Sgt Big G reads 75 books and tries not to be lame and actually write about them.
Talk75 Books Challenge for 2015
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1sgtbigg
2015 is still a few days away, but I'm planning ahead and starting my thread early. This is my eighth year doing the challenge and while I managed to read 75 books last year, I didn't post any until December. I had a lot going on in the first couple of months of 2104 that hindered my posting here and once I got out of the habit it was hard to get back into it. I'm going to try and be more diligent about it this year, so we'll see how it goes.
2craftyfox
You did way better than me. I forgot that I even signed on to do the challenge until I came to start again this year. lol
4Kassilem
I saw you like fantasy! I'm also a fan so you might see me here this year :) Happy reading
8sgtbigg
How to read more. Borrowed from Austin Kleon at http://austinkleon.com/2014/12/29/how-to-read-more/
1. Throw your phone in the ocean. (Or, keep it in airplane mode.)
2. Carry a book with you at all times.
3. Have another book ready before you finish the one you’re reading. (Make a stack of books to-read or load up your eReader.)
4. If you aren’t enjoying a book or learning from it, stop reading it immediately. (Flinging it across the room helps give closure.)
5. Schedule 1 hour of non-fiction reading during the day. (Commutes, lunch breaks, and any contained period of idle time work well.)
6. Go to bed 1 hour early and read fiction. (It will help you sleep.)
7. Keep a reading log and share your favorite books with others. (They will send you even more books to read.)
I do #2, 3, 4, and 7. While I haven’t done #1, I think I have my phone usage under control. How about you?
1. Throw your phone in the ocean. (Or, keep it in airplane mode.)
2. Carry a book with you at all times.
3. Have another book ready before you finish the one you’re reading. (Make a stack of books to-read or load up your eReader.)
4. If you aren’t enjoying a book or learning from it, stop reading it immediately. (Flinging it across the room helps give closure.)
5. Schedule 1 hour of non-fiction reading during the day. (Commutes, lunch breaks, and any contained period of idle time work well.)
6. Go to bed 1 hour early and read fiction. (It will help you sleep.)
7. Keep a reading log and share your favorite books with others. (They will send you even more books to read.)
I do #2, 3, 4, and 7. While I haven’t done #1, I think I have my phone usage under control. How about you?
11qebo
I missed your thread entirely last year, but now I see there was a reason for that. :-) Glad to see you back.
14The_Hibernator
Good luck with your goal to write about books. Happy new year.
15sgtbigg
#7, 11, 12, 13, and 14 - Thanks.
My top 5 favorite books of 2014 in no particular order
American Spartans: The U.S. Marines A Combat History from Iwo Jima to Iraq by James A. Warren
Imperium by Robert Harris
Brothers, Rivals, Victors: Eisenhower, Patton, Bradley, and the Partnership that Drove the Allied Conquest in Europe by Jonathan W. Jordan
Masters of the Planet: The Search for our Human Origins by Ian Tattersall
Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey
My least favorite books of 2014
Dogs of Orninica by Daniel Unedo
Article V by Richard Rudomanski
Second Paradigm by Peter Wacks
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
The Culled by Simon Spurrier
It probably means something that four of my bottom five were cheap or free kindle books. I've tried to avoid reading those since they so often turn out to be crap, but a few manage to slip in from time to time.
My top 5 favorite books of 2014 in no particular order
American Spartans: The U.S. Marines A Combat History from Iwo Jima to Iraq by James A. Warren
Imperium by Robert Harris
Brothers, Rivals, Victors: Eisenhower, Patton, Bradley, and the Partnership that Drove the Allied Conquest in Europe by Jonathan W. Jordan
Masters of the Planet: The Search for our Human Origins by Ian Tattersall
Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey
My least favorite books of 2014
Dogs of Orninica by Daniel Unedo
Article V by Richard Rudomanski
Second Paradigm by Peter Wacks
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
The Culled by Simon Spurrier
It probably means something that four of my bottom five were cheap or free kindle books. I've tried to avoid reading those since they so often turn out to be crap, but a few manage to slip in from time to time.
16sgtbigg
1) The Road to Disunion: Secessionists at Bay 1776-1854 by William W. Freehling
Freehling wanted to write about the advent of the Civil War and assumed he would only have to go back to 1850 or so. The more he researched the further back he had to go, ultimately choosing 1776 as his start point. He could have just as easily picked 1611, 1607, or 1492 - the war was a long time coming. Freehling does a good job of explaining all of the important events and the party politics that went with them. If you want the long answer regarding the causes of the war, this is a good place to start. He has also written a second volume, The Road to Disunion: Secessionists Triumphant, 1854-1861. I'll try to get to the second book later in the year.
Freehling wanted to write about the advent of the Civil War and assumed he would only have to go back to 1850 or so. The more he researched the further back he had to go, ultimately choosing 1776 as his start point. He could have just as easily picked 1611, 1607, or 1492 - the war was a long time coming. Freehling does a good job of explaining all of the important events and the party politics that went with them. If you want the long answer regarding the causes of the war, this is a good place to start. He has also written a second volume, The Road to Disunion: Secessionists Triumphant, 1854-1861. I'll try to get to the second book later in the year.
17sgtbigg
2) Lines of Departure by Marko Kloos
Kloos's previous book Terms of Enlistment was a self-published e-book, which resulted in a publishing contract. Lines of Departure picks up where the previous book left off, in the early 22nd century. Much of earth's population lives in poverty stricken tenements,hoping for a chance to move to an off-world colony. Andrew Grayson joined the military to escape from poverty and to defend those colonies from the Sino-Russian enemy. An overwhelming alien menace appears, but humans continue to fight amongst themselves. A well-written and enjoyable book, with a believable storyline (once you accept 80 foot tall aliens) and decent characterization. This is some good military SF. Book three is due out in April and I'm anxiously awaiting it.
