The History Book Club discussion

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MY BOOKS AND I > WHAT IS EVERYBODY READING NOW?

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message 1801: by [deleted user] (new)

Emil Ludwig's, a mid 20th century biographer's book about Simon Bolivar, who wanted to start a League of Nations, just like Woodrow Wilson, only 100 years prior to Wilson.

He is an amazing character! I especially wanted to read Simon Bolivar's biography after visiting Bolivar's museum in Bógata, Columbia. Has anyone recommend another Bolivar book? And has anyone else read Emil Ludwig's other biographies?


message 1802: by Bryan (new)

Bryan Craig Dayla, don't forget to add the book citation. There are a number of Ludwig books:

Bolivar by Emil Ludwig Emil Ludwig

Napoleon by Emil Ludwig Bismarck - The Story of a Fighter by Emil Ludwig Emil Ludwig


message 1803: by Frank (new)

Frank | 70 comments Halfway through "destiny of the Republic" it's a fast read with many parallels to the present, a split Republican Party back then they had nicknames stalwarts and half breeds. Insane people with easy access to guns. Political favoritism. It's kind of a combination of Manhunt The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson James L. Swanson James L. Swanson. Team of Rivals The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin Doris Kearns Goodwin Doris Kearns Goodwin. And Thunderstruck by Erik Larson Erik Larson Erik Larson Destiny of the Republic A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard Candice Millard Candice Millard


message 1804: by Bryan (last edited Mar 03, 2013 05:23PM) (new)

Bryan Craig Great, Frank


message 1805: by Jill H. (last edited Mar 03, 2013 05:47PM) (new)

Jill H. (bucs1960) I really liked Thunderstruck, Frank but I like most of Larson's books.

Thunderstruck by Erik Larson by Erik Larson Erik Larson


message 1806: by Lori (new)

Lori I'm most of the way through 428 AD: An Ordinary Year at the End of the Roman Empire. It's a nice short book (only 132 pages of text) that gives a good feel for the Roman Empire at almost the last time it was both East and West. If you are at all interested in this time, this is a great book to start.

428 AD An Ordinary Year at the End of the Roman Empire by Giusto Traina Giusto Traina (no phote)


message 1807: by Frank (new)

Frank | 70 comments Jill wrote: "I really liked Thunderstruck, Frank but I like most of Larson's books.

Thunderstruck by Erik Larson by Erik LarsonErik Larson"


You may like this book then. Instead of Marconi you have Alexander Grahm Bell. Oh did I mention conspiracy theories .


message 1808: by Erskine (last edited Mar 04, 2013 08:10AM) (new)

Erskine | 17 comments Currently reading:

1848 Year of Revolution by Mike Rapport Mike Rapport

I'm also midway through this one, but it's on the back burner for now:

The First Frontier The Forgotten History of Struggle, Savagery, and Endurance in Early America by Scott Weidensaul Scott Weidensaul

And I just finished up a long slog through this one:

The Campaigns of Napoleon by David G. Chandler David G. Chandler

Edit: Added authors. Thanks for the tip, Bryan.


message 1809: by Bryan (new)

Bryan Craig Excellent, Erskine. Don't forget the author links/photo:

1848 Year of Revolution by Mike Rapport Mike Rapport

The First Frontier The Forgotten History of Struggle, Savagery, and Endurance in Early America by Scott Weidensaul Scott Weidensaul

The Campaigns of Napoleon by David G. Chandler David G. Chandler David G. Chandler


message 1810: by Frank (new)

Frank | 70 comments Frank wrote: "Halfway through "destiny of the Republic" it's a fast read with many parallels to the present, a split Republican Party back then they had nicknames stalwarts and half breeds. Insane people with ea..."

Finished Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President now I'm not an attorney , but I was wondering if Guiteau could be convicted of murder today and sentenced to death considering he didn't die from the bullet. Now if we consider the doctors treatment of Garfield as quackery what about the doctors who testified that Guiteau wasn't insane. Could they be quacks to? 100 years from now will chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer be considered quackery. Probably. This is really a thought provoking book on many levels. Really glad I read it. Destiny of the Republic A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard Candice Millard Candice Millard


message 1811: by Bryan (last edited Mar 04, 2013 07:26AM) (new)

Bryan Craig Awesome, Frank. The Guiteau case is interesting, and if it happened today, he might be in an institution rather than executed. You might like:

The Trial of the Assassin Guiteau Psychiatry and the Law in the Gilded Age by Charles E. Rosenberg Charles E. Rosenberg


message 1812: by Ann D (new)

Ann D Frank,
I enjoyed Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President as much as you did, although I did wonder if Garfield could have been as completely perfect as Millard described him. In any case, he was a huge loss to the country. I was particularly impressed by his intelligence, dedication to others, and enlightened racial views.

