The History Book Club discussion

Michael, here is your new thread for 2012.

Our Format:

JANUARY

1. Winston S. Churchill
Finish date: March 2008
Genre: (whatever genre the book happens to be)
Rating: A
Review or a Few Words about book: 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.

Note: I will delete the required format post once you get started.

January

Thanks to some quality time of this years has started with a bang.

1.byTom A. Johnson

Finish Date: 1st of January
Genre: Non Fiction
Rating: B

Review
I have read several books on Helicopter pilots in Vietnam and while this was an entertaining read for me it seemed to be lacking a certain spark to bump it up to a 4 star read.

2. by Alex Duncan

Finish Date: 3rd of January
Genre: Non Fiction
Rating: B

Review
Not a bad read from a British Chinook pilot who served a few 6 month deployments to Afghanistan. It was interesting seeing how the conflict has developed the author gave a good sense of this.

3. by Terry Pratchett

Finish Date: 3rd of January
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: A-

Review
One of the best Discworld books I have read so far, a great laugh. Listened to the unabridged on the way to and from my holiday destination

4. by Ken Follett

Finish Date: 8th of January
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: B+

Review
A top notch good old fashioned rollicking read. Not reading fiction often I was glad I did I could almost believe this spy story actually happened.

5. by Heinrich Fraenkel

Finish Date: 11th of January
Genre: History WWII
Rating: A-

Review
A great and informative read and one of the most notorious Nazi leaders.

6.byBrandon Friedman

Finish Date: 15th of January
Genre: Iraq/Afghanistan war
Rating: b+

Review
This book had me engaged from the first page. The author also uses flashback so well in this book not what I call an action packed book but a great read all the same. At the end of the book I was still wanting more.

Wow, impressive start for the new year.

Im in the zonae at the moment. Work is starting to ramp up again so I think that will slow me down.

7. byAidan Hartley

Finish Date: 29th of Janaury
Genre: Travel Adventure/Memoirs
Rating: A-

Review
The author delivers a book that will stay with me long after the last page is turned. One quarter travelogue, another family history and the other half memoirs the author shows us Africa in all it's brutality and sadness. Not what I was expecting but an essential read to remind us what we should not forget.

8. by Terry Pratchett

Finish Date: 29th January
Genre: Fantasy
Rating:B

Pratchett delivers again a story about stories. Featuring pumpkins, fairy godmother, witches, zombies and of course Death.

You are on a roll, Michael.

Rolling on

9. by Karl Pilkington

Finishing: 1st February
Genre: Travel Adventure
Rating:B-

If you liked the TV series you will love the book. Go on joint the cult of Pilkington

10. by Malcolm MacPherson

Finished: 12th February 2012
Genre: Military non-fiction
RatingB-

A good read on a mission gone wrong and the courage of the men stock on top of a mountain top battling the enemy and the weather. For me this book could have been so much better if it was not so busy, the author nearly pulls off bringing all the numerous story lines together bur just falls short. Still a book worth reading.

Michael wrote: "Rolling on

9. by Karl Pilkington

I saw that book in my book club selections....I guess I should have purchased it!!!

Well worth I read :) Jill

11. byChristopher Kremmer

Finished: 15th of February
Genre: History\Travel\Memoirs
Rating:A++

What an absolute gem of a book. The author takes to one of the worlds most troubled areas and tell us a story in two parts. The first is the history of the area and the second is of the people who live their now, and where does the carpet come into you may ask. That is what ties it together so nicely. This is one of those rare book I was sad to finish, I wanted it to keep going.

It sounds like this is a very good read. Did you listen to it or read it Michael?

I read this book Bentley would be a good listen though.

Ahh, thanks.

Michael wrote: "4. by Ken Follett

Finish Date: 8th of January
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: B+

A top notch good old fashi..."

This book is one of my all-time favorites.

Michael wrote: "4. by Ken Follett

Finish Date: 8th of January
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: B+

A top notch good old fashi..."

