What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Patriot: A Memoir by Alexei Navalny (2024)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriot_(book)
Alexei Navalny was a famous, and famously persecuted, anti-Putin Russian opposition figure. Such persons are no longer allowed in Russia. Poisoned by Putin several years ago, he was airlifted to Germany at the insistence of Angela Merkal, chancellor of Germany at the time. He spent eighteen days in a coma and some months thereafter convalescing. He wrote the first part of this book during this time, describing his upbringing, the fall of the USSR, and his political awakening.
He was immediately arrested on his return to Russia and the remainder of this book was written in prison with the manuscript smuggled out. A year ago he was transferred to a hell-on-earth arctic gulag where he was ultimately murdered by the state presumably on Putin’s orders on 16 Feb. 2024, as a prisoner exchange was being worked out and he didn’t want him to ever see the light of day again. The final section of the book was completed just a few weeks before his death.
I’m about halfway through this book, where he’s describing the beginnings of his political work. Navalny was quite a guy, a true Russian patriot, who worked tirelessly and without fear against institutionalized corruption.
On his return to Russia his organization released a YouTube video detailing the web of corruption that surrounds Putin, with a portion devoted to revealing “Putin’s Palace”, a one billion dollar secret palace on the Black Sea, built as a bribe for Putin, which they obtained the plans for, flew a drone over, and even got some internal photos. It’s quite entertaining. Here it is: https://youtu.be/T_tFSWZXKN0?si=QmGRK3TV0NcQu4A_
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriot_(book)
Alexei Navalny was a famous, and famously persecuted, anti-Putin Russian opposition figure. Such persons are no longer allowed in Russia. Poisoned by Putin several years ago, he was airlifted to Germany at the insistence of Angela Merkal, chancellor of Germany at the time. He spent eighteen days in a coma and some months thereafter convalescing. He wrote the first part of this book during this time, describing his upbringing, the fall of the USSR, and his political awakening.
He was immediately arrested on his return to Russia and the remainder of this book was written in prison with the manuscript smuggled out. A year ago he was transferred to a hell-on-earth arctic gulag where he was ultimately murdered by the state presumably on Putin’s orders on 16 Feb. 2024, as a prisoner exchange was being worked out and he didn’t want him to ever see the light of day again. The final section of the book was completed just a few weeks before his death.
I’m about halfway through this book, where he’s describing the beginnings of his political work. Navalny was quite a guy, a true Russian patriot, who worked tirelessly and without fear against institutionalized corruption.
On his return to Russia his organization released a YouTube video detailing the web of corruption that surrounds Putin, with a portion devoted to revealing “Putin’s Palace”, a one billion dollar secret palace on the Black Sea, built as a bribe for Putin, which they obtained the plans for, flew a drone over, and even got some internal photos. It’s quite entertaining. Here it is: https://youtu.be/T_tFSWZXKN0?si=QmGRK3TV0NcQu4A_
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
11/22/63 by Stephen King. I havent read a book in a while that wasnt for work, but after losing my job last year I decided to start reading again. I'm only 20% in atm but it's about a man who discovers a portal in time and tries to stop the JFK assassination. I love Kings writing and this isn't in his horror tilt so much as sci-fi/paranormal I would call it. Enjoying it so far.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
"Victorious Century" by David Cannadine
A history of Great Britain from 1800-1906.
A history of Great Britain from 1800-1906.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
I thought it was excellent along with the accompanying TV series.jjunk wrote: Mon Feb 03, 2025 8:16 pm 11/22/63 by Stephen King. I havent read a book in a while that wasnt for work, but after losing my job last year I decided to start reading again. I'm only 20% in atm but it's about a man who discovers a portal in time and tries to stop the JFK assassination. I love Kings writing and this isn't in his horror tilt so much as sci-fi/paranormal I would call it. Enjoying it so far.
By the way, Stephen King is about the only fiction I will read .. though that was his only book I'd read in about the last three decades.
Above provided by: Vinny, who always says: "I only regret that I have but one lap to give to my cats." AND "I'm a more-is-more person."
