I was provided with a copy by the publisher and in exchange for an honest review.
An overview of important historical events in the 20th century (and the first 8 years of the 21st) that are considered "turning points" in international relations.
I like history a lot, but have not read as much history as I'd like because a lot of history books are written in complicated language probably written for academics instead of for the general public. English is my second language so I really appreciate how easy to read this book however is.
Every chapter gives a brief summary of each turning and a quick explanation of why the author thinks this is a turning point. I was hoping for a little more depth, but there's only so much that can fit in a book given how each chapter goes into a topic that has books and books written about it.
Overall, I liked this book so far. I think it's a good starting point for anyone interested in 20th-century history of international relations and is relatively new to the topic.
An overview of important historical events in the 20th century (and the first 8 years of the 21st) that are considered "turning points" in international relations.
I like history a lot, but have not read as much history as I'd like because a lot of history books are written in complicated language probably written for academics instead of for the general public. English is my second language so I really appreciate how easy to read this book however is.
Every chapter gives a brief summary of each turning and a quick explanation of why the author thinks this is a turning point. I was hoping for a little more depth, but there's only so much that can fit in a book given how each chapter goes into a topic that has books and books written about it.
Overall, I liked this book so far. I think it's a good starting point for anyone interested in 20th-century history of international relations and is relatively new to the topic.
This review was written for LibraryThing Member Giveaways.
I got a copy though a member giveaway and was asked to write an honest review.
A collection of notes on writing. Notes are listed under subtitles each presenting an idea. The notes really get to the point without frills. Examples were provided for most of the storytelling structures that were brought up as well as the ideas presented. This really helped clarify things and the examples were great.
The book divided into 3 sections, one section Structure, a section on "Writing Fails" and a section titled Diagrams (they were cool diagrams). The Writing Fails section was my favourite.
Many of these points resonated with me, for example this one..
"Bad writers, not knowing how to exploit the situation, resort to descriptive passages that do nothing but describe entrances and exits, rather than exploiting the motives of why characters come and go."
When I write, I always felt like I was not describing enough. Turns out, long flowery passages of description that do not contribute anything to the story are not good writing, no matter how pretty they are. I still have a problem with lack of description, but it's not as bad as I thought.
"If you’re your own radio station or movie theater, why play your same mediocre thoughts over and over, instead of playing your greatest hits?"
Some points seemed to be provided for humour's sake rather than practicality, which might not be for everyone. I personally don't mind.
I like the humour in the book. I thought it gave it character.
All in all, show more I had a lot of fun reading this. I will definitely be referring back to it again. I'm giving it 4 stars because the author has something against 5 star reviews. show less
A collection of notes on writing. Notes are listed under subtitles each presenting an idea. The notes really get to the point without frills. Examples were provided for most of the storytelling structures that were brought up as well as the ideas presented. This really helped clarify things and the examples were great.
The book divided into 3 sections, one section Structure, a section on "Writing Fails" and a section titled Diagrams (they were cool diagrams). The Writing Fails section was my favourite.
Many of these points resonated with me, for example this one..
"Bad writers, not knowing how to exploit the situation, resort to descriptive passages that do nothing but describe entrances and exits, rather than exploiting the motives of why characters come and go."
When I write, I always felt like I was not describing enough. Turns out, long flowery passages of description that do not contribute anything to the story are not good writing, no matter how pretty they are. I still have a problem with lack of description, but it's not as bad as I thought.
"If you’re your own radio station or movie theater, why play your same mediocre thoughts over and over, instead of playing your greatest hits?"
Some points seemed to be provided for humour's sake rather than practicality, which might not be for everyone. I personally don't mind.
I like the humour in the book. I thought it gave it character.
All in all, show more I had a lot of fun reading this. I will definitely be referring back to it again. I'm giving it 4 stars because the author has something against 5 star reviews. show less
This review was written for LibraryThing Member Giveaways.