Jimmy > Recent Status Updates

Interesting concept, but mediocre writing, in my humble estimation.

This popular history of the a Western Hemisphere looks promising, though not seeming, so far, to offer anything really new in the story.

The big reveal.

It reads easily and quickly. I find the concept intriguing.

It’s just ok. A very typical kind of late 19th/early 20th century style of unhappy southern aristocratic/socialite life.

Fair. Only fair, I think.

So far, so good. But I’m only just into it. I’m mostly curious since Chopin is a New Orleans writer and the story takes place in southern Louisiana.

Finally getting around to this. Can’t believe it’s taken me 56 years to do so. But better late than never!

Nicely written; but too ethereal for my taste. I’ll finish this Pulitzer finalist today.

Can’t say I’m enjoying this one so much. The writing style is too spare and yet also too fluffed.

Excellent. And very sad.

Final chapter! Should be done in 30 minutes. Yay!

Still with Chicken George, who has just embraced the idea of freedom really for the first time.

Now into the story of Chicken George. That was a short Kizzy story.

Done with Kunta Kinte’s story, and now into his daughter Kizzy Kinte’s story.

Done with Kunta Kinte’s story, and now into Kizzy Kinte’s story.

Good.

Making progress. Kunta is now enslaved in the British colonies of North America. He’s tried to escape 3 times, unsuccessfully.

Good, easy reading. Still with young Kunta in Juffure. Interesting and enjoyable storytelling.

Simple, easy reading. Early on in the epic.

Closing in on the big finale. I can feel the suspense building. Writing is good.

Slow going and a bit confusing at first, but gets better and better as it moves along. Very good writing.

Good so far.

Just getting started on this year’s Pulitzer winner.

Interesting concept. I’m enjoying the book structure. I’m not keen on the topic of finance as one of the main poles around which the story is told.

Good writing. Interesting concept.

Plodding through. Van Buren is the first of a line of presidents of the early/mid 19th century to be really nondescript and uninspiring. He himself was a very cautious, pragmatic, and ideologically fluid politician whose success was due largely to his ability to always walk the line and shift his views and allegiances as the political winds blew and shifted.

An excellent and needed book. Reads well, is relatable, and gives some real talk about the topic.

Been working on this one for a while. But making steady progress. This book is less about policy and issues, and more about personality. I don’t think I prefer that kind of biography. A better blending of policy and personality would be preferable to me. But it is well-written, and I am enjoying it.