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
I'll second this. I haven't seen the TV series but the book was greatyankees60 wrote: Tue Feb 04, 2025 9:03 amI thought it was excellent along with the accompanying TV series.jjunk wrote: Mon Feb 03, 2025 8:16 pm 11/22/63 by Stephen King. I havent read a book in a while that wasnt for work, but after losing my job last year I decided to start reading again. I'm only 20% in atm but it's about a man who discovers a portal in time and tries to stop the JFK assassination. I love Kings writing and this isn't in his horror tilt so much as sci-fi/paranormal I would call it. Enjoying it so far.
By the way, Stephen King is about the only fiction I will read .. though that was his only book I'd read in about the last three decades.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
The Battle of Midway by Craig L. Symonds. Very well-written and fast-paced.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Interesting, I never knew there was a TV series. I'll have to add it to my list once I finish the book.yankees60 wrote: Tue Feb 04, 2025 9:03 amI thought it was excellent along with the accompanying TV series.jjunk wrote: Mon Feb 03, 2025 8:16 pm 11/22/63 by Stephen King. I havent read a book in a while that wasnt for work, but after losing my job last year I decided to start reading again. I'm only 20% in atm but it's about a man who discovers a portal in time and tries to stop the JFK assassination. I love Kings writing and this isn't in his horror tilt so much as sci-fi/paranormal I would call it. Enjoying it so far.
By the way, Stephen King is about the only fiction I will read .. though that was his only book I'd read in about the last three decades.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
TV series is really good.jjunk wrote: Tue Feb 04, 2025 11:18 amInteresting, I never knew there was a TV series. I'll have to add it to my list once I finish the book.yankees60 wrote: Tue Feb 04, 2025 9:03 am
I thought it was excellent along with the accompanying TV series.
By the way, Stephen King is about the only fiction I will read .. though that was his only book I'd read in about the last three decades.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
current book is "Dead Lions" by Mick Herron...2nd book in the "Slow Horses" series.
Very good.
Ed
Very good.
Ed
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
I enjoyed the first 2 Dez books by James Byrne, a nom de plume. They came out in the last couple of years.
I'm next on the library list for the 3rd in the series, that just came out in late January.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/James-Byr ... abled=true
A few weeks ago I saw a story somewhere that ID'd Byrne and two other series he's written as Dana Haynes: one about NTSB crash investigators and another about a couple of spies/agents/detectives?
Both are enjoyable and better than readable but not, IMO, as good as the 1st 2 Dez books.
I recommend all of his novels that I've read.
I'm next on the library list for the 3rd in the series, that just came out in late January.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/James-Byr ... abled=true
A few weeks ago I saw a story somewhere that ID'd Byrne and two other series he's written as Dana Haynes: one about NTSB crash investigators and another about a couple of spies/agents/detectives?
Both are enjoyable and better than readable but not, IMO, as good as the 1st 2 Dez books.
I recommend all of his novels that I've read.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Finished Die with Zero. It was okay. It all really boils down to spending money on things you can only do based on your health at certain points in your life, rather than putting them off. I’m glad I bought this book on discount as it’s definitely not worth its full price.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
I started All Fours by Miranda July based on the marquee reviews on Amazon. I won't post a link.
Curious to me there are no posts on it in this thread since it was published in Spring 2024 and received many media accolades.
I stopped reading after several chapters. I am not the target audience for this novel. I do not recommend it.
Curious to me there are no posts on it in this thread since it was published in Spring 2024 and received many media accolades.
I stopped reading after several chapters. I am not the target audience for this novel. I do not recommend it.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
One of the better novels I've read. Very entertaining.jjunk wrote: Mon Feb 03, 2025 8:16 pm 11/22/63 by Stephen King. I havent read a book in a while that wasnt for work, but after losing my job last year I decided to start reading again. I'm only 20% in atm but it's about a man who discovers a portal in time and tries to stop the JFK assassination. I love Kings writing and this isn't in his horror tilt so much as sci-fi/paranormal I would call it. Enjoying it so far.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
I seem to remember it departing somewhat from the book? But otherwise fairly similar and equivalent good.
It was also a reversal of my usual preference of first seeing the video version (usually movie) and then reading the book.
In this case I'd already read that book then the TV series, I believe, came out some years later.
Above provided by: Vinny, who always says: "I only regret that I have but one lap to give to my cats." AND "I'm a more-is-more person."