Kloos's previous book Terms of Enlistment was a self-published e-book, which resulted in a publishing contract. Lines of Departure picks up where the previous book left off, in the early 22nd century. Much of earth's population lives in poverty stricken tenements,hoping for a chance to move to an off-world colony. Andrew Grayson joined the military to escape from poverty and to defend those colonies from the Sino-Russian enemy. An overwhelming alien menace appears, but humans continue to fight amongst themselves. A well-written and enjoyable book, with a believable storyline (once you accept 80 foot tall aliens) and decent characterization. This is some good military SF. Book three is due out in April and I'm anxiously awaiting it.
19sgtbigg
3) Revival: A Novel by Stephen King
This book reminds me a lot of Under the Dome, well written and enjoyable but with a crappy ending. In a nutshell preacher/carnie/con man "miraculously" heels the sick, lame, and lazy until finally the reader finds out why and sort of how. The how was pretty much of a let down for me.
4) War Stories: New Military Science Fiction edited by Jaym Gates
A collection of short stories, most f which I enjoyed. There was only one I actually disliked and one I was so-so about. Other then one story by Joe Haldeman, the stories are written by mostly newer writers. If you like military SF this is a good collection.
This book reminds me a lot of Under the Dome, well written and enjoyable but with a crappy ending. In a nutshell preacher/carnie/con man "miraculously" heels the sick, lame, and lazy until finally the reader finds out why and sort of how. The how was pretty much of a let down for me.
4) War Stories: New Military Science Fiction edited by Jaym Gates
A collection of short stories, most f which I enjoyed. There was only one I actually disliked and one I was so-so about. Other then one story by Joe Haldeman, the stories are written by mostly newer writers. If you like military SF this is a good collection.
20xymon81
19> I was not impressed by Revival either. Alot of the time I was wondering if he was ever going to get to he point and when you get there it is a real head scratcher
21sgtbigg
Well, I really slacked off this year. I truly did intend to do a better job of keeping up with my books this year but instead I did a worse job than ever before. I will try to post the books I've read before the end of the year, for whatever it's worth.
22tymfos
Glad to see you back! I hope you are well. I know real life can get in the way of posting stuff here. I hope you manage to post what you read this year.
24sgtbigg
Well since there has been much clamoring to see my list (ok, two people), I'll start posting it.
5. World Order by Henry Kissinger
Kissinger discusses world hotspots and the formation of world order based on the Treaty of Westphalia and how order comes about (or doesn’t) outside of Europe. The section on China is based on his book On China and doesn’t really offer anything new. Otherwise, well worth reading.
6. The American Civil War and the Origins of Modern Warfare: Ideas, Organization, and Field Command by Edward Hagerman
I’ve posted a review here.
7. Hitler's War (The War That Came Early #1) by Harry Turtledove
I remember when Turtledove used to write really entertaining books. He no longer does.
8. Half a King (Shattered Sea #1) by Joe Abercrombie
King becomes slave, becomes king again. We’ve heard it before but it’s done well here.
9. The GI Offensive in Europe: The Triumph of American Infantry Divisions, 1941-1945 (Modern War Studies) by Peter R. Mansoor
Mansoor does a good job of showing that the U.S. didn’t win the war in Europe due to overwhelming numbers and supplies. Infantry divisions slogging across Europe did it in spite of obstacles presented by both the Axis and the Allied command.
10. The Ethical Protector: Police Ethics, Tactics and Techniques eds. Jack E. Hoban, Bruce J. Gourlie, & James V. Morganelli
Based on the Marine Corps’ Ethical Warrior program, the Ethical Protector provides an alternate to traditional policing. It has some things going for it, but I don’t think it is enough by itself. Worth reading if you’re interested in police reform. (No touchstone)
11. The Empty Throne (The Last Kingdom #8) by Bernard Cornwell
Book eight in the Saxon series, which has been changed to the Last Kingdom series to match with the new television series based on the books. I found this to be the weakest of the series, although I couldn’t put my finger on what I didn’t like about it. Hopefully Cornwell returns to form with number nine.
12. East of Chosin: Entrapment and Breakout in Korea, 1950 by Roy E. Appleman
Most people know the story of the Marines at Chosin. The story of the Army’s 31st Regimental Combat Team is less well known. Unfortunately it doesn’t end as well as the Marines’ story.
13. Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
Popular SF novel that I didn’t really like.
14. Fearless: The Heroic Story of One Navy SEAL's Sacrifice in the Hunt for Osama Bin Laden and the Unwavering Devotion of the Woman Who Loved Him by Eric Blehm
The story of Adam Brown, who went from drug addict to Navy SEAL.
15. Heir to the Jedi by Kevin Hearne
Another of the new Star Wars canon books. Set between Episodes IV and V, it fills in some gaps and the story is decent.
5. World Order by Henry Kissinger
Kissinger discusses world hotspots and the formation of world order based on the Treaty of Westphalia and how order comes about (or doesn’t) outside of Europe. The section on China is based on his book On China and doesn’t really offer anything new. Otherwise, well worth reading.
6. The American Civil War and the Origins of Modern Warfare: Ideas, Organization, and Field Command by Edward Hagerman
I’ve posted a review here.
7. Hitler's War (The War That Came Early #1) by Harry Turtledove
I remember when Turtledove used to write really entertaining books. He no longer does.
8. Half a King (Shattered Sea #1) by Joe Abercrombie
King becomes slave, becomes king again. We’ve heard it before but it’s done well here.
9. The GI Offensive in Europe: The Triumph of American Infantry Divisions, 1941-1945 (Modern War Studies) by Peter R. Mansoor
Mansoor does a good job of showing that the U.S. didn’t win the war in Europe due to overwhelming numbers and supplies. Infantry divisions slogging across Europe did it in spite of obstacles presented by both the Axis and the Allied command.
