Michael Egan > Recent Status Updates

I loved the opening of chapter 2 where the author reframes the meeting of the pilgrims and the Wampanoag from the perspective of Squanto and Chief Massasoit. That’s a perspective I’ve never had to consider before. I do think that Charles Mann strays a little too far into putting words in natives’ mouths and thoughts in their heads as the chapter goes on, though.

It’s good so far, I’ve listened to the audio book up to this point.

I am really enjoying the book, but my God I cannot STAND the long-winded rants by the Dutchman who speaks broken English. Maybe this was easier for readers of the time, but it is really frustrating having much of the exposition and plot channeled through a character that doesn't use correct English grammar. Sometimes I barely understand what Dr. Van Helsing is saying.

Even though I already know all of the tropes of Dracula, this is still really fun to read. Some of the mystery of what is happening is already known to me but I still catch myself anticipating what's going to happen next.