had to make the rough decisions. Bell who wasn’t a successful owner but ended up as the league’s first Commissioner and definitely the right selection for the job. Then there’s Marshall who was responsible for so many right changes but decades later is defined by his famous flaw- a resistance to integration.

I wouldn’t have thought to tell the story this way but the colorful characters could lend themselves to a movie or tv series. In that, it becomes a more interesting tale than just being a football story. ]]> 4.10 2018 The League: How Five Rivals Created the NFL and Launched a Sports Empire
author: John Eisenberg
name: Al
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2024/08/23
date added: 2024/08/23
shelves:
review:

This was a gift book but definitely in my wheelhouse. I remember looking at my grandparents� encyclopedias and reading the history of sports. These books were from the 1960s and Football certainly lacked the storied history of other sports at that time.

And this book explains some of that. The NFL may have started in the 1920s but it was an uphill climb for decades.

This book sounds like it is a story of the early years but the subtitle is more indicative of what you get. This is the story of the NFL as told through the five most important men in the early days of the league.

This isn’t a flashy quick read but I loved the way it gave so much knowledge. Art Rooney, George Halas, Tim Mara, George Preston Marshall, and Bert Bell weren’t the only owners but they really were the main decision makers of the league.

In the early days, pro football was not considered serious sport. College football rules the day, but the pro leagues were secondary entertainment.

Although the owners didn’t always get along with each other and wanted to win, somehow always managed to put the priorities of the league ahead of their own.

And for that, this book is fantastic. Football struggled mightily but the persistence and smart acumen of the owners was able to overcome the hurdles. When things started to turn around, World War 2 came along and though the league came out of the other end more successful, it was an incredibly difficult time and the owners had to work together.

In the 1950s when ideas came along that challenged the status quo- integration and westward movement to name two- the opportunity opened up for a competitor the AAFC. Once again the owners went into survival mode and did what was best for the league. Another change was Television, a difficult river to navigate, yet again it was the right moves the NFL made.

It really is told in a fantastic way. All of the things we take for granted had to start somewhere but are novel ideas at the time. For example, breaking the league up into two divisions for a year end Championship is the birth of the Super Bowl (In 1938, Mara presciently suggested having it at a warmer neutral field in Florida, an idea nearly 30 years before its time).

The league starts as local teams with local players but evolves out of necessity. The idea of a draft is a brilliant suggestion to get teams on equal footing. Now, it was against the consistent winning teams� best interests but having a competitive league was the most important thing. I am not sure another group of men would have landed at that same conclusion.

Over time, great marketing decisions and great in-game changes helped build the NFL and differentiate the sport from college football. Rule changes to make the sport exciting on the field with more action and even the idea of Halftime entertainment are of great importance. Then the break from college football with allowing more substitutions and changing from the concept of Ironman football to offensive and defensive specialists was a big win for the NFL.

Most of the owners do come off as being likable. Rooney who seemed to be selfless often at the cost of winning. Halas who often had to make the rough decisions. Bell who wasn’t a successful owner but ended up as the league’s first Commissioner and definitely the right selection for the job. Then there’s Marshall who was responsible for so many right changes but decades later is defined by his famous flaw- a resistance to integration.

I wouldn’t have thought to tell the story this way but the colorful characters could lend themselves to a movie or tv series. In that, it becomes a more interesting tale than just being a football story.
]]> The Flash 750 53295002
Beginning: "The Flash Age"! The story we've been building toward since issue #50 comes to a head! While a supercharged Speed Force wreaks havoc on Barry Allen's life, a new threat appears on the horizon in the form of the deadly Paradox. Destined to destroy the Flash's legacy, Paradox sends his herald, Godspeed, to trap the Flash family! Plus, in this special anniversary issue: tales from across the generations of super-speedsters by an all-star lineup of writers including Geoff Johns, Michael Moreci, Marv Wolfman, Francis Manapul, and artists Rafa Sandoval, Jordi Tarragona, Scott Kolins, Stephen Segovia, David Marquez, Bryan Hitch, Francis Manapul, Riley Rosssmo, and others!]]> 128 Geoff Johns 1779505078 Al 2 3.62 2020 The Flash 750
author: Geoff Johns
name: Al
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2020
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2024/08/10
shelves:
review:
I have been reading Williamson’s run on the Flash to date. This convinced me I need a break. Read because you want to not because you have to. It’s not you Mssrs Williamson, Wolfman and Johns, it’s me.
]]> Our Hideous Progeny 61067597 It is not the monster you must fear, but the monster it makes of men. . .

For readers of Circe or Ariadne, a brilliant literary revisiting of Mary Shelley's classic Frankenstein with a fresh, queer, provocative twist.

Mary is the great-niece of Victor Frankenstein. She knows her great uncle disappeared in mysterious circumstances in the Arctic, but she doesn't know why or how...

The 1850s is a time of discovery, and London is ablaze with the latest scientific theories and debates, especially when a spectacular new exhibition of dinosaur sculptures opens at the Crystal Palace. Mary, with a sharp mind and a sharper tongue, is keen to make her name in this world of science alongside her geologist husband Henry, but without wealth and connections, their options are limited.

But when Mary discovers some old family papers that allude to the shocking truth behind her great-uncle's past, she thinks she may have found the key to securing their future... Their quest takes them to the wilds of Scotland, to Henry's intriguing but reclusive sister Maisie, and to a deadly chase with a rival who is out to steal their secret.

Our Hideous Progeny is a sumptuous tale of ambition and obsession, of forbidden love and sabotage; an adventure story that blends classic, immersive storytelling with contemporary themes.]]> 400 C.E. McGill 0857529048 Al 5
This is a retelling of the Frankenstein story as written through 21st Century eyes. It has been more than a few years since I read Frankenstein but I really enjoyed it. I don’t have enough recall to see how close this is. But for all intents and purposes, I really feel like this has the feel of a Gothic novel.

So to say I really enjoyed it. Plus, it’s enough of a change that it doesn’t necessarily repeat the story so I wondered where it was going, and really enjoyed the twists and turns.

The biggest complaint in reviews I have seen is pacing, but I didn’t really feel that at all. I found it compelling and never got bored except maybe towards the very last few pages when I just wanted to get to the ending. Maybe it’s a generational or genre thing where things have to be totally action oriented at all times, but I never once wanted to put it down.

Another thing that is hard to miss about this book is how it is marketed as being feminist and being queer. So I probably sound like an old fogie when I talk about this because this book wouldn’t be marketed to me at all; and it is those things, but it is not only those things, which means I wouldn’t steer anyone away from this book for those reasons.

Which again may inform readers� expectorations. I simply wanted a modern update on the telling of a Frankenstein story and I feel liked this was a very successful attempt at that. Having recent read a period piece cozy mystery that really leaned into a strong feminist protagonist and historical references, it’s hard for an artist to pull this kind of thing off and not be too heavy handed, but I thought McGill deftly navigated those waters.

I really don’t want to share too much as I went into it pretty spoiler free but suffice to say it’s our hero Mary who finds about her great uncle Victor Frankenstein’s lost journal. ]]> 3.92 2023 Our Hideous Progeny
author: C.E. McGill
name: Al
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2024/08/07
date added: 2024/08/07
shelves:
review:
This came as a recommendation from an old friend who clearly gets me.

This is a retelling of the Frankenstein story as written through 21st Century eyes. It has been more than a few years since I read Frankenstein but I really enjoyed it. I don’t have enough recall to see how close this is. But for all intents and purposes, I really feel like this has the feel of a Gothic novel.

So to say I really enjoyed it. Plus, it’s enough of a change that it doesn’t necessarily repeat the story so I wondered where it was going, and really enjoyed the twists and turns.

The biggest complaint in reviews I have seen is pacing, but I didn’t really feel that at all. I found it compelling and never got bored except maybe towards the very last few pages when I just wanted to get to the ending. Maybe it’s a generational or genre thing where things have to be totally action oriented at all times, but I never once wanted to put it down.

Another thing that is hard to miss about this book is how it is marketed as being feminist and being queer. So I probably sound like an old fogie when I talk about this because this book wouldn’t be marketed to me at all; and it is those things, but it is not only those things, which means I wouldn’t steer anyone away from this book for those reasons.

Which again may inform readers� expectorations. I simply wanted a modern update on the telling of a Frankenstein story and I feel liked this was a very successful attempt at that. Having recent read a period piece cozy mystery that really leaned into a strong feminist protagonist and historical references, it’s hard for an artist to pull this kind of thing off and not be too heavy handed, but I thought McGill deftly navigated those waters.

I really don’t want to share too much as I went into it pretty spoiler free but suffice to say it’s our hero Mary who finds about her great uncle Victor Frankenstein’s lost journal.
]]> <![CDATA[Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the Last Glory Days of Baseball]]> 181346643
Pete Rose is a legend. A baseball god. He compiled more hits than anyone in the history of baseball, a record he set decades ago, which still stands. At the same time, he was a working-class white guy from Cincinnati who made it; less talented than tough, and rough around the edges. He was everything that America wanted and needed him to be, the American dream personified, until he wasn’t.

In the 1980s Pete Rose came to be at the center of the biggest scandal in baseball history. Baseball no longer needed Pete Rose, and he was magnificently, publicly cast out for betting on baseball and lying about it. The revelations that followed ruined Pete, changed life in Cincinnati, and forever altered the game.

Charlie Hustle tells the full story of one of America’s most epic tragedies, the rise and fall of Pete Rose, one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Drawing on first-hand interviews with Pete himself, his associates, as well we on investigators, FBI and court records, archives, a mountain of press coverage, Keith O’Brien chronicles how Pete fell so far from being America’s “great white hope.� It is Rose as we've never seen before.

This is no ordinary sport biography, but cultural history at its finest. What O’Brien shows is that while Pete Rose didn’t change, America and baseball did. This is the story of that change.]]> 440 Keith O'Brien 0593317378 Al 5 I probably didn’t need to read a book on Pete Rose but the cover was filled with compliments from some of my favorite sportswriters.

We know the story of Rose. I think for me, as a kid, I didn’t realize that most of Rose’s career was already behind him. He seemed to loom large. Even know, those favorites of youth seem to be forgotten as they get compared to the mega stars of that previous generation.

But this book was so well written that I couldn’t put it down. Rose truly is a great literary character. He’s not Mickey Mantle or some other person with this God given talent. He grinded out everyday to achieve more than his potential.

Yet, he was completely self destructive. As admirable as his positive qualities are, he seemed to revel equally in his vices like women and gambling.

Rose is an interesting story of a time that falls between the age where sports reporters swept things under the rug and this current environment where there is no privacy for the 24/7.

Rose feels like a soap opera character that is on a route for disaster. Yet, even after we hear about his failings, we can’t help but ask rhetorically- why couldn’t he just admit his wrongdoing and move on.

But he couldn’t. Like he couldn’t stop gambling- even when he was constantly losing, even when the last resort seemed to be betting on baseball.

It’s hard to put in words why O’Neil nails it. I suppose it is all the research he put in it and the people he interviewed including Rose. It’s not treated in a sensationalist way, though that would have been the easy route.

Perhaps it is Rose’s charisma. I have to admit that I didn’t know the level of detail. Yet, as with many of the supporting characters here, there’s a certain level of disbelief. This was Pete Rose. No one wanted to win more than him.

The many stories we associate with Rose- his collison with Ray Fosse in the seemingly unimportant All Star game, the feud with team mate Johnny Bench who Rose was surely jealous of, and the relationship with the feisty Marge Schott.

But also Rose’s dogged determination to chase Ty Cobb’s impossible Hits record, the ability to help his team by playing multiple positions and his ability to come through in the clutch.

It truly is a fascinating story that I couldn’t put down. The book doesn’t detail much after the prison sentence. O’Neil admits that Rose didn’t want to talk about it, which may be part of the reason. It is also probably as not as compelling as the story until that point. Still, it doesn’t leave out that while Baseball decided to take down Rose, the Steroid era was beginning with nary any oversight. Also, in the more modern day, gambling outlets are big business partners with baseball, surely an irony of the whole situation. ]]> 4.38 2024 Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the Last Glory Days of Baseball
author: Keith O'Brien
name: Al
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/07/23
date added: 2024/07/23
shelves:
review:

I probably didn’t need to read a book on Pete Rose but the cover was filled with compliments from some of my favorite sportswriters.

We know the story of Rose. I think for me, as a kid, I didn’t realize that most of Rose’s career was already behind him. He seemed to loom large. Even know, those favorites of youth seem to be forgotten as they get compared to the mega stars of that previous generation.

But this book was so well written that I couldn’t put it down. Rose truly is a great literary character. He’s not Mickey Mantle or some other person with this God given talent. He grinded out everyday to achieve more than his potential.

Yet, he was completely self destructive. As admirable as his positive qualities are, he seemed to revel equally in his vices like women and gambling.

Rose is an interesting story of a time that falls between the age where sports reporters swept things under the rug and this current environment where there is no privacy for the 24/7.

Rose feels like a soap opera character that is on a route for disaster. Yet, even after we hear about his failings, we can’t help but ask rhetorically- why couldn’t he just admit his wrongdoing and move on.

But he couldn’t. Like he couldn’t stop gambling- even when he was constantly losing, even when the last resort seemed to be betting on baseball.

It’s hard to put in words why O’Neil nails it. I suppose it is all the research he put in it and the people he interviewed including Rose. It’s not treated in a sensationalist way, though that would have been the easy route.

Perhaps it is Rose’s charisma. I have to admit that I didn’t know the level of detail. Yet, as with many of the supporting characters here, there’s a certain level of disbelief. This was Pete Rose. No one wanted to win more than him.

The many stories we associate with Rose- his collison with Ray Fosse in the seemingly unimportant All Star game, the feud with team mate Johnny Bench who Rose was surely jealous of, and the relationship with the feisty Marge Schott.

But also Rose’s dogged determination to chase Ty Cobb’s impossible Hits record, the ability to help his team by playing multiple positions and his ability to come through in the clutch.

It truly is a fascinating story that I couldn’t put down. The book doesn’t detail much after the prison sentence. O’Neil admits that Rose didn’t want to talk about it, which may be part of the reason. It is also probably as not as compelling as the story until that point. Still, it doesn’t leave out that while Baseball decided to take down Rose, the Steroid era was beginning with nary any oversight. Also, in the more modern day, gambling outlets are big business partners with baseball, surely an irony of the whole situation.
]]> The Secrets of Astrology 51153417
Secrets of Astrology tells you all you want to know about astrology, from the meaning of zodiac signs, to how to read a birth chart. Simple, readable text clearly explains the origins of astrology, the role of the planets, and the significance of the 12 Houses.

Young astrologers are guided through all of the different zodiac signs, and can learn more about themselves in the process. Bold, colorful illustrations bring key concepts to life, and make this the perfect addition to your bookshelf. This book is the perfect gift for budding astrologers, or those who love the night sky.]]> 192 D.K. Publishing 0744023661 Al 3
Now my younger son turned to that age (3rd Grade) and he picked it up. He absolutely loves it and won’t put it down. He quotes from it quite constantly. He is excited about the constellations and we have discussions about personalities and predestiny. I am not sold on Astrology but these are great conversations. The book seems much easier to digest than I remember from years ago.

So what I will say- is mileage may vary. ]]> 3.73 The Secrets of Astrology
author: D.K. Publishing
name: Al
average rating: 3.73
book published:
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2024/07/11
shelves:
review:
I bought this book at a school book fair for my 3rd grader. He likes Astronomy. I wasn’t excited to get it. He didn’t like it much either. It seemed confusing.

Now my younger son turned to that age (3rd Grade) and he picked it up. He absolutely loves it and won’t put it down. He quotes from it quite constantly. He is excited about the constellations and we have discussions about personalities and predestiny. I am not sold on Astrology but these are great conversations. The book seems much easier to digest than I remember from years ago.

So what I will say- is mileage may vary.
]]> Autumn (Seasons Quartet, #1) 34272477 From the author of the monumental My Struggle series, Karl Ove Knausgaard, one of the masters of contemporary literature and a genius of observation and introspection, comes the first in a new autobiographical quartet based on the four seasons.

28 August. Now, as I write this, you know nothing about anything, about what awaits you, the kind of world you will be born into. And I know nothing about you...

I want to show you our world as it is now: the door, the floor, the water tap and the sink, the garden chair close to the wall beneath the kitchen window, the sun, the water, the trees. You will come to see it in your own way, you will experience things for yourself and live a life of your own, so of course it is primarily for my own sake that I am doing this: showing you the world, little one, makes my life worth living.

Autumn begins with a letter Karl Ove Knausgaard writes to his unborn daughter, showing her what to expect of the world. He writes one short piece per day, describing the material and natural world with the precision and mesmerising intensity that have become his trademark. He describes with acute sensitivity daily life with his wife and children in rural Sweden, drawing upon memories of his own childhood to give an inimitably tender perspective on the precious and unique bond between parent and child. The sun, wasps, jellyfish, eyes, lice—the stuff of everyday life is the fodder for his art. Nothing is too small or too vast to escape his attention.

This beautifully illustrated book is a personal encyclopaedia on everything from chewing gum to the stars. Through close observation of the objects and phenomena around him, Knausgaard shows us how vast, unknowable and wondrous the world is.]]> 224 Karl Ove Knausgård 039956330X Al 4 read-in-2024
I know little about him and Google results are more hilarious than insightful. One page compare him to Kierkegaard while another compares him to the Kardashians.

Another top result was a feminist screed that concludes no male writer will ever be worthwhile as males have never known struggle. She then lists a dozen writes (of which Knausgaard is one)- the most well regarded white male writers of the last century. To be fair, with a couple of exceptions, I can’t stand those buzzed about writers she listed.

But I ended up liking Knausgaard a lot. I didn’t opt for his most famous title - the unfortunately named My Struggle (seriously?) but one of his works that was written as letters to an unborn daughter that almost reads like a journal (Autumn).

Criticism online says it sounds like he is working through writing prompts and perhaps it does. It goes from what might otherwise be Andy Rooney/ stand up comedy stuff like Jellyfish, Ambulances and Petrol (Oil) to occasional unmentionables (Vomit, Piss, Labia) to some real insight like Van Gogh and Flaubert.

At the end of the day, a great writer will make anything seem insightful and I find Knausgaard completely charming. Its art, so I can’t put my finger on it, and I am trying not to badmouth anyone by name, some avoids the “look at me I am a genius� cliche so many modern writers fall into.

Each topic is roughly two pages, just long enough to not wear out its welcome. The much regarded “My Struggle� is likely a very different book but this means I might tackle it. Like Henry Miller, I am not sure why I feel a particular pull to a writer that isn’t nominally different but somehow has a magical way of putting words together in an interesting order.]]> 3.77 2015 Autumn (Seasons Quartet, #1)
author: Karl Ove Knausgård
name: Al
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2024/07/10
date added: 2024/07/10
shelves: read-in-2024
review:
I picked up Knausgaard because a friend has been reading him. I have to admit the trepidation of the book with the author reminding me of the existentialist of similar name and the content resembling difficult poetry.

I know little about him and Google results are more hilarious than insightful. One page compare him to Kierkegaard while another compares him to the Kardashians.

Another top result was a feminist screed that concludes no male writer will ever be worthwhile as males have never known struggle. She then lists a dozen writes (of which Knausgaard is one)- the most well regarded white male writers of the last century. To be fair, with a couple of exceptions, I can’t stand those buzzed about writers she listed.

But I ended up liking Knausgaard a lot. I didn’t opt for his most famous title - the unfortunately named My Struggle (seriously?) but one of his works that was written as letters to an unborn daughter that almost reads like a journal (Autumn).

Criticism online says it sounds like he is working through writing prompts and perhaps it does. It goes from what might otherwise be Andy Rooney/ stand up comedy stuff like Jellyfish, Ambulances and Petrol (Oil) to occasional unmentionables (Vomit, Piss, Labia) to some real insight like Van Gogh and Flaubert.

At the end of the day, a great writer will make anything seem insightful and I find Knausgaard completely charming. Its art, so I can’t put my finger on it, and I am trying not to badmouth anyone by name, some avoids the “look at me I am a genius� cliche so many modern writers fall into.

Each topic is roughly two pages, just long enough to not wear out its welcome. The much regarded “My Struggle� is likely a very different book but this means I might tackle it. Like Henry Miller, I am not sure why I feel a particular pull to a writer that isn’t nominally different but somehow has a magical way of putting words together in an interesting order.
]]> <![CDATA[So You've Been Publicly Shamed]]> 22571552 290 Jon Ronson 1594487138 Al 4 I never read Ronson’s 2015s book which was a huge sensation at the time. I have since become a fan of his podcasts. Things Fell Apart documents the recent cultural divide and is incredibly well done. So I decided to go back to this book.

I have heard enough of his podcasts that this seemed immediately recognizable. But I think Ronson is so good at what he does.

Now almost a decade on, many of these stories are now pretty much forgotten but were huge stories at the time.

Also, it seems a lifetime ago post- Elon buying Twitter and post the 45 Administration. The points of posting a dumb joke or story that gets you fired is real, but the modern era of Twitter/X is filled with people for whom outrage is the goal.

Now, we couldn’t have this conversation without talking about “cancel culture� and idea everyone seems to be against, but also seems to be the first thing so many people go to.

But at the time of the writing, we were still navigating social media. Ronson ties in a lot of different threads- a judge who used shaming, historical puritanical shaming, and the unashamed Max Mosley.

I also think the manipulation of Google results while still fascinating is no longer as newsworthy.

Ironically, the book probably did dredge some of these news stories back into the public. Hopefully, Ronson did a good job when he decided to give them a chance to air the side.

The book is a quick and interesting read. I would expect Ronson might want to revisit it down the future as we move from those who made bad jokes they shouldn’t have to the era of trolls who don’t care about the shame ]]> 3.91 2015 So You've Been Publicly Shamed
author: Jon Ronson
name: Al
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2024/06/24
date added: 2024/06/24
shelves:
review:

I never read Ronson’s 2015s book which was a huge sensation at the time. I have since become a fan of his podcasts. Things Fell Apart documents the recent cultural divide and is incredibly well done. So I decided to go back to this book.

I have heard enough of his podcasts that this seemed immediately recognizable. But I think Ronson is so good at what he does.

Now almost a decade on, many of these stories are now pretty much forgotten but were huge stories at the time.

Also, it seems a lifetime ago post- Elon buying Twitter and post the 45 Administration. The points of posting a dumb joke or story that gets you fired is real, but the modern era of Twitter/X is filled with people for whom outrage is the goal.

Now, we couldn’t have this conversation without talking about “cancel culture� and idea everyone seems to be against, but also seems to be the first thing so many people go to.

But at the time of the writing, we were still navigating social media. Ronson ties in a lot of different threads- a judge who used shaming, historical puritanical shaming, and the unashamed Max Mosley.

I also think the manipulation of Google results while still fascinating is no longer as newsworthy.

Ironically, the book probably did dredge some of these news stories back into the public. Hopefully, Ronson did a good job when he decided to give them a chance to air the side.

The book is a quick and interesting read. I would expect Ronson might want to revisit it down the future as we move from those who made bad jokes they shouldn’t have to the era of trolls who don’t care about the shame
]]> <![CDATA[When the Garden Was Eden: Clyde, the Captain, Dollar Bill, and the Glory Days of the New York Knicks]]> 10836991 368 Harvey Araton 0061956236 Al 4 I was born in the mid 70s so my NBA stars were Magic and Bird, and a few of the players from the previous decade who remained stars like Julius Erving and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. But as a kid who loved sports, I read about those stars of the preceding years and I was quite aware of the 70s New York Knicks alongside people like Wilt Chamberlain, Rick Barry, Wes Unseld, Jerry West and others.

Like the 80s Lakers who I loved, I could name most of those 70s Knicks because I read about them. They were a team of stars- Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, Bill Bradley, Dave DeBusschere, Earl Monroe, Phil Jackson and coach Red Holtzman.

As a fan, the 1970 NBA finals is cinematic and by now, I have seen it covered extensively. Famously and improbably, Willis Reed came back from injury to play in Game 7 in the kind of drama that usually only happens in pro wrestling or Hollywood movies.

The alignment of stars and the location of New York is the reason the 1970 Knicks are famous but like the similar 1986 Mets perhaps it also has to do with the ensuing decades of losing.

That said, Araton makes his convincing case that the “Old Knicks� were just that great - not only bridging the NBA into the mainstream attention but also by being that good.

The Old Knicks were unselfish in a way that seems almost archaic now. Truly playing as a team, they were able to win it all not only in 1970 but also 1973. (They also reached the NBA finals in 1972 and played in six consecutive Eastern Conference finals from 1969 to 1974. They played some great contemporary teams in the Celtics, Lakers and Bullets.

This book was a great read. Like so many similar books, he wants to tell the story of the relevant seasons and a “where are they now�. But so many of those kinds of books get bogged down in detail. This one never does.

I can’t spend time to discuss all the subplots but remember this was happening during Vietnam and the Civil Rights movement. It’s also a good snapshot of the NBA- where it was- the way college basketball and the NBA draft had greatly changed - and the way it became the entertainment enterprise it is now- with stars like Walt Frazier embracing the image and stars like Woody Allen and Dustin Hoffman watching games courtside.

Also, the Reed game reminds us of a time before social media and 24/7 sports news coverage. The acquisition of Earl Monroe still provokes thought. He left a team where he was loved and got a championship and more dollars because of it. He also was unselfish in coming over to the Knicks and as one of the best to ever play the game settled to fit in where he could to help the team win. Over and over again, the thought of team over individual play shows why the Knicks were loved and also successful (that Phil Jackson would be able to become the most successful of NBA coaches shows that lesson was well learned)

ESPN has since made a documentary of the book but both are worthwhile since the book covers a level of detail that the Doc can’t. This one has gained a reputation as one of the great sports books but it is well deserved as it does reach those heights.

The last chapter focuses on the blunders and failings of the resulting decades- it’s the book’s only misstep. He makes the case how special the Old Knicks were. But the new Knicks were dealt the card of fate, bad luck and a historically terrible owner James Dolan. The book ends with a blatant parallel to the election of Obama - which was well meaning but now sounds dated (you would never otherwise guess the book is over a decade old unless you followed the team enough to know Bill Bradley and Willis Reed have recently passed). Also the book was published about four months before Linsanity- the time of story that would have fit in of a player named Jeremy Lin who was an unlikely star. ]]> 4.13 2011 When the Garden Was Eden: Clyde, the Captain, Dollar Bill, and the Glory Days of the New York Knicks
author: Harvey Araton
name: Al
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at: 2024/06/19
date added: 2024/06/19
shelves:
review:

I was born in the mid 70s so my NBA stars were Magic and Bird, and a few of the players from the previous decade who remained stars like Julius Erving and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. But as a kid who loved sports, I read about those stars of the preceding years and I was quite aware of the 70s New York Knicks alongside people like Wilt Chamberlain, Rick Barry, Wes Unseld, Jerry West and others.

Like the 80s Lakers who I loved, I could name most of those 70s Knicks because I read about them. They were a team of stars- Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, Bill Bradley, Dave DeBusschere, Earl Monroe, Phil Jackson and coach Red Holtzman.

As a fan, the 1970 NBA finals is cinematic and by now, I have seen it covered extensively. Famously and improbably, Willis Reed came back from injury to play in Game 7 in the kind of drama that usually only happens in pro wrestling or Hollywood movies.

The alignment of stars and the location of New York is the reason the 1970 Knicks are famous but like the similar 1986 Mets perhaps it also has to do with the ensuing decades of losing.

That said, Araton makes his convincing case that the “Old Knicks� were just that great - not only bridging the NBA into the mainstream attention but also by being that good.

The Old Knicks were unselfish in a way that seems almost archaic now. Truly playing as a team, they were able to win it all not only in 1970 but also 1973. (They also reached the NBA finals in 1972 and played in six consecutive Eastern Conference finals from 1969 to 1974. They played some great contemporary teams in the Celtics, Lakers and Bullets.

This book was a great read. Like so many similar books, he wants to tell the story of the relevant seasons and a “where are they now�. But so many of those kinds of books get bogged down in detail. This one never does.

I can’t spend time to discuss all the subplots but remember this was happening during Vietnam and the Civil Rights movement. It’s also a good snapshot of the NBA- where it was- the way college basketball and the NBA draft had greatly changed - and the way it became the entertainment enterprise it is now- with stars like Walt Frazier embracing the image and stars like Woody Allen and Dustin Hoffman watching games courtside.

Also, the Reed game reminds us of a time before social media and 24/7 sports news coverage. The acquisition of Earl Monroe still provokes thought. He left a team where he was loved and got a championship and more dollars because of it. He also was unselfish in coming over to the Knicks and as one of the best to ever play the game settled to fit in where he could to help the team win. Over and over again, the thought of team over individual play shows why the Knicks were loved and also successful (that Phil Jackson would be able to become the most successful of NBA coaches shows that lesson was well learned)

ESPN has since made a documentary of the book but both are worthwhile since the book covers a level of detail that the Doc can’t. This one has gained a reputation as one of the great sports books but it is well deserved as it does reach those heights.

The last chapter focuses on the blunders and failings of the resulting decades- it’s the book’s only misstep. He makes the case how special the Old Knicks were. But the new Knicks were dealt the card of fate, bad luck and a historically terrible owner James Dolan. The book ends with a blatant parallel to the election of Obama - which was well meaning but now sounds dated (you would never otherwise guess the book is over a decade old unless you followed the team enough to know Bill Bradley and Willis Reed have recently passed). Also the book was published about four months before Linsanity- the time of story that would have fit in of a player named Jeremy Lin who was an unlikely star.
]]> <![CDATA[The Yucks: Two Years in Tampa with the Losingest Team in NFL History]]> 27274434 Friday Night Lights meets The Bad News Bears in “a brisk, warmhearted reminder of how professional sports can occasionally reach stunning unprofessional depths� (Publishers Weekly): the first two seasons with the worst team in NFL history, the hapless, hilarious, and hopelessly winless 1976­�1977 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Long before their first Super Bowl victory in 2003, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did something no NFL team had ever done before and that none will ever likely do They lost twenty-six games in a row. This was no ordinary streak. Along with their ridiculous mascot and uniforms, which were known as “the Creamsicles,� the Yucks were a national punch line and personnel purgatory. Owned by the miserly and bulbous-nosed Hugh Culverhouse, the team was the end of the line for Heisman Trophy winner and University of Florida hero Steve Spurrier, and a banishment for former Cowboy defensive end Pat Toomay after he wrote a tell-all book about his time on “America’s Team.� Many players on the Bucs had been out of football for years, and it wasn’t uncommon for them to have to introduce themselves in the huddle. They were coached by the ever-quotable college great John McKay. “We can’t win at home and we can’t win on the road,� he said. “What we need is a neutral site.� But the Bucs were a part of something bigger, too. They were a gambit by promoters, journalists, and civic boosters to create a shared identity for a region that didn’t exist—Tampa Bay. Before the Yucks, “the Bay� was a body of water, and even the worst team in memory transformed Florida’s Gulf communities into a single region with a common cause. The Yucks is “a funny, endearing look at how the Bucs lost their way to success, cementing a region through creamsicle unis and John McKay one-liners� (Sports Illustrated).]]> 257 Jason Vuic 1476772282 Al 5 This book definitely feels out of the trend in the 2010s for fun 1970s sports story books written by people like Dan Epstein and Jason Turbow. Maybe more than anything it recalls the work of Jeff Pearlman who writes a complimentary blurb for the cover.

Which is fine, I love those weird sports stories and the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers asks for one. Along with the 1962 Mets, the Bucs were one of the historically worst teams ever. They were an expansion team and they definitely didn’t get much in terms of resources to compete with the established teams.

This one is fun. Like Pearlman, the main focus is on the weird uniqueness of the team, though Vuic does a nice job of summarizing the games too.

It gives a nice background of the area (there’s no real “Tampa Bay�) and the movement to get the team. There’s quite a few characters here. Coach John MacKay obviously. He had some great one liners but the my seemed to be from grim frustration than humor.

Most think of him as the man when asked “what do you think of the team’s execution� famously answered “I am in favor of it�. Vuic tries to track this down and perhaps it’s appcrypal as no one can pin a date to it (and it’s a joke that was old when the Marx Brothers used it) but somehow it’s befitting of the Yucks.

MacKay is funny yet humorless. An elitist coach living in past college football glory. Yet, it can be said McKay was interested in building a competitive team (even more than in winning in the moment) and the record shows he did do that.

The team is a cast of misfits right out of Hollywood football comedies like Necessary Roughness. Yet, let’s not totally pigeonhole a team that had a great defense for most of those terrible two years.

Lee Roy Selmon was a great player. I never really met him but was able to spend some time in his company and he truly was one of the nicest athletes around.

After a winless first season and terrible second season, the team makes the playoffs in their fourth year. A large credit can be given to Doug Williams, probably the first significant African American quarterback to go from college to the NFL. (Warren Moon was great too but he played in Canada first as he was likely going to be sitting on a bench otherwise).

This is where the Hollywood ending would be but Vuic needs that last chapter and epilogue to finish the story. Bucs owner Hugh Culverhouse is so notoriously obsessed with profit and low payrolls that he won’t pay Williams even the pay that a decent backup Quarterback would receive.

Williams leaves when the USFL forms and the Bucs return to the lovable losers without the lovable part even with McKay’s best efforts.

The results of the 80s and most of the 90s until Culverhouse dies seem laughable. This counts some awful trades but often times, it simply is there is no money or effort spent on player development.

Post Culverhouse, McKay’s son Rich is in charge of player development and the team acquired coach Jon Gruden. They win the 2002 Super Bowl with a lot of homegrown talent.

The team has had various peaks and valleys since that win, mostly valleys when this book was written. In the epilogue, Vuic discusses what made the 76 Bucs so special and how that the landscape has changed. For starters, they were national jokes on Johnny Carson’s show- a large national viewing unlike the fractured audiences of today. But most importantly, the sports leagues have realized adding an uncompetitive team to the league doesn’t benefit them and they have tried to level the playing field.

Vuic does a good job of writing that fun sports story that is specific to that certain time and place. ]]> 3.82 2016 The Yucks: Two Years in Tampa with the Losingest Team in NFL History
author: Jason Vuic
name: Al
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2024/06/07
date added: 2024/06/07
shelves:
review:

This book definitely feels out of the trend in the 2010s for fun 1970s sports story books written by people like Dan Epstein and Jason Turbow. Maybe more than anything it recalls the work of Jeff Pearlman who writes a complimentary blurb for the cover.

Which is fine, I love those weird sports stories and the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers asks for one. Along with the 1962 Mets, the Bucs were one of the historically worst teams ever. They were an expansion team and they definitely didn’t get much in terms of resources to compete with the established teams.

This one is fun. Like Pearlman, the main focus is on the weird uniqueness of the team, though Vuic does a nice job of summarizing the games too.

It gives a nice background of the area (there’s no real “Tampa Bay�) and the movement to get the team. There’s quite a few characters here. Coach John MacKay obviously. He had some great one liners but the my seemed to be from grim frustration than humor.

Most think of him as the man when asked “what do you think of the team’s execution� famously answered “I am in favor of it�. Vuic tries to track this down and perhaps it’s appcrypal as no one can pin a date to it (and it’s a joke that was old when the Marx Brothers used it) but somehow it’s befitting of the Yucks.

MacKay is funny yet humorless. An elitist coach living in past college football glory. Yet, it can be said McKay was interested in building a competitive team (even more than in winning in the moment) and the record shows he did do that.

The team is a cast of misfits right out of Hollywood football comedies like Necessary Roughness. Yet, let’s not totally pigeonhole a team that had a great defense for most of those terrible two years.