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Learned about this book in this forum a few months ago.
The Philosopher Kingdom Kindle Edition
by Jaqueisse Jaqueisse (Author)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CVR5HKXB/?r ... l_huc_item
$60 for the hardcover and $20 for the paperback.
But today when I "bought" the Kindle version it was $0!
I am only 4% into it but so far it is a fast read and thought-provoking book. I've already sent several excerpts from it to others.
The Philosopher Kingdom Kindle Edition
by Jaqueisse Jaqueisse (Author)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CVR5HKXB/?r ... l_huc_item
$60 for the hardcover and $20 for the paperback.
But today when I "bought" the Kindle version it was $0!
I am only 4% into it but so far it is a fast read and thought-provoking book. I've already sent several excerpts from it to others.
Above provided by: Vinny, who always says: "I only regret that I have but one lap to give to my cats." AND "I'm a more-is-more person."
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Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
The President and the Assassin, Scott Miller. With all the current talk of tariffs, I decided to read up on President McKinley and his time period. He was known as the tariff president. This was the McKinley book at my library, so I grabbed it. I've been rewarded; it's fascinating. Learned a lot about our history and the business economics of the late 1800's/early 1900's, as well as the anarchy movement. I wish everyone who is freaked out now would read this. We've been in a lot worse shape as a nation before. Really good read.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Thanks! One I would read.SevenBridgesRoad wrote: Sat Feb 08, 2025 8:53 pm The President and the Assassin, Scott Miller. With all the current talk of tariffs, I decided to read up on President McKinley and his time period. He was known as the tariff president. This was the McKinley book at my library, so I grabbed it. I've been rewarded; it's fascinating. Learned a lot about our history and the business economics of the late 1800's/early 1900's, as well as the anarchy movement. I wish everyone who is freaked out now would read this. We've been in a lot worse shape as a nation before. Really good read.
It is now on my Amazon wishlist and may soon be purchased as a used version meets my value level (under $10 delivered).
Above provided by: Vinny, who always says: "I only regret that I have but one lap to give to my cats." AND "I'm a more-is-more person."
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
I’ve read all of Peter’s books and they are well researched and very believable.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories
by Leo Tolstoy
A collection of three novellas and one short story. I admire Tolstoy and years ago
undertook the challenge of reading War and Peace but these stories, although
showing storytelling brilliance, were somewhat grim and dour.
Family Happiness
A couple have unrealistic expectations of what each wants for themselves and what each
wants the other to do. Ends with a peaceful coexistence after years of trying to figure things
out.
Death of Ivan Ilyich
Interesting beginning but veers off into a morbid direction by drawing out, in agonizing detail,
the final days of a man dying from an incurable illness.
Gave it up before going to the other two stories: The Kreutzer Sonata and Master and Man.
by Leo Tolstoy
A collection of three novellas and one short story. I admire Tolstoy and years ago
undertook the challenge of reading War and Peace but these stories, although
showing storytelling brilliance, were somewhat grim and dour.
Family Happiness
A couple have unrealistic expectations of what each wants for themselves and what each
wants the other to do. Ends with a peaceful coexistence after years of trying to figure things
out.
Death of Ivan Ilyich
Interesting beginning but veers off into a morbid direction by drawing out, in agonizing detail,
the final days of a man dying from an incurable illness.
Gave it up before going to the other two stories: The Kreutzer Sonata and Master and Man.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
This is typical of Russian literature: pain, suffering, introspection, depression, death, the themes of great literature: the experience of the Russian people through the centuries. That’s what makes it good.wilson08 wrote: Mon Feb 10, 2025 4:08 pm The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories
by Leo Tolstoy
A collection of three novellas and one short story. I admire Tolstoy and years ago
undertook the challenge of reading War and Peace but these stories, although
showing storytelling brilliance, were somewhat grim and dour.
Family Happiness
A couple have unrealistic expectations of what each wants for themselves and what each
wants the other to do. Ends with a peaceful coexistence after years of trying to figure things
out.
Death of Ivan Ilyich
Interesting beginning but veers off into a morbid direction by drawing out, in agonizing detail,
the final days of a man dying from an incurable illness.
Gave it up before going to the other two stories: The Kreutzer Sonata and Master and Man.
