Sgt Big G attempts to read 75 books and possibly even write about them
Talk 75 Books Challenge for 2013
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1sgtbigg
I'm back again this year in spite of being MIA for most of 2012. I did read 75 books although I only posted about half of them. I intend to post the rest of them shortly and I'm going to attempt to keep up a little better this year. No promises though.
And Happy New Year to everyone.
And Happy New Year to everyone.
3rosalita
My sympathies, Mike — I managed to at least post the titles of all the books I read last year but gave up on reviewing sometime in September, I think. But the nice thing about this group is you can do things however you want!
4sgtbigg
I have posted all 75 books on my 2012 thread, and even included a sentence of two about each. If anyone is interested, the thread is here so you don't have to search for it.
8sgtbigg
#6 - Hi Ren, Happy New Year to you too.
#7 - Peter, are you continuing on in the same place or starting a new thread for the new year?
#7 - Peter, are you continuing on in the same place or starting a new thread for the new year?
9petermc
Mike - Starting fresh for 2013. You'll find me at... http://www.librarything.com/topic/147399
10sgtbigg
1) Some of the Best From Tor.Com: 2012 Edition ed. by Patrick Nielsen Hayden
Short SF stories originally posted on Tor.com. And as the title suggests they are some of the best, I don't think there was a bad one in the bunch.
2) Star Wars: Scoundrels by Timothy Zahn
I usually read one or two Star Wars books a year and am generally unimpressed by them, so this was a nice change of pace. It could have been called Solo's Eleven, a heist story involving Imperial Intelligence, Black Sun, and characters from the films and the expanded universe. It takes place between Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back.
Short SF stories originally posted on Tor.com. And as the title suggests they are some of the best, I don't think there was a bad one in the bunch.
2) Star Wars: Scoundrels by Timothy Zahn
I usually read one or two Star Wars books a year and am generally unimpressed by them, so this was a nice change of pace. It could have been called Solo's Eleven, a heist story involving Imperial Intelligence, Black Sun, and characters from the films and the expanded universe. It takes place between Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back.
12sgtbigg
Ren,
I've generally found the short story collections to be better then the novels. Fortunately this was an exception, probably because it was written by Zahn.
I've generally found the short story collections to be better then the novels. Fortunately this was an exception, probably because it was written by Zahn.
14sgtbigg
I'm already falling behind.
3) Outlaw Platoon by Sean Parnell
Parnell chronicles his time as a platoon leader in Afghanistan and he does it well. Possibly the best book I've read from a veteran of the 21st century American wars.
4) The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry by Jon Ronson
There is apparently a checklist which doctors use to determine if someone is a psychopath, hence the psychopath test. An interesting book about crazy, or as the British call it madness. On a side note, I've decided I'm going to start using the word mad in place of crazy. Short, but well worth reading
5) Storm Front
I really enjoyed this, the first book of the Dresden Files. When two people are seemingly killed by magic, the Chicago Police call on Harry Dresden to help them out. Gangsters, black magic, guys with swords, demons, vampires, this book has it all. I look forward to reading book two in the series and wonder how I missed these books for all these years. I believe Dr. N recommended this book and the series some time ago, so I'll give him create for me finally reading it.
3) Outlaw Platoon by Sean Parnell
Parnell chronicles his time as a platoon leader in Afghanistan and he does it well. Possibly the best book I've read from a veteran of the 21st century American wars.
4) The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry by Jon Ronson
There is apparently a checklist which doctors use to determine if someone is a psychopath, hence the psychopath test. An interesting book about crazy, or as the British call it madness. On a side note, I've decided I'm going to start using the word mad in place of crazy. Short, but well worth reading
5) Storm Front
I really enjoyed this, the first book of the Dresden Files. When two people are seemingly killed by magic, the Chicago Police call on Harry Dresden to help them out. Gangsters, black magic, guys with swords, demons, vampires, this book has it all. I look forward to reading book two in the series and wonder how I missed these books for all these years. I believe Dr. N recommended this book and the series some time ago, so I'll give him create for me finally reading it.
15rosalita
I like the Dresden Files books too, Mike. You've reminded me I need to get back to them. I think I've read the first four.
17sgtbigg
6) After America by John Birmingham
The sequel to Without Warning, After America reads like the middle book it is. There's a lot of set up but no real pay off, I guess that will be in the next book.. There is plenty of action in this book, but it doesn't seem to have much purpose. After some initial events the rest of the book seems to be moving characters around so they'll be in position for the next book. Doesn't live up to the first book, but I'm hooked enough to read the third book.
The sequel to Without Warning, After America reads like the middle book it is. There's a lot of set up but no real pay off, I guess that will be in the next book.. There is plenty of action in this book, but it doesn't seem to have much purpose. After some initial events the rest of the book seems to be moving characters around so they'll be in position for the next book. Doesn't live up to the first book, but I'm hooked enough to read the third book.
19sgtbigg
7) The Player of Games by Iain M. Banks
The second book in the "Culture" series, but not at all a sequel. Very different from the first book in the series. I had a hard time getting into it, but once I did I enjoyed it.