Lee Roy Selmon was a great player. I never really met him but was able to spend some time in his company and he truly was one of the nicest athletes around.

After a winless first season and terrible second season, the team makes the playoffs in their fourth year. A large credit can be given to Doug Williams, probably the first significant African American quarterback to go from college to the NFL. (Warren Moon was great too but he played in Canada first as he was likely going to be sitting on a bench otherwise).

This is where the Hollywood ending would be but Vuic needs that last chapter and epilogue to finish the story. Bucs owner Hugh Culverhouse is so notoriously obsessed with profit and low payrolls that he won’t pay Williams even the pay that a decent backup Quarterback would receive.

Williams leaves when the USFL forms and the Bucs return to the lovable losers without the lovable part even with McKay’s best efforts.

The results of the 80s and most of the 90s until Culverhouse dies seem laughable. This counts some awful trades but often times, it simply is there is no money or effort spent on player development.

Post Culverhouse, McKay’s son Rich is in charge of player development and the team acquired coach Jon Gruden. They win the 2002 Super Bowl with a lot of homegrown talent.

The team has had various peaks and valleys since that win, mostly valleys when this book was written. In the epilogue, Vuic discusses what made the 76 Bucs so special and how that the landscape has changed. For starters, they were national jokes on Johnny Carson’s show- a large national viewing unlike the fractured audiences of today. But most importantly, the sports leagues have realized adding an uncompetitive team to the league doesn’t benefit them and they have tried to level the playing field.

Vuic does a good job of writing that fun sports story that is specific to that certain time and place.
]]> <![CDATA[All This Marvelous Potential: Robert Kennedy's 1968 Tour of Appalachia]]> 50163767
In All This Marvelous Potential, author Matthew Algeo meticulously retraces RFK’s tour of eastern Kentucky, visiting the places he visited and meeting with the people he met. Algeo explains how and why the region has changed since 1968, and why it matters for the rest of the country. The similarities between then and now are astonishing: divisive politics, racial strife, economic uncertainty, and environmental alarm. This book provides a new portrait of Robert Kennedy, a politician who, for all his faults, had the uncommon courage to stand up to a president from his own party and shine a light on America’s shortcomings]]> 304 Matthew Algeo 1641600594 Al 5 I’m a big fan of Algeo. Most of his books deal with quirky lost stories of history and while this one isn’t quirky per se, it is surely a lost detour.

In 1968, Robert F Kennedy went to Eastern Kentucky, the poorest part of the US to see what he could do to help.

I have to admit I wanted to read this as soon as it came out but at that time I just had been gifted Chris Matthews book on RFK and thought it would be too much. (This book, unlike Matthews really isn’t a bio, but would be of much interest to people interested in the man).

This covers a lot of ground and was such an enjoyable read. There’s a variety of topics such as strip mining, George and Lurleen Wallace, the food stamp program and much more.

There’s Kennedy of course - a politician unlike any other. A late 20th Century Democrat born with a silver spoon but with a real knack to listen and talk with blue collar Kentuckians. (A contrast to the foot in mouth failings of Hillary Clinton). Even if people disagreed with him, he was able to communicate in a way that he felt genuine.

And also the life and hardship of the people of Eastern Kentucky and a special focus on the progressive young people who wanted things to be better for their small town (a flight that goes on decades later in a lot of less progressive areas)

Besides the fact it is just a great historical story, I really related to it because I was born just north of Western Kentucky and although things weren’t that dire- it was still a very rural area where coal mining was king.

I also very much related to the young people whose only choice might seem to leave.

The topic of poverty never went away but this book talks about things LBJs administration did. There’s no clear answers of course but you can see some of the things that were tried and worked, and some of the things we had that were ended or changed over the years.

It’s a quick read but it is very enjoyable. Recommended

]]> 4.08 2020 All This Marvelous Potential: Robert Kennedy's 1968 Tour of Appalachia
author: Matthew Algeo
name: Al
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2024/05/14
date added: 2024/05/14
shelves:
review:

I’m a big fan of Algeo. Most of his books deal with quirky lost stories of history and while this one isn’t quirky per se, it is surely a lost detour.

In 1968, Robert F Kennedy went to Eastern Kentucky, the poorest part of the US to see what he could do to help.

I have to admit I wanted to read this as soon as it came out but at that time I just had been gifted Chris Matthews book on RFK and thought it would be too much. (This book, unlike Matthews really isn’t a bio, but would be of much interest to people interested in the man).

This covers a lot of ground and was such an enjoyable read. There’s a variety of topics such as strip mining, George and Lurleen Wallace, the food stamp program and much more.

There’s Kennedy of course - a politician unlike any other. A late 20th Century Democrat born with a silver spoon but with a real knack to listen and talk with blue collar Kentuckians. (A contrast to the foot in mouth failings of Hillary Clinton). Even if people disagreed with him, he was able to communicate in a way that he felt genuine.

And also the life and hardship of the people of Eastern Kentucky and a special focus on the progressive young people who wanted things to be better for their small town (a flight that goes on decades later in a lot of less progressive areas)

Besides the fact it is just a great historical story, I really related to it because I was born just north of Western Kentucky and although things weren’t that dire- it was still a very rural area where coal mining was king.

I also very much related to the young people whose only choice might seem to leave.

The topic of poverty never went away but this book talks about things LBJs administration did. There’s no clear answers of course but you can see some of the things that were tried and worked, and some of the things we had that were ended or changed over the years.

It’s a quick read but it is very enjoyable. Recommended


]]> The Carving of Mount Rushmore 799490 416 Rex Alan Smith 1558596658 Al 5 This is the book that is recommended if you go to the Mount Rushmore gift shop. This book is also where Bill Bryson pulled from for One Summer America 1927.

If you have read Bryson’s book, you have probably laughed at how they lured President Coolidge to South Dakota and kept him by filling the ponds with fish and him thinking he must be the best fisherman in the world.

If you have visited Mount Rushmore, you have heard Gutzon Borglum’s incredible and impossible dream to sculpt four life size presidents as well as all the important US Historical documents into rock.

Even then, you will still love this book. Rushmore is surely one of those ideas that seem so big that there is almost no way it could succeed and yet it has.

Borglum sounds like a Hollywood character almost. Someone who was extremely talented and yet his visions bigger than reality. And as you know in reality, things cost money and only fools would offer an open checkbook.

I am not sure Smith wrote more than a couple of books but this one is a masterpiece and I doubt I can describe it on detail to sell it.

Rushmore is an almost impossible dream and Borglum is only the most colorful character in a decades long drama where nature is an enemy and time and money are enemies. But the stories of the masterful workers and the back and forth with the US and South Dakota governments are compelling.

Borglum sculpted Stone Mountain and as this story tells part of that tale (along with the Ziolkowski family plan to memorialize Crazy Horse) shows how difficult this project could have been.

Yet of course we know the ending, it succeeds if maybe not in total imagined form. The story ends with Borglum’s death and the start of World War 2 closing the book with the tourist attraction it is today.

I cannot recommend this enough to history and non fiction fans, even if it doesn’t sound like a subject you might have much interest in, it’s a fascinating tale. ]]> 4.04 1985 The Carving of Mount Rushmore
author: Rex Alan Smith
name: Al
average rating: 4.04
book published: 1985
rating: 5
read at: 2024/05/07
date added: 2024/05/07
shelves:
review:

This is the book that is recommended if you go to the Mount Rushmore gift shop. This book is also where Bill Bryson pulled from for One Summer America 1927.

If you have read Bryson’s book, you have probably laughed at how they lured President Coolidge to South Dakota and kept him by filling the ponds with fish and him thinking he must be the best fisherman in the world.

If you have visited Mount Rushmore, you have heard Gutzon Borglum’s incredible and impossible dream to sculpt four life size presidents as well as all the important US Historical documents into rock.

Even then, you will still love this book. Rushmore is surely one of those ideas that seem so big that there is almost no way it could succeed and yet it has.

Borglum sounds like a Hollywood character almost. Someone who was extremely talented and yet his visions bigger than reality. And as you know in reality, things cost money and only fools would offer an open checkbook.

I am not sure Smith wrote more than a couple of books but this one is a masterpiece and I doubt I can describe it on detail to sell it.

Rushmore is an almost impossible dream and Borglum is only the most colorful character in a decades long drama where nature is an enemy and time and money are enemies. But the stories of the masterful workers and the back and forth with the US and South Dakota governments are compelling.

Borglum sculpted Stone Mountain and as this story tells part of that tale (along with the Ziolkowski family plan to memorialize Crazy Horse) shows how difficult this project could have been.

Yet of course we know the ending, it succeeds if maybe not in total imagined form. The story ends with Borglum’s death and the start of World War 2 closing the book with the tourist attraction it is today.

I cannot recommend this enough to history and non fiction fans, even if it doesn’t sound like a subject you might have much interest in, it’s a fascinating tale.
]]> <![CDATA[The Bad Guys Won! : A Season of Brawling, Boozing, Bimbo Chasing, and Championship Baseball with Straw, Doc, Mookie, Nails, the Kid, and the Rest of the 1986 Mets, the Rowdiest Team Ever to Put on a New York Uniform--and Maybe the Best]]> 1300 304 Jeff Pearlman 0060507330 Al 4 The 1986 Mets made me a fan of the team for life. They were incredibly talented on the field, and off the field they were notorious partiers and pranksters. Since the team has not met those heights since, many books have covered them.

This being Pearlman his style is to focus on the latter over the former. Also since the off field action is soap opera level, that is not necessarily a bad way to write a book.

The Mets really were the bad guys but in a time of Mad Men style social mores meets 80s excess and pre-internet, that swagger was applauded in some quarters. Whether that makes the reader nostalgic or appalled, it still builds up drama.

Of course, the talent on the field peaked and fell in 1986 and there is a quick epilogue. But even given those post 86 bad decisions - the seeds were sown and show out- drug use, bad behavior, ego.

In many ways, I appreciate Pearlman, a fan first then a writer, able to wreak havoc at his childhood hero turned heel Dave Kingman in the books intro.

This book is an easy read and is slanted towards a more tabloid approach and not a dry balls and strikes book. That will annoy some but it also makes it juicy. I find myself liking the book more than not, and the story of the 86 Mets has now been oft told, but the wild atmosphere surrounding them is captured ]]> 4.07 The Bad Guys Won! : A Season of Brawling, Boozing, Bimbo Chasing, and Championship Baseball with Straw, Doc, Mookie, Nails, the Kid, and the Rest of the 1986 Mets, the Rowdiest Team Ever to Put on a New York Uniform--and Maybe the Best
author: Jeff Pearlman
name: Al
average rating: 4.07
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/04/23
date added: 2024/04/23
shelves:
review:

The 1986 Mets made me a fan of the team for life. They were incredibly talented on the field, and off the field they were notorious partiers and pranksters. Since the team has not met those heights since, many books have covered them.

This being Pearlman his style is to focus on the latter over the former. Also since the off field action is soap opera level, that is not necessarily a bad way to write a book.

The Mets really were the bad guys but in a time of Mad Men style social mores meets 80s excess and pre-internet, that swagger was applauded in some quarters. Whether that makes the reader nostalgic or appalled, it still builds up drama.

Of course, the talent on the field peaked and fell in 1986 and there is a quick epilogue. But even given those post 86 bad decisions - the seeds were sown and show out- drug use, bad behavior, ego.

In many ways, I appreciate Pearlman, a fan first then a writer, able to wreak havoc at his childhood hero turned heel Dave Kingman in the books intro.

This book is an easy read and is slanted towards a more tabloid approach and not a dry balls and strikes book. That will annoy some but it also makes it juicy. I find myself liking the book more than not, and the story of the 86 Mets has now been oft told, but the wild atmosphere surrounding them is captured
]]> <![CDATA[At Home in the Heart of God: Family, Jesus and the Eucharist]]> 198969989 48 Tom Quinlan 1627857877 Al 5 5.00 At Home in the Heart of God: Family, Jesus and the Eucharist
author: Tom Quinlan
name: Al
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/04/22
shelves:
review:
This is a 40 page booklet that would be good for Catholic groups, new Catholics or anyone really. Most specifically for parents and for learning about the Eucharist. I like that the style is easily readable and relatable. It’s a fairly quick read if you want that or broken into sections if you want discussion. Especially recommended for parents of kids who are going to be going through their first communion
]]> <![CDATA[Shiloh: Conquer or Perish (Modern War Studies)]]> 22256408
Unfolding over April 6th and 7th, the Battle of Shiloh produced the most sprawling and bloody field of combat since the Napoleonic wars, with an outcome that set the Confederacy on the road to defeat.

Contrary to previous histories, Smith tells us, the battle was not won or lost on the first day, but rather in the decision-making of the night that followed and in the next day's fighting. Devoting unprecedented attention to the details of that second day, his book shows how the Union's triumph was far less assured, and much harder to achieve, than has been acknowledged. Smith also employs a new organization strategy to clarify the action. By breaking his analysis of both days' fighting into separate phases and sectors, he makes it much easier to grasp what was happening in each combat zone, why it unfolded as it did, and how it related to the broader tactical and operational context of the entire battle.

The battlefield's diverse and challenging terrain also comes in for new scrutiny. Through detailed attention to the terrain's major features most still visible at the Shiloh National Military Park Smith is able to track their specific and considerable influence on the actions, and their consequences, over those forty-eight hours. The experience of the soldiers finally finds its place here too, as Smith lets us hear, as never before, the voices of the common man, whether combatant or local civilian, caught up in a historic battle for their lives, their land, their honor, and their homes.

"We must this day conquer or perish," Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston declared on the morning of April 6, 1862. His words proved prophetic, and might serve as an epitaph for the larger war, as we see fully for the first time in this unparalleled and surely definitive history of the Battle of Shiloh."]]> 583 Timothy B. Smith 070061995X Al 3 I visited the Shiloh battlefield last year. It is upheld really well and I was very much impressed. I would certainly recommend it to any fan of American history

I asked the clerk at the bookshop what book he would recommend and he said this one.

This is a pretty in depth look at the battle that seemingly from its notes is a pretty important new perspective.

For me, I found it fascinating though the claim it perfectly balances the highly readable and in depth didn’t quite reflect to me, more latter than former.

That said, I do love the details and that it really gives a sense of what happened during the battle in a relatable way.

There is an incredible list of people who show up here- Grant, Sherman, Albert Sidney Johnston, John Breckridge, Braxton Bragg, PGT Beauregard, Nathan Bedford Forest, Ben Hur author Lee Wallace and others.

Conventional wisdom always held a thought that it was a bloody war that Grant simply had more men.

The book does a good job of the ebb and flow and the final result, which took time to show some perspective to. The confederates did make some strategic mistakes and they are detailed here. Reputations are made- including the battle for its bloodiness and the generals with Grant initially getting criticized. The battle itself also not necessarily considered a Union triumph though with perspective, it certainly was as important as General Albert Sidney Johnston (whose quote of conquer or perish makes the books subtitle) made it to be.

I would recommend this for someone interested in the Civil War. The more causal the reader, the more challenging it is. But the details are fascinating and it’s not so dense that it would be unenjoyable. I love the numerous quotes and diary passages that it pulls from. I am glad I read it. ]]> 4.37 2014 Shiloh: Conquer or Perish (Modern War Studies)
author: Timothy B. Smith
name: Al
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2014
rating: 3
read at: 2024/04/10
date added: 2024/04/10
shelves:
review:

I visited the Shiloh battlefield last year. It is upheld really well and I was very much impressed. I would certainly recommend it to any fan of American history

I asked the clerk at the bookshop what book he would recommend and he said this one.

This is a pretty in depth look at the battle that seemingly from its notes is a pretty important new perspective.

For me, I found it fascinating though the claim it perfectly balances the highly readable and in depth didn’t quite reflect to me, more latter than former.

That said, I do love the details and that it really gives a sense of what happened during the battle in a relatable way.

There is an incredible list of people who show up here- Grant, Sherman, Albert Sidney Johnston, John Breckridge, Braxton Bragg, PGT Beauregard, Nathan Bedford Forest, Ben Hur author Lee Wallace and others.

Conventional wisdom always held a thought that it was a bloody war that Grant simply had more men.

The book does a good job of the ebb and flow and the final result, which took time to show some perspective to. The confederates did make some strategic mistakes and they are detailed here. Reputations are made- including the battle for its bloodiness and the generals with Grant initially getting criticized. The battle itself also not necessarily considered a Union triumph though with perspective, it certainly was as important as General Albert Sidney Johnston (whose quote of conquer or perish makes the books subtitle) made it to be.

I would recommend this for someone interested in the Civil War. The more causal the reader, the more challenging it is. But the details are fascinating and it’s not so dense that it would be unenjoyable. I love the numerous quotes and diary passages that it pulls from. I am glad I read it.
]]> <![CDATA[Roadkill (Kinky Friedman, #10)]]> 393610
Get Kinky on the Web: ]]> 256 Kinky Friedman 0345416325 Al 3 This is my first time reading Friedman though I was aware of some of his songs and his reputation. This seemed (and probably was) an easy jumping on point as you don’t really need to know anything except maybe who Willie Nelson is.

It was an easy jumping on point - Willie is missing amid a slew of death threats) and maybe I should have dove deeper for a first read. But it’s a fun (attempted) murder mystery.

It’s a very quick read with the kind of humor that never makes you laugh out loud but smirk throughout. I know Friedman has been doing this since the mid 80s and the style (exaggerated autobiography) is nowhere near as fresh as it could have been back then. His style here is not a million miles away from Hiassen, Lansdale, Leyner or even, say Christopher Moore.

That probably softens the effect. I did enjoy the book and I do want to read Friedman again. ]]> 3.73 1998 Roadkill (Kinky Friedman, #10)
author: Kinky Friedman
name: Al
average rating: 3.73
book published: 1998
rating: 3
read at: 2024/03/25
date added: 2024/03/25
shelves:
review:

This is my first time reading Friedman though I was aware of some of his songs and his reputation. This seemed (and probably was) an easy jumping on point as you don’t really need to know anything except maybe who Willie Nelson is.

It was an easy jumping on point - Willie is missing amid a slew of death threats) and maybe I should have dove deeper for a first read. But it’s a fun (attempted) murder mystery.

It’s a very quick read with the kind of humor that never makes you laugh out loud but smirk throughout. I know Friedman has been doing this since the mid 80s and the style (exaggerated autobiography) is nowhere near as fresh as it could have been back then. His style here is not a million miles away from Hiassen, Lansdale, Leyner or even, say Christopher Moore.

That probably softens the effect. I did enjoy the book and I do want to read Friedman again.
]]> <![CDATA[I, Doll: Life and Death with the New York Dolls]]> 5782168


Arthur Kane was playing bass for the New York Dolls before there even was a New York Dolls. Along with guitarist Johnny Thunders and drummer Billy Murcia, he founded the band in 1971. The next year they added guitarist Sylvain Sylvain and singer David Johansen--at which point they became famous at Max’s Kansas City, rubbed elbows with Andy Warhol and Lou Reed, recorded two landmark albums, unwittingly invented the thing we now call punk rock, and generally lived up to their slogan “Too Much, Too Soon.�



I, Doll covers in detail the first sixteen months of the Dolls� time on earth, from Kane’s first meeting with Thunders to Murcia’s tragic death in London. To read it is to revisit a glorious, glamorous era of high drama (drug busts and brawls with bouncers) and low comedy (how Kane locked himself out of his studio one winter night while in full Dolls drag and tripping on LSD). This distinctive and extroverted memoir of an undisciplined showman is supplemented with a foreword and epilogue by Kane’s widow, Barbara, bringing his full story to light. Never has there been a rock’n’roll memoir like this one--a book that captures the music, the style, and the life in all its foolhardy glory.]]> 256 Arthur Kane 1556529414 Al 4 I Doll is the autobiography of Arthur Killer Kane- bassist for the New York Dolls. It is probably not a book for everyone. It’s no doubt that it’s Kane’s words- very conversational, cracking jokes. Online reviews are harsh but it is a fun read and shows his personality.

I personally don’t find the endless puns (and attempts to be clever) annoying,but other online readers did. It captures his personality. Clearly, he is a man that wanted to capture the most exciting time of his life- which here is the formation of the New York Dolls, their early New York City gigs and their trip to the UK. The story ends with Billy Murcia dying and ends where the normal Dolls story would start to pick up. (So anyone looking for any of those stories will only get a few in bits and pieces from flashbacks. This is only focused on the early years)

Kane does stake his claim as important to the band- the tall stoic figure who wrote the song “Private World� and was key in the band’s formation and early sound with Johnny Thunders. That said, Kane never fulfills those early promises later in life and comes off as bitter (rightly or wrongly) about David Johansen (who did go to greater fame). Manager Marty Thau and various handlers, record label men and so on. He’s also bitter (rightfully) at bands that became successful by ripping off or borrowing from the Dolls - KISS, Aerosmith, Motley Crue and he has kept the receipts.

Kane’s personal issues also stand in his way. He joins forces with Blackie Lawless in the late 70s who has clutched on to the final embers of the Dolls- and the ultimate result is Lawless going on to bigger fame in WASP.

The book is appended by a lengthy epilogue written by Kane’s widow Barbara who had been with him for 30 years. it’s a perfect postscript as she lovingly tells his post Dolla stories and it’s highs and mostly lows- playing with Sid Vicious then Lawless but ultimately through alcoholism and poverty then finding the Church of Latter Day Saints. This is a nice way to complete the story.

After all this, it’s not necessarily a bitter old man but strangely uplifting. Kane did get the Hollywood ending with a 2004 make up and reunion with Johansen a month before his passing, and a much loved 2005 documentary called New York Doll.

I am a huge Dolls fan so I think this was definitely a good addition and worthwhile. I hope new fans find an appreciation for Kane who isn’t nearly known as his band mates or followers ]]> 3.17 2009 I, Doll: Life and Death with the New York Dolls
author: Arthur Kane
name: Al
average rating: 3.17
book published: 2009
rating: 4
read at: 2024/03/16
date added: 2024/03/16
shelves:
review:

I Doll is the autobiography of Arthur Killer Kane- bassist for the New York Dolls. It is probably not a book for everyone. It’s no doubt that it’s Kane’s words- very conversational, cracking jokes. Online reviews are harsh but it is a fun read and shows his personality.

I personally don’t find the endless puns (and attempts to be clever) annoying,but other online readers did. It captures his personality. Clearly, he is a man that wanted to capture the most exciting time of his life- which here is the formation of the New York Dolls, their early New York City gigs and their trip to the UK. The story ends with Billy Murcia dying and ends where the normal Dolls story would start to pick up. (So anyone looking for any of those stories will only get a few in bits and pieces from flashbacks. This is only focused on the early years)

Kane does stake his claim as important to the band- the tall stoic figure who wrote the song “Private World� and was key in the band’s formation and early sound with Johnny Thunders. That said, Kane never fulfills those early promises later in life and comes off as bitter (rightly or wrongly) about David Johansen (who did go to greater fame). Manager Marty Thau and various handlers, record label men and so on. He’s also bitter (rightfully) at bands that became successful by ripping off or borrowing from the Dolls - KISS, Aerosmith, Motley Crue and he has kept the receipts.

Kane’s personal issues also stand in his way. He joins forces with Blackie Lawless in the late 70s who has clutched on to the final embers of the Dolls- and the ultimate result is Lawless going on to bigger fame in WASP.

The book is appended by a lengthy epilogue written by Kane’s widow Barbara who had been with him for 30 years. it’s a perfect postscript as she lovingly tells his post Dolla stories and it’s highs and mostly lows- playing with Sid Vicious then Lawless but ultimately through alcoholism and poverty then finding the Church of Latter Day Saints. This is a nice way to complete the story.

After all this, it’s not necessarily a bitter old man but strangely uplifting. Kane did get the Hollywood ending with a 2004 make up and reunion with Johansen a month before his passing, and a much loved 2005 documentary called New York Doll.

I am a huge Dolls fan so I think this was definitely a good addition and worthwhile. I hope new fans find an appreciation for Kane who isn’t nearly known as his band mates or followers
]]> <![CDATA[Mount Rushmore of the New York Mets: The Best Players by Decade to Wear the Orange and Blue]]> 58086106 184 Brett Topel Al 3 This book was a gift and I am guessing that is how most copies would be sold. It’s a fun if basic discussion that sports fans generally love

The idea of the book is to make a Rushmore of each decade. It then gives a profile of why each player chosen was chosen, though there is little or no discussion of those who might have just missed the cut. That makes it fun for nostalgia for old fans and some history for younger fans.

What I like about the book is that it also provides an alternate Rushmore for each decade- which is chosen by picking two hit prospects who never panned out and then two players who started in the Mets organization but only had success after leaving. These sometimes lesser told stories were interesting to me.

It’s an opinion book and so you can always make arguments. There’s no wrong answers of course, though I would have liked to add Al Leiter and am not sure where I would have landed with the fourth 80s Met (Darling, HoJo, Mookie?). But it is a fun gift book for Mets fans. ]]> 4.25 Mount Rushmore of the New York Mets: The Best Players by Decade to Wear the Orange and Blue
author: Brett Topel
name: Al
average rating: 4.25
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/02/28
date added: 2024/02/28
shelves:
review:

This book was a gift and I am guessing that is how most copies would be sold. It’s a fun if basic discussion that sports fans generally love

The idea of the book is to make a Rushmore of each decade. It then gives a profile of why each player chosen was chosen, though there is little or no discussion of those who might have just missed the cut. That makes it fun for nostalgia for old fans and some history for younger fans.

What I like about the book is that it also provides an alternate Rushmore for each decade- which is chosen by picking two hit prospects who never panned out and then two players who started in the Mets organization but only had success after leaving. These sometimes lesser told stories were interesting to me.

It’s an opinion book and so you can always make arguments. There’s no wrong answers of course, though I would have liked to add Al Leiter and am not sure where I would have landed with the fourth 80s Met (Darling, HoJo, Mookie?). But it is a fun gift book for Mets fans.
]]> <![CDATA[Arithmophobia: An Anthology of Mathematical Horror]]> 208925494



Whether you love mathematics or find it terrifying, this anthology of original tales of terror is sure to send a chill down your spine. With an unlucky thirteen brand new horror stories and a bonus poem in case any readers suffer from triskaidekaphobia, these pages combine the talents of some of the genre's most experienced award-winning practitioners of terror and some of the literary world's most promising new voices.




Featuring contributions by Elizabeth Massie, Miguel Fliguer, Mike Slater, Patrick Freivald, Liz Kaufman, Damon Nomad, Sarah Lazarz, Martin Zeigler, Josh Snider, Rivka Crowbourne, Joe Stout, Brian Knight, Wil Forbis, David Lee Summers, and Maxwell I. Gold.




These stories tell us of strange and horrifying new geometries, crazed and violent mathematicians, sentient and malevolent numbers, and even some new mathematical twists on some classic monsters. You needn't be a mathematician to experience these new forms of mathematical terror, though students of the discipline might recognize some familiar names and ideas lurking in the shadows.




So pull up a chair, dust off your abacus and slide rule, and prepare to experience...




Arithmophobia.]]> 254 Robert Lewis 1961827050 Al 0 to-read 3.62 Arithmophobia: An Anthology of Mathematical Horror
author: Robert Lewis
name: Al
average rating: 3.62
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/02/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[How to Fight Presidents: Defending Yourself Against the Badasses Who Ran This Country]]> 17857647
As a prisoner of war, Andrew Jackson walked several miles barefoot across state lines while suffering from smallpox and a serious head wound received when he refused to polish the boots of the soldiers who had taken him captive. He was thirteen years old. A few decades later, he became the first popularly elected president and served the nation, pausing briefly only to beat a would-be assassin with a cane to within an inch of his life. Theodore Roosevelt had asthma, was blind in one eye, survived multiple gunshot wounds, had only one regret (that there were no wars to fight under his presidency), and was the first U.S. president to win the Medal of Honor, which he did after he died. Faced with the choice, George Washington actually preferred the sound of bullets whizzing by his head in battle over the sound of silence.

And now these men—these hallowed leaders of the free world—want to kick your ass.

Plenty of historians can tell you which president had the most effective economic strategies, and which president helped shape our current political parties, but can any of them tell you what to do if you encounter Chester A. Arthur in a bare-knuckled boxing fight? This book will teach you how to be better, stronger, faster, and more deadly than the most powerful (and craziest) men in history. You’re welcome.]]> 255 Daniel O'Brien 038534757X Al 4 Ok, for starters, if you like the idea of this book, you will like it. If you think it’s silly, well you won’t.

Next, if I was younger, this might be my favorite book ever. But I am middle aged and probably should say it’s something by Harold Holzer, David McCullough or Doris Kearns Godwin but I do wish I had written this book.

The writer of this book was the brains behind Cracked.com and I don’t mean to suggest that it’s still not great, but it does feel like it was printed at a certain time. In this case, 2014, which was just a couple of years after books like “Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter� and his website’s peak years.

It’s still great. A mix of humor and some trivia. It probably helps to know a bit about the Presidents, but what a fun book. I mean it’s got inappropriate jokes, but somehow you should expect that.

Anyway, I enjoyed it a lot. He doesn’t tell you how to fight any living Presidents (because that’s kind of problematic) but if you enjoyed those Cracked articles that went viral a decade ago then it’s worth picking up. ]]> 4.11 2014 How to Fight Presidents: Defending Yourself Against the Badasses Who Ran This Country
author: Daniel O'Brien
name: Al
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2024/02/13
date added: 2024/02/13
shelves:
review:

Ok, for starters, if you like the idea of this book, you will like it. If you think it’s silly, well you won’t.

Next, if I was younger, this might be my favorite book ever. But I am middle aged and probably should say it’s something by Harold Holzer, David McCullough or Doris Kearns Godwin but I do wish I had written this book.

The writer of this book was the brains behind Cracked.com and I don’t mean to suggest that it’s still not great, but it does feel like it was printed at a certain time. In this case, 2014, which was just a couple of years after books like “Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter� and his website’s peak years.

It’s still great. A mix of humor and some trivia. It probably helps to know a bit about the Presidents, but what a fun book. I mean it’s got inappropriate jokes, but somehow you should expect that.

Anyway, I enjoyed it a lot. He doesn’t tell you how to fight any living Presidents (because that’s kind of problematic) but if you enjoyed those Cracked articles that went viral a decade ago then it’s worth picking up.
]]> <![CDATA[Swastika Nation: Fritz Kuhn and the Rise and Fall of the German-American Bund]]> 17286737
But while the American Nazi leadership dreamed oftheir Swastika Nation, an amalgamation of politicians, a rising legal star, an ego-charged newspaper columnist, and denizens of the criminal underworld utilized their respective means and muscle to bring down the movement and its dreams of a United Reich States.

Swastika Nation by Arnie Bernstein is a story of bad guys, good guys, and a few guys who fell somewhere in-between. The rise and fall of Fritz Kuhn and his German-American Bund at the hands of these disparate fighters is a sometimes funny, sometimes harrowing, and always compelling story from start to finish.


]]> 368 Arnie Bernstein 1250006716 Al 3
This person was not an intellectual giant but denying info that was easily available was particularly annoying. True, the Bund was a forgotten piece of American History but in the last few years has been explored on PBS, NPR and the History Channel, most famously on 2017s A Night At the Garden.

It’s an interesting “lost� history which led me to pick up this book.

The Bund formed out of some earlier German American groups, but really became a force when Fritz Kuhn became its leader.

Kuhn saw himself as an American Hitler. Born in Germany, he would state that he took part in the Munich Beer Hall Putsch (he likely didn’t), relocated to the United States, employed by Henry Ford.

Even as Kuhn’s fame grew and he traveled to Berlin to meet Hitler, the Bund were never really supported by the Nazis except in the most superficial of ways.

The Bund’s rise and fall was rapid -1936 to 1939. In less than 10 months from the date of the rally, Kuhn was being sentenced to prison for tax evasion and embezzlement. The entry of America into World War 2 in December of 1941 also bringing proceedings to an end.

There are some interesting side stories. Walter Winchell waging a war of words. Gangsters like Meyer Lansky and Mickey Cohen fighting an unofficial war against the Bund. Nazi “summer camps� in New Jersey and near Milwaukee. Fiorello LaGuardia and Tom Dewey also feature.

When Bernstein published this in 2013, he surely had no idea what was to come, only touching on David Duke, William Pierce and a few others, but his book does apply to the present environment.

For starters, Kuhn’s success was surely due to his charisma. Also, the far right audience was susceptible to plenty of hucksters (of which Kuhn was one). Lastly, far right Nazism disguised itself as American patriotism and found an enemy in a Jewish boogeyman.

It is a fascinating story of a lost part of American history. ]]> 3.67 2013 Swastika Nation: Fritz Kuhn and the Rise and Fall of the German-American Bund
author: Arnie Bernstein
name: Al
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2013
rating: 3
read at: 2024/02/07
date added: 2024/02/07
shelves:
review:
I try to avoid fights on the internet but a memorable one to me was against someone who didn’t believe that in 1939, 20000 members of an organization called the German American Bund held a rally in Madison Square Garden dwarfed by a picture of George Washington and Nazi Swastikas.

This person was not an intellectual giant but denying info that was easily available was particularly annoying. True, the Bund was a forgotten piece of American History but in the last few years has been explored on PBS, NPR and the History Channel, most famously on 2017s A Night At the Garden.

It’s an interesting “lost� history which led me to pick up this book.

The Bund formed out of some earlier German American groups, but really became a force when Fritz Kuhn became its leader.

Kuhn saw himself as an American Hitler. Born in Germany, he would state that he took part in the Munich Beer Hall Putsch (he likely didn’t), relocated to the United States, employed by Henry Ford.

Even as Kuhn’s fame grew and he traveled to Berlin to meet Hitler, the Bund were never really supported by the Nazis except in the most superficial of ways.

The Bund’s rise and fall was rapid -1936 to 1939. In less than 10 months from the date of the rally, Kuhn was being sentenced to prison for tax evasion and embezzlement. The entry of America into World War 2 in December of 1941 also bringing proceedings to an end.

There are some interesting side stories. Walter Winchell waging a war of words. Gangsters like Meyer Lansky and Mickey Cohen fighting an unofficial war against the Bund. Nazi “summer camps� in New Jersey and near Milwaukee. Fiorello LaGuardia and Tom Dewey also feature.

When Bernstein published this in 2013, he surely had no idea what was to come, only touching on David Duke, William Pierce and a few others, but his book does apply to the present environment.

For starters, Kuhn’s success was surely due to his charisma. Also, the far right audience was susceptible to plenty of hucksters (of which Kuhn was one). Lastly, far right Nazism disguised itself as American patriotism and found an enemy in a Jewish boogeyman.

It is a fascinating story of a lost part of American history.
]]> <![CDATA[Endgame: Bobby Fischer's Remarkable Rise and Fall—From America's Brightest Prodigy to the Edge of Madness]]> 8264505
At first all one noticed was how gifted Fischer was. Possessing a 181 I.Q. and remarkable powers of concentration, Bobby memorized hundreds of chess books in several languages, and he was only 13 when he became the youngest chess master in U.S. history. But his strange behavior started early. In 1972, at the historic Cold War showdown in Reykjavik, Iceland, where he faced Soviet champion Boris Spassky, Fischer made headlines with hundreds of petty demands that nearly ended the competition.

It was merely a prelude to what was to come.

Arriving back in the United States to a hero’s welcome, Bobby was mobbed wherever he went—a figure as exotic and improbable as any American pop culture had yet produced. No player of a mere “board game� had ever ascended to such heights. Commercial sponsorship offers poured in, ultimately topping $10 million—but Bobby demurred. Instead, he began tithing his limited money to an apocalyptic religion and devouring anti-Semitic literature.