Last edited by Nicolas on Mon Feb 10, 2025 4:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
"The Name of this Band is R.E.M., A Biography" by Peter Ames Carlin.
Not a huge fan of the Alt Rock '80s band (which evolved into mainstream by 90s) but I certainly have enjoyed certain songs which found the way to AOR stations. Now, reading this history of the band, I find myself listening to the early works (via You Tube) and tapping my toes. Really good music and musicians.
Well researched and written book. The band seems to have done things the right way over the years. 45 years later and they still seem to be civil to one another....if not friends.
Ed
Not a huge fan of the Alt Rock '80s band (which evolved into mainstream by 90s) but I certainly have enjoyed certain songs which found the way to AOR stations. Now, reading this history of the band, I find myself listening to the early works (via You Tube) and tapping my toes. Really good music and musicians.
Well researched and written book. The band seems to have done things the right way over the years. 45 years later and they still seem to be civil to one another....if not friends.
Ed
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Recently a friend of mine sent me an article which stated that they were the most influential band of their era. I responded by telling him I completely disagreed with that. That would not, though, stop me from reading the book.MP173 wrote: Mon Feb 10, 2025 4:41 pm "The Name of this Band is R.E.M., A Biography" by Peter Ames Carlin.
Not a huge fan of the Alt Rock '80s band (which evolved into mainstream by 90s) but I certainly have enjoyed certain songs which found the way to AOR stations. Now, reading this history of the band, I find myself listening to the early works (via You Tube) and tapping my toes. Really good music and musicians.
Well researched and written book. The band seems to have done things the right way over the years. 45 years later and they still seem to be civil to one another....if not friends.
Ed
Above provided by: Vinny, who always says: "I only regret that I have but one lap to give to my cats." AND "I'm a more-is-more person."
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
"Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott. A once popular guide to writing published early 1990s. Sweet and humorous instructional book. DD bought me 4 books on writing for Christmas this year and this is one of them. Reading it is like having coffee with an old girlfriend.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
I googled "R.E.M band" and got mostly AI references to being named after rapid eye movement.yankees60 wrote: Tue Feb 11, 2025 9:05 amRecently a friend of mine sent me an article which stated that they were the most influential band of their era. I responded by telling him I completely disagreed with that. That would not, though, stop me from reading the book.MP173 wrote: Mon Feb 10, 2025 4:41 pm "The Name of this Band is R.E.M., A Biography" by Peter Ames Carlin.
Not a huge fan of the Alt Rock '80s band (which evolved into mainstream by 90s) but I certainly have enjoyed certain songs which found the way to AOR stations. Now, reading this history of the band, I find myself listening to the early works (via You Tube) and tapping my toes. Really good music and musicians.
Well researched and written book. The band seems to have done things the right way over the years. 45 years later and they still seem to be civil to one another....if not friends.
Ed
Going to Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R.E.M.
2nd paragraph under History seems to refute that w/o providing an alternate.
Another R&R story of legend ... like Louie Louie dirty lyrics?
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Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
"Get Real" - Donald Westlake's last Dortmunder novel, in which the gang robs in real time for a reality show.
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Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
"Whenever things sound easy, it turns out there's one part you didn't hear."littlerfish wrote: Wed Feb 12, 2025 10:00 am "Get Real" - Donald Westlake's last Dortmunder novel, in which the gang robs in real time for a reality show.
-- John Dortmunder in Drowned Hopes
May neither drought nor rain nor blizzard disturb the joy juice in your gizzard. -- Squire Omar Barker (aka S.O.B.), the Cowboy Poet
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
"seems to refute that"heartwood wrote: Tue Feb 11, 2025 3:15 pmI googled "R.E.M band" and got mostly AI references to being named after rapid eye movement.yankees60 wrote: Tue Feb 11, 2025 9:05 am
Recently a friend of mine sent me an article which stated that they were the most influential band of their era. I responded by telling him I completely disagreed with that. That would not, though, stop me from reading the book.
Going to Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R.E.M.
2nd paragraph under History seems to refute that w/o providing an alternate.
Another R&R story of legend ... like Louie Louie dirty lyrics?
I read that second paragraph. But not clear which "refute that" it was refuting.
