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ARCHIVE > MICHAEL'S 50 BOOKS READ IN 2012

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message 101: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) 44 All Hell Let Loose The World at War, 1939-1945 by Max Hastings by Max Hastings Max Hastings
Genre: WWII History
Finish Date: 24th July
Rating: A++

Review

An epic single volume covering the history of World War II. Hastings has delivered a book that is so well balanced that this thick tome leaves no stone unturned. A mix of first hand accounts with the facts and figures of this conflict left me with a complete undertanding and sense of this epic struggle. My hat off to the author who once again has shown why he is regarded one of the leading authorities in the genre.


message 102: by Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief (new)

Bentley | 44291 comments Mod
Good progress Michael. Cute baby photo.


message 103: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) Thank you Bentley :) She turned 1 the other day.


message 104: by Nicole (new)

Nicole Fabulous reading list. I will have to go through more closely when I have time and start adding to my ever expanding virtual TBR.


message 105: by Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief (new)

Bentley | 44291 comments Mod
I love the two bottom little teeth - so cute.


message 106: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) 45. A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1) by George R.R. Martin by George R.R. Martin George R.R. Martin
Genre: Fantasy
Finish Date: 29th July
Rating: A

Review
Read this to see what all the fuss is about. Well this book deserves all the fuss and more it kept me intrigued and wanting to know what was going to happen next. I have to admit I am not a big fiction reading but this book might have me reading more.


message 107: by Vicki, Assisting Moderator - Ancient Roman History (new)

Vicki Cline | 3835 comments Mod
Michael, I'm hooked on this series as well. I've read the first two books, but am waiting for the next season of the HBO series to read the third.

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1) by George R.R. Martin A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, #2) by George R.R. Martin by George R.R. Martin George R.R. Martin


message 108: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) AUGUST

46. Fate is the Hunter by Ernest K. Gann byErnest K. Gann

Genre: Aviation History
Finishing Date: 6th August
Rating A

Review

This book returns the reader back to the golden pioneering days of Commercial airlines and all the danger and adventure that of the period. Fate is a game of numbers and luck and the author takes us on his ride with fate with all it's ups and downs. Anyone with a passing interest in flying needs to read this book you will not be disappointed.


message 109: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) 47. Monster Hunter Alpha (MHI, #3) by Larry Correia by Larry Correia Larry Correia

Genre: Monster Killing
Finishing Date: 14th August
Ratinge: A gory A+

Review

This serious goes from strength to strength. Another awesome journey into the world of monster hunting but taking on a different story line this time. Gone is the narrative from Owen Pitt this time and front and centre instead is Earl Harbinger. So grab a seat belt yourself in a get ready for one hell of a ride. Oh and for pities sake DO NOT READ this book on the full moon or they are going to get you.


message 110: by Bryan (new)

Bryan Craig I just picked up the first book, it's fun, thanks for hooking me up:

Monster Hunter International (MHI, #1) by Larry Correia Larry Correia Larry Correia


message 111: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) No worries Bryan. Some time a good fun read is needed.


message 112: by Michael (last edited Aug 19, 2012 09:01AM) (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) 48. Unbroken A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand by Laura Hillenbrand Laura Hillenbrand
Genre: World War II
Finish Date: 19th August
Rating: A-
Review

A great story of survival and the amazing strength of human spirit.


message 113: by Michael (last edited Aug 19, 2012 09:03AM) (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) 49. Homicide A Year on the Killing Streets by David Simon by David Simon David Simon
Genre: True Crime
Finish Date: 20th August
Rating: A

Review:

What a fantastic read. The author delivers a book like few others taking you through a year viewed from homicide on the streets of Baltimore. Take a look at murder through the eyes of those who deal with it day to day. A great collection of characters and of tales of greed, depravity and desperation.


message 114: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) 50. World War Z An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks by Max Brooks Max Brooks
Genre: Zombies
Finishing Date: 25th August
Rating: A very solid but some what rotted A

Review:


I loved this book. The whole time I was reading it gave me a great sense of a documentry, the mechanics of how this book is written and set out is breath of fresh air. It even made the subject matter seem real and that I was actually reading a real history book. All aspects are covered in this engrossing tale of the battle to save humanity coming to an undead end.


message 115: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) 51. Methland The Death and Life of an American Small Town by Nick Reding by Nick Reding Nick Reding
Genre: Non Fiction
Finishing Date: 25th August
Rating: A-

Review:

An interesting and frightful look at the Meth epedemic and it's impact on small town America. The author deliver a well blanced book looking at all aspects of this destructive drug. From it's history to the suppliers, users and those battling it this book is a snapshot of the impact of Meth.


message 116: by Jill H. (new)

Jill H. (bucs1960) That sounds interesting, Michael......will have to search it out. Thanks for the review.