After years of poverty and a stint living on Los Angeles� Skid Row, Bobby remerged in 1992 to play Spassky in a multi-million dollar rematch—but the experience only deepened a paranoia that had formed years earlier when he came to believe that the Soviets wanted him dead for taking away “their� title. When the dust settled, Bobby was a wanted man—transformed into an international fugitive because of his decision to play in Montenegro despite U.S. sanctions. Fearing for his life, traveling with bodyguards, and wearing a long leather coat to ward off knife attacks, Bobby lived the life of a celebrity fugitive � one drawn increasingly to the bizarre. Mafiosi, Nazis, odd attempts to breed an heir who could perpetuate his chess-genius DNA—all are woven into his late-life tapestry.

And yet, as Brady shows, the most notable irony of Bobby Fischer’s strange descent � which had reached full plummet by 2005 when he turned down yet another multi-million dollar payday—is that despite his incomprehensible behavior, there were many who remained fiercely loyal to him. Why that was so is at least partly the subject of this book—one that at last answers the “Who was Bobby Fischer?”]]> 402 Frank Brady 0307463907 Al 5 I picked this book up because it looked fascinating and had a lot of praise. I was a few years too late for his peak, but everyone knew Bobby Fischer as the greatest chess champion- who in the Cold War beat Boris Spassky.

No one would have guessed his life’s path. He became a JD Salinger style hermit before emerging once again to play Spassky in Yugoslavia in 1992. This match violated US Sanctions and led to Fischer not only becoming an emigre but appearing in the news periodically to badmouth his homeland. The end of his life being punctuated by a 2004 arrest in Japan and an exile in Iceland.

It’s probably human to want to try and explain this unusual life. I tend to think of Fischer in terms of Britney Spears and other childhood stars who reached a depth of fame before the age he could handle it

I can’t think of too many intellectual celebrities in recent years (which sounds like a problem) but I think of Ken Jennings who has not been without controversy but seemingly has been old and mature enough to deal with his fame.

There are a great deal of family problems and one wonders about mental health (bipolar? Paranoia?) and perhaps even those genius / insanity cliches. If nothing else, those issues of youth only compounded when he became an adult and removed himself from society.

The book does a great job of telling the story. The chess games are described in a way that is fascinating but not overdone with detail. Fischer rises through the ranks and the Cold War animosity is real.

The road culminates with Fischer famously winning the 1972 World Championship and becoming a celebrity but in the following years, never able to agree to terms to defend the title- the beginning of the unusual fall for a chess legend.

Fischer fascinates and Brady writes about him compellingly. The publishing promo states Brady whose paths crossed with Fischer at various times in his life was probably the only person who could do this story justice. Of note, there is at least one review of this book that takes offense to Brady’s claims of knowing the main subject.

I don’t know but Brady tells a compelling story and in the epilogue seems to detail how he got so much description into a book of such a reclusive subject.

It’s hard not to pity Fischer. Then there’s always the fact the Enfant Terrible might have been right in his thinking. To mishandle a cliche, just because he was paranoid, doesn’t mean FIDE wasn’t working against his best interest. Tragic hero is also cliche but he is at one hand - the man who made chess popular in the US. We also might see part of us in him and we can perhaps argue he wasn’t compensated fairly.

I dont intend to make excuses for his later life but we may recognize some people we know in him. I also can’t help but think he would be home in modern day Twitter.

A story that one can’t turn their eyes off of, written in a way that isn’t trivial nor laborious- that is as compelling as its subject was.

(In a weird coincidence, I have actually read both of Brady’s major books. His Orson Wells bio is a sprawling mess but the Fischer bio is definitely worth its plaudits)]]> 3.90 2011 Endgame: Bobby Fischer's Remarkable Rise and Fall—From America's Brightest Prodigy to the Edge of Madness
author: Frank Brady
name: Al
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2011
rating: 5
read at: 2024/02/06
date added: 2024/02/06
shelves:
review:

I picked this book up because it looked fascinating and had a lot of praise. I was a few years too late for his peak, but everyone knew Bobby Fischer as the greatest chess champion- who in the Cold War beat Boris Spassky.

No one would have guessed his life’s path. He became a JD Salinger style hermit before emerging once again to play Spassky in Yugoslavia in 1992. This match violated US Sanctions and led to Fischer not only becoming an emigre but appearing in the news periodically to badmouth his homeland. The end of his life being punctuated by a 2004 arrest in Japan and an exile in Iceland.

It’s probably human to want to try and explain this unusual life. I tend to think of Fischer in terms of Britney Spears and other childhood stars who reached a depth of fame before the age he could handle it

I can’t think of too many intellectual celebrities in recent years (which sounds like a problem) but I think of Ken Jennings who has not been without controversy but seemingly has been old and mature enough to deal with his fame.

There are a great deal of family problems and one wonders about mental health (bipolar? Paranoia?) and perhaps even those genius / insanity cliches. If nothing else, those issues of youth only compounded when he became an adult and removed himself from society.

The book does a great job of telling the story. The chess games are described in a way that is fascinating but not overdone with detail. Fischer rises through the ranks and the Cold War animosity is real.

The road culminates with Fischer famously winning the 1972 World Championship and becoming a celebrity but in the following years, never able to agree to terms to defend the title- the beginning of the unusual fall for a chess legend.

Fischer fascinates and Brady writes about him compellingly. The publishing promo states Brady whose paths crossed with Fischer at various times in his life was probably the only person who could do this story justice. Of note, there is at least one review of this book that takes offense to Brady’s claims of knowing the main subject.

I don’t know but Brady tells a compelling story and in the epilogue seems to detail how he got so much description into a book of such a reclusive subject.

It’s hard not to pity Fischer. Then there’s always the fact the Enfant Terrible might have been right in his thinking. To mishandle a cliche, just because he was paranoid, doesn’t mean FIDE wasn’t working against his best interest. Tragic hero is also cliche but he is at one hand - the man who made chess popular in the US. We also might see part of us in him and we can perhaps argue he wasn’t compensated fairly.

I dont intend to make excuses for his later life but we may recognize some people we know in him. I also can’t help but think he would be home in modern day Twitter.

A story that one can’t turn their eyes off of, written in a way that isn’t trivial nor laborious- that is as compelling as its subject was.

(In a weird coincidence, I have actually read both of Brady’s major books. His Orson Wells bio is a sprawling mess but the Fischer bio is definitely worth its plaudits)
]]> <![CDATA[K Blows Top: A Cold War Comic Interlude Starring Nikita Khrushchev, America's Most Unlikely Tourist]]> 6215352
Published for the fiftieth anniversary of the trip, K Blows Top is a work of history that reads like a Vonnegut novel. This cantankerous communist's road trip took place against the backdrop of the fifties in capitalist America, with the shadow of the hydrogen bomb hanging over his visit like the Sword of Damocles. As Khrushchev kept reminding people, he was a hot-tempered man who possessed the power to incinerate America.]]> 327 Peter Carlson 1586484974 Al 4 A book with this kind of “forgotten history� is right down my alley. It is subtitled a “comic interlude� and it really is a lightly comic story in the absurdity of politics that also is dropped in the deadly serious era of the Cold War.

In 1959, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev made a tour of the United States at the invitation of President Eisenhower. The image most of us have of Khrushchev is a dictator with a short temper and some unintentionally comic looks. This matches the image of the book, but Nikita was also very clever and intelligent. He loved verbally sparring with Richard Nixon and Henry Cabot Lodge.

It starts with Nixon’s trip to the Soviet Union and the famous Kitchen Debate, then gets into the trip which takes Khrushchev to Washington DC, California, Iowa, Pittsburgh, New York City and Camp David.

This leads to the unlikely scenario of the Soviet Premier at a Twentieth Century Fox luncheon crossing paths with Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra. Khrushchev wanted desperately to go to Disneyland but is unable to.

The fun fact for me is that I have stayed on the Roswell Garst farm in Western Iowa- one of the stops on the tour.

I really enjoyed the book which is a bit fun trivia, a bit political weirdness and a bit of real Cold War insight. It ends with Nikita returning to New York and his famous stint at the UN of banging his shoe on the table.

The only possible drawback being the story does get a bit heavy at times for an otherwise breezy story. But if this a topic that interests you, it is well worthwhile ]]> 4.01 2009 K Blows Top: A Cold War Comic Interlude Starring Nikita Khrushchev, America's Most Unlikely Tourist
author: Peter Carlson
name: Al
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2009
rating: 4
read at: 2024/01/24
date added: 2024/01/24
shelves:
review:

A book with this kind of “forgotten history� is right down my alley. It is subtitled a “comic interlude� and it really is a lightly comic story in the absurdity of politics that also is dropped in the deadly serious era of the Cold War.

In 1959, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev made a tour of the United States at the invitation of President Eisenhower. The image most of us have of Khrushchev is a dictator with a short temper and some unintentionally comic looks. This matches the image of the book, but Nikita was also very clever and intelligent. He loved verbally sparring with Richard Nixon and Henry Cabot Lodge.

It starts with Nixon’s trip to the Soviet Union and the famous Kitchen Debate, then gets into the trip which takes Khrushchev to Washington DC, California, Iowa, Pittsburgh, New York City and Camp David.

This leads to the unlikely scenario of the Soviet Premier at a Twentieth Century Fox luncheon crossing paths with Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra. Khrushchev wanted desperately to go to Disneyland but is unable to.

The fun fact for me is that I have stayed on the Roswell Garst farm in Western Iowa- one of the stops on the tour.

I really enjoyed the book which is a bit fun trivia, a bit political weirdness and a bit of real Cold War insight. It ends with Nikita returning to New York and his famous stint at the UN of banging his shoe on the table.

The only possible drawback being the story does get a bit heavy at times for an otherwise breezy story. But if this a topic that interests you, it is well worthwhile
]]> <![CDATA[Mississippi Nights: A History of The Music Club in St. Louis]]> 63898876 290 Garrett Enloe 1737203103 Al 5
Because it’s the nightclub I most associate with youth as well as probably the one where I saw the most bands, it is my ideal layout for seeing live music. Having been to many venues now, though I still stand by that

Then perhaps it just was, it entertained every genre of music and was both intimate and big enough for most national bands. Its parking lot the only place I can think of where I got into a fistfight as an adult.

I was shocked when the place was closed down to make room for a riverfront Casino space. I mean I understand, and even now, I am a bit shocked and disappointed all these years later.

The Enloes� book is the tribute the club needed. A colorful coffee table book filled with anecdotes and ticket stubs. It is near perfect in that its main issue is that it could just go on forever with stories.

As it stands, it’s probably the perfect size. The story of the St Louis music scene is woven throughout in a fair amount of detail. Author Garrett Enloe has a rather vanilla taste of FM Rock bands, but is smart enough to fill in some of the other genres with guest contributors

You will find unique stories throughout about Michael Stipe, Nirvana, Melissa Ethridge, Public Enemy, the Police and others. It is the nostalgia rush I needed. There’s also a reference of bands who played (I am pedantic so I noticed a couple of misses but it’s still nice to have).

I saw a wide variety of bands there - Cramps, Ramones, Gwar, My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult, Type O Negative and it was nice to see some of those names referenced.

My prime concert going years were 1993 to 2003 but the club ran from 1976 to 2007. The scope of a book like this is it likely won’t appeal outside of the St Louis area (I know there is probably a small secondary audience of people who just love musical venue history) but the club surely had the kind of impact that if you lived in the region and went there, this book will be meaningful

And if you do fine the club meaningful then this book nails that memory. I would love to see a sequel though it would be pointless (this is the book to own) though there’s still probably enough St Louis history, the Enloes could find other routes to explore]]> 4.64 Mississippi Nights: A History of The Music Club in St. Louis
author: Garrett Enloe
name: Al
average rating: 4.64
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/01/22
date added: 2024/01/22
shelves:
review:
Mississippi Nights was a nightclub in St Louis that closed this month 17 years ago.

Because it’s the nightclub I most associate with youth as well as probably the one where I saw the most bands, it is my ideal layout for seeing live music. Having been to many venues now, though I still stand by that

Then perhaps it just was, it entertained every genre of music and was both intimate and big enough for most national bands. Its parking lot the only place I can think of where I got into a fistfight as an adult.

I was shocked when the place was closed down to make room for a riverfront Casino space. I mean I understand, and even now, I am a bit shocked and disappointed all these years later.

The Enloes� book is the tribute the club needed. A colorful coffee table book filled with anecdotes and ticket stubs. It is near perfect in that its main issue is that it could just go on forever with stories.

As it stands, it’s probably the perfect size. The story of the St Louis music scene is woven throughout in a fair amount of detail. Author Garrett Enloe has a rather vanilla taste of FM Rock bands, but is smart enough to fill in some of the other genres with guest contributors

You will find unique stories throughout about Michael Stipe, Nirvana, Melissa Ethridge, Public Enemy, the Police and others. It is the nostalgia rush I needed. There’s also a reference of bands who played (I am pedantic so I noticed a couple of misses but it’s still nice to have).

I saw a wide variety of bands there - Cramps, Ramones, Gwar, My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult, Type O Negative and it was nice to see some of those names referenced.

My prime concert going years were 1993 to 2003 but the club ran from 1976 to 2007. The scope of a book like this is it likely won’t appeal outside of the St Louis area (I know there is probably a small secondary audience of people who just love musical venue history) but the club surely had the kind of impact that if you lived in the region and went there, this book will be meaningful

And if you do fine the club meaningful then this book nails that memory. I would love to see a sequel though it would be pointless (this is the book to own) though there’s still probably enough St Louis history, the Enloes could find other routes to explore
]]> <![CDATA[Ladies and Gentlemen, the Bronx is Burning: 1977, Baseball, Politics, and the Battle for the Soul of a City]]> 29389 A New York Times Notable Book of the Year

Scheduled for release in July 2007 as an ESPN original miniseries, starring John Turturro as Billy Martin, Oliver Platt as George Steinbrenner, and Daniel Sunjata as Reggie Jackson.

A kaleidoscopic portrait of New York City in 1977, The Bronx Is Burning is the story of two epic battles: the fight between Yankee Reggie Jackson and team manager Billy Martin, and the battle between Mario Cuomo and Ed Koch for the city's mayorship. Buried beneath these parallel conflicts--one for the soul of baseball, the other for the soul of the city--was the subtext of race.

Deftly intertwined by journalist Jonathan Mahler, these braided Big Apple narratives reverberate to reveal a year that also saw the opening of Studio 54, the acquisition of the New York Post by Rupert Murdoch, a murderer dubbed the "Son of Sam," the infamous blackout, and the evolution of punk rock. As Koch defeated Cuomo, and as Reggie Jackson rescued a team racked with dissension, 1977 became a year of survival--and also of hope.]]> 384 Jonathan Mahler 0312424302 Al 4
There was an ESPN minj series dramatization of the book which took some shots from critics but was quite good with John Turturro, Daniel Sanjata and Oliver Platt. But VH1 had NY77: The Coolest Year in Hell a couple of years after this book was published and of course there’s plenty of docs on the late 70s Yankees.

Which makes sense- there’s plenty to hear cover. Baseball was changing with free agency and Reggie Jackson -one of the most outspoken athletes signed a big contract with the Yankees. Meanwhile, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and Yankees manager Billy Martin were huge feuding personalities

There was also the summer blackout/power grid failure and the looting that followed, and this was also the summer of the Son of Sam murders- a seemingly random unstoppable force that was targeting couples in cars and sending taunting letters to the press.

The city is in bankruptcy and Mayor Abe Beame is challenged by Ed Koch, Mario Cuomo and the colorful liberal Bella Abzug

So it’s hard to beat the list of these colorful characters and the events of the year

The book is pretty dang perfect. Ostensibly, it’s advertised that it’s a book about the Yankees first of all, and that’s probably an issue if you are only here for one thing- as it bounces between baseball and social history.

I don’t think if you are not a sports fan, you would be too annoyed with that, but maybe you would.

Other reviewers mention the fact it swings back and forth but it doesn’t seem to be an issue for me

The only thing I would have added would have been nice to see what happened to everyone after the year was over. It’s not surprises (baseball fans will know Thurman Munson died in a 1979 plane accident) or you could hit Wikipedia to see what happened to Bess Myerson or how the David Berkowitz saga played out.

Still it’s a great story and a fascinating read]]> 4.11 2005 Ladies and Gentlemen, the Bronx is Burning: 1977, Baseball, Politics, and the Battle for the Soul of a City
author: Jonathan Mahler
name: Al
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at: 2023/12/14
date added: 2023/12/14
shelves:
review:
There is really only one problem with this book and that since it has come out, seemingly everyone has wrote about it.

There was an ESPN minj series dramatization of the book which took some shots from critics but was quite good with John Turturro, Daniel Sanjata and Oliver Platt. But VH1 had NY77: The Coolest Year in Hell a couple of years after this book was published and of course there’s plenty of docs on the late 70s Yankees.

Which makes sense- there’s plenty to hear cover. Baseball was changing with free agency and Reggie Jackson -one of the most outspoken athletes signed a big contract with the Yankees. Meanwhile, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and Yankees manager Billy Martin were huge feuding personalities

There was also the summer blackout/power grid failure and the looting that followed, and this was also the summer of the Son of Sam murders- a seemingly random unstoppable force that was targeting couples in cars and sending taunting letters to the press.

The city is in bankruptcy and Mayor Abe Beame is challenged by Ed Koch, Mario Cuomo and the colorful liberal Bella Abzug

So it’s hard to beat the list of these colorful characters and the events of the year

The book is pretty dang perfect. Ostensibly, it’s advertised that it’s a book about the Yankees first of all, and that’s probably an issue if you are only here for one thing- as it bounces between baseball and social history.

I don’t think if you are not a sports fan, you would be too annoyed with that, but maybe you would.

Other reviewers mention the fact it swings back and forth but it doesn’t seem to be an issue for me

The only thing I would have added would have been nice to see what happened to everyone after the year was over. It’s not surprises (baseball fans will know Thurman Munson died in a 1979 plane accident) or you could hit Wikipedia to see what happened to Bess Myerson or how the David Berkowitz saga played out.

Still it’s a great story and a fascinating read
]]> <![CDATA[The Three-Cornered War: The Union, the Confederacy, and Native Peoples in the Fight for the West]]> 51898894 A dramatic, riveting, and deeply researched narrative account of the epic struggle for the West during the Civil War, revealing a little-known, vastly important episode in American history.

In The Three-Cornered War Megan Kate Nelson reveals the fascinating history of the Civil War in the American West. Exploring the connections among the Civil War, the Indian wars, and western expansion, Nelson reframes the era as one of national conflict—involving not just the North and South, but also the West.

Against the backdrop of this larger series of battles, Nelson introduces nine individuals: John R. Baylor, a Texas legislator who established the Confederate Territory of Arizona; Louisa Hawkins Canby, a Union Army wife who nursed Confederate soldiers back to health in Santa Fe; James Carleton, a professional soldier who engineered campaigns against Navajos and Apaches; Kit Carson, a famous frontiersman who led a regiment of volunteers against the Texans, Navajos, Kiowas, and Comanches; Juanita, a Navajo weaver who resisted Union campaigns against her people; Bill Davidson, a soldier who fought in all of the Confederacy’s major battles in New Mexico; Alonzo Ickis, an Iowa-born gold miner who fought on the side of the Union; John Clark, a friend of Abraham Lincoln’s who embraced the Republican vision for the West as New Mexico’s surveyor-general; and Mangas Coloradas, a revered Chiricahua Apache chief who worked to expand Apache territory in Arizona.

As we learn how these nine charismatic individuals fought for self-determination and control of the region, we also see the importance of individual actions in the midst of a larger military conflict. The Three-Cornered War is a captivating history—based on letters and diaries, military records and oral histories, and photographs and maps from the time—that sheds light on a forgotten chapter of American history.]]> 352 Megan Kate Nelson 1501152548 Al 3 history, read-in-2023 This book is highly acclaimed (Pulitzer Prize finalist) and I get it, the book is irresistible- The time of the Civil War in the Western US- and three forces- The United States, the Confederacy and Native Americans

In some ways, the ambition of the books title is misleading. It is sort of a regional history of New Mexico and Arizona during the Civil War. Additionally, the book focuses on nine main characters and each chapter is assigned to one. While these characters are diverse and interesting, I think the book would have flowed better if it wasn’t boxed into that format.

While the book itself is very dry and dense inside, the overall theme is fantastic. This is history that generally doesn’t get covered and is very interesting. The book is a fairly short read in terms of page count. Also I recently binged Yellowstone and 1883 and I would definitely recommend it in conjunction for anyone looking to related reading because it’s perfect for that.

The first part of the book is interesting in that it covers some of the Confederacy’s ambitions in the early years of the Civil War, while the second focuses on the displacement and relocation of the Navjoes. Both topics are illuminating. The latter with post War cameos from William Sherman and Ulysses Grant. Additionally, Kit Carson features toward the beginning. ]]> 3.99 2020 The Three-Cornered War: The Union, the Confederacy, and Native Peoples in the Fight for the West
author: Megan Kate Nelson
name: Al
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2023/11/28
date added: 2023/11/28
shelves: history, read-in-2023
review:

This book is highly acclaimed (Pulitzer Prize finalist) and I get it, the book is irresistible- The time of the Civil War in the Western US- and three forces- The United States, the Confederacy and Native Americans

In some ways, the ambition of the books title is misleading. It is sort of a regional history of New Mexico and Arizona during the Civil War. Additionally, the book focuses on nine main characters and each chapter is assigned to one. While these characters are diverse and interesting, I think the book would have flowed better if it wasn’t boxed into that format.

While the book itself is very dry and dense inside, the overall theme is fantastic. This is history that generally doesn’t get covered and is very interesting. The book is a fairly short read in terms of page count. Also I recently binged Yellowstone and 1883 and I would definitely recommend it in conjunction for anyone looking to related reading because it’s perfect for that.

The first part of the book is interesting in that it covers some of the Confederacy’s ambitions in the early years of the Civil War, while the second focuses on the displacement and relocation of the Navjoes. Both topics are illuminating. The latter with post War cameos from William Sherman and Ulysses Grant. Additionally, Kit Carson features toward the beginning.
]]> <![CDATA[Death on the Nile (Hercule Poirot, #18)]]> 131359
Who is also on board? Christie's great detective Hercule Poirot is on holiday. He recalls an earlier outburst by a fellow passenger: ‘I’d like to put my dear little pistol against her head and just press the trigger.� Despite the exotic setting, nothing is ever quite what it seems…]]> 352 Agatha Christie Al 3 I have tried to add some Agatha Christie mysteries into my reading diet. I knew this was one of her most famous titles.

For me, this was a mix of good and bad. I loved the set up and I loved the ending. Those parts were very readable.

I do feel like the book went on too long and there were a lot of characters. I realize the more characters, the more possible suspects.

I also will concede that if Christie wasn’t the first mystery writer, she certainly was among the most influential and I think that also has to be bore in mind.

I do wish I loved this one a bit more but I did find it a fun read. ]]> 4.13 1937 Death on the Nile (Hercule Poirot, #18)
author: Agatha Christie
name: Al
average rating: 4.13
book published: 1937
rating: 3
read at: 2023/11/22
date added: 2023/11/22
shelves:
review:

I have tried to add some Agatha Christie mysteries into my reading diet. I knew this was one of her most famous titles.

For me, this was a mix of good and bad. I loved the set up and I loved the ending. Those parts were very readable.

I do feel like the book went on too long and there were a lot of characters. I realize the more characters, the more possible suspects.

I also will concede that if Christie wasn’t the first mystery writer, she certainly was among the most influential and I think that also has to be bore in mind.

I do wish I loved this one a bit more but I did find it a fun read.
]]> <![CDATA[We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy]]> 33916061
But the story of these present-day eight years is not just about presidential politics. This book also examines the new voices, ideas, and movements for justice that emerged over this period--and the effects of the persistent, haunting shadow of our nation's old and unreconciled history. Coates powerfully examines the events of the Obama era from his intimate and revealing perspective--the point of view of a young writer who begins the journey in an unemployment office in Harlem and ends it in the Oval Office, interviewing a president.

We Were Eight Years in Power features Coates's iconic essays first published in The Atlantic, including Fear of a Black President, The Case for Reparations and The Black Family in the Age of Mass Incarceration, along with eight fresh essays that revisit each year of the Obama administration through Coates's own experiences, observations, and intellectual development, capped by a bracingly original assessment of the election that fully illuminated the tragedy of the Obama era. We Were Eight Years in Power is a vital account of modern America, from one of the definitive voices of this historic moment.]]> 367 Ta-Nehisi Coates 0399590560 Al 5 read-in-2023
The phrase “We Were Eight Years In Power� is the seeming reference to the Obama administration, but is actually from the time of Reconstruction- the eight post Civil War years where numerous African Americans were elected at local, state, and national levels-which only lasted until the end of the era when via violence and racist laws, these elected officials were ousted.

It is also, of course, a reference to Obama. Coates gives us eight essays - one for each year of the administration as it happened- each with a forward on his thoughts since

Coates is a fantastic essayist. I was entertained and educated.

The book is filled with many angles on the discussion of race in America - some not easy - and in no particular order - reparations, redlining, Jim Crows laws, Incarceration, Malcolm X, Booker T Washington, Marcus Garvey, Michelle Obama, Bill Cosby, Daniel Patrick Monaghan and much more.

I don’t know that I can do it Justice but it will certainly make you think and reassess your thoughts. For sure, it’s not always the Conservative view on race, but the Liberal ones that need to be questioned hard. There are no easy answers in my mind, but Coates will make you see different views.

The discussions- reparations, housing, incarceration, Cosby’s “Pound Cake� activism- are necessary and intense.

Coates is a terrific essayist. By its nature, this kind of collection can get repetitive, though I didn’t feel like this often felt that way. Also, we get a peak on Coates life and that’s interesting too.]]> 4.37 2017 We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy
author: Ta-Nehisi Coates
name: Al
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2023/11/07
date added: 2023/11/07
shelves: read-in-2023
review:
This book was on my radar since it had such universal acclaim. That tracks since the second I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down.

The phrase “We Were Eight Years In Power� is the seeming reference to the Obama administration, but is actually from the time of Reconstruction- the eight post Civil War years where numerous African Americans were elected at local, state, and national levels-which only lasted until the end of the era when via violence and racist laws, these elected officials were ousted.

It is also, of course, a reference to Obama. Coates gives us eight essays - one for each year of the administration as it happened- each with a forward on his thoughts since

Coates is a fantastic essayist. I was entertained and educated.

The book is filled with many angles on the discussion of race in America - some not easy - and in no particular order - reparations, redlining, Jim Crows laws, Incarceration, Malcolm X, Booker T Washington, Marcus Garvey, Michelle Obama, Bill Cosby, Daniel Patrick Monaghan and much more.

I don’t know that I can do it Justice but it will certainly make you think and reassess your thoughts. For sure, it’s not always the Conservative view on race, but the Liberal ones that need to be questioned hard. There are no easy answers in my mind, but Coates will make you see different views.

The discussions- reparations, housing, incarceration, Cosby’s “Pound Cake� activism- are necessary and intense.

Coates is a terrific essayist. By its nature, this kind of collection can get repetitive, though I didn’t feel like this often felt that way. Also, we get a peak on Coates life and that’s interesting too.
]]> BRZRKR: Poetry of Madness #1 164751385
But a sickly king serves as a symbol for the rot inside, as the security and bliss created through B’s violence is shallow� The cracks created by a secret cult might spell a monstrous end for the legendary city, one beyond even B’s ability to save.

Renowned filmmaker and record-shattering comic creator Keanu Reeves joins acclaimed writer and artist Steve Skroce (Doctor Strange) for a one-shot special that fans of Lovecraftian horror would be mad to miss!]]> 54 Steve Skroce Al 1 In 1995, Garth Ennis wrote a book called The Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe- an over the top one shot story that does what it says on the cover. Almost 30 years later, it has been republished on the regular, Ennis has given us an extremely over the top yet somehow now mainstream story in The Boys, and Mark Millar and others have continued to push comics to the extreme.

Poetry of Madness is the BRZRKR one shot prequel maybe no one asked for. It is also BRZRKR destroys everything

Steve Skroce replaces the creative team of Matt Kindt and Ron Garney. BRZRKR is always a tough sell because it’s such a generic action adventure. Mike Mignola has been tossing off better stories and he should be out of ideas by now. Jim Zub and Jason Aaron have been bringing fresh ideas to Conan, of all characters.

Kindt did bring some sense of nuance to the story. There no nuance in Poetry of Madness, which is I guess is the point. I do really like Skroce’s art which looks very Keanu-istic. I mean most of the art is just pretty mindless and senseless gore but at least it’s well rendered gore.

This got really good reviews online. I’m not saying BRZRKR can’t or shouldn’t be silly, but this wasn’t really for me. It really felt like Ennis’s throw away stuff like Crossed he did for Avatar press. There really isn’t any nuance at all here, though maybe that will be the appeal for some. ]]> 3.66 2023 BRZRKR: Poetry of Madness #1
author: Steve Skroce
name: Al
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2023
rating: 1
read at:
date added: 2023/11/02
shelves:
review:

In 1995, Garth Ennis wrote a book called The Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe- an over the top one shot story that does what it says on the cover. Almost 30 years later, it has been republished on the regular, Ennis has given us an extremely over the top yet somehow now mainstream story in The Boys, and Mark Millar and others have continued to push comics to the extreme.

Poetry of Madness is the BRZRKR one shot prequel maybe no one asked for. It is also BRZRKR destroys everything

Steve Skroce replaces the creative team of Matt Kindt and Ron Garney. BRZRKR is always a tough sell because it’s such a generic action adventure. Mike Mignola has been tossing off better stories and he should be out of ideas by now. Jim Zub and Jason Aaron have been bringing fresh ideas to Conan, of all characters.

Kindt did bring some sense of nuance to the story. There no nuance in Poetry of Madness, which is I guess is the point. I do really like Skroce’s art which looks very Keanu-istic. I mean most of the art is just pretty mindless and senseless gore but at least it’s well rendered gore.

This got really good reviews online. I’m not saying BRZRKR can’t or shouldn’t be silly, but this wasn’t really for me. It really felt like Ennis’s throw away stuff like Crossed he did for Avatar press. There really isn’t any nuance at all here, though maybe that will be the appeal for some.
]]> BRZRKR, Volume 3 70056237 The final chapter of the epic immortal saga by Keanu Reeves that’s sold over a million copies!

In the final volume of the record-shattering series, uncover the ancient mysteries of our anti-hero’s origins and his final fate! As B.’s full fury is unleashed, a new discovery promises to bring the answers he’s been seeking for centuries. But as the team travels to finally uncover the mysteries of B.’s birth, is he finally near the end of his fatal goal, or will his violent efforts be in vain? Written by the iconic Keanu Reeves and New York Times bestselling writer Matt Kindt (Folklords, Grass Kings), and illustrated by acclaimed artist Ron Garney (Wolverine, Captain America), the final epically brutal chapter unfolds, soon to be adapted for Netflix!

Collects BRZRKR #9-12.]]> 144 Keanu Reeves 1684157129 Al 2 The finale to the Keanu Reeves opus BRZRKR is�. An ending.

I have to admit this was a guilty pleasure read but it’s not a bad little action read.

Despite the less than stellar reviews, the finale was not bad. I assume that Kindt added a bit of nuance in Reeves’s plot. BRZRKR isn’t all that much different than most of what is on the comic shelf- Mark Millars over the top ultraviolence, Mike Mignola’s mix of noir and horror, and the always popular Conan/Kull derivatives and maybe even a bit of Brian Michael Bendis’s too clever ambitions.

It isn’t a bad story. It’s just a common story. I have read the criticism that we don’t get any answers at the end and it’s just a start of a new arc. In theory, I would be ok even if that was the case, but I have to admit that’s where things go off the rails for this volume.

The action and momentum this volume starts off is wasted on the ending. I have no regerts but I suppose that’s my overall opinion on the series- moments of brilliance that never quite come together satisfactorily. There is already a next issue which replaces Kindt and Garney with writer/artist Steve Skroce]]> 3.35 2023 BRZRKR, Volume 3
author: Keanu Reeves
name: Al
average rating: 3.35
book published: 2023
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2023/10/31
shelves:
review:

The finale to the Keanu Reeves opus BRZRKR is�. An ending.

I have to admit this was a guilty pleasure read but it’s not a bad little action read.

Despite the less than stellar reviews, the finale was not bad. I assume that Kindt added a bit of nuance in Reeves’s plot. BRZRKR isn’t all that much different than most of what is on the comic shelf- Mark Millars over the top ultraviolence, Mike Mignola’s mix of noir and horror, and the always popular Conan/Kull derivatives and maybe even a bit of Brian Michael Bendis’s too clever ambitions.

It isn’t a bad story. It’s just a common story. I have read the criticism that we don’t get any answers at the end and it’s just a start of a new arc. In theory, I would be ok even if that was the case, but I have to admit that’s where things go off the rails for this volume.

The action and momentum this volume starts off is wasted on the ending. I have no regerts but I suppose that’s my overall opinion on the series- moments of brilliance that never quite come together satisfactorily. There is already a next issue which replaces Kindt and Garney with writer/artist Steve Skroce
]]> <![CDATA[Rabbit's Bad Habits (Rabbit and Bear, #1)]]> 28537964
A tale of friendship, gravity, and just a little bit of poo.]]> 112 Julian Gough 1444929313 Al 2
And my seven year old thought it was funny. Just be warned before buying. It certainly was not what I expected (and it is much loved). I just probably wouldn’t have picked it up if I knew before ]]> 4.11 2016 Rabbit's Bad Habits (Rabbit and Bear, #1)
author: Julian Gough
name: Al
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2016
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2023/10/28
shelves:
review:
On one hand, this book has great life lessons. On the other hand, it’s pretty crude and a lot of poop and toilet humor. My knee jerk is to drop the series due to the latter but the former probably justifies continuing.

And my seven year old thought it was funny. Just be warned before buying. It certainly was not what I expected (and it is much loved). I just probably wouldn’t have picked it up if I knew before
]]> <![CDATA[They Bled Blue: Fernandomania, Strike-Season Mayhem, and the Weirdest Championship Baseball Had Ever Seen: The 1981 Los Angeles Dodgers]]> 40796186
In the Halberstam tradition of capturing a season through its unforgettable figures, They Bled Blue is a sprawling, mad tale of excess and exuberance, the likes of which could only have occurred in that place, at that time. That it culminated in an unlikely World Series win—during a campaign split by the longest player strike in baseball history—is not even the most interesting thing about this team. The Dodgers were led by the garrulous Tommy Lasorda—part manager, part cheerleader—who unyieldingly proclaimed devotion to the franchise through monologues about bleeding Dodger blue and worshiping the “Big Dodger in the Sky,� and whose office hosted a regular stream of Hollywood celebrities. Steve Garvey, the All-American, All-Star first baseman, had anchored the most durable infield in major league history, and, along with Davey Lopes, Bill Russell, and Ron Cey, was glaringly aware that 1981 would represent the end of their run together. The season’s real story, however, was one that nobody expected at the a chubby lefthander nearly straight out of Mexico, twenty years old with a wild delivery and a screwball as his flippin� out pitch. The Dodgers had been trying for decades to find a Hispanic star to activate the local Mexican population; Fernando Valenzuela was the first to succeed, and it didn’t take long for Fernandomania to sweep far beyond the boundaries of Chavez Ravine.

They Bled Blue is the rollicking yarn of the Los Angeles Dodgers� crazy 1981 season.]]> 384 Jason Turbow 1328715531 Al 4
It is also a weird year for baseball. I will get to that in a minute, but I want to start with Fernando mania.

