The History Book Club discussion

Rosa, here is your new thread in 2015. Happy reading in the new year.

Our Required Format:

JANUARY

1. by Winston S. Churchill
Finish date: January 2015
Genre: (whatever genre the book happens to be)
Rating: A
Review: You can add text from a review you have written but no links to any review elsewhere even goodreads. And that is about it. Just make sure to number consecutively and just add the months.

thank you bythe way

You are welcome. Enjoy

JANUARY


1. by Octavio Paz
Finish date: January 3, 2015
Genre: Non-fiction/essay
Rating: B
Review: I have been meaning to read Octavio Paz's work for many years. This was a fine intro to his writing. I especially liked reading his comparisons of India and Mexico. One of my favorite Indian dishes reminded me of Mexican chicken mole so I was fascinated to read of the reason for the similarity of both cuisines. I will be reading more of Paz, possibly something written in Spanish.

Great job with the format, Rosa. You are on your way!!!

Thank you, Jill! :)

2. by Elizabeth Strout
Finish date: January 11, 2015
Genre: Fiction
Rating: B
Review: I saw the HBO series based on this book; I enjoyed it - good acting, funny and a somewhat hopeful ending. The book was a bit different. There was humor scattered throughout but not enough to balance the darkness enveloping the character's lives. I really do like her writing - the way she cuts right into people's feelings and shows the good in them but also the ugliness that, at times, made me cringe. My test on whether I like an author is if I'm interested in reading more of their work-I've already picked up a copy of Amy & Isabelle, Strout's first novel.
by Elizabeth Strout

Rosa good job - I did not remember the HBO series - what was the series called?

Thank you, Bentley. I believe you can still catch it on HBO On Demand. The title is the same as the book & it's a four part mini-series. Bill Murray has a small role in it - I can't help still associating him with Saturday Night Live even when I see him in a different role, but he's perfect for the part of the grumpy widower that Olive befriends later in life.

Sounds like a will take a look

3. by Pico Iyer
Finish date: January 2015
Genre: Non-fiction; Travel
Rating: B-
Review: This is my first book as part of my Japan Challenge. I've never really had an interest in visiting Japan. It always seemed to be a rather noisy and crowded
place-not exactly my choice for a relaxing trip overseas. Reading this book gave me another view of this country-the author's lyrical writing and poetic descriptions showed a softer side of Japan, particularly when he wrote of people's daily lives and the changing physical environment throughout the seasons. I'd like to pick up another of his travel essays, possibly his book on Cuba, especially now, in light of our country's newly renewed relationship.
by Pico Iyer

Thanks, Rosa, I wish you continued success on the challenge.

Go ahead and put in Iyer for the author on the last book you mention.

I hope I can find these books in Croatia. I have a major in Tourism and it's my dream to do what he does, travel and write about it (maybe not books but blogs or something similar). Going to my TBR list. :)

Thanks, Bryan; I need to do that for another of my reviews also.

@Samanta: If you have access to Ebay, that is a great place to find books that you might not be able to procure locally. Our library is about the size of your bathroom, so I depend on Ebay for much of my reading material!

Samanta, I considered that career at one time-so fulfilling to learn of other cultures. It makes one more tolerant of differences when there is a personal connection. I look forward to reading your blog someday.

@Jill: Then it must be exceptionally small because that's about the size of mine :D :D We have a fairly good network of public libraries here in Zagreb with great choice of books in English and not so good choice in other foreign languages but that is mostly fiction. We do have an American corner in my favorite public library. It consists of books given to us as a gift from (I quote) people of the United States of America. It has a very interesting selection of both fiction and non fiction.

@Rosa: My main interest is cultural tourism and traveling and getting acquainted with different countries and cultures was something I wanted to do long before I decided to study tourism because it always had a certain irresistible pull for me. So I understand you completely. The blog is just a dream for the moment (not sure I'm that good at writing anyway) but you never know.

Hi Samanta - I know it is a dream but we have no self promotion here - just as an FYI.

Wow! That was definitely not my intention. Just sharing interests. Honestly!

Sorry, I hope I didn't inadvertently cause a problem by mentioning Samanta's possible blog in the future. (smile)

Nobody caused any problems - just reminding folks of the no self promotion rule.

