4.04 avg rating — 458,205 ratings

"Epic, mind expanding, authoritative, global overview clearly defending Diamond’s several proven (and engaging) theory’s regarding the origin and migration of human society. An encapsulated perspective on man’s fundamental questions.., namely, who? where? and why? I’ve never read a book like this. It is mind numbing to fathom the accomplishment of Diamond. He not only tracks the progression of our species through all ages, he was also able to analyze the cause... AND then boil it down into an engaging book. (04/03)"

4.21 avg rating — 46,827 ratings

"Goodwin tells the inside story of the FDR's White House during World War II. Goodwin delivers a solid, scholarly review exploring the personal motivations and complex interaction between Franklyn, Eleanor and their colorful inner circle. To her credit, Goodwin could have easily cooked this book into a scandal rag. For example, both Franklyn and Eleanor carried on hushed (but by no means secret) love affairs within the White House walls. However, because of Goodwin’s reserve, her book should become essential reading if you wish to fully understand FDR’s White House. At the book’s core is a unique couple who both first rise above their family pedigree and then overcome their personal fears and handicaps to achieve something extraordinary (i.e. the title, "No Ordinary Time"). Eleanor conquers her social shyness to champion the poor, instigating a number of new domestic programs and policies. Franklyn’s personal stamina negates his hidden paralysis. His iron will is even more impressive as he defies his own party and strategically delays America’s troop deployment into the battlefields of WWII. I recently tried reading (but failed to finish) Gore Vidal’s “The Golden Age.” It is the fictional account covering the exact same subject. Strangely, I found the fictional account to be stiff and the historical account to be heartfelt. Why settle for fiction when the facts are so fascinating?"