8) Fool Moon by Jim Butcher
Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden returns in book 2 of the Dresden Files. This time werewolves abound. Good second book, but it didn't grab me like the first one, although I'm still looking forward to the next book in the series.
9) Union 1812: The Americans Who Fought the Second War of Independence by A. J. Langguth
Good overview of the often neglected War of 1812. Helped clarify some things I was fuzzy about. Langguth also has a good Revolutionary War book, if you're interested in such things.
10) Benghazi: The Definitive Report by Brandon Webb and Jack Murphy
The authors interviewed a lot of folks that were involved in the attack on the American consulate in Libya. Unfortunately, most of the interviews are anonymous because they are not authorized to be talking about this, so you have to take the authors at their word regarding what was said. They seem to do a good and fair job of explaining the chain of events and assigning blame where it needs to be.
The second book in the "Culture" series, but not at all a sequel. Very different from the first book in the series. I had a hard time getting into it, but once I did I enjoyed it.
8) Fool Moon by Jim Butcher
Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden returns in book 2 of the Dresden Files. This time werewolves abound. Good second book, but it didn't grab me like the first one, although I'm still looking forward to the next book in the series.
9) Union 1812: The Americans Who Fought the Second War of Independence by A. J. Langguth
Good overview of the often neglected War of 1812. Helped clarify some things I was fuzzy about. Langguth also has a good Revolutionary War book, if you're interested in such things.
10) Benghazi: The Definitive Report by Brandon Webb and Jack Murphy
The authors interviewed a lot of folks that were involved in the attack on the American consulate in Libya. Unfortunately, most of the interviews are anonymous because they are not authorized to be talking about this, so you have to take the authors at their word regarding what was said. They seem to do a good and fair job of explaining the chain of events and assigning blame where it needs to be.
20sgtbigg
11) Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories edited by Kelly Link and Gavin Grant
As the title implies this is a collection of steampunk short stories. As usual in a collection such as this, I liked some of the stories more than others. all in all it was worth reading, I'm mostly a novice when it comes to steampunk, but I'll probably be reading some more.
12) The Bonfire: The Siege and Burning of Atlanta by Marc Wortman
The sub-title is a little misleading. While the book does talk about the siege and burning of Atlanta, that is probably less then 25% of the book. The story begins with the white settlement and Indian clearances in Georgia. Wortman then goes on the describe the short history of Atlanta both before the War and in the early years of the War. Follow the fortunes of the Army of Tennessee and the Army of the Tennessee as the Federals make their way to Georgia. Pretty much anything you could want to know about Civil War Atlanta is at least mentioned here. Definitely worth reading, if a bit slow going in the beginning. This book has grown on me since I've finished it, there is a good deal of interesting stuff in it.
13) Unruly Americans and the Origins of the Constitution by Woody Holton
Holton gives a different version of the origins of the U.S. Constitution. Arguing that the Framers were unhappy with the excesses of democracy in Confederation America. The Constitution was an effort to rein in democracy, take power from the states (and the people) and put it in the hands of the national government. There were also financial incentives, Holton, while claiming that Beard may have overstated the case, notes that many of the men at the Constitutional Convention stood to make money if the Constitution was ratified. An interesting alternative look at the origins of the Constitution and the nation.
And now I am caught up. I'm not sure how I got so far behind, it doesn't seem like it's been over a month since I posted anything here. I blame it on the shortness of February.
As the title implies this is a collection of steampunk short stories. As usual in a collection such as this, I liked some of the stories more than others. all in all it was worth reading, I'm mostly a novice when it comes to steampunk, but I'll probably be reading some more.
12) The Bonfire: The Siege and Burning of Atlanta by Marc Wortman
The sub-title is a little misleading. While the book does talk about the siege and burning of Atlanta, that is probably less then 25% of the book. The story begins with the white settlement and Indian clearances in Georgia. Wortman then goes on the describe the short history of Atlanta both before the War and in the early years of the War. Follow the fortunes of the Army of Tennessee and the Army of the Tennessee as the Federals make their way to Georgia. Pretty much anything you could want to know about Civil War Atlanta is at least mentioned here. Definitely worth reading, if a bit slow going in the beginning. This book has grown on me since I've finished it, there is a good deal of interesting stuff in it.
13) Unruly Americans and the Origins of the Constitution by Woody Holton
Holton gives a different version of the origins of the U.S. Constitution. Arguing that the Framers were unhappy with the excesses of democracy in Confederation America. The Constitution was an effort to rein in democracy, take power from the states (and the people) and put it in the hands of the national government. There were also financial incentives, Holton, while claiming that Beard may have overstated the case, notes that many of the men at the Constitutional Convention stood to make money if the Constitution was ratified. An interesting alternative look at the origins of the Constitution and the nation.
And now I am caught up. I'm not sure how I got so far behind, it doesn't seem like it's been over a month since I posted anything here. I blame it on the shortness of February.
21tymfos
it doesn't seem like it's been over a month since I posted anything here. I blame it on the shortness of February.
I know what you mean. February just whizzes by, doesn't it?
Some great reading there, Mike!
I know what you mean. February just whizzes by, doesn't it?
Some great reading there, Mike!