Above provided by: Vinny, who always says: "I only regret that I have but one lap to give to my cats." AND "I'm a more-is-more person."
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Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Read Conclave by Robert Harris, the book on which the excellent movie was based. I loved it.
So I tried The Fear Index. Very readable, page-turner... but sucked. Although some of the financial details (hedge fund reminiscent of Jim Simon's Medallion) were at least up to my limited knowledge--unlike too many books--basically nothing in the book made sense and nothing was actually resolved. Mini-spoiler: it made the assumption, made in too many books, that in the building where the elevators are "controlled" by a computer, the computer is able to make them fall, slew up and down with high G-forced, etc. I can't be sure, but I think the safety mechanism that prevents elevators from falling is a simple century-old mechanical overspeed governor, with no signals or wires attached to it.
Anyway, I gave it a third try, with Munich. Really enjoyed it.
Will try some of his other books as they become available at the public library.
So I tried The Fear Index. Very readable, page-turner... but sucked. Although some of the financial details (hedge fund reminiscent of Jim Simon's Medallion) were at least up to my limited knowledge--unlike too many books--basically nothing in the book made sense and nothing was actually resolved. Mini-spoiler: it made the assumption, made in too many books, that in the building where the elevators are "controlled" by a computer, the computer is able to make them fall, slew up and down with high G-forced, etc. I can't be sure, but I think the safety mechanism that prevents elevators from falling is a simple century-old mechanical overspeed governor, with no signals or wires attached to it.
Anyway, I gave it a third try, with Munich. Really enjoyed it.
Will try some of his other books as they become available at the public library.
Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen nineteen and six, result happiness; Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Song of the Cell by Siddartha Mukherjee. Had not read scientific/medical books since Atul Gawande’s last book. They always give me comfort that the frontiers of human knowledge are still expanding.
Just finished William Carlsen’s Jungle of Stone about Stephens’ & Catherwood’s “discovery” of Mayan ruins in the 1830s. Disjointed but fascinating.
Enjoyed Olga Tokatczuk’s Drive your Plow over the Bones of the Dead. A provocative whodunnit set in a part of the world I will almost certainly never visit.
Just finished William Carlsen’s Jungle of Stone about Stephens’ & Catherwood’s “discovery” of Mayan ruins in the 1830s. Disjointed but fascinating.
Enjoyed Olga Tokatczuk’s Drive your Plow over the Bones of the Dead. A provocative whodunnit set in a part of the world I will almost certainly never visit.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Mukherjee’s “Gene” is quite good as is “The Tangled Tree” by Quamman. Both on genetics. Very readable. Id do them in order.Tribonian wrote: Wed Feb 12, 2025 10:58 pm Song of the Cell by Siddartha Mukherjee. Had not read scientific/medical books since Atul Gawande’s last book. They always give me comfort that the frontiers of human knowledge are still expanding.
Just finished William Carlsen’s Jungle of Stone about Stephens’ & Catherwood’s “discovery” of Mayan ruins in the 1830s. Disjointed but fascinating.
Enjoyed Olga Tokatczuk’s Drive your Plow over the Bones of the Dead. A provocative whodunnit set in a part of the world I will almost certainly never visit.
Don't trust me, look it up. https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions-and-publications
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
I loved REM in the 80s but I quickly got me fill. They certainly had influence in the 80s and 90s because there were a lot of bands trying to mimic that REM sound in the local clubs near me. If I never hear another REM song I will not be upset. But when I was younger listening to them, they certainly were part of the soundtrack to my life.yankees60 wrote: Tue Feb 11, 2025 9:05 amRecently a friend of mine sent me an article which stated that they were the most influential band of their era. I responded by telling him I completely disagreed with that. That would not, though, stop me from reading the book.MP173 wrote: Mon Feb 10, 2025 4:41 pm "The Name of this Band is R.E.M., A Biography" by Peter Ames Carlin.
Not a huge fan of the Alt Rock '80s band (which evolved into mainstream by 90s) but I certainly have enjoyed certain songs which found the way to AOR stations. Now, reading this history of the band, I find myself listening to the early works (via You Tube) and tapping my toes. Really good music and musicians.
Well researched and written book. The band seems to have done things the right way over the years. 45 years later and they still seem to be civil to one another....if not friends.
