I have picked some favorites out of my booklist. In a way it would be easier to pick out the ones I don't recommend (but I think those are clear in the original book list).
Some favorites:
Sometimes a Great Notion is on my all-time favorite list and this was my second reading.
I was mesmerized by Nothing to Envy about life in North Korea--the author wrote in a very matter of fact, very personal tone making me want to spirit away these people or bring them food or buy them a blanket or something. Who knew life could be so awful in the 21st century.
Charlie Wilson's War gives thorough and deep background about events that created some of our country's major issues today. It's shocking that one Congressman wielded so much power. Lots of detail in this book as the author developed the complicated story. If this was a novel it would be listed under fantasy. Many of the events are beyond belief, and all put together couldn't possibly occur in only 600 pages.
Because of my background in history, I could relate to Lies My Teacher Told Me. I don't agree with everything he said; in fact a few times the author sounds as if he is about to cross the fine line of taking an historical event out of context and analyzing it via our modern-day values. But all in all I love that he advocates truth in education, then giving students the joy of using their own brains when examining issues.
Colombine is extremely well written. Not a pleasant story but an accurate account of that terrible day.
The Ghost Map I loved because it was a fascinating detective story, like reading a complicated mystery. As good as a Sherlock Holmes but non-fiction.
Tsunami I loved for the same reason as above. It is not a quick-read by any stretch; it delves deep into lots of "ologies and ographies," a big plus for those genuinely interested in the subject.
Son and Doc by Jack Olsen--I've enjoyed his books. He feels no need to pad or embellish a story, just tells it like it is. And both of these crimes took place in the West among cultures familiar to me. I remember the events detailed in Son being reported in our newspaper here. He also wrote an informative book about Claude Dallas that I read years ago, Give a Boy a Gun.
Some favorites:
Sometimes a Great Notion is on my all-time favorite list and this was my second reading.
I was mesmerized by Nothing to Envy about life in North Korea--the author wrote in a very matter of fact, very personal tone making me want to spirit away these people or bring them food or buy them a blanket or something. Who knew life could be so awful in the 21st century.
Charlie Wilson's War gives thorough and deep background about events that created some of our country's major issues today. It's shocking that one Congressman wielded so much power. Lots of detail in this book as the author developed the complicated story. If this was a novel it would be listed under fantasy. Many of the events are beyond belief, and all put together couldn't possibly occur in only 600 pages.
Because of my background in history, I could relate to Lies My Teacher Told Me. I don't agree with everything he said; in fact a few times the author sounds as if he is about to cross the fine line of taking an historical event out of context and analyzing it via our modern-day values. But all in all I love that he advocates truth in education, then giving students the joy of using their own brains when examining issues.
Colombine is extremely well written. Not a pleasant story but an accurate account of that terrible day.
The Ghost Map I loved because it was a fascinating detective story, like reading a complicated mystery. As good as a Sherlock Holmes but non-fiction.
Tsunami I loved for the same reason as above. It is not a quick-read by any stretch; it delves deep into lots of "ologies and ographies," a big plus for those genuinely interested in the subject.
Son and Doc by Jack Olsen--I've enjoyed his books. He feels no need to pad or embellish a story, just tells it like it is. And both of these crimes took place in the West among cultures familiar to me. I remember the events detailed in Son being reported in our newspaper here. He also wrote an informative book about Claude Dallas that I read years ago, Give a Boy a Gun.
I read the one on NKorea last year also. I saw Bridget mention it and found it at the local library. It was incredible and makes me understand their mentality a bit better. Also makes me view their reaction to Kim Jong Il's death in a different way perhaps.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your favorites here. I received several books for Christmas that I need to read, but when I am looking for new books, I may refer back to this list.
I wish you and your family a wonderful new year full of many blessings!