Fernando Valenzuela is one of the most memorable moments of baseball in my lifetime. He came from literally nowhere to become the most dominant pitcher in baseball for a time. He didn’t particularly look like an athlete. His upbringing made him an atypical interview. His eyes-to-the-sky delivery was so memorable that it is still the way I picture a wind-up though most pitchers don’t use a style like that these days.

The excitement around Valenzuela is rivaled by a rare few.

It was also the year of Baseball’s labor outage split season. Because of that, Major League baseball did a one time playoff system that pitted the first half winner versus the second half of the season winner.

It’s not particularly a good idea if you are a Cardinals fan (they won more games than everyone else but couldn’t play in the playoffs due to their two second place finishes) but at least they won in 1982

I think it’s a particularly interesting idea for baseball to consider as they continually rethink their system (though unlikely this alternative would ever be chosen)

The 1981 Dodgers are memorable to me. They were largely the same group that lost the World Series in 1974, 1977 and 1978

In fact, there’s so much written on those 77 and 78 games with the Yankees, that this group are overshadowed

The Dodgers infield though are baseball icons. The true definition of the whole being better than the sum of the parts. And the opposite of what a kid like I would assume - not particularly fond of each other.

The book is Dodger centric as it should be. But there are some all time interesting personalities- Tommy Lasorda, Steve Garvey, Jay Johnstone, Valenzuela and more.

I even remember the Big Blue Wrecking Crew - the four Dodgers who sang “We are the Champions� on Solid Gold and the talk shows (a good four years before the Super Bowl Shuffle). I thought signing baseball players were cool. You can go search on YouTube and see how wrong I was.

The Dodgers surprisingly didn’t stick together and given the amazing farm system fell to diminishing returns in the 80s which makes for a weird coda.

This is is one of the top baseball books I read. There is a lot of trivia in it too. To the point, that it does get a bit dense. I know that’s small criticism as this is a pretty fun book.]]> 4.25 They Bled Blue: Fernandomania, Strike-Season Mayhem, and the Weirdest Championship Baseball Had Ever Seen: The 1981 Los Angeles Dodgers
author: Jason Turbow
name: Al
average rating: 4.25
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2023/10/17
date added: 2023/10/17
shelves:
review:
As a baseball fan, 1981 is really ground zero for me. Though I vaguely recall the 1980 World Series, 1981 is really where my fandom began.

It is also a weird year for baseball. I will get to that in a minute, but I want to start with Fernando mania.

Fernando Valenzuela is one of the most memorable moments of baseball in my lifetime. He came from literally nowhere to become the most dominant pitcher in baseball for a time. He didn’t particularly look like an athlete. His upbringing made him an atypical interview. His eyes-to-the-sky delivery was so memorable that it is still the way I picture a wind-up though most pitchers don’t use a style like that these days.

The excitement around Valenzuela is rivaled by a rare few.

It was also the year of Baseball’s labor outage split season. Because of that, Major League baseball did a one time playoff system that pitted the first half winner versus the second half of the season winner.

It’s not particularly a good idea if you are a Cardinals fan (they won more games than everyone else but couldn’t play in the playoffs due to their two second place finishes) but at least they won in 1982

I think it’s a particularly interesting idea for baseball to consider as they continually rethink their system (though unlikely this alternative would ever be chosen)

The 1981 Dodgers are memorable to me. They were largely the same group that lost the World Series in 1974, 1977 and 1978

In fact, there’s so much written on those 77 and 78 games with the Yankees, that this group are overshadowed

The Dodgers infield though are baseball icons. The true definition of the whole being better than the sum of the parts. And the opposite of what a kid like I would assume - not particularly fond of each other.

The book is Dodger centric as it should be. But there are some all time interesting personalities- Tommy Lasorda, Steve Garvey, Jay Johnstone, Valenzuela and more.

I even remember the Big Blue Wrecking Crew - the four Dodgers who sang “We are the Champions� on Solid Gold and the talk shows (a good four years before the Super Bowl Shuffle). I thought signing baseball players were cool. You can go search on YouTube and see how wrong I was.

The Dodgers surprisingly didn’t stick together and given the amazing farm system fell to diminishing returns in the 80s which makes for a weird coda.

This is is one of the top baseball books I read. There is a lot of trivia in it too. To the point, that it does get a bit dense. I know that’s small criticism as this is a pretty fun book.
]]> <![CDATA[The Dragonet Prophecy (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel, #1)]]> 35238083 224 Tui T. Sutherland 0545942152 Al 5 4.26 2018 The Dragonet Prophecy (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel, #1)
author: Tui T. Sutherland
name: Al
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2023/10/07
shelves:
review:
My kids are loving this graphic novel series (there are novels too) so if you are asking my 7 and 10 year olds opinion- then it’s great. I mean Dragons are a constant hit and this is done pretty well I think
]]> <![CDATA[Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story]]> 61065813 Bono--artist, activist, and the lead singer of Irish rock band U2--has written a memoir: honest and irreverent, intimate and profound, Surrender is the story of the remarkable life he's lived, the challenges he's faced, and the friends and family who have shaped and sustained him.

"When I started to write this book, I was hoping to draw in detail what I'd previously only sketched in songs. The people, places, and possibilities in my life. Surrender is a word freighted with meaning for me. Growing up in Ireland in the seventies with my fists up (musically speaking), it was not a natural concept. A word I only circled until I gathered my thoughts for the book. I am still grappling with this most humbling of commands. In the band, in my marriage, in my faith, in my life as an activist. Surrender is the story of one pilgrim's lack of progress ... With a fair amount of fun along the way." --Bono

As one of the music world's most iconic artists and the cofounder of the organizations ONE and (RED), Bono's career has been written about extensively. But in Surrender, it's Bono who picks up the pen, writing for the first time about his remarkable life and those he has shared it with. In his unique voice, Bono takes us from his early days growing up in Dublin, including the sudden loss of his mother when he was fourteen, to U2's unlikely journey to become one of the world's most influential rock bands, to his more than twenty years of activism dedicated to the fight against AIDS and extreme poverty. Writing with candor, self-reflection, and humor, Bono opens the aperture on his life--and the family, friends, and faith that have sustained, challenged, and shaped him.

Surrender's subtitle, 40 Songs, One Story, is a nod to the book's forty chapters, which are each named after a U2 song. Bono has also created forty original drawings for Surrender, which appear throughout the book.]]> 564 Bono 0525521046 Al 4
The first pages of the book open up with a lot of purple prose but after it settles down to standard bio after 20 pages or so, it isn’t so bad. The end of the book is similarly appended with two dozen unnecessary pages.

I wasn’t sure what I expected, but Bono is a good storyteller in that he is probably the most relatable human Everyman musician.

He’s not dramatic like Nick Cave or poetic like Leonard Cohen or angry like John Lydon. Perhaps that is what made U2 so good.

The U2 story has been covered in depth for years, so fans won’t find anything much new. Still, if you find yourself as someone who relates to Bono, you probably won’t mind.

A 45 year career is a lot for one book. Especially as the 20th Century U2 was a music entity and the 21st Century U2 is largely a political entity. Both are interesting and important but it’s a lot to fit in.

I think most people would agree that the book could use some trimming. Maybe Bono doesn’t need to add all 500+ pages of his thoughts. But otherwise, I have no real complaints and while the political stuff won’t interest everyone, it does interest me.

As interesting as the band’s interactions with Presidents Clinton and Obama are, it’s the interaction with the Bushes (and lack of interaction with Trump) that is most interesting.

As an aside, I hate the cover, which is pretentious and awful. I hate the 40 song tie in- which is a reference to the chapters which seems unnecessary. I also think the associated CD where Bono and Edge (largely without the rhythm section) redo their classic songs is an incredibly boring piece of art.]]> 4.19 2022 Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story
author: Bono
name: Al
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2023/09/08
date added: 2023/09/08
shelves: music, read-in-2023, biography
review:
Surrender is surely a bit of a Rorschach Test for what you think of Bono. I am a huge fan, bordering often on obsessed, so of course I loved it. But if you find Bono pompous or arrogant or just plain annoying, this won’t change that. And most people probably fall somewhere in between, and will find this a mixed bag.

The first pages of the book open up with a lot of purple prose but after it settles down to standard bio after 20 pages or so, it isn’t so bad. The end of the book is similarly appended with two dozen unnecessary pages.

I wasn’t sure what I expected, but Bono is a good storyteller in that he is probably the most relatable human Everyman musician.

He’s not dramatic like Nick Cave or poetic like Leonard Cohen or angry like John Lydon. Perhaps that is what made U2 so good.

The U2 story has been covered in depth for years, so fans won’t find anything much new. Still, if you find yourself as someone who relates to Bono, you probably won’t mind.

A 45 year career is a lot for one book. Especially as the 20th Century U2 was a music entity and the 21st Century U2 is largely a political entity. Both are interesting and important but it’s a lot to fit in.

I think most people would agree that the book could use some trimming. Maybe Bono doesn’t need to add all 500+ pages of his thoughts. But otherwise, I have no real complaints and while the political stuff won’t interest everyone, it does interest me.

As interesting as the band’s interactions with Presidents Clinton and Obama are, it’s the interaction with the Bushes (and lack of interaction with Trump) that is most interesting.

As an aside, I hate the cover, which is pretentious and awful. I hate the 40 song tie in- which is a reference to the chapters which seems unnecessary. I also think the associated CD where Bono and Edge (largely without the rhythm section) redo their classic songs is an incredibly boring piece of art.
]]> <![CDATA[The Last Miracle: My 18-Year Journey with the Amazin' New York Mets]]> 62997397
The lefty first baseman known as "Steady Eddie" made his major-league debut at age 17 during the team's inaugural season and would eventually depart, nearly two decades later, with his name written throughout the franchise's record books.

In this definitive autobiography, Kranepool shares a remarkable life story, including early years playing stickball in the streets of the Bronx, the growing pains the Mets endured as an expansion club, his offseasons working as a New York stockbroker, and of course the miracle 1969 season that ended in an unforgettable World Series victory.

He also opens up about the personal miracle which came 50 years after that famous a lifesaving kidney transplant made possible by a Mets fan donor. A month after the surgery, Kranepool threw out the first pitch at Citi Field and boldly offered his services as a pinch hitter.

Affable, open, and brimming with knowledge of the game, this thoroughly New York tale will delight baseball fans in Queens and beyond.]]> 256 Ed Kranepool 1637272707 Al 4 There have been more than a few books written by or about the members of the 1969 Mets- the so called “Miracle� year where the worst team in baseball turned it around.

Ed Kranepool was a member of that team, but more than that, he was a member of the Mets for 18 seasons.

So, yes there’s 1969 content and 1973 content- another year where the Mets had a near miraculous season. But Kranepool had an interesting career -all with the New York Mets so he covers the stuff everyone talks about but the rough years too.

Kranepool joined the brand new Mets who were the historically worst team ever in baseball in 1962, played through the rise of the team being competitive and then the late 70s after the deaths of Manager Gil Hodges and owner Joan Payson to the days of bad mismanagement and terrible ownership decisions

Kranepool’s career similarly has moments of being a youthful phenom, an All Star and then playing mostly as a backup for a list of star players who came through the organization

So this book is specifically for Mets fans, but the truth is that it’s a great baseball book because of the highs and lows, and Kranepool is a great story teller.

The book does tell about all of his aspects of his life including his recent medical issues, but it’s a nice mix of always being readable and not overstaying its welcome.

Kranepool mentions a few people he didn’t get along with, so he’s probably not always right about everything but he is a great narrator and the book is a must read for Mets fans.



]]> 4.12 The Last Miracle: My 18-Year Journey with the Amazin' New York Mets
author: Ed Kranepool
name: Al
average rating: 4.12
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2023/08/25
date added: 2023/08/25
shelves:
review:

There have been more than a few books written by or about the members of the 1969 Mets- the so called “Miracle� year where the worst team in baseball turned it around.

Ed Kranepool was a member of that team, but more than that, he was a member of the Mets for 18 seasons.

So, yes there’s 1969 content and 1973 content- another year where the Mets had a near miraculous season. But Kranepool had an interesting career -all with the New York Mets so he covers the stuff everyone talks about but the rough years too.

Kranepool joined the brand new Mets who were the historically worst team ever in baseball in 1962, played through the rise of the team being competitive and then the late 70s after the deaths of Manager Gil Hodges and owner Joan Payson to the days of bad mismanagement and terrible ownership decisions

Kranepool’s career similarly has moments of being a youthful phenom, an All Star and then playing mostly as a backup for a list of star players who came through the organization

So this book is specifically for Mets fans, but the truth is that it’s a great baseball book because of the highs and lows, and Kranepool is a great story teller.

The book does tell about all of his aspects of his life including his recent medical issues, but it’s a nice mix of always being readable and not overstaying its welcome.

Kranepool mentions a few people he didn’t get along with, so he’s probably not always right about everything but he is a great narrator and the book is a must read for Mets fans.




]]> <![CDATA[Classic Restaurants of Des Moines and Their Recipes (American Palate)]]> 54362331 208 Darcy Dougherty-Maulsby 1467145459 Al 4 read-in-2023, gift-book, iowa
This was a gift, but I really enjoyed it. I am someone who moved to Des Moines so much of this was new to me - and right or wrong- the focus is largely on defunct restaurants, with most info on current restaurants just quickly appended at the end

The chapters are grouped by topic and I think that works well. It covers a few interesting personalities- Ronald Reagan, Ruthie Bisigiano (bartender turned feminist icon whose name became the best selling Exile Brewing Beer), the colorful Babe Bisigano- boxer turned bootlegger turned respected restauranter and Edna Griffin- the civil rights pioneer who predated Rosa Parks.

There are certain things that are iconic and specific to the area- Steak de Burgo, The Younkers Tea Room and the Caucuses. As other reviewers have mentioned- the book pulls a lot from the Lost Des Moines Facebook page, Bill Bryson’s “Adventure of the Thunderbolt Kid�, interviews and newspaper clippings. I don’t think this is a bad thing because it does capture the right amount of info.

Living the last 20 years in Des Moines, there were only a couple of things I remembered, as the book is largely focused on 20th Century Des Moines.

Also, as advertised, there are recipes which is a nice touch. I worry about books like this that they won’t have enough content for the money, but I felt satisfied here.

If you are interested in this topic, then it is very much worthwhile.]]> 3.93 Classic Restaurants of Des Moines and Their Recipes (American Palate)
author: Darcy Dougherty-Maulsby
name: Al
average rating: 3.93
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2023/08/08
date added: 2023/08/08
shelves: read-in-2023, gift-book, iowa
review:
The audience for this book is admittedly limited but if you are interested in Des Moines history or Iowa history or I suppose Midwestern cuisine history, it is worthwhile

This was a gift, but I really enjoyed it. I am someone who moved to Des Moines so much of this was new to me - and right or wrong- the focus is largely on defunct restaurants, with most info on current restaurants just quickly appended at the end

The chapters are grouped by topic and I think that works well. It covers a few interesting personalities- Ronald Reagan, Ruthie Bisigiano (bartender turned feminist icon whose name became the best selling Exile Brewing Beer), the colorful Babe Bisigano- boxer turned bootlegger turned respected restauranter and Edna Griffin- the civil rights pioneer who predated Rosa Parks.

There are certain things that are iconic and specific to the area- Steak de Burgo, The Younkers Tea Room and the Caucuses. As other reviewers have mentioned- the book pulls a lot from the Lost Des Moines Facebook page, Bill Bryson’s “Adventure of the Thunderbolt Kid�, interviews and newspaper clippings. I don’t think this is a bad thing because it does capture the right amount of info.

Living the last 20 years in Des Moines, there were only a couple of things I remembered, as the book is largely focused on 20th Century Des Moines.

Also, as advertised, there are recipes which is a nice touch. I worry about books like this that they won’t have enough content for the money, but I felt satisfied here.

If you are interested in this topic, then it is very much worthwhile.
]]> Star Wars: Jedi Academy 42293290 160 Jeffrey Brown 1338552554 Al 5
A lot of fandoms ruin things, and Star Wars, though I love it, is not an exception

So, don’t take it seriously.

If you are worried about it being canon, just grab a Timothy Zahn book and re-read it

But this is light and funny. I mean it is absolutely “Diary of A Wimpy Kid� with lightsabers. I’m not the target audience for this. You are not the target audience for this. Your mileage will vary on how much the idea of “Diary� meets Star Wars appeals to you. ]]> 4.25 2013 Star Wars: Jedi Academy
author: Jeffrey Brown
name: Al
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2023/08/02
shelves:
review:
My nine year old loves this series. I have only read this one but I enjoyed it. It really is “Diary of a Wimpy Jedi�

A lot of fandoms ruin things, and Star Wars, though I love it, is not an exception

So, don’t take it seriously.

If you are worried about it being canon, just grab a Timothy Zahn book and re-read it

But this is light and funny. I mean it is absolutely “Diary of A Wimpy Kid� with lightsabers. I’m not the target audience for this. You are not the target audience for this. Your mileage will vary on how much the idea of “Diary� meets Star Wars appeals to you.
]]> Where the Crawdads Sing 36809135
But Kya is not what they say. A born naturalist with just one day of school, she takes life's lessons from the land, learning the real ways of the world from the dishonest signals of fireflies. But while she has the skills to live in solitude forever, the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. Drawn to two young men from town, who are each intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new and startling world—until the unthinkable happens.

In Where the Crawdads Sing, Owens juxtaposes an exquisite ode to the natural world against a profound coming of age story and haunting mystery. Thought-provoking, wise, and deeply moving, Owens’s debut novel reminds us that we are forever shaped by the child within us, while also subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps.

The story asks how isolation influences the behavior of a young woman, who like all of us, has the genetic propensity to belong to a group. The clues to the mystery are brushed into the lush habitat and natural histories of its wild creatures.]]> 384 Delia Owens 0735219117 Al 3
Here’s what I liked. First, it is ambitious. It is Owens shot at the Great American Novel. In the 21st Century, the Great American Novel is something that brings in the elements of To Kill A Mockingbird but also needs to seem fresh to someone who has experienced a life time of Grisham books, the Hunger Games, the Poisonwood Bible, the Twilight novels and a Netflix subscription that they use regularly.

And I think Owens does that

It is a very striking book whose characters, setting and plot are head and shoulders over much fiction.

It really held my interest and I really enjoyed it. It felt very familiar but it never felt like it wasn’t an original story

From the reviews, one negative I have seen is the suspension of disbelief

I didn’t have a problem with that and I usually don’t. But I know some people are worried that way, and the major setup of the story really expects some huge jumps in logic.

The other complaint is that some readers said that Owens should do more “showing than telling�. I really didn’t experience that until the end.

I know there were some complaints that the book jumped genres, but I actually thought that was a benefit to the book and the way it told the story worked well for me.

I was wondering how the book would finish with such a great build up. I wasn’t necessarily disappointed in the ending but it did feel like Owens just kind of threw everything at the wall at the end.

At least that’s my opinion. Owens did a nice job of balancing the expected tropes and keeping the reader guessing and the ending felt like a downpour of cliche. It didn’t ruin the book at all, but I felt it was unnecessary and didn’t add any satisfaction.

So my verdict is that I did really like the book. Of course, I have since read the Owens news topic which just gives the whole thing a new spin. It is certainly one of the most unexpected postscripts one could expect]]> 4.35 2018 Where the Crawdads Sing
author: Delia Owens
name: Al
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2023/07/18
date added: 2023/07/18
shelves:
review:
One of the most discussed books of recent years is Where the Crawdads Sing and yes, I do occasionally have to check out the buzz book.

Here’s what I liked. First, it is ambitious. It is Owens shot at the Great American Novel. In the 21st Century, the Great American Novel is something that brings in the elements of To Kill A Mockingbird but also needs to seem fresh to someone who has experienced a life time of Grisham books, the Hunger Games, the Poisonwood Bible, the Twilight novels and a Netflix subscription that they use regularly.

And I think Owens does that

It is a very striking book whose characters, setting and plot are head and shoulders over much fiction.

It really held my interest and I really enjoyed it. It felt very familiar but it never felt like it wasn’t an original story

From the reviews, one negative I have seen is the suspension of disbelief

I didn’t have a problem with that and I usually don’t. But I know some people are worried that way, and the major setup of the story really expects some huge jumps in logic.

The other complaint is that some readers said that Owens should do more “showing than telling�. I really didn’t experience that until the end.

I know there were some complaints that the book jumped genres, but I actually thought that was a benefit to the book and the way it told the story worked well for me.

I was wondering how the book would finish with such a great build up. I wasn’t necessarily disappointed in the ending but it did feel like Owens just kind of threw everything at the wall at the end.

At least that’s my opinion. Owens did a nice job of balancing the expected tropes and keeping the reader guessing and the ending felt like a downpour of cliche. It didn’t ruin the book at all, but I felt it was unnecessary and didn’t add any satisfaction.

So my verdict is that I did really like the book. Of course, I have since read the Owens news topic which just gives the whole thing a new spin. It is certainly one of the most unexpected postscripts one could expect
]]> <![CDATA[A Field Guide to the Jewish People: Who They Are, Where They Come From, What to Feed Them…and Much More. Maybe Too Much More]]> 45186168 From three award-winning and bestselling humor writers comes a hilarious guide to everything you need to know about Jewish history, holidays, and traditions. Why do random Jewish holidays keep springing up unexpectedly? Why are yarmulkes round? Who was the first Jewish comedian? What's "Christian humor" and have you ever even heard of that phrase? Who is "the Golem" and whom do you want it to beat up?These baffling questions and many more are answered by comedy legends Dave Barry, Adam Mansbach, and Alan Zweibel, two-thirds of whom are Jewish. In A Field Guide to the Jewish People the authors dissect every holiday, rite of passage, and tradition, unravel a long and complicated history, and tackle the tough questions that have plagued Jews and non-Jews alike for centuries.Combining the sweetness of an apricot rugelach with the wisdom of a matzoh ball, this is the last book on Judaism that you will ever need. So gather up your chosen ones, open a bottle of Manischewitz, and get ready to laugh as you finally begin to understand the inner-workings of Judaism.]]> 237 Dave Barry 1250191971 Al 5 I have to admit that this caught my eye. I grew up a big Dave Barry fan and I know that while he isn’t quite retired, he doesn’t write as often anymore. I probably can’t overstate how big of a Barry fan I am, as many of us in the 80s and 90s were

And secondly, it seems kind of like an odd topic. Obviously, he’s given his humorous take on a number of subjects - turning 40 (and 50), bad rock songs, the internet, travel, history and so on. Barry does have a Jewish wife and he is assisted here by two Jewish writers Adam Mansbach and Alan Zweibel( SNL, It’s Garry Shandling’s Show, Curb Your Enthusiasm)

I do have some Jewish friends (it sounds awful when you say it that way) and I also thought it might help learn a thing or two about Jewish culture.

Now, I doubt I learned much of anything but like Barry’s classic books, I found it hysterical. Yes, I laughed out loud almost every single page.

It absolutely is based off on whether you like Barry or “get� his humor but I really laughed throughout.

On the factual side, yeah I am not sure I learned anything. But, hey that’s the trade off for a very funny book. ]]> 3.64 2019 A Field Guide to the Jewish People: Who They Are, Where They Come From, What to Feed Them…and Much More. Maybe Too Much More
author: Dave Barry
name: Al
average rating: 3.64
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2023/07/13
date added: 2023/07/13
shelves:
review:

I have to admit that this caught my eye. I grew up a big Dave Barry fan and I know that while he isn’t quite retired, he doesn’t write as often anymore. I probably can’t overstate how big of a Barry fan I am, as many of us in the 80s and 90s were

And secondly, it seems kind of like an odd topic. Obviously, he’s given his humorous take on a number of subjects - turning 40 (and 50), bad rock songs, the internet, travel, history and so on. Barry does have a Jewish wife and he is assisted here by two Jewish writers Adam Mansbach and Alan Zweibel( SNL, It’s Garry Shandling’s Show, Curb Your Enthusiasm)

I do have some Jewish friends (it sounds awful when you say it that way) and I also thought it might help learn a thing or two about Jewish culture.

Now, I doubt I learned much of anything but like Barry’s classic books, I found it hysterical. Yes, I laughed out loud almost every single page.

It absolutely is based off on whether you like Barry or “get� his humor but I really laughed throughout.

On the factual side, yeah I am not sure I learned anything. But, hey that’s the trade off for a very funny book.
]]> <![CDATA[Cat Tale: The Wild, Weird Battle to Save the Florida Panther]]> 45734780
With novelistic detail and an eye for the absurd, Craig Pittman recounts the extraordinary story of the people who brought the panther back from the brink of extinction, the ones who nearly pushed the species over the edge, and the cats that were caught in the middle. This being Florida, there's more than a little weirdness, too.

An engrossing narrative of wry humor, sharp writing and exhaustive reportage, Cat Tale shows what it takes to bring one species back and what unexpected costs such a decision brings.]]> 336 Craig Pittman 133593880X Al 5 This is one of those books that just grabbed me. I don’t know if it was that cover or what, but I had to get it. It isn’t the kind of topic I would necessarily seek out. Still, it seemed fascinating.

I am glad I did too because it really was a great book. I don’t want to compare it to Bill Bryson as it is probably not a comparison that will work for everyone, but my intent is to say it’s a nonfiction story told with some quirky detours along the way

And let’s face it, the Florida Panther is an interesting topic. It sure seems if humans weren’t killing it physically either hunting it or via cars running over them; then surely human politics and human failings were going to kill then instead.

Although it doesn’t read like a Carl Hiassen novel, I can understand why he’s mentioned so much in reviews of the book. Some of the real life characters here do seem to be from the world of Hiassen.

It is an interesting story and it is true- how does one protect the Panthers? It is of course easy to second guess what others did, but I think one surely realizes that there’s no good answer. You’re going to make someone mad no matter what you do

This book is for anyone interested in Florida Man of course. I lived in Florida for about six months so it is relatable to me. It certainly will appeal to anyone interested in environmental politics. But even outside of that, it’s just an interesting nonfiction tale. ]]> 4.13 2020 Cat Tale: The Wild, Weird Battle to Save the Florida Panther
author: Craig Pittman
name: Al
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2023/06/21
date added: 2023/06/21
shelves:
review:

This is one of those books that just grabbed me. I don’t know if it was that cover or what, but I had to get it. It isn’t the kind of topic I would necessarily seek out. Still, it seemed fascinating.

I am glad I did too because it really was a great book. I don’t want to compare it to Bill Bryson as it is probably not a comparison that will work for everyone, but my intent is to say it’s a nonfiction story told with some quirky detours along the way

And let’s face it, the Florida Panther is an interesting topic. It sure seems if humans weren’t killing it physically either hunting it or via cars running over them; then surely human politics and human failings were going to kill then instead.

Although it doesn’t read like a Carl Hiassen novel, I can understand why he’s mentioned so much in reviews of the book. Some of the real life characters here do seem to be from the world of Hiassen.

It is an interesting story and it is true- how does one protect the Panthers? It is of course easy to second guess what others did, but I think one surely realizes that there’s no good answer. You’re going to make someone mad no matter what you do

This book is for anyone interested in Florida Man of course. I lived in Florida for about six months so it is relatable to me. It certainly will appeal to anyone interested in environmental politics. But even outside of that, it’s just an interesting nonfiction tale.
]]> <![CDATA[March of the Mini Beasts (The DATA Set #1)]]> 25785556
What would happen if your next-door neighbor were a mad scientist?

Gabe, Laura, and Cesar live on a quiet cul-de-sac. They are the whiz kids of Newtonburg Elementary and each specializes in their own subject. In fact, everyone in town lovingly refers to them as the Data Set. However, their quiet days of learning take a sudden turn for the exciting when they meet Dr. Gustav Bunsen—a mad scientist who throws the kids into a wild spiral of adventures.

When Dr. Bunsen’s latest invention, a growth ray, hits several tiny animal toys, the mini beasts don’t just grow, they come to life! The DATA Set love their new tiny pets…until they continue to grow. Now there’s an actual elephant in the room—not to mention a chimp, a giraffe, and a dinosaur. When the beasts wander off, it’s up to the DATA Set to track them down. But will they catch the mini beasts before they grow big enough to start trouble in town?

With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, The DATA Set chapter books are perfect for beginning readers!]]> 128 Ada Hopper 1481457284 Al 4 3.90 2016 March of the Mini Beasts (The DATA Set #1)
author: Ada Hopper
name: Al
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2023/06/11
shelves:
review:
As a book to read for my 7 and 9 year olds. it was fun. Nice story that reminds me quite a bit of the Magic Treehouse series. I have seen criticism that it is not really a STEM book or delved into facts as much as they would like. It really is just a fun fiction read but the boys loved it and it is a great series to read and/or listen to. As a boom to get my children interested in reading, it was great
]]> <![CDATA[Unsung Heroes Of Rock 'n' Roll: The Birth Of Rock In The Wild Years Before Elvis]]> 40663 Unsung Heroes of Rock 'n' Roll.]]> 288 Nick Tosches 0306808919 Al 3 I had never read Nick Tosches but knew of his reputation. The subject was right down my alley too.

Tosches talks about the rock n rollers that predated Bill Haley and Elvis. Even going far enough to point out that “rock and roll� was a 40s phenomenon that was dead and a pale imitation before Sun Records got ahold of if.

I can’t imagine the power of this being published in 1984. Like the classic baseball book The Glory of Their Times, Tosches was lucky enough to catch these pioneers before they were completely forgotten.

There are a couple of recognizable names - Screamin Jay Hawkins and Wanda Jackson would have career resurrections. Paul Simon would have a hit namechecking Johnny Ace. Modern technology from boxed collections to social media to streaming networks have brought Louis Jordan, Wynonnie Harris and Big Joe Turner to new audiences. There will be other names your recognize but many like Roy Hall (writer of “Whole Lotta Shaking Going On�) are more obscure

Tosches’s book is flawed but it may be the product of the time. Each entry feels like an encyclopedia entry, but is often a mess of insight and discography. 40 years later, we all have enough experience reading information that is presented in an encyclopediac way that is also written to entertain. But Tosches didn’t have a Wikipedia template to guide him.

To draw the characters bigger than life, it sometimes feel like he is caricaturing some of the individuals, drawing them into Cramps or Iggy Stooge style descriptions. No doubt these musicians were the “Wild ones� of their day. Tosches even draws himself into this Tougher than Leather James Elroy-style fiction. He is macho, misanthropic to an unintended comic effect.

Which makes it “punk rock� but also makes it kind of silly. Calling Wanda Jackson “the greatest rocker that ever menstruated� is one of the better examples in a book filled with wannabe tough guy clunkers.

It’s a bunch of silliness if you take it as seriously as portrayed. I’m not sure if the final interview of the book which is Elvis’s twin Jesse falls in the level of genius or stupidity.

But I can’t fault Tosches too much for his attempt at bringing “gonzo journalism� to music criticism or writing a book that really hasn’t been improved on since, even if many readers may find that they don’t have the patience for it.

I did like the addition of the timeline at the end to give you a feeling of how long ago these trailblazers were doing their thing. The book is at times, monotonously repetitive but the subject matter makes it worthwhile ]]> 4.07 1984 Unsung Heroes Of Rock 'n' Roll: The Birth Of Rock In The Wild Years Before Elvis
author: Nick Tosches
name: Al
average rating: 4.07
book published: 1984
rating: 3
read at: 2023/04/13
date added: 2023/04/13
shelves:
review:

I had never read Nick Tosches but knew of his reputation. The subject was right down my alley too.

Tosches talks about the rock n rollers that predated Bill Haley and Elvis. Even going far enough to point out that “rock and roll� was a 40s phenomenon that was dead and a pale imitation before Sun Records got ahold of if.

I can’t imagine the power of this being published in 1984. Like the classic baseball book The Glory of Their Times, Tosches was lucky enough to catch these pioneers before they were completely forgotten.

There are a couple of recognizable names - Screamin Jay Hawkins and Wanda Jackson would have career resurrections. Paul Simon would have a hit namechecking Johnny Ace. Modern technology from boxed collections to social media to streaming networks have brought Louis Jordan, Wynonnie Harris and Big Joe Turner to new audiences. There will be other names your recognize but many like Roy Hall (writer of “Whole Lotta Shaking Going On�) are more obscure

Tosches’s book is flawed but it may be the product of the time. Each entry feels like an encyclopedia entry, but is often a mess of insight and discography. 40 years later, we all have enough experience reading information that is presented in an encyclopediac way that is also written to entertain. But Tosches didn’t have a Wikipedia template to guide him.

To draw the characters bigger than life, it sometimes feel like he is caricaturing some of the individuals, drawing them into Cramps or Iggy Stooge style descriptions. No doubt these musicians were the “Wild ones� of their day. Tosches even draws himself into this Tougher than Leather James Elroy-style fiction. He is macho, misanthropic to an unintended comic effect.

Which makes it “punk rock� but also makes it kind of silly. Calling Wanda Jackson “the greatest rocker that ever menstruated� is one of the better examples in a book filled with wannabe tough guy clunkers.

It’s a bunch of silliness if you take it as seriously as portrayed. I’m not sure if the final interview of the book which is Elvis’s twin Jesse falls in the level of genius or stupidity.

But I can’t fault Tosches too much for his attempt at bringing “gonzo journalism� to music criticism or writing a book that really hasn’t been improved on since, even if many readers may find that they don’t have the patience for it.

I did like the addition of the timeline at the end to give you a feeling of how long ago these trailblazers were doing their thing. The book is at times, monotonously repetitive but the subject matter makes it worthwhile
]]> The Last Days of John Lennon 53019360 Discover one of the greatest true crime stories in music history, as only James Patterson can tell it.

With the Beatles, John Lennon surpasses his youthful dreams, achieving a level of superstardom that defies classification. “We were the best bloody band there was,� he says. “There was nobody to touch us.”Nobody except the original nowhere man, Mark David Chapman. Chapman once worshipped his idols from afar—but now harbors grudges against those, like Lennon, whom he feels betrayed him. He’s convinced Lennon has misled fans with his message of hope and peace. And Chapman’s not stayingawayany longer.

By the summer of 1980, Lennon is recording new music for the first time in years, energized and ready for it to be �(Just Like) Starting Over.� He can’t wait to show the world what he will do.

Neither can Chapman, who quits his security job and boards a flight to New York, a handgun and bullets stowed in his luggage.

The greatest true-crime story in music history, as only James Patterson can tell it.Enriched by exclusive interviews with Lennon’s friends and associates, including Paul McCartney,The Last Days of John Lennonis the thrilling true story of two men who changed history:One whose indelible songs enliven our world to this day—and the other who ended the beautiful music with five pulls of a trigger.]]> 448 James Patterson 0316429066 Al 3
“The Last Days of John Lennon� for lack of a better comparison reads like Bill O’Reilly’s “Killing� books. It’s biography written as novel, focusing on the parts that make the biggest impact (in this case, things like Lennon’s lost weekend and his interaction with the other Beatles). Patterson and/or his two co-writers also juxtapose Mark David Chapman in alternating chapters a la “Devil in the White City�.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s a really readable book. Though it doesn’t feel Iike there’s any new research, it still makes an interesting read to hear so much of Lennon’s (and Chapman’s) story.

The book really isn’t a summary of John’s last days despite the title (or even the 70s despite photos of Lennon with David Bowie and Elton John on the back). The biography of Lennon from birth to death is presented.