22sgtbigg
14) 1356: A Novel by Bernard Cornwell
Thomas Hookton, from Cornwell's Grail Quest series returns. While searching for the sword of St. Peter, he finds himself battling the French at Poiters. As usual, Cornwell does an outstanding job, the battle scenes are particularly gripping. LT lists this as #4 in the Grail Quest series, but the author lists it as a standalone book with some characters from the earlier series reappearing. If you haven't read the earlier books, like me, there is plenty of backstory given so you won't feel like you are missing anything. Unfortunately that also means there are plenty of spoilers for the other books, so if you plan on reading them, you might want to wait before reading 1356.
#21 - see I'm trying to keep up
Thomas Hookton, from Cornwell's Grail Quest series returns. While searching for the sword of St. Peter, he finds himself battling the French at Poiters. As usual, Cornwell does an outstanding job, the battle scenes are particularly gripping. LT lists this as #4 in the Grail Quest series, but the author lists it as a standalone book with some characters from the earlier series reappearing. If you haven't read the earlier books, like me, there is plenty of backstory given so you won't feel like you are missing anything. Unfortunately that also means there are plenty of spoilers for the other books, so if you plan on reading them, you might want to wait before reading 1356.
#21 - see I'm trying to keep up
25sgtbigg
15) Fries's Rebellion: The Enduring Struggle for the American Revolution by Paul Douglas Newman
Fries's was the last of the three post-Revolution big 18th century tax rebellions. It's the least well known and there's a reason for that, as rebellions go there wasn't all that much rebelling. Newman's work is the first book length account of the events and while the events probably don't justify a book length treatment, Newman does a pretty good job. There is some repetitiveness throughout the 200 or so pages, but it's worth reading if you have any interest in post-Revolution politics.
16) The Archer's Tale by Bernard Cornwell
This is book one of the Grail Quest series mentioned in book 14. Thomas of Hookton searches for the grail and the lance of St. George and ends ups at the battle of Crecy. Another winner from Cornwell, I look forward to the rest of the series even though I know how it turns out.
Fries's was the last of the three post-Revolution big 18th century tax rebellions. It's the least well known and there's a reason for that, as rebellions go there wasn't all that much rebelling. Newman's work is the first book length account of the events and while the events probably don't justify a book length treatment, Newman does a pretty good job. There is some repetitiveness throughout the 200 or so pages, but it's worth reading if you have any interest in post-Revolution politics.
16) The Archer's Tale by Bernard Cornwell
This is book one of the Grail Quest series mentioned in book 14. Thomas of Hookton searches for the grail and the lance of St. George and ends ups at the battle of Crecy. Another winner from Cornwell, I look forward to the rest of the series even though I know how it turns out.
26Helenliz
I've seen 1356 in the library, but not yet gone for it. I find Cornwell a bit patchy, some of them I really like, others I just can't get on with. I'll look out for The Archer's tale and start at the beginning.
27sgtbigg
#26 - The only Cornwell book at had a hard time with was Stonehenge. I don't think I made it past 25 pages.
28Helenliz
#27 - I have never got more than a chapter into his American Civil war series. Don't know why, but they just didn't grab me.
I did finish Stonehenge, but it certainly wasn't his best...
I did finish Stonehenge, but it certainly wasn't his best...
29sgtbigg
#28 - I read the first two ACW books and they were not my favorites, since Cornwell never finished that series I assume they weren't his favorites either.
30sgtbigg
17. Make the Break (If You Can) by Reginald Exton
A call to abandon religion in favor of science written by a NASA physicist. Unfortunately, I can't say he's convincing. I received this book as part of the LT Early Reviewer progran and have posted my review here.
A call to abandon religion in favor of science written by a NASA physicist. Unfortunately, I can't say he's convincing. I received this book as part of the LT Early Reviewer progran and have posted my review here.
31sgtbigg
18. The Hunter (Parker #1) by Richard Stark
First book in the Parker series, used as the basis for the Mel Gibson film "Payback" and also for a Lee Marvin film. Written in 1962, I'm not sure how I've missed this series up until now. Without giving to much of the story away, Parker is a criminal who gets double crossed by one of the other guys on a job. As often happens in books like these, parker wants revenge. I look forward to reading many more books in the series.
19. Almost a Miracle: The American Victory in the War of Independence by John Ferling
Ferling’s book is a military history of the war and serves as a companion to Ferling’s earlier A Leap in the Dark: The Struggle to Create the American Republic, which was a political history of the same period. While Ferling does not present any new information or interpretations, this is to not surprising in a book written for a general audience. Ferling’s work is based on a wealth of primary and secondary sources, exploring the length of the war in chronological order. Ferling’s story focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of the commanders and leaders on both sides. Contrary to current trends in historical writing, common people and enlisted soldiers take a back seat to their social and military superiors. This is an outstanding one-volume military history of the Revolution, unlike some books, Ferling doesn't neglect the later years of the war or the overseas aspects of it.
20. The Man With The Getaway Face (Parker #2) by Richard Stark
After the events of the first book, Parker gets plastic surgery in an effort to avoid some of the people who are a little peeved at him. And there's another job to do. A little weaker than the first book, but not bad.
