The History Book Club discussion
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ARCHIVE
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ARCHIVE TWO: PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF ~



Hi, everybody. I'm Kathy Rogers. I live in the Los Angeles area, California, USA. I've lived in various L.A. communities all my life except for three sad, dark years in law school in another California town.
I'm 52, a retired attorney, and currently a part-time education volunteer (docent) at the Los Angeles Zoo. My goal is to cram as much art, science, music, literature, history, and sports trivia into my head as I can before I'm either dead or demented.
Even though you are pretty far along in the discussion, I'm going to try to catch up with the people reading The Metaphysical Club. I've had the book on my shelf since it was new and still haven't read it.
by
Louis Menand
I'm 52, a retired attorney, and currently a part-time education volunteer (docent) at the Los Angeles Zoo. My goal is to cram as much art, science, music, literature, history, and sports trivia into my head as I can before I'm either dead or demented.
Even though you are pretty far along in the discussion, I'm going to try to catch up with the people reading The Metaphysical Club. I've had the book on my shelf since it was new and still haven't read it.



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Scott: things certain are busy in DC right now, so I hope you get a few minutes to read in your busy schedule.
Adithya: You have eclectic tastes in reading which makes the HBC the place to be since we cover everything from music to the Renaissance.
Daniel: Ah, the blue and white of the UK Wildcats!! Hope you have time between school work to get into some of the discussions and book recommendations here on the HBC.
Glad you joined us, Aditya. You don't say what historical era you're interested in, but we have lots of different topics here to explore.
As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the Goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post. Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how books you mention should look:
by
Anthony Everitt
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As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the Goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post. Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how books you mention should look:


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I hold a M.A. in History from GMU and worked, in the past, for several years as a seasonal park ranger with the NPS at my hometown's Civil War related park. While I am currently working as a receptionist in a medical office to pay the bills, I have plans to go back to school soon to prepare for and get certified to teach high school level History and English.
I like to learn anything history related but I am most familiar with events within the 1800's (The American Civil War, the Jacksonian Era, the Reconstruction Era, etc) and African American related topics. This is mainly because the area I grew up in was steeped in history from this time period and, thanks to the majority demographic being African American, certain topics were emphasized in school and thus sparked my curiosity. I prefer military and social history, But I am willing to step outside my comfort zone for anything that is well researched and interesting.
I have a somewhat more limited knowledge of Native American History, Chinese History, WWII, Events in America in the 1600s and 1700s, the Civil Rights Era and Japanese History.
I joined this group because it looked to be active, friendly and a good place to snag some reading recommendations. It is nice to meet you all. :)

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As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the Goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post. Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how books you mention should look:


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This is Byron from Oakland, CA. My interest is American history and its interrelated nature, in particular Civil War, WWII, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Cold War.


This is Byron from Oakland, CA. My interest is American history and its interrelated nature, in particular Civil War, WWII, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Cold War."
Welcome to the group, Bryon. Always nice to have another reader who shares an interest in WWII.


Welcome, Heather. Where is your museum? I always like to visit them if I'm anywhere close.

As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post. Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how books you mention should look:


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I tend to read more fiction than non-fiction because, to my taste, most history books are not well written. Also, I really enjoy the more personal view of history. For example, Pat Barker's WWI Regeneration trilogy, Hilary Mantel, etc. I learned more about the Blitz from Connie Willis (Black Out and All Clear) than from any other source I remember.
That said, one of my first favorite non-fiction histories was Mornings on Horseback by David McCullough. My husband thinks I'm fixated in WWI, which is somewhat true--I find the Industrial era fascinating, and WWI--I my opinion--is the capstone event of that era.
Thanks for indulging my opinions. I look forward to belonging to the Histort Book Club. (I also enjoy Young Adult quite a bit--lots of good history books there too. See Tamar by Mal Peet, about the Dutch Resistance in WWII.)

As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the Goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post. Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how the books and authors you mentioned should look:









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The First World War: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...
The Second World War: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...
Don't stop there though, there are a lot of threads here to explore. Those two ought to get you started at least. Have fun!

I have an inordinate love for Bollywood(Hindi films from India), thus perpetuating my love of India(which dates from way back), the culture, music, and history of India. I wish to write a book/teach a class about Bollywood someday--to share my love, so to speak.
I have developed a love of political history, thanks to my graduate advisor, and love to ferret out connections in historic events.
I also love a good rollicking mystery novel, especially Janet Evanovich--she is always a great time.







Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you are ready to cite a book. (There is a link on the top right of the reply box.) It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the Goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link at the very bottom of the post after your text. Because it is on the bottom, it calls the reader's attention to the book/author and increases the readability of your posts.
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http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2...
Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. (There is a link on the top right of the reply box.) It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the Goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link at the very bottom of the post after your text. Because it is on the bottom, it calls the reader's attention to the book/author and increases the readability of your posts.
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My name's Sophie, I'm a student in England reading Psychology, but have an avid interest in history so am looking forward to hopefully getting some recommendations on where to start. Generally it's hard to find time to read outside of my subject, but I'm determined to this year! My main interests in history include womens history, victorian and tudor history, U.S.A. history (particularly the civil rights movement) and Australian history (of any sort at all). It's funny how little I've been able to find on the latter, considering how much history there is....

Hello Donna, welcome, we are glad to have you as a member. You might be interested on our recently India reading challenge which starts Oct 1: http://www.goodreads.com/challenges/1...
or this thread on the women's movement: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/4...
There is a lot here to explore and so please look around and join in the discussions.
As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post. Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how books you mention should look:


When you mention only an author, as you have done above, the citation would look like this:

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http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/4...

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/4......"
Thanks Bryan! I am looking now =)

As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post. Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how books you mention should look:


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As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post. Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how books you mention should look:


More information:
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http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2...
Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature w..."
Thank you so much. Thanks for the welcome too.
message 1743:
by
Jerome, Assisting Moderator - Upcoming Books and Releases
(new)
Welcome to the group, Diane. You might want to check out our military history folder: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...
As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post. Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how books you mention should look:
by
James M. McPherson
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As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post. Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how books you mention should look:


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Jeranja wrote: "My name is Jeranja. Journalist and interested in mostly military history and European history preferably 20th century (nation building etc.)."
Welcome to the group, Jeranja. We have lots on military history here - http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...
and here - http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...
As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the Goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post. Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how the books you mentioned should look:
and
by
Timothy Snyder
by
Orlando Figes
by
Geert Mak
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Welcome to the group, Jeranja. We have lots on military history here - http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...
and here - http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...
As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the Goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post. Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how the books you mentioned should look:







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Don wrote: "Hi. My name is Don Jansen and I live in Virginia, USA where I work for a library. I was attracted to this group by its many threads on interesting topics. I have a special interest in Dutch History."
Welcome Don. We have a general European History folder here - http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...
You may find something on Dutch history there.
As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the Goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post. Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. You did a great job with your citation:
by
Simon Schama
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Welcome Don. We have a general European History folder here - http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...
You may find something on Dutch history there.
As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the Goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post. Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. You did a great job with your citation:


More information:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2...
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My name is Susan. I live in central Scotland.I am 58 and took early retirement from a career in social housing. I have become very interested in history since attending various history courses at the Centre for Lifelong Learning at my local university. So far I have been reading and learning about the Russian Revolution, World War II, Irish independence and am currently reading about the Spanish Civil War and the role of Scots in it.
I find history fascinating and particularly how it impacts on ordinary people. I am particularly interested in 20th century history although I am also keen to learn about American history from the civil war through to the present day. I feel there is so much to learn about and where possible visit the places where the events took place e.g. I visited Normandy in France last year to visit the scenes of the D Day Landings - absolutely fascinating. I hope you will be happy to have me as a member and look forward to learning from you all.
Regards,
Susan Muir
message 1747:
by
Jerome, Assisting Moderator - Upcoming Books and Releases
(new)
Welcome to the group, Susan. You might want to check out the Russian Revolution thread:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...
As well as our World War Two folder:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...
As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post. Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how books you mention should look:
by
James M. McPherson
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http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...
As well as our World War Two folder:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...
As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post. Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how books you mention should look:


More information:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2...
Please take a moment to read our gudelines:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...
And an orientation to help you get started:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...
Thank you and glad you could join us. If you have any questions, just flag down one of the moderators.

I joined the group a few days ago, but I'm just now getting a chance to introduce myself. My name is Jordan, and I work in IT. I've always enjoyed history. My main interests lie in ancient history and the histories of what is now Asia (Mongolia, China, Japan). I find the cultures and customs of these areas fascinating. If you have any good book recommendations on these topics, let me know! I look forward to participating in the exchange of knowledge and ideas!

History is a passion, learning about it and researching it. As a senior in high school I had enough credits to take a study hall or an elective. I took the elective, a World History class that I'll remember the rest of my life. I mostly enjoy studying pre-Civil War, Civil War and the Indian Wars, with an abundance of history right in my own backyard.
I look forward to discussing some of our world history with other group members.
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Books mentioned in this topic
Pericles of Athens and the Birth of Democracy (other topics)Taken at the Flood: The Roman Conquest of Greece (other topics)
Persian Fire: The First World Empire and the Battle for the West (other topics)
Alexander the Great (other topics)
The Peloponnesian War (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Donald Kagan (other topics)Barry S. Strauss (other topics)
Philip Freeman (other topics)
Robin Waterfield (other topics)
James Romm (other topics)
More...
As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the Goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post. Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how books you mention should look:
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