I don’t suspect that all that many readers will be surprised with the contents. For young readers or new fans of Lennon, it would probably be quite fascinating. It is otherwise very much the “Airport Read� version of the Lennon story, which wasn’t so bad at all, I would have liked to seen a bit more postscript at the end, and I don’t think I would showcase on any kind of bookshelf with “serious� musical writing.]]> 3.82 2020 The Last Days of John Lennon
author: James Patterson
name: Al
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2023/04/04
date added: 2023/04/04
shelves: gift-book, music, read-in-2023
review:
James Patterson is one of the most popular authors in the planet. I haven’t read him, but this detour into music biopic was a gift.

“The Last Days of John Lennon� for lack of a better comparison reads like Bill O’Reilly’s “Killing� books. It’s biography written as novel, focusing on the parts that make the biggest impact (in this case, things like Lennon’s lost weekend and his interaction with the other Beatles). Patterson and/or his two co-writers also juxtapose Mark David Chapman in alternating chapters a la “Devil in the White City�.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s a really readable book. Though it doesn’t feel Iike there’s any new research, it still makes an interesting read to hear so much of Lennon’s (and Chapman’s) story.

The book really isn’t a summary of John’s last days despite the title (or even the 70s despite photos of Lennon with David Bowie and Elton John on the back). The biography of Lennon from birth to death is presented.

I don’t suspect that all that many readers will be surprised with the contents. For young readers or new fans of Lennon, it would probably be quite fascinating. It is otherwise very much the “Airport Read� version of the Lennon story, which wasn’t so bad at all, I would have liked to seen a bit more postscript at the end, and I don’t think I would showcase on any kind of bookshelf with “serious� musical writing.
]]> The Baseball 100 56898302 A magnum opus from acclaimed baseball writer Joe Posnanski, The Baseball 100 is an audacious, singular, and masterly book that took a lifetime to write. The entire story of baseball rings through a countdown of 100 greatest players in history, with a foreword by George Will and published in partnership with The Athletic.

An instant classic of baseball literature and a must-read for any fan, The Baseball 100 is a one-of-a-kind work by award-winning sportswriter Joe Posnanski that tells the story of the game through the remarkable lives of its 100 greatest players. In the book’s foreword, Pulitzer Prize–​winning commentator George Will marvels, “Posnanski must already have lived more than two hundred years. How else could he have acquired such a stock of illuminating facts and entertaining stories about the rich history of this endlessly fascinating sport?�

Baseball’s legends come alive in these pages, which are not merely rankings but vibrant profiles of the game’s all-time greats. Posnanski dives into the biographies of iconic Hall of Famers, stars of the Negro Leagues, forgotten heroes, talents of today, and more. He doesn’t just rely on records and statistics—he lovingly retraces players� origins, illuminates their characters, and places their accomplishments in the context of baseball’s past and present. Just how good a pitcher is Clayton Kershaw in the twenty-first-century game relative to Greg Maddux dueling the juiced hitters of the nineties? How does the career and influence of Hank Aaron compare to Babe Ruth? Which player in the top ten most deserves to be resurrected from history?

Engrossing, surprising, and heartfelt, The Baseball 100 is a magisterial tribute to the game of baseball and the stars who played it.]]> 869 Joe Posnanski 1982180587 Al 5 I had huge unrealistic expectations for this book. Posnanski is my favorite sports writer and the idea of writing about the top 100 players in baseball history is one of those ambitious ideas writers have. So it seems unlikely, but this book was better than those lofty expectations.

I don’t want to give you an unrealistic idea of this book either. But surely if you are in the least bit a baseball fan, you will like this book. At 100 entries, it never feels repetitive. Posnanski knows his history - whether it is today or the dead hall era or the Negro Leagues.

I could probably go an hour recounting anecdotes - some entries are undoubtedly more interesting than others- Jackie Robinson, for one, of course.

There does seem to be a recurring theme that one certainly can’t predict future talent. As I watch Baseball Moms go through the motions- the book makes it clear (as with Tom Brady and Michael Jordan) - there’s no way to make sure that your teenager isn’t going to have the same career that Jerry Koosman or Grover Cleveland Alexander or whoever that threw rocks or skipped high school baseball or a number of things that aren’t expensive baseball conditioning had.

Some great baseball players were no doubt miserable. Some were real gentlemen. Some were overshadowed. Some like Hank Aaron pushed through unimaginable expectations.

Posnanski admits the book is longer than Moby Dick, but it never gets old or repetitive. It can be a sit down read or taken in bits and pieces. The 100 are not necessarily in order -but often their position might reflect something meaningful in their career.

I can’t imagine a non-fan picking up an 800 page book, but surely anybody who loves the game in the least bit will like this book. Also not to throw shade, but unlike other books that seem to pick from previous researched work, Posnanski’s entries all feel personal.

Anyway, as a baseball books go, I can’t recommend it any higher. ]]> 4.74 2021 The Baseball 100
author: Joe Posnanski
name: Al
average rating: 4.74
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2023/04/03
date added: 2023/04/03
shelves:
review:

I had huge unrealistic expectations for this book. Posnanski is my favorite sports writer and the idea of writing about the top 100 players in baseball history is one of those ambitious ideas writers have. So it seems unlikely, but this book was better than those lofty expectations.

I don’t want to give you an unrealistic idea of this book either. But surely if you are in the least bit a baseball fan, you will like this book. At 100 entries, it never feels repetitive. Posnanski knows his history - whether it is today or the dead hall era or the Negro Leagues.

I could probably go an hour recounting anecdotes - some entries are undoubtedly more interesting than others- Jackie Robinson, for one, of course.

There does seem to be a recurring theme that one certainly can’t predict future talent. As I watch Baseball Moms go through the motions- the book makes it clear (as with Tom Brady and Michael Jordan) - there’s no way to make sure that your teenager isn’t going to have the same career that Jerry Koosman or Grover Cleveland Alexander or whoever that threw rocks or skipped high school baseball or a number of things that aren’t expensive baseball conditioning had.

Some great baseball players were no doubt miserable. Some were real gentlemen. Some were overshadowed. Some like Hank Aaron pushed through unimaginable expectations.

Posnanski admits the book is longer than Moby Dick, but it never gets old or repetitive. It can be a sit down read or taken in bits and pieces. The 100 are not necessarily in order -but often their position might reflect something meaningful in their career.

I can’t imagine a non-fan picking up an 800 page book, but surely anybody who loves the game in the least bit will like this book. Also not to throw shade, but unlike other books that seem to pick from previous researched work, Posnanski’s entries all feel personal.

Anyway, as a baseball books go, I can’t recommend it any higher.
]]> When You Reach Me 5310515 199 Rebecca Stead 0385737424 Al 5 kids, read-in-2023
But my wife is a teacher so I do see the really great kids books and of course, they are not hard to find, generally they are the ones awarded the Newberry Medal.

In this book, there is a woman obsessed with getting in tv, a broken family relationship, crazy homeless people, urban struggle, sci-fi elements. Oh my! Has anyone realized this is Requiem for Dream rewritten for the third grade crowd?

In any case, I can’t really describe the book without spoiling it, but as a Middle School book. I like that it isn’t particularly afraid of big ideas. The characters are memorable and deep. There is a real sense of suspense that keeps the pages turning. Also the relationship between characters feels real. This was a pretty good book and as an adult, I found it as interesting as I think a middle schooler would.]]> 4.08 2009 When You Reach Me
author: Rebecca Stead
name: Al
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2009
rating: 5
read at: 2023/03/20
date added: 2023/03/20
shelves: kids, read-in-2023
review:
As a parent, there seems to be two kinds of children’s books- the big budget flashy expensive ones (John Cena, DogMan, Diary of A Wimpy Kid and so on) and then kind of the cheap boring ones.

But my wife is a teacher so I do see the really great kids books and of course, they are not hard to find, generally they are the ones awarded the Newberry Medal.

In this book, there is a woman obsessed with getting in tv, a broken family relationship, crazy homeless people, urban struggle, sci-fi elements. Oh my! Has anyone realized this is Requiem for Dream rewritten for the third grade crowd?

In any case, I can’t really describe the book without spoiling it, but as a Middle School book. I like that it isn’t particularly afraid of big ideas. The characters are memorable and deep. There is a real sense of suspense that keeps the pages turning. Also the relationship between characters feels real. This was a pretty good book and as an adult, I found it as interesting as I think a middle schooler would.
]]> <![CDATA[Ramblin' Man: Short Stories from the Life of Hank Williams]]> 106417611 189 Brian Turpen 1893693139 Al 2 music, read-in-2023
Having read biographies of Hank and being a big fan, I picked up this book as something slightly different.

This is a book for just the diehard fans. It is mostly assorted ephemera about Hank’s life. There’s a big focus on venues he played and also on songs he wrote (and especially songs that he might have written that never saw the light of day)

Turpen ran a Hank fanzine and much of this feels like excerpts out of that. Interestingly enough, I saw Turpen’s book mentioned in the recent news story about Beechwood Hall where Kid Rock was advocating to save Hank Williams’s “residence�. (It’s more of a “property� and it wasn’t even in that good of shape when Hank bought it in 1951)

It is a quick read and a nice addition to my Hank collection. For those wanting a more typical biography, there are other options]]> 2.00 Ramblin' Man: Short Stories from the Life of Hank Williams
author: Brian Turpen
name: Al
average rating: 2.00
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2023/02/17
date added: 2023/02/28
shelves: music, read-in-2023
review:
I visited The Hank Williams Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. I cannot endorse it enough. If you are a music fan, you will enjoy it.

Having read biographies of Hank and being a big fan, I picked up this book as something slightly different.

This is a book for just the diehard fans. It is mostly assorted ephemera about Hank’s life. There’s a big focus on venues he played and also on songs he wrote (and especially songs that he might have written that never saw the light of day)

Turpen ran a Hank fanzine and much of this feels like excerpts out of that. Interestingly enough, I saw Turpen’s book mentioned in the recent news story about Beechwood Hall where Kid Rock was advocating to save Hank Williams’s “residence�. (It’s more of a “property� and it wasn’t even in that good of shape when Hank bought it in 1951)

It is a quick read and a nice addition to my Hank collection. For those wanting a more typical biography, there are other options
]]> <![CDATA[The Field of Blood: Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War]]> 35224674 The Field of Blood, the historian Joanne B. Freeman offers a new and dramatically rendered portrait of American politics in its rowdiest years. Drawing on an extraordinary range of sources, she shows that today's hyperpolarized environment cannot compare with the turbulent atmosphere of the decades before the Civil War, when the U.S. Congress itself was rife with conflict. Legislative sessions were routinely punctuated by mortal threats, canings, flipped desks, and all-out slug-fests. Congressmen drew pistols and waved bowie knives at rivals. One representative even killed another in a duel. Many were bullied in an attempt to intimidate them into compliance or silence, particularly on the issue of slavery.

These fights didn't happen in a vacuum. Freeman's accounts of fistfights and threats tell a larger story of how bullying, brawling, and the press - and the powerful emotions they elicited - raised tensions between North and South and fueled the coming of the war. In the process, she brings the antebellum Congress to life, revealing its rough realities - the feel, sense, and sound of it - as well as its nation-shaping import. Funny, tragic, and rivetingly told, The Field of Blood offers a front-row view of congressional mayhem and sheds new light on the careers of luminaries such as John Quincy Adams and Thomas Hart Benton, as well as introducing a host of lesser-known but no less fascinating characters. We see slaveholders silence Northerners with threats and violence. We learn how newspapers promoted conspiracy theories that helped polarize the nation. And we witness an entire legislative chamber erupt into a massive fist-throwing, spittoon-tossing battle royal. By 1860, armed congressmen, some carrying pistols sent by their constituents, fully expected bloody combat in the House. In effect, the first battles of the Civil War were fought in Congress itself.

The Field of Blood demonstrates how a country can come apart as conflicts over personal honor, party loyalty, and moral principle combine and escalate. The result is a fresh understanding of the workings of American democracy and the bonds of Union on the eve of their greatest peril.]]> 450 Joanne B. Freeman 0374154775 Al 3 Fields of Blood makes for an unique take on History by focusing on Congress before the Civil War. It is one of those history books that fits that axiom of things have always been bad or worse before.

If you know anything about the subject, then you likely will think of the 1856 incident where Sen Charles Sumner was attacked by Rep Preston Brooks. I would suspect that lesser know when a congressman killed another one in 1838 in a duel.

This book gives good insight on dueling culture (and then later, the pre-Civil War Congress). Congressmen at that time usually paired up by Party and also Region. Newspapers would cover the Capitol, but they would not report these kinds of details

As we near the Civil War, we see the Northern Whigs give up to more aggressive Abolitionist Republicans. We then also see the Northern “doughface� Democrats

Instead of picturing great orators and decision makers, the place was kind of unruly, and Freeman relies on the diary of Benjamin Brown French, the Clerk of the House of Representatives for the unreported activities.

Unfortunately, Freeman’s book suffers when it moves away from French’s writings. It is still a fascinating book, and for the political scholar goes deep on a couple of lesser known Presidents John Quincy Adams and Franklin Pierce.

There’s a lot of interesting tidbits here and you can see America losing its confidence in Congress, Congressmen taking measures to arm themselves and the Nation splitting at the seams. Recommended for those who are interested in this not of history

]]> 4.08 2018 The Field of Blood: Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War
author: Joanne B. Freeman
name: Al
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2023/02/14
date added: 2023/02/28
shelves: history, politics, read-in-2023
review:

Fields of Blood makes for an unique take on History by focusing on Congress before the Civil War. It is one of those history books that fits that axiom of things have always been bad or worse before.

If you know anything about the subject, then you likely will think of the 1856 incident where Sen Charles Sumner was attacked by Rep Preston Brooks. I would suspect that lesser know when a congressman killed another one in 1838 in a duel.

This book gives good insight on dueling culture (and then later, the pre-Civil War Congress). Congressmen at that time usually paired up by Party and also Region. Newspapers would cover the Capitol, but they would not report these kinds of details

As we near the Civil War, we see the Northern Whigs give up to more aggressive Abolitionist Republicans. We then also see the Northern “doughface� Democrats

Instead of picturing great orators and decision makers, the place was kind of unruly, and Freeman relies on the diary of Benjamin Brown French, the Clerk of the House of Representatives for the unreported activities.

Unfortunately, Freeman’s book suffers when it moves away from French’s writings. It is still a fascinating book, and for the political scholar goes deep on a couple of lesser known Presidents John Quincy Adams and Franklin Pierce.

There’s a lot of interesting tidbits here and you can see America losing its confidence in Congress, Congressmen taking measures to arm themselves and the Nation splitting at the seams. Recommended for those who are interested in this not of history


]]> Canary 22500980 It's dangerous enough when an ordinary college girl turns confidential informant. Even more dangerous when she's smarter than the killer, kingpins, and cops who control her.

Honors student Sarie Holland is busted by the local police while doing a favor for her boyfriend. Unwilling to betray him but desperate to avoid destroying her future, Sarie has no choice but to become a "CI"--a confidential informant.


Philly narcotics cop Ben Wildey is hungry for a career-making bust. The detective thinks he's found the key in Sarie: her boyfriend scores from a mid-level dealer with alleged ties to the major drug gangs.


Sarie turns out to be the perfect CI: a quick study with a shockingly keen understanding of the criminal mind. But Wildey, desperate for results, pushes too hard and inadvertently sends the nineteen-year-old into a death trap, leaving Sarie hunted by crooked cops and killers alike with nothing to save her--except what she's learned during her harrowing weeks as an informant.


Which is bad news for the police and the underworld. Because when it comes to payback, CI #1373 turns out to be a very quick study...]]> 385 Duane Swierczynski 0316403202 Al 4 read-in-2023, fiction
For example, one of the top reviews of this book is “two stars� and we shouldn’t let one review by one one person define a book. That’s the nature of the site of course, there’s plenty of other ways to know if a book is for you. (This book has a pretty solid overall score and obviously I have scored some books lower than I am sure their author wanted. Like Yelp, TripAdvisor, Amazon, you have to take everything with a grain of, if not entire boxes, of salt)

I am also shocked by the number of people who call this a Young Adult book. The protagonist is a young adult- a female college student- so maybe that’s all it takes (we tend to do this in our children’s literature which seems like a major mistake) but the book doesn’t particularly feel like a YA novel in any other ways

I saw this book on one of those “recommended by staff� shelves and have enjoyed Swierczynski’s books and comics, so was glad for the reminder.

From my experience, his books are super-action packed almost ludicrously so, and I say this in the best possible ways- think Tarantino not Michael Bay

This one does not fail. It’s gripping.

If anything, this book is flawed because his characterization in here is also very good. If you read reviews, the complaints are that the set up is ridiculous. I tend to agree, but having read his other books, and reading through the finish, you have to roll with the gonzo nature.

Which is interesting because the characters are so well drawn and memorable. It’s small complaint that the book goes into a pretty wild action ride that is part complex plotting and part mindless brutal noir. The realism and relatability is fine, but it feels at odds with the excess.

I would steer most readers to Fun and Games where Swierczynski goes all in on full tilt action, but Canary has a lot to recommend it. I just feel you might be better off going in knowing what it is. The afterword suggests that it’s all based on some real stories, still this feels hyper violent at times and the ending didn’t help sell it for me. There were so much that was compelling about it, that of course I will continue to read the author’s work.]]> 3.77 2015 Canary
author: Duane Swierczynski
name: Al
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2023/02/28
date added: 2023/02/28
shelves: read-in-2023, fiction
review:
I do love the ŷ website though of course it does have a few things that drives me nuts.

For example, one of the top reviews of this book is “two stars� and we shouldn’t let one review by one one person define a book. That’s the nature of the site of course, there’s plenty of other ways to know if a book is for you. (This book has a pretty solid overall score and obviously I have scored some books lower than I am sure their author wanted. Like Yelp, TripAdvisor, Amazon, you have to take everything with a grain of, if not entire boxes, of salt)

I am also shocked by the number of people who call this a Young Adult book. The protagonist is a young adult- a female college student- so maybe that’s all it takes (we tend to do this in our children’s literature which seems like a major mistake) but the book doesn’t particularly feel like a YA novel in any other ways

I saw this book on one of those “recommended by staff� shelves and have enjoyed Swierczynski’s books and comics, so was glad for the reminder.

From my experience, his books are super-action packed almost ludicrously so, and I say this in the best possible ways- think Tarantino not Michael Bay

This one does not fail. It’s gripping.

If anything, this book is flawed because his characterization in here is also very good. If you read reviews, the complaints are that the set up is ridiculous. I tend to agree, but having read his other books, and reading through the finish, you have to roll with the gonzo nature.

Which is interesting because the characters are so well drawn and memorable. It’s small complaint that the book goes into a pretty wild action ride that is part complex plotting and part mindless brutal noir. The realism and relatability is fine, but it feels at odds with the excess.

I would steer most readers to Fun and Games where Swierczynski goes all in on full tilt action, but Canary has a lot to recommend it. I just feel you might be better off going in knowing what it is. The afterword suggests that it’s all based on some real stories, still this feels hyper violent at times and the ending didn’t help sell it for me. There were so much that was compelling about it, that of course I will continue to read the author’s work.
]]> Nights of Love and Laughter 4555660 Via Dieppe-New Haven
Potrawka astrologiczna
Most brooklyński
Mademoiselle Claude
Port Poros]]> 168 Henry Miller Al 4 read-in-2023, fiction
I bought this book at a ridiculously low price years ago at the greatest used book store to ever exist - the Book Nook in Mattoon Illinois which is sadly gone (1980-2018.)

This book is a good sampler for Miller. It’s a handful of short stories in a slim volume (five stories and an excerpt from the Colossus of Maroussi)

The first story The Alcoholic Veteran is one of the stories that this feels like the book is primarily built around and shows what Miller does best- it is an ordinary story and yet feels quite magical. Astrological Fricasse is probably the second most memorable and it’s comedic with Miller making fun of the serious elite

This book seems like it would be a good intro to Miller and is an enjoyable set of tales.

I’m not really sure what, when and where I will go next in reading Miller, but this was worthwhile and recommended if you have never read Miller and are curious.]]> 3.85 1955 Nights of Love and Laughter
author: Henry Miller
name: Al
average rating: 3.85
book published: 1955
rating: 4
read at: 2023/01/18
date added: 2023/01/18
shelves: read-in-2023, fiction
review:
I read Tropic of Cancer in my 20s and like many who also do so, was completely captivated. I had read a lot of beloved modern authors, but this was one that especially resonated with me. Then I read the 500+ page Sexus and I didn’t pick up another Miller book for nearly two decades.

I bought this book at a ridiculously low price years ago at the greatest used book store to ever exist - the Book Nook in Mattoon Illinois which is sadly gone (1980-2018.)

This book is a good sampler for Miller. It’s a handful of short stories in a slim volume (five stories and an excerpt from the Colossus of Maroussi)

The first story The Alcoholic Veteran is one of the stories that this feels like the book is primarily built around and shows what Miller does best- it is an ordinary story and yet feels quite magical. Astrological Fricasse is probably the second most memorable and it’s comedic with Miller making fun of the serious elite

This book seems like it would be a good intro to Miller and is an enjoyable set of tales.

I’m not really sure what, when and where I will go next in reading Miller, but this was worthwhile and recommended if you have never read Miller and are curious.
]]> <![CDATA[Democracy's Muse: How Thomas Jefferson Became an FDR Liberal, a Reagan Republican, and a Tea Party Fanatic, All the While Being Dead]]> 23368288 270 Andrew Burstein 0813937221 Al 4
Jefferson, as much as any American, has been twisted over the years to mold into every political ideology. He is considered the father of the modern Democratic Party. He was also an oft- quoted icon for the Tea Party Movement which was erupting when this book was being written.

He was much loved and quoted by Reagan, and often mentioned during the two terms of William Jefferson Clinton.

This book reads much more academically than the cover suggests. It feels like a book that would be assigned in Political Science classes, but that said, it is really very readable.

In many ways, it is the biography of Jefferson starting with his death. A rundown of the “life� of Jefferson changed over the years via his coverage in mainstream media is a big part of the book.

Often the liberal hero of FDR and the Democrats, Jefferson also championed States Rights and had a Libertarian streak. Jefferson was a humanist and well versed in scripture (a favorite bit is from Benjamin Rush- the evangelicals� favorite Founding Father to quote, who says to Jefferson “Were it possible for St Paul to rise from his grave at the present juncture, he would say to the Clergy who are so now active in settling the political affairs of the world, cease from your political labors - your kingdom is not of this World. Read my epistles. In no part of them will you perceive me aiming to depose a pagan Emperor or to place a Christian upon a throne�)

In short, Jefferson is malleable because we can’t place him in todays context. Times are too different. Even then, he is contradictory. Sally Hemings is covered here in detail, of course. But also the duality of wanting a government that was not intrusive in the lives of families but also wanting the government to help the weakest Americans and fight corrupt power.

Jefferson made the Louisiana Purchase, fought the Barbary Pirates and prosecuted Aaron Burr. His religious beliefs probably can be compared to the work of the Founding Fathers- God is invoked in the Declaration of Independence but left out of the Constitution. It is this duality that Diests and Atheists can pull from Jefferson whatever image of them they want to see

This book could be academic at times but I rather enjoyed the thought provoking takes it had on Jefferson. It is explicitly not a biography but at the same time a fascinating insight into the “idea� of Jefferson over the years.]]> 4.00 2015 Democracy's Muse: How Thomas Jefferson Became an FDR Liberal, a Reagan Republican, and a Tea Party Fanatic, All the While Being Dead
author: Andrew Burstein
name: Al
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2022/12/13
date added: 2022/12/13
shelves: politics, presidents, history, read-in-2022
review:
With the Warhol inspired cover, how could I not pick this up. (Nor could I resist a subtitle “How Thomas Jefferson became a FDR liberal, a Reagan Republican, and a Tea Party Fanatic, all the while being dead�)

Jefferson, as much as any American, has been twisted over the years to mold into every political ideology. He is considered the father of the modern Democratic Party. He was also an oft- quoted icon for the Tea Party Movement which was erupting when this book was being written.

He was much loved and quoted by Reagan, and often mentioned during the two terms of William Jefferson Clinton.

This book reads much more academically than the cover suggests. It feels like a book that would be assigned in Political Science classes, but that said, it is really very readable.

In many ways, it is the biography of Jefferson starting with his death. A rundown of the “life� of Jefferson changed over the years via his coverage in mainstream media is a big part of the book.

Often the liberal hero of FDR and the Democrats, Jefferson also championed States Rights and had a Libertarian streak. Jefferson was a humanist and well versed in scripture (a favorite bit is from Benjamin Rush- the evangelicals� favorite Founding Father to quote, who says to Jefferson “Were it possible for St Paul to rise from his grave at the present juncture, he would say to the Clergy who are so now active in settling the political affairs of the world, cease from your political labors - your kingdom is not of this World. Read my epistles. In no part of them will you perceive me aiming to depose a pagan Emperor or to place a Christian upon a throne�)

In short, Jefferson is malleable because we can’t place him in todays context. Times are too different. Even then, he is contradictory. Sally Hemings is covered here in detail, of course. But also the duality of wanting a government that was not intrusive in the lives of families but also wanting the government to help the weakest Americans and fight corrupt power.

Jefferson made the Louisiana Purchase, fought the Barbary Pirates and prosecuted Aaron Burr. His religious beliefs probably can be compared to the work of the Founding Fathers- God is invoked in the Declaration of Independence but left out of the Constitution. It is this duality that Diests and Atheists can pull from Jefferson whatever image of them they want to see

This book could be academic at times but I rather enjoyed the thought provoking takes it had on Jefferson. It is explicitly not a biography but at the same time a fascinating insight into the “idea� of Jefferson over the years.
]]> <![CDATA[Chapter and Verse: New Order, Joy Division and Me]]> 24464160
Chapter and Verse includes a vivid and illuminating account of Bernard’s Salford childhood, the early days of Joy Division, the band’s enormous critical and popular success, and the subsequent tragic death of Ian Curtis. Bernard describes the formation of New Order, takes us behind the scenes at the birth of classics such as 'Blue Monday' and gives his first-hand account of the ecstasy and the agony of the Haçienda days.

Sometimes moving, often hilarious and occasionally completely out of control, this is a tale populated by some of the most colourful and creative characters in music history, such as Ian Curtis, Tony Wilson, Rob Gretton and Martin Hannett. Others have told parts of the story, in film and book form. Now, for the first time, Bernard Sumner gives you chapter and verse.]]> 343 Bernard Sumner 1250077729 Al 5 After cracking the cover, I was hit by a bit of buyer’s remorse. I feel like I have read a lot of music autobiographies lately and they all seem to cover a similar time and place. But I am a huge New Order and Joy Division fan, generally consuming what I can about these bands.

And because of the latter, I really enjoyed it. Sumner is a modest narrator and I was taken with his conversational style. The book is likely helped by Sumner for sticking to the big topics- from Childhood to Joy Divison to the early days of New Order to the Hacienda to his solo projects and so on. There’s discovering house music in America, the English World Cup song “World in Motion�, and that infamous Prozac prescription.

The book could afford to be 5-10% shorter, but covering a 60 year lifespan means choices need to be made. Sumner could easily have written two full books but I like the choice here.

My favorite part, probably not surprising, is the Joy Division days. One thinks of the band now in mythical terms, but they very much were like any gang of lads who pick up instruments.

After reading the book, I saw a lot of negative reviews. To be sure, with the exception of a handful of the band’s truly biggest songs- there’s no real coverage of the band’s albums. “Power, Corruption and Lies� perhaps the band’s best album (and my personal favorite) doesn’t even rate a mention in the book’s index.

But like I said, it’s not that type of book. Also of note, of course the feud with co-founder Peter Hook is there, and generally Bernard keeps his punches above the belt. I know there’s another side to the story and perhaps I will get to Peter’s book one day, but Bernard keeps things light and positive.

]]> 3.62 2014 Chapter and Verse: New Order, Joy Division and Me
author: Bernard Sumner
name: Al
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at: 2022/11/30
date added: 2022/11/30
shelves:
review:

After cracking the cover, I was hit by a bit of buyer’s remorse. I feel like I have read a lot of music autobiographies lately and they all seem to cover a similar time and place. But I am a huge New Order and Joy Division fan, generally consuming what I can about these bands.

And because of the latter, I really enjoyed it. Sumner is a modest narrator and I was taken with his conversational style. The book is likely helped by Sumner for sticking to the big topics- from Childhood to Joy Divison to the early days of New Order to the Hacienda to his solo projects and so on. There’s discovering house music in America, the English World Cup song “World in Motion�, and that infamous Prozac prescription.

The book could afford to be 5-10% shorter, but covering a 60 year lifespan means choices need to be made. Sumner could easily have written two full books but I like the choice here.

My favorite part, probably not surprising, is the Joy Division days. One thinks of the band now in mythical terms, but they very much were like any gang of lads who pick up instruments.

After reading the book, I saw a lot of negative reviews. To be sure, with the exception of a handful of the band’s truly biggest songs- there’s no real coverage of the band’s albums. “Power, Corruption and Lies� perhaps the band’s best album (and my personal favorite) doesn’t even rate a mention in the book’s index.

But like I said, it’s not that type of book. Also of note, of course the feud with co-founder Peter Hook is there, and generally Bernard keeps his punches above the belt. I know there’s another side to the story and perhaps I will get to Peter’s book one day, but Bernard keeps things light and positive.


]]> <![CDATA[Once Upon a Time at the End of the World #1]]> 63578458 33 Jason Aaron Al 4 comics
Bringing it home and reading it, I can say it’s definitely worthwhile. I will say some of my initial hesitation was also correct. This is a text heavy intro and as talented as Aaron is, it really feels like he’s overexplaining.

But if you can get passed that, you will discover a really great story. I also admit that I was hesitant for another apocalypse tale (the cover bringing to mind Ready Player One) but this one really grabbed my attention

The hook is those two main characters - Mezzy and Maceo� but in these days of “seen it all before� - Aaron really impressed me.

The flash-forward ending didn’t do anything for me (the Mark Millar style ultraviolence seems at odds with the majority of the book.

But I’m definitely hoping for the best. I love the art by Tefenkgi et al and really fits well as a Boom book- it’s very much a mix of Vertigo and indie comic feel, which is definitely where Aaron’s story seems to also draw from.

I have since read some reviews after reading mine and with a few exceptions, the response to this is really negative. I can definitely see where this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, still if your tastes tend away from capes, then hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I did.]]> 3.91 Once Upon a Time at the End of the World #1
author: Jason Aaron
name: Al
average rating: 3.91
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/11/29
shelves: comics
review:
I picked up this title because Jason Aaron”s name. I thumbed through it quickly and wondered if it was worthwhile.

Bringing it home and reading it, I can say it’s definitely worthwhile. I will say some of my initial hesitation was also correct. This is a text heavy intro and as talented as Aaron is, it really feels like he’s overexplaining.

But if you can get passed that, you will discover a really great story. I also admit that I was hesitant for another apocalypse tale (the cover bringing to mind Ready Player One) but this one really grabbed my attention

The hook is those two main characters - Mezzy and Maceo� but in these days of “seen it all before� - Aaron really impressed me.

The flash-forward ending didn’t do anything for me (the Mark Millar style ultraviolence seems at odds with the majority of the book.

But I’m definitely hoping for the best. I love the art by Tefenkgi et al and really fits well as a Boom book- it’s very much a mix of Vertigo and indie comic feel, which is definitely where Aaron’s story seems to also draw from.

I have since read some reviews after reading mine and with a few exceptions, the response to this is really negative. I can definitely see where this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, still if your tastes tend away from capes, then hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I did.
]]> <![CDATA[Pietr the Latvian (Maigret, #1)]]> 18114335
What Maigret sought, and what he waited and watched out for, was the crack in the wall. In other words, the instant when the human being comes out from behind the opponent.

Who is Pietr the Latvian? Is he a gentleman thief? A Russian drinking absinthe in a grimy bar? A married Norwegian sea captain? A twisted corpse in a train bathroom? Or is he all of these men? Inspector Maigret, tracking a mysterious adversary and a trail of bodies, must bide his time before the answer can come into focus.

This one's a gripping translation. This Penguin Simenon series features brilliant renderings by some of today's best translators from French to English. "Pietr the Latvian," and the ones which follow, introduce the intrepid Inspector to a brand new audience.]]> 162 Georges Simenon 0141392738 Al 2 read-in-2022 I have been wanting to read Maigret for awhile. I binged the Rowan Atkinson series and rather enjoyed it. When I got the chance to buy the first book in the series, I jumped on it.

I also knew to temper my expectations. Sure, the first book seems like a logical place to start, but I also knew that, like any author, Simenon took some time to come into his own.

I think that advice was pertinent. His first Maigret story was written at age 28. The story is clunky. Not sure if that is the author or the translation. There are certainly times where this relatively short work feels cumbersome.

That said, similarly there are true flashes of brilliance. Simenon really catches a certain mood. The story is stark and the tension between Maigret and his antagonist is built well. It’s evident that a really talented writer is working here. Maigret isn’t necessarily a compelling character here, but again, there are some points that start to show that.

I have heard Simenon created the police procedural. If that’s the case, then there’s no CBS network as we now know it. I have to say that I will give him another chance since there’s definitely some interesting stuff here. ]]> 3.45 1930 Pietr the Latvian (Maigret, #1)
author: Georges Simenon
name: Al
average rating: 3.45
book published: 1930
rating: 2
read at: 2022/11/16
date added: 2022/11/16
shelves: read-in-2022
review:

I have been wanting to read Maigret for awhile. I binged the Rowan Atkinson series and rather enjoyed it. When I got the chance to buy the first book in the series, I jumped on it.

I also knew to temper my expectations. Sure, the first book seems like a logical place to start, but I also knew that, like any author, Simenon took some time to come into his own.

I think that advice was pertinent. His first Maigret story was written at age 28. The story is clunky. Not sure if that is the author or the translation. There are certainly times where this relatively short work feels cumbersome.

That said, similarly there are true flashes of brilliance. Simenon really catches a certain mood. The story is stark and the tension between Maigret and his antagonist is built well. It’s evident that a really talented writer is working here. Maigret isn’t necessarily a compelling character here, but again, there are some points that start to show that.

I have heard Simenon created the police procedural. If that’s the case, then there’s no CBS network as we now know it. I have to say that I will give him another chance since there’s definitely some interesting stuff here.
]]> <![CDATA[On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service (Her Royal Spyness, #11)]]> 32969127
What luck! A chance to see Belinda, even if it is under the guise of stopping unwanted nuptials. Only that’s as far as Georgie’s fortune takes her. She soon discovers that she attended finishing school with the hostess of the party—and the hatred they had for each other then has barely dimmed. Plus, she needs to hide Belinda’s delicate condition from the other guests. And her dashing beau, Darcy is (naturally) working undercover on a dangerous mission. Then her actress mother shows up, with a not-so-little task to perform. With all this subterfuge, it seems something is bound to go horribly wrong—and Georgie will no doubt be left to pick up the pieces when it does.]]> 320 Rhys Bowen 042528350X Al 2 read-in-2022
But wait, even if I am not the target audience for this book, the back cover has references to Charlaine Harris, PG Wodehouse and Downton Abbey. Ha, jokes on you. I’m into that.

description

I wouldn’t call this book a “cozy� so much as a “cutesy�.

Our narrator/protagonist Georgie acts as she has never had a tough day in her life, and as she is far-from-the-lineage royalty- I suppose that’s in character. But it is annoying.

It’s not that she acts like a character who would say “Gollv� and “Gosh� and “Pip pip�, but Golly she does that, too. Additionally (mild spoiler) she doesn’t accomplish anything without assistance from her boyfriend.