First book in the Parker series, used as the basis for the Mel Gibson film "Payback" and also for a Lee Marvin film. Written in 1962, I'm not sure how I've missed this series up until now. Without giving to much of the story away, Parker is a criminal who gets double crossed by one of the other guys on a job. As often happens in books like these, parker wants revenge. I look forward to reading many more books in the series.
19. Almost a Miracle: The American Victory in the War of Independence by John Ferling
Ferling’s book is a military history of the war and serves as a companion to Ferling’s earlier A Leap in the Dark: The Struggle to Create the American Republic, which was a political history of the same period. While Ferling does not present any new information or interpretations, this is to not surprising in a book written for a general audience. Ferling’s work is based on a wealth of primary and secondary sources, exploring the length of the war in chronological order. Ferling’s story focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of the commanders and leaders on both sides. Contrary to current trends in historical writing, common people and enlisted soldiers take a back seat to their social and military superiors. This is an outstanding one-volume military history of the Revolution, unlike some books, Ferling doesn't neglect the later years of the war or the overseas aspects of it.
20. The Man With The Getaway Face (Parker #2) by Richard Stark
After the events of the first book, Parker gets plastic surgery in an effort to avoid some of the people who are a little peeved at him. And there's another job to do. A little weaker than the first book, but not bad.
32sgtbigg
21. House of War: The Pentagon and the Disastrous Rise of American Power by James Carroll
This is a hard book to characterize. Part memoir, part history of strategic bombing, part history of the politics of the Pentagon. I think it was strongest when discussing the development of strategic bombing and its adaptions to the nuclear age, one wonders how we survived. A chronological account, Carroll goes slightly off the rails when he reaches the 1970s, I think his personal involvement clouded his perspective and he changes from historian to participant. Nonetheless, well worth reading and a lot to think about. The most interesting book I've read so far this year.
22. March of the Cogsmen by Michael Coorlim
A short steampunk novel, it's seemingly part of a series but the earlier books were actually short stories, I think. Easy way to pass a couple of hours but I don't feel the need to track down the other books in the series.
23. Sunset Key by Blake Crouch
Subtitled "Rapid Reads" and with good reason, it's very short at less than 150 pages. The story involves the attempt to steal a multi-million dollar painting from the former CEO of an Enron clone who is going to prison the next day. As expected, things don't go as planned and somewhat unlikely hijinks ensue. There were some good parts in the story but they didn't add up to enough. I received this as a part of the LT Early Reviewer Program.
This is a hard book to characterize. Part memoir, part history of strategic bombing, part history of the politics of the Pentagon. I think it was strongest when discussing the development of strategic bombing and its adaptions to the nuclear age, one wonders how we survived. A chronological account, Carroll goes slightly off the rails when he reaches the 1970s, I think his personal involvement clouded his perspective and he changes from historian to participant. Nonetheless, well worth reading and a lot to think about. The most interesting book I've read so far this year.
22. March of the Cogsmen by Michael Coorlim
A short steampunk novel, it's seemingly part of a series but the earlier books were actually short stories, I think. Easy way to pass a couple of hours but I don't feel the need to track down the other books in the series.
23. Sunset Key by Blake Crouch
Subtitled "Rapid Reads" and with good reason, it's very short at less than 150 pages. The story involves the attempt to steal a multi-million dollar painting from the former CEO of an Enron clone who is going to prison the next day. As expected, things don't go as planned and somewhat unlikely hijinks ensue. There were some good parts in the story but they didn't add up to enough. I received this as a part of the LT Early Reviewer Program.
33sgtbigg
24. Caught Stealing (Hank Thompson #1) by Charlie Huston
Hank Thompson is a former high school baseball star from California who ends up as a drunk New York bartender. When his neighbor asks him to watch his cat, he has no idea what he's in for. Bad things start happening to Hank and he has no idea why. He eventually finds out what's going on, but that only makes things worse. Some violent people are after something Hank doesn't even know he has. If you plan on reading this book, and you should, stop reading now because there are spoilers below.
25. Six Bad Things (Hank Thompson #2) by Charlie Huston
I actually read this book before they one above because I was unaware it was part of a trilogy. That's OK, as the book works just as well as a stand alone story, although it did remove some of the tension when I read the first book. This book starts off a few months after the first book ended, with Hank in hiding in Mexico. When someone shows up looking for him he heads home to protect his family, but it doesn't work out as he planned. Hank continues to attract violence. I enjoyed this book so much that I went and read the first book even though I already knew how it turned out.
26. A Dangerous Man (Hank Thompson #3) by Charlie Huston
The last book in the trilogy, picks up a few months after the previous book. Hank is doing dirty work for a Russian mobster and isn't happy about it. He ends up back in New York with a new face but old problems come back to haunt him. A good ending to the story but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first two.
Hank Thompson is a former high school baseball star from California who ends up as a drunk New York bartender. When his neighbor asks him to watch his cat, he has no idea what he's in for. Bad things start happening to Hank and he has no idea why. He eventually finds out what's going on, but that only makes things worse. Some violent people are after something Hank doesn't even know he has. If you plan on reading this book, and you should, stop reading now because there are spoilers below.