Ed
If someone asks you the time, why are you telling them how to build a watch?
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Not my experience. I had also responded to my friend that I'd never heard any band do a cover of any of their songs. For me they were not that far from several one-hit wonder bands. Just a tiny part of my music experience.bikefish wrote: Thu Feb 13, 2025 8:21 amI loved REM in the 80s but I quickly got me fill. They certainly had influence in the 80s and 90s because there were a lot of bands trying to mimic that REM sound in the local clubs near me. If I never hear another REM song I will not be upset. But when I was younger listening to them, they certainly were part of the soundtrack to my life.yankees60 wrote: Tue Feb 11, 2025 9:05 am
Recently a friend of mine sent me an article which stated that they were the most influential band of their era. I responded by telling him I completely disagreed with that. That would not, though, stop me from reading the book.
But all that would still not prevent me from reading the book.
Above provided by: Vinny, who always says: "I only regret that I have but one lap to give to my cats." AND "I'm a more-is-more person."
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
I got the Lee Child short story Eleven Numbers free in February as part of my Prime membership.
https://www.amazon.com/Eleven-Numbers-S ... 223&sr=8-1
Without his name on the cover I would not have guessed Child is the author. No Jack Reacher mentioned. Fifty pages, no more than an hour's read. Well crafted, with good writing and a fine story. I enjoyed it and recommend it. It has me thinking!
An aside and perhaps a type of spoiler: You may want to google Kindansky Numbers, a plot point in the story.
https://www.amazon.com/Eleven-Numbers-S ... 223&sr=8-1
Without his name on the cover I would not have guessed Child is the author. No Jack Reacher mentioned. Fifty pages, no more than an hour's read. Well crafted, with good writing and a fine story. I enjoyed it and recommend it. It has me thinking!
An aside and perhaps a type of spoiler: You may want to google Kindansky Numbers, a plot point in the story.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Thanks for the recommendations!jebmke wrote: Thu Feb 13, 2025 5:08 amMukherjee’s “Gene” is quite good as is “The Tangled Tree” by Quamman. Both on genetics. Very readable. Id do them in order.Tribonian wrote: Wed Feb 12, 2025 10:58 pm Song of the Cell by Siddartha Mukherjee. Had not read scientific/medical books since Atul Gawande’s last book. They always give me comfort that the frontiers of human knowledge are still expanding.
Just finished William Carlsen’s Jungle of Stone about Stephens’ & Catherwood’s “discovery” of Mayan ruins in the 1830s. Disjointed but fascinating.
Enjoyed Olga Tokatczuk’s Drive your Plow over the Bones of the Dead. A provocative whodunnit set in a part of the world I will almost certainly never visit.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Many mentions of that book in various topics in this forum. Seems to get mixed reviews.rockstar wrote: Tue Feb 04, 2025 8:38 pm Finished Die with Zero. It was okay. It all really boils down to spending money on things you can only do based on your health at certain points in your life, rather than putting them off. I’m glad I bought this book on discount as it’s definitely not worth its full price.
I have it but not certain when it will get read.
Above provided by: Vinny, who always says: "I only regret that I have but one lap to give to my cats." AND "I'm a more-is-more person."
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
It’s super short.yankees60 wrote: Sat Feb 15, 2025 8:48 amMany mentions of that book in various topics in this forum. Seems to get mixed reviews.rockstar wrote: Tue Feb 04, 2025 8:38 pm Finished Die with Zero. It was okay. It all really boils down to spending money on things you can only do based on your health at certain points in your life, rather than putting them off. I’m glad I bought this book on discount as it’s definitely not worth its full price.
I have it but not certain when it will get read.
It’s a good read for the super conservative folks here. If you’re a more aggressive investor and spender than the average poster here it won’t make much of an impact.
I tend to limit my nonfiction to a couple of books a year. I enjoy fiction far more.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Then if it is that short. I may read it as I undoubtedly will easily read it in one sitting.rockstar wrote: Sat Feb 15, 2025 9:27 amIt’s super short.yankees60 wrote: Sat Feb 15, 2025 8:48 am
Many mentions of that book in various topics in this forum. Seems to get mixed reviews.
I have it but not certain when it will get read.