The mystery is secondary to the overall drama, the book is a third over before we get any real hint of it (not necessarily a criticism for a book that has ongoing dramatic events). The reveal was predictable. Though that has less to do with any critique of author skill, more so there’s not a ton of possible culprits.

Outside of all these things that weren’t to my taste (and if you reading this review, I’m not going to be the average reader of this) and dialogue that at times, reminded me of someone’s NaNoWriMo draft- the truth is that, no doubt, Ms Bowen can write.

This is a fun, quick read. It has good pacing, good descriptions and developed well. I just found the main character too much of a whiny teenage girl (from reviews of earlier books in the series maybe she wasn’t always that way) and a bit too much of “Golly, that Hitler guy seems like a bad person� and a little more focus on the Murder.

No Wodehouse or Downton here for me, but quite readable otherwise, if this is your normal jam.

Not sure why Hollywood hasn’t cast a Manic Pixie Dream Girl as Georgie and made billions.]]> 4.01 2017 On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service (Her Royal Spyness, #11)
author: Rhys Bowen
name: Al
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2017
rating: 2
read at: 2022/10/31
date added: 2022/10/31
shelves: read-in-2022
review:
As a gift, my wife got me a bundle of pre gift wrapped books that were labeled “war era mystery�. Now she didn’t know that’s a thing now and so probably 75% of the bundle were what would be called “cozy”s and the rest, spy novels.

But wait, even if I am not the target audience for this book, the back cover has references to Charlaine Harris, PG Wodehouse and Downton Abbey. Ha, jokes on you. I’m into that.

description

I wouldn’t call this book a “cozy� so much as a “cutesy�.

Our narrator/protagonist Georgie acts as she has never had a tough day in her life, and as she is far-from-the-lineage royalty- I suppose that’s in character. But it is annoying.

It’s not that she acts like a character who would say “Gollv� and “Gosh� and “Pip pip�, but Golly she does that, too. Additionally (mild spoiler) she doesn’t accomplish anything without assistance from her boyfriend.

The mystery is secondary to the overall drama, the book is a third over before we get any real hint of it (not necessarily a criticism for a book that has ongoing dramatic events). The reveal was predictable. Though that has less to do with any critique of author skill, more so there’s not a ton of possible culprits.

Outside of all these things that weren’t to my taste (and if you reading this review, I’m not going to be the average reader of this) and dialogue that at times, reminded me of someone’s NaNoWriMo draft- the truth is that, no doubt, Ms Bowen can write.

This is a fun, quick read. It has good pacing, good descriptions and developed well. I just found the main character too much of a whiny teenage girl (from reviews of earlier books in the series maybe she wasn’t always that way) and a bit too much of “Golly, that Hitler guy seems like a bad person� and a little more focus on the Murder.

No Wodehouse or Downton here for me, but quite readable otherwise, if this is your normal jam.

Not sure why Hollywood hasn’t cast a Manic Pixie Dream Girl as Georgie and made billions.
]]> Thunderbolts (2022) #1 (of 5) 62201549 32 Jim Zub Al 4 I have slowly become a fan of Jim Zub via most of his action type comics like Conan and also Spider-Man.

I picked up Thunderbolts and am real happy to see the pairing. Everyone wants to put a modern spin on superheroes. Peter Milligan did (and recently resurrected) X-Force/X-Statix/X-Cellent. Mark Waid threw the Champions into a viral world. Mark Millar has touched upon it more than a few times and Garth Ennis’s “The Boys� took it all to ridiculous extremes and mainstream break through.

For the most part, leaning into superheroes into social media is a recipe for some ambitious stories that usually end a bit awkward.

If you can write a modem story with humor and make it seem natural, then you really have something. That is what Zub does here. It has shades of Nick Spencer’s “Superior Foes of Spider Man�.

I enjoyed issue one (I believe this is a miniseries) which does a good job of introducing the team, hits the right pace and tone. Besides nods to modern day online interaction, there is also an element of politics.

Great art and color. This is one of my favorite starts in awhile. ]]> 3.75 Thunderbolts (2022) #1 (of 5)
author: Jim Zub
name: Al
average rating: 3.75
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/10/10
shelves:
review:

I have slowly become a fan of Jim Zub via most of his action type comics like Conan and also Spider-Man.

I picked up Thunderbolts and am real happy to see the pairing. Everyone wants to put a modern spin on superheroes. Peter Milligan did (and recently resurrected) X-Force/X-Statix/X-Cellent. Mark Waid threw the Champions into a viral world. Mark Millar has touched upon it more than a few times and Garth Ennis’s “The Boys� took it all to ridiculous extremes and mainstream break through.

For the most part, leaning into superheroes into social media is a recipe for some ambitious stories that usually end a bit awkward.

If you can write a modem story with humor and make it seem natural, then you really have something. That is what Zub does here. It has shades of Nick Spencer’s “Superior Foes of Spider Man�.

I enjoyed issue one (I believe this is a miniseries) which does a good job of introducing the team, hits the right pace and tone. Besides nods to modern day online interaction, there is also an element of politics.

Great art and color. This is one of my favorite starts in awhile.
]]> Gun Honey: Blood for Blood #1 62071330
From award-winning Charles Ardai (co-founder of Hard Case Crime) and artist Ang Hor Kheng!

With weapons expert Joanna Tan, the legendary “Gun Honey,� off the grid, recuperating from her last job, a vengeful rival takes her place � and frames Joanna for murder. On the run from Malaysia to Milan, from Montana to Monaco, can Joanna catch up to her ruthless enemy� or will she catch a bullet first?]]> 34 Charles Ardai 1787739813 Al 3 comics
I’m not that familiar with Ardai but the comic is bannered with quotes from all the Hard boiled comic writes - Brubaker, Swierczynski and Max Allan Collins

And you know it’s all been done before. Even outside of pulp noir, writers tend to go for hyper action and over sexualization.

But you know it isn’t easy. For the most part, Gun Honey : Blood for Blood (which admittedly is a jumping on point for me) is a pretty good Noir comic. It’s got the mystery it’s got the charisma. Ang Hor Kheng’s art works well.

My biggest problem is probably jumping in midway. Along with the fact that everyone’s doing it. Gun Honey doesn’t quite hit the highs of Brubaker’s recent work. But it does still seem pretty bold and fresh even after Mark Millar has probably written a half dozen books that are comparable to it.

I’m interested to see where it goes.]]> 4.20 Gun Honey: Blood for Blood #1
author: Charles Ardai
name: Al
average rating: 4.20
book published:
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2022/10/03
shelves: comics
review:
My comic shop happened to have the new Gun Honey series. I missed the first as it probably wasn’t something the LCS would carry but it did pretty well

I’m not that familiar with Ardai but the comic is bannered with quotes from all the Hard boiled comic writes - Brubaker, Swierczynski and Max Allan Collins

And you know it’s all been done before. Even outside of pulp noir, writers tend to go for hyper action and over sexualization.

But you know it isn’t easy. For the most part, Gun Honey : Blood for Blood (which admittedly is a jumping on point for me) is a pretty good Noir comic. It’s got the mystery it’s got the charisma. Ang Hor Kheng’s art works well.

My biggest problem is probably jumping in midway. Along with the fact that everyone’s doing it. Gun Honey doesn’t quite hit the highs of Brubaker’s recent work. But it does still seem pretty bold and fresh even after Mark Millar has probably written a half dozen books that are comparable to it.

I’m interested to see where it goes.
]]> <![CDATA[108 Stitches: Loose Threads, Ripping Yarns, and the Darndest Characters from My Time in the Game]]> 39863446
In 108 Stitches , New York Times bestselling author and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Ron Darling offers his own take on the "six degrees of separation" game and knits together wild, wise, and wistful stories reflecting the full arc of a life in and around our national pastime.

Darling has played with or reported on just about everybody who has put on a uniform since 1983, and they in turn have played with or reported on just about everybody who put on a uniform in a previous generation. Through relationships with baseball legends on and off the field, like Yale coach Smoky Joe Wood, Willie Mays, Bart Giamatti, Tom Seaver and Mickey Mantle, Darling's reminiscences reach all the way back to Babe Ruth and other early twentieth-century greats.

Like the 108 stitches on a baseball, Darling's experiences are interwoven with every athlete who has ever played, every coach or manager who ever sat in a dugout, and every fan who ever played hooky from work or school to sit in the bleachers for a day game.

Darling's anecdotes come together to tell the story of his time in the game, and the story of the game itself.]]> 272 Ron Darling 125018438X Al 4 baseball, mets, read-in-2022
When I turned to page 1, I wondered if this was just going to be a list of everyone Ron Darling played with, starting with Don Aase, and the answer is 'kind of'.

Despite the forward, which suggested it is a history of interesting baseball stories or the news item about Lenny Dykstra yelling racial taunts at Oil Can Boys which brought the book tons of attention, the book itself really isn’t anything more than what I stated above.

Which isn’t a bad thing. I enjoyed the book. Like when the Mets announcers pull out baseball cards in a blowout and reminisce, Darling is an interesting recounter of some life stories.

So if that idea sounds good to you, the book might be for you. Players that Darling played with means we are talking players with careers from the 60s to the 00s, and for fans it’s a trip down memory lane. From Frank Howard to Jamie Quirk to Steve Sax to Mike Bordick, with a handful of insights on more recent players from his announcer years.

Besides Darling’s insight, his stories are of the sport, of the time- sophomoric, and often improper. As well as occasionally insensitive- and doesn’t make himself look any better.

There’s no deep gravitas here which may go with writing a third book in a decade. Nor does he dive too far back in time (as the foreword seems to suggest- there's not much in retelling stories that predate Darling's career). That said, if the idea of nothing more than Ron telling random anecdotes about his career is interesting to you, then this is worthwhile. A perfect beach read for the baseball fan.]]> 3.47 108 Stitches: Loose Threads, Ripping Yarns, and the Darndest Characters from My Time in the Game
author: Ron Darling
name: Al
average rating: 3.47
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/09/28
date added: 2022/09/28
shelves: baseball, mets, read-in-2022
review:
I’m a fan of Darling’s previous work and his announcing experience with the Mets, so this seemed a no brainer.

When I turned to page 1, I wondered if this was just going to be a list of everyone Ron Darling played with, starting with Don Aase, and the answer is 'kind of'.

Despite the forward, which suggested it is a history of interesting baseball stories or the news item about Lenny Dykstra yelling racial taunts at Oil Can Boys which brought the book tons of attention, the book itself really isn’t anything more than what I stated above.

Which isn’t a bad thing. I enjoyed the book. Like when the Mets announcers pull out baseball cards in a blowout and reminisce, Darling is an interesting recounter of some life stories.

So if that idea sounds good to you, the book might be for you. Players that Darling played with means we are talking players with careers from the 60s to the 00s, and for fans it’s a trip down memory lane. From Frank Howard to Jamie Quirk to Steve Sax to Mike Bordick, with a handful of insights on more recent players from his announcer years.

Besides Darling’s insight, his stories are of the sport, of the time- sophomoric, and often improper. As well as occasionally insensitive- and doesn’t make himself look any better.

There’s no deep gravitas here which may go with writing a third book in a decade. Nor does he dive too far back in time (as the foreword seems to suggest- there's not much in retelling stories that predate Darling's career). That said, if the idea of nothing more than Ron telling random anecdotes about his career is interesting to you, then this is worthwhile. A perfect beach read for the baseball fan.
]]> <![CDATA[The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors]]> 31215005 You’ve played the game. Now read the legend of how it all began...

Long ago, in an ancient and distant realm called the Kingdom of Backyard, there lived a warrior named ROCK.

Meanwhile in the Empire of Mom’s Home Office, a second great warrior sought the glory of battle. And his name was PAPER.

At the same time, in the Kitchen Realm, in the tiny village of Junk Drawer, lived a third warrior. They called her SCISSORS.

These three were the strongest, smartest, and fastest in all the land. Time and again they beat the most fearsome opponents they could find: an apricot, a computer printer—even frozen, breaded, dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets! But when the warriors finally meet each other, the most epic round of battles begins... and never ends. That is why, to this day, children around the world honor these worthy adversaries by playing ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS!

From acclaimed, bestselling creators Drew Daywalt, author of 'The Day the Crayons Quit' (2013) and 'The Day the Crayons Came Home' (2015) , and Adam Rex, author-illustrator of 'Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich' (2006), comes a laugh-out-loud hilarious picture book about theepic taleof the classic game Rock, Paper, Scissors.

Ages: 4-8+
Edition MSRP: US $17⁹⁹ / $21⁹⁹ CAN (ISBN 978-0-06-243889-8)
Manufactured in China]]> 48 Drew Daywalt 0062438891 Al 4 4.33 2017 The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors
author: Drew Daywalt
name: Al
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/09/13
shelves:
review:
There are two different types of kids books. One is the basic no excitement “I went to the store� books and the other are the hip books written for adults like “Dragons Love Tacos�. This is definitely the latter. But my kids love it and it is pretty clever. That said if you want to shield your kids from the phrase “fuzzy little butt� then you need to avoid this
]]> Detective Comics #1000 43266569 96 Peter J. Tomasi Al 3 comics
Still, it's a pretty stellar cast for Batman, who with all of his versatility, might be America's greatest hero. There's some of the recent Batman names of all stripes (Snyder, King, Dini, Tomasi, Tynion, Johns, Kevin Smith), the legend (Denny O'Neil), the "hot" name (Bendis) and a few wild cards (Warren Ellis, Christopher Priest). The exclusion (for whatever reason, I don't know) of Grant Morrison particularly sticks out.

I figured I should try it, even if I was not particularly impressed with DC's similar 1000 issue of Superman. I also am not a big fan of annuals, but this felt like it could be a decent enough stand-alone, and for that, it does actually work.

Let's talk about the stories.

Given the impact Scott Snyder and Tom King have had with this character in recent years, they get book-end stories. Both make their effort worthwhile.

Snyder has a likeable "Don't think about it too hard" story that is generally memorable and enjoyable. King's story is less memorable, but he essentially has 6 pages to work with, so he uses it to capture a really good Batman feel and show off his strengths.

Unlikely as it might seem, but Kevin Smith has the best story and it's pretty straight forward. At 8 pages, it goes quickly. Not only is it a good payoff, but the build up really grabs the reader, captures the right mood and is complimented by Jim Lee's art.

Paul Dini does what Dini does, and it is a fairly memorable and likely story. At six pages, it is maybe overlong. It's a great story, but he telegraphs the ending, so the mystery is solved fairly easily and before Dini gets to it.

Brian Michael Bendis tells a future Penguin/Batman story that seems like a logical fit for a book like this, though it probably falls under an Elseworlds story or something similar. It is pretty good, maybe only let down by an ending that doesn't feel all that original. The real hero is Alex Maleev who's art and colors give it particular staying power. I was happy with both Bendis and Dini putting their particular marks on here, though the ending of both stories strike me as plots I've known before.

Warren Ellis is given 8 pages, though his part is unexpectedly forgettable. Seeing Ellis's name, I expected either a new plot that no one had thought of, or some deep characterization that would resound. Neither is there. This is a light piece, almost poetry, whose best feature is Becky Cloonan's art and Jordie Bellaire's colors by a mile.

From there, it tends to be a lot of filler. This is like the golden age of Compact Discs when you might buy an album for 3 or 4 songs. Like CD's, the $10 price tag is pretty steep, and undoubtedly, the company wanted to make sure they were providing enough content for the money. Also like those albums of the past, this comic is heavily front loaded with all of the good stuff near the start. It ends with Peter Tomasi's intro into the next Detective Comics art, which was not nearly enough to get me to want to pick #1001 up,

The art is pretty good through without (Capullo, Joelle Jones and Tony Daniel and the ones I mentioned and didn't mention). DC does a weird job of sequencing in that is hard to tell when the story has ended and the next (and very different) story has started. It also does a bad job of advertising the creators inside. Overall, I keep going back to the CD analogy. I was satisfied enough that I bought this, and it will likely only appreciate with age, but it wouldn't be a complete review, without acknowledging there's plenty of filler, too.]]> 3.78 2019 Detective Comics #1000
author: Peter J. Tomasi
name: Al
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2022/09/07
shelves: comics
review:
I almost skipped this one. You know how I feel about standalones that don't stand up. Heck, for that matter, it is almost hard to tell if this "96 Page Issue" is all new material or a host of reprints.

Still, it's a pretty stellar cast for Batman, who with all of his versatility, might be America's greatest hero. There's some of the recent Batman names of all stripes (Snyder, King, Dini, Tomasi, Tynion, Johns, Kevin Smith), the legend (Denny O'Neil), the "hot" name (Bendis) and a few wild cards (Warren Ellis, Christopher Priest). The exclusion (for whatever reason, I don't know) of Grant Morrison particularly sticks out.

I figured I should try it, even if I was not particularly impressed with DC's similar 1000 issue of Superman. I also am not a big fan of annuals, but this felt like it could be a decent enough stand-alone, and for that, it does actually work.

Let's talk about the stories.

Given the impact Scott Snyder and Tom King have had with this character in recent years, they get book-end stories. Both make their effort worthwhile.

Snyder has a likeable "Don't think about it too hard" story that is generally memorable and enjoyable. King's story is less memorable, but he essentially has 6 pages to work with, so he uses it to capture a really good Batman feel and show off his strengths.

Unlikely as it might seem, but Kevin Smith has the best story and it's pretty straight forward. At 8 pages, it goes quickly. Not only is it a good payoff, but the build up really grabs the reader, captures the right mood and is complimented by Jim Lee's art.

Paul Dini does what Dini does, and it is a fairly memorable and likely story. At six pages, it is maybe overlong. It's a great story, but he telegraphs the ending, so the mystery is solved fairly easily and before Dini gets to it.

Brian Michael Bendis tells a future Penguin/Batman story that seems like a logical fit for a book like this, though it probably falls under an Elseworlds story or something similar. It is pretty good, maybe only let down by an ending that doesn't feel all that original. The real hero is Alex Maleev who's art and colors give it particular staying power. I was happy with both Bendis and Dini putting their particular marks on here, though the ending of both stories strike me as plots I've known before.

Warren Ellis is given 8 pages, though his part is unexpectedly forgettable. Seeing Ellis's name, I expected either a new plot that no one had thought of, or some deep characterization that would resound. Neither is there. This is a light piece, almost poetry, whose best feature is Becky Cloonan's art and Jordie Bellaire's colors by a mile.

From there, it tends to be a lot of filler. This is like the golden age of Compact Discs when you might buy an album for 3 or 4 songs. Like CD's, the $10 price tag is pretty steep, and undoubtedly, the company wanted to make sure they were providing enough content for the money. Also like those albums of the past, this comic is heavily front loaded with all of the good stuff near the start. It ends with Peter Tomasi's intro into the next Detective Comics art, which was not nearly enough to get me to want to pick #1001 up,

The art is pretty good through without (Capullo, Joelle Jones and Tony Daniel and the ones I mentioned and didn't mention). DC does a weird job of sequencing in that is hard to tell when the story has ended and the next (and very different) story has started. It also does a bad job of advertising the creators inside. Overall, I keep going back to the CD analogy. I was satisfied enough that I bought this, and it will likely only appreciate with age, but it wouldn't be a complete review, without acknowledging there's plenty of filler, too.
]]> And Then There Were None 16299
"Ten little boys went out to dine; One choked his little self and then there were nine. Nine little boys sat up very late; One overslept himself and then there were eight. Eight little boys traveling in Devon; One said he'd stay there then there were seven. Seven little boys chopping up sticks; One chopped himself in half and then there were six. Six little boys playing with a hive; A bumblebee stung one and then there were five. Five little boys going in for law; One got in Chancery and then there were four. Four little boys going out to sea; A red herring swallowed one and then there were three. Three little boys walking in the zoo; A big bear hugged one and then there were two. Two little boys sitting in the sun; One got frizzled up and then there was one. One little boy left all alone; He went out and hanged himself and then there were none."

When they realize that murders are occurring as described in the rhyme, terror mounts. One by one they fall prey. Before the weekend is out, there will be none. Who has choreographed this dastardly scheme? And who will be left to tell the tale? Only the dead are above suspicion.]]> 264 Agatha Christie 0312330871 Al 4 read-in-2022
I have had this on my TBR pile for awhile. When I first started to read, I immediately remembered that I had wanted to start with her detective stories with Poirot or Marple- which seem more down my alley.

That’s ok though. I was nervous about learning so many characters so quickly, but that worked fairly well.

Of course, ATTWN isn’t full of genre tropes, it is the trope. As Sherlock Holmes defined the detective novel, ATTWN is the definition of the Murder Mystery.

If you think of a Murder Mystery, you are thinking of this novel and maybe a little bit of the Clue movie from 1985 and board game.

Christie says in the forward what a challenge the book was. It is a testament to her craft how well it works. I could complain that the characters weren’t drawn up enough, but I do believe if she had done that, the length of the novel would cause other elements to fall apart.

I’m surprised if I haven’t seen the movie or knew the plot, but as far as I know- I didn’t know the ending. I did realize that this was more of a book without so much of a bunch of clues, but a story with a plot.

What strikes me the most is that this was written 80 years ago but the suspense and horror is written so well, that it feels absolutely modern.

I had a few guesses at the murderer and picked up on one of the main ideas, though I couldn’t quite piece it together. Christie does a pretty great job of getting you to think it is someone, for sure and then offing them in the next scene.

I also knew the ending was going to be a tough sell for me, but I was satisfied with it.]]> 4.28 1939 And Then There Were None
author: Agatha Christie
name: Al
average rating: 4.28
book published: 1939
rating: 4
read at: 2022/07/20
date added: 2022/07/21
shelves: read-in-2022
review:
Ok, I finally got around to reading some Agatha Christie. I’m surprised I hadn’t as I am remembering growing up around a lot of mysteries- Ellery Queen books, Orson Wells mysteries and so on.

I have had this on my TBR pile for awhile. When I first started to read, I immediately remembered that I had wanted to start with her detective stories with Poirot or Marple- which seem more down my alley.

That’s ok though. I was nervous about learning so many characters so quickly, but that worked fairly well.

Of course, ATTWN isn’t full of genre tropes, it is the trope. As Sherlock Holmes defined the detective novel, ATTWN is the definition of the Murder Mystery.

If you think of a Murder Mystery, you are thinking of this novel and maybe a little bit of the Clue movie from 1985 and board game.

Christie says in the forward what a challenge the book was. It is a testament to her craft how well it works. I could complain that the characters weren’t drawn up enough, but I do believe if she had done that, the length of the novel would cause other elements to fall apart.

I’m surprised if I haven’t seen the movie or knew the plot, but as far as I know- I didn’t know the ending. I did realize that this was more of a book without so much of a bunch of clues, but a story with a plot.

What strikes me the most is that this was written 80 years ago but the suspense and horror is written so well, that it feels absolutely modern.

I had a few guesses at the murderer and picked up on one of the main ideas, though I couldn’t quite piece it together. Christie does a pretty great job of getting you to think it is someone, for sure and then offing them in the next scene.

I also knew the ending was going to be a tough sell for me, but I was satisfied with it.
]]> Open Blind Eyes 56566208 300 Rachel Timothy 1664143750 Al 4 read-in-2022
Open Blind Eyes is a compelling book about a small town girl who was abused and trafficked starting at age 9. As far as I am aware, the accused still works in the same capacity (teacher/coach) in a different town

The book is truly disturbing and will make every parent be on guard. I think it does it’s intention. Trafficking isn’t just a big city problem.

For a first time author, Timothy has the gift of writing. There is also a Christian element and there is also a parallel story of how she found the love of God despite the worst of things happening to her.

There are a lot of discussions on social media about things like abuse, grooming, rape and so on, but these words get thrown around so much, that it could be shocking to hear a real life example. We do have people who have meme-ified thse sort of conversations but you don’t hear much real constructive talk about it.

We also, generally as a nation are skeptical of the stories of victims. We have seen so many examples of that, and post - metoo that has hardly changed. That goes for Timothy here too. She went on Dr Phil’s television show last year and detailed the same story. Online comments about the appearance on the show are harsh.

The second part of Timothy’s book (the adult years) are in the range of the unbelievable. Much of it actually wouldn’t surprise me for a small town, but like most victim’s stories, it gets tore apart by skeptics. (“Why didn’t she just go to the police� is the inevitable cry) Given the more unlikely elements, I could only conclude that the things in her adult life are at the very least, caused by her childhood trauma. I can’t foresee that she would make all this up.

This is the current environment where everyone is skeptical of these claims and it’s insane, but again I’m basing that on the story and not the book. I think the book does as it says on the cover, and that is illuminate an issue. How do we stop this? How do we have a meaningful conversation to stop the perpetrators?]]> 4.23 Open Blind Eyes
author: Rachel Timothy
name: Al
average rating: 4.23
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/07/15
date added: 2022/07/15
shelves: read-in-2022
review:
I read this book because it was about an area of the country that I was very familiar with. As I have aged and moved, I do tend to think there is a small town mentality that ‘nothing bad ever happens here�, but bad things happen in small town like they do in big cities, and who knows maybe worse. Sexual abuse, drug usage and suicide to name a few of these issues.

Open Blind Eyes is a compelling book about a small town girl who was abused and trafficked starting at age 9. As far as I am aware, the accused still works in the same capacity (teacher/coach) in a different town

The book is truly disturbing and will make every parent be on guard. I think it does it’s intention. Trafficking isn’t just a big city problem.

For a first time author, Timothy has the gift of writing. There is also a Christian element and there is also a parallel story of how she found the love of God despite the worst of things happening to her.

There are a lot of discussions on social media about things like abuse, grooming, rape and so on, but these words get thrown around so much, that it could be shocking to hear a real life example. We do have people who have meme-ified thse sort of conversations but you don’t hear much real constructive talk about it.

We also, generally as a nation are skeptical of the stories of victims. We have seen so many examples of that, and post - metoo that has hardly changed. That goes for Timothy here too. She went on Dr Phil’s television show last year and detailed the same story. Online comments about the appearance on the show are harsh.

The second part of Timothy’s book (the adult years) are in the range of the unbelievable. Much of it actually wouldn’t surprise me for a small town, but like most victim’s stories, it gets tore apart by skeptics. (“Why didn’t she just go to the police� is the inevitable cry) Given the more unlikely elements, I could only conclude that the things in her adult life are at the very least, caused by her childhood trauma. I can’t foresee that she would make all this up.

This is the current environment where everyone is skeptical of these claims and it’s insane, but again I’m basing that on the story and not the book. I think the book does as it says on the cover, and that is illuminate an issue. How do we stop this? How do we have a meaningful conversation to stop the perpetrators?
]]> BRZRKR, Volume 2 58673891 The highest selling comic book launch in 30 years by Keanu Reeves in his comic book writing debut alongside New York Times bestselling co-writer Matt Kindt and acclaimed artist Ron Garney continues!

WHAT PRICE WOULD YOU PAY FOR TRUE FREEDOM?

Half-mortal and half-god, cursed and compelled to violence, the man known only as B. begins wandering the world anew. After enduring a series of experiments and missions, B.’s memories of his origins will be finally restored. But what does this revelation mean for his future? Has B. finally found true freedom? Perhaps, but when has the U.S. government ever let their best asset go?

Keanu Reeves continues his comic book writing debut alongside New York Times bestselling co-writer Matt Kindt (Folklords, Grass Kings) and legendary artist Ron Garney (Wolverine, Captain America) in a brutally violent new series about one immortal warrior’s fight through the ages.

Collects: BRZRKR #5-8.]]> 128 Keanu Reeves 168415815X Al 3
Well, I will say this - if you asked me if I would rather read a “comic book full of action movie cliches� or a “boring� comic - the former is always going to win.

BRZRKR already has all the Conan and Wolverine (and other eternal life characters like Highlander and vampires) tropes and now we add some Indiana Jones and wait is this a love story?

BRZRKR is mindless action but as long as that it isn’t a turnoff to you, it is quite fun. I might argue that this is the kind of book Mark Millar used to write, but Kindt seems to be better than the Scotsman these days.

Garney’s art is a good fit for this as well.

Criticism? Well, it is pretty mindless action and although I have generally enjoyed this story, I would like to see something to take it to the next level, but it never quite does that. The characters still tend to be paper thin. The background universe doesn’t have the same hooks that say a Mike Mignola or someone similar might write. It’s a fun action movie-in-comic-book form. It isn’t boring. But it isn’t truly compelling, either.

Kindt, Reeves and Garney waste a lot of space too. Although there are new plot points added, it feels like each new issue only adds the equivalent of 4 or 5 pages of actual plot content. That’s pretty rough when BOOM is selling it for $5 an issue. Also since this story is now sitting at two-thirds over, it’s doubtful we get much of a satisfying ending either, but we shall see.]]> 3.72 2021 BRZRKR, Volume 2
author: Keanu Reeves
name: Al
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2022/07/13
shelves:
review:
(Read as single issues). Back for a second volume of BRZRKR- that Keanu comic.

Well, I will say this - if you asked me if I would rather read a “comic book full of action movie cliches� or a “boring� comic - the former is always going to win.

BRZRKR already has all the Conan and Wolverine (and other eternal life characters like Highlander and vampires) tropes and now we add some Indiana Jones and wait is this a love story?

BRZRKR is mindless action but as long as that it isn’t a turnoff to you, it is quite fun. I might argue that this is the kind of book Mark Millar used to write, but Kindt seems to be better than the Scotsman these days.

Garney’s art is a good fit for this as well.

Criticism? Well, it is pretty mindless action and although I have generally enjoyed this story, I would like to see something to take it to the next level, but it never quite does that. The characters still tend to be paper thin. The background universe doesn’t have the same hooks that say a Mike Mignola or someone similar might write. It’s a fun action movie-in-comic-book form. It isn’t boring. But it isn’t truly compelling, either.

Kindt, Reeves and Garney waste a lot of space too. Although there are new plot points added, it feels like each new issue only adds the equivalent of 4 or 5 pages of actual plot content. That’s pretty rough when BOOM is selling it for $5 an issue. Also since this story is now sitting at two-thirds over, it’s doubtful we get much of a satisfying ending either, but we shall see.
]]> <![CDATA[Out of Control: The Last Days of " The Clash "]]> 1429998 Vince White 0955503809 Al 4 read-in-2022, music
Vince White was the second guitarist for the Mk 2 lineup. Over the years, he has become labeled an “unreliable narrator� for some of his activity on Clash message boards but I don’t doubt his story. It doesn’t help of course, White always seems to be chasing women and drink, even having an affair with the band manager Bernie Rhodes’s girlfriend.

But I don’t doubt the Jones-less Clash was a mess with Joe Strummer and Bernie Rhodes chasing past glories that were likely way out of reach. The Clash were dinosaurs in a scene with UK punk bands like the Exploited and American hardcore. While political rock of the arena variety was covered by U2, the Police, the Fixx and others.

White is an interesting side to the Clash story. Rhodes and Strummer were interested in the sloganeering as pictured on the inside of the sleeve or Cut the Crap. White shares the story of how he played the Stiff Little Fingers debut on the tour bus, and got in trouble because it wasn’t 50s rock or jazz.

White is an interesting observer since he generally likes punk but doesn’t seem to be beholden to any of the legend. He joins the band because he passes the audition, but I think he would do the same if the band was the Clash, Status Quo or Pink Floyd.

You can’t blame Rhodes and Strummer for acting the way they did, wanting to make a new album that matched the fury of the debut, the ambition of London Calling and the look ahead futurism of Combat Rock. To accomplish this, ironically, they were rigid, even dictatorial. I don’t doubt for a minute that the three new band members were allowed very limited input on the band, nor do I doubt the album was worse for that.

White’s story is probably better that he wasn’t beholden to the idol worship of the Clash. We get a side of Strummer that is human, flawed and tired. Same goes for Paul Simonon, Kosmo Vinyl and the rest of the gang.

For Clash fans, it’s definitely worth the read. While you might end up not liking him, White can definitely tell a story. That said, if you are expecting a insightful rock memoir, this is definitely on the gossipy, trashy side of things, so be warned in advance]]> 3.60 2007 Out of Control: The Last Days of " The Clash "
author: Vince White
name: Al
average rating: 3.60
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 2022/06/21
date added: 2022/06/21
shelves: read-in-2022, music
review:
I recently watched the doc The Rise and the Fall of the Clash by filmmaker Danny Garcia. Along with Marcus Gray’s fantastic book The Last Gang in Town, these are about the only two places where post Mick Jones Clash history is recorded. Garcia’s film postulates that the Clash mark 2 are probably not deserving of their reputation, were a great live band who were victims of a weird power struggle and one poorly mixed record.

Vince White was the second guitarist for the Mk 2 lineup. Over the years, he has become labeled an “unreliable narrator� for some of his activity on Clash message boards but I don’t doubt his story. It doesn’t help of course, White always seems to be chasing women and drink, even having an affair with the band manager Bernie Rhodes’s girlfriend.

But I don’t doubt the Jones-less Clash was a mess with Joe Strummer and Bernie Rhodes chasing past glories that were likely way out of reach. The Clash were dinosaurs in a scene with UK punk bands like the Exploited and American hardcore. While political rock of the arena variety was covered by U2, the Police, the Fixx and others.

White is an interesting side to the Clash story. Rhodes and Strummer were interested in the sloganeering as pictured on the inside of the sleeve or Cut the Crap. White shares the story of how he played the Stiff Little Fingers debut on the tour bus, and got in trouble because it wasn’t 50s rock or jazz.

White is an interesting observer since he generally likes punk but doesn’t seem to be beholden to any of the legend. He joins the band because he passes the audition, but I think he would do the same if the band was the Clash, Status Quo or Pink Floyd.

You can’t blame Rhodes and Strummer for acting the way they did, wanting to make a new album that matched the fury of the debut, the ambition of London Calling and the look ahead futurism of Combat Rock. To accomplish this, ironically, they were rigid, even dictatorial. I don’t doubt for a minute that the three new band members were allowed very limited input on the band, nor do I doubt the album was worse for that.

White’s story is probably better that he wasn’t beholden to the idol worship of the Clash. We get a side of Strummer that is human, flawed and tired. Same goes for Paul Simonon, Kosmo Vinyl and the rest of the gang.

For Clash fans, it’s definitely worth the read. While you might end up not liking him, White can definitely tell a story. That said, if you are expecting a insightful rock memoir, this is definitely on the gossipy, trashy side of things, so be warned in advance
]]> <![CDATA[Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #1]]> 61090368 38 Joshua Williamson Al 4 I have to admit, as a long time comic reader, some hesitation to picking up an “event� comic. The comic Big 2 have trotted enough Big Events, Deaths, New Team Ups that even promising “this will change everything� and then with creative turnover and other circumstances leading into disappointment

So I don’t envy Joshua Williamson taking this on, but I will tell you this: I think I like it. There’s a lot going on with an epic story to tell, but he has made the right decision in trying to tell this heroic story by telling it in the most personal terms possible.

It doesn’t feel intimidating as these events often do, even as Williamson wrangles in quite a few storylines.

The amazing thing about Daniel Sampere’s art is that I don’t know that I would otherwise comment on it. It is such a clean, well done style that it seems so perfect that nothing additional needs to be said.

Williamson can be a good storyteller but I had doubts in regards to telling an epic superhero story, but he’s meeting and exceeding expectations here. We will see how it goes. ]]> 3.95 Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #1
author: Joshua Williamson
name: Al
average rating: 3.95
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/06/14
shelves:
review:

I have to admit, as a long time comic reader, some hesitation to picking up an “event� comic. The comic Big 2 have trotted enough Big Events, Deaths, New Team Ups that even promising “this will change everything� and then with creative turnover and other circumstances leading into disappointment

So I don’t envy Joshua Williamson taking this on, but I will tell you this: I think I like it. There’s a lot going on with an epic story to tell, but he has made the right decision in trying to tell this heroic story by telling it in the most personal terms possible.