message 117: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) My pleasure Jill.


message 118: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) 52. Ordinary Men Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland by Christopher R. Browning byChristopher R. Browning
Genre: WWII
Finish Date: 29th August
Rating:A

Review


How can ordinary men commit brutal massacres on a defenceless population? Read this book and see how a bunch of normal middle aged men took part in the Third Reich's genocide against the Jews. This book is a must read that of what was and still is incomprehensible actions of ordinary men.


message 119: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) September

53.
Auschwitz A Doctor's Eyewitness Account by Miklós Nyiszli by Miklós Nyiszli Miklós Nyiszli
Genre:WWII
Finish Date: 5th September
Rating:A

Review


A fascinating read on the horrors of Auschwitz seen from the eyes of a Jewish doctor. The author of this book was put in charge by Dr. Mengales of dissections of countless victims of the holocaust all in the name of unlocking the secrets to racial purity. I have read numerous books on this topic and always find it a harrowing and sobering topic but never has a book shown it in such a way.


message 120: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) 54. The Truth (Discworld, #25) by Terry Pratchett by Terry Pratchett Terry Pratchett
Genre: Fantasy
Finishing Date: 5th September
Rating: B-

Review


What happens when a lie is written down on a piece of paper? It is called the news and becomes the truth. A great Discworld take on the birth of newspapers.


message 121: by Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief (new)

Bentley | 44291 comments Mod
Great progress Michael.


message 122: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) Thanks Bentley and I have a month of holidays coming up. Couldbgo close to last years total of 72.


message 123: by Peter (new)

Peter Flom Michael wrote: "54. The Truth About Forever by Sarah DessenbyTerry PratchettTerry Pratchett
Genre: Fantasy
Finishing Date: 5th September
Rating: B-

Review

What happens when a lie is written down on a piece of paper?..."


Why only a B- ?


message 124: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) It was good just did not grab me as much as some of the other discworld books.


message 125: by Peter (new)

Peter Flom OK, fair enough. I love *Discworld*.


message 126: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) Same here :)


message 127: by Peter (new)

Peter Flom Which are your favorites?


message 128: by Michael (last edited Sep 13, 2012 03:05PM) (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) So far Feet of Clay (Discworld, #19) by Terry Pratchett , The Last Continent (Discworld, #22) by Terry Pratchett Jingo (Discworld, #21) by Terry Pratchett and Night Watch (Discworld, #29) by Terry Pratchett by have been stand outs for me. Terry Pratchett Terry Pratchett


message 129: by Michael (last edited Sep 13, 2012 01:24AM) (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) 55. Flowertown by S.G. Redling byS.G. Redling
Genre: Fiction
Date Finished: 12th September
Rating: A

Review


The author takes us with him onto the battlefield of Fallujah as he puts himself at risk so others might survive. An interesting read but was not exactly what I was expecting.

What a fantastic read!!! This book is what I like to call a grower. It starts of slow with just enough to hook you and then builds to an end that leaves you breathless. Warning if you suffer from paranoia do not read this book. They just might really be after you.


56 On Call In Hell A Doctor's Iraq War Story by Cdr. Richard Jadick byRichard Jadick
Genre: Military History
Finishing Date: 12th September
Rating: C+

Review



message 130: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) Sorted Bentley :)


message 131: by Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief (new)

Bentley | 44291 comments Mod
Thanks


message 132: by Jon (new)

Jon Vanderstouwe This is the next book on my tbr list, thanks for the review. Auschwitz, by Miklos Nyiszli


message 133: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) Jon wrote: "This is the next book on my tbr list, thanks for the review. Auschwitz, by Miklos Nyiszli"

No worries Jon I hope you enjoy the read.


message 134: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) 57. I, Zombie by Hugh Howey by Hugh Howey Hugh Howey
Genre: Fiction
Finishing Date: 17th September
Rating:A

Review


How many ways did I like thee, let me count:

1. It's about Zombies....enough said
2. It ROCKS
3. It bring a perspective to the tad tired old Zombie genre that is like a refreshing rain on a Spring day
4. It is AWESOME
5. It had me hanging out for me next chance to delve into its pages.
6. Did I mention it ROCKS...I think I did.


