Book reviews of of my latest reads and a few of my all time favorite books wil appear on this page as follows:
Killing Lincoln: The Assassination that Changed America Forever by Bill O’Reilly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This well-researched book detailing the end of this nation’s civil war covers the events of a little more than three months in 1865. But they are a tumultuous months following four long years of civil conflict, a chaotic period that effectively changes the course of our history. The narration is broken into four parts; the first being the final days of the war leading up to Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House. The second part details the events in Washington, D.C., including Booth’s plotting the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, and Lincoln’s last days of trying to formulate a plan to rebuild the country. The third part chronicles Lincoln’s last day and the assassination at Ford’s Theater on April 14, 1865, which was also Good Friday. The last and final part follows events after Lincoln’s death, including the rounding up of the conspirators and their eventual trial and demise.
The book is an easy but fascinating read for history buffs and includes many little known details of these events. Even non-history readers should find this book interesting because of the hour by hour detail that seems almost like a novel.
The Mullah’s Storm by Thomas W. Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book grabbed me right from the start. The author, Thomas W. Young does a great job of describing the locale and there is non-stop action through out. Good characterization.
Rendezvous With Rama by Arthur C. Clarke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This little known science fiction novel by noted author Arthur C. Clarke didn’t do as well as some of his other best sellers but it is by far my favorite. In includes wonderful characters, mystery, non-stop adventure and a compelling story line. If you enjoy science fiction this is a must read.
Scorpion in the Sea by P.T. Deutermann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This non-stop thriller is Deutermann’s first book and my first read of this author. It did establish him as high on my reader’s list and I’ve read several others since. All are fast-paced thrillers with a little sex and romance thrown in. Scorpiion in the Sea is one of the best although some of the action borders on difficult to believe, but that said the book as whole is an enjoyable read.
The Blind Corral by Ralph Beer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ralph Beer’s command of the written word ranks right up there with the best. Unfortunately this book is now out of print, but a search of used book stores online might capture a copy. The effort will be well worth it. Beer’s writing tends to be a little dark, and this book is no exception, but as an example of fine literary writing in the mode of James Welch, James Crumbly, and similar contemporaries, it fits well.
Physics of the Impossible: A Scientific Exploration Into the World of Phasers, Force Fields, Teleportation, and Time Travel by Michio Kaku
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Okay, I’ll admit to being a bit of a geek when it comes to science even though I read this book as part of my research for my own science fiction novel “The Zeitgeist Project.” To my surprise I really enjoyed it. Michio Kahu writes about very complicated scientific issues in a way that the rest of us can at least understand the basic concepts. If you are even the least bit interested in science you will enjoy this book and even if not, I think you’ll find it facinating.
Hi Dave,
I found your site really interesting because my pursuits closely match yours: writing, photography, woodwork. The impressive thing is that you have it all organized in one place, and it makes a complete picture.
Good luck,
Leo
Hi Leo: Thank you for the nice comnent. It’s always nice to know someone is reading my humble efforts, and especially from a fellow author. Comments are always appreciated! Dave