It doesn’t feel intimidating as these events often do, even as Williamson wrangles in quite a few storylines.

The amazing thing about Daniel Sampere’s art is that I don’t know that I would otherwise comment on it. It is such a clean, well done style that it seems so perfect that nothing additional needs to be said.

Williamson can be a good storyteller but I had doubts in regards to telling an epic superhero story, but he’s meeting and exceeding expectations here. We will see how it goes.
]]> <![CDATA[They Said It Couldn't Be Done: The '69 Mets, New York City, and the Most Astounding Season in Baseball History]]> 42410754 281 Wayne Coffey 1524760900 Al 2
A high point for the Franchise and baseball history is 1969 where the “Miracle Mets� went from a near decade of being the worst team in history to winning the World Series. In 2019, for the 50th Anniversary, a flood of books were released with the most attention given to Coffey’s book (Coffey is a long time sports writer known for writing what is considered one of the best hockey-related books of all time).

I was told by someone that read it that the book drew a lot from previous books on the subject. I wasn’t concerned as these weren’t books that I had read or was going to read.

But it is obvious from reading that this is book is drawn from a lot of different sources and interviews. Nothing wrong with that of course and Coffey admits as much in the acknowledgments. But the book does feel rather soulless.

One major issue is the book is not about the 1969 Season but about the 1969 World Series. By page 81, the Mets are in the playoffs. Pages 131-272 are about the World Series. Unfortunately, a book cannot describe action like a visual medium.

Ideally, I would like character sketches of the players. These are interspersed but not in a particularly constructive way to give the best benefit. There are fantastic characters and stories- Cleonn Jones, Ed Charles, Donn Clendenon, Jerry Koosman, Tug McGraw, Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver and many more.

These happen through the book but often in later passages.

The season should be interesting, right? The Cubs had a banner year and the pennant race was tight.

Coffey teases contemporary events- Mayor Lindsey’s re-election and the moon landing, but these are more just teases that barely scratch the surface.

In the dozen pages of the Epilogue, Coffey gets most of this stuff right, but it’s in contrast to the tedium of the rest of the book.

As a Mets fan and a baseball fan, I am glad I read it. It is a tale of getting the right players instead of all the best players. I was hoping this would be an all time great book. It is not. It is a good book, just a disappointing one.]]> 4.12 They Said It Couldn't Be Done: The '69 Mets, New York City, and the Most Astounding Season in Baseball History
author: Wayne Coffey
name: Al
average rating: 4.12
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2022/06/02
date added: 2022/06/02
shelves: mets, sports, baseball, read-in-2022
review:
I’m a New York Mets fan and there’s usually two reasons anyone is a Mets fan- they’re from New York or they were a certain age in 1986 when the Mets were the most exciting sports team on the planet. I am the latter.

A high point for the Franchise and baseball history is 1969 where the “Miracle Mets� went from a near decade of being the worst team in history to winning the World Series. In 2019, for the 50th Anniversary, a flood of books were released with the most attention given to Coffey’s book (Coffey is a long time sports writer known for writing what is considered one of the best hockey-related books of all time).

I was told by someone that read it that the book drew a lot from previous books on the subject. I wasn’t concerned as these weren’t books that I had read or was going to read.

But it is obvious from reading that this is book is drawn from a lot of different sources and interviews. Nothing wrong with that of course and Coffey admits as much in the acknowledgments. But the book does feel rather soulless.

One major issue is the book is not about the 1969 Season but about the 1969 World Series. By page 81, the Mets are in the playoffs. Pages 131-272 are about the World Series. Unfortunately, a book cannot describe action like a visual medium.

Ideally, I would like character sketches of the players. These are interspersed but not in a particularly constructive way to give the best benefit. There are fantastic characters and stories- Cleonn Jones, Ed Charles, Donn Clendenon, Jerry Koosman, Tug McGraw, Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver and many more.

These happen through the book but often in later passages.

The season should be interesting, right? The Cubs had a banner year and the pennant race was tight.

Coffey teases contemporary events- Mayor Lindsey’s re-election and the moon landing, but these are more just teases that barely scratch the surface.

In the dozen pages of the Epilogue, Coffey gets most of this stuff right, but it’s in contrast to the tedium of the rest of the book.

As a Mets fan and a baseball fan, I am glad I read it. It is a tale of getting the right players instead of all the best players. I was hoping this would be an all time great book. It is not. It is a good book, just a disappointing one.
]]> <![CDATA[Parable of the Sower (Earthseed, #1)]]> 52397
Lauren Olamina and her family live in one of the only safe neighborhoods remaining on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Behind the walls of their defended enclave, Lauren’s father, a preacher, and a handful of other citizens try to salvage what remains of a culture that has been destroyed by drugs, disease, war, and chronic water shortages. While her father tries to lead people on the righteous path, Lauren struggles with hyperempathy, a condition that makes her extraordinarily sensitive to the pain of others.

When fire destroys their compound, Lauren’s family is killed and she is forced out into a world that is fraught with danger. With a handful of other refugees, Lauren must make her way north to safety, along the way conceiving a revolutionary idea that may mean salvation for all mankind.]]> 345 Octavia E. Butler 0446675504 Al 4
Parable of the Sower is a book that could only be written after 2020- this dystopian fiction is just too well informed by current events. Additionally, it’s all been done in the 21st Century dystopian fiction realm- whether YA exploration or apocalyptic zombie tales. Surely, the author was informed by these when plotting her course.

Of course, I am making light, this book is 30 years old, but it nails a certain socio-political twist on the apocalyptic tale that actually feels like it could fall into the current timeline. There’s no jumps in logic that took me out of the story women might now be called “Of Fred� or political leaders would dress like Lady Gaga.

There’s a lot of plot points that could have went sideways but without spoiling it, I will simply say Butler nails it with her plot, her characters, her world building. Unfortunately, there was only one more book in the series written before Butler passed. Yet, even as the first book ends with mainly setting up a sequel, I didn’t feel any disappointment in the conclusion of the book.]]> 4.21 1993 Parable of the Sower (Earthseed, #1)
author: Octavia E. Butler
name: Al
average rating: 4.21
book published: 1993
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/25
date added: 2022/05/01
shelves:
review:
I had a bit of worry about reading this. This book is increasing in status into a modern day classic by each subsequent year. But I shouldn’t have worried, it is worth the hype.

Parable of the Sower is a book that could only be written after 2020- this dystopian fiction is just too well informed by current events. Additionally, it’s all been done in the 21st Century dystopian fiction realm- whether YA exploration or apocalyptic zombie tales. Surely, the author was informed by these when plotting her course.

Of course, I am making light, this book is 30 years old, but it nails a certain socio-political twist on the apocalyptic tale that actually feels like it could fall into the current timeline. There’s no jumps in logic that took me out of the story women might now be called “Of Fred� or political leaders would dress like Lady Gaga.

There’s a lot of plot points that could have went sideways but without spoiling it, I will simply say Butler nails it with her plot, her characters, her world building. Unfortunately, there was only one more book in the series written before Butler passed. Yet, even as the first book ends with mainly setting up a sequel, I didn’t feel any disappointment in the conclusion of the book.
]]> Nod Away, Vol. 1 25652710 230 Joshua W. Cotter 1606999117 Al 1 In the 90s, the “cool kids� like me were into Fantagraphics comics and indie rock (often
stylized as “grunge�. The world was ready for big changes. 30 years later, grunge begat Nickleback and non-superhero comics are fairly limited to that Zombie one and not much else.

So I was excited to dive into some new Fantagraphics titles and that it was sci-fi was an exciting twist.

Nod Away is ambitious. Cotter writes it and draws it. His art is amazing though it does fall in line with the Crumb/Clowes/Bagge indie comic art, and unfortunately is so great it feels generic.

I don’t want to hate this ambitious book. I did something I never do and looked at the patreon page for this work.

It is as Cotter says his life work, his story to tell. Maybe he says that about all of his books. But then it clicked for me.

Nod Away is Cotter’s book, yes, and as someone more used to writing music reviews, I can’t help the comparison. This book is like Billy Corgan’s Smashing Pumpkins- the iteration where Billy has kicked everyone out of his band and is releasing 90-track albums. Look, I love you Billy but this is too much.

To extend the music metaphor, there is a reason Fleetwood Mac albums sell more than Lindsey Buckingham albums. There is a reason Prince’s worst albums are where he has jettisoned everyone from the studio.

This is Cotter’s story but dang how much better would it be if he had someone to focus his ideas. Nod Away felt accessible, ends with a cliffhanger and even tries to balance indie comic drama into the big ideas, but it was much too dense for me. Like the worst parts of indie comics, I never felt attached to the characters, the celebration of the mundane felt mundane, and the art was so great and felt really undistinguished.

So this one wasn’t for me, but others might love it. ]]> 3.71 2016 Nod Away, Vol. 1
author: Joshua W. Cotter
name: Al
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2016
rating: 1
read at:
date added: 2022/04/22
shelves:
review:

In the 90s, the “cool kids� like me were into Fantagraphics comics and indie rock (often
stylized as “grunge�. The world was ready for big changes. 30 years later, grunge begat Nickleback and non-superhero comics are fairly limited to that Zombie one and not much else.

So I was excited to dive into some new Fantagraphics titles and that it was sci-fi was an exciting twist.

Nod Away is ambitious. Cotter writes it and draws it. His art is amazing though it does fall in line with the Crumb/Clowes/Bagge indie comic art, and unfortunately is so great it feels generic.

I don’t want to hate this ambitious book. I did something I never do and looked at the patreon page for this work.

It is as Cotter says his life work, his story to tell. Maybe he says that about all of his books. But then it clicked for me.

Nod Away is Cotter’s book, yes, and as someone more used to writing music reviews, I can’t help the comparison. This book is like Billy Corgan’s Smashing Pumpkins- the iteration where Billy has kicked everyone out of his band and is releasing 90-track albums. Look, I love you Billy but this is too much.

To extend the music metaphor, there is a reason Fleetwood Mac albums sell more than Lindsey Buckingham albums. There is a reason Prince’s worst albums are where he has jettisoned everyone from the studio.

This is Cotter’s story but dang how much better would it be if he had someone to focus his ideas. Nod Away felt accessible, ends with a cliffhanger and even tries to balance indie comic drama into the big ideas, but it was much too dense for me. Like the worst parts of indie comics, I never felt attached to the characters, the celebration of the mundane felt mundane, and the art was so great and felt really undistinguished.

So this one wasn’t for me, but others might love it.
]]> The Punisher #1 (2022) 60586837 Jason Aaron Al 4 comics
Issue 1 does not answer a lot of questions into what is next for the character. One thing it does is put The Punisher in a relationship with The Hand which gives it a grounding in the Marvel Universe.

I did not read Aaron’s previous Punisher run but suffice to say, this is something new. This one is big on action over characterization. That said, I think we are going to get ‘story�. The art isn’t really typical Punisher either but I think that’s ok too.

Punisher #1 promises a pretty interesting story. If I have a criticism, it is that we are just getting the curtain pulled back on the story and I really want to know how these plot points are going to relate (this almost feels like what DC used to release as issue #0 to introduce a new comic), but I’m definitely up for what is next.]]> 3.80 The Punisher #1 (2022)
author: Jason Aaron
name: Al
average rating: 3.80
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/03/30
shelves: comics
review:
Marvel is re-launching Punisher if you will with the King of Killers, Jason Aaron on writing duties, and most notably a new logo. It was a news item that Punisher’s skull had been co opted by alt right groups and so Marvel decided it was a time to change it.

Issue 1 does not answer a lot of questions into what is next for the character. One thing it does is put The Punisher in a relationship with The Hand which gives it a grounding in the Marvel Universe.

I did not read Aaron’s previous Punisher run but suffice to say, this is something new. This one is big on action over characterization. That said, I think we are going to get ‘story�. The art isn’t really typical Punisher either but I think that’s ok too.

Punisher #1 promises a pretty interesting story. If I have a criticism, it is that we are just getting the curtain pulled back on the story and I really want to know how these plot points are going to relate (this almost feels like what DC used to release as issue #0 to introduce a new comic), but I’m definitely up for what is next.
]]> <![CDATA[Lore Olympus: Volume One (Lore Olympus, #1)]]> 57282218
Persephone, young goddess of spring, is new to Olympus. Her mother, Demeter, has raised her in the mortal realm, but after Persephone promises to train as a sacred virgin, she’s allowed to live in the fast-moving, glamorous world of the gods. When her roommate, Artemis, takes her to a party, her entire life changes: she ends up meeting Hades and feels an immediate spark with the charming yet misunderstood ruler of the Underworld. Now Persephone must navigate the confusing politics and relationships that rule Olympus, while also figuring out her own place—and her own power.

This edition of Smythe’s original Eisner-winning webcomic Lore Olympus features a brand-new, exclusive short story, and brings the Greek Pantheon into the modern age in a sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel.

This volume collects episodes 1-25 of the #1 WEBTOON comic, Lore Olympus.]]> 384 Rachel Smythe 0593160290 Al 3 comics
In any case, I doubt I am the target audience for this. I’m probably the farthest thing from it, but hey I’m willing to broaden my horizons. I also see that there is a dedicated fandom. That usually sends me running. But here goes..

I get the appeal. This comic was released as a webtoon (later being published in a more standard format). A webtoon is designed to be read on a phone or maybe a tablet.

It is also episodic so it comes out weekly. In these qualities, it’s not unlike say an HBO show.

Smythe utilizes this concept well and that is some of the strengths. The color (especially the way she uses it with characters is fantastic). I think the art is great. It’s a bit absurd and surreal like oh say Kyle Baker. Weirdly enough, the thing it reminds me more than the usual comic book art (and I couldn’t place it until another reviewer mentioned it) is LeRoy Nieman’s Playboy magazine illustrations. Each episode is a quick scene and it’s done.

I would say for me, those same reasons are cause for the negative. For me, as it goes along, I think Smythe’s art unsurprisingly is not as great as it is in the beginning. Also the format slows the action to a crawl. I could probably get passed that, but as Smythe introduces more characters and subplots, it sort of muddles the whole thing.

I would say that I’m not particularly interested in Greek Gods and this isn’t particularly my cup of tea. I do understand the appeal. It feels like a Netflix/HBO show designed for a mature audience. There are mature themes that keep it at a 18+ range. It’s got a lot of “guilty pleasure� to it and to credit Smythe, she generally writes some fun dialogue and depth into her characters.

Like those “gossipy� HBO shows, I get the addictive nature of this. There’s a lot here that some people will love and some people hate. That’s not necessarily good or bad, but you can read the reviews and see those various reasons. As for me, I enjoyed it enough but at its pace, probably not something I plan on continue.]]> 4.23 2021 Lore Olympus: Volume One (Lore Olympus, #1)
author: Rachel Smythe
name: Al
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2022/03/30
shelves: comics
review:
Lore Olympus was the 2021 ŷ winner in the category of comic book/graphic novel. I’m a comic book guy,so�

In any case, I doubt I am the target audience for this. I’m probably the farthest thing from it, but hey I’m willing to broaden my horizons. I also see that there is a dedicated fandom. That usually sends me running. But here goes..

I get the appeal. This comic was released as a webtoon (later being published in a more standard format). A webtoon is designed to be read on a phone or maybe a tablet.

It is also episodic so it comes out weekly. In these qualities, it’s not unlike say an HBO show.

Smythe utilizes this concept well and that is some of the strengths. The color (especially the way she uses it with characters is fantastic). I think the art is great. It’s a bit absurd and surreal like oh say Kyle Baker. Weirdly enough, the thing it reminds me more than the usual comic book art (and I couldn’t place it until another reviewer mentioned it) is LeRoy Nieman’s Playboy magazine illustrations. Each episode is a quick scene and it’s done.

I would say for me, those same reasons are cause for the negative. For me, as it goes along, I think Smythe’s art unsurprisingly is not as great as it is in the beginning. Also the format slows the action to a crawl. I could probably get passed that, but as Smythe introduces more characters and subplots, it sort of muddles the whole thing.

I would say that I’m not particularly interested in Greek Gods and this isn’t particularly my cup of tea. I do understand the appeal. It feels like a Netflix/HBO show designed for a mature audience. There are mature themes that keep it at a 18+ range. It’s got a lot of “guilty pleasure� to it and to credit Smythe, she generally writes some fun dialogue and depth into her characters.

Like those “gossipy� HBO shows, I get the addictive nature of this. There’s a lot here that some people will love and some people hate. That’s not necessarily good or bad, but you can read the reviews and see those various reasons. As for me, I enjoyed it enough but at its pace, probably not something I plan on continue.
]]> <![CDATA[Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time]]> 10111087 What happens when an adventure travel expert-who's never actually done anything adventurous-tries to re-create the original expedition to Machu Picchu?

July 24, 1911, was a day for the history books. For on that rainy morning, the young Yale professor Hiram Bingham III climbed into the Andes Mountains of Peru and encountered an ancient city in the clouds: the now famous citadel of Machu Picchu. Nearly a century later, news reports have recast the hero explorer as a villain who smuggled out priceless artifacts and stole credit for finding one of the world's greatest archaeological sites.

Mark Adams has spent his career editing adventure and travel magazines, so his plan to investigate the allegations against Bingham by retracing the explorer's perilous path to Machu Picchu isn't completely far- fetched, even if it does require him to sleep in a tent for the first time. With a crusty, antisocial Australian survivalist and several Quechua-speaking, coca-chewing mule tenders as his guides, Adams takes readers through some of the most gorgeous and historic landscapes in Peru, from the ancient Inca capital of Cusco to the enigmatic ruins of Vitcos and Vilcabamba.

Along the way he finds a still-undiscovered country populated with brilliant and eccentric characters, as well as an answer to the question that has nagged scientists since Hiram Bingham's time: Just what was Machu Picchu?

]]> 333 Mark Adams 0525952241 Al 4 read-in-2022
Having read it, it’s hard not to compare it to Bryson’s “Walk in the Woods�. Rather naive suburban dwelling journalist goes on difficult trek while teaching the reader some history and some light humor.

I wouldn’t want to prejudice readers to Adams, nor take anything away from his accomplishment. Any mention of this book should start with a comment about Adams really drawing a picture of the area and the reader will be ready to board a plane to Peru.

The book does a great job of giving a good introduction to the Inca ruins and if not a complete picture, gives enough reference to where to go to next. Bingham is an interesting character too. Possibly an inspiration for Indiana Jones- he was one of the greats of the Exploration era- his discoveries helped kick off National Geographic and of course, the debate over who owns Ruins and historical artifacts.

This one is worthwhile for sure and though I started the review wanting to do otherwise, this does have a whiff of Bryson, Sarah Vowell and AJ Jacobs. If you like their work or want a fun read about Machu Piccu, pick this up.]]> 3.83 2011 Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time
author: Mark Adams
name: Al
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at: 2022/01/23
date added: 2022/03/30
shelves: read-in-2022
review:
When a friend told me about this book, I was instantly interested. The book is a travelogue to Maccu Pichu, though it is also the story of Hiram Bingham III “discovery� of the Inca city in the early 20 th Century.

Having read it, it’s hard not to compare it to Bryson’s “Walk in the Woods�. Rather naive suburban dwelling journalist goes on difficult trek while teaching the reader some history and some light humor.

I wouldn’t want to prejudice readers to Adams, nor take anything away from his accomplishment. Any mention of this book should start with a comment about Adams really drawing a picture of the area and the reader will be ready to board a plane to Peru.

The book does a great job of giving a good introduction to the Inca ruins and if not a complete picture, gives enough reference to where to go to next. Bingham is an interesting character too. Possibly an inspiration for Indiana Jones- he was one of the greats of the Exploration era- his discoveries helped kick off National Geographic and of course, the debate over who owns Ruins and historical artifacts.

This one is worthwhile for sure and though I started the review wanting to do otherwise, this does have a whiff of Bryson, Sarah Vowell and AJ Jacobs. If you like their work or want a fun read about Machu Piccu, pick this up.
]]> <![CDATA[Killing the Mob: The Fight Against Organized Crime in America]]> 55857470
O’Reilly and Dugard turn these legendary criminals and their true-life escapades into a read that rivals the most riveting crime novel.]]> 292 Bill O'Reilly 125027365X Al 3 read-in-2022 Ok, so you know Bill O’Reilly books usually find themselves at my door as gifts. You also know that my feelings for Bill’O aside, his books are pretty dang readable (especially when it comes to nonpartisan topics).

So Killing the Mob was exactly what I expected. Bills books are the MTV/History Channel/Buzzfeed/Fox version of History, but I suspect the reader should know this. A lot of flash , a lot of buzz, and not a very deep dive. There’s other books for that.

A complaint I saw time and time was that the story skips around. I thought it was an interesting observation but I don’t know that I would have done any differently.

It starts with J Edgar Hoover and the Public Enemy Number One gangsters and then we get the rest: The Mob, JFK, Sinatra, RFK, Hoffa, Bugsy Siegel, Cuba, the Five Families, Sonny Liston, Donnie Brasco and a lot of the expected characters.

The book itself is not unlike a McDonalds meal. It might not be the best option for you, but it feeds your appetite and you probably enjoyed it. You might not also want anyone around when you consume it.

I also might suggest if you have a deep knowledge in this subject, it might not have much new stuff. However, if this is a topic you like, you might enjoy it. ]]> 4.13 2021 Killing the Mob: The Fight Against Organized Crime in America
author: Bill O'Reilly
name: Al
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2022/01/28
date added: 2022/03/30
shelves: read-in-2022
review:

Ok, so you know Bill O’Reilly books usually find themselves at my door as gifts. You also know that my feelings for Bill’O aside, his books are pretty dang readable (especially when it comes to nonpartisan topics).

So Killing the Mob was exactly what I expected. Bills books are the MTV/History Channel/Buzzfeed/Fox version of History, but I suspect the reader should know this. A lot of flash , a lot of buzz, and not a very deep dive. There’s other books for that.

A complaint I saw time and time was that the story skips around. I thought it was an interesting observation but I don’t know that I would have done any differently.

It starts with J Edgar Hoover and the Public Enemy Number One gangsters and then we get the rest: The Mob, JFK, Sinatra, RFK, Hoffa, Bugsy Siegel, Cuba, the Five Families, Sonny Liston, Donnie Brasco and a lot of the expected characters.

The book itself is not unlike a McDonalds meal. It might not be the best option for you, but it feeds your appetite and you probably enjoyed it. You might not also want anyone around when you consume it.

I also might suggest if you have a deep knowledge in this subject, it might not have much new stuff. However, if this is a topic you like, you might enjoy it.
]]> Journals of the Plague Years 202725 147 Norman Spinrad 0553373994 Al 3 read-in-2022 Having come fairly close to collecting the Spinrad bibliography, I figured this cheap e-book was the best way to check this one off the list.

For any other writer, this would be their most infamous work, but for Spinrad, this is surely down at #3 or #4.

Written in the late 80s, this novella is Spinrad taking the AIDS epidemic to science fiction extremes. Since it’s Spinrad, there’s a lot of sex, drugs and rock and roll (and generally in that order).

He tells the story as four “journals� which come together for the big picture.

Getting close to three decades later, it feels the product of the time. An example of Spinrad’s gonzo sci-if that was starting to evolve in writers like Frank Miller and Alan Moore. Being edgy was the point, and the edginess now starts to feel a bit antique.

Still, this book has almost universal positive reviews. That’s a tribute to Spinrad for spinning a tale that is an unique vision and compelling drama.

In the Covid pandemic, politics have flipped, but the way people react in Spinrad’s world seems realistic. As extreme and perhaps ludicrous as it all seems (and even by Spinrad’s standards, this is pretty far out there), this captures the fear of the age (as extreme as any fiction as revealed in some unearthed quotes of the time that have become todays headlines again).

Most reviews give up the plot (which is fairly obvious), but I won’t here. This is a quick read. It is very much in line with other Spinrad. Even as a very short novella, it is probably the right length as it starts to reach tedium towards the end. Today’s reader might or might not connect the dots, but it still feels pretty contemporary despite Spinrad’s hippie tendencies. If anything, it still seems fresh in a 21st Century environment full of zombie novels that have exhausted these plot points. Lastly, modern readers will swear Walter Bigelow was an exaggerated Mike Pence. ]]> 3.99 1990 Journals of the Plague Years
author: Norman Spinrad
name: Al
average rating: 3.99
book published: 1990
rating: 3
read at: 2022/02/08
date added: 2022/03/30
shelves: read-in-2022
review:

Having come fairly close to collecting the Spinrad bibliography, I figured this cheap e-book was the best way to check this one off the list.

For any other writer, this would be their most infamous work, but for Spinrad, this is surely down at #3 or #4.

Written in the late 80s, this novella is Spinrad taking the AIDS epidemic to science fiction extremes. Since it’s Spinrad, there’s a lot of sex, drugs and rock and roll (and generally in that order).

He tells the story as four “journals� which come together for the big picture.

Getting close to three decades later, it feels the product of the time. An example of Spinrad’s gonzo sci-if that was starting to evolve in writers like Frank Miller and Alan Moore. Being edgy was the point, and the edginess now starts to feel a bit antique.

Still, this book has almost universal positive reviews. That’s a tribute to Spinrad for spinning a tale that is an unique vision and compelling drama.

In the Covid pandemic, politics have flipped, but the way people react in Spinrad’s world seems realistic. As extreme and perhaps ludicrous as it all seems (and even by Spinrad’s standards, this is pretty far out there), this captures the fear of the age (as extreme as any fiction as revealed in some unearthed quotes of the time that have become todays headlines again).

Most reviews give up the plot (which is fairly obvious), but I won’t here. This is a quick read. It is very much in line with other Spinrad. Even as a very short novella, it is probably the right length as it starts to reach tedium towards the end. Today’s reader might or might not connect the dots, but it still feels pretty contemporary despite Spinrad’s hippie tendencies. If anything, it still seems fresh in a 21st Century environment full of zombie novels that have exhausted these plot points. Lastly, modern readers will swear Walter Bigelow was an exaggerated Mike Pence.
]]> <![CDATA[Peacemaker: Disturbing the Peace (2022) #1]]> 60216187 41 Garth Ennis Al 4 comics I’m not particularly familiar with the HBO series Peacemaker and I am not even sure that I would try to be, but I am a Garth Ennis fan and I just about pick up everything he does, so here we are.

I doubt it’s that far off the series. Peacemaker here is a prototypical Ennis character- a bunch of The Punisher with bits of Hit-Man, Judge Dredd and Nick Fury.

Designed as a stand alone origin story, it works well. Indeed, it would have been nice if this evolved into a mini series. Garry Brown’s sketchy art doesn’t do much to differentiate it from Ennis’s related work, though I thought it was fine.

I only have minor quibbles. Peacemaker is a pretty generic antihero, but I’m not sure that’s Ennis’s fault. Also the story goes back and forth between over the top Boys type gross out horror and some tense military/police drama.

The back and forth worked more against the story than for it. They don’t sit well together. It’s not that Ennis isn’t good at the extreme stuff- but it doesn’t gel with the realistic stuff as say, Preacher. You can’t go easily go from Marjorie Finnegan style (interspersed with Tarantino) bedlam to a sense of some gravitas with an introspective Steve Canyon character.

Then again, not much does and you probably need a Steve Dillon to pull off that trick. Even if Peacemaker feels like ground that Ennis has turned into a well trodden trail, this one delivers enough of a punch to stand out. ]]> 3.66 Peacemaker: Disturbing the Peace (2022) #1
author: Garth Ennis
name: Al
average rating: 3.66
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/03/30
shelves: comics
review:

I’m not particularly familiar with the HBO series Peacemaker and I am not even sure that I would try to be, but I am a Garth Ennis fan and I just about pick up everything he does, so here we are.

I doubt it’s that far off the series. Peacemaker here is a prototypical Ennis character- a bunch of The Punisher with bits of Hit-Man, Judge Dredd and Nick Fury.

Designed as a stand alone origin story, it works well. Indeed, it would have been nice if this evolved into a mini series. Garry Brown’s sketchy art doesn’t do much to differentiate it from Ennis’s related work, though I thought it was fine.

I only have minor quibbles. Peacemaker is a pretty generic antihero, but I’m not sure that’s Ennis’s fault. Also the story goes back and forth between over the top Boys type gross out horror and some tense military/police drama.

The back and forth worked more against the story than for it. They don’t sit well together. It’s not that Ennis isn’t good at the extreme stuff- but it doesn’t gel with the realistic stuff as say, Preacher. You can’t go easily go from Marjorie Finnegan style (interspersed with Tarantino) bedlam to a sense of some gravitas with an introspective Steve Canyon character.

Then again, not much does and you probably need a Steve Dillon to pull off that trick. Even if Peacemaker feels like ground that Ennis has turned into a well trodden trail, this one delivers enough of a punch to stand out.
]]> Kim 210834
Two men - a boy who grows into early manhood and an old ascetic priest, the lama - are at the center of the novel. A quest faces them both. Born in India, Kim is nevertheless white, a sahib. While he wants to play the Great Game of Imperialism, he is also spiritually bound to the lama. His aim, as he moves chameleon-like through the two cultures, is to reconcile these opposing strands, while the lama searches for redemption from the Wheel of Life.

A celebration of their friendship in a beautiful but often hostile environment, 'Kim' captures the opulence of India's exotic landscape, overlaid by the uneasy presence of the British Raj.]]> 366 Rudyard Kipling 0140183523 Al 1 read-in-2022 I grew up with the Guinness Book of World Records - the long gnarled fingernails, the McGuire Twins on their motorcycles and the most selling postcard ever- a professorial type asking his ditzy student if she liked Kipling. “I don’t know� she answers in the punchline “I’ve never Kippled�.

Which I didn’t get either as a kid, but now I have to admit in a world where the movie Airplane doesn’t exist is pretty great.

I wanted to read Kipling due to his influence. I wanted to read Kim because it’s largely regarded as the first spy novel.

Having read it, I wouldn’t necessarily classify it as a thriller.

I have noticed that since Kim is a child, the book is classified as a kid’s book. I find this odd and because it is a classic, it is classified as such, but I can only imagine books like this made me want to read less.

I thought my knowledge of India and its geography would be enough.

But it wasn’t. This book - whatever it is- a picaresque novel or a discussion of various philosophies- was not for me.

It wasn’t necessarily that I found the title character Gary Stu-ish, I didn’t find much interesting in him at all.

At various times, I sat the book down for months, thinking that the action might pick up down the road. It never did and the biggest sense I got at the end was one of relief. I suspect an audiobook might improve the experience somewhat, but even then, the promise of adventure within seems to be overstated. ]]> 3.71 1901 Kim
author: Rudyard Kipling
name: Al
average rating: 3.71
book published: 1901
rating: 1
read at: 2022/02/15
date added: 2022/03/30
shelves: read-in-2022
review:

I grew up with the Guinness Book of World Records - the long gnarled fingernails, the McGuire Twins on their motorcycles and the most selling postcard ever- a professorial type asking his ditzy student if she liked Kipling. “I don’t know� she answers in the punchline “I’ve never Kippled�.

Which I didn’t get either as a kid, but now I have to admit in a world where the movie Airplane doesn’t exist is pretty great.

I wanted to read Kipling due to his influence. I wanted to read Kim because it’s largely regarded as the first spy novel.

Having read it, I wouldn’t necessarily classify it as a thriller.

I have noticed that since Kim is a child, the book is classified as a kid’s book. I find this odd and because it is a classic, it is classified as such, but I can only imagine books like this made me want to read less.

I thought my knowledge of India and its geography would be enough.

But it wasn’t. This book - whatever it is- a picaresque novel or a discussion of various philosophies- was not for me.

It wasn’t necessarily that I found the title character Gary Stu-ish, I didn’t find much interesting in him at all.

At various times, I sat the book down for months, thinking that the action might pick up down the road. It never did and the biggest sense I got at the end was one of relief. I suspect an audiobook might improve the experience somewhat, but even then, the promise of adventure within seems to be overstated.
]]> King of Spies 60033518
Collects King of Spies #1-4]]> 136 Mark Millar 1534322124 Al 4 comics At one time, I was as big of a Mark Millar fan as anyone. I suspect I still am. But in recent years, he imagines himself some kind of Stan Lee ‘fountain of content� guy.

Now, one side effect has been the expected diminishing returns that comes with being over prolific. But another outcome is that I don’t know that I recognize the Millar brand anymore.

Which is odd because there’s no doubting the success of the Kingsman franchise, but I’m not picturing Millar writing this right away.

Spies (even over the top hard boiled spies) seems more the province of Ed Brubaker and others. Garth Ennis recently wrote a Peacemaker comic and I’m not sure anyone would notice if you switched the two out. Go down the list and there are a number of writers - Greg Rucka and Tom King, for two- who seem more likely paired to the title.

That said, there are some common Millar tropes (the ultra violence of Kick A$$, the Superman story of Huck) and oh this is Old Man (James)Bond, isn’t it?

But that’s not a bad thing. Matteo Scalera isn’t a bad pairing as artist. It won’t be everybody’s cup of tea, but I like the mood that comes with the pairing.

King of Spies is an enjoyable read and if you are a Millar fan, you will like it. The focus on one character and the story surrounding him works well. Millar’s story certainly feels like a Rated R Action movie.

That said, the plot is such an overused trope that the book just kind of blends into the environment. Definitely works against the book being a stand out.

(Read as single issue comic books)]]> 3.70 2022 King of Spies
author: Mark Millar
name: Al
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/03/30
shelves: comics
review:

At one time, I was as big of a Mark Millar fan as anyone. I suspect I still am. But in recent years, he imagines himself some kind of Stan Lee ‘fountain of content� guy.

Now, one side effect has been the expected diminishing returns that comes with being over prolific. But another outcome is that I don’t know that I recognize the Millar brand anymore.

Which is odd because there’s no doubting the success of the Kingsman franchise, but I’m not picturing Millar writing this right away.

Spies (even over the top hard boiled spies) seems more the province of Ed Brubaker and others. Garth Ennis recently wrote a Peacemaker comic and I’m not sure anyone would notice if you switched the two out. Go down the list and there are a number of writers - Greg Rucka and Tom King, for two- who seem more likely paired to the title.

That said, there are some common Millar tropes (the ultra violence of Kick A$$, the Superman story of Huck) and oh this is Old Man (James)Bond, isn’t it?

But that’s not a bad thing. Matteo Scalera isn’t a bad pairing as artist. It won’t be everybody’s cup of tea, but I like the mood that comes with the pairing.

King of Spies is an enjoyable read and if you are a Millar fan, you will like it. The focus on one character and the story surrounding him works well. Millar’s story certainly feels like a Rated R Action movie.

That said, the plot is such an overused trope that the book just kind of blends into the environment. Definitely works against the book being a stand out.

(Read as single issue comic books)
]]> <![CDATA[Glory Days: The Summer of 1984 and the 90 Days That Changed Sports and Culture Forever]]> 53968568
The summer of 1984 was a watershed moment in the birth of modern sportswhen the nation watched Michael Jordan grow from college basketball player to professional athlete and star. That summer also saw ESPN’s rise to media dominanceas the country’s premier sports networkand the first modern, commercialized, profitable Olympics.Magic Johnson and Larry Bird’s rivalry raged, Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe reigned in tennis, and Hulk Hogan and Vince McMahon made pro wrestling a business, while Donald Trump pierced the national consciousness as a pro football team owner. It was an awakening in the sports world, a moment when sports began to morph into the market-savvy, sensationalized, moneyed, controversial, and wildly popular arena we know today.