10. The Ethical Protector: Police Ethics, Tactics and Techniques eds. Jack E. Hoban, Bruce J. Gourlie, & James V. Morganelli
Based on the Marine Corps’ Ethical Warrior program, the Ethical Protector provides an alternate to traditional policing. It has some things going for it, but I don’t think it is enough by itself. Worth reading if you’re interested in police reform. (No touchstone)
11. The Empty Throne (The Last Kingdom #8) by Bernard Cornwell
Book eight in the Saxon series, which has been changed to the Last Kingdom series to match with the new television series based on the books. I found this to be the weakest of the series, although I couldn’t put my finger on what I didn’t like about it. Hopefully Cornwell returns to form with number nine.
12. East of Chosin: Entrapment and Breakout in Korea, 1950 by Roy E. Appleman
Most people know the story of the Marines at Chosin. The story of the Army’s 31st Regimental Combat Team is less well known. Unfortunately it doesn’t end as well as the Marines’ story.
13. Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
Popular SF novel that I didn’t really like.
14. Fearless: The Heroic Story of One Navy SEAL's Sacrifice in the Hunt for Osama Bin Laden and the Unwavering Devotion of the Woman Who Loved Him by Eric Blehm
The story of Adam Brown, who went from drug addict to Navy SEAL.
15. Heir to the Jedi by Kevin Hearne
Another of the new Star Wars canon books. Set between Episodes IV and V, it fills in some gaps and the story is decent.
25sgtbigg
16. Character and Cops: Ethics in Policing by Edwin J. Delattre
The go to book on police ethics. I was helping to choose books for promotional exams, so I read this to determine if we should use it or not. We decided against it, but primarily because we had used it several times in the past not because there was anything wrong with it.
17. Blue at the Mizzen (Aubrey & Maturin #20) by Patrick O'Brian
The last completed Aubrey-Maturin book. Although it wasn’t designed to end the series I think it does so pretty well, although I would have preferred another twenty volumes.
18. The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert
Documents five previous mass extinctions and argues that we are in the sixth right now. That point is debatable but definitely an interesting book.
19. The Renaissance: A Short History by Paul Johnson
A short history it was, probably too short to get a real feel for the period..
20. Dereliction of Duty: Johnson, McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies That Led to Vietnam by H.R. McMaster
I’ve wanted to read this since I heard McMaster speak at the Society for Military History a few years back. He argues that the Vietnam War was lost in Washington before combat troops were ever deployed. He lays much of the blame on the Joint Chiefs for failing to make their professional military opinions known to the politicians.
21. The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
Fantasy in which an unlikely heir becomes emperor. Very enjoyable.
22. For the Common Defense: A Military History of the United States of America by Allan R. Millett & Peter Maslowski
Millett and Maslowski document America’s military history. The bibliographical essay is possibly the best part of the book and has grown so extensive that for the third edition it was posted online rather than included in the book due to its length.
23. Virtues of War (Virtues of War #1) by Bennett R. Coles
In the far future of Bennett R. Coles’ Virtues of War, Earth’s colonies are in rebellion. The politics of the rebellion are a little fuzzy, but that doesn’t matter. What does matter are space battles and futuristic ground combat. Not that the story and characters take a back seat to the action, but there is plenty of action. The story follows several up and coming officers of the Astral Force as they combat insurgents, rebellious colonies, and sometimes one another. This is Military SF done right. Coles’ experience in the Canadian Navy is obvious throughout and while tomorrow’s space combat bears a resemblance to the naval combat of today, it is more than naval warfare translated into space.
24. Half the World (Shattered Sea #2) by Joe Abercrombie
Book two of the series. Abercrombie uses different POV characters this time, with the first book’s POVs moved to secondary status. Still a good story with interesting characters.
25. The Empress Game (The Empress Game Trilogy #1) by Rhonda Mason
The intergalactic Sakien Empire has an empty seat on its ruling council. The seat will belong to the new Empress Apparent who will be determined in a tournament of ritualized combat. Women from all over the empire will fight for the position. The book is much better than it sounds; it is more political intrigue than gladiatorial combat.
The go to book on police ethics. I was helping to choose books for promotional exams, so I read this to determine if we should use it or not. We decided against it, but primarily because we had used it several times in the past not because there was anything wrong with it.
17. Blue at the Mizzen (Aubrey & Maturin #20) by Patrick O'Brian
The last completed Aubrey-Maturin book. Although it wasn’t designed to end the series I think it does so pretty well, although I would have preferred another twenty volumes.
18. The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert
Documents five previous mass extinctions and argues that we are in the sixth right now. That point is debatable but definitely an interesting book.
19. The Renaissance: A Short History by Paul Johnson
A short history it was, probably too short to get a real feel for the period..
20. Dereliction of Duty: Johnson, McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies That Led to Vietnam by H.R. McMaster
I’ve wanted to read this since I heard McMaster speak at the Society for Military History a few years back. He argues that the Vietnam War was lost in Washington before combat troops were ever deployed. He lays much of the blame on the Joint Chiefs for failing to make their professional military opinions known to the politicians.
21. The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
Fantasy in which an unlikely heir becomes emperor. Very enjoyable.
22. For the Common Defense: A Military History of the United States of America by Allan R. Millett & Peter Maslowski
Millett and Maslowski document America’s military history. The bibliographical essay is possibly the best part of the book and has grown so extensive that for the third edition it was posted online rather than included in the book due to its length.
23. Virtues of War (Virtues of War #1) by Bennett R. Coles
In the far future of Bennett R. Coles’ Virtues of War, Earth’s colonies are in rebellion. The politics of the rebellion are a little fuzzy, but that doesn’t matter. What does matter are space battles and futuristic ground combat. Not that the story and characters take a back seat to the action, but there is plenty of action. The story follows several up and coming officers of the Astral Force as they combat insurgents, rebellious colonies, and sometimes one another. This is Military SF done right. Coles’ experience in the Canadian Navy is obvious throughout and while tomorrow’s space combat bears a resemblance to the naval combat of today, it is more than naval warfare translated into space.