Guiteau was so obviously insane, it seemed almost inhumane to execute him.
Destiny of the Republic A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard Candice Millard Candice Millard


message 1813: by Frank (last edited Mar 05, 2013 12:46PM) (new)

Frank | 70 comments Ann wrote: "Frank,
I enjoyed Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President as much as you did, although I did wonder if Garfield could have been as completely perfect as Mi..."


Hey he was a politician how perfect could he be. I guess all our assassinated presidents seem to achieve sainthood. And our people unite after tragedy. Anyway Candice Millard has another great book, I don't know if you've read it.The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey. Hope she's working on another


message 1814: by Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief (new)

Bentley | 44291 comments Mod
Remember the citation rules: bookcover, author's photo and author's link when available

The River of Doubt Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey by Candice Millard by Candice Millard Candice Millard

Check out the Mechanics of the Board thread for specific help and you can even practice there.


message 1815: by Samantha (new)

Samantha (samanthajw) I am currently reading Traitor's Wife, my first by Susan Higginbotham. It seems similar in style to Sharon Kay Penman, who is one of my favorites.

The Traitor's Wife A Novel of the Reign of Edward II by Susan Higginbotham Susan Higginbotham Susan Higginbotham


message 1816: by Bryan (new)

Bryan Craig Thanks, Samantha, just turn the author photo/link around:

The Traitor's Wife A Novel of the Reign of Edward II by Susan Higginbotham Susan Higginbotham Susan Higginbotham


message 1817: by Frank (last edited Mar 05, 2013 02:02PM) (new)

Frank | 70 comments I'm reading some historical fiction also about Edward VI
The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain Mark Twain Mark Twain


message 1818: by Jill H. (new)

Jill H. (bucs1960) I am trying to start a biography of Nicholas Tesla....has anyone else read it? I just can't seem to get started on it.....it did get mixed reviews on GR but that doesn't usually affect my decision to read a book. Maybe I'm just not in the mood but I don't even like the cover art!!!!

Tesla Man Out of Time by Margaret Cheney by Margaret Cheney


message 1819: by Frank (last edited Mar 05, 2013 04:09PM) (new)

Frank | 70 comments Jill wrote: "I am trying to start a biography of Nicholas Tesla....has anyone else read it? I just can't seem to get started on it.....it did get mixed reviews on GR but that doesn't usually affect my decision ..."

I have that book one to read list. Looking forward to your update.


message 1820: by Jill H. (last edited Mar 09, 2013 09:26AM) (new)

Jill H. (bucs1960) I will read it and may even start next week. Will let you know my thoughts. Did you ever have a book that you just couldn't kick into gear.....this is one of them.


message 1821: by Frank (new)

Frank | 70 comments Jill wrote: "I will read it so keep an eye on my "50 Books" topic for my thoughts. Did you ever have a book that you just couldn't kick into gear.....this is one of them."

I know what yo mean, sometimes I speed read to the interesting parts. On the subject of inventors have you read Wheels for the World: Henry Ford, His Company, and a Century of Progress, 1903-2003 Douglas Brinkley Douglas Brinkley I really liked this book. It covers a huge part of the American experience of the 20th century. I'm really surprised it doesn't get a lot of play. Maybe people don't like car books. It's about much more than that.


message 1822: by Tomerobber (new)

Tomerobber | 334 comments Jill wrote: "I am trying to start a biography of Nicholas Tesla....has anyone else read it? I just can't seem to get started on it.....it did get mixed reviews on GR but that doesn't usually affect my decision ..."

Jill wrote: "I will read it so keep an eye on my "50 Books" topic for my thoughts. Did you ever have a book that you just couldn't kick into gear.....this is one of them."

Hi Jill,
I bought this through Tantor audio on CD . . . but haven't started listening to it yet. I figured that as long as it was . . . the audio version might go faster than the print book.


Wizard The Life and Times of Nikola Tesla Biography of a Genius by Marc J. Seifer by Marc J. Seifer


message 1823: by Tomerobber (new)

Tomerobber | 334 comments Frank wrote: "Frank wrote: "Halfway through "destiny of the Republic" it's a fast read with many parallels to the present, a split Republican Party back then they had nicknames stalwarts and half breeds. Insane ..."