Rosa wrote: "3. byPico Iyer
Finish date: January 2015
Genre: Non-fiction; Travel
Rating: B-
Review: Thi..."
Nice review, Rosa! It's going on my TBR pile now.

Thanks for the input Bentley & Judy; This challenge has definitely motivated me to read more - I'm ahead of schedule!

Good for you.

4. by Anne Tyler
Finish date: January 2015
Genre: Fiction
Rating: B+
Review: I discovered Anne Tyler years ago when I read Tin Can Tree, a story about how a family deals with the death of a child. I remember feeling touched by the sensitivity of the author in the way she wrote of each family member's reaction,especially the mother, who is in a somewhat catatonic state immediately following the tragedy. A Spool of Blue Thread is also about a family and how each generation reacts to life's ups and downs. Although not as tragic as The Tin Can Tree, it does delve into a family's disappointments and successes. I always feel hopeful after reading Tyler's books. She adds a touch of humor and light-heartedness to the harsh realities of life. I've read that this may be her last book - I sincerely hope not. If so, I will have to re-read some of my favorites & catch up on those I've missed.
by

5. by Paula Hawkins
Finish Date: January 28, 2015
Genre: Fiction/Psychological Thriller
Rating: B+
Review: I first heard the term psychological thriller when I read The Crocodile Bird by Ruth Rendell. The Girl on the Train, at times, had the same tone as Rendell's book. Those same flawed, eccentric characters that repel us with their actions yet compel us to keep reading, knowing all along things won't turn out well for them. It's one of those books you can read in one sitting. The writing is fast paced with a few unexpected twists. The ending didn't live up to the rest of the book, but that does often happen in a lot of good books-endings must be tough for writers. This is Hawkin's debut book; can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
by Ruth Rendell

Good Rosa

Thank you.

6. by Rebecca Skloot
Finish date: January 31, 2015
Genre: Non-fiction/biography/science & health
Rating: B
Review: Henrietta Lacks was an African-American woman whose cancer cells were cloned, without her or her family's consent and used to create vaccines and medicines that have been used to save countless lives. Her story is told by investigative journalist R. Skloot who established a foundation and scholarship in honor of Henrietta after writing the book. My favorite part was when Henrietta's daughter had the opportunity to visit a laboratory and view her mother's cells. It was the beginning of many steps in providing closure to her and her family and providing them with some control in how their mother's cells will be utilized in the future.

I have this book......I may have to move it up on the TBR list now.

Hi Jill,
Even though the book includes alot of medical information regarding Henrietta Lacks, it's always engaging and I never found it to be boring or too technical.

Thanks, Rosa. A friends sent it to me; he liked it and now you like it, so I guess it is worth reading!!!!!!

FEBRUARY

7. by (no photo)Laila Ibrahim
Finish Date: February 4th, 2015
Genre: Historical fiction; African-American; Southern
Rating: B
Review: The description of this book intrigued me - a Southern girl, Lisbeth, born to a prosperous plantation family in Virginia is immediately handed over, at birth, to an enslaved wet nurse, Hattie. Hattie basically raises Lisbeth, until she is considered too old to have a nanny/companion. I thought the book was much more interesting when Hattie was narrating which was at the beginning of the novel. When Lisbeth, the Southern young girl, told her story it became more of a YA novel - descriptions of coming out balls, proper etiquette & dresswear. This book could possibly be used in an English AP (Advanced Placement) class, possibly as an intro to a unit on daily plantation life in the South during the pre Civil War era. There are some graphic scenes, however, and it may be of more interest to YA female readers.

8. by H.G. Wells
Finish date: February 8, 2015
Genre: Science Fiction; Time Travel
Rating: B+
Review: I think I enjoyed this book a bit more because I was able to visualize it so well from seeing the movie as a child. The scenes that depict the quick passage of time were described beautifully in the book, mirroring the movie images. As I was reading, I thought of Rod Taylor as the Time Traveler. The actress who plays childlike, innocent Weena - the woman he meets in the future who helps him in his struggle against the Morlocks - was also who I pictured when reading the novel. I had wanted to read the book for some time so was glad to finally get around to it during the HBC readathon. In The Time Machine, Wells is making a political statement on the divide between the rich and poor and the subsequent results. The upper classes become mindless beings who rely on the working class to guide them while exploiting them-basically evolution gone awry. This was a quick, fast paced read. It motivated me to explore more of Wells' writing.

