History (Non-Fiction - Jan 2015) - Discussion Thread

[Holly, That Geeky One]

Massive battles, deadly scandals or heroic quests? History is such a massive area, there could be so much for you to explore!

Use this thread to post your to-read list for this month's Non-Fiction catergory, or just to generally chat about History this month!

(Just a little nudge. Our Fiction genre this month is Historical Fiction. You could always link your reads!)

[Liz]

iv got some peter ackroyd to read this month
Rebellion: The History of England from James I to the Glorious Revolution

if time will try to read the group read as well

[Becca]

Caitlin wrote: "A Woman in Berlin: Eight Weeks in the Conquered City: A Diary by Marta Hillers
I'll be reading that in January. It is a non-fiction first-hand account of what life was like in Berlin once it fell ..."

Another one to add to my TBR list!

[[deleted user]]

This Hallowed Ground: The Story Of The Union Side Of The Civil War Bruce Catton

This is my challenge read

[Cop]

Well, I'm going for this challangeThe Constant Princess

[Karolyn]

Starting On Hallowed Ground: The Story of Arlington National Cemetery which is about the history and traditions of Arlington National Cemetery. The national cemeteries have always been interesting to me and I find them hauntingly beautiful. Looking forward to learning more of their history.

[Renee, Mistress of the Mini-Challenge]

There are some seriously interesting books being listed here!

[Karolyn]

I finished On Hallowed Ground: The Story of Arlington National Cemetery tonight. I highly recommend it. The core of the book is the history of Arlington National Cemetary, but the author weaves in history of US involved conflicts, stories of soldiers, and discusses the lengths the U.S. goes to to find and bury their war dead, including the history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Renee - I agree, lots of great books. Every discussion just adds to the TBR pile!

[Dora]

Started reading A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies.

[Overbooked ✎]

I just finished Alexander the Great by Philip Freeman, I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the Hellenic period or anyone how is interested in Alexander in general.
After reading a disappointing earlier book on Alexander, I thoroughly enjoyed Freeman's book. The story is presented in a very readable manner, there are very few dates and the long campaign is peppered by curious anecdotes (based on historical sources and not invented BTW) which makes the narration very vivid and interesting.

[Renee, Mistress of the Mini-Challenge]

Good to know. Thanks, kiwi!

[Becca]

Just finished The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Can't really compare it to Unbroken, but both books tell the story of people who made history in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. (The oarsmen never served in the military because they were too tall.)

I loved the way the author wove unfolding events in Germany with the story of the boys who ultimately won gold in the 8-man crew.

I highly recommend this book.

[Overbooked ✎]

@Caitlin, thanks for the rec, I have added this book to my TBR.

[Camille]

Caitlin wrote: "I recently finished A Woman in Berlin: Eight Weeks in the Conquered City: A Diary. It was an absolutely compelling read... I read all 288 pages in a day and a half. It was published an..."

Agreed, it's a good book!

[Becca]

Caitlin wrote: "@ Kiwi & Becca- When you read it don't be a stranger! I'd love to hear what other people thought of it and to chat about it.

@ Camille - I know, right!"
Will do.

[Cristal]

I have just finished reading The Boys in the Boat. A wonderfully uplifting story of underdogs, so well researched. Well worth reading.

[Becca]

Caitlin wrote: "@ Kiwi & Becca- When you read it don't be a stranger! I'd love to hear what other people thought of it and to chat about it.

@ Camille - I know, right!"
I have this book on order at the library. I'll let you know when I get it.

[Becca]

Caitlin wrote: "@ Becca- Ahhhh! I am sooo excited! I can't wait until you read it, I've been dying to talk to somewhat about it & I'd love to hear what you think of it!"

I got an email this morning saying I can pick up A Woman in Berlin: Eight Weeks in the Conquered City: A Diary! This will probably be my first read for February.

[Becca]

Becca wrote: "Caitlin wrote: "@ Becca- Ahhhh! I am sooo excited! I can't wait until you read it, I've been dying to talk to somewhat about it & I'd love to hear what you think of it!"

I got an email this mornin..."

Caitlin, I've finished A Woman in Berlin. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Given what I assume is a considerable age difference, I'm sure we have different perspectives.