25. Six Bad Things (Hank Thompson #2) by Charlie Huston
I actually read this book before they one above because I was unaware it was part of a trilogy. That's OK, as the book works just as well as a stand alone story, although it did remove some of the tension when I read the first book. This book starts off a few months after the first book ended, with Hank in hiding in Mexico. When someone shows up looking for him he heads home to protect his family, but it doesn't work out as he planned. Hank continues to attract violence. I enjoyed this book so much that I went and read the first book even though I already knew how it turned out.
26. A Dangerous Man (Hank Thompson #3) by Charlie Huston
The last book in the trilogy, picks up a few months after the previous book. Hank is doing dirty work for a Russian mobster and isn't happy about it. He ends up back in New York with a new face but old problems come back to haunt him. A good ending to the story but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first two.
34sgtbigg
27. Vagabond (The Grail Quest #2) by Bernard Cornwell
The second book in the Grail Quest series finds Thomas of Hookton continuing to not really search for the Grail. This time Thomas is involved in not one, but two big battles, the first against the Scots and the second in France. The story carries on and remains enjoyable. I have the last book sitting here waiting to be read.
28. The Outfit (Parker #3) by Richard Stark
More Parker, this time he needs to finish what he started in book one. The Outfit hasn't learned to leave Parker alone. Still enjoying the series.
29. The Elephants of Norwich (Domesday #11) by Edward Marston
The 11th and seemingly final installment in the Domesday series. Three royal commissioners travel England to resolve disputes revealed during William the Conqueror's Great Survey. Wherever they go, murder is sure to follow. They manage to take the time to solve the murder while also going about their royal business of settling land disputes. The Elephants of Norwich is no different. I found this one of the least compelling of the books, which may explain why it was the last. All eleven books were published in the UK, but only the first ten were also published in the US, so you may have a bit of a time finding this if you're interested.
30. Goldfinger by Ian Fleming
I'm continuing my quest to read all of the James Bond books in order. Since Goldfinger is only number seven, I still have a long way to go. This is typical Bond, with one of the best villains. Also one of the best Bond films.
The second book in the Grail Quest series finds Thomas of Hookton continuing to not really search for the Grail. This time Thomas is involved in not one, but two big battles, the first against the Scots and the second in France. The story carries on and remains enjoyable. I have the last book sitting here waiting to be read.
28. The Outfit (Parker #3) by Richard Stark
More Parker, this time he needs to finish what he started in book one. The Outfit hasn't learned to leave Parker alone. Still enjoying the series.
29. The Elephants of Norwich (Domesday #11) by Edward Marston
The 11th and seemingly final installment in the Domesday series. Three royal commissioners travel England to resolve disputes revealed during William the Conqueror's Great Survey. Wherever they go, murder is sure to follow. They manage to take the time to solve the murder while also going about their royal business of settling land disputes. The Elephants of Norwich is no different. I found this one of the least compelling of the books, which may explain why it was the last. All eleven books were published in the UK, but only the first ten were also published in the US, so you may have a bit of a time finding this if you're interested.
30. Goldfinger by Ian Fleming
I'm continuing my quest to read all of the James Bond books in order. Since Goldfinger is only number seven, I still have a long way to go. This is typical Bond, with one of the best villains. Also one of the best Bond films.
36sgtbigg
Well I’m about 6 months and 50 books behind. I still want to list all of the titles, but mostly, I’ll just list them. If I don’t comment on a particular book you can assume that I thought it was worth reading and enjoyable. I’ll try to point out those that I particularly liked or disliked and provide some type of reasoning.
31. American Revolution in Indian Country: Crisis and Diversity in Native American Communities by Colin G. Calloway
32. Warpaths: Invasions of North America by Ian K. Steele
33. The Revenge of Geography: What the Map Tells Us About Coming Conflicts and the Battle Against Fate by Robert D. Kaplan
Kaplan is insightful as always.
34. The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery by Eric Foner
35. The Shawnee Prophet by R. David Edmunds
36. Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard
37. American Gun: A History of the U.S. in Ten Firearms by Chris Kyle and William Doyle
I was disappointed by this book. Kyle discusses what he considers to be the most important guns in American history and how they impacted that history, somewhat in the style of A History of the World Six Glasses only not nearly as good . If you know much about guns and history, there won’t be anything new here. I’m not sure if Kyle had finished the book at the time of his death, perhaps he intended to expand it somewhat.
38. The Human Division by John Scalzi
39. Master of the Mountain: Thomas Jefferson and His Slaves by Henry Wiencek
More about his slaves than about Jefferson, this was not bad thing. An interesting look at the other inhabitants of the mountain.
40. Terms of Enlistment by Marko Kloos
Dystopian military SF, originally published as an e-book only, but better that what that sometimes indicates. Coming out in hard copy in 2014.
More to follow
31. American Revolution in Indian Country: Crisis and Diversity in Native American Communities by Colin G. Calloway
32. Warpaths: Invasions of North America by Ian K. Steele
33. The Revenge of Geography: What the Map Tells Us About Coming Conflicts and the Battle Against Fate by Robert D. Kaplan
Kaplan is insightful as always.