In the tradition of Bill Bryson’s One America, 1927, L. Jon Wertheim captures these 90 seminal daysagainst the backdrop of the nostalgia-soaked 1980s, to show that this was the year we collectively traded in ourratty Converses for a pair of sleek, heavily branded, ingeniously marketed Nikes.This was the year that sports went big-time. ]]> 324 L. Jon Wertheim 1328637247 Al 5 sports, read-in-2022
1984 is a good memorable year even if you take the Orwellian side out of it. There’s the Los Angeles Olympics and the election. These distinguish the year.

Wertheim even narrows it down to the Summer of 84 and does a great job defending it as the one of the most defining summers of our lifetime.

To start with, there is the never seen before greatness of Gretzky, Bird and Magic making the NBA Finals a marquis event, the Olympic Gold Medal Basketball team, other American Olympic contenders (Mary Lou Retton, Carl Lewis, Mary Decker and so on) and hopefuls (Mike Tyson) tennis superstars John McEnroe, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, and (this book is Northern Indiana/Chicago-centric) a surprisingly competitive Chicago Cubs team.

This book isn’t about the cultural events necessarily as the cover could indicate. Prince and Bruce Springsteen both feature on the cover (and the title is an obvious Boss reference) and released classic albums within three weeks of each other. That’s not there. That said, where it ties to sport, it’s here.

That means ESPN, MTV, The WWF and Hulk Hogan, the McDonalds Olympic promotion, Uebroth’s Olympic planning and Soviet boycott of the games, The Karate Kid (if not surely, the first inspirational sports movie- I remember Chariots of Fire and Breaking Away- but surely the one that set the template for sports movies going forward, and Wertheim contends, probably not wrongly, the explosion of MMA) and the unlikely path that starts with the Jackson’s Victory Tour and ends with the New England Patriots being the most dominant NFL team of all time.

This book is perfect as it relives nostalgia while also introducing new trivia, it’s an easy read but is full of facts, and is one of those books you want to talk about.

Two athletes get the bulk of pages. Martina Navratilova would be special for 1- being as dominant in a sport for a time period as anyone and 2- the first major sports superstar to come out as gay or lesbian on their own terms- but Martina was also arguably the first athlete to prepare as we expect athletes to prepare today- using analytics and cross-training influenced by other sports besides her own.

The other athlete is Michael Jordan who of course, is interesting for many reasons, but among other things, the way Nike changed athletic marketing with Jordan was another big ripple in the metaphorical sports ocean.

There’s even more here, though I covered a bunch. The one thing I would have liked to seen is some kind of timeline. Subjects are grouped by topic, which is probably the right choice but it would be interesting to look at the big picture and see what happened in relation to the time frame of everything else. Still, I really enjoyed it.]]> 4.03 Glory Days: The Summer of 1984 and the 90 Days That Changed Sports and Culture Forever
author: L. Jon Wertheim
name: Al
average rating: 4.03
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2022/03/29
date added: 2022/03/29
shelves: sports, read-in-2022
review:
I have written this before but when a writer says (year) is the greatest year ever in sports, I humor them because you could more than likely make a case for nearly any year if you wanted to. That’s fine. Of course, they have to sell books.

1984 is a good memorable year even if you take the Orwellian side out of it. There’s the Los Angeles Olympics and the election. These distinguish the year.

Wertheim even narrows it down to the Summer of 84 and does a great job defending it as the one of the most defining summers of our lifetime.

To start with, there is the never seen before greatness of Gretzky, Bird and Magic making the NBA Finals a marquis event, the Olympic Gold Medal Basketball team, other American Olympic contenders (Mary Lou Retton, Carl Lewis, Mary Decker and so on) and hopefuls (Mike Tyson) tennis superstars John McEnroe, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, and (this book is Northern Indiana/Chicago-centric) a surprisingly competitive Chicago Cubs team.

This book isn’t about the cultural events necessarily as the cover could indicate. Prince and Bruce Springsteen both feature on the cover (and the title is an obvious Boss reference) and released classic albums within three weeks of each other. That’s not there. That said, where it ties to sport, it’s here.

That means ESPN, MTV, The WWF and Hulk Hogan, the McDonalds Olympic promotion, Uebroth’s Olympic planning and Soviet boycott of the games, The Karate Kid (if not surely, the first inspirational sports movie- I remember Chariots of Fire and Breaking Away- but surely the one that set the template for sports movies going forward, and Wertheim contends, probably not wrongly, the explosion of MMA) and the unlikely path that starts with the Jackson’s Victory Tour and ends with the New England Patriots being the most dominant NFL team of all time.

This book is perfect as it relives nostalgia while also introducing new trivia, it’s an easy read but is full of facts, and is one of those books you want to talk about.

Two athletes get the bulk of pages. Martina Navratilova would be special for 1- being as dominant in a sport for a time period as anyone and 2- the first major sports superstar to come out as gay or lesbian on their own terms- but Martina was also arguably the first athlete to prepare as we expect athletes to prepare today- using analytics and cross-training influenced by other sports besides her own.

The other athlete is Michael Jordan who of course, is interesting for many reasons, but among other things, the way Nike changed athletic marketing with Jordan was another big ripple in the metaphorical sports ocean.

There’s even more here, though I covered a bunch. The one thing I would have liked to seen is some kind of timeline. Subjects are grouped by topic, which is probably the right choice but it would be interesting to look at the big picture and see what happened in relation to the time frame of everything else. Still, I really enjoyed it.
]]> <![CDATA[Batman: Killing Time (2022-) #1]]> 60528521 32 Tom King Al 4
Just kidding. I’m glad to see Tom King back writing Batman stories. Some of his recent titles started off great but kind of fizzled. But Tom King seems like a perfect fit for Batman.

And this is that type of book - procedural detective- and take note Marvel, in line with the movie that’s in the theater.

The book takes an over explanatory approach. “I walked over to the brown chair. Then, I sat down on the chair� which normally would feel out of place in a visual medium. But it works here, and yes it’s also probably due to David Marquez’s fantastic art.

I rather enjoyed this with probably the only criticism is that people who read a lot of Batman might find it pretty basic. Indeed, it doesn’t have many more plot layers than the Gorilla Grodd book I read my First Grader last night.

Still, I liked this and think it should be a good series. ]]> 3.97 Batman: Killing Time (2022-) #1
author: Tom King
name: Al
average rating: 3.97
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/03/25
shelves:
review:
In the 1990s country singer Clint Black had a song called killing Time. Like that song, this Batman book is about what he does on his days off. We see Batman playing pinball, watching reality TV, playing chess, and shooting hoops.

Just kidding. I’m glad to see Tom King back writing Batman stories. Some of his recent titles started off great but kind of fizzled. But Tom King seems like a perfect fit for Batman.

And this is that type of book - procedural detective- and take note Marvel, in line with the movie that’s in the theater.

The book takes an over explanatory approach. “I walked over to the brown chair. Then, I sat down on the chair� which normally would feel out of place in a visual medium. But it works here, and yes it’s also probably due to David Marquez’s fantastic art.

I rather enjoyed this with probably the only criticism is that people who read a lot of Batman might find it pretty basic. Indeed, it doesn’t have many more plot layers than the Gorilla Grodd book I read my First Grader last night.

Still, I liked this and think it should be a good series.
]]> Street Magic 58249130
In STREET MAGIC, fifteen urban fantasy authors invite you to walk with one foot in the mundane world, and one in... another world.

And if what you see there seems a little out of the ordinary, it's probably magic.

Contains stories by Meyari McFarland, Mike Jack Stoumbos, Douglas Smith, J.L. Madore, Travis Heermann, Jessica Guernsey, Jena Rey, Taylen Carver, Tina Back, C.E. Barnes, Leigh Saunders, Sam Robb, Danielle Harward, Tami Veldura, and Joseph Borrelli. Edited by Lyn Worthen]]> 342 Lyn Worthen Al 5 I don’t generally tend towards the lower price selection of ebooks. I have friends who do. It’s fine. This is a budget priced anthology. The writers in this book all appear to be very early in their career. The biggest name in term of web presence might be JL Madore.

That said, editor Lyn Worthen has pulled together from this list of aspiring writers a collection that works with a theme of the supernatural. This may not have big names, but there are some engaging stories here.

Supernatural stories are hard because you may have to introduce an entire universe to your reader and you might only have 20 pages.

How do you review an anthology like this. Well, there’s definitely value for the money. Well, I will try my best. Below, I review by each authors name, their story in the anthology. Stories that hit all marks for me get 5 stars. Near misses are enjoyable reads that slightly missed the 5 stars. Duds are ones that didn’t work for me personally.

Meyari McFarland- (dud). This Japanese centric story is a bit of a dud to open the book. Too dense to be enjoyable

Mike Jack Stoumbos (5 stars) This was great. A memorable story of a computer repair guy. I have to be spoiler free

Douglas Smith (dud) this animal-based story never connected with me despite some good ideas

JL Madore (5 stars) So it appears Madore mostly writes Bodice Rippers, but she puts that energy into a bit of rock n roll and urban fantasy tale that hooks you in

Travis Heerman - (near miss) I would probably give this 3.5 stars. It’s another Japan-centered story. As a reader not familiar with the author, it took me a bit to get into this one, but there’s some good ideas here

Jessica Guernsey- (near miss) This is probably a 3 or 4 star story. Gaimanesque fantasy

Jena Rey (5 star) There’s something about New Orleans that brings out the best in Urban Fantasy writers

Taylen Carver (near miss) An ambitious story set in a reimagined Turkey. There is a lot of set up to explain the World, but in that ambition, some interesting ideas

Tina Back (5 stars) a cinematic action and romance tale

CE Barnes (5 stars) a lighthearted vampire tale like few others

Leigh Sanders (5 stars) this one is a bit more on the cop/detective side and it’s pretty great

Sam Robb (5 stars) combining a story that has one foot firmly in reality and one in action movies. Fantastic

Danielle Harward (near miss) This one is sort of a mix of humor, high fantasy and urban fantasy

Tami Veldura (near miss) Another one that probably ranks around 3.5 or 4 stars. A necromancy tale

Joseph Borrelli (5 stars) This one is for Goth rock fans. I knew it was going to be either Genius or Ludicrous. It ended up being pretty great.

]]> 5.00 2021 Street Magic
author: Lyn Worthen
name: Al
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2022/03/08
date added: 2022/03/08
shelves:
review:

I don’t generally tend towards the lower price selection of ebooks. I have friends who do. It’s fine. This is a budget priced anthology. The writers in this book all appear to be very early in their career. The biggest name in term of web presence might be JL Madore.

That said, editor Lyn Worthen has pulled together from this list of aspiring writers a collection that works with a theme of the supernatural. This may not have big names, but there are some engaging stories here.

Supernatural stories are hard because you may have to introduce an entire universe to your reader and you might only have 20 pages.

How do you review an anthology like this. Well, there’s definitely value for the money. Well, I will try my best. Below, I review by each authors name, their story in the anthology. Stories that hit all marks for me get 5 stars. Near misses are enjoyable reads that slightly missed the 5 stars. Duds are ones that didn’t work for me personally.

Meyari McFarland- (dud). This Japanese centric story is a bit of a dud to open the book. Too dense to be enjoyable

Mike Jack Stoumbos (5 stars) This was great. A memorable story of a computer repair guy. I have to be spoiler free

Douglas Smith (dud) this animal-based story never connected with me despite some good ideas

JL Madore (5 stars) So it appears Madore mostly writes Bodice Rippers, but she puts that energy into a bit of rock n roll and urban fantasy tale that hooks you in

Travis Heerman - (near miss) I would probably give this 3.5 stars. It’s another Japan-centered story. As a reader not familiar with the author, it took me a bit to get into this one, but there’s some good ideas here

Jessica Guernsey- (near miss) This is probably a 3 or 4 star story. Gaimanesque fantasy

Jena Rey (5 star) There’s something about New Orleans that brings out the best in Urban Fantasy writers

Taylen Carver (near miss) An ambitious story set in a reimagined Turkey. There is a lot of set up to explain the World, but in that ambition, some interesting ideas

Tina Back (5 stars) a cinematic action and romance tale

CE Barnes (5 stars) a lighthearted vampire tale like few others

Leigh Sanders (5 stars) this one is a bit more on the cop/detective side and it’s pretty great

Sam Robb (5 stars) combining a story that has one foot firmly in reality and one in action movies. Fantastic

Danielle Harward (near miss) This one is sort of a mix of humor, high fantasy and urban fantasy

Tami Veldura (near miss) Another one that probably ranks around 3.5 or 4 stars. A necromancy tale

Joseph Borrelli (5 stars) This one is for Goth rock fans. I knew it was going to be either Genius or Ludicrous. It ended up being pretty great.


]]> <![CDATA[The Five Dysfunctions of a Team]]> 21343 The Five Dysfunctions of a Team Patrick Lencioni once again offers a leadership fable that is as enthralling and instructive as his first two best-selling books, The Five Temptations of a CEO and The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive. This time, he turns his keen intellect and storytelling power to the fascinating, complex world of teams.

Kathryn Petersen, Decision Tech's CEO, faces the ultimate leadership crisis: Uniting a team in such disarray that it threatens to bring down the entire company. Will she succeed? Will she be fired? Will the company fail? Lencioni's utterly gripping tale serves as a timeless reminder that leadership requires as much courage as it does insight.

Throughout the story, Lencioni reveals the five dysfunctions which go to the very heart of why teams even the best ones-often struggle. He outlines a powerful model and actionable steps that can be used to overcome these common hurdles and build a cohesive, effective team. Just as with his other books, Lencioni has written a compelling fable with a powerful yet deceptively simple message for all those who strive to be exceptional team leaders.]]> 228 Patrick Lencioni 0787960756 Al 3 business-book, read-in-2022
He calls his style “business fables� which is a story that is about 150 pages long and then 70 or so pages of explanation

The positive is that even if Lencioni is no Raymond Chandler, it hooks the reader better than a text book would. The draw back is the plot is fictional so some readers may be apt to think the characters aren’t behaving in a realistic way

I had no major qualms with this book. The fictional story kept my interest. The topic itself is very important (as the many sales attest).

My biggest gripe is probably that the Five dysfunctions are the least memorable thing about the book. There’s good content and generally the point of a book like this is for a book group discussion but as it stands, I’m not sure I could name the five (though I certainly got the concepts of the book).

The problem of business books is that economic realities tend to get in the way of fictional ideas. Though here, the ideas are generally strong enough to apply to most any company of any size.

I think even pre-pandemic, budgets for team activities were the first thing to cut. It is an interesting point to ponder. It seems like the most superfluous of expenses and yet as Lencioni illustrates, without a team dynamic, how far is a company able to go.

For business concepts, it’s hard to beat the hook of this book, too and it’s solid advice. Reading the book itself won’t solve everything but it might help you recognize some things, and suggest a start that will get you on the right path.]]> 4.09 2002 The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
author: Patrick Lencioni
name: Al
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2002
rating: 3
read at: 2022/02/02
date added: 2022/02/02
shelves: business-book, read-in-2022
review:
Patrick Lencioni is one of the best selling business authors and this is one of his most famous books. I have read him before. I also noticed he was probably the most prolific author on the shelf the last time I perused used books at Half Price.

He calls his style “business fables� which is a story that is about 150 pages long and then 70 or so pages of explanation

The positive is that even if Lencioni is no Raymond Chandler, it hooks the reader better than a text book would. The draw back is the plot is fictional so some readers may be apt to think the characters aren’t behaving in a realistic way

I had no major qualms with this book. The fictional story kept my interest. The topic itself is very important (as the many sales attest).

My biggest gripe is probably that the Five dysfunctions are the least memorable thing about the book. There’s good content and generally the point of a book like this is for a book group discussion but as it stands, I’m not sure I could name the five (though I certainly got the concepts of the book).

The problem of business books is that economic realities tend to get in the way of fictional ideas. Though here, the ideas are generally strong enough to apply to most any company of any size.

I think even pre-pandemic, budgets for team activities were the first thing to cut. It is an interesting point to ponder. It seems like the most superfluous of expenses and yet as Lencioni illustrates, without a team dynamic, how far is a company able to go.

For business concepts, it’s hard to beat the hook of this book, too and it’s solid advice. Reading the book itself won’t solve everything but it might help you recognize some things, and suggest a start that will get you on the right path.
]]> Angel #1 59574857
But wait, Angel isn't just a celebrity? No, he leads a double life... as a real monster hunter for Angel Investigations! Sometimes this double life can get his friends in trouble. As Wesley is recovering from a horrific curse, Angel stumbles into a series of supernatural events, and finds himself sucked into an unexpected and mysterious world.
He soon faces a terrifying enemy, who sees him as an intruder...]]> 25 Christopher Cantwell 1646687515 Al 3 comics
But it was one of those weeks I was compelled to give something a chance.

For starters, Daniel Bayliss’s art does a great job. Writer Christopher Cantwell does some interesting stuff throughout as well.

A couple of negatives though. There isn’t much in terms of exposition. If you weren’t familiar with the characters, you would be lost. A lot of my generation were overly devoted fans of the show. I don’t go that far, but the IDW comics usually did a good job presenting a new reader with enough background.

(Paradoxically, there seems enough deviation in the characters, hardcore fans could be disappointed)

I also think that lack of introduction works against the comic in another way. This issue just did not have a big “hook�. The sound of the last page closing wasn’t excitement. I could go two ways with this- I could pick up issue 2 or I could walk away- and there isn’t a particularly compelling case that I will miss much if I chose the latter.

But there is enough here, I’m choosing the former. This has enough positive elements that I trust the storytellers and hope it continues to develop in issue 2.]]> 3.78 2022 Angel #1
author: Christopher Cantwell
name: Al
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2022/01/26
shelves: comics
review:
The first in an eight issue comic book series- I had rather enjoyed the Buffyverse comics put out by IDW - now a decade on. Now that Boom Comics is publishing the property, the online chatter I have seen has been lukewarm (and that may be charitable). Apparently the last Angel series they tried was canceled.

But it was one of those weeks I was compelled to give something a chance.

For starters, Daniel Bayliss’s art does a great job. Writer Christopher Cantwell does some interesting stuff throughout as well.

A couple of negatives though. There isn’t much in terms of exposition. If you weren’t familiar with the characters, you would be lost. A lot of my generation were overly devoted fans of the show. I don’t go that far, but the IDW comics usually did a good job presenting a new reader with enough background.

(Paradoxically, there seems enough deviation in the characters, hardcore fans could be disappointed)

I also think that lack of introduction works against the comic in another way. This issue just did not have a big “hook�. The sound of the last page closing wasn’t excitement. I could go two ways with this- I could pick up issue 2 or I could walk away- and there isn’t a particularly compelling case that I will miss much if I chose the latter.

But there is enough here, I’m choosing the former. This has enough positive elements that I trust the storytellers and hope it continues to develop in issue 2.
]]> Joy Operations #1 59920349 26 Brian Michael Bendis Al 3 comics
So a new start for Bendis in a very different comic book landscape post-Covid, post-Substack, seemingly post-everything.

Joy Operations seems a weird launching point. It is attracting negative reviews but that’s nothing new for Bendis. As a fan, I had to check it out

I will start with the bad. First, as others point out, the main character cusses. A lot. I know maybe that’s selling it’s “for adults� but it’s rather silly for an otherwise decent comic.

The comic feels similar to Rucka’s Lazarus, though only from a coincidental angle. It doesn’t resemble that storyline too closely.

There’s a lot of action and set up in Issue #1, and I mean that to the point, it’s a negative that not much is accomplished. In a different situation, this would probably be called a ”issue zero� comic, since it is all setup.

That said, as a Bendis fan, this has a lot of promise. For starters, Stephen Byrne’s art seems a perfect fit. Secondly, this has the typical Bendis hooks - snappy dialogue, good pacing, straightforward story.

I suppose at the end of the day, it does what Bendis did prior to his DC days- hooks his fans and annoys his detractors. As a fan, I am all in on this one, to see where he goes with it.]]> 3.17 Joy Operations #1
author: Brian Michael Bendis
name: Al
average rating: 3.17
book published:
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2022/01/21
shelves: comics
review:
Brian Bendis writing for Dark Horse seems inescapable. 90s Indie comic superstar inevitably winds up at Marvel. Does big things. Goes to DC Comics for a big deal. The obit will inevitably make it sound good, but the last couple of years are surely a disappointment. Which is no mark on him. Covid was a huge disrupter for one thing, and for another his DC ambitions seemed too big to satisfactorily accomplish.

So a new start for Bendis in a very different comic book landscape post-Covid, post-Substack, seemingly post-everything.

Joy Operations seems a weird launching point. It is attracting negative reviews but that’s nothing new for Bendis. As a fan, I had to check it out

I will start with the bad. First, as others point out, the main character cusses. A lot. I know maybe that’s selling it’s “for adults� but it’s rather silly for an otherwise decent comic.

The comic feels similar to Rucka’s Lazarus, though only from a coincidental angle. It doesn’t resemble that storyline too closely.

There’s a lot of action and set up in Issue #1, and I mean that to the point, it’s a negative that not much is accomplished. In a different situation, this would probably be called a ”issue zero� comic, since it is all setup.

That said, as a Bendis fan, this has a lot of promise. For starters, Stephen Byrne’s art seems a perfect fit. Secondly, this has the typical Bendis hooks - snappy dialogue, good pacing, straightforward story.

I suppose at the end of the day, it does what Bendis did prior to his DC days- hooks his fans and annoys his detractors. As a fan, I am all in on this one, to see where he goes with it.
]]> <![CDATA[Killadelphia, Vol. 2: Burn Baby Burn]]> 55843577
Adams' battle to reshape the United States in his own twisted vision might have been thwarted for now, giving Jimmy Sangster a moment of respite, but the war for a new America rages on! Now, as Abigail steps out of the shadows, she unleashes a new violent terror upon the city some have renamed Killadelphia. But this time, it's about creating as widespread a web of fear imaginable as she rips the beating heart from the city itself.

Can Jimmy stop her or will history repeat and force him to meet the same fate as his father?

Collects KILLADELPHIA #7-12
]]> 176 Rodney Barnes 153431864X Al 3 I really dug Killadelphia vol 1. It brought new blood (I can’t help it) to the Vampire trope. Ok, I can’t resist bad jokes, but I really did like the comic. Now, Volume 1 was six issues- and I can assume that was probably on purpose- but it was written with a conclusion in mind

So this really feels like a true sequel (and also contains the issues inherent with that.) With John Adams vanquished (at least temporarily) Abigail Adams is the Big Bad.

But this volume struggles a bit. Barnes goes text heavy trying to bring the reader up to speed, but it hurts the pace. It also works against one of the biggest strengths of the series - Alexander’s art.

Now, there are a lot of good things about this book too. Barnes’s strengths from the first issue- characterization, dialogue and character interactions shine through.

Backstories are told which builds the world out some more- though to be honest, these new plot lines are a mix of hit and miss, and not always favorable towards telling an engaging story. The more Barnes tries to tie in historical figures, the less credible the story feels, although the John Adams who pops up here feels more consistent in character than his first appearance.

This volume ends with a cliffhanger after a bit in dealing in the Supernatural (think Ghost Rider) and trying to up the story with extreme violence (neither the former nor the latter seem to improve things for the better, as the best moments in this book seem to be the most human).

The comic ends with a lengthy black and white story called Elysium Gardens, which looks to be tied into the greater Killadelphia story. The plot isn’t much different than the main story though it changes out vampires, John Adams and Philadelphia for werewolves, Malcolm X and Los Angeles. It’s a neat idea which contains many of the same positives and negatives I have attributed to Barnes and Alexander above. ]]> 3.79 2021 Killadelphia, Vol. 2: Burn Baby Burn
author: Rodney Barnes
name: Al
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2021/12/21
shelves:
review:

I really dug Killadelphia vol 1. It brought new blood (I can’t help it) to the Vampire trope. Ok, I can’t resist bad jokes, but I really did like the comic. Now, Volume 1 was six issues- and I can assume that was probably on purpose- but it was written with a conclusion in mind

So this really feels like a true sequel (and also contains the issues inherent with that.) With John Adams vanquished (at least temporarily) Abigail Adams is the Big Bad.

But this volume struggles a bit. Barnes goes text heavy trying to bring the reader up to speed, but it hurts the pace. It also works against one of the biggest strengths of the series - Alexander’s art.

Now, there are a lot of good things about this book too. Barnes’s strengths from the first issue- characterization, dialogue and character interactions shine through.

Backstories are told which builds the world out some more- though to be honest, these new plot lines are a mix of hit and miss, and not always favorable towards telling an engaging story. The more Barnes tries to tie in historical figures, the less credible the story feels, although the John Adams who pops up here feels more consistent in character than his first appearance.

This volume ends with a cliffhanger after a bit in dealing in the Supernatural (think Ghost Rider) and trying to up the story with extreme violence (neither the former nor the latter seem to improve things for the better, as the best moments in this book seem to be the most human).

The comic ends with a lengthy black and white story called Elysium Gardens, which looks to be tied into the greater Killadelphia story. The plot isn’t much different than the main story though it changes out vampires, John Adams and Philadelphia for werewolves, Malcolm X and Los Angeles. It’s a neat idea which contains many of the same positives and negatives I have attributed to Barnes and Alexander above.
]]> Becoming 38746485
In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it—in her own words and on her own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations—and whose story inspires us to do the same.]]> 426 Michelle Obama 1524763136 Al 3
That -studying and working hard- alone just doesn’t make an interesting story. There are different ways to do an autobiography, and this one didn’t work for me. In many ways, though I have no doubt it’s Michelle’s telling the story - but this reads more like a biography. Along those lines, this is a linear birth to present story. Indeed, it seems every aspect of her life gets the same weight. Thus, for example, it almost feels to me like her junior year in college gets as much coverage as say, her first year as First Lady.

No doubt, there were struggles, but they aren’t written here in a relatable way to me. Whereas the Barack Obama character in his autobiography has self-doubt and humility alongside his determination and ambition, these human characteristics are largely missing from this work.

Those less kind to Obama will pick up on this and say Michelle never knew struggle or hardship in her life. The possibility of that can only be untrue, but I can understand where a reading of this book might give that impression.

Of course, I know that I am not the main audience for this book. It is written to inspire and to do that, it doesn’t need those detours. Plus, we know Michelle is one of the most scrutinized people on Earth, so it may have been a conscious decision to leave out negativity.

I enjoyed Michelle telling her story enough. I just didn’t connect to it. For example, the most memorable story in this book is completely fictional. The biggest moment is completely made up. I would have loved to see some of that vivid detail elsewhere. At over 400 pages, I completed the book, but I also felt at any point that I could have sat this book down and never returned to it without another thought.

I would have preferred a more anecdotal book with insight about those big moments as opposed to a standard “I was born then I went to school then I got a job�. But of course, others will prefer the latter.]]> 4.42 2018 Becoming
author: Michelle Obama
name: Al
average rating: 4.42
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2021/12/17
date added: 2021/12/17
shelves:
review:
“Becoming� is one of the most popular books of the last 20 years. I will start by saying Michelle Obama is a very accomplished woman even if her role only has one requirement (being married to the President). There’s no doubt in my mind. It’s evident that she studied hard and persevered.

That -studying and working hard- alone just doesn’t make an interesting story. There are different ways to do an autobiography, and this one didn’t work for me. In many ways, though I have no doubt it’s Michelle’s telling the story - but this reads more like a biography. Along those lines, this is a linear birth to present story. Indeed, it seems every aspect of her life gets the same weight. Thus, for example, it almost feels to me like her junior year in college gets as much coverage as say, her first year as First Lady.

No doubt, there were struggles, but they aren’t written here in a relatable way to me. Whereas the Barack Obama character in his autobiography has self-doubt and humility alongside his determination and ambition, these human characteristics are largely missing from this work.

Those less kind to Obama will pick up on this and say Michelle never knew struggle or hardship in her life. The possibility of that can only be untrue, but I can understand where a reading of this book might give that impression.

Of course, I know that I am not the main audience for this book. It is written to inspire and to do that, it doesn’t need those detours. Plus, we know Michelle is one of the most scrutinized people on Earth, so it may have been a conscious decision to leave out negativity.

I enjoyed Michelle telling her story enough. I just didn’t connect to it. For example, the most memorable story in this book is completely fictional. The biggest moment is completely made up. I would have loved to see some of that vivid detail elsewhere. At over 400 pages, I completed the book, but I also felt at any point that I could have sat this book down and never returned to it without another thought.

I would have preferred a more anecdotal book with insight about those big moments as opposed to a standard “I was born then I went to school then I got a job�. But of course, others will prefer the latter.
]]> The Man in the High Castle 216363
This harrowing, Hugo Award-winning novel is the work that established Philip K. Dick as an innovator in science fiction while breaking the barrier between science fiction and the serious novel of ideas. In it Dick offers a haunting vision of history as a nightmare from which it may just be possible to wake.]]> 259 Philip K. Dick 0679740678 Al 3 Many moons ago, I read and was captivated by the short stories of Philip K Dick. Because we don’t have as much time in our lives as we think, I never did get around to The Man in the High Castle, even as it was adapted successfully as a series.

So here we are, and it wasn’t what I expected. In the last twenty years, there is an entire genre devoted entirely to Alternate History. There is also a wildly popular genre of dystopian novels. Yet, TMitHC is definitely more in line with the PKD stories I read than any modern bestseller

TMitHC works because Dick chose not to overexplain everything and pretty much throw the reader into the world.

It is unconventional for a story of this length, though the seemingly separate plots begin to work their magic as they draw the reader in. Even then, a reader might expect the conventional twists and turns, but gets PKD curves instead. Which surely is delightful for some, frustrating for others, and maybe a bit of both for some readers.

It was all of the above for me. 40 years after his death, 60 years after the book was written, YA Dystopian novels and movies are huge- but few are like PKD, instead mostly resembling PG variations of the Running Game. Nothing wrong with that, but the comparison shows how great Dick was at the psychological angles. What seems deceptively simple, has many, many layers. A story that didn’t seem particularly captivating 20 pages in will likely stick in my mind longer than most books I will read this year. Yet, there’s probably a reason why Hollywood filmmakers add an Arnold or Cruise or Harrison Ford into their PKD stories. ]]> 3.64 1962 The Man in the High Castle
author: Philip K. Dick
name: Al
average rating: 3.64
book published: 1962
rating: 3
read at: 2021/12/12
date added: 2021/12/12
shelves:
review:

Many moons ago, I read and was captivated by the short stories of Philip K Dick. Because we don’t have as much time in our lives as we think, I never did get around to The Man in the High Castle, even as it was adapted successfully as a series.

So here we are, and it wasn’t what I expected. In the last twenty years, there is an entire genre devoted entirely to Alternate History. There is also a wildly popular genre of dystopian novels. Yet, TMitHC is definitely more in line with the PKD stories I read than any modern bestseller

TMitHC works because Dick chose not to overexplain everything and pretty much throw the reader into the world.

It is unconventional for a story of this length, though the seemingly separate plots begin to work their magic as they draw the reader in. Even then, a reader might expect the conventional twists and turns, but gets PKD curves instead. Which surely is delightful for some, frustrating for others, and maybe a bit of both for some readers.

It was all of the above for me. 40 years after his death, 60 years after the book was written, YA Dystopian novels and movies are huge- but few are like PKD, instead mostly resembling PG variations of the Running Game. Nothing wrong with that, but the comparison shows how great Dick was at the psychological angles. What seems deceptively simple, has many, many layers. A story that didn’t seem particularly captivating 20 pages in will likely stick in my mind longer than most books I will read this year. Yet, there’s probably a reason why Hollywood filmmakers add an Arnold or Cruise or Harrison Ford into their PKD stories.
]]> Stray Dogs 57286506
In this suspenseful new series, readers meet Sophie, a dog who can't remember what happened. She doesn't know how she ended up in this house. She doesn't recognize any of these other dogs. She knows something terrible happened but she just... can't... recall... Wait! Where's her lady? It's all coming back to her now, and it's enough to raise Sophie's hackles. Now Sophie has to figure out where she is, what's happening and how she's going to survive this.

They say there's no such thing as a bad dog, just bad owners.

STRAY DOGS is a heartbreakingly adorable suspense thriller by My Little Pony comic artists TONY FLEECS and TRISH FORSTNER. It's Lady and the Tramp meets Silence of the Lambs.

Collects STRAY DOGS #1-5]]> 152 Tony Fleecs 1534319832 Al 3 comics
It likely suffers in comparison to Dorkin and Thompson’s Beasts of Burden, since you know, pets. There’s not a lot of characterization, since there isn’t a lot of time for it, but yes the art is pretty great.

I realize this was set up to be short. Still, I would have loved a buildup of suspense. In any case, credit for an interesting twist on horror comics.]]> 4.18 2021 Stray Dogs
author: Tony Fleecs
name: Al
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2021/12/09
shelves: comics
review:
On one hand, I really dug the twist of Stray Dogs. What a cool plot idea. What I didn’t like is the Big Reveal came early and my momentum left with it.

It likely suffers in comparison to Dorkin and Thompson’s Beasts of Burden, since you know, pets. There’s not a lot of characterization, since there isn’t a lot of time for it, but yes the art is pretty great.

I realize this was set up to be short. Still, I would have loved a buildup of suspense. In any case, credit for an interesting twist on horror comics.
]]> Hard Road to Redemption 51147945 Johnny X and his band, XFactor were stars. Well, at least for the moment. ­They had a hit in the late 70’s and since that time, Johnny followed the road of many one-hit wonders, eventually languishing in relative obscurity. Now, close to the bottom, Johnny chooses to finish the ride, ends up getting arrested, tossed from his apartment, and finds himself on the street, with no place to stay. ­ inking his life of music is over, he happens upon Spazmo, a quirky, one-eyed homeless man who begins to help Johnny find this real voice. Johnny’s life turns upside down as he searches for the meaning of singing that comes only from the heart. Will Johnny return as a star or settle for something less? As Johnny’s life changes, he discovers it’s a Hard Road to Redemption.

]]> 158 Jeffrey W Hanna 1643675834 Al 5 read-in-2021
And I couldn’t put it down. Although the plot is pretty straight forward, I couldn’t wait to read what was next.

This is the story of a rock n roller who has been to the top and is now on the very bottom as a has-been ‘one hit wonder�. He finds his Road to Redemption as the title suggests via a homeless man he meets.

The book feels like a Hallmark film with its themes. That said, a lot of male readers will relate to the aging rocker.

I really loved this as a feel good tale for a wide audience. I would compare it to some of the inspirational, Christian films that make it to the multiplex (as opposed to some of the narrow-banded direct to video movies in the same genre) with its uplifting message and compelling story.]]> 4.00 Hard Road to Redemption
author: Jeffrey W Hanna
name: Al
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2021/11/30
date added: 2021/11/30
shelves: read-in-2021
review:
This one is a bit out of my wheelhouse. I would classify it as inspirational or perhaps Christian fiction, though there are cliches associated with both that this book escapes. It is not overtly religious, even as a redemption tale. Nor is it preachy at all. It doesn’t have any elements that would offend, but it doesn’t feel childish. It is quite simply an inspirational tale.

And I couldn’t put it down. Although the plot is pretty straight forward, I couldn’t wait to read what was next.

This is the story of a rock n roller who has been to the top and is now on the very bottom as a has-been ‘one hit wonder�. He finds his Road to Redemption as the title suggests via a homeless man he meets.

The book feels like a Hallmark film with its themes. That said, a lot of male readers will relate to the aging rocker.

I really loved this as a feel good tale for a wide audience. I would compare it to some of the inspirational, Christian films that make it to the multiplex (as opposed to some of the narrow-banded direct to video movies in the same genre) with its uplifting message and compelling story.
]]>