Forgot about that! Thanks for the reminder, Bentley.

9. by H.G. Wells
Finish date: February 9, 2015
Genre: Science fiction novella; "Scientific Romance"
Rating: C+
Review: It's been years since I saw the movie The Invisible Man but I recall being fascinated by the concept of invisibility after seeing the film. The scenes in the book were comical at times, with objects flying across the room, and characters running around frantically-like a slapstick film. I enjoyed the beginning and end of the book more than the middle where the antics went on and on. One of my favorite scenes was when the invisible man meets with his former colleague and explains his desperate situation. Wells is known for making social statements in his books. In this one he is commenting on the less privileged man's invisible place in society. Also, the concept of morality - if one were invisible, what actions would you be tempted to take? In this book, the main character's behavior becomes self destructive. There were a lot of uniquely written parts, like the description of the undigested food in his stomach and his body slowly reappearing. As I was finishing the book, I couldn't help thinking a sequel would have been interesting-exploring other situations the invisible man could have encountered. Possibly fine tuning the formula so he had more control with disappearing and reappearing, falling in love...endless possibilities....

Bravo (smile)

Thank you Bentley- I appreciate that..
Question for you- I'm continuing to read The Jewel in the Crown & wanted to look over the discussions on the HBC threads ; I've only found the present discussion where the 3rd book in the series is discussed; is the older one still available?
by Paul Scott

Thank you!

10. by Liza Dalby
Finish date: February 12, 2015
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: B+
Review: The author of this book is an anthropologist, and the only Westerner to have became a geisha. This elegantly written book, with its descriptions of blossoming cherry trees, and snow covered pine trees, was like reading a delicate piece of poetry. Lady Murasaki lived in eleventh century Japan. She was called upon to entertain the Imperial Court with her tales of a handsome prince and his many romances. She is credited with writing the first novel, The Tale of Genji, recognized as a classic of Japanese literature. The book does have an ongoing story line but is told in a series of vignettes so even if you don't want to follow the entire plot you can still enjoy the author's luminous writing by reading certain sections. One chapter even includes a detailed recipe for making incense and there are many beautifully written descriptions of the costumes and ceremonial dress worn by the women in the Royal Court. Because there are so many intricate details included in some parts of the book, at times I was ready for the book to end, more so towards the end of it. However, the quality of the writing never falters. While reading it and even afterward, I began to crave tea, sushi, and maybe even some sake.
by Murasaki Shikibu

11. by John Hersey
Finish date: February 14, 2015
Genre: Non-fiction; History
Rating: B+
Review: I'm ashamed to say I only have a brief memory of learning about Hiroshima in grade school. I probably didn't relate to it much since I'm sure we read some dry text in Social Studies class, then answered a few rote questions. This is one area we have definitely improved upon in the classroom - making learning real and relevant. It was disturbing to read the accounts of the horrid aftermath caused by the dropping of the atomic bomb on this once thriving city. I'll need to reeducate myself on this topic - doing my research on Goodreads with regard to suggested books on this topic. This is my third book read as part of my Japan challenge.

12. by Elizabeth Strout
Finish date: February 20, 2015
Genre: Fiction
Rating: B++
Review: Mother daughter conflicts and an interest in reading another book by Elizabeth Strout is why I picked this book up. This was Strout's first novel and although I haven't read all of her work yet, I imagine it was a tough act to follow. In my opinion, she is a writing genius with her profound insights into the lives of ordinary people dealing with their mostly mundane small town lives, occasionally interrupted by traumatic events which turn their world upside down. I've read that Strout teaches writing at a community college. What a privilege that would be-I'd take the course simply to have the opportunity to discuss her writing!

13. by
Finish date: February 28, 2015
Genre: Russian History
Rating: B
Review: I've always been intrigued by Anastasia, the youngest Romanov daughter, who was thought to have escaped her family's captors. We now know that wasn't true, which made this book even more tragic for me. This well-researched, highly readable book was the perfect introduction to learning more about the Romanov family and those people who influenced them, while ultimately causing their downfall.

