THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion
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WHAT BOOKS HAVE YOU FINISHED?
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by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀When a married Nigerian couple can't seem to conceive a child, the husband is pressured to take a second wife.
Very good story. 4 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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Murder and the Movies by David ThomsonIn this nonfiction book, Thomson writes about the ubiquitous depiction of death and murder in the media, especially films, and what this says about us.
Good book for movie buffs. 3.5 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Betrayal: The Final Act of the Trump Show by Jonathan KarlMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
There really isn't much to say that hasn't been covered by the media and by other readers. It's a well written, blow-by-blow of a Nation in "Peril." Worthy of a banana republic.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
There is room for improvement, but after several bad ARCs, this debut novel was nice Demon Huntress: Love Me To Hell And Back
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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by Aleatha RomigAfter a terrible accident that leaves her with amnesia, a woman wakes up in a cult.
Cults are interesting in a creepy way. The book is okay. 3 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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by Ellen ByronAmateur sleuth Maggie Crozat is suspected of murder. Nice Cajun ambiance in this series, which is set in Louisiana.
Delightful cozy mystery. 4 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Complaints
by Ian Rankin Book 1 of the Malcolm Fox series, 4.0 starshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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Carbon Queen: The Remarkable Life of Nanoscience Pioneer Mildred Dresselhaus by Maia WeinstockThe remarkable story of the 'Queen of Carbon' Millie Dresselhaus, who rose from poverty to pioneer carbon research and encourage women and minorities to enter STEM fields.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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by Arnaldur IndriðasonIn this first book in the 'Detective Konrad' series, the retired detective looks into a very cold case.
Good police procedural. 3.5 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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by Karina McRobertsAn Australian rookie ex-cop goes through a portal into the past, and ends up in a house full of performers with stories to tell.
Interesting character study and peek at events in Australia's history. 3.5 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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by John H. SibleySibley postulates that violence may be an inherent characteristic of human beings, as shown in movies like Sam Peckinpah's 'The Wild Bunch.'
Interesting conjecture. 4 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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by Yaa GyasiThe families of two half-sisters from West Africa - one a slave and one privileged - are followed for generations, in Africa and America.
Very good book. 4 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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Fallout by Sara ParetskyChicago private detective V.I. Warshawski heads for Kansas to look for two missing persons.
Okay mystery. 3 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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by Byron LaneThis novel is inspired by Byron's former stint as an assistant to actress Carrie Fisher. It's loosely disguised non-fiction.
Good entertaining story. 3.5 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Power-House
by John Buchan. Another entertaining adventure by Mr. Buchan (4 stars)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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by Shonda RhimesShonda Rhimes was a very successful television showrunner, but had few social activities outside work. So she decided to 'say yes' to invitations for a year.
Interesting and fun book. 3 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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Snatch 2&20: A Satirical Romp through the Wall Street Swamp by Luke E. FellowsThis comic novel is about the greedy 1% who suck in money using financial shenanigans most people don't understand.
Fun book. 4 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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by Nina de GramontIn real life, author Agatha Christie 'vanished' for eleven days in December, 1926. This book is a fictional treatment of that incident, told by woman who stole Agatha's husband.
Good imaginative story. 3.5 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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by Emily St. John MandelAfter a deadly flu kills 99.99% of the human population, the few survivors form new communities.
Dystopian novel. 3 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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Don't Look for Me by Wendy WalkerA grieving mother disappears and her family searches for her.
Suspense novel. 3 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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Alexander Pope was the “poète du moment” of his time. He was also one of the most controversial and berated of public figures, often due to his own antics. Pope fell out of favor with most so called intelligentsia for many decades in favor of the romantics and was, if not largely forgotten… dismissed yet Dr. Rogers, one of the foremost experts on Pope has, by shear tenacity, conjured up a renaissance for this misbegotten rogue..or was he?
When one writes about history it can often be dry and dull, a retelling of simple facts and dates. Thankfully, Dr. Rogers documentation of the feud between Alexander Pope and Edmund Curll is anything but academic. Blessed with two combatants with incredible wit and infinite hostility against each other, Dr. Rogers allows the events and the personalities to speak for themselves. The fact that the author is an expert on this era is an immeasurable balm in the descriptive writing that enables the reader to become engulfed in the events of this period.
While Alexander Pope is certainly far more well known, Edmund Curll is much deserving of note. We all owe Dr. Rogers a great debt of gratitude for bringing his name to much greater light. Curll was a product of Grub Street. First let us examine Grub Street… The very definition of Onomatopoeia. The very name brings to mind the unsavory and the distasteful. Curll was one of the most successful of publishers at this storied location and one of the most keen practitioners of the art of deceit and skulduggery. He was also incredibly intelligent and blessed with a superb sense of business savvy.