It’s a good read for the super conservative folks here. If you’re a more aggressive investor and spender than the average poster here it won’t make much of an impact.
I tend to limit my nonfiction to a couple of books a year. I enjoy fiction far more.
Our book reading habits, though, are completely opposite. I can read no fiction in a year. Though I have enjoyed reading fiction, I strongly believe that truth is stranger than fiction and that no one could ever dream up and provide all the detail related to actual happenings.
Above provided by: Vinny, who always says: "I only regret that I have but one lap to give to my cats." AND "I'm a more-is-more person."
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
I started out my academic career in philosophy. Nietzsche has a lot of interesting things to say about history, so I haven’t taken nonfiction seriously since my 20s. I’d rather be entertained.yankees60 wrote: Sat Feb 15, 2025 9:31 amThen if it is that short. I may read it as I undoubtedly will easily read it in one sitting.rockstar wrote: Sat Feb 15, 2025 9:27 am
It’s super short.
It’s a good read for the super conservative folks here. If you’re a more aggressive investor and spender than the average poster here it won’t make much of an impact.
I tend to limit my nonfiction to a couple of books a year. I enjoy fiction far more.
Our book reading habits, though, are completely opposite. I can read no fiction in a year. Though I have enjoyed reading fiction, I strongly believe that truth is stranger than fiction and that no one could ever dream up and provide all the detail related to actual happenings.
I am planning to read Boys in the Boat this year. And I might read the Black Hawk Down book too. And maybe one Larson book. I haven’t decided which one.
I read only 40 books a year. Going to try to get that to 45 this year.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Update:AzWDC wrote: Tue Dec 10, 2024 1:11 pm I am currently reading Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus series in the correct sequence. It is something I vowed I would do for about, let's say, 10 years or so. Rankin is not Faulkner nor Dickens (nor Sir Walter Scott!)
25 books in the series so far. First book published in 1987. Since I am retired, I have the leisure to understand the development of the main character and also the evolution of the writing ability of the author. The main character, Scottish Police Detective Inspector Rebus, is no hero or exemplary figure. He is deeply flawed in both motivation and actions. But he still tries to improve.
The novels show that crime is multigenerational, is rarely of a single sort, is rarely perpetrated by a single individual acting in isolation, is frequently mixed up with real love for one's family, and is all too human.
I just finished the 25 books of Ian Rankin’s Inspector Rebus series. 6000+ pages written over 27 years. The plots got increasingly complicated. The character development got better over the first 15 or so books and then weaker for most of the characters except Rebus. Years ago, I did a project inside a maximum security prison, and the 25th book, “Midnight and Blue”, which is set mostly in a prison, was convincing and realistic to me. My favorite book was “Resurrection Men,” in which the public character flaws of Inspector Rebus are deliberately used by his boss to tempt criminal policemen to overreach. My least favorite was “Fleshmarket Alley” because the misery of the vulnerable is never-ending.
Most of the books have 16-20 characters with only a handful of characters repeatedly appearing in successive books. The intricate and shifting alliances were a challenge to remember – even within a single book. Each book deals with a separate main topic or two, while the background of the good vs. evil battle remains consistent. Or perhaps the battle of mental health vs instability, or individual vs community, or rich vs everyone else, or…
I prefer a novel with more character development, and ruminations about life, and so the Rebus books were increasingly less satisfying for me. For readers who enjoy a cleverly crafted puzzle, with lots of misdirection, the Rebus books are great.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
I find history books to be extremely entertaining. The oft-mentioned here Caro Power Broker book is a prime example. A fiction book would not have the incredible (and true) detail in a book like that.rockstar wrote: Sat Feb 15, 2025 9:41 amI started out my academic career in philosophy. Nietzsche has a lot of interesting things to say about history, so I haven’t taken nonfiction seriously since my 20s. I’d rather be entertained.yankees60 wrote: Sat Feb 15, 2025 9:31 am
Then if it is that short. I may read it as I undoubtedly will easily read it in one sitting.
Our book reading habits, though, are completely opposite. I can read no fiction in a year. Though I have enjoyed reading fiction, I strongly believe that truth is stranger than fiction and that no one could ever dream up and provide all the detail related to actual happenings.
I am planning to read Boys in the Boat this year. And I might read the Black Hawk Down book too. And maybe one Larson book. I haven’t decided which one.