Hi Frank,
I just finished reading this as well . . . my primary thought after reading was what a lost opportunity . . . I wonder what would have changed if Garfield had lived? He never sought the presidency . . . but was swept into it instead. Since I finished the book . . . I've been trying to find more info on him.


message 1824: by Tomerobber (new)

Tomerobber | 334 comments Well I'm back in Roman times again . . . reading THE OCTOBER HORSE in discussion - book six in the series of seven . . . so I'm also reading additional material as well. Looks as though I'll be in my toga for awhile here ;-)

Caesar Life of a Colossus by Adrian Goldsworthy and The Complete Roman Army by Adrian Goldsworthy by Adrian Goldsworthy Adrian Goldsworthy
The October Horse (Masters of Rome, #6) by Colleen McCullough by Colleen McCullough Colleen McCullough


message 1825: by Frank (new)

Frank | 70 comments Frank wrote: "I'm reading some historical fiction also about Edward VI
The Prince and the Pauper by Mark TwainMark TwainMark Twain"


It's a shame some people think of this as a children's book. “Classic' - a book which people praise and don't read.”
― Mark Twain


message 1826: by Tracey (new)

Tracey I am reading "Jefferson's Sons"
Jefferson's Sons by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

So, far, I am impressed.


message 1828: by Tracey (new)

Tracey Ann wrote: "Tracey,
I loved THE PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN. The making of the dictionary itself was very interesting. The contribution to it of the criminally insane Dr. Minor was touching and downright inspiri..."


I was quite impressed!


message 1829: by Tracey (new)

Tracey Frank wrote: "I'm reading some historical fiction also about Edward VI
The Prince and the Pauper by Mark TwainMark TwainMark Twain"


Added this to my read list, or should it be re-read list!


message 1830: by Frank (last edited Mar 07, 2013 04:30AM) (new)

Frank | 70 comments Tomerobber wrote: "Frank wrote: "Frank wrote: "Halfway through "destiny of the Republic" it's a fast read with many parallels to the present, a split Republican Party back then they had nicknames stalwarts and half b..."

Jill and I were having this conversation also. I was saying all our assassinated presidents are always remembered as great. Nobody wants to speak poorly of the dead or be accused of being unpatriotic. As far as Garfield, maybe he wasn't in office long enough. Raises some good questions though. Destiny of the Republic A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard Candice Millard Candice Millard


message 1831: by Frank (new)

Frank | 70 comments Tracey wrote: "Ann wrote: "Tracey,
I loved THE PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN. The making of the dictionary itself was very interesting. The contribution to it of the criminally insane Dr. Minor was touching and downr..."


That was a great book. It was interesting how anyone could add words and then they had to be proved. I kept thinking about Wikipedia.
The Professor and the Madman A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester Simon Winchester Simon Winchester


message 1832: by Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief (new)

Bentley | 44291 comments Mod
Hello Tracey, please repost but do not add any links to your reviews - no self promotion allowed.


message 1833: by Tracey (last edited Mar 08, 2013 04:59AM) (new)

Tracey oh, I never thought of providing links to one's review as self promotion. I just thought it was more of 'using something that was already created'. Sorry.

Do people get paid for their reviews if others read them?

I have so few good reads friends and followers, I wouldn't know of any benefits of posting reviews only to help me remember what I read.


message 1834: by Frank (new)

Frank | 70 comments Tracey wrote: "oh, I never thought of providing links to one's review as self promotion. I just thought it was more of 'using something that was already created'. Sorry.

Do people get paid for their reviews if ..."

Many times I would like to read a posters review also. I believe you can follow that person, but what if you just want to see their review of only the one book.


message 1835: by Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief (new)

Bentley | 44291 comments Mod
Tracey wrote: "oh, I never thought of providing links to one's review as self promotion. I just thought it was more of 'using something that was already created'. Sorry.

Do people get paid for their reviews if ..."


Tracey, it is just one of the group's rules because some others abused it. We do not allow self promotion of any kind.

Frank we allow no self promotion; but just click on the book cover (that is why we ask folks to add them) and that will take you to the book itself and you can read to your hearts content (smile).


message 1836: by Frank (new)

Frank | 70 comments Bentley wrote: "Tracey wrote: "oh, I never thought of providing links to one's review as self promotion. I just thought it was more of 'using something that was already created'. Sorry.

Do people get paid for th..."