24. Half the World (Shattered Sea #2) by Joe Abercrombie
Book two of the series. Abercrombie uses different POV characters this time, with the first book’s POVs moved to secondary status. Still a good story with interesting characters.
25. The Empress Game (The Empress Game Trilogy #1) by Rhonda Mason
The intergalactic Sakien Empire has an empty seat on its ruling council. The seat will belong to the new Empress Apparent who will be determined in a tournament of ritualized combat. Women from all over the empire will fight for the position. The book is much better than it sounds; it is more political intrigue than gladiatorial combat.
29sgtbigg
Here is the next batch.
26. The Good Soldiers by David Finkel
Washington Post reporter Finkel chronicles the deployment of the 2-16 Infantry Battalion in Baghdad during 2007 and 2008. Good account of the life of American troops in Baghdad during the surge.
27. Lincoln's Gamble: How the Emancipation Proclamation Changed the Course of the Civil War by Todd Brewster
I’ve posted a review here.
28. Angles of Attack (Frontlines #3) by Marko Kloos
Book three of the Frontlines series, I’m still enjoying it but I preferred it before the alien menace showed up.
29. Legend: The Incredible Story of Green Beret Sergeant Roy Benavidez's Heroic Mission to Rescue a Special Forces Team Caught Behind Enemy Lines by Eric Blehm
The stuff that Benavidez did that earned him the Medal of Honor sounds fictional; no one could do what he did. Of course, he did it. From migrant farm worker to war hero.
30. What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions by Randall Munroe
The man behind xkcd answers bizarre questions with actual science. Interesting and funny, how can you beat it?
31. Lords of the Sith by Paul S. Kemp
Another new Star Wars book, this one is set between the Revenge of the Sith film and Rebels television show. This one features the Emperor and Darth Vader.
32. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
I’m still continuing my long effort to read many of the classics that I’ve missed out on. I enjoyed this one, definitely better than the recent film version.
33. When to Rob a Bank (Freakonomics #4) by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner
The Freakonomics guys are back and still providing interesting information.
34. Company Man: Thirty Years of Controversy and Crisis in the CIA by John Rizzo
Rizzo was the Acting General Counsel for the CIA for many years. He was instrumental in approving the use of water boarding and other questionable practices at the CIA. Interesting to hear his side of the story.
35. The Loyal Nine (The Boston Brahmin #1) by Steven Konkoly & Bobby Akart
The world is going to hell in a hand basket and the loyal nine, all descendants of founding fathers, are here to save the day.
36. I Am Pilgrim (Pilgrim #1) by Terry Hayes
Secret agent stuff, bio weapons, terrorists, and the like. Well done.
37. Into the Storm (Destroyermen #1) by Taylor Anderson
World War II destroyer gets transported to an alternate universe where evolution took a different turn. Fun premise, fun book, first in a series.
38. The Final Unfinished Voyage of Jack Aubrey by Patrick O'Brian
To read it or not to read it. O’Brian finished 20 volumes of the Aubrey-Maturin series and had started on the 21st when he dies. This is what he had finished of the 21st book. Some typed and some hand-written, it only covers a few chapters and much of it is only the first draft. I don’t know if I prefer to leave Jack and Stephen at the end of book 20 or in mid-sentence here.
39. Crusade (Destroyermen #2) by Taylor Anderson
The second book in the Destroyermen series, still fun.
40. Maelstrom (Destroyermen #3) by Taylor Anderson
And the third book. I’m still reading them, so that says something.
26. The Good Soldiers by David Finkel
Washington Post reporter Finkel chronicles the deployment of the 2-16 Infantry Battalion in Baghdad during 2007 and 2008. Good account of the life of American troops in Baghdad during the surge.
27. Lincoln's Gamble: How the Emancipation Proclamation Changed the Course of the Civil War by Todd Brewster
I’ve posted a review here.
28. Angles of Attack (Frontlines #3) by Marko Kloos
Book three of the Frontlines series, I’m still enjoying it but I preferred it before the alien menace showed up.
29. Legend: The Incredible Story of Green Beret Sergeant Roy Benavidez's Heroic Mission to Rescue a Special Forces Team Caught Behind Enemy Lines by Eric Blehm
The stuff that Benavidez did that earned him the Medal of Honor sounds fictional; no one could do what he did. Of course, he did it. From migrant farm worker to war hero.
30. What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions by Randall Munroe
The man behind xkcd answers bizarre questions with actual science. Interesting and funny, how can you beat it?
31. Lords of the Sith by Paul S. Kemp
Another new Star Wars book, this one is set between the Revenge of the Sith film and Rebels television show. This one features the Emperor and Darth Vader.
32. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
I’m still continuing my long effort to read many of the classics that I’ve missed out on. I enjoyed this one, definitely better than the recent film version.
33. When to Rob a Bank (Freakonomics #4) by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner
The Freakonomics guys are back and still providing interesting information.
34. Company Man: Thirty Years of Controversy and Crisis in the CIA by John Rizzo
Rizzo was the Acting General Counsel for the CIA for many years. He was instrumental in approving the use of water boarding and other questionable practices at the CIA. Interesting to hear his side of the story.
35. The Loyal Nine (The Boston Brahmin #1) by Steven Konkoly & Bobby Akart
The world is going to hell in a hand basket and the loyal nine, all descendants of founding fathers, are here to save the day.
36. I Am Pilgrim (Pilgrim #1) by Terry Hayes
Secret agent stuff, bio weapons, terrorists, and the like. Well done.
37. Into the Storm (Destroyermen #1) by Taylor Anderson
World War II destroyer gets transported to an alternate universe where evolution took a different turn. Fun premise, fun book, first in a series.
38. The Final Unfinished Voyage of Jack Aubrey by Patrick O'Brian
To read it or not to read it. O’Brian finished 20 volumes of the Aubrey-Maturin series and had started on the 21st when he dies. This is what he had finished of the 21st book. Some typed and some hand-written, it only covers a few chapters and much of it is only the first draft. I don’t know if I prefer to leave Jack and Stephen at the end of book 20 or in mid-sentence here.