34. The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery by Eric Foner
35. The Shawnee Prophet by R. David Edmunds
36. Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard
37. American Gun: A History of the U.S. in Ten Firearms by Chris Kyle and William Doyle
I was disappointed by this book. Kyle discusses what he considers to be the most important guns in American history and how they impacted that history, somewhat in the style of A History of the World Six Glasses only not nearly as good . If you know much about guns and history, there won’t be anything new here. I’m not sure if Kyle had finished the book at the time of his death, perhaps he intended to expand it somewhat.
38. The Human Division by John Scalzi
39. Master of the Mountain: Thomas Jefferson and His Slaves by Henry Wiencek
More about his slaves than about Jefferson, this was not bad thing. An interesting look at the other inhabitants of the mountain.
40. Terms of Enlistment by Marko Kloos
Dystopian military SF, originally published as an e-book only, but better that what that sometimes indicates. Coming out in hard copy in 2014.
More to follow
37sgtbigg
41. World War One: A Layman's Guide by Scott Addington
See my review here.
42. War on the Waters: The Union and Confederate Navies, 1861-1865 by James M. McPherson
43. Jamaica Me Dead (Zack Chasteen #2) by Bob Morris
44. Brothers in Arms (Scott St. Andrew #1) by Ben Weaver
First book in a series, I will not be looking for the next book.
45. Every Day is an Atheist Holiday! by Penn Jillette
46. Mortality by Christopher Hitchens
47. Protecting the Flank at Gettysburg: The Battles for Brinkerhoff's Ridge and East Cavalry Field, July 2-3, 1863 by Eric J. Wittenberg
48. High-Opp by Frank Herbert
49. The Book of the Dead (Pendergast #7) by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
When I picked this up I did not realize that it was part of a series. Perhaps reading it as book seven would make it better, but after reading this I have no desire to read the preceding six books or any that may follow.
50. The Gettysburg Campaign: A Study in Command by Edwin Coddington
Among Civil War people this book is simply known as “The Coddington.” If you only want to read one of the hundreds of books about the Battle of Gettysburg, this is the one to read.
See my review here.
42. War on the Waters: The Union and Confederate Navies, 1861-1865 by James M. McPherson
43. Jamaica Me Dead (Zack Chasteen #2) by Bob Morris
44. Brothers in Arms (Scott St. Andrew #1) by Ben Weaver
First book in a series, I will not be looking for the next book.
45. Every Day is an Atheist Holiday! by Penn Jillette
46. Mortality by Christopher Hitchens
47. Protecting the Flank at Gettysburg: The Battles for Brinkerhoff's Ridge and East Cavalry Field, July 2-3, 1863 by Eric J. Wittenberg
48. High-Opp by Frank Herbert
49. The Book of the Dead (Pendergast #7) by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
When I picked this up I did not realize that it was part of a series. Perhaps reading it as book seven would make it better, but after reading this I have no desire to read the preceding six books or any that may follow.
50. The Gettysburg Campaign: A Study in Command by Edwin Coddington
Among Civil War people this book is simply known as “The Coddington.” If you only want to read one of the hundreds of books about the Battle of Gettysburg, this is the one to read.
38sgtbigg
51. The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B Du Bois
52. The Disappeared (Retrieval Artist #1) by Kristine Rusch
53. American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History by Chris Kyle
This was an OK book, but it was sad reading it after Kyle’s untimely death.
54. Collapse: America Will Fall by Richard Stephenson
55. Parabellum (Book #1, The Brigio Series) by Mitch Goth
56. Parabellum Part II by Mitch Goth
54-56 are all e-books that I got for free or less than a dollar. They were not terrible, but were not worth much more. I should probably stop getting cheap e-books that look interesting; they rarely live up to their billing.
57. The Day the World Ended at Little Big Horn: A Lakota History by Joseph Marshall III
The Battle of Little Big Horn/Greasy Grass is only a small part of this book. I wanted to like it more than I did, but it was somewhat repetitive and meandering. Still worth reading.
58. The Dog Stars by Peter Heller
59. Holidays in Heck by P.J. O’Rourke
In the introduction O’Rourke explains why he is no longer a foreign correspondent and that’s probably the best thing in the book. I have found his last couple of books to be underwhelming, but I don’t know if it’s him or me.
60. Resistance: America Has Fallen by Richard Stephenson
See numbers 54-56 above.
52. The Disappeared (Retrieval Artist #1) by Kristine Rusch
53. American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History by Chris Kyle
This was an OK book, but it was sad reading it after Kyle’s untimely death.
54. Collapse: America Will Fall by Richard Stephenson
55. Parabellum (Book #1, The Brigio Series) by Mitch Goth
56. Parabellum Part II by Mitch Goth
54-56 are all e-books that I got for free or less than a dollar. They were not terrible, but were not worth much more. I should probably stop getting cheap e-books that look interesting; they rarely live up to their billing.
57. The Day the World Ended at Little Big Horn: A Lakota History by Joseph Marshall III
The Battle of Little Big Horn/Greasy Grass is only a small part of this book. I wanted to like it more than I did, but it was somewhat repetitive and meandering. Still worth reading.