If you haven't seen the film based on the novel, starring Donald Sutherland and Kate Nelligan, I remember liking it very much when I last saw it during its 1980 theatrical release.

Thanks Bea I will have to track down the movie I was thinking to myself this would make a good movie :)

Gerald I am keen to read more of his books this rates as one of my favorite Military Fiction books to date.

Now on with the book count for the year in at:

12. byWilliam R. Forstchen

Finish Date: 23rd of February
Genre: Fiction

Rating: another A++

Review
This book was so hard to put down it is a cautionary tale of how much we depend on technology to survive. Riveting and as scary as any horror book. Why because this could really happen. A book that will revisiting my thoughts.

13. byTerry Pratchett

Finish Date: 23rd of February
Genre:Fantasy

Rating: B

Review
One of my son and I's favorite discworld book so far. Witches, Magicians, Elves and the love of Iron combine for one top notch rollick through the discworld. Oh and add in one womanizing dwarf for a bit of fun.

Good job Michael; could you pop into the Moderators group. Thanks.

byWilliam R. Forstchen. I am definitely adding this to my "must read" list. I seem to be in an "apocalyptic" reading mood for 2012!

You wont regret it thats for sure

The good read keep on coming...

MARCH

14. byPaul Ham
Finish Date: 11th of March
Genre: Military History
Rating: A+

Review
A great read from start to finish. The author has delivered yet again the book is well researched and tells the story from every aspect of the dropping of the A-Bombs on Japan. From the political intrigue to the scientific quest to unlock the power of the sun and those who were the victims of it's power this book is a well balanced look into a defining moment in history and it's ramifications.

An A+ on this book means it goes on my TBR list. Thanks for that terrific recommendation, Michael. I have read the John Hershey book on Hiroshima but must read this one as well.

by John Hersey

Michael wrote: "The good read keep on coming...

14. byPaul Ham
Finish Date: 11th of March
Genre: Military History
Rating: A+

A great read from start..."

Oh no, it's out of print and used copies are going for $71 on Amazon. I'll have to scout out the library.

What?????? $71.00????......that is ridiculous in my opinion. We might try Ebay.....and if it is out of print, my little library won't have it

Try book depository Bea.

Book 15 I have pulled the pin on by Corey Taylor It was like being cornered by that annoying person at a party you can't get away from.

15. by Hugh Howey

Finish Date: 11th of March
Genre: Sci-Fi
Rating: B

Review
A great little read that has you enthralled from start to finish. I can not wait to read the other books in the series.

I love Public Holidays :)

16. byBob Drury
Finish Date: 12th of March
Genre: Military
Rating: B

Review
This short book pack one hell of punch. It tells the unknown story of the secret signature wound in the current Afghanistan conflict caused by the use of IED's on infantry and it's not what you think. The strength of character shown by these soldiers is truly humbling.

17. by Larry Correia
Finish Date: 14th of March
Genre: Fiction
Rating:B+

Review
This books packs one hell of punch. Sick of your namby pamby Twilight vampires and werewolves then immerse yourself in the gritty world of Monster Hunters. I have to admit I entered this book with trepidation not the most inviting book tile ever. But once I read the first page I was hooked. This author makes Tarantino look like a wimp, it hits you so hard it makes your dog bleed even if you don't have a dog. If you love your monsters scary and evil and your heroes full of one liners than this is your book. If you have not taken my hint yet I'll put it to you nice and simple check out this book!!

18. byChristian Ingrao
Finish Date: 15th of March
Genre: Military History
Rating:B

Review
The Black Hunters the worse of the SS and this book exams the myth and facts of this group. A great read but not one for the casual history reader. The authors examination and analyses of the facts are very interesting and insightful.

Oooh, Michael, that looks like something I might like. Thanks for the tip.

Actually isn't this book the start of a series? Another book from your list that I am now searching for! by Larry Correia

Bea wrote:

"Michael wrote: "4. by Ken Follett

Finish Date: 8th of January
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: B+

A top notch good..."