39. Crusade (Destroyermen #2) by Taylor Anderson
The second book in the Destroyermen series, still fun.
40. Maelstrom (Destroyermen #3) by Taylor Anderson
And the third book. I’m still reading them, so that says something.
30sgtbigg
Here's the next batch.
41. Dracula by Bram Stoker
Another of the missed classics. I’m not sure what I expected, but it wasn’t this. Very much a novel of its time.
42. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
I supposedly read this in high school, but I don’t think I actually did because very little of it was familiar. I imagine I read parts of it way back when, but I’m pretty sure I enjoyed it more this time around. I will not be reading the recently published first draft of this novel, also known as Go Set a Watchman.
43. Race and Reunion: The Civil War in American Memory by David W. Blight
Blight describes how the memory of the war changed throughout the 19th century and how the change impacted on American society, particularly regarding the former slaves.
44. Distant Thunders (Destroyermen #4) by Taylor Anderson
Book four of the series and I’m still enjoying it.
45. Ghost Fleet: A Novel of the Next World War by P.W. Singer & August Cole
Describes a future war between the US and China/Russia, some of it seems spot on, but some of it seems a little silly. Over all a fun book that also provides some interesting things to think about.
46. Thunderball by Ian Fleming
If you’re been following along over the years you know that I am reading all of the James Bond books in order, but only when I go on vacation. This vacation finds introduces the villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld.
47. Rising Tides (Destroyermen #5) by Taylor Anderson
US Navy men continue to fight to survive on an alternate earth with a different evolutionary track.
48. These Mean Streets, Darkly (A Liquid Cool Prequel) by Austin Dragon
Supposedly, a prequel to the upcoming novel "Liquid Cool", but actually reads more like a prologue. I’m not sure how you can have a prequel to a book that doesn’t exist yet. Decent enough story but it just stops, I assume the story will continue in the main book. I’d be willing to continue reading the series once it is published. A received a copy of this book from the author.
49. Devil Said Bang (Sandman Slim #4) by Richard Kadrey
Sandman Slim takes over as Lucifer because Hell needs someone in charge.
50. The End Has Come (The Apocalypse Triptych #3) eds. John Joseph Adams & Hugh Howey
The final book of the series. The first dealt with pending apocalypse, the second with Apocalypse Now, and this one, with apocalypse already happened. Each book is made up of a collection of short stories, some continued through each book, some were just one offs. Most of the stories in the latest collection were good, but overall I still like the first book the best of the three.
41. Dracula by Bram Stoker
Another of the missed classics. I’m not sure what I expected, but it wasn’t this. Very much a novel of its time.
42. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
I supposedly read this in high school, but I don’t think I actually did because very little of it was familiar. I imagine I read parts of it way back when, but I’m pretty sure I enjoyed it more this time around. I will not be reading the recently published first draft of this novel, also known as Go Set a Watchman.
43. Race and Reunion: The Civil War in American Memory by David W. Blight
Blight describes how the memory of the war changed throughout the 19th century and how the change impacted on American society, particularly regarding the former slaves.
44. Distant Thunders (Destroyermen #4) by Taylor Anderson
Book four of the series and I’m still enjoying it.
45. Ghost Fleet: A Novel of the Next World War by P.W. Singer & August Cole
Describes a future war between the US and China/Russia, some of it seems spot on, but some of it seems a little silly. Over all a fun book that also provides some interesting things to think about.
46. Thunderball by Ian Fleming
If you’re been following along over the years you know that I am reading all of the James Bond books in order, but only when I go on vacation. This vacation finds introduces the villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld.
47. Rising Tides (Destroyermen #5) by Taylor Anderson
US Navy men continue to fight to survive on an alternate earth with a different evolutionary track.
48. These Mean Streets, Darkly (A Liquid Cool Prequel) by Austin Dragon
Supposedly, a prequel to the upcoming novel "Liquid Cool", but actually reads more like a prologue. I’m not sure how you can have a prequel to a book that doesn’t exist yet. Decent enough story but it just stops, I assume the story will continue in the main book. I’d be willing to continue reading the series once it is published. A received a copy of this book from the author.
49. Devil Said Bang (Sandman Slim #4) by Richard Kadrey
Sandman Slim takes over as Lucifer because Hell needs someone in charge.
50. The End Has Come (The Apocalypse Triptych #3) eds. John Joseph Adams & Hugh Howey
The final book of the series. The first dealt with pending apocalypse, the second with Apocalypse Now, and this one, with apocalypse already happened. Each book is made up of a collection of short stories, some continued through each book, some were just one offs. Most of the stories in the latest collection were good, but overall I still like the first book the best of the three.
31sgtbigg
51. Emancipation Betrayed: The Hidden History of Black Organizing and White Violence in Florida from Reconstruction to the Bloody Election of 1920 by Paul Ortiz
The violence of the Reconstruction period has long been overlooked. Ortiz does a good job of reminding us of the conditions faced by former slaves in the south following the Civil War, continuing into the 20th century. The violence culminated in the bloody election of 1920, during which upwards of 75 people were killed in Florida alone. This book highlights an era that, unfortunately, has been largely forgotten.
52. The End of All Things (Old Man's War #6) by John Scalzi
Another enjoyable edition to the Old Man’s War series. Follows some of the characters from The Human Division.
53. The Darkside War (The Icarus Corps #1) by Zachary Brown
First book in a military sf series. Aliens come to earth and force humans to join them in battle against other aliens. Decent read, we’ll see how it plays out.
54. After Lincoln: How the North Won the Civil War and Lost the Peaceby A.J. Langguth
Langguth explores Reconstruction through a series of biographical sketches of many participants. Langguth’s final book and it doesn’t compare to some of his earlier works. He seems to wonder around and has a difficult time staying with his thesis. Not terrible.