58. The Dog Stars by Peter Heller
59. Holidays in Heck by P.J. O’Rourke
In the introduction O’Rourke explains why he is no longer a foreign correspondent and that’s probably the best thing in the book. I have found his last couple of books to be underwhelming, but I don’t know if it’s him or me.
60. Resistance: America Has Fallen by Richard Stephenson
See numbers 54-56 above.
39sgtbigg
61. Jefferson Davis and His Generals: The Failure of Confederate Command in the West by Steven Woodworth
Since I'm a victim of “Virginia Disease” I needed Woodworth's help to understand the importance of the war in the west.
62. To Hell and Back by Audie Murphy
63. Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander in Chief by James McPherson
64. Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
I expected more from this, it just sort of wanders with no plot and then ends.
65. Partners in Command: The Relationships Between Leaders in the Civil War by Joseph Glatthaar
66. Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling
Bedtime stories for my daughter.
67. 1861: The Civil War Awakening by Adam Goodheart
It really covers from the fall of 1860 until mid-summer 1861. This is not a usual early war book featuring Ft. Sumter and First Manassas. Goodheart highlights several interesting but sometimes lesser known participants including James Garfield and Elmer Ellsworth.
68. Troubled Sea by Jinx Schwartz
Another somewhat weak e-book involving drug dealers and boater in the Sea of Cortez. I will not be looking for the rest of the series.
69. Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10 by Marcus Luttrell
70. The Yellow Admiral (Aubrey/Maturin #18) by Patrick O’Brian
Only two and a half left.
Since I'm a victim of “Virginia Disease” I needed Woodworth's help to understand the importance of the war in the west.
62. To Hell and Back by Audie Murphy
63. Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander in Chief by James McPherson
64. Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
I expected more from this, it just sort of wanders with no plot and then ends.
65. Partners in Command: The Relationships Between Leaders in the Civil War by Joseph Glatthaar
66. Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling
Bedtime stories for my daughter.
67. 1861: The Civil War Awakening by Adam Goodheart
It really covers from the fall of 1860 until mid-summer 1861. This is not a usual early war book featuring Ft. Sumter and First Manassas. Goodheart highlights several interesting but sometimes lesser known participants including James Garfield and Elmer Ellsworth.
68. Troubled Sea by Jinx Schwartz
Another somewhat weak e-book involving drug dealers and boater in the Sea of Cortez. I will not be looking for the rest of the series.
69. Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10 by Marcus Luttrell
70. The Yellow Admiral (Aubrey/Maturin #18) by Patrick O’Brian
Only two and a half left.
40sgtbigg
71. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
72. The City and the City by China Mieville
73. Out of the Mountains: The Coming Age of the Urban Guerrilla by David Kilcullen
74. Night of the Assassin by Russell Blake
75. Revolt: The Secession of Mill Valley by Ray Bourhis
74-75 are more e-books, see what I said about needing to stop getting interesting sounding e-books just because they are cheap.
76. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
My daughter wanted to read this, but my wife was concerned it was too violent for her. It isn’t and it wasn’t bad, if predictable. I had no desire to read the remainder of the series as it also seemed predictable. My daughter read all three books and gave me the overview that was much as I assumed it would be. She was disappointed in the series; she did not think it lived up to all the hype.
77. A Higher Duty: Desertion Among Georgia Troops during the Civil War by Mark Weitz
78. The Darwin Elevator (Dire Earth Cycle #1) by Jason Hough
79. The Fall of the House of Dixie: The Civil War and the Social Revolution that Transformed the South by Bruce Levine
I had a difficult time getting into this, but once I did it was quite good.
80. Exile Hunter by Preston Fleming
Book three in the Kamas Trilogy, but not a sequel to the previous two books. The events occur approximately at the same time as the events of book one. A little short on back story, I assume the author believed readers would have read the previous books in which the back story is more fully laid out. A pretty good story, although the ending seemed a bit rushed.
81. FlashForward by Robert Sawyer
The book the TV series was very loosely based on. I didn’t really like some elements of the ending, which I can’t really explain without giving it away.
82. The Long Shadow of the Civil War: Southern Dissent and Its Legacies by Victoria Bynum
That's all for now. With about two and half weeks left in the year, I'll probably add a few more before I'm done.
I hope everyone has been having a good year and enjoys the remaining days and whichever holidays, if any, you celebrate at this time of year.
Mike
72. The City and the City by China Mieville
73. Out of the Mountains: The Coming Age of the Urban Guerrilla by David Kilcullen
74. Night of the Assassin by Russell Blake
75. Revolt: The Secession of Mill Valley by Ray Bourhis
74-75 are more e-books, see what I said about needing to stop getting interesting sounding e-books just because they are cheap.
76. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
My daughter wanted to read this, but my wife was concerned it was too violent for her. It isn’t and it wasn’t bad, if predictable. I had no desire to read the remainder of the series as it also seemed predictable. My daughter read all three books and gave me the overview that was much as I assumed it would be. She was disappointed in the series; she did not think it lived up to all the hype.