MARCH

14. byEdith Wharton
Finish date: March 13, 2015
Genre: Fiction
Rating: A+
Review: "Who's they? Why don't you all get together and be 'they' yourselves?" & "A classic is a classic not because it conforms to certain structural rules or fits certain definitions...it is classic because of a certain eternal and irrepressible freshness."
- Edith Wharton

Rereading Wharton was a fresh experience. I gained much more reading this novel the second time around, as I took time to savor the wisdom she imparts throughout the book. I had hoped to find a publication listing her most famous quotes, but no luck yet. I did discover her first published work, "The Decoration of Houses," in which Wharton encouraged the use of classical design in the decorating of a home. She also advocated for interior design to be classified within the branch of architecture. I'll be adding this book to my TBR list.
by

15. by Paul Scott
Finish date: March 17th, 2015
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: A+
Review: I wasn't aware of this book until I saw it listed in the HBC group discussion section. I had read A Passage to India awhile back and had hoped to find another book dealing with the same theme of inequalities in a society and the subsequent repercussions. This book dealt with this subject with so much depth and perception that I found myself pausing after reading certain sentences or passages and bookmarking them to reread later. It renewed my interest in colonialism, its effect on particular cultures and the identity of individuals within that group. I did find Scott's writing style to be tedious at times, as he is heavy on details, but overall one of the most astute writers I've come across.
by E.M. Forster

16. by Bram Stoker
Finish date: March 27, 2015
Genre: Gothic Horror
Rating: B-
Review: With this re-read, I read it with the new realization that Stoker was Irish and therefore influenced by Catholicism. Also, that the novel is a commentary on the role of women in Victorian society. When I first read it, it was simply a scary story to read on Halloween. I had no clue it had all these undertones, at least not consciously. The crucifix, rosary and communion host are all weapons against vampires in the book, all of course Catholic symbols. Stoker himself wasn't a Catholic himself but a Protestant in a predominantly Catholic Ireland. Some find the book to be anti-Catholic but I don't agree. In my opinion, he portrayed the use of these symbols as a positive force against evil. The role of women in this book, depicted as being either pure and chaste or evil and monstrous is a reflection of Stoker's repressive Victorian world. Reading it for the second time, enlightened by all the underlying meanings made for a more comprehensive understanding of the book but there's nothing like a first read, unencumbered by all the overanalyzation. The B- is for Stoker's writing style which can sometimes be melodramatic "But, oh Mina, I love him; I love him; I love him!" I hadn't noticed that before-I'm sure I was simply interested in finding out how Dracula would meet his demise.

17. by Haruki Murakami
Finish date: March 30, 2015
Genre: Short Story; Horror
Rating: A+
Review: I read this creepy, fun tale straight through to the end. I discovered Murakami while looking for books for my HBC Japan Challenge; glad I did-I will definitelybe reading more of his work.

APRIL

18. Dona Jay Epting
Finish date: April 7, 2015
Genre: Non-fiction; Travel
Rating: B+
Review: This was a light, quick read. Fun to read how things were run in the airline industry "back in the day".

19. by Bruce Feiler
Finish date: April 8, 2015
Genre: Non-fiction;Travel
Rating: C+
Review: This book would be of interest to anyone with an interest in traveling to Japan or teaching English in a foreign country. It is a bit dated as it was published in 2004, but the author does give an honest picture of what it's like to teach in a foreign country.

20. by Deborah Johnson
Finish date: April 11, 2015
Genre: Fiction/Southern-American;historical fiction
Rating: B
Review: I read this as part of a book club and am glad I was introduced to this writer. I like reading books that take place in the American South especially when the writer is able to portray the setting accurately enough for me to feel like I've just traveled there. This is a book about the Jim Crow days in the deep South and a female African-American lawyer who takes on the case of a murdered soldier. The author created an atmosphere of apprehension right from the start. She immediately made me care deeply enough about Joe Howard Wilson to read on and discover what the outcome of his senseless death would be. I thought it had a realistic ending.