55. The Exodus Towers (Dire Earth Cycle #2) by Jason M. Hough
Alien tech impacts life on earth in strange ways. A decent story, but it didn’t grab me like the first book did.
56. It's a Long Story: My Life by Willie Nelson
Memoir of Willie Nelson. What else is there to say?
57. Aftermath by Chuck Wendig
Star Wars. Part of the Journey to the Force Awakens campaign, chronicles the events right after the Return of the Jedi ends. Includes the Battle of Jakku which was responsible for the destroyed ships on the planet’s surface in the new film. If you like Star Wars, you’ll like this.
58. Lost Stars by Claudia Gray
More Star Wars. This one covers much of the time of the original three movies from the point of view of two minor characters. Published as a YA book, but still worth reading if you’re a Star Wars freak.
59. Half a War (Shattered Sea #3) by Joe Abercrombie
Wraps up the Shattered Sea trilogy. Again there are new pov characters while the previous books’ pov characters remain in supporting roles. I don’t know how I feel about the conclusion of events.
60. American Colonies: The Settling of North America by Alan Taylor
Who settled in the Americas, when, and why. Includes Canada and parts of the Caribbean.
61. Target America (Sniper Elite #2) by Scott McEwen
Terrorist plot, former Spec Ops troops, secret unit, etc, etc. I wasn’t overly impressed and have no urge to read other books in the series.
62. Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, Volume 2 by Ulysses S. Grant
Considered the best memoir to come out of the Civil War. Generally well written, interesting, and informative, although Grant grinds a few axes.
63. Cyber Attack by Bobby Akart
A continuation of the Boston Brahmins series. I liked the first book, but feel a little ambivalent about this one. I have a feeling about the direction the story is going and I don’t like it. I’ll give the series one more book before making up my mind.
64. Devil in the Dollhouse (Sandman Slim #3.5) by Richard Kadrey
A short story from Sandman Slim’s time as Lucifer.
65. Becoming Confederates: Paths to a New National Loyalty by Gary W. Gallagher
Gallagher looks at how different southerners became ardent Confederate nationalists. He uses Robert E. Lee. Jubal Early, and Stephen Ramseur as representative of southerners in general. An interesting look at how loyalties changed.
The violence of the Reconstruction period has long been overlooked. Ortiz does a good job of reminding us of the conditions faced by former slaves in the south following the Civil War, continuing into the 20th century. The violence culminated in the bloody election of 1920, during which upwards of 75 people were killed in Florida alone. This book highlights an era that, unfortunately, has been largely forgotten.
52. The End of All Things (Old Man's War #6) by John Scalzi
Another enjoyable edition to the Old Man’s War series. Follows some of the characters from The Human Division.
53. The Darkside War (The Icarus Corps #1) by Zachary Brown
First book in a military sf series. Aliens come to earth and force humans to join them in battle against other aliens. Decent read, we’ll see how it plays out.
54. After Lincoln: How the North Won the Civil War and Lost the Peaceby A.J. Langguth
Langguth explores Reconstruction through a series of biographical sketches of many participants. Langguth’s final book and it doesn’t compare to some of his earlier works. He seems to wonder around and has a difficult time staying with his thesis. Not terrible.
55. The Exodus Towers (Dire Earth Cycle #2) by Jason M. Hough
Alien tech impacts life on earth in strange ways. A decent story, but it didn’t grab me like the first book did.
56. It's a Long Story: My Life by Willie Nelson
Memoir of Willie Nelson. What else is there to say?
57. Aftermath by Chuck Wendig
Star Wars. Part of the Journey to the Force Awakens campaign, chronicles the events right after the Return of the Jedi ends. Includes the Battle of Jakku which was responsible for the destroyed ships on the planet’s surface in the new film. If you like Star Wars, you’ll like this.
58. Lost Stars by Claudia Gray
More Star Wars. This one covers much of the time of the original three movies from the point of view of two minor characters. Published as a YA book, but still worth reading if you’re a Star Wars freak.
59. Half a War (Shattered Sea #3) by Joe Abercrombie
Wraps up the Shattered Sea trilogy. Again there are new pov characters while the previous books’ pov characters remain in supporting roles. I don’t know how I feel about the conclusion of events.
60. American Colonies: The Settling of North America by Alan Taylor
Who settled in the Americas, when, and why. Includes Canada and parts of the Caribbean.
61. Target America (Sniper Elite #2) by Scott McEwen
Terrorist plot, former Spec Ops troops, secret unit, etc, etc. I wasn’t overly impressed and have no urge to read other books in the series.
62. Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, Volume 2 by Ulysses S. Grant
Considered the best memoir to come out of the Civil War. Generally well written, interesting, and informative, although Grant grinds a few axes.
63. Cyber Attack by Bobby Akart
A continuation of the Boston Brahmins series. I liked the first book, but feel a little ambivalent about this one. I have a feeling about the direction the story is going and I don’t like it. I’ll give the series one more book before making up my mind.
64. Devil in the Dollhouse (Sandman Slim #3.5) by Richard Kadrey
A short story from Sandman Slim’s time as Lucifer.
65. Becoming Confederates: Paths to a New National Loyalty by Gary W. Gallagher
Gallagher looks at how different southerners became ardent Confederate nationalists. He uses Robert E. Lee. Jubal Early, and Stephen Ramseur as representative of southerners in general. An interesting look at how loyalties changed.
32sgtbigg
OK, here come the last couple.
66. Southwest Virginia in The Civil War: The Battles for Saltville by William Marvel
Marvel describes the battles and maneuvers in SW Virginia and West Virginia. This is an area that does not receive the same attention as the primary theaters and Marvel covers it well.
67. Firestorm (Destroyermen #6) by Taylor Anderson
The sixth book in the series that I’ve read this year, I guess I still like it.
68. Cahokia: Ancient America's Great City on the Mississippi by Timothy R. Pauketat
Interesting study of the Mississippian culture and their primary city, near present-day St. Louis. Not much is known about them, but if you are interested, this is a good place to start.