I read only 40 books a year. Going to try to get that to 45 this year.
Above provided by: Vinny, who always says: "I only regret that I have but one lap to give to my cats." AND "I'm a more-is-more person."
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Check out All Quiet on the Western Front. It’s fiction that comes across as nonfiction.yankees60 wrote: Sat Feb 15, 2025 9:55 amI find history books to be extremely entertaining. The oft-mentioned here Caro Power Broker book is a prime example. A fiction book would not have the incredible (and true) detail in a book like that.rockstar wrote: Sat Feb 15, 2025 9:41 am
I started out my academic career in philosophy. Nietzsche has a lot of interesting things to say about history, so I haven’t taken nonfiction seriously since my 20s. I’d rather be entertained.
I am planning to read Boys in the Boat this year. And I might read the Black Hawk Down book too. And maybe one Larson book. I haven’t decided which one.
I read only 40 books a year. Going to try to get that to 45 this year.
If you want to good history book, check out Battle Cry of Freedom about the Civil War. It’s fascinating.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
5 years ago I did read the Civil War book. It was so packed with informational nuggets that I wanted to immediately reread it more slowly so as to study it and retain many of those nuggets.rockstar wrote: Sat Feb 15, 2025 10:02 amCheck out All Quiet on the Western Front. It’s fiction that comes across as nonfiction.yankees60 wrote: Sat Feb 15, 2025 9:55 am
I find history books to be extremely entertaining. The oft-mentioned here Caro Power Broker book is a prime example. A fiction book would not have the incredible (and true) detail in a book like that.
If you want to good history book, check out Battle Cry of Freedom about the Civil War. It’s fascinating.
But it would be another of my examples of an entertaining (and highly informative) nonfiction history book.
Decades ago I did read several of Gore Vidal's historical novels and did enjoy those.
Above provided by: Vinny, who always says: "I only regret that I have but one lap to give to my cats." AND "I'm a more-is-more person."
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
If you like WWII, I recommend the war game Advanced Squad Leader. It’s a super detailed game. And it’s fun to play out battles.yankees60 wrote: Sat Feb 15, 2025 10:06 am5 years ago I did read the Civil War book. It was so packed with informational nuggets that I wanted to immediately reread it more slowly so as to study it and retain many of those nuggets.rockstar wrote: Sat Feb 15, 2025 10:02 am
Check out All Quiet on the Western Front. It’s fiction that comes across as nonfiction.
If you want to good history book, check out Battle Cry of Freedom about the Civil War. It’s fascinating.
But it would be another of my examples of an entertaining (and highly informative) nonfiction history book.
Decades ago I did read several of Gore Vidal's historical novels and did enjoy those.
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Thanks for the recommendation. But I already have (as I suspect many others also here) too many areas of interest which absorb time. I'm sure I'd enjoy it but I'd prefer reading more excellent history books about it. World War II history is definitely an interest of mine. Have many books on it and have read many books on it.rockstar wrote: Sat Feb 15, 2025 10:09 amIf you like WWII, I recommend the war game Advanced Squad Leader. It’s a super detailed game. And it’s fun to play out battles.yankees60 wrote: Sat Feb 15, 2025 10:06 am
5 years ago I did read the Civil War book. It was so packed with informational nuggets that I wanted to immediately reread it more slowly so as to study it and retain many of those nuggets.
But it would be another of my examples of an entertaining (and highly informative) nonfiction history book.
Decades ago I did read several of Gore Vidal's historical novels and did enjoy those.
Above provided by: Vinny, who always says: "I only regret that I have but one lap to give to my cats." AND "I'm a more-is-more person."
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
I'm a King freak - 112263 is one of his best. I would do dangerous things to be able to read it again the first time. Enjoy!jjunk wrote: Mon Feb 03, 2025 8:16 pm 11/22/63 by Stephen King. I havent read a book in a while that wasnt for work, but after losing my job last year I decided to start reading again. I'm only 20% in atm but it's about a man who discovers a portal in time and tries to stop the JFK assassination. I love Kings writing and this isn't in his horror tilt so much as sci-fi/paranormal I would call it. Enjoying it so far.
*Currently reading Misery by him*