His opponent Alexander Pope was no less skilled in the art of deception and most importantly, an unwavering obsession for revenge. This was no David and Goliath story rather it was Goliath versus Goliath. Each competitor had many weapons at their disposal. Their hatred toward each other as perfectly depicted by Dr. Rogers was a “Combattez jusqu'à la mort”.
The genius of Dr. Rogers’ retelling of the events in this epic feud is his ability to allow the participants to speak for themselves. With a generous allowance of original documentation, letters, court documents, illustrations, and other pertinent first-hand descriptions, the reader is afforded a front row seat at the proverbial fight of the century.
This is no mundane history, with the assured writing of an expert historian and the main protagonists being both outrageous and outstandingly witty, this is a joy to read. The words and personalities of both Alexander Pope and Edmund Curll come to life in this volume. Dr. Rogers further enhances his history by populating the book with multiple personalities of the period.
The key difference that distinguishes this history from others is Dr. Roger’s decision to present his distillation as a Personnalités de Trilo… A distinct battle of opposites. Personalities that are different yet in many ways the same. Both protagonists are stubborn, arrogant, self righteous, and certain they are in the right. From the battle over lack of copyright laws to pilfering of letters, there seems to be no limit to the lengths at which each will go to destroying the other. Detailng and publishing one’s personal property is even.. Pas hors limites.
We now return to Dashiell Hammett, Dr. Rogers includes a most astute biographical segment on each protagonist as well as fascinating and incisive segments on the era and personalities in which both inhabited. It is to be remembered that the author is one of the foremost experts on this literary era. It is to his credit that he is able to bring it to such vibrant life. Once the reader is informed about the combatants, Dr. Rogers presents the various facts of each of their “cases”. Legal documents and other specific and original articles are included. The reader is then able to delve into the various articles of evidence and come to their own conclusions. It is the very best in cross exhibit and allowance for individual verdict that even the most astute lover of whodunits cannot equal.
We live in a time of instant gratification. A time when if one desires an answer, one can simply Google it and it is presented within seconds. This was not always the case. There was a time when one had to read the newspapers and follow the local gossip in order to at least find a hint of the truth. In The Poet and the Publisher: The Case of Alexander Pope, Esq., of Twickenham versus Edmund Curll, Bookseller in Grub Street, Dr. Pat Rogers has managed to awaken a period in history that has long been, if not forgotten, then dismissed.
Dr. Rogers has take two protagonists, both incredibly full of wit and vigor and managed to bring them both back to life centuries after their passing. Additionally, the author has miraculously brought back 18th century Grub Street to life with all its grime, exuberance, mischievousness, innovation and uniqueness.
To those who might find this volume incredibly witty for a “Histoire sérieuse”.. I refer you to the following:
To paraphrase the late actor Billy Gilbert, he was once asked by a rather snobbish fellow about Laurel and Hardy (with whom he appeared in many films)… “Weren’t they lowbrow funnymen?” …To which he replied “They made people laugh..what’s wrong with that”……Indeed I say…Pope and Curll had wit which is universal…blind to all so-called human made castes…and kudos to Dr. Rogers for once again allowing us to luxuriant in Pope’s and Curll’s laughter.
Richard Friedman
Founder
The James Mason Community Book Club
7,000+ Members
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by Marge PiercyDystopian novel about the near future, when the planet has been devastated by war and corporations run things.
Good sci-fi stories. 4 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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The Last Mile by David BaldacciFBI consultant Amos Decker, who has perfect recall about everything, helps free a man from Death Row.
Interesting mystery. 3 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Short stories by one of the noir writers, Cornell Woolrich; Darkness at Dawn: Early Suspense Classics
(4.0 stars)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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(4.0 ..."Sounds like a good bunch of stories in this collection. 🌞
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by Vicki DelanyBookstore owner/amateur sleuth Gemma Doyle investigates the death of an actor.
Entertaining cozy. 3 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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by Khaled HosseiniA poor Afghan family sells their youngest daughter to a rich childless couple, and the consequences reverberate down through generations.
Good book. 5 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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by Jeffrey ToobinIn this book Toobin presents a step-by-step analysis of the Mueller probe and the impeachment hearings that followed President Trump's election in 2016.
Good resource for future historians and writers. 4 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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by Morgan JerkinsA family of black, caul-bearing women in Harlem make money by selling pieces of their skin, which has healing/regenerative properties.
Good story with elements of magical realism. 3.5 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I finished reading "Harlem's Hell Fighters: The African-American 369th Infantry in World War I" by Stephen L. Harris.