69. A Reason to Live (Marty Singer #1) by Matthew Iden
Mystery/thriller featuring a retired DC homicide detective. A decent first book and I’ll probably read more of the series.
70. Anarchism and Other Essays by Emma Goldman
Goldman’s anarchism is too much like socialism for my taste. The book began to drag after the first few essays and it took a long time to read. Some of the details are lost without a detailed knowledge of some of the political events of the early 20th century.
71. Iron Gray Sea (Destroyermen #7) by Taylor Anderson
Book seven and I think I’m going to take a break from these for a while. I ‘m still enjoying them, but maybe it’s too much of a good thing.
72. Leonard Maltin's 151 Best Movies You've Never Seen by Leonard Maltin
I’ve seen about four of them. I’d be interested in watching about thirty others. The rest sound too artsy for me, or they are not in English. I’m not a fan of subtitles, although I’ll occasionally watch a film with them.
73. Quarry (Quarry #1) by Max Allan Collins
The first book in a series written back in the 1970s. It was recently republished and there is going to be a television series in 2016 on Cinemax. The series features a hitman who does bad things but is still likeable. The writing style and story reminds me somewhat of
Donald Westlake/Richard Stark’s Parker series. I received the first two books from the publisher, so I’ll probably be reading book two in 2016. We’ll see where it goes from there.
74. Outlaws of the Atlantic: Sailors, Pirates, and Motley Crews in the Age of Sail by Marcus Rediker
Columbus didn’t sail to the Americas on his own, he had a crew. Rediker writes about the men below decks, be they pirate, slave, or ordinary sailor. The book was compiled from several essays and occasionally reads like separate essays rather than a single book, but this is a minor quibble and really takes nothing away from the book.
75. The Deserters: A Hidden History of World War II by Charles Glass
It turns out that the Greatest Generation was no different from the rest of us. Thousands of soldiers suffered from what is now known as PTSD, or a related disorder, hundreds of thousands more were never allowed to join because of mental disorders. There were many reasons men deserted from the army, including PTSD-like symptoms, fear, or a lack of trust in their officers to name only a few. Deserters in Europe ran much of the black market and may have been responsible for Patton’s Third Army running out of fuel on its drive to Germany. Black marketers stole so much fuel that there wasn’t enough left over for the army. Glass follows several men who deserted at one time or another to give the reader a feel for what caused desertion. I would have preferred to have a wider view of desertion, rather than just following a select group of individuals. Definitely worth reading.
66. Southwest Virginia in The Civil War: The Battles for Saltville by William Marvel
Marvel describes the battles and maneuvers in SW Virginia and West Virginia. This is an area that does not receive the same attention as the primary theaters and Marvel covers it well.
67. Firestorm (Destroyermen #6) by Taylor Anderson
The sixth book in the series that I’ve read this year, I guess I still like it.
68. Cahokia: Ancient America's Great City on the Mississippi by Timothy R. Pauketat
Interesting study of the Mississippian culture and their primary city, near present-day St. Louis. Not much is known about them, but if you are interested, this is a good place to start.
69. A Reason to Live (Marty Singer #1) by Matthew Iden
Mystery/thriller featuring a retired DC homicide detective. A decent first book and I’ll probably read more of the series.
70. Anarchism and Other Essays by Emma Goldman
Goldman’s anarchism is too much like socialism for my taste. The book began to drag after the first few essays and it took a long time to read. Some of the details are lost without a detailed knowledge of some of the political events of the early 20th century.
71. Iron Gray Sea (Destroyermen #7) by Taylor Anderson
Book seven and I think I’m going to take a break from these for a while. I ‘m still enjoying them, but maybe it’s too much of a good thing.
72. Leonard Maltin's 151 Best Movies You've Never Seen by Leonard Maltin
I’ve seen about four of them. I’d be interested in watching about thirty others. The rest sound too artsy for me, or they are not in English. I’m not a fan of subtitles, although I’ll occasionally watch a film with them.
73. Quarry (Quarry #1) by Max Allan Collins
The first book in a series written back in the 1970s. It was recently republished and there is going to be a television series in 2016 on Cinemax. The series features a hitman who does bad things but is still likeable. The writing style and story reminds me somewhat of
Donald Westlake/Richard Stark’s Parker series. I received the first two books from the publisher, so I’ll probably be reading book two in 2016. We’ll see where it goes from there.
74. Outlaws of the Atlantic: Sailors, Pirates, and Motley Crews in the Age of Sail by Marcus Rediker
Columbus didn’t sail to the Americas on his own, he had a crew. Rediker writes about the men below decks, be they pirate, slave, or ordinary sailor. The book was compiled from several essays and occasionally reads like separate essays rather than a single book, but this is a minor quibble and really takes nothing away from the book.
75. The Deserters: A Hidden History of World War II by Charles Glass
It turns out that the Greatest Generation was no different from the rest of us. Thousands of soldiers suffered from what is now known as PTSD, or a related disorder, hundreds of thousands more were never allowed to join because of mental disorders. There were many reasons men deserted from the army, including PTSD-like symptoms, fear, or a lack of trust in their officers to name only a few. Deserters in Europe ran much of the black market and may have been responsible for Patton’s Third Army running out of fuel on its drive to Germany. Black marketers stole so much fuel that there wasn’t enough left over for the army. Glass follows several men who deserted at one time or another to give the reader a feel for what caused desertion. I would have preferred to have a wider view of desertion, rather than just following a select group of individuals. Definitely worth reading.
33sgtbigg
76. Alternate Generals II (Alternate Generals #2) ed. Harry Turtledove
Alternate history dealing primarily with the military aspects. Some stories are better than others and it’s nice to read alternate history that doesn’t cover the American Civil War or Nazis. This collection has a number of stories the center around the First World War.
