The History Book Club discussion

JANUARY

Tim Tzouliadis

Finish Date: January
Genre: Soviet/ US History
Rating: A

One of the great things about reading history is discovering things you knew nothing about. The story in The Forsaken was one of those. During the depression, in the early 30s, hundreds (maybe thousands) of Americans were drawn to the Soviet Union by the promise of a better life. Advertisements in American newspapers drew many to move. Entire families were uprooted. At first things seemed as promised, but then things quickly turned very bad. This is the story of Americans in Russi during the worst of Stalin's Terror. A fascinating, gripping book. I would highly recommend it to all.

Sounds like something I would like, Dennis. I was aware that some Americans went to the Soviet Union looking for the utopia that they believed Communism to be..........but never knew much more than that. I will be adding this to my TBR!!!

Dennis, don't forget to number each entry.
Looks like a great book, you are off to a good start!

2. Candice Millard

Finish Date: January
Genre: US History
Rating: A

This may been the saddest non-fiction book I have read. I have always wanted to know more about the Garfield assassination. I have long thought if you asked the average American to name the US Presidents assassinated the list would end at Kennedy. But I was not prepared for the drama of this book. Garfield was shot in July but he did not die until September. The sadness of the story was how preventable his death was. I will not give away any more than that. This book is a must read for anyone interested in the history of US presidents.

Definitely one of the best history books released in 2011 that I read. It provides so much insight into a president that most Americans know nothing about.

FEBRUARY

3. David McCullough

Finish Date: February
Genre: World History
Rating: A

The story of the Panama Canal was nothing like I expected. Of course I recall the famous quote regarding the Panama Canal, "We stole it fair and square". Not only was this not true regarding the Canal, the story of the Canal was so much more than that. I did not expect the length of time it took to build the Canal. Nor did I expect the effort of France to build it before we were ever there. All in all a fascinating story with more winners, and losers, than I knew.

4. James L. Swanson

Finish Date: February
Genre: US/Civil War History
Rating: A

A fascinating telling of two stories. The chase for Jefferson Davis and the trail that Abraham Lincoln's body took from Washington, DC to Illinois. The cover of the book calls it a Death Pageant, and that is exactly what it was. I would highly recommend this book for any that enjoy that time period.

5. Laura Hillenbrand

Finish Date: March
Genre: WW II History
Rating: A+

Everyone here has heard of this book. And let me just be the latest say that the accolades for this book are well deserved. After you finish it you will think it has to be fiction. The story is that incredible.

Unimaginable! You and I must have been reading it at the same time.

And my hunch is a few other thousands of people.

I'm going to have to read this sooner than later.

That book is getting rave reviews from everyone.....I also will have to read it, as Bryan says, sooner than later.

May

6. Steven LomazowEric Fettmann

Finish Date: May
Genre: Presidential History
Rating: B

A very interesting subject. The health of FDR through his four terms and what did he hide from the public. Not a particularly long book, only 222 pages. A quick read but very informative.

7. Burt Solomon

Finish Date: May
Genre: Presidential History
Rating: A-

I had heard of this subject for years and was always interested in FDR's attempt to "pack" the court. When I saw this book it was the perfect time. Solomon does a great job setting up the background and the events that led up to it. As well as all the drama as the events were unfolding. I would definitely recommend it.

Great stuff, Dennis. The author seems to be on another line. Can you tweak this? Thanks!

One other nit Dennis - make sure before the start of the review itself that you add the word Review: like you did the other category headers.

If you could edit your reviews with that simple addition you will be off to a perfect start.

Also, I see that the required format is not shown in message one - so here it is in case you have forgotten:


Our Format:

JANUARY

1. Winston S. Churchill
Finish date: March 2008
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.