Hugh Howey keeps going from strength to strength delivering one good read after the next This is one author to definitely keep your eyes on. Lets hope there is a We Zombie in the wings waiting to feed on the unsuspecting reader.


message 135: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) 58. End of Faith A Novel (Children of Grace Series, #1) by Rena Willemin by Rena Willemin Rena Willemin

Genre: Fiction/Dystopian
Finish Date: 24th September
Rating: B+

Review


For me this was a book of two parts. The front half of the book sets out the characters and the premiss of the story a pandemic that nearly wipes out mankind.It does well to set up a launch pad for the second half of the book. The second half of the book is were this story really kicks into gear and left me wanting more and more and more. A great first novel from this talented writer who puts a refreshing twist on the end of days theme.


message 136: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) 59 Night Watch (Discworld, #29) by Terry Pratchett by Terry Pratchett Terry Pratchett
Genre: Fantasy
Finishing Date: 26th September
Rating: A

Review


Hands down one of the best Discworld books I have read. Nothing else to say except if you read only one Dicsworld book this one should be it.


message 137: by Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief (new)

Bentley | 44291 comments Mod
Michael you will be discworlded out pretty soon and hope you do not run of your favorite author's books.


message 138: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) Have about 5 to go :(


message 139: by Michael (last edited Oct 03, 2012 02:46AM) (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) October

60.Deadlocked by A.R. WisebyA.R. Wise
Genre: Fiction
Finish Date: 2nd October
Rating: A

Review


A great short read that has you hooked from page 1. I am looking forward on reading more of the serious.


message 140: by Jill H. (new)

Jill H. (bucs1960) Michael.....don't forget to add October above your last post.......tempus fugit!!!


message 141: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) DOH!!!!!


message 142: by Michael (last edited Oct 09, 2012 06:31PM) (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) 62. Proper Gauge (Wool, #2) by Hugh Howey Hugh Howey
Genre: Fiction
Finishing Date: 7th October
Rating: A

Review:

Hugh Howey is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. Yet another stunning story that sucks you in and wants you to read more. A great sequel to Wool that give us better feeling for the silo and the people and the world they live in. Finishing with a great sucker punch of an ending, bring on the next book I say.


message 143: by Michael (last edited Oct 09, 2012 06:35PM) (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) 63. Bloodlands Europe Between Hitler and Stalin  by Timothy Snyder by Timothy Snyder Timothy Snyder
Genre: WWII
Finishing Date: 10th October
Rating: A

Review
A hard book to read but one that everyone should read. The author compares the devastation bought upon the population in the areas battled over by the two. Two very different types of evil visited upon humanity with the same end result death, destruction and share evil. I have read a lot of books on this subject matter but never have I read one that compares the two so well and thoroughly. Not a light read by any stretch of the imagination but a book everyone should read.


message 144: by Craig (new)

Craig (twinstuff) Michael wrote: "63. Bloodlands Europe Between Hitler and Stalin  by Timothy SnyderbyTimothy SnyderTimothy Snyder

Review
A hard book to read but o..."


Agreed. I read it last winter and felt it was one of the saddest yet most powerful history books I've read in the last year.


message 145: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) Glad to see we agree Craig :)


message 146: by Michael (last edited Oct 14, 2012 05:46PM) (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) 64. Casting Off (Wool, #3) by Hugh Howey by Hugh Howey Hugh Howey
Genre: Fiction
Finishing Date: 12th October
Rating:A

Review

This is one of the best series I have read in a long long time. Just whe you think the story can't possibly any better the author cranks it up a notch. More of the same please.

65. The Unraveling (Wool, #4) by Hugh Howey by Hugh Howey Hugh Howey
Genre: Fiction
Finishing Date: 14th October
Rating:A+

Review

WOW this book explodes of the pages. I thought the other books in this series were awesome but they were all just a softener for this one. Like all the other books in this series it leaves you needing more.


message 147: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) 66. No Easy Day The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama Bin Laden by Mark Owen by Mark Owen
Genre: Military History
Finish Date: 19th October
Rating:B+

Review


I started reading this book with some trepidation thinking was just going to be a patriotic piece of fluff? What I found instead was a great read that flowed so well. A well rounded book I would happily recommend to anyone.


message 148: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) .67 The Stranded (Wool, #5) by Hugh Howey by Hugh Howey Hugh Howey
Genre: Fiction
Finish Date: 21st October
Rating: A++++++++++++++++

Review


A book that was near possible to put down. A great plot with a lot going on to keep you glued to the pages but to much to confuse you. A power house of a read to conclude the 5 book series. As a whole a rate the series a solid 5 this show all that is good with the ebook phenomenon.


message 149: by Michael (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) Thanks to the good people of Goodreads I have hardly read a dud book this year. The good read continue with:

68. The Stand by Stephen King by Stephen King Stephen King
Genre:Fiction
Finish Date: 29th October
Rating:A

Review

Firstly I am not normally a fan of Stephen King but this book is in my opinion a classic. A story that pulls you in and scares the crap out of you because there is more than a pinch of truth in this tale of the end of days. I take my hat of too you Mr King.


message 150: by Kathy (new)

Kathy  | 180 comments Read this book in high school (many years ago!). I still think it is one of my favorite books of all time.


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