77. Chienne de Guerre: A Woman Reporter Behind the Lines of the War in Chechnya by Anne Nivat
Niyat, a French reporter, went behind the lines into Chechnya during the Second Chechen War (1999-2000). She doesn’t go into the politics of the war, she chronicles the daily lives and deaths of the people, mostly civilians, who got caught up in the war. Reading her descriptions of refugees and bombed out villages, it was difficult to believe that this happened at the turn of the 21st century and not the 20th.
78. Napalm & Silly Putty by George Carlin
George Carlin, the later years. Some of it was very funny, some a little funny, and some not funny at all. I recently heard an interview with George’s daughter, Kelly, in which she said he had a very negative view of the world in his last years. That comes out sometimes in this book. It’s short enough that it’s worth reading for the funny parts.
79. The Memoirs Of Colonel John S. Mosby by John S. Mosby
Mosby’s version of Mosby. He gives an account of his activities during the Civil War. He also provides an interesting defense of JEB Stuart’s actions during the Gettysburg campaign. I need to follow up and determine if he is correct and Stuart really has gotten a bum rap.
80. Battlefront: Twilight Company by Alexander Freed
Another Star Wars book. This one follows a rebel infantry company through battles before the destruction of the Death Star until after the Battle of Hoth. Not everyone gets a medal from a princess, some just end up dead. An enjoyable if dark book.
81. Claus: Legend of the Fat Man (Claus #1) by Tony Bertauski
A Santa Claus origin story. Not a bad story with one or two major flaws. The biggest problem I had was that the story took place in the early 19th century, but everyone spoke and acted as if it was the early 21st century. I really had a hard time getting past that. I tried to like the book, but I really couldn’t do it.
82. 100 Deadly Skills: The SEAL Operative’s Guide to Eluding Pursuers, Evading Capture, and Surviving Any Dangerous Situation by Clint Emerson
Some interesting stuff in here: how to survive an active shooter (run, hide, fight), hotel room security, and how to make a ladder from sheets. Also some less useful stuff (at least for me): how to steal a plane, rectal concealment, and crossing borders by jumping from a helicopter into coastal waters and swimming for it. Definitely contains some useful tips, especially if you travel to areas of the world that are or might become somewhat volatile.
That will probably be it, there are two days left but I doubt I'll finish anything else this year. I plan on joining the 75 book challenge again for 2016 and as I seem to do every year, I'll say that I intend to do a better job of keeping up with my posts. Writing up the posts for this year I realized that maybe I should try to just write a couple of brief sentences rather than a several paragraph long review. We'll see if that works, no promises, but I will try.
Alternate history dealing primarily with the military aspects. Some stories are better than others and it’s nice to read alternate history that doesn’t cover the American Civil War or Nazis. This collection has a number of stories the center around the First World War.
77. Chienne de Guerre: A Woman Reporter Behind the Lines of the War in Chechnya by Anne Nivat
Niyat, a French reporter, went behind the lines into Chechnya during the Second Chechen War (1999-2000). She doesn’t go into the politics of the war, she chronicles the daily lives and deaths of the people, mostly civilians, who got caught up in the war. Reading her descriptions of refugees and bombed out villages, it was difficult to believe that this happened at the turn of the 21st century and not the 20th.
78. Napalm & Silly Putty by George Carlin
George Carlin, the later years. Some of it was very funny, some a little funny, and some not funny at all. I recently heard an interview with George’s daughter, Kelly, in which she said he had a very negative view of the world in his last years. That comes out sometimes in this book. It’s short enough that it’s worth reading for the funny parts.
79. The Memoirs Of Colonel John S. Mosby by John S. Mosby
Mosby’s version of Mosby. He gives an account of his activities during the Civil War. He also provides an interesting defense of JEB Stuart’s actions during the Gettysburg campaign. I need to follow up and determine if he is correct and Stuart really has gotten a bum rap.
80. Battlefront: Twilight Company by Alexander Freed
Another Star Wars book. This one follows a rebel infantry company through battles before the destruction of the Death Star until after the Battle of Hoth. Not everyone gets a medal from a princess, some just end up dead. An enjoyable if dark book.
81. Claus: Legend of the Fat Man (Claus #1) by Tony Bertauski
A Santa Claus origin story. Not a bad story with one or two major flaws. The biggest problem I had was that the story took place in the early 19th century, but everyone spoke and acted as if it was the early 21st century. I really had a hard time getting past that. I tried to like the book, but I really couldn’t do it.
82. 100 Deadly Skills: The SEAL Operative’s Guide to Eluding Pursuers, Evading Capture, and Surviving Any Dangerous Situation by Clint Emerson
Some interesting stuff in here: how to survive an active shooter (run, hide, fight), hotel room security, and how to make a ladder from sheets. Also some less useful stuff (at least for me): how to steal a plane, rectal concealment, and crossing borders by jumping from a helicopter into coastal waters and swimming for it. Definitely contains some useful tips, especially if you travel to areas of the world that are or might become somewhat volatile.
That will probably be it, there are two days left but I doubt I'll finish anything else this year. I plan on joining the 75 book challenge again for 2016 and as I seem to do every year, I'll say that I intend to do a better job of keeping up with my posts. Writing up the posts for this year I realized that maybe I should try to just write a couple of brief sentences rather than a several paragraph long review. We'll see if that works, no promises, but I will try.
34tymfos
Congrats on reading more than 75 books! Some of them sound really interesting. I've read a few of them -- Dracula, the Great Gatsby, Grant's memoirs, and A Reason to Live.
A number of years ago, we visited the cottage where Grant spent the last 6 weeks of his life -- completing his memoirs and dying just four days after his final proofreading. It's a NY state historic site. It just amazes me that he could finish those memoirs when he was so very sick and close to death. He was determined to provide for his family.
A number of years ago, we visited the cottage where Grant spent the last 6 weeks of his life -- completing his memoirs and dying just four days after his final proofreading. It's a NY state historic site. It just amazes me that he could finish those memoirs when he was so very sick and close to death. He was determined to provide for his family.