77. A Higher Duty: Desertion Among Georgia Troops during the Civil War by Mark Weitz
78. The Darwin Elevator (Dire Earth Cycle #1) by Jason Hough
79. The Fall of the House of Dixie: The Civil War and the Social Revolution that Transformed the South by Bruce Levine
I had a difficult time getting into this, but once I did it was quite good.
80. Exile Hunter by Preston Fleming
Book three in the Kamas Trilogy, but not a sequel to the previous two books. The events occur approximately at the same time as the events of book one. A little short on back story, I assume the author believed readers would have read the previous books in which the back story is more fully laid out. A pretty good story, although the ending seemed a bit rushed.
81. FlashForward by Robert Sawyer
The book the TV series was very loosely based on. I didn’t really like some elements of the ending, which I can’t really explain without giving it away.
82. The Long Shadow of the Civil War: Southern Dissent and Its Legacies by Victoria Bynum
That's all for now. With about two and half weeks left in the year, I'll probably add a few more before I'm done.
I hope everyone has been having a good year and enjoys the remaining days and whichever holidays, if any, you celebrate at this time of year.
Mike
41tymfos
Hi, Mike! It's good to see you posting. It' looks like you've done a lot of good reading, and easily surpassed the 75 book level this year.
Best wishes for the holidays!
Best wishes for the holidays!
44sgtbigg
83. Sleepless by Charlie Huston
I always like Huston's books and this one was no exception. This one involves life in LA during a pandemic, a mutation of Fatal Familial Insomnia prevents 10% of the population from sleeping, hijinks ensue. Other reviewers have complained about the inability to tell which of the two POV characters is speaking, as well as issues regarding capitalization and puncuation. I imagine this is similar to the complaints about Cormac McCarthy's The Road. I say I imagine because I listened to the audio version which had two different actors, one for each character, therefore I had no such problems.
I always like Huston's books and this one was no exception. This one involves life in LA during a pandemic, a mutation of Fatal Familial Insomnia prevents 10% of the population from sleeping, hijinks ensue. Other reviewers have complained about the inability to tell which of the two POV characters is speaking, as well as issues regarding capitalization and puncuation. I imagine this is similar to the complaints about Cormac McCarthy's The Road. I say I imagine because I listened to the audio version which had two different actors, one for each character, therefore I had no such problems.
46richardderus
In happy hopes that 2014 will bring ever greater pleasures to your reading world, Mike:
Celebrate the return of the light with feasts, merriment, and gratitude for all the wonders of this wide green earth.
RMD
Celebrate the return of the light with feasts, merriment, and gratitude for all the wonders of this wide green earth.
RMD
49sgtbigg
84. The Perseid Collapse by Steven Konkoly
Book one of the Perseid Collapse Series
A half-way decent post-apocalypse story. I didn't realize it was a part of a series until I started wondering how the author was going to wrap everything up in the few remaining pages. The collapse of the title is brought about by meteorite strikes along the east coast of the U.S. and possibly the nefarious schemes of the PRC and the U.S. government, we'll have to wait for book two to find out about that. The story was good enough that I'll read the next book, I only hope the author doesn't stray into Deathlands or Ben Raines territory, so far, so good. For some reason the touchstone is having issues, but the book is here: http://www.librarything.com/work/14551915
Best wishes to everyone during the holiday season, for whichever holiday you may celebrate.
Book one of the Perseid Collapse Series
A half-way decent post-apocalypse story. I didn't realize it was a part of a series until I started wondering how the author was going to wrap everything up in the few remaining pages. The collapse of the title is brought about by meteorite strikes along the east coast of the U.S. and possibly the nefarious schemes of the PRC and the U.S. government, we'll have to wait for book two to find out about that. The story was good enough that I'll read the next book, I only hope the author doesn't stray into Deathlands or Ben Raines territory, so far, so good. For some reason the touchstone is having issues, but the book is here: http://www.librarything.com/work/14551915
Best wishes to everyone during the holiday season, for whichever holiday you may celebrate.
50sgtbigg
85. The Bloody Shirt: Terror After the Civil War by Stephen Budiansky
Budiansky describes the violence in the American south following the Civil War. He does this by highlighting actions in small areas of South Carolina and Mississippi. He also chronicles the way the narrative concerning reconstruction has changed over the years. Well worth reading.
86. Archduke Franz Ferdinand Lives! A World Without World War I by Richard Ned Lebow
I received this, my final book for 2013 from the LT Early Reviewer program and my review can be found on the book page here or on my long neglected blog.
I haven't decided if I will be back for 2014 or not. The six months that went by without me posting anything here indicates that perhaps it is time for me to give it up, but we'll see.
Happy New Year to everyone.
Mike
Budiansky describes the violence in the American south following the Civil War. He does this by highlighting actions in small areas of South Carolina and Mississippi. He also chronicles the way the narrative concerning reconstruction has changed over the years. Well worth reading.
86. Archduke Franz Ferdinand Lives! A World Without World War I by Richard Ned Lebow
I received this, my final book for 2013 from the LT Early Reviewer program and my review can be found on the book page here or on my long neglected blog.
I haven't decided if I will be back for 2014 or not. The six months that went by without me posting anything here indicates that perhaps it is time for me to give it up, but we'll see.
Happy New Year to everyone.
Mike