Thanks Bentley , that's what I do but suppose I wanted to just see Tracy's review how would I find it?


message 1837: by Alisa (new)

Alisa (mstaz) Frank in that case you would go to that persons goodreads profile page and to the extent they share it you can navigate to it there.


message 1838: by Frank (new)

Frank | 70 comments Thanks Alisa, I'm starting Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier Charles Frazier Charles Frazieranother snow day so I guess the title is appropriate. Got an introductory offer for The Secretary A Journey with Hillary Clinton to the New Frontiers of American Power by Kim Ghattas Kim Ghattas should be coming in the mail


message 1839: by Samantha (new)

Samantha (samanthajw) Just started this yesterday.
The Seventh Son by Reay Tannahill Reay Tannahill Reay Tannahill


message 1840: by James (new)

James (jbgusa) | 54 comments James wrote: "How to Win an Election An Ancient Guide for Modern Politicians by Quintus Tullius Cicero
How to Win an Election: An Ancient Guide for Modern Politiciansby Quintus Tullius Cicero"


I finished it in a day. Great book.

I replied to myself to update since I'm no longer "currently reading" that book.


message 1841: by Ann D (new)

Ann D Frank,
Cold Mountain is a wonderful book, and the movie isn't bad either.
Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier Charles Frazier Charles Frazier


message 1842: by Frank (new)

Frank | 70 comments Ann wrote: "Frank,
Cold Mountain is a wonderful book, and the movie isn't bad either.
Cold Mountain by Charles FrazierCharles FrazierCharles Frazier"


I noticed on liftopia it was on the best nonfiction list and the worst book ever list. I definitely had to read it then. :)


message 1843: by Teri (last edited Mar 09, 2013 11:11AM) (new)

Teri (teriboop) I am reading Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas Eric Metaxas Eric Metaxas
I am thoroughly engrossed.


message 1844: by Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief (new)

Bentley | 44291 comments Mod
That looks like an interesting book Teri, thank you for adding it; as well as the adds of Frank, Ann, James, Samantha etc.


message 1845: by Frank (last edited Mar 10, 2013 11:52AM) (new)

Frank | 70 comments Frank wrote: "Ann wrote: "Frank,
Cold Mountain is a wonderful book, and the movie isn't bad either.
Cold Mountain by Charles FrazierCharles FrazierCharles Frazier"

I noticed on liftopia it was on t..."


I understand why it was on both lists . I enjoyed most of it and it was really thought provoking untill the ending. The ending was pure Hollywood and I didn't think that was were it was going, it's almost like the ending was by a different writer. Never saw the movie but it looks like it would be good.


message 1846: by Jill H. (last edited Mar 11, 2013 01:44PM) (new)

Jill H. (bucs1960) I have no idea why I have never read this book "The Long Weekend"......or maybe I have but it was so long ago that I have forgotten (I doubt it, though). His "Goodbye To All That" is one of my favorite books, so I'm sure this one will be equally as interesting.

The Long Week-End A Social History of Great Britain 1918-1939 by Robert Graves and Goodbye to All That by Robert Graves by Robert Graves Robert Graves


message 1847: by Jill H. (new)

Jill H. (bucs1960) Frank wrote: "Jill wrote: "I am trying to start a biography of Nicholas Tesla....has anyone else read it? I just can't seem to get started on it.....it did get mixed reviews on GR but that doesn't usually affect..."


I put the Tesla book aside for another time. I just could not seem to get started on it.



Tesla Man Out of Time by Margaret Cheney by Margaret Cheney


message 1848: by Jerome, Assisting Moderator - Upcoming Books and Releases (new)

Jerome Otte | 4789 comments Mod
Just started Iron Curtain The Crushing of Eastern Europe, 1945-1956 by Anne Applebaum by Anne Applebaum Anne Applebaum.

Finally!


message 1849: by Frank (new)

Frank | 70 comments Jill wrote: "Frank wrote: "Jill wrote: "I am trying to start a biography of Nicholas Tesla....has anyone else read it? I just can't seem to get started on it.....it did get mixed reviews on GR but that doesn't ..."

That's good, I hate wasting valuable reading time. I used to struggle through a book and spend a couple of weeks on a book when I could have read three that I enjoyed. I started The Secretary A Journey with Hillary Clinton to the New Frontiers of American Power by Kim Ghattas Kim Ghattas


message 1850: by Henri (new)

Henri Moreaux (henrimoreaux) I have just finished reading this, found it to be fantastic.

Peter Meyer - Defiant Patriot: The Life and Exploits of Lt. Colonel Oliver L. North (non-fiction: my review)



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