Okay, I’m a total sucker for journalism books. Always have been. The Year of Living Dangerously, The Quiet American, River of Time, Salvador, Night Letters, Rum Diary, etc. Sucker. Total sucker. Might as well add Anjan Sundaram’s “Stringer” to the … Read More
Read: Sandworm
Okay, the Russians don’t mess around. Wait, strike that. They do but only in the sense of wreaking massive international destruction via what could arguably be considered the most talented team of hackers on Earth. And they are not shy … Read More
Read: The Grandmaster
Chess people are odd. Ya, you heard me. You, me, and the rest of us. Odd. Now, when it comes to chess players and oddity there are rankings involved. I’m not that odd but I’m also not that good. In … Read More
Read: Messing with the Enemy
For me, this was a must-read. A LOT of notes taken on this baby and even photographed the entire “Notes” section at the end. When I talk about social media, as I often do on this site, I feel like … Read More
Read: Breaking and Entering
Today is Veteran’s Day. Make sure you reach out to someone who served and check-in to see how they are doing or if they need anything. I mean it. They deserve our time and energy, and our thanks. Okay, shortly … Read More
Read: A Door in the Earth
I’ve been fascinated by Afghanistan for as long as I can remember. Then, in college, I found Afghanistan 1980-1989\ by Ed Grazda and was even more fascinated. Then I found Night Letters by Rob Schulties and my obsession became even … Read More
Read: Law of the Jungle
Yes, this book is about Colombia, the FARC, buried treasure, and American hostages, and it’s very well done, but that is not what I’m going to tell you about this book. Just get it and read it for yourself. What … Read More
Read: Jet Girl
I have never served in the military. I did have a draft card, however, and what I remember about it was how nervous it made me. You see, I was born on the first day of the year and what … Read More
Read: Biography of a Germ
I’ve been dealing with Lyme Disease since 2014. Lyme is like my shadow. I am someone unlucky enough to endure something called “Chronic Lyme,” which means marathon of illness, not sprint. This has simply been the greatest health challenge of … Read More
Read: The Ministry of Utmost Happiness
This is a beautiful book. The author, Arundhati Roy, who happens to be a Booker Prize winner knows her way around the page. And she knows how to weave an elaborate tale filled with tiny, wonderful details. The location, various … Read More
Read: Texas by the Tail
This same author wrote “The Grifters,” and “The Getaway,” so had he NOT written this little novel he would still be “cool as s%$#.” So yes, might as well add this little gem to your collection. And if you haven’t … Read More
Read: The Overstory
One of the best books I’ve read in a long, long while. And yes, I just came out of the woods after two days of isolation, and yes, this book made me look at the surrounding trees in entirely new … Read More
Read: The Anthropology of Turquoise
Good grief, how did I miss Ellen Meloy? If you have ever read anything by Terry Tempest Williams or Gretal Ehrlich then run, don’t walk, to your local book hawker and BUY a copy of this book. You will want … Read More
Read: Washingon Black
One of the best books of the year, by far. Not entirely sure when this book came out but regardless, a wonderful read. This book hits you hard early on as the author reminds you of the savagery of slavery. … Read More
Read: Path of the Puma
Loved it. Both hopeful and crushing. At the root of all animal issues lies the one species who never seems to get it right. Humans. Two years ago I rode around a ranch property with the owner. We talked about … Read More
Read: The Imagination Warriors
This is the first juvenile fiction I’ve read during my adult life. But when a friend writes a book you read it, regardless of topic, genre or anything else. But here is the funny part. I really enjoyed this book. … Read More
Read: Ready Player One
How on Earth did I miss this book? I know there will be many of you who say “You idiot, you’re 51, this book is about YOUR life!” My middle school years to be exact and when I say “exact,” … Read More
Read: Yellow Dirt
Humans LOVE their revisionist history. We see and hear evidence of this on a daily basis. But I want to focus on ONE place and ONE time. But before I do I want to address an important point about books … Read More