This book tells the story of a truly remarkable unit, which began life in 1916 as the 15th Infantry Regiment of the New York National Guard. With the U.S. entry into World War I in April 1917, the unit was redesignated the 369th Infantry Regiment (U.S. Army) and arrived in France early in January 1918.
The 369th Infantry --- in spite of the racist slights and insults that were heaped on its men from many of their fellow white Americans (in particular, the ones from the Deep South) --- would go on to establish a exceptional combat record on the Western Front, with 2 of its men (Privates Henry Johnson and Needham Roberts) being the first U.S. soldiers to be awarded the Croix de Guerre for bravery, for its role in the great French counter-offensive in the Champagne Region during July 1918 (which helped break the back of the German drive on Paris) and in pushing back during September and October of 1918 the Germans along the front line abutting the Meuse-Argonne (where the U.S. First Army of the AEF was mounting its own offensive).
The 369th Infantry would serve at the Front without relief for 191 days -- longer than any other U.S. infantry regiment in France. None of its men were ever taken prisoner. Nor did the 369th lose any ground to the Germans. Furthermore, the 369th Infantry, in recognition of its outstanding combat record, would be given the honor of being the first Allied unit to cross the Rhine River into Germany (by the French general under whom it served as a part of the French Fourth Army.)
This is a book I highly recommend for anyone with an interest in U.S. history.
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[bookcover:Harlem's Hell Fighters: The African..."
It's great there's a book about these heroic soldiers.
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by Ellen ByronAmateur sleuth Maggie Crozat investigates the murder of a nefarious scammer.
Good Louisiana ambiance. 3 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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by Jodi PicoultA woman is torn between two paths her life could take.
Good book. 4 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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by E.J. CoppermanKay Powell - the law school graduate/show business agent who represents talented animals - finds herself helping the police when a TV star is killed.
Fun cozy. 3.5 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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by Toshikazu KawaguchiA coffee shop in Tokyo lets people time travel to the past....but there are strict rules.
Engaging and quirky book. 3.5 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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by Catie MurphyLimousine driver/amateur sleuth Megan Malone investigates murder on a golf course.
Good cozy. 3.5 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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A Cajun Christmas Killing by Ellen ByronAmateur sleuth Maggie Crozat - who lives in Louisiana bayou country - investigates the murder of a scheming businessman.
Has good recipes. 3 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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by Heather B. ArmstrongThis non-fiction book details Heather Armstrong's struggle with depression and her deep coma therapy.
Interesting book. 3.5 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Yesterday, I finished reading "Duel of Eagles" by Peter Townsend.
Duel of Eagles offers a cursory story of the development of military aviation during World War I as well as a comprehensive history of the development of both the RAF (Royal Air Force) and what was to be the Luftwaffe during the 1920s and 1930s, culminating in the Battle of Britain, during which both forces were pitted against each other in aerial combat over Britain between July and October 1940.
Townsend himself was a RAF fighter pilot who commanded a fighter squadron during the Battle of Britain. His story also forms a part of the narrative, which lends greater strength to the book itself.
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by Joanne FlukeThis book in the Hannan Swensen series is a flashback to the baker's early days as owner of 'The Cookie Jar' bakery. The amateur sleuth tries to help a homeless man.
Good recipesl 3 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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by Megan GoldinA college swimming champion from a rich family is accused of rape, and his trial alternates with a cold case murder inquiry.
Good suspense story. 3.5 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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by David RosenfeltReluctant attorney Andy Carpenter represents an ex-convict accused of murder.
Fun cozy. 3.5 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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by Vince Flynn (Mitch Rapp #10) 4 starshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."
I like books that talk about spycraft. It's interesting to see how it's done (even fictionally). 🙂
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by Ellen ByronIn this Cajun country mystery amateur sleuth Maggie Crozat helps investigate two murders and judges a hometown pageant.
Enjoyable mystery. 3.5 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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by Walter MosleyA black baby and a white baby are brought up as brothers until they are 6-years-old and their lives take different directions.
Good book. 3.5 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Barbara wrote: "Bill wrote: "Protect and Defend by Vince Flynn (Mitch Rapp #10) 4 starshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."
I li..."
The Cardinal of the Kremlin was a favorite of mine because of it.
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THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
Books mentioned in this topic
The Skull Mantra (other topics)Murder With Chocolate Tea (other topics)
The Left Hand of Darkness (other topics)
The Good Neighbors (other topics)
Listen for the Lie (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Eliot Pattison (other topics)Karen Rose Smith (other topics)
Holly Black (other topics)
Amy Tintera (other topics)
Rachel Hawkins (other topics)
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In this novel, Apollo 18 - America's last planned manned flight to the moon in 1973 - has a lot of surprises.
Good book by former astronaut Chris Hadfield. 4 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...