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Our Man in Panama
By: John Dinges
ISBN: 0-394-54910-4
Why I'm reading this book: Another one for research. This book is about Manuel Noriega and his power and corruption in Panama. I've always thought the United States acted very hypocritically in dealing with this brutal dictator. I want to know why our government tolerated him when it served purpose but turned on him in an instant. Hopefully, this book will shed some light on a recent, but pretty much forgotten piece of our history.
The truth about this book: This book covers more of the entire Panamanian political system during the late seventies and early eighties than focusing on Manuel Noriega. The middle of the book drags on and takes a dedicated reader to slog through the pages. The most information I gathered about Noriega, regrettably, came from the epilogue.
Would I recommend this book? Not if you want to focus on Noriega and his rise and fall with the United States Government. Maybe if you're interested in Panama and its politics during the era you might enjoy it. Disappointment is the word coming to mind. This book could have been so much better.
Sycamore Row
By: John Grisham
ISBN: 978-0-385-53713-1
Why I'm reading this book: John Grisham. Jake Brigance. Those two names should fill you in as to why I'm reading this one. Grisham has long been a favorite of mine. I read A Time to Kill and I was instantly hooked. I've been told my writing is like "Grisham without the courtroom". I'll take that all day and twice on Sunday. I read this book many years ago but I don't remember it, so, back to Clanton, Mississippi I go.
The truth about this book: I remember now why I don't recall reading this book. Forced, predictable, and slow. Those are the three words that permeated my thinking while reading. The story held elements that seemed like filler. As soon as I started reading, I knew how it was going to end. The characters that we grew to love in A Time to Kill were boring and I hate to say, vanilla. A decent book, but it was the start of what I call Grisham's "write for the money" period.
Would I recommend this book? No. Simply put. I'd rather read the first "Clanton" novel over and over again. This book may be the reason I stopped reading John Grisham for a while. Pick up another of his books first. Read this one if you want to be bored for a while.
FDR
By: Jean Edward Smith
ISBN: 978-1-4000-6121-1
Why I'm reading this book: Several years ago, around 2016, I set out to read about each and every president starting with George Washington. I take breaks and read some other histories and some other fiction, but I always venture back to this goal (especially around Christmas and Summer Break). This Christmas finds me arriving at FDR and nearly 1,000 pages. Between festivities, editing Lies and finishing Castle, I hope I can fit it in. My quest continues.
The truth about this book: Over six hundred pages of FDR. The book took me from his birth to his death in Warm Springs, Georgia. Smith covered a lot of ground in those pages. The author took his time with FDR's youth, hit on some controversies from his marriage, sped through the New Deal and rushed World War 2. The book literally ended when he took his last breath. It was not the best presidential biography I've read (this was my 32nd) but definitely not the worst. I'd put it towards the lower middle on the list of 32.
Would I recommend this book? I would for non-historians or the "casual reader". The pages turn quickly and it gives the bare bones about one of the most written about presidents. If you want a deep, intensive study of the man, look somewhere else.
The Heart Mender
By: Andy Andrews
ISBN: 978-0-7852-3103-5
Why I'm reading this book: U-boats operating in the Gulf of Mexico is somewhat lost to history. I majored in American History and in several courses dealing with WW2, the topic was never covered. An idea for a story led me to investigate and this is one of the only books I could find about it. This is a book that I have looked forward to reading since it was recommended to me by a colleague. Thank you Ms. Adams!
The truth about this book: Awesome forgotten history! I try not to find out much about a book before I read it. Sure, I want to know the basic premise and I usually read the last page of the book (Don't know why, I just always have done this). As I read, I kept thinking, this is some great fiction. Not much is known about U-boats operating in the Gulf of Mexico and virtually nothing is known about Germans coming ashore. The truth about this book shocked me and now when I go back to the area of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, and Foley this spring, there are some places I got to go!
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely, unequivocally, YES! Read this book as soon as you can. You will not be disappointed!
Destroyermen: Maelstrom
By: Taylor Anderson
ISBN: 978-0-451-46253-4
Why I'm reading this book: This is the third book in the alternate history series, Destroyermen. After reading the first two books, I am hooked. World War 2 ships (and more) crossing into a parallel Earth inhabited by other evolved species at war. Read Into the Storm and Crusade first. I won't spoil anything!
The truth about this book: The third installment of this series continues the amazing story of Captain Reddy and his crew. Well written and flows flawlessly as Taylor Anderson takes us to another world full of mysterious creatures, warring species and raging battles.
Would I recommend this book? Without question. First, however, start with Into the Storm. If you start with this book, you will be lost.
The Confederados
Edited by: Cyrus B. Dawsey and James M. Dawsey
ISBN: 0-8173-0753-2
Why I'm reading this book: Research and general interest in the Confederates who felt it necessary to emigrate rather than accept defeat.
The truth about this book: This collection of academic papers and first hand accounts of the people migrating from the former Confederacy to Brazil after the Civil War is fascinating. A seldom told story in our history, this book not only dives into a couple personal stories from the time but also the social and religious impacts the migrants bestowed upon their new home. The book's editors also dedicate a chapter to the original settlers' accents and to how their descendants speak Portuguese with a distinct "old" Southern Accent today.
A great number of these people were from the state of Alabama and from the area I live and the land my ancestors made home in the early 1800s. After the war, several members of one branch of my family left Alabama for Texas. Texas was a departure point to Brazil and it makes me wonder if I am related to Brazilians of Confederate descent. I must one day visit the town of Americana in Brazil and hopefully meet the descendants of the people who felt the journey necessary.
Would I recommend this book? Any history buff should read this book. Even though it is academic in nature, it is a smooth read and very enjoyable. It bogs down a little within the chapters concerning religion, but the story of these people is one that has to be told. If you can find it, read it!
The Tumultuous Sixties: Campus Unrest and Student Life at a Southern University
by: J. Stanley Marshall
ISBN:1-889574-25-2
Why I'm reading this book: Research
The truth about this book: Marshall covers the "Night of Bayonets" at FSU from his point of view, as a member of the faculty. The book is bland even by historical non-fiction standards. Perhaps adding the opposing point of view would have made the read more "even".
Would I recommend this book? If you are interested in the fateful night on the campus of FSU, yes. It is the only book I could find on the subject.
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