If you haven't seen the film based on the novel, starring Donald Sutherland and Kate Nelligan, I remember liking it very much when I last saw it during its 1980 theatrical release."

Bea, I did see the movie based on the novel (perhaps before I read the book but I'm not sure) and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Michael wrote: "Gerald I am keen to read more of his books this rates as one of my favorite Military Fiction..."

Michael, If you are also into military non-fiction, I have several GREAT recommendations for you: SEAL Target Geronimo: The Inside Story of the Mission to Kill Osama bin Laden by Chuck Pfarrer, SEAL Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper by Howard E. Wasdin, and The Heart and the Fist: The Education of a Humanitarian, the Making of a Navy SEAL by Eric Greitens.

Thanks for the suggestion Gerald I have two of them on the good ole TBR. I will add the first one os well.

Kathy yes it is the first one in a trilogy and I am looking forward to the next one.

Jill my pleasure :)

Good suggestions, Gerald. BTW, it is not necessary to provide a link to the books you mentioned; the book covers suffice along with that author photo (if available)and author link.

19. byShlomo Venezia
Finish Date: 21st of March
Genre: Holocaust History
Rating: A+

Review
An extremely harrowing read that takes the reader into a world of unimaginable horror. A truly humbling experience I would like to thank the author for the courage shown to share this important cautionary tale of what the worse man is capable of. I am an avid reader or World War II history and never has a book touched and shaken me as this one has. With that in mind I am glad I did read this book an would encourage all to take the journey as well. Nothing can make up for the wrongs visited upon the victims of the holocaust but we can honor them by remembering them and not forgetting the lessons learnt.

A wonderful review, Michael. Every year our local synagogue reads aloud a different list of the names of 3,000 of those who were lost to the Holocaust. You can't imagine the number of volunteers of all faiths who volunteer to assist. The victims are not forgotten.

A book that truley touched my heart and stirred my soul.

20. byMitch Weiss
Finish Date: 28th March
Genre: Military History
Rating: A-

Review
I was a bit unsure upon opening this book and seeing over 90 chapters listed for a book with a little over 330 pages. Any doubt was quickly pushed aside by the fast paced narrative. The mechanics of the book gives such a sense of the choas of battle the author is trying to convey. Upon finishing this book I have even greater respect for those who put others before themselves.

Glad you liked it Michael.

21. by Terry Pratchett
Finish Date: 29th of March
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B-

Review
Terry Pratchett put his own satirical spin on Rock'n'Roll or as it is known on the Discworld "Music with Rocks in it". All the favorites are there Death, the wizards of unseen University, Nobby, Carrot, Cut my own throat Dibler, Death of rats, Binkey, Albert and many more.

APRIL

22. byJohn Vaillant
Finish Date: 3rd of April
Genre: Travel Adventure
Rating: C+

Review
Why I enjoyed this book and the tale contained within it's pages I could only brin myself to give it three stars. The mechanics of the book is what detracted from the enjoyment of this read. It jumped around to much for me from chapter to chapter at times I forgot what the main narrative was. Why the information given was interesting I feel that there was to much "other" information given. It may be boil down to the fact I am a male and the author asked me to multi-task with the narrative I will leave it for you to decide.

23 by Antony Beevor
Finish Date: 9th of April
Genre: WWII History
Rating:B-

Review
Overall not a bad look at the battle of Crete and all of the characters involved in it. For me though it was not up there with the authors other books. The narrative did not grip me and I found myself wandering and having to read some section over again.

24. by Denis Avey
Finish Date: 10th of April
Genre: WWII History
Rating: A-

Review
This book is so much more than what the title would have you believe. It alway astounds me how even to this day so many stories from this era are stil surfacing.

25. by Terry Pratchett
Finish Date: 16th of April
Rating: A-

Review
Bloody brilliant!!